Alien Refuge

by Tracy St. John

  Maf smiled. “And I would love nothing more than to bolster those loyal to the pure Kalquorian race. But no, I must not be revealed to anyone here. Not to my supporters and not to our Earther allies who will bring this travesty to an end. The revolution is young yet and needs time to continue to grow.” He casually tossed out the tidbit that would make Borl salivate. “For now, you must be my face and voice here on Haven.”

  The aide flushed with excitement. “I am too honored, my leader.”

  “You honor me with your loyalty to the true Kalquorian. The revolution will succeed ultimately because of men like you, Dramok Borl.”

  His agent fairly trembled with delight. Maf had groomed Borl carefully to be his eyes on the inner workings of Haven and most particularly Dramok Ospar, the man who started the destruction of the superior race of Kalquorian. To have the governor’s right hand man as one of the Basma’s many tools in the growing rebellion was justice well served.

  Chapter 4

  Thomas wriggled to get out of Iris’ grip as she wiped him down. Lunch was always a messy affair for the boy, and it was after meals that Iris appreciated his dislike of wearing clothes. He’d coated himself in cheese sauce, which was supplemented by sweet potato and carrot puree. Thomas despised vegetables, so Iris was forced to sneak them into his food.

  She was just finishing taking off the last layer of orange when the visitor announce beeped. Iris and Thomas looked at each other.

  “We sure are popular these days, aren’t we?” Iris asked.

  “Aren’t we?” Thomas echoed.

  He followed her to the door. “Who is it?” she called.

  “Imdiko Rivek and my clanmates,” came the silky-smooth voice.

  Rivek and his clanmates? Startled, Iris hurriedly untied her ponytail, smoothed back her hair, and remade it. It had been badly mussed from her struggles with cleaning Thomas. All of the sudden, she missed lipstick and mascara. And her clothes ... her blue sweatshirt was now smeared by cheese sauce, and the cuffs of her jeans were still damp from slogging through the snow earlier that day. No time to change, not with the Kalquorians right on her doorstep. Damn.

  Fighting against examining too closely why she wanted to look nice for Rivek and Jol, Iris gave up on her appearance and called, “Come in.”

  The door slid open to reveal the three alien men waiting outside. They all wore white armored formsuits, even Rivek. They matched the snow-filled backdrop of Iris’ yard. Thomas automatically reacted with pleasure at the sight of them. “Rivek! Rivek! Jol!” He stared at the third member of the group uncertainly. “Copin?”

  The Kalquorians stepped in as Iris pulled Thomas to one side. Jol looked pleased to be recognized by the boy, and Rivek smiled.

  The Imdiko said, “Copin is at the temple. You will have to visit him there.”

  Thomas immediately turned to Iris. “Go temple, Mommy. Where’s Copin? Thomas goes to temple at Copin.”

  “Maybe later, Thomas. Right now, we’re visiting with Imdiko Rivek, Nobek Jol, and—” Iris looked at the third man in the party. She knew who he was, but wasn’t certain how she should introduce him when she hadn’t been introduced herself. She settled for the obvious. “This is Governor Ospar.”

  Thomas scowled and yelled, “No! Go temple. Temple and Copin! Run.”

  “Not now, Thomas. Later.” Iris sighed and waited for the inevitable storm.

  Thomas stomped to his collection of trains. He picked up one and threw it to the floor with an angry shriek. It broke into three pieces. He picked up another and threw it too. It fell on the rug that lay in the center of the furniture grouping. It survived.

  Iris smiled wanly. “I’m sorry. He doesn’t deal with frustration well. Would you like to sit down?”

  Not staring at Thomas as if he was a freak nor looking as if the slightest thing was amiss, the three men bowed to her. Ospar spoke, his voice pleasantly raspy. “Thank you, Matara Iris.”

  They sat down. Again, there was no sneering or weighted looks among themselves as they sank into the badly used furnishings. Ospar even had a cheerful smile, as if he was visiting an old friend. Iris found it impossible to not return the expression.

  She offered, “Something to drink? We’ve just had lunch, but if you’re hungry—”

  Rivek waved her towards the last available chair. “Nothing for us, but thank you so much. Allow me to formally introduce my Dramok, Ospar.” He motioned to the man sitting beside him.

  Ospar extended a hand and gently shook hers. “I hope you will excuse the unannounced visit, Matara. I had a few minutes of free time and wanted to take advantage of it before anyone else could fill it up.” He chuckled and settled back on the couch. “Someone is always lying in wait, looking to steal every spare moment.”

  Iris nodded, still grinning as brightly as he. She couldn’t help it, not with that handsome, easygoing face beaming at her. “I can only imagine how busy you must be. It can’t be easy to manage a colony the size of Haven.”

  Ospar chuckled even more, the warm sound making Iris’ stomach flip-flop. “And it’s growing every month. Sometimes I think I’d like to blow up the colony landing pad to keep the numbers down.”

  “Then I’d have to arrest you,” Jol pointed out.

  “Good luck with that.” Ospar winked at Iris, his smile growing bigger.

  Thomas interrupted by bringing a toy engine to Rivek. “Here, Rivek.”

  “Thank you.” The Imdiko took the train and held it in one long-fingered hand as Thomas walked back to his collection. The boy’s stormy temper had passed and he was intent on whatever project had taken hold of his interest.

  Iris asked the men, “What can I help you with?”

  Ospar said, “Actually, I heard about your son’s near miss with a shuttle. I was curious to know if the safeguards Jol put in place are to your satisfaction?”

  As she opened her mouth to answer, Thomas brought Jol a tanker car. “Here, Jol.”

  The Nobek nodded his head and took the piece. “Thank you, Thomas.”

  The little boy went back to his collection, and Iris told Ospar, “Oh, I can’t thank him enough for the border shield. I tested it right away, and it’s going to make things so much easier. Knowing the heat won’t go out on us and having the snow blower operational is a relief too. You really did too much, Nobek.”

  “Not at all, Matara. It was my pleasure.” His gaze on her was warm, easing some of the predatory aspect of his personality.

  Thomas brought Ospar a boxcar. “Here—?” He stopped and looked at the unfamiliar Kalquorian with confusion. “Not Copin.”

  Ospar grinned. “My name is Ospar.”

  Thomas placed the train car in his waiting hand. “Here, Boxcar.”

  Iris smothered a laugh. “No, Thomas. His name is Ospar.”

  “Ospar,” Thomas repeated. He frowned, as if not caring for the name. “Boxcar, Ospar.”

  “Thank you, Thomas.” The governor studied the toy as Thomas returned to his collection. He made the doors slide back and forth and studied the couplers. “Rivek and Jol say he builds these?”

  Iris couldn’t help the pride in her voice. “Yes, he does.”

  “Amazing.” Ospar set the car on his thigh and regarded Iris. “We have some concerns that Jol’s involvement here at your home could make things a bit difficult on you. That your neighbors will not look upon it favorably.”

  “Like the E.I.K.?” She’d worried a little about that too.

  Ospar nodded. “It could come to their attention. But even those who are not so extreme in their views have given some grief to Earthers ... particularly Mataras ... who accept Kalquorian help. A large number of the Earthers here are resentful of our presence.”

  Iris sighed. “I don’t understand that attitude at all. After all, everyone here came to this colony knowing it was in Empire territory. To accept help and then treat the people it came from as the enemy?” She shook her head at the ridiculousness of it all.

  Thomas brought her a bright
red caboose that had begun life as a small jewelry box. “Here, Mommy.”

  “Thank you, Thomas.”

  The little boy went back to his toys and began assembling a track.

  Ospar told her, “Most who come here have absolutely nothing to start with. Of all the colonies begun since Armageddon, Haven gives more aid to get people productive faster.”

  Rivek added, “No doubt it wounds the pride of many to have to accept charity, even temporarily. That can eclipse any gratitude they may have otherwise felt.”

  Jol shot him a dark look. “Not that the Empire is doing it to gain Earther gratitude.”

  Ospar nodded. “We do it because it’s right.”

  Iris couldn’t resist calling the governor on that statement. “And because it gives Kalquor the opportunity to impress fertile women?”

  Ospar stared at her, his blue-purple eyes widening. Rivek covered his mouth with one hand, as if hiding a smile.

  Iris crooked an eyebrow at the Dramok. “Now Governor, no need to play innocent. You are still going extinct, are you not?”

  Jol snickered. “Ospar, innocent. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day.”

  As Ospar glared at him, Rivek gave into humor, chuckling and elbowing his clanmate. “She’s got you, my Dramok. You’d better confess to save face.”

  Ospar’s face reddened, and Iris decided to allow him his dignity. “Building goodwill to achieve your ends is not a bad thing, so long as your ends harm no one,” she said.

  With more glares for his amused clan, Ospar looked at Iris again. She thought he might be mad at her, but instead his grin slowly returned. He nodded, conceding with grace. “You are right, of course. Kalquor is still in desperate need of female mates to continue our culture, and Haven is an excellent opportunity for us to show Earther women the good clans can do for them.” He sobered. “I assure you there is no longer forced clanning, Matara. It’s illegal, you know, and I supported the measures that made it so. If any clan tries to coerce you into joining them, or you see any evidence of it happening to another woman, you must alert us immediately.”

  Iris nodded. She wondered if Ospar hadn’t come to her home specifically because his clan was looking for a mate, though she couldn’t imagine a clan wanting the responsibility of a child like Thomas. As wonderful as she thought her son was, most saw him as a handful. She couldn’t begin to realize what aliens must think of him.

  To Ospar she said, “I’ve seen no evidence of anyone being forced into something against her will. The few women I’ve seen join clans were quite happy about it.”

  His smile turned wry. “Though they became unpopular among your people.”

  Iris shrugged. “I’m not one to judge. Each person has to make their own decisions, and they make their decisions based on their unique circumstances.”

  Ospar glanced at Rivek. “She sounds like you.”

  Rivek’s tone was reasonable. “Then you should listen to her very closely.”

  That brought another round of laughter, which Ospar joined in with this time. While chuckling, Jol took a small, one-button com out of a pouch on his utility belt. He showed the black device to Iris.

  “I want to give you a private com device that will connect you directly to me in the case of any emergency. It could be that no one gives you any trouble for accepting my help. Nevertheless, I will feel better knowing you are not without immediate aid should it become necessary.”

  Thomas went to Rivek and tugged the engine from the Imdiko’s hands. He took it to his tracks and put it on the rails. He announced, “Rivek’s train is on the track. Choo choo!”

  Iris smiled at Jol. “That’s very generous of you, Nobek Jol. Thank you.”

  Thomas went to Jol and took the tanker car back. The Nobek showed him the com. “Thomas, can you give this to your mommy?”

  “No.” Thomas was all about putting his train together right now, and Iris winced at his rude tone.

  She spoke up. “Please bring me that, Thomas?”

  The child smiled at Jol and held out his hand. Jol smiled back, seemingly not affronted by Thomas’ initial reaction, and handed him the com. Thomas brought it to Iris.

  “Good boy. Thank you.”

  Thomas went to his tracks and set the tanker behind the engine. “Jol’s tanker is on the track. Choo choo!”

  Jol told her, “That com can also be used if Thomas gets hurt or if you do. Don’t hesitate for an instant if an emergency comes up.”

  “Thank you.” Iris had worried about such things. Her closest neighbor’s home was in sight of Iris’, but there was no guarantee he or any of his family would hear her if she screamed for help. The closest medical facility was fifteen miles away, and the snow crawler wasn’t fast at all. As prone to sudden outbursts as Thomas was, it was only a matter of time before he hurt himself. His near-accident with Blaine’s shuttle had only proven that point.

  Rivek spoke next. “I also wish to offer a service, specifically for Thomas.”

  Thomas was walking by the Imdiko and looked at him when he spoke his name. He just as quickly dismissed Rivek as he took his train car from Ospar and placed it on the track. “Boxcar’s boxcar is on the track. Choo choo!”

  Iris bit her lip. She would have to work on Thomas’ pronunciation of Ospar’s name. Staving off a fit of giggles, she responded to Rivek’s statement. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Remember our discussion about Thomas’ problems being a gift to those who wish to serve?”

  Curious to know how Rivek’s beliefs viewed things, Iris had asked him why he thought God, or whatever the Kalquorian equivalent was, would allow people to suffer or face difficulties as Thomas did. Rivek had told her such people were gifts to others who wished to display kindness and generosity. The conversation had been quite in-depth, and Iris had been impressed with Rivek’s ideas.

  “I remember it well. You gave me a lot to think about,” she told him.

  Thomas took his caboose from her, finishing his train. He happily choo-chooed and scooted it around the track.

  Rivek said, “We at the temple want to take advantage of these gifts your son offers. To work with him to help him get past his angry outbursts. To help with his speech difficulties. To perhaps help him control his impulses that could lead to him getting hurt, such as when he ran into the travel lane.”

  Iris stared at him. “You can do that?”

  “We’d like to try. Most of us have some training in psychology and therapeutic practices. Counseling goes along with our calling.”

  Ospar said, “Rivek does have much success with calming even disorganized minds that have none of your son’s potential. Isn’t that right, Jol?” he added with a smirk.

  The Nobek stared at him. “Yes, I’ve noticed a great change in you since he came along. Your recovery has been miraculous.”

  Ospar pulled a face, and Iris had to laugh. There was nothing but camaraderie underlying the gentle jabs the three men aimed at each other. The teasing was all lighthearted and funny.

  Rivek rolled his eyes and grinned at her. “I don’t guarantee we will be of any aid to Thomas, other than to be his friends. It would also give you the opportunity to take some time for yourself, which you can use to relax or get more work done. Or you could also partake in some of our training in meditative exercises.”

  “That’s – that’s so generous of you. I don’t know what to say.”

  She wondered again if the clan was considering her as mother material for their own children. She also wondered if she should refuse Rivek’s offer flat out. People would no doubt notice and talk if she and Thomas visited the Temple of Life regularly.

  But what if the priests were able to help Thomas? There was no behavioral therapy available on Haven. Try as she might, Iris had had no luck in getting Thomas to limit his outbursts that led to broken things or putting himself in dangerous situations. If there was the slightest chance Thomas could overcome some of his challenges, Iris was determined to make it happe
n. But if the E.I.K. found out...

  As if intuiting her struggle, Rivek offered, “Perhaps a couple of hours twice a week to start with? We can ease into it and see how Thomas does.”

  Iris thought that small amount of time might pass unnoticed by others. “He has asked about you and Copin frequently since we visited,” she told the Imdiko.

  There was never any real question as to whether or not Iris would accept the proposal. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to improve Thomas’ lot in life, even if it meant daring the enmity of her neighbors and the E.I.K. So what if everyone ostracized her? What if hateful notes ended up on her door? She had to ensure the welfare of her child, and they could all go to hell if they didn’t see that.

  “When should we come?” she asked Rivek.

  He smiled as if delighted. “As soon as tomorrow morning, if that meets with your approval.”

  “That would be fine. This time of year, there’s nothing to harvest anyway. We have nothing but time.” Not the entire truth, but some of the home’s repairs could be put off. “I have to warn you, however, that changing Thomas’ regular routine usually means tantrums and outbursts. He may have difficulty adjusting at first.”

  “That is not a concern. He will be treated with patience until he gets used to the new schedule.”

  Ospar checked the small chronometer he wore on a chain around his neck. He sighed. “I’ve enjoyed this break, but I must be getting back to my work. My own schedule beckons.”

  Everyone stood. Ospar gave Iris that infectious smile, the one she couldn’t help but return. “It has been a privilege to meet you, Matara Iris. If you need anything at all, you have only to ask.”

  “Thank you.”

  Thomas chose that moment to run up to her with one of his engines. “Here, Mommy.” He started to pass it to her and let go before she had a good grip on it. It hit the floor and a piece came off.

  When Thomas threw a toy in frustration, it meant nothing to him if it shattered. But an accidental breakage always set off instant hysterics.

  Tears were already flowing as Thomas shrieked with heartbroken horror. “Train is broken! Train is broken!”