The Space Merchants of Arachne

by Wendie Nordgren

  “Lady wife, you will not be sneaking off of the Hadrian to find food.” I gave him what I hoped to be an icy stare and left the pool. I went to our room, dried off, put on a gown, and cried into my pillow. I heard Yukihyo changing. Then, I heard him using the vid-screen. Thunderdrop chittered angrily at him when he tried to touch me. That got me to stop crying. My spider was on my side. He would probably bring me a rat if he could.

  “Chirp! Chirp!” Thunderdrop rubbed one of his feelers against my cheek before jumping down to play with his transport.

  I heard Yukihyo speaking in his native language. I peeked over and saw his mother on the vid-screen. She saw me looking, smiled at me, and beckoned me to come closer. I crossed my arms over my chest as I approached. Yukihyo draped a shawl over my shoulders and wiped at my eyes. “Greetings, daughter. How are you feeling?”

  I shrugged and said, “I’m tired.”

  “Aren’t you getting enough rest?”

  “No, we have to sit in meetings all day.”

  “That sounds uncomfortable.” I nodded. “Are you getting enough to eat?” I looked at Yukihyo, shrugged, and looked down. “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, I’m not trusted to be intelligent enough to feed myself.” If they didn’t trust me to eat, maybe they thought I wouldn’t be a good mother either. After all, I didn’t even have memories of my own mother to emulate. “Excuse me.” I left our quarters, went to Gram’s room, and signaled for entry. She opened her door and cuddled me in her bed.

  “Son, carrying a child is difficult. If you hope for more than this one child, it would be best if you were to keep your mate as happy as possible.”

  “Mother, I am trying to take care of her.”

  “Yes, but do you truly believe you are putting her needs first?” She smiled at him.

  “What should I do?”

  “You are her mate. She needs to know that she can trust and depend on you now before she becomes truly dependent and unable to see her feet. Be her partner and defend her wishes. She is trying to tell you what she needs, but you are not listening. Now, see to your wife and call me in the morning with word of your success.”

  Gram assured me that no one thought I would be a terrible mother. Then, she brushed my hair and braided it. The light above her door flashed. “Teagan, dear, your husband is here for you.” I got up from her bed and went to the door.

  “Lady wife, my mother has admonished me for my foolish behavior. I realize that I have been overbearing and controlling. In my defense, I hope you understand it is all Phillip’s fault.” I laughed.

  “I agree. It is all Phillip’s fault.” Yukihyo bent down on one knee in front of me.

  “If you will give me another chance, I promise to protect you from Phillip’s dietary machinations.” I put my arms around his head and then pulled back to kiss his forehead. “Will you allow me to join you for dinner, my lady?” I nodded. Thunderdrop joined us.

  No one woke me the next morning. When I opened my eyes, Yukihyo put his vid-screen down. Thunderdrop chirped at me, and I petted his back. At breakfast Yukihyo insisted the chef prepare the oatmeal and steak I wanted for breakfast along with a cup of coffee and a glass of milk. We arrived at the peace talks two hours late, but I felt better. My papa stared at me from across the room. I gave him a small wave and a smile. Seconds later a Parvac doctor appeared and scanned me.

  “Are you feeling better, Princess Teagan?” Lights flashed on his scanner’s screen. He glanced up at me from it.

  “Yes, sir. I’m just tired. It’s hard sitting here all day. At home on Arachne, I was taking a nap every day. I guess I’m just worn out and cranky.”

  “Your stress levels are elevated. Perhaps you would be more comfortable with your feet up.”

  Pillows were produced for the couch and propped behind me, my shoes were removed, and blankets were placed over me. Within minutes, I was asleep. Yukihyo woke me for lunch. After lunch the discussion had progressed to the status of prisoners of war. I exchanged glances with Yukihyo as I considered the Parvac soldiers who had been apprehended on Arachne having failed to kill us.

  During a bathroom break, Thunderdrop impressed the female soldiers who stood guard with his ability to both use the waste unit and flush. I washed my face and tried to liven up, but my attempts were unsuccessful. Never before had I been so utterly exhausted. In our seating area, the Parvac doctor returned and suggested I return to the ship where I could stretch out in bed and rest more comfortably. Eric called for the transport, and Yukihyo insisted on carrying me to it. I remembered falling asleep in Yukihyo’s arms. When next I woke, it was morning, and I was ravenous. “When did I fall asleep?”

  “It was a few hours after noon when I carried you to the transport. You have slept for roughly seventeen hours.”

  His information didn’t surprise me. What did was that I was still tired. I tried on three dresses before I found one my chest didn’t appear to strain. I groaned in frustration. We did manage to arrive at the peace talks on time. The couch had been prepared with pillows and blankets. Yukihyo tucked me in. Today they discussed a mutual assistance pact, so that if an unknown source attacked any of our governments, the other two would provide speedy military aid. A few hours later and I whispered to Yukihyo that I had to go. Luckily, he had helped me to stand because I promptly fainted. When next I opened my eyes, the Parvac doctor hovered over me assuring everyone that I was fine. Gram did her best to soothe a frantic Eric by warning him to expect the same from his own wife one day. Eventually, I managed to accomplish my original goal. When Yukihyo and I made it back to our seats, it was to the surprise of real coffee and a box full of baked treats from Grandmother, who waved and blew me kisses. I was gracious and shared with everyone, even Kaoti and our other guards.

  At lunch I got another surprise in the form of a visit from Emperor Probus. Carefully, I flew into his arms.

  “Are you feeling alright? I’ve been worried.” I put my chin on his chest and gazed up at him.

  “I’ve been really tired and cranky. However, I do have what I hope to be good news.”

  “Oh, what might it be?”

  “Hiroshi and Phillip are coming to pick us up so that we can visit Yukihyo’s mother and sisters. I believe they filled our cargo hold with silk. Is that still okay?” He smiled and smoothed my hair.

  “Yes, I am very pleased to hear this news. I very much want for you to see your home, where you should have grown up.”

  “Do we have permission to sell our silk? What about our permits? I have a permit for Thunderdrop. I couldn’t bear to be separated from him. Will our permits to drive be valid there?” Papa kissed my forehead.

  “Do not worry. I will take care of everything. Each of you will have the freedoms to which you are accustomed. Also, I believe our citizens will be excited at the prospect of Arachnean silk. It is my hope that you and your crew will stay with me at our home during your visit.”

  “I would like that very much. If you have time, do you think you might call me on Tora during the journey? Then, you can see my home.”

  “I will do so.”

  Eventually, the Peace Treaty was signed. Tora would be the first merchant starship to pass into Parvac space by invitation to establish trade. Yukihyo was granted special permits with Emperor Probus’ personal seal. Thunderdrop and I were awarded special permits as well. Eric remained skeptical and uncertain of the wisdom of going into the Parvac Empire. Eric’s mood improved when Yukihyo reminded him of the many tracking devices he had allowed to remain on Tora along with the one in Captain Ice Bear. My papa had asked what my job would be in regard to selling the silk. After a moment of consideration, I laughed. I explained that Hiroshi, Phillip, and Yukihyo usually gave me credits and sent me off to shop and afterwards took me someplace nice for dinner.

  We sat together on a couch holding hands. I adored my papa. Yukihyo stood off to the side speaking to Uncle Kagan and Kane. Tora was a few hours away and would need to re-fuel before getting under way. “Y
our Hiroshi will be instructed to land on Parvac. Your crew will sell your silk, and you will see the Imperial Palace. My princess will shop all that she wishes. On your next trip, I will have either your uncle or cousin take you to Thalassa. There are several planets to explore in our empire.”

  Chapter Twelve

  The peace talks ended successfully. I hugged and kissed Gram, and Gina, and promised them we would return home in a few weeks. Yukihyo had arranged for delivery of our things to Tora. Kaoti had packed in seconds. Eric drove us to Tora and into the transport bay. I laughed, and Thunderdrop chirped. “I love you, Eric and the Hadrian, but it feels so good to be home.”

  Grinning, Eric said, “Be careful Teagan and try not to lose any more fighter ship wings.”

  “Yes, Captain,” I said and kissed his cheek. Hiroshi snuck up on me and had me in a hug before I knew it.

  “It is good to have my little sister back home where she belongs.” I turned and embraced Hiroshi. “I have missed you and that spider of yours.” Thunderdrop jumped to Hiroshi’s head and crawled down to blink at him upside down. Hiroshi grunted at him.

  “Hello, Cupcake. How are you feeling?” Phillip strutted over to us. His blonde hair, trim physique, and charming smile did nothing to improve my current feelings for him.

  “Tired, hungry, and fat. How are you?”

  “You are not fat, Cupcake.”

  Hiroshi took my hand and pulled it under to hold onto his arm. “Come. I have surprises for you.” Hiroshi placed a kiss on the top of my head. He turned me to face Yukihyo and Phillip who moved aside to show me who they had hidden from view.

  “Simon!” I rushed over to him, held him, and cried.

  “If I did not know you so very well, I would worry at your tears. It is good I understand they mean you are happy, sweet cousin.” I looked up at him.

  “Oh, Simon. Such is no longer the case. I’ve been an emotional blubbering mess. I can cry, laugh, or become angry for absolutely no reason.”

  “Chirp chirp chitter.”

  “Thunderdrop seems to think that is mostly true, but you also have had good reason for your reactions,” he said.

  “Simon, I have my very own papa just like you, Eric, and Eliot. He’s as sweet as can be, and he loved my mother.”

  “Is that so?” Simon asked as he kissed my nose and handed me a shiny bright red pocket square. My laughter had been his aim, and I rewarded him for his efforts. Thunderdrop jumped from my shoulder to Simon’s head. As he peered down Simon’s back, he chirped excitedly. Cass climbed to Simon’s shoulder.

  “Another wonderful surprise! Yukihyo, would you please ask Papa if Cass needs a special permit, too?” Simon had wandered over to Eric. After clasping hands, they began exchanging quiet words.

  “Lady wife, allow me to help you to our quarters.”

  Kaoti followed. Hiroshi and Phillip had begun unloading our things from Eric’s transport. Kaoti had all of his belongings on his back. I stopped and turned to him.

  “When Hiroshi first hired me and Phillip brought me back to Tora, I had all of my possessions on my back, too.” Kaoti gave me a blank stare. We entered the laundry room. I took out bowls and filled them with water and spider food. Thunderdrop hopped from me to the counter. Then, I walked to the door next to mine and entered. Sydney had placed a bed in the far left corner at an angle similar to mine. Luxurious silk bedding in pale blue and ivory covered the bed. Pale blue rugs were in front of the vid-screen and in the bathroom. The storage cabinet in the bathroom had towels, and the shower had shampoo. “Very good. Kaoti, you never talk much and have never told me your favorite color, so Sydney picked out what she hoped you would like. Is it okay?”

  Kaoti stood with his back to the wall. Yukihyo stood next to one of the two chairs in front of the vid-screen.

  “I do not understand, Princess.”

  “These are your quarters. They are right next to ours. Eric’s mother decorated them for you. Your laundry basket is in your bathroom. Please place the laundry you need cleaned in it so I don’t have to hunt around for it all. Do you like your room?”

  “I am honored, Princess.”

  “Is it okay if we show you around in a little while? I would like to get settled. I hope you’re happy here.” Kaoti bowed.

  I took Yukihyo’s hand, and we went to my room. Things were different. My bed was in the same place, as were my vanity and Thunderdrop’s tree sculpture. My couch and table were gone. Against the wall where the table had been, was a beautiful crib sculpted of Arachnean wood. A sheer silk purple curtain had been attached to the ceiling above it and floated gracefully to the floor to either side of the baby bed. The bed’s blankets and sheet were in purple and fuchsia to match our bed. A pair of padded grey rocking chairs were situated in front of the vid-screen with a small round table of Arachnean wood between them. A soft purple blanket had been placed over the back of the chair closest to the crib. My hands were at my mouth. Yukihyo’s arms went around me.

  “Welcome home, lady wife. I have more to show you.” There was a new door in the wall between our quarters near the foot of our bed. Yukihyo showed me inside. The door slid open next to the wall of Yukihyo’s bathroom, directly across the room from Thunderdrop’s tree in my room. My couch, table, and family pictures were now in front of Yukihyo’s vid-screen. Thunderdrop’s toys were against the wall, and a work desk and two chairs were where Yukihyo’s bed had been. I noticed the ice bear rug remained on the floor before the vid-screen. Yukihyo’s eyes sparkled with pleasure at my reaction. “Hiroshi, Phillip, and I made the changes to our quarters during the time of your sickness on Arachne. Does it please you?” He knew very well how pleased I was. I nodded.

  “Oh, yes. It pleases me very much.” We heard a door open and found Thunderdrop and Cass blinking at the room. “Your toys are in here.” Thunderdrop walked over to the new door and examined it. Then, he and Cass found the toys and began to play. Phillip and Hiroshi entered with our bags. Hiroshi kissed my forehead and went to the bridge. Phillip started to scan me and looked at the device’s screen for a few seconds before putting it away.

  “Well, well, Cupcake. Nice boobs.”

  “Shut up, Phillip.” He snickered and followed Hiroshi to the bridge.

  Yukihyo placed his bag in front of his storage unit and began to put his things away. I opened my bag. The picture of my mother and papa was on top. I took it over to our long metal table and found a nice place for it near the center. Yukihyo carried my luggage into the other room and put it down near my storage unit. Sydney had listened to my frustrations and replaced my wardrobe with new larger sizes. I added to the new clothing things that still fit and placed everything that didn’t in a drawer by themselves. I changed into a new pair of soft pants and a roomy top, used my waste unit, and brushed my hair up into a ponytail. I missed my kitchen. I left my room and jumped when I noticed Kaoti standing to the side of my door.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, Princess.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Guarding you, Princess.”

  “But we’re at home…. Do you want to come with me to the kitchen?”

  Kaoti nodded. Along the way I showed him the relaxation room. Then, I convinced him that it was okay to sit on one of the benches at the kitchen table. I made two cups of coffee and placed one in front of Kaoti. I sipped mine and watched a familiar chocolate chip cookie baking demonstration. I gathered together the necessary ingredients and made a double batch. I arranged them on a platter and set the table. I picked up two cookies and walked to the bridge trailed by Kaoti.

  “Boys, where is Simon?”

  “He is in the cargo hold,” Hiroshi answered.

  “Would you please ask him if he can meet me in the kitchen?”

  “Yes, of course. Is everything alright?” he asked. Yukihyo and Phillip turned to check.

  “Yes.” Hiroshi called Simon and told him my request. Slowly and silently, I counted to ten to give Simon a chance. Then, I held
the cookies out from behind my back. “Kaoti, you had better run to the kitchen and get yours before it is too late.”

  Hiroshi made it to the kitchen ahead of Phillip. I gave the two I held to Yukihyo, who in return gave me his arm and ate them along the way. Simon caught up to us in the corridor.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I made cookies, and Hiroshi got there first.” Simon picked up his pace. I sat down with Yukihyo beside me. Simon sat at the end by the cold storage unit. “Kaoti, please sit with us and have some cookies.”

  “I am surprised that there are so many remaining, lady wife.”

  “I made twice as many, husband.”

  Hiroshi washed a cookie down with a sip of coffee and said, “Tora is refueled. Your uncle plans to begin his return trip to Parvac within the hour and suggests we follow him.” The men made sounds of agreement as they chewed.

  “Are you guys excited, scared, and curious all at once like me?”

  Hiroshi grunted and said, “I am curious how much we will get for our silks.” Simon laughed.