A bell rang, alerting them to the middle-aged man standing in the doorway. His dark green and yellow suit buttoned diagonally across his chest, matching the colors on the Palace banners. His hair was dyed to match the clothing, and was teased and fluffed to look like Tray’s did in zero-g.
“I am Chief Gene Torrance, Lieutenant to Magistrates Toulane,” he announced. “May I enter?”
“Please do,” Danny said, stuffing a pillow behind his back so he could sit straighter. He was pinned by Amanda and saw no reason to move her. “I’m Danny Matthews, Captain of Oriana.”
The man cringed at the mention of the ship’s name, and he took one step through the door. “I did not realize you all wished to share a bed. I can bring a larger one.”
Danny glanced at Morrigan, who’d found her way under the bedcovers, and was in danger of mimicking Sky’s immodesty.
“Feel these sheets. Take your shirt off so you can feel them,” Morrigan told Chase, writhing with pleasure. Laughing, Chase raised his arms so she could strip him.
“Who do I have to marry to stay here forever?” Morrigan asked. Danny was glad she wasn’t speaking Trade.
“We’re not staying the night,” Danny said to their host.
“But you are staying for Festival,” Torrance said, furrowing his brow.
“Yes,” Danny replied. “Are these sheets for sale?”
“Naturally. It is one of our most popular trade commodities. Arrangements have been made for you to meet with several princes come morning,” Torrance said.
“But we’re not staying—” Danny said.
“We are!” Tray spoke up, covering his mouth to keep a pastry from flying out. “Chief, I am the Ambassador. We spoke earlier. We are staying the night. There’s more than one bed, right?”
“Yes, all of these rooms have beds and baths,” Torrance said, pointing to the other doors. Danny’s jaw dropped, but Tray shot him a look and smiled at their host.
“I hope we didn’t cause too much trouble with the parade,” Tray said. “The Prince of Law seemed to think we were in danger. He mentioned wildlife.”
“There is no worry for that in here. The event begins in a few hours. I will see that you are… decorated.” Torrance squinted his eyes, knowing he hadn’t found the Trade word he was looking for.
“Is someone coming later to escort us to the party?” Danny asked.
Torrance raised his eyebrows, and Danny knew he’d said something wrong. Rather than compound his mistake, he kept his mouth shut and looked blankly at Torrance.
“I can bring suitors here for pre-selection if you like,” Torrance smiled. “Would you like to stay coupled with your lady or be paired individually?”
Danny’s jaw dropped.
“His lady?” Amanda repeated, the Trade words coming out with righteous rage. She leapt from the bed, balling her fingers into a fist. Danny was shocked by her sudden burst of energy. “I am not his lady. I—”
“She’s mine!” Hawk shouted, nearly dropping his wine. He stepped between Amanda and Torrance, holding Amanda firmly against his back. “They’re close. They’re… siblings. As far as the event, she is with me.”
Hawk covered his mouth, forcing himself to swallow the rest of his food. Danny wanted to protest, but he was getting even more lost by the turns in the conversation. And the fact that Amanda had hollered in Trade—a language she pretended not to understand most days. Amanda glowered, but took Hawk’s cue to keep silent. Her fingers danced over the shivs sheathed on her arm, and Danny pulled her back to the bed.
“He didn’t mean escort,” Hawk said. “He meant someone to help us find the party, so that we don’t get lost in this place. A guide?”
Swearing softly, Hawk covered his eyes and then started speaking slowly in Rocanese. Torrance responded in a mixture of Nolan and Trade and despite the mix, they muddled their way through a conversation. Danny recognized the names of his crew and assorted adverbs that Hawk used around the ship when he was too tired to think in Trade. Saskia sidled up next to Danny, and they exchanged a look, agreeing that things had taken a turn for the unsettling. A few minutes later, Hawk glanced at Danny, his eyes begging forgiveness. When he spoke again, he resumed with Trade.
“Captain, the Secretary of Palace Affairs will arrive at the appropriate time to lead us to the Festival hall,” Hawk explained, his eyes on Torrance, his voice shaking. “We will be given adornments to mark our pairings during the festivities.”
Danny was bursting with questions, but he forced a polite smile. “Thank you for understanding,” he said.
Torrance smiled nervously, then excused himself to ‘acquire colors.’ Danny imagined he was not enjoying this intrusion on their holiday. “Enjoy the food and wine,” he said, motioning to the cart before he left. Tray gave the man a thumbs up and gorged himself on another chocolate tart.
The scent of wildflowers and rain filled the humid bathroom, the artificial scents barely masking the sulfuric smell in the tap water. The panoramic windows fogged, and the water chilled too quickly for Sky’s liking, but she’d already squandered too much time with the soak. Anytime Sky got the sense that Spirit wanted to stay, it was a good indication that she should run as far and as fast as she could.
The red marks Spirit had left on her body during the parade had faded instantly in the water. She’d never seen her skin heal so fast, and it unnerved her. Despite the weird smell, the minerals in the water made her skin feel soft, and Spirit want her to submerge her face. Close her eyes. Drown!
“No,” Sky shuddered, standing quickly, skimming the bubbles from her skin. She felt along the frame of the window, searching for a latch.
“You could just break it,” Danny said, lightly knocking, even though he was already in the room.
Sky swore and spun, nearly slipping in the tub. Danny dropped what he was carrying and grabbed her arm.
“Thought you might like your clothes. Were you really thinking of running without them?” he asked.
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” she said. There was a towel on the counter, but he didn’t offer it to her, and she found that odd. “The water’s cold, but we can refill it if you want to join me.”
Danny smiled, like he was actually considering the offer, which only made Sky worry more. His rebuffing of her advances had been a constant in their relationship. The Prince of Law had tried pushing his way into Sky’s mind when they were on the street. There was a chance he’d taken control of Danny.
“Stop that,” she laughed, trying not to tip her hand. “Who are you, and what have you done with Danny?”
“I’ve felt giddy ever since we entered the Dome. I can’t wait to see this Festival and celebrate whatever it is they’re so excited about. The gravity and the wine are not a good mix,” Danny rambled. That sounded more like him.
“You’re getting tipsy? In a new city?” she asked, trying to keep a light-hearted tone despite the warning she felt.
“Just a taste. A glass,” he said, rubbing his smooth-shaved cheeks. “It’s better than anything we’ve had on the ship.”
“Danny! Get out here!” Tray hollered.
“I told you he’d get distracted,” Morrigan crowed.
“Right. We need to talk. About some developments. They don’t have drinking water. Just wine,” he said. “And I think Hawk and Amanda are a couple now.”
“That must be some wine. Are you jealous?” Sky teased. She reached past him for the towel and tucked it around her torso.
“Don’t you want to change?” he asked.
“I prefer to air dry,” she said, shaking her head, letting the water droplets fly from her hair. She linked his arm and guided him out of the bathroom to investigate the recent marriage that had him more flustered than her naked body. The first thing she noticed was motion under the bedcovers and the delighted whispers of Chase and Morrigan.
“Are you two naked under there?” Sky asked, dropping Danny’s arm and lifting the corner of the comforter.
&nbs
p; “She is,” Chase replied, batting the comforter out of Sky’s hand. He was shirtless and flushed, but also looked cozier than she’d seen him in a while. “I’m trying to nap on the world’s most perfect pillow, but I can’t fall asleep because I keep thinking about how I’m going to steal this pillow.”
“Feel these sheets,” Morrigan said, propping herself on one elbow and running her hands over the fabric. Her braided ringlets were flattened. “It’s an insult to the fabric to wear clothes while in their embrace.”
Sky smiled and touched the sheets. “It’s a wool blend. The towels are the same material. It seems to be one of the few resources they have in abundance. Maybe we can take a few of these sheep back to Rocan.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she scanned the room for Hawk and saw him at the food cart, painstakingly transferring wine into his flask.
“You can’t drink wine out of a flask. It has to breathe,” Tray argued, his behavior seeming oddly childish.
“I know how to drink,” Hawk hissed, his voice cracking.
“Give me the flask,” Tray demanded, wrestling for the flask. Hawk threw it at Tray’s chest and the wine spilled on Tray’s shirt. Swearing, Tray shoved Hawk.
“Stop!” Amanda screeched, leaping off the couch to Hawk’s defense.
“What is going on?” Sky asked, hustling over, keeping one hand on the tuck of her towel.
“He is mine,” Amanda growled, pulling Hawk into a hug before Sky could get close. Hawk wrapped his arms around Amanda, looking jealous and possessive. Sky looked at Danny and Danny mouthed the words ‘married.’
“Have you all been drugged?” Sky asked. “What happened out here?”
“It’s a misunderstanding, and we’re fine,” Tray said, stripping out of his vest and shirt, fussing over the stain. Sky was shocked to see him bare-chested in public. “All new diplomatic relations have hiccups. It’s nobody’s fault.”
“It’s your fault!” Hawk exploded, breaking away from Amanda and swinging his fist at Tray. Sky caught Hawk’s arm and pulled him into a shoulder lock.
“Sit down!” she ordered. She felt Hawk go limp and pushed him onto the couch. Amanda rushed to his side. It was bizarre.
“Someone explain this hiccup or I’m taking you all back to the ship,” Sky demanded.
“Danny said a wrong word and now Hawk is freaking out because he had to play translator,” Tray said.
“I know what this Festival is. In Rocan, we called it Festival de Cupidon,” Hawk explained, burying his face in his hands. “One of the pantheon. I don’t know how that translates.”
“Cupidon. The spirit of desire and erotica,” Danny said. “Not a rival to Oriana in any of our mythology.”
“A little more intense than love, but nothing we can’t handle,” Sky said. “What’s wrong with the Festival, Hawk?”
“We used to celebrate it in Rocan before we had Geneculture to regulate breeding partners. It’s a breeding festival,” Hawk said. “The Chief asked that we cross-pair with their people. With as many…”
Hawk took a swig from his flask, then choked and sobbed on Amanda’s shoulder.
“Hawk, you didn’t agree to that request, did you?” Danny asked. “Tray, did you agree to this?”
“I agreed to a party. No holiday in any place we’ve ever visited has required baby making. They were peaceful. You’re the one that landed us here,” Tray protested.
“Stop it, both of you. And everyone lay off the wine,” Sky said.
“I thought I’d escaped this.” Hawk was hyperventilating and had tears streaming down his reddened cheeks.
“Let me in,” Morrigan said, pushing past the others and kneeling on the couch.
“He is mine,” Amanda repeated, hugging Hawk possessively.
“I put my clothes on for this. Let me look at him,” Morrigan snapped, pulling Amanda’s hands off of Hawk and feeling the glands on his neck. She pulled a jet out her medical bag and injected Hawk with something, then cradled his face again. “Douglas, you are not here to breed. None of us are. Torrance was wrong to ask us to. If we’re not allowed to refuse, then we will leave.”
Hawk nodded, believing her smooth, confident voice, and surrendering to the anti-anxiety medicine. Even Sky relaxed at Morrigan’s promise.
“Here, kid,” Chase said, leaning over the top of the couch and tucking his pillow next to Hawk. “Think about bringing pillows like this to Rocan. They’ll name streets after you.”
Hawk’s chin quivered and he eyed the pillow skeptically at first but did a double take once he touched it.
“See,” Chase said, giving Sky a nudge. “Best pillow ever.”
The others hummed in agreement and Sky sputtered incredulously.
“Forget the pillow!” Sky exclaimed. She went to the food table and sniffed, and immediately felt her thoughts mellow. “How much has everyone had to drink?”
“Not enough to make me want to sleep with strangers,” Danny realized, rubbing his sweating brow. “Everyone, shoes on. Sky, get dressed. Tray—”
“I can’t wear this shirt in public. Hawk ruined it!” Tray argued.
“Then go shirtless,” Saskia said, running her hand over Tray’s chest.
Sky dressed quickly, but she could already see the problems mounting. Tray didn’t want to go, and the more he fondled Saskia, the more she seemed drawn to his side. Chase and Morrigan seemed more interested in the pillows than in leaving. Amanda had embraced her role as Hawk’s jealous wife, and Hawk seemed to need her protection.
There was a knock at the door, and a teenage boy entered, holding a clear, glass carafe.
“Ambassador Matthews requests the water,” the boy announced.
“Yes,” Hawk cried, snatching the carafe.
“Don’t drink that! That’s mine!” Tray growled, his charge halted by Saskia’s firm grip.
“There are three sinks in that bathroom. Go fill your cup from one of those,” Sky hollered. The water probably tasted worse than it smelled, but a few sips wouldn’t kill them.
“Hi, kid,” Sky greeted, throwing her satchel over her shoulder. “What’s the best way to get out of here while avoiding the crowds?”
The kid cocked his head. He had rosy cheeks, dark brown eyes, and a square chin.
“Do you speak Trade, or were you just given those five words?” she tried. “Hawk?”
Hawk guzzled the water, his face saying he was only drinking it to annoy Tray.
“I can speak. I cannot answer,” he replied.
“You’re not allowed to tell me?” Sky asked.
The kid shook his head, then scratched his chin thoughtfully. “When you come, security fence closes. People want to be in. We keep you safe… in. Out there is jealousy, coveting, desire. Strong.” He pointed to Tray. “He feels now from dessert. Jealousy.”
Sky let out a long breath. There was something in the food that was making them impulsive. “You’re trying to convince us we’re safer in here. But I promise, there will be fewer people storming the Palace if we’re on our ship.”
“After Festival, all is calm,” the kid assured. “No more jealousy. You can walk safe then.”
Sky frowned and patted the outline of her grav-gun in her satchel. She didn’t like being a prisoner.
The kid tapped her shoulder. “When yard is empty, try window. Window is open.”
“Thanks,” Sky said. If she couldn’t find a latch, she could blast a hole. But she didn’t want to.
14
Jeremiah closed the door to his and Collette’s bedroom, then sank to the floor, burying his face in his hands. The doctor said she was fine and would be up again in a few hours. Collette was ready to be up now, and she let the doctor know it in her typical belligerent manner. Jeremiah was emotionally drained and he clawed at his skin, gathering the last vestiges of his composure so that he could be a magistrate again. Collette had ordered him to shower and change into robes, and he wished it were as easy to soothe his emotions.
“Magistrate
!” Chief Torrance called, hurrying toward him.
“I’m all right,” Jeremiah said, hopping to his feet. “Quiet, Madame Magistrate is resting.”
“Yes, sir,” Torrance said, lowering his voice. “I must speak with you about the visitors.”
“Are they dangerous?” Jeremiah asked.
“No, quite docile,” Torrance responded. “They have agreed to attend Festival—”
“Good. Really?”
“They don’t intend to participate,” Torrance said, waving his hand. “I came to find the Prince of Textiles. They’ll need pair-rings.”
“Not that those ever help,” Jeremiah grumbled. The rings were meant to ward off unwanted advances and had slowly turned into a signal for couples seeking couples.
“They wish to discuss trade come morning,” Torrance persisted. “Well, they wish to now, but I’ve convinced them to wait.”
Jeremiah chuckled at the thought of anything getting done the morning after Festival. “I will speak to them tonight. That should ease their tension at tomorrow’s slow start.”
“Magistrate—”
“Gene!” Jeremiah cried, exasperated. “I am confident that you can handle this. I need time. Please.”
Torrance’s cheek twitched. “The alien threat is upon us now. Time is a luxury we do not have.”
“Collette is eager to give orders if you want to talk to her. Just don’t let her out of bed,” Jeremiah said. It was too difficult to maintain Protocol when he needed support from his friend.
“I’m not that desperate, yet,” Torrance chuckled, giving Jeremiah’s arm a squeeze. “I’m glad to hear Madame Magistrate is awake.”
“Thank you,” Jeremiah whispered. “We still don’t know what caused the heart attack. There’s no blockage. There’s nothing discernible to treat. They’re just watching, waiting for something to happen again. And she’s supposed to stay off her feet.”
Premonition: A Space Opera Adventure Series (The New Dawn Book 7) Page 9
