by neetha Napew
“It's a matter of principal with him,” Suki replied.
“Should I offer to pay rent?” Nyk asked, “room and board?”
“Oh, no, Nick -- George would be offended. It costs nothing to have you two living in that apartment. We can't rent it out since there's no separate entrance. Four can live nearly as cheaply as two. We're delighted to have you here.”
“Daddy makes no sense,” Suki said. “He objects to the cost of a cell phone yet he'd turn down room and board. I never can predict what'll set him off. I hate having to walk on eggs whenever I'm around him.”
“How much does a cell phone cost?” Nyk asked.
“Thirty or forty dollars a month,” Yasuko replied.
Nyk pondered. “I can afford that. I'll buy a cell phone. I like the idea of you having one.”
* * *
Nyk lay in bed with his hands locked behind his head. Suki slipped out of her robe, turned sideways to him and ran her hands down her stomach. “I'm really showing, now.” She slid into bed and snuggled against him.
He kissed her forehead. “Care for some lovemaking?” he asked.
“I can't tonight,” she replied. “Not after this morning.”
“It's forgotten.”
“I haven't forgotten.” She squeezed him. “It'll take me some time to get over it. Tell me about your trip.”
Nyk rolled his eyes. “It was unbelievable. Seymor and I found Zander's place -- a hovel of a dilapidated house trailer. Inside we found a Floran girl he had smuggled here.”
“A girl? How old?”
“About nineteen Floran -- fourteen or fifteen Earth years. We surmise he was using her to perfect the mind-control he used on Andra. The poor thing -- alone in the middle of nowhere on a strange planet, not knowing the language. He got her addicted to something -- probably part of his plan to subjugate her.”
“What did you do with her?”
“I took her to Wisconsin, and turned her over to Floran authorities on the relay station. Seymor says they'll try to rehabilitate her, and I hope they can. She's a sweet kid. She had the worst time at the house -- a terrible nightmare and withdrawal. She claimed some ... pool of evil was stalking her.”
“I've had night terrors like that,” Suki replied. “Especially in a strange place -- I wake up in the wrong part of my sleep cycle and hear a funny noise or see unfamiliar lights. They can be quite vivid -- and quite frightening.”
“She was afraid to go back to sleep, so I had her get into bed with me and I held her until she calmed down.”
“You slept with her?”
“Yes -- I held her to calm her.”
“That's all you did? She's not another amften, is she?”
“Of course not. All I did was hold her.”
“That was plenty!” Suki pulled away from him. “Now, I see how it is -- sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, isn't it. You were so quick to forgive me this morning ... because you had done the very same thing.”
“She needed drugs and I didn't have any. She was terrified. You said you've been afraid in the dark.”
“Never so badly I needed a warm body.”
“I did what any Floran would've done.”
“No doubt -- all your free love -- free sex...”
“Suki -- Florans frequently share beds. We hate sleeping alone. Even casual acquaintances extend offers to sleep together -- and it's not necessarily sexual. Besides, I told her why we couldn't do anything.”
“Which was?”
“Because she was underage and we didn't know each other well enough. She accepted it and had a quiet night.”
“And, I suppose the fact you're already taken never came up?”
“A Floran wouldn't accept that as a reason.”
“It must've been real nice for you -- cuddling up to a pretty, blond and blue-eyed Floran girl -- a far sight better than what you have here -- fat, disgusting, pregnant... Was she naked? Was she?”
“Suki, get a grip on yourself. I have no feelings for Dyppa other than to help a frightened and misused girl get safely home, and in a way that didn't jeopardize our mission.” He reached for her.
She jerked away. “Don't touch me!” Tears streamed down her face. “You shouldn't have had her in bed with you. Now, I'm sorry I agreed to break up with Alice.”
“If I recall it was you insisting on doing that,” he replied.
She glowered at him, then grabbed her pillow. “You hate sleeping alone? Good -- I hope you have a miserable night!” she shouted and headed into the living room. Nyk laced his fingers behind his head and sighed. He could hear her sobbing.
He arose and walked to the living room. She was kneeling on the sofa with her arms draped across its back. He sat beside her. “Suki, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do anything to upset you. It won't happen again.” He stroked her hair. “I promise. I don't ever want to hurt you. Can you forgive me?”
“No.”
“No?”
“No.” She looked up at him. “I'm the one who's sorry -- for my foolish, irrational, jealous behavior. You're right -- you did nothing wrong -- you did what I would've done. I'm so ashamed of myself -- I don't know what got into me. Can you forgive me?”
“I've already forgiven you.” He stroked her back and she leaned against him. “Shall we kiss and make up?” He kissed her lips. “Now, come back to bed.”
She lay beside him. “I can't believe you still want me after my shameful behavior.”
“It's forgotten,” he said and kissed her lips. “Totally forgotten.” He lay beside her and stroked her cheek.
She brushed aside tears. “How can you forgive me so easily? How can you forget?”
“If you forgive but don't forget -- you haven't really forgiven, have you?” He kissed away her tears -- then kissed her eyelids. “Suki, I know how much abuse you've overcome -- how much you're still dealing with.” He kissed her lips. “You are a challenge -- but, nothing truly worth having comes easily. Now, let's get some sleep. I didn't get much last night.”
Suki caressed his hair. She slipped her hands behind his head, drew his face to hers and kissed him. He felt her breath on his face. Again she kissed him and he felt her tongue against his. He felt her hand caress his arm. She took his hand, kissed it and guided it to her breast.
“Are you sure?” Nyk asked. “I thought you said you couldn't.”
“I need it.”
Their kisses and caresses grew into vigorous foreplay. Suki urged him onto his back and lay atop him. He locked his legs with hers, and he could feel the muscles in her abdomen heave with her breathing.
She cradled his head in her hands and pressed her lips to his. Nyk caressed her shoulder blades, her skin moist with perspiration. She arched her back, gasped and panted. He clutched her around the small of her back, squeezed her against his body and closed his eyes. “Oh, Suki!” he grunted, released her and attempted to catch his breath. He stroked her cheek and gazed into her eyes. “Suki -- that ... that was phenomenal. I love you so much.” He felt warm drops on his face. “Now, what's wrong?”
She collapsed onto him, weeping. “Oh, Nykkyo -- I can't believe you want me!”
“Of course I want you.” He spoke tenderly. “We wouldn't have been able to do what we just did if I didn't love you and want you.”
“I know -- that's why I needed it. Oh, Nykkyo -- I'm such a mess. Please help me.”
He held her atop him, petting her hair and caressing her back. “It's all right -- I love you, and I'll never stop loving you.”
Her sobbing subsided and he felt her body relax. Her legs and arms twitched. Soon her lips parted and she was breathing regularly through her nose and mouth. She began to feel heavy on him, so he rolled to one side and slid from under her. She stirred for a moment and relaxed. He held her, closed his eyes and willed himself to sleep.
4 -- The Stray
Nyk sat at the kitchen table. Suki's mother placed a bowl of oatmeal before him. “Is Sukiko joining us for breakfast?”
“She said she'll be down.”
Yasuko sat across from him and picked up her coffee cup. “George and I are at a loss to understand how you could consent to this Turkey thing.”
Nyk shrugged. “It's something she needs to do, and she'll do it whether or not I consent. She might as well go with my blessing.”
“That girl has no consideration for the feelings of others.” She sipped her coffee. “I'll be worried sick while she's away in that ... awful, dangerous country.”
“Mom, it isn't dangerous.” Nyk heard Suki descending the stairs. “Turkey is a civilized country and one of our allies.” She walked into the kitchen, opened a cabinet and withdrew a box of soda crackers.
“There are many who'd challenge both those assertions.” Yasuko glanced at her plate. “Another saltines-and-ginger-ale breakfast? How are you going to deal with that over there?”
“I'm feeling better. By the time of the trip I should be over the morning-sickness phase.”
“What if you get over there and have ... complications?”
“They have doctors there...” Her mother rolled her eyes. “Mother! Why must you be so risk-adverse? Look at Nick -- he's not worried.”
“I wouldn't go that far,” Nyk replied.
“Then, why can't you see this is something I must do to advance my career? Nick at least sees that.”
“I might have carried you in my belly for only nine months, but you've been in my heart for twenty-seven years. Once you push that baby out and begin nurturing it -- then, you'll understand. I hope that child grows up and gives you the same kind of worry you've given us.” Yasuko stood behind Suki and put her hand on her shoulder. “I didn't mean that...”
“Congratulations, Mom -- you have top score in this round of 'You Can't Win.'” She chugged the remains of her ginger ale. “If you'll excuse me, I'll go get dressed.”
Nyk watched her mount the stairs to the apartment. “I'm sorry, but I didn't understand her last remark.”
“I'm afraid I put my foot in it. Sukiko knows she wasn't the easiest adolescent. I should never wish what she put us through on anyone.” Yasuko looked up toward the apartment. “Nick, please tell me you'd rather she didn't go.”
“I'd rather she didn't go.”
“Now, tell her you'd rather she didn't go.”
“I did. She's going anyway.”
“Just like I said -- no consideration for the feelings of others.”
“Yasuko, like it or not this is something she must do.” Nyk drained his coffee mug and set it in the sink. “I'll go pack my briefcase. We'll see you for dinner.” He headed toward the apartment.
Nyk held Suki's hand as they walked toward the bus stop. “It pains me to see you argue with your mother,” he said.
“That was no argument -- just a healthy discussion. I'm happy I can have healthy discussions with her.”
“She loves you. I can feel how much she loves you.”
“I know she does. I love her, too.” They reached the bus stop. “It wasn't too many years ago I wouldn't have been able to say that. Yes -- I'm happy with how my relationship with my mother has improved over the years. I wish it was like that with Daddy. Here's our bus.”
* * *
Nyk's intercom buzzed. “Yes, Jaquie?”
“A Yasuko Kyhana on two, Mr Kane.”
“Thanks... Hello, Yasuko?”
“Nick, I didn't want to say anything in front of Sukiko, but I thought last night I heard harsh words between you two -- and crying. I hope everything is all right.”
“Yes, Yasuko -- everything's fine. We had a misunderstanding, but everything's patched up.”
“She seemed so argumentative at breakfast.”
“She told me your exchange was nothing but a healthy discussion.”
“It felt like an argument to me. Are you sure everything's okay?”
“I'm sure. We talked and kissed and made up.”
“I'm relieved. After all these years, I'm accustomed to our arguments. I'd hate to see anything jeopardize what you two have together, though.”
Nyk hung up the phone. An incoming vidphone call signaled him. He glanced up to be sure the door to his office was closed, and then answered the call. He saw Illya Kronta. “Good day, Illya.”
“I received your telemessage. So, Andra is on Lexal. That explains the ID code trace -- those colonial shuttles have diplomatic immunity.”
“It also explains why you can't reach her on the vidphone -- her calls are being screened at the palace.”
“Nyk -- that young woman is in considerable trouble. The evidence she was involved in Zander's plot keeps mounting. Some now believe it extends even to the Ricin plot.”
“That's impossible -- she didn't even know Zander until afterward.”
“Since you're our only pipeline to her, I was hoping you'd try to convince her to turn State's Evidence. It's the best way to minimize her possible exposure in this.”
“She's innocent, Illya.”
“Running away to Lexal isn't a very good way to demonstrate innocence.”
“I thought we were a free people, Illya. She had an opportunity to visit an old friend.”
“Do you mean her highness, Princess Janna of Lexal? The same ax'amfin witch who placed a crown on her own head? Doesn't this sound suspicious to you?”
“Suspicious? How?”
“First we have the fact of Andra's marriage to Zander.”
“She was chosen by Zander as part of his plot to destabilize Lexal -- chosen because she happens to be a dead ringer for Janna. He intended to use an illegal hypnotic to turn her into his zombie.”
“Zombie?”
“An Earth word -- his unwitting puppet.”
“I've heard that rather fantastic theory.”
“It's not fantastic, Illya. We used some of Zander's hypnotic when you questioned her in Sudal. You saw how it worked. Under its influence she'd do anything Zander instructed her to do. Andra was nothing more than an unwilling pawn.”
“Nyk, it wasn't my intent to debate you. I'm concerned you have some emotional involvement, here.”
“I do. Illya, I spent time with Andra and became fast friends with her. I don't believe her capable of the sort of intrigue you imply.”
Kronta planted his elbow on his desk and held his forehead. “What about the Rud Vadima link?”
“What about it?”
“Vadima is Wygann's assistant adjutant and he's known to have associated with Zander. It gives us a direct link between Wygann and the smugglers.”
“Vadima WAS his assistant, Illya -- according to Wygann's own statement, Vadima left his regime two plus years ago.”
Kronta drummed his fingers on the desk. “Nyk we are receiving reports that Wygann is arming Lexal.”
“Aren't the colonies permitted to develop defensive capabilities?”
“Yes -- it would be legal if and only if the technology were of Lexalese origin. The charter specifically prohibits importing weapons technology, and smuggling of Earth technology would be regarded as an even more serious violation.”
“What do you want me to do?” Nyk asked.
“I'd like you to use your influence with Andra to arrange an interview.”
“She's been interviewed -- ad nauseum.”
“But, not since we've pulled together the supporting evidence.”
“Andra said she'll answer all questions -- after she returns from Lexal.”
“By then, it may be too late.”
Nyk sighed. “I'll speak to her.” The vidphone session went dark.
He started a vidphone call, entering Andra's code. The initiator flashed and went black.
Nyk cancelled the call, and started another. Veska's image appeared on his screen. “Veska -- Dad...”
“Nykkyo -- son.”
“Dad, what do you know of the Lexal colony?”
“Lexal ... fifteen hundred lightyears distant ... founded on a twin planetary system orbiting a blue sun ... sister
world Lexal Prime is uninhabitable ... our youngest, most distant, and with a population of 130 million, our second-smallest colony after Myataxya ... they've only had communications for the past ten years. Before that I had to schedule regular couriers.”
“What of Mykko Wygann?”
“Wygann was elected chancellor about five years ago. In no time, he had declared himself chancellor-for-life.”
“How does one declare oneself chancellor-for life?”
“I guess by saying, 'I am chancellor-for-life.' He has the support of the Lexalese Senate, which marches in lock-step with him -- with one exception, and that's Zygon Vellod.”
“Who's he?”
“The former chancellor. Wygann ousted him in the last general election -- right before declaring himself chancellor-for-life. Vellod didn't accept defeat gracefully and has been a thorn in Wygann's side ever since. He has a small but vocal band of followers. They make up Wygann's opposition, so to speak.
“In all fairness, Wygann is extremely popular. He's built Lexal into a strong, self- sufficient economy. There's a three-year waiting list to emigrate there -- assuming you can get on the list in the first place. Wygann screens all applicants. There's been talk of autonomy -- even independence. About two years ago, he expelled all Internal Affairs agents and replaced them with his own security force.”
“All of them?”
“Yes -- Anyone from Central Admin is persona-non-grata on Lexal.”
“He can do that and get away with it?”
“Wygann apparently can.”
“What of his wife?”
“Princess Janna -- an ax'amfin witch ... fond of imperial trappings. She's the real power behind the throne, so I've heard. I've even heard she's the one who convinced Wygann to cancel elections and declare himself chancellor-for-life. They have a son about three years old -- Mykko, Junior. They call him Mykkoin. She can't be any older than Andra.”
“Andra's twenty-eight Floran years.”
“Exactly -- how did Wygann get a birth license issued to someone under thirty? I guess when you're chancellor-for-life, you get your own way.”
