**Who knows, in a few more generations the law may change. Udo was surprised at Webber and his height. He actually thought Webber was a jattikan. Udo, like most everyone else, hadn’t realized humans have gotten so tall. True, it’s only a small cross section but the numbers of taller people are growing.**
**That doesn’t help the current issue, Starling.**
She kissed his chin, not offering a helpful solution.
He didn’t have any suggestions either. He had thought introducing Starling and Webber to Udo would be the first step in solving Bekion’s dilemma. It hadn’t helped at all. He doubted prolonged exposure to Starling and Webber over the course of the month would help.
The next day proved that point many times over.
Udo invited Starling and Bekion on a tour of his private garden. The imperial garden consisted of a vast forest that covered a large portion of the planet’s surface. Since the whole of planet Gorov served as the imperial residence, the size of the garden made sense.
Bekion, Starling, Udo, Webber, Nausic and Udo’s guards boarded a hover transport that took them deep into the garden to a wall spanning in either direction as far as Bekion could see. The height of the barrier rivaled the trees around.
The transport landed at the only visible entrance—two large double doors with a guard station situated to one side. The guards saluted Udo before opening the doors so the transport could pass.
The need for the wall made no sense to Bekion. More of the garden greeted them on the other side of the doors. The transport stopped at a paved walkway that led to a glass dome that matched the wall in its height and reach.
Udo exited the transport then turned back. “Lady Starling, I have something I must show you.” He held out his hand to her.
Starling took it without asking and let Udo guide her forward. Bekion followed behind them. Webber, Nausic and the other guards stayed with the transport.
Udo led them down the path toward the dome. When they drew closer to the glass fixture and yet another doorway, he ushered Starling forward so she walked ahead of him. Opening the door, Udo said, “There you are, my dear. It’s my understanding you arrived on the same poacher’s vessel as these others.”
Bekion and Starling both stared in amazed wonder at the houses on the other side of the glass. Several people, several humans, milled around. Their attention turned to the doorway when it opened. A few of the people pointed at Starling and spoke to each other.
Bekion couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d heard the stories of Udo confiscating the poached pets. Bekion would have never guessed this was what had become of them.
One human woman squealed, “Oh my God!” The frantic yell came seconds before the woman launched herself at Starling and hugged her tight. “It’s you! It’s you!”
Starling laughed as she returned the woman’s hug. “Monica Conners. How the hell are you?” Happy tears glittered in Starling’s eyes.
“I’m wonderful thanks to Udo.” Monica held Starling out at arm’s length. “How are you? Were you rescued like the rest of us?”
“Well, no. I—”
“Forget all that. I’ve been praying and praying but I didn’t know if God would grant my wish since I didn’t know who I was praying for.”
Starling laughed as she backed up a step and held out her hand. “Starling Moddel of Florida.”
“Monica Conners of…wherever the hell I happen to be at the moment, but my parents are located in New York—the state, not the city.” Monica took Starling’s hand and shook it.
Bekion enjoyed the women’s enthusiasm and felt Starling’s joy as his own. He asked, “I take it you know this woman, Starling?”
Starling faced Bekion. “Yes and no. She was on the ship with me, like Udo said. She’s the first person I saw when I regained consciousness.”
“You were touch-and-go there for a little bit.” Monica’s eyes widened. “Oh! He’ll want to see you.”
“He?” Starling and Bekion asked in unison.
“Doc Samuel. Kevin Samuel. Well, he’s a doctor now thanks to the schooling he’s been receiving here. He was only a student when you met him.”
Understanding shown on Starling’s face. “The man who warned us.”
“Yup, that’s him. Come on.” Monica pulled on Starling’s hand but she didn’t move.
She looked up at Bekion and Udo. Bekion clasped his hands behind his back and smiled at her. “Go on. I’ll be here. I’ll even contact Nausic so he can bring Webber.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He nodded.
She faced forward. “Lead on then.”
Bekion watched Monica pull Starling to the center of town, where several happy people swarmed Starling with hugs and kisses. The sight was a poignant one.
After a steadying breath, Bekion tapped his cuff. “Nausic, bring Webber.”
“Coming, Your Majesty,” Nausic said.
Bekion looked at Udo. “Thank you for this, My Emperor. Starling will thank you too once she comes out.”
Udo said, gesturing around him, “This is a habitat, for lack of a better word. It spans quite a bit of land and houses all those humans recovered from the poachers, while giving them room to grow. There are still a few missing, however.”
Bekion knew the direction of the conversation. “You want me to relinquish Starling and Webber to you.”
Udo smiled then started walking, following a pathway that ran the length of the glass dome.
Bekion had no choice but to walk with him.
Udo said, “I always said you were one of my more astute monarchs, Bekion. While I may not believe how you came into possession of Starling, I am willing to believe you did not set out to own her. The addition of Webber to your household was simply an aftereffect of capturing the poachers.”
They stopped and watched the goings-on. Webber had arrived. The crowd that swarmed Starling moved on to him. Bekion couldn’t hear them but the excitement needed no translation.
Udo said, “They need not burden you any longer. Starling and Webber can live amongst their own. They don’t have to conform to jattikan life in the role of a pet.”
Bekion looked at the glass and the pathway that traversed the perimeter. “Forgive me for saying so, Supreme Emperor, but this is an exhibit, not a habitat.”
“It is.”
“Instead of being pets, they would be animals in a zoo. Starling and Webber wouldn’t want to live like this.”
“The humans have privacy. It is only when they leave their domiciles that they can be observed. There are no surveillance devices, only this wall.” Udo faced Bekion with a stern look. “They are amongst their own kind, as they should be.”
Bekion could feel the trap closing around him.
“The campaign to make Earth humans citizens of the Gorov Empire has reached me. Know that it will never happen. No matter how the humans have grown or changed, I will uphold my ancestor’s ruling.”
“Starling told me the story of your ancestor and his son.”
“She repeated a partial tale. The full account is the reason the rules concerning Earth and its inhabitants exist. Through several recent scientific expeditions, I have assessed that planet. Nothing I have seen has convinced me adding Earth to the Gorov Empire would be in any way beneficial. As I refuse to add the planet, so too do I refuse to add its people on an individual basis.”
Bekion agreed, for his own selfish reasons, but didn’t voice his opinion aloud.
“While their abduction is unfortunate, they cannot return to Earth. Each has been introduced to the nanite baths and there is no way to completely remove them. That technology has no place on Earth.”
“I agree.”
“One day, we of the Gorov Empire will see Earth as an equal worthy of joining our ranks. Until that time, we shall watch over its children who have strayed to our shores and keep them safe.”
“That is best.”
“So you agree then, this habitat is the safest place for all o
f them.”
If Bekion didn’t choose his next words wisely, he could lose everything. “I agree Starling would more than likely be happier with her own kind. When Webber was added to my household, her spirits lifted. She became more active.”
“Exactly my point. This amount of humans should make her ecstatic.”
“I shall ask her then.”
“Ask her?”
“If I’m allowed? You have already said you see Starling as a sentient being capable of rational thought. I wouldn’t force this decision on her.”
Udo nodded. “Very well. Ask her, then. However, the way you ask her must be impartial and without threat or bribery. I want to know her true feelings.” He gestured behind him.
They walked back. Nausic stood watching the goings-on from the open doorway. He wore the raw expression on his face of a man in true pain.
Bekion cleared his throat.
Nausic snapped to attention, sketched a quick bow and then stepped to the back of the walkway.
Bekion stood in the doorway. After a little mental preparation, he called, “Starling, Webber.”
The humans all stopped and stared at him. They looked scared. Most ran back to their houses and shut the doors. The only ones who stayed were Monica and a male. They looked defiant, as though they would protect Starling if need be.
Starling trotted over to him. “Bekion, this is Kevin Samuel.” She indicated the man who had stayed. “He helped me somewhat while we were all on the poachers’ ship.”
Bekion nodded to the man. “Thank you for that.”
Kevin seemed a little nervous and mumbled something Bekion didn’t quite catch.
Starling asked, “Bekion, did you need something? Is it time to go?”
“Supreme Emperor Udo has extended an invitation for you to stay with your friends here.”
“That’s great!” Monica gushed. “You’ll love it here.”
Starling looked back at the woman then to Bekion. “And you said what?”
No!
Bekion kept himself calm and blank. “It’s not for me to decide. I said I would ask you and that’s what I’m doing.”
She looked beyond him to Udo. Bekion didn’t bother following her gaze. He didn’t know what she was thinking. It took all his willpower to keep his voice and demeanor neutral when he wanted to demand she return with him.
He clasped his hands behind his back as he’d done earlier. It kept him from grabbing her and hugging her tight. He had to concede to her choice, even if it meant losing her.
“Can… I want to think about it.” She took a few steps past him and faced Udo. “Is that okay, Udo?”
“Take all the time you need, Starling,” Udo said.
Webber walked toward Nausic. “Well, I don’t need time. This is a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live here. I’m going back to my room.” He bounced the back of his hand against Nausic’s hip as he passed him. “Come on. Bekion, call us when it’s time to go home to Panagiota.”
Udo moved so he blocked Webber and Nausic’s exit.
Webber looked at him, showing his annoyance. “Something wrong?”
Udo asked, “Are you sure?”
“I didn’t say what you wanted so now you’re going to force the issue, is that it?”
“No. I only want you to be sure.”
“Hmmm, let me think.” Webber rested his chin on his fist. “Think. Think. Thi… Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t like being an ant on a farm. At least with Bekion, I know I can go wherever I want, whenever I want and do whatever I want.”
Bekion said, “Within reason.”
Webber snorted. “Hah! You haven’t stopped me yet.”
“I’m at a loss as to how.”
“My point exactly. Why give up all that to live in a zoo?” He looked back at Starling. “We have fun on Panagiota, Star. Frankly, I feel sorry for them. You should too. But hey, it’s your life.” He faced Udo again. “I made my choice. I saw the sights. Now let me out unless you plan to keep me here by force.”
Udo stepped to the side. “My invitation will always be open to you should you change your mind.”
“Don’t hold your breath.” Webber stalked out of the room with Nausic following him.
Bekion turned his attention back to Starling. Her decision concerned him most.
She looked after Webber with a worried expression. She then turned that expression to Monica and Kevin.
They had pleading looks in their eyes.
Monica said, “Come on, Star. We have a good life here.”
Starling nodded. “You do and it’s beautiful.”
Kevin said, “Then stay.”
She said in a cautious voice, “I’ve been through a lot. I’m sure you all have too.”
“Coming here saved my life,” Monica said. Her eyes took on a haunted quality.
Bekion didn’t have to ask. The one who had bought Monica had probably abused her before Udo’s intervention.
Starling placed a hand on Monica’s shoulder and mouthed an apology. The woman gripped Starling’s hand.
Bekion’s chest tightened. He could feel the inevitable closing in around him. He would lose her and couldn’t stop it.
Starling said, “Monica, Kevin, it was good seeing you all again.”
Monica grabbed Starling’s arms. “We’re all human here. We have lives here. Stay.”
Starling said, “I have a life on Panagiota.”
“You’re a pet on Panagiota.”
“Better a pampered pet than a trapped animal.”
Monica snapped, “That’s not what we are.”
“None of us can return to Earth. That’s a sadness that will remain with me forever. But I have the freedom of an entire planet and the protection of that planet’s king.” Starling glanced over her shoulder at Bekion.
He hoped his demeanor remained stoic even though he had started to relax. Starling wouldn’t stay. She only had to figure out a way to extricate herself without hurting her new friends.
She returned her gaze to Monica and pulled gently out of the woman’s grasp. “I may not have the type of freedom I want—we both want—but it is freedom, Monica. I’m not going to trade that for a snow-globe version of home.”
Though the woman’s eyes shone with tears, she still managed a tiny laugh. “It does look sort of like that, doesn’t it?”
“Just a little. I’m betting the seasons aren’t the same.”
“You’d be right. There will be no winter here. Udo says the forest is always green. And with a jattikan day being ten hours long, which is close to twenty-eight hours back on Earth or so Udo and his scientists told us, it was a little hard to figure out our sleep patterns at first.”
“I had the same problem. Webber too. Naps help.”
Bekion noted with relief that the mundane topic seemed to calm both women.
Monica sighed before pulling Starling into a tight hug. “You’ll come and visit?”
“Of course. Bekion visits Udo—” She looked in his direction.
Bekion said, “At least once a year. I can make it more if Starling wishes.”
“See?” Starling pulled back from Monica and smiled at the woman. “You won’t have time to miss me. And now you know I’m safe and happy.”
“It was a wild ride.”
“That’s not over yet.”
Monica hugged Starling again. “Come back to visit before you leave, okay?”
“Screw that. I’ll be visiting every day I’m here. I may not want to live here but I don’t mind visiting.”
Kevin joined the hug. “You almost make me want to go with you.”
Bekion cleared his throat.
They all looked at him.
He said, “Don’t take offense, Kevin. But after dealing with Webber, I doubt I’d like to own yet another male.”
Kevin asked, “Short visits, maybe?”
Bekion gestured to Udo. “That is for your benefactor to decide.”
Udo came forward, looking d
own at Starling and she back at him. “You’re sure?”
Starling said, “I’m not as flippant as Webber with my responses but the sentiment is the same. I’ll visit but I’m not staying. Nothing will change my mind.”
“As you wish.” Udo walked away.
Everyone watched him leave.
Starling asked in a wondering voice, “Did I make him angry?”
Bekion smiled down at her. “I wouldn’t say that, pretty pet. If I had to guess, I suspect the supreme emperor was sure you would stay and hadn’t thought of the possibility that you wouldn’t. He’s probably upset.”
“He doesn’t have to be. I don’t need to be saved. I already was.” Starling walked over and reached up to him.
Bekion lifted her and settled her in the crook of his arm. “You don’t wish to stay longer? I can always come back later.”
“Nah. I’m feeling a bit boxed in and I want to calm down Webber.”
“As you wish.”
She waved at the others as Bekion walked away.
Once they were they were far enough from the glass dome but still some distance from the transport, Bekion asked in a low voice, **Why didn’t you want to stay?**
**It’s a generous offer. I’m happy the others are safe but that’s not the life for me. I’ve already given up one family. I’m not doing it again.**
**So long as you won’t regret this.**
**I would regret it more if I had decided to stay, realized it wasn’t the life for me and then found out I wasn’t allowed to leave.** She looked at him. **And there is nothing you can say that would convince me he would let me return to you if something like that happened.**
**You’re right.**
She nodded. **That’s what I thought. So we won’t be talking about this again, will we?**
**No.**
**Good.**
**Good.**
Bekion had sweated. He didn’t want her to abandon him. Now that he knew she wouldn’t, he would do all in his power to make sure she stayed happy and safe at his side for the rest of their days.
Chapter Twenty-One
Starling couldn’t stand watching Bekion with Minari any longer. She couldn’t look away either. He never laughed like that with Starling. Nor had he ever been eager to see her like he was to see Minari.
Pet's Pleasure Page 31
