Kinsman's Oath

by Susan Krinard

  Second Pilot Jauregi had more respect than to question her order to prepare the shuttle for imminent departure. 'The tower is hailing us, Captain," he said.

  "No response." The controller on duty might howl, but they weren't likely to shoot at the shuttle or its crew without explicit Council authority.

  Jauregi resumed systems checks while Cynara took a quick survey of the shuttle and retrieved her sidearm from her locker. Some crew were still at large on Dharma, but that couldn't be helped. She'd have enough essential personnel to take the Pegasus where it needed to go.

  One of the dockhands came up the ramp and stuck his head through the hatch. "Cargomaster?"

  "We're preparing for emergency departure," Cynara said before Basterra could speak. "Please seal the hold and move your men away from the perimeter."

  The men who loaded cargo, whether onto a starship or a seagoing vessel, were used to taking orders. The dockhand shrugged and went back down. Out the open hatch Cynara saw a car speeding across the field.

  Either it was Kord, or someone bent on stopping them. "Strap in, Ronan," she advised. "As for you, Basterra—"

  But Ronan was already moving past her into the cockpit. He emerged with an unconscious Jauregi over his shoulder.

  "Your an'laik'in was disobedient, Aho'Va," he said, dumping Jauregi onto the deck. "He intended to impede our departure. I will take his place."

  She threw a hard look at Basterra, little doubting where Jauregi's true loyalty lay. "You can pilot the shuttle?"

  "It should not be difficult."

  Ronan didn't wait for her decision. He settled in the pilot's seat, his hands flying over the controls.

  "Cargo hatch is sealed," he reported. "All systems green."

  Down on the field, the dockhands had moved well away from the shuttle. The approaching car skidded to a stop at the foot of the ramp. The passenger door flew open.

  Lizbet jumped out, a pack slung over her back. The car began moving again, and Kord abandoned the vehicle while it rolled in a wide circle away from the Thalassa.

  "About time," Cynara said as Kord and Lizbet hurtled through the hatch. "Ronan?"

  The engine hummed under her feet. "One minute."

  "Cargomaster, you may leave the shuttle with your pilot. You will not be seeing the Pegasus again."

  Basterra eyed her as if he were actually considering attack. Kord heaved Jauregi from the deck and shoved him into Basterra's arms. Siroccan was a language beautifully adapted for elegant cursing.

  "Ready, Aho'va," Ronan called. Kord propelled Basterra down the ramp and sprinted back to take his seat.

  Cynara ran a final check and strapped in. Bulkheads vibrated. The hatch closed and just as suddenly opened again.

  Janek walked into the passenger compartment, turned, and sealed the hatch behind him. He clutched a small black object in one hand. Cynara aimed her gun at his head.

  He dropped the object and raised his hands. Lizbet left her seat and picked it up.

  "A remote, Captain," she said. "With an override for the hatch lock."

  "Well, Ser Janek," Cynara said. "So glad you could join us. Ronan, take her up."

  * * *

  Chapter 15

  « ^ »

  Janek had a few seconds to grab at the bulkhead before the shuttle lifted. He stumbled his way to a seat and strapped in, staring through the open cockpit door.

  "Our refugee is certainly a man of many talents," he said. "Do you know what you've done, Captain?"

  Cynara relaxed in her seat and smiled. "I'm taking him to Persephone. I'm making sure he gets to the right people who will protect as well as question him."

  "You've committed treason, both to your government and mine."

  "I understand it was your idea to have Ronan deep-probed, Ser Janek."

  "You knew it was necessary from the moment he revealed telepathic abilities, particularly after he disabled Bhruic."

  "I knew it was necessary, but not your way." She closed her eyes as the shuttle shot skyward. "If you disapprove so heartily, why did you come? You can't expect to change my mind."

  "Nor do I intend to abandon my duty as you have done. I'll present my position to Naval Headquarters on Persephone—unless you plan to silence me."

  "As much as I'd like to strangle you, Janek, I'm no assassin. You'll have your say, and so will I." She leaned toward him in a confidential attitude. "Did I ever mention that Lord Miklos Challinor was my uncle's good friend years ago, when they both served in the Royal Navy? Magnus Jesper encouraged me to go to Miklos if I had certain… problems."

  "The Archon's brother is much too busy to deal with the likes of—"

  "A source of potentially vital intelligence such as Ronan might turn out to be? Or by the same token, a man who could become the downfall of Allied civilization, as you seem to believe? I think Lord Miklos will be most interested."

  Janek subsided into his seat with an expression like an overripe gelfruit, but Cynara knew she hadn't heard the last from him. He would bear even more careful watching.

  "Lizbet, has Kord briefed you on our situation? You understand that we're making an unauthorized departure?"

  "Yes, Captain."

  Cynara nodded and glanced at Kord. "As much as I hate to burden you, Kord, I'm assigning Ser Janek to your custody until we reach the Concordat."

  "Two of my marines are still on Dharma," Janek protested, rising. "There are only two still on board the Pegasus, another breach of—he glanced at Kord—"protocol."

  "That is unfortunate, but I' in sure your marines will find no lack of hospitality on Dharma until we return."

  "Do you intend to return to face charges, Captain? I can bring them just as easily on Persephone."

  Kord moved up beside Janek and took his arm. "Courtesy," he said softly. "I would not wish to have to silence you."

  Janek folded his arms across his chest, choosing to preserve his dignity. "What of Ronan, Little Mother?" Kord asked.

  What of Ronan indeed. "Our aim is to reach Concordat space as efficiently as possible and deliver him intact to Lord Miklos or his people while preserving the ship's integrity. We'll do whatever is necessary to achieve that end."

  Janek jerked his arm from Kord's grip. "I see," he said. "You have 'rescued' Ronan from what you perceive as a threat to his welfare, and yet you clearly do not trust him. What has happened between you, Captain? What has created such a contradictory perspective?" He took a step toward her. "You have learned something, haven't you? You know how dangerous he is—"

  Kord twisted Janek's arm behind his back. "I warned you," he said. "The captain owes you no explanation."

  "But you'll have to explain sooner or later," Janek said, hissing in pain. "If Ronan has penetrated your shields, everything is at risk."

  Cynara refused to let him see how close he had come to the truth. "On Persephone," she said, "and no sooner. I suggest that you order your marines to maintain their duties and cooperate, or it may be necessary to throw you in the brig." She turned her back and listened for communications from the comlink, but Ronan either had the volume turned very low or he'd shut it off. Dharma had a few in-system ships it could send after the Pegasus, but they would be occupied with the mining operation in the cometary halo and wouldn't be able to reach the wormhole in time.

  Ronan handled the shuttle as if he'd been born to it—no surprise given his skill with the shaauri darter. She didn't interrupt him until the shuttle reached rendezvous orbit with the Pegasus. Then she joined him in the cockpit and hailed the ship, trusting that Adumbe wouldn't question her orders.

  The shuttle bay doors opened without a hitch, and Ronan guided the Thalassa smoothly into its berth. Adumbe and several crewmen were waiting when she and the others disembarked.

  "Captain," Taye said, one brow raised as he noted the number of passengers, "I did not expect your return so soon."

  "I know. I'll have a full explanation for you in the briefing room, once we're under way. Is the Pegasus ready to le
ave orbit?"

  "As you ordered, Captain. I—"

  "Scholar-Commander Adumbe," Janek said, pushing his way forward, "I advise you that Captain D'Accorso has acted in defiance of the Trade Council and has abducted a guest—"

  "Guest?" Kord snorted.

  "—before the debriefing ordered by the Council. It is your clear duty to arrest the captain and return Ronan VelKalevi to Dharman authorities, under my jurisdiction."

  Adumbe's eyebrows rose still higher. "Indeed. I suspected that something had gone very much awry. Nevertheless, I am sure that Captain D'Accorso had excellent motive for her actions," He turned to Cynara. "Ser Janek—"

  "I am to watch him until we reach Persephone," Kord said. "Captain's orders."

  "In that case—yes, Captain D'Accorso, we are ready to depart at your command."

  "Excellent." Cynara suppressed the desire to smile wickedly at Janek. "Lizbet, to the bridge. Ronan, I am confining you to your cabin for the duration of the flight."

  Their gazes met. "Yes, Captain," he said.

  "The same applies to you, Ser Janek," she said. "You will surrender your passcard to Ser O'Deira until we reach the Concordat."

  "You have no right—"

  Kord twisted his arm a little more tightly. Janek went pale. Kord steered his two charges, Ronan cooperative and Janek surly, to the passenger lift. Cynara fell in step with Adumbe and caught the service lift to the bridge.

  "All's well?" she asked.

  "Yes, Captain." His brown eyes sparkled. "I'll be most interested to hear the story behind this daring escapade."

  "Why, Taye—I think you like adventures more than you ever let on." She gripped his shoulder. "I want you to know that I appreciate your loyalty, but if you have any doubts about throwing your lot in with me—"

  "No doubts, Captain. And aside from Toussaint and one or two other Dharman crewmen aboard, I believe I speak for everyone."

  "With Basterra aground, the Dharmans won't make any trouble. I'll be sure to inform the Council that they had no choice in the matter. As for the two marines left on Dharma, I'll deal with that when the time comes. We'll take the strictest security measures to make up for their absence."

  "Janek may file a diplomatic protest on Persephone."

  "Let him. Once I speak to Lord Miklos, I doubt he'll have much to say about it. As for Dharma and the Council—" She shrugged with far more nonchalance than she felt. "I think I'll have enough influence left to recommend you for the captaincy."

  "You anticipate being relieved of command."

  "They were always looking for an excuse, and now they have it. I trust you to do the job, Taye. If necessary, I'll offer my services to the Persephonean Navy."

  "That would be a pity, Captain."

  "And perhaps premature. The universe is full of possibilities."

  They reached the bridge. Lizbet was back at her post, still in civilian clothing. Bendik Toussaint held the weapons console. He stared at Cynara with obvious hostility.

  "If you wish to resign your post, Toussaint," Cynara said, taking the captain's chair, "you may do so without penalty. I will advise the Council that you were an unwilling participant in this action."

  Toussaint lowered his gaze. "We will be passing through the Shaauriat, Captain. You will need all weapons personnel."

  "Yes. But you will either follow my orders without question, or I will dismiss you to quarters."

  "Aye, Captain."

  She put him from her thoughts and called the infirmary to exchange a quick greeting with Dr. Zheng, then accepted status reports from all bridge stations. Taye had everything ready, and it remained only to give the command.

  She did. The Pegasus broke orbit and leaped away from Dharma, grazing the stars with spread wings.

  Home. Space was home as Dharma could never be. And if her doubts and fears about Ronan proved as empty as vacuum, the loss of the Pegasus would be well worth the sacrifice.

  If not… Scylla take it, let that ocean be crossed when she came to it.

  Kord closed the door to the cabin and stood just inside, as grim as Ronan had ever seen him.

  "Well, my Brother?" he asked. "What has happened to make Cynara look at you like the bottom of a dry well?"

  The metaphor was apt. A man from a desert world might well regard an empty well with longing, resentment, and fear, as a human would look upon lost hopes.

  "I'd be sun-blind if I couldn't see what was brewing between you," Kord said, sitting on the edge of Ronan's bunk. "I know—" He glanced at the bulkhead. "I know that you were together at Magnus Jesper's."

  Together. Did Kord truly know what that meant? "We both had lodgings there."

  "And Janek was right, wasn't he? She discovered something about you that alarmed her, even though she was prepared to risk her captaincy to get you away from the Council."

  Ronan sat down beside Kord and clasped his hands between his knees. "It is for Aho'Va to speak of such things as she wills," he said. "I honor her courage and intelligence."

  "Do you? The captain didn't lock you in this cabin without reason." He leaned forward. "Tell me now, Brother. Do you intend harm to her or this ship?"

  Did Kord trust that he would tell the truth, that the blood-bond between them was just as serious a matter to Ronan as it was to the Siroccan? How could he assume so much?

  Yet he was correct. Ronan owed Kord for the escape from Dharma, but there was more to this bond than gratitude. Ronan could not regard it lightly, not even for the sake of his mission.

  "I mean no harm to Cynara," he said, "nor to the crew of the Pegasus."

  "I believe you. But my belief is of no importance. Whatever the captain commands, I must do. I swore loyalty to her as my Watergiver—my clan mother."

  "She honors you greatly."

  "But it is you she has chosen." Kord met his gaze, stark and serious. 'There is a new strain between you, Brother. And it is because you are my brother that I warn you again: Do not hurt her. Do not betray her trust. She doubts herself when she can least afford such distractions." He shook his head. "I know little of these powers of the mind, but this thing you share can either bind you or drive you apart. Do not waste this great gift."

  He rose suddenly and strode for the door. "Remember what I've said, Brother."

  The door sealed behind him—locked, to be opened only by those with explicit permission, or by bearers of the few passcards that bestowed admittance to every part of the ship. Cynara had such a card, and so had Janek before she demanded its surrender. There must be others as well.

  Ronan's conversation with Kord had changed nothing; it had only reminded him of the odds he faced. He must find schematics on the Pegasus's engines or, barring that, a way into the engine room without harming the crew of the Pegasus.

  Seducing Cynara was clearly out of the question, but not because of Kord's warning or even the barriers Cynara had placed between them. The hesitation was in his own heart. He had pushed too hard with her and dared not do so again.

  She was his enemy. She always had been, no matter how much he had pretended otherwise. The pain he felt now was apt punishment for losing sight of the truth. Sihvaaro had told him a thousand times that all suffering was transient, as meaningless in the face of eternity as one Path apart from the others.

  He lay on the bunk, pushing aside the pillows and blankets in favor of the hard, fortifying metal surface. He was still awake when the door opened and Archimedes the cat ran in and leaped onto his chest.

  "I'm sorry," Cynara said in the doorway. "Did I wake you?"

  "No." He gathered Archie into his arms and held the thrumming animal tucked under his chin. His heart had begun to beat very hard. Stroking the cat gave him some measure of control over his disobedient emotions. "You are well, Aho'Va?"

  "Quite well. I thought you might appreciate a little company, and Archie seems to like you." She made an odd, dismissive gesture and smiled. "This isn't likely to be a very interesting voyage for you."

  "I am inter
ested in the fact that you have saved my life, or at least my mind." He scratched Archie between the ears. "How do humans pay such debts?"

  She folded her hands behind her back and leaned against the door. "You don't owe me anything."

  He chose not to pursue that course. "Have we entered shaauri space?"

  "Not yet, but we're approaching the first border crossing. Unless something goes very wrong, we should be able to evade shaauri patrols and make an uneventful run." She cleared her throat. "When this is over—" She looked at him, skin taut and pale. "If you join us, I hope that we can remain friends."

  Friends, that odd and very human word. He set Archie down and stood. Cynara tensed.

  "I know you no longer trust me," he said. "I understand. Because of you, my mind has reawakened and I cannot yet master it. I also know what you may have given up for my sake. Whatever the future holds, I will never forget."

  "Neither will I. Not as long as I live."

  Though she guarded her mind, her feelings washed over him, mingling with his own so violently that he found it necessary to lean back against the bulkhead.

  Cynara pounded the door lock with her fist. She was halfway into the corridor before she stopped.

  "Swear to me, Ronan," she said in a whisper. "Swear that you will make no attempts to enter my mind."

  What she asked was impossible, as desperate and hopeless as a ne'lin's challenge for First. Yet she waited for his answer. Waited, as if she believed she, like Kord, could still trust his word.

  "I swear," he said. "I will not try to enter your mind without permission."

  She turned her head, and he caught a glimpse of her distress. Then she was gone.

  In the silence of the cabin, Ronan began to shake. Archie's rubbing and kneading offered little comfort.

  There was no day or night on the Pegasus. Ronan felt the ship's vibrations change when it entered and exited a wormhole, or engaged the mysterious alien drive. No alarms sounded, nor indications of shaauri interference or pursuit.