Zahra Unveiled

by Trace Komoros

  I looked down at them. “Yes. They’re the ones that caught my attention when I looked at everything on the unfinished weapons rack.” A wry smile crossed my lips. “Although I didn’t expect to donate blood when I picked them up.”

  She nodded sharply. “Then there’s no question they’re now yours since blood incorporated into the metal is what biometrically seals them to you.” She extended a hand. “I’ll finish them now if you’ll hand them over.”

  I stayed nearby although a safe distance away as Sari heated the first blade in the forge then brought it over to the anvil to put the final edge on it. Her hammer moved with speed and precision as the orange-white glow slowly lessened in intensity. When she was satisfied, she dunked it into a trough of water to quench it. Steam rose, and the water bubbled as the hot metal hissed then rapidly cooled. She drew it out of the water when it was quenched and laid it on a nearby workbench. “We’ll give it the final polish after I’ve finished the other blade.”

  Once both daggers were ready to be polished, Sari motioned for me to step back then brought up a shield. I soon understood why as miniscule slivers of flying metal adhered to it as she brought both weapons to a razor-edged reflective shine. When she was done and had cleaned and buffed them with a soft cloth, she laid them on a piece of black velvet and formally presented them to me.

  I picked them up and immediately felt a difference. They somehow fit in my hands even better than before, as though their balance or grip had subtly altered in the final steps. Sari nodded. “The seal is true. Not that I expected anything less.” She looked at me quizzically. “You were remarkably calm about being sliced earlier. Why?”

  I shrugged. “Instinct. Just like the one that had me reach for those daggers out of all the weapons on the rack.”

  She nodded, a speculative look in her eyes. “Interesting. I’ll have to keep that in mind for anything I craft for you.” She gestured to the daggers, then to one of my legs. “Gently press a dagger lengthwise against the outside of your thigh just above your boot, then slide it down as though into a sheath.”

  I did as directed and was astonished when all but the pommel nut disappeared without touching my skin. I repeated the process on the other leg, still marveling. “How is it doing this?”

  She smiled. “Hidden sheaths in your boots. By the time I designed this set, I had a feeling you’d need them. Your other armor can easily be adapted to include them.”

  “Well, shit. If I’d known that was possible, I’d have asked for that on my formal gown. I could’ve stuck my collapsible baton in it on the night of the Fête instead of up my damn sleeve.” I grimaced. “That wasn’t exactly the most comfortable or hidden location.”

  She laughed again. “If I’d known you carried that before I made your gown, I’d have added a sleeve sheath for it.”

  I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m just grumbling. Lumi didn’t know I carried one, so she couldn’t have told you.”

  “Ah, but I should’ve spotted it when you came in for your first fitting and adjusted the design then.”

  I grinned. “Don’t beat yourself up. I wasn’t carrying it then. I’d put it on the counter when I got back from Zatler’s Park and didn’t have a chance to grab it when Lumi all but dragged me out of my house.”

  Sari shook her head. “There’s so much about that statement that’s just plain wrong. Do I need to give you a refresher course about being unarmed?”

  “No, you do not. You might recall I wasn’t unarmed that day—it just wasn’t that particular weapon.”

  “Ah. True. Very well, lecture withheld. I want to modify your armor to include a sheath for it, though, since you handle it well and there are times when it’s far better to use that instead of your daggers or other edged weapons.”

  “Both of my other sets are in the closet in my room. Let me know when you want to work on them, and what the charges are.”

  She considered me for a moment. “We need to work up a set of stealth armor for you, for official business. Why don’t you bring the other sets with you when we do the fitting? It won’t take long to make the modifications.”

  “Sounds good.”

  JUST THEN, THE DIAGNOSTIC unit insistently beeped. A scrolling message flashed on the screen: Nanite behaviors modified. Drug screening initiated based on recent biochemical alterations to wearer’s baseline profile. Open wound sealing: Active. Drug screening and antidote delivery: Active. Limitations on antidote delivery apply.

  “Umm, Sari? Didn’t you say my nanites were programmed to seal open wounds and that was it?”

  “Yes. That’s all they should be able to do.” Sari rapidly scrolled through lines of code. “I’d blocked any further abilities since they weren’t yet fully field-tested to my satisfaction.” She stopped scrolling and stared at the screen for long moments. “It seems they found a way around it and have progressed to the next step.”

  She looked up and held my gaze. “You’ve gained some of the protection I wanted but didn’t think I could deliver this soon.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Zahra

  AFTER THAT REVELATION, it was almost anticlimactic to learn that I did indeed have some unusual marker traits in my blood. There were remnants of the drug cocktail I’d been shot up with, as well, which probably helped explain why I still felt like I couldn’t shield myself enough to keep all the emotions around me toned down to a comfortable level. Luckily for me, Sari was very self-contained in that regard although even she was “louder” than usual.

  I was idly wondering about where she’d learned that skill as she sent a copy of the diagnostic report to her wrist unit and shut the machine down. When she turned to face me, the words came out unbidden: “How did you learn to shield like that?”

  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Physical shields are standard teaching.”

  “No, not that. Sorry. I should’ve been more specific. I meant to shield your emotions. I can pick up a few at the moment, especially if you have a strong reaction to something, but otherwise, I can’t pick up much more than a sense of your presence. How are you doing that? And is it something I can learn?”

  “Ah.” Her face settled back into its usual smooth façade as her confusion cleared. “Part of it is that I have natural shields, meaning they occur without any conscious effort on my part and are always up. The other part is that I was taught at a very young age how to layer more shields over them until my presence is nearly undetectable by all but the strongest empaths and telepaths.” She shot me a knowing look. “Which it seems you might eventually become, although we’ll have to see what happens when the Zytoclastine wears off.”

  “Damn. So, I guess that means I can’t learn that kind of shielding, huh?”

  “The natural ones? No, those you’re either born with or develop at a very early age. The others, yes, you could and should learn them. Layered shields are often one of your best defenses against a variety of attacks. However, you’ll need someone other than me to teach you—preferably another empath and telepath who’s skilled in using them that way. Healer Mithrae can teach you the basics and probably a trick or two for slipping past others’ shields in an emergency or threat situation, but you need someone who’s used them in combat to teach you the more sophisticated applications.”

  I mulled this over as we headed back toward the doorway to the stairs. As much as I knew Sari was right, and I wanted to learn, there was the small problem that I didn’t know anyone other than the healer who was an empath, telepath, or both. Those abilities weren’t typical on Stratis.

  I filed that thought away to be addressed later as we started up the stairs. We’d reached the first of the landings when Sari stopped, half-turned to face me and lightly touched my hand. “We’ll figure it out, Zahra. I may not have all the answers, but I know where to look. In the meantime, try to relax before you give yourself another tension headache.” A mischievous grin crossed her face. “Although I’d be happy to help you get rid of it if one occurs
. Lumi might not forgive you if she misses yet another chance, though, and I’m sure Gavin would have something to say on the subject as well.”

  Heat flared across my cheekbones at both her teasing and the thought of all four of us tangled up together. I wasn’t entirely sure if I was ready for that much at once, but damn, was the idea suggestive. Sari chuckled at the look on my face then continued up the stairs.

  “It will happen, Zahra. And you’ll love every minute of it when it does.”

  WE REACHED THE LANDING for Sari’s living quarters, exited the stairwell, and walked through the hallway into her living room. It wasn’t long after we’d settled onto opposite ends of the couch with drinks in hand when Gavin walked in from the bedroom hallway. He stopped in his tracks and whistled long and low at my armor before he walked over and motioned for me to make room for him next to the armrest, then sat and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

  I was amused when he stole my drink long enough to take a quick sip then made a face as he handed it back.

  “What the hell is that stuff?”

  Sari chuckled along with me at his reaction.

  “It’s raspberry green tea, Gavin. Non-alcoholic, since I still have some of the drugs in my system. Although I’d much rather have something considerably stronger.”

  He gave me a quick one-armed squeeze. “I bet you would. You’ve had a hell of a time the past couple of days. You still have some of the drugs in your system?”

  I flicked a glance at Sari, asking with a raised eyebrow if it was acceptable to tell him about the tests. She nodded.

  “Yes, some tests Sari and I ran a little while ago confirmed it.”

  He sucked in a breath then addressed Sari. “You took her to your lab?”

  She nodded again. “Yes. There were some things she and I needed to address, and the lab was the best place to do so.”

  He tensed beside me, and I laid a hand on his leg. “It’s fine, Gavin. Truly. We discovered some answers I needed.”

  He relaxed minutely. “Answers are good. At least, I hope they were good. I’d love to know what they were, along with the questions that sent you both to the lab in the first place.”

  “Let’s wait for Lumi, and then we can discuss everything over dinner. She should arrive soon.”

  Right on cue, my stomach grumbled loudly enough for both of them to hear it.

  Gavin laughed. “That settles it! Even I know better than to argue with that kind of statement.”

  I gently elbowed him in the ribs. “Hey, now! Neither of you thought to feed me while we met with Healer Mithrae, and still didn’t feed me once here. Can you blame my stomach for complaining?”

  Sari snickered. “Yes, Gavin, can you? Especially since I doubt Zahra got all that much rest between when we arrived and when she and I went to the lab.”

  Heat blazed from Gavin as though he’d spontaneously combusted, although no sign of it showed on his face. I quickly realized it was arousal at the memories of what we’d shared, and his desire to do that and more as soon as possible.

  ::Easy, Gavin. Business first, more pleasure second.::

  ::Spoilsport. Why not both at once?::

  ::Because I’m too hungry for food to indulge in more playtime before dinner.:: I stuck my tongue out at him mentally.

  A soft, subtle chime vibrated through the air just then, as Lumi walked in from the front entrance hallway. “Hi, everyone! Sari, is dinner ready? I’m famished. Zahra, whoa, when did you get that hot little—emphasis on the little—number? And did you finally tame this big lug and induct him into our group properly? Please tell me you did, because I’m dying for all four of us to play together. Gavin, good to see you again.”

  Her rapid-fire greetings and questions were difficult to parse at first. The look of shock on Gavin’s face when he realized what she’d asked me was priceless—I burst into uncontrollable laughter.

  ::Did she really ask that?::

  ::Yep, she did, Gavin. Be lucky she didn’t try to use the name she wants to call us by.::

  ::Dare I ask?::

  ::You don’t want to know. Trust me.::

  His curiosity beat at my shields, but I didn’t say another word about it.

  SHORTLY AFTER THAT, Sari led us into the dining room and gestured for us to sit at the table, already set with dinnerware for four, while she continued to what I presumed was the kitchen. Moments later she returned, a basket of warm rolls with a small dish of butter balanced atop it in one hand, and a compact, divided caddy that held an assortment of jams and honey in the other. She set them on the table within easy reach, then went back to the kitchen.

  The side dishes came out next: chunks of sweet potato topped with a brown-sugar-and-cinnamon glaze in one bowl, green beans in another bowl balanced on Sari’s arm, and multi-colored corn niblets in the third. She set these down as well and assured us she didn’t need help when we asked.

  Her next trip into the kitchen produced the main course, which turned out to be a delicious-smelling spiral-carved ham. Slices of baked pineapple lay in an overlapping pattern on one end of the platter.

  The air was redolent with the smell of good food, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Sari didn’t stand on ceremony. “Help yourselves.”

  The next few minutes passed quietly. The only conversation was when we asked for or offered dishes to be passed around. Gavin became the de facto ham server since the platter and fork were closest to him. When he put a single piece on my plate, I gestured for more.

  “Grumbling stomach, remember?”

  He laughed and added a second. “Better?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  I grabbed a roll from the basket, split it open and generously buttered it, then took the first bite of its soft, light goodness. I sighed in contentment after I’d swallowed. After I finished it, I tucked into the ham and veggies with thorough enjoyment. Flavors danced and burst across my taste buds, and I quickly worked my way through most of what was on my plate. Soon after that, my plate was clean, and I was trying to decide what I wanted for seconds.

  “Help yourself, Zahra. You’ve burned a lot of energy lately, more than I think you realize. Just make sure you save room for dessert.”

  I paused mid-reach and pounced on the one word in Sari’s comment that caught my attention. “Dessert?”

  She chuckled. “Yes, dessert. Something I hope everyone here will enjoy.”

  Lumi groaned. “Oh, gods. I’m already too full to think about dessert. Next time, maybe warn us before we do our best to decimate this much food?”

  Gavin nodded vigorously in agreement but waited until he’d finished his mouthful to speak. “I’m all for dessert, but maybe later?”

  Sari pouted, but it was all in fun. “I guess that means we need to spring Zahra from the healers overnight, then. Hopefully, Healer Mithrae agrees.”

  Lumi grinned. “Bribe him with this meal and dessert, and he’d probably agree to monitor her here.” She paused. “On second thought... Maybe we should arrange to get in touch with him if something goes pear-shaped, instead. I’m not sure he wants to know about anything that happens after hours.” Her smile turned decidedly wicked.

  I laughed, a sensuously mischievous ripple of sound. Gavin’s eyes snapped toward me, and Sari’s expression turned speculative as I teased Lumi, “Are you asking for trouble, little girl? Because I can make that happen.” I held her gaze in a silent challenge to either accept or shut up.

  Her chin took on a familiar, stubborn little tilt as she sassed back, “Bring it, girlfriend. I can handle anything you dish out.”

  Sari’s throaty laughter added to the sexual tension that rapidly built around us. “Remember you said that, Lumi, when you’re begging later on. I doubt Zahra will go easy on you after that bold claim.”

  I glanced sidelong at Gavin just in time to see his eyes go wide, then narrow speculatively. ::Is this a ladies-only event, or may gentlemen join the fun?::

  I didn’t even try to tone down my heightened emot
ions or the visuals that accompanied them as I let it all sweep over him. :: Your participation is not only wanted but planned on.::

  His green eyes were now half-closed, but I saw them through his dark lashes as he stared assessingly at Lumi, who squirmed in her chair. ::Does she know what she’s getting into?::

  ::She knows, and wants it.::

  His eyes snapped to mine. ::You’re sure?::

  ::Positive. She’s asked.::

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Zahra

  AFTER WE FINISHED DINNER, it was time to head back to the house of healing and our next discussion with Healer Mithrae. While the four of us hadn’t talked as intended about what Sari and I learned in her lab, the short break from the questions that tumbled incessantly through my head helped restore a measure of my equilibrium. Plus, it meant I wouldn’t need to go through it all again to bring the healer up to speed.

  We walked down the hall toward the portal. Shortly before we reached it, Sari glanced at her wrist holo and frowned. She tapped a quick reply as her frown deepened and faint worry lines appeared on her forehead. “Zahra, do you think you can sense and then speak to Healer Mithrae from here? He asks if you would please try.”

  Something in Sari’s voice was off, but I couldn’t identify what. On the surface, his request matched the type of testing he’d ask me to undertake after what had happened with Manaqui. I decided to treat it as precisely that although a faint thread of unease ran through me.

  “Sure, but let’s stop here while I do. I’m not sure if proximity to the portal will affect me or not, so I’d rather leave that variable out for now.”