Flower Readings

by Lilliana Rose

“Oi,” said the man. He stood with his hands on his hips and glared at Braklen. His unshaven face looked intimidating and he reeked of sweat and oil.

  “Sorry, here let me help.” Braklen let go of Triena’s hand and bent down to pick up the crate.

  “Careful.” The man bent down to Braklen.

  Both men paused looking at each other and Triena waited for them to break out into a fight. I knew I should’ve carried the pack. She felt her strength returning as she became used to the pain.

  “You looking for a ship?”

  Braklen gave a sharp nod.

  “Both of you?”

  “Yeah.” Braklen picked up the box and gave it to the man. “You flexible?”

  “Sure.”

  “Where you at?”

  “Dock nine. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Right, you are then.”

  The man picked up the crate and walked off quickly.

  “Come on. This way.” Braklen took hold of Triena’s arm.

  She resisted and pulled back hard. “But, we’ve got to get a healer for the rabbit.”

  “It’s a miracle we haven’t been found so far. There are people everywhere. If we want to help the rabbit, the best thing we can do is to get out of here.”

  “No.” She leaned backwards making it difficult for Braklen to pull her forward.

  “Make a scene and someone will recognise us. People are already looking.” His blue eyes glowed with a cool anger that chilled Triena.

  “I can’t. I need my rabbit alive.”

  He let go of her arm. “Fine then. Have it your way.” He strode away, quickly.

  “No.” Triena’s arm throbbed straight away. It didn’t take long for the chip to awaken and fire bolts of electricity, which were becoming more intense every second. I’m not going. She felt her resolve weaken. She knew she didn’t have the strength against the chip. She’d tried this once before and it didn’t work.

  Don’t be such an arse.

  Rabbit?

  Move, you idiot. He can help you.

  She began walking in the direction Braklen went. The pain wasn’t reduced and she forced herself to walk quicker. Her vision blurred and she bumped into people.

  “Drunk whore, watch it.”

  She ignored the insults and fought against the pain, knowing the aching would subside when she drew closer to Braklen. It was difficult. Even though she’d just heard the rabbit speak, his energy was so weak she wasn’t convinced he’d be all right. Braklen’s going to get an earful for lying to me. Like hell, he was ever going to get a healer.

  He’s right.

  Bloody rabbit. There wasn’t any anger in the thought she sent out. She was relieved, but still worried. It’s because you’re male. That’s why you are so bloody difficult. Triena was glad the rabbit was at least able to talk.

  You can heal me anyway.

  Conserve your energy. The pain weakened and it was as if the chip was withdrawing its claws and she gained her strength. She still couldn’t see Braklen. The people at this end of the dock looked rougher. She shivered from the way some of the men looked at her.

  “I can help you make some money.” One man spoke close to her head and she smelled his rotting breath. Triena tried to walk faster, but she was exhausted. The stinking man followed her.

  “Fuck off,” she said, not bothering to look at him. Braklen? She’d lost count of the docking stations and didn’t know what number this was. The public lights weren’t working and there weren’t any signs. She clenched her fists and forced herself to move instead of standing still. I’m going to kill Braklen when I see him. How dare he leave me like this?

  “Come on, you look like you need some money. I’ll be gentle with you.” He grabbed her arm. Triena spun around and slapped him in the face.

  “Well, if you like it rough, I can do that too.” He tightened his grip on her arm. She hit him again but he wouldn’t let go.

  “Leave her alone.” The man who had been carrying the crate walked up to the man.

  “Finders keepers, Kenti.”

  “Let her go, shit face, or I’ll gut you.” Kenti held up a small knife.

  It didn’t look much and Triena didn’t think it was really going to be convincing. Her heart ached, it was beating so quick. The man didn’t let her go. Kenti flicked the knife and it glowed, a light blue as if it was a burning hot flame.

  “Sorry Kenti, didn’t know that she was yours.” He let her go and ran off behind them.

  “Lotta scum down this end of the docks. Not safe for you to be wandering around.”

  “Wasn’t intentional.” She looked at the knife as he flicked it again and it looked ordinary, like a simple small blade barely useful for cooking.

  “You should get one of these.” He put the knife back in a sheaf in his belt. “Burning hot they are, would’ve cut that bastard up without an effort.”

  “Really?” Triena swallowed hard, trying to keep calm. How is this better than being caught by the Peacekeepers?

  “Come on, I’ll show you my ship. I hope you guys can pay, with money that is.” He turned and walked away.

  Not wanting to be left alone with the riff-raff lurking around this end of the docks, Triena made sure she followed him closely. She tried not to worry about the fact they didn’t have any money. How far away is Inite anyway? She couldn’t remember. More than we can afford I’m sure.

  “Your bloke shouldn’t have left you alone,” said Kenti.

  Triena didn’t say anything. She looked at the man. He didn’t look much more respectable than the guy who just tried to take her. At least he doesn’t smell like rotting meat. He wore a mix of woollen and synthetic trousers, plain brown shirt, and a leather vest. Smart clothing for a trading man, more so than what the men wore back in Oberon. She looked closer, the clothes had been repaired a lot, there were lots of patches, but at least they were from the same material, material that would keep you warm or cool, whatever was needed in the environment you were in. Even though he just saved her from something most terrible and unthinkable, she didn’t think this was a man she wanted to trust. Ever.

  “Lucky I came along, and have some honor.” He sauntered as if the ground was moving. “There’s your man. Look like he had no trouble finding the ship.” He tipped his black cap at Braklen as he walked up to him. “Found something of yours.”

  “Thanks.”

  Triena gave Braklen one of the coldest stares she could muster as she walked past him.

  “This way, people. Into my office.”

  They followed Kenti over the metal plank into the back of a small ship that looked more like an insect than something capable of flying in space.

  I don’t think I can trust this bit of machinery. Triena began to feel off balance.

  “Don’t tell me you’re prone to getting space-sick.” Kenti went up a series of metal gangway stairs, to his right and opened up a door.

  “How do you know that?” asked Braklen as he bought up the rear.

  “Been taking passengers for a long time. I know these things.” He held out his hand to signal for them to pass him into the room.

  “She’s already looking green.”

  “Am not.” Triena sat down quickly on a chair in the room, before the swaying caused her to stumble. “I’m perfectly fine.”

  “Don’t worry, I make some great Quem tea.” Kenti patted her on the shoulder as he walked past. “I’ve been out here too long for you to fool me.” He sat down on a chair behind a small metal table. It had a small computer tablet built into the table and he pressed the screen. “So where do you want to go?”

  “Inite,” said Triena, determined to take control of the situation.

  Braklen stood behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Or somewhere close by. You know we can’t really decide.”

  “Inite. No other options.”

  Braklen began massaging her shoulders. “Calm down, dear. Remember we agreed I will do the negotiations.”

>   She tried to slap his hands away, but he ignored her and kept kneading his fingers in her neck muscles. Triena tried to resist his touch. That feels good, too good.

  “You are so tense, dear.”

  “I love a woman who is direct with what they want,” said Kenti. “So Inite it is. Long trip. Expensive.”

  “And we need a healer.”

  “No healer on this ship. Just me and basic crew.”

  “That’s fine. It’s the passage we want. A healer would just be a bonus,” said Braklen. “I’m sure Tri would be able to make do.”

  Triena bit her lip. Could I? The massage was working. She found it hard to concentrate. Clouds of tension left her body as her muscles relaxed under Braklen’s touch.

  “Not easy getting a healer to go on ships, they like to stay put in the bigger cities on the more populated planets. Besides, those who travel out further, well let’s just say you shouldn’t really trust them.” He tapped away at the screen, a green glow reflected on his face. “You can pay?”

  Braklen stopped massaging. “A little.”

  “I want cash.”

  “We’ve got chips.”

  “Let me see them.”

  Braklen hesitated, before reaching into his pocket and took out a chip. He handed it over. “Don’t try anything funny.”

  Kenti took the chips and slotted them into a gap in the table. He tapped on the screen as he let out a long whistle. “Wow, you’ve been mixing with the big boys huh.”

  “I’m sure that will be enough for our passage,” said Braklen. He kept massaging Triena’s shoulders. Her body swayed with the movement of his fingers.

  “Not quite.”

  “Fuck the Queens, there’s no need to try and rob us.”

  “Chip’s out on the blacklist. I can’t use it.” He took out the chip and handed it back to Braklen.

  “I’m sure you could break the codes on the chip and use the money,” said Triena.

  “Not me. That’s not where my skill is.”

  Braklen took the chip and put it back in his pocket. “Try this one.”

  Kenti inserted the chip. “Well, you two are very rich, that is if you could actually access this money.”

  “Fuck the Queens,” said Braklen.

  “So I’m assuming you can’t pay. What a shame, I would’ve liked to go out to Inite.” He handed back the chip and stood up.

  “I could work my wage on the ship,” said Braklen.

  “I’m sure you could, but I’ve hired men already. I’m not sure I’ve got enough work for you for such a long journey. Besides how is she going to work?” He looked at Triena. “Other than the obvious way, flat on her back. Now the men would like that. She could almost pay for both of you, depending on how good she is. Reckon the men would keep coming back for more.”

  “No,” said Braklen before Triena could answer.

  “I don’t see any other options.”

  Triena thought about the vials on her, but her arms felt heavy as if they had suddenly changed to lead. It wasn’t right to trade something so powerful. Especially not to him.

  “Well I want off this planet in thirty minutes, and I want to try and find paying passengers, but I guess sometimes you just have to cut your losses.” He moved around the table and went to the door.

  Braklen turned and followed him. Triena sat on the chair, unmoving, her neck muscles tingling with pleasure. She didn’t want to leave. Even though she was angry with Braklen for lying, and the lack of a healer on this ship, she wanted to stay.

  Triena looked into the Energy and felt no resistance. It was like she floated in water and the way was clear. The energy patterns were positive for them to stay. But how? Without money we’re fucked.

  “Triena, come on. We got to find another option.” Braklen stood at the door. His shoulders slumped forward despite carrying the pack.

  “You’re Triena?” asked Kenti.

  Triena nodded.

  “I’ve heard of you, maybe.” His forehead wrinkled and he rubbed his chin.

  Triena held her breath. Please don’t recognise me now.

  “I’m sure you haven’t,” said Braklen. “We’re sorry to have wasted your time. We’re going now.”

  Triena stood up. “Yes, we’re going.” She didn’t care how positive the energy was, she couldn’t risk staying with Kenti. If he recognised them and called the Peacekeepers, then that would be a step backwards. I’ve risked too much to go backwards. She thought of the rabbit. I’ve got to help him now. She knew his energy faded and she needed to act, to keep him alive until they found a healer.

  “You from Oberon?” asked Kenti.

  Triena looked at the man, trying to keep her face blank. This is it. She waited for him to pull out a weapon.

  “We’re going,” said Braklen and he stepped out the door. Triena didn’t follow him.

  “You run a tea room there and give readings.”

  Triena nodded.

  “Why didn’t you say so?”

  Triena felt a sickening knot form in her body. Maybe I should kick him in the groin and run? She stepped back, trying to get some leg-room.

  “Would you do a reading for me?”

  “What?” Triena stared at the man.

  “I’ll give you both passage, but he’ll have to do some odd jobs around the place, work off your food.”

  Fuck the Queens. A reading would be a great trade if the people I did readings for weren’t ending up dead. The knot in her stomach tightened.

  “I’ve heard of you. Been meaning to come for a visit, but hey, you’ve lived in Oberon. I’m sure you wouldn’t hold it against me for not wanting to turn up there.”

  Triena didn’t move. Her vision blurred and she tried to blink back her focus. Bad idea, bad idea.

  “Great idea,” said Braklen coming back into the room.

  Yep, I’m going to kill him. Her anger softened as he walked passed her. There was something about him, something in his aura that drew her to him. She knew she couldn’t kill him.

  “Right then, let’s get started.” Kenti walked back into the room. He pulled a kettle out from a cupboard at the back of the room and set it to boil as he searched around for cups. “How many cups do I need?”

  “Shouldn’t we worry about leaving first?” asked Braklen.

  “I reckon I’ll get a reading first, because then if I don’t like it, I’ll kick you off. If it’s really bad, I’ll call the Peacekeepers. I’m sure they will want to know about the chips you’re carrying.” He stood up holding two cups.

  “No, I can’t agree to this,” said Braklen.

  Triena’s mouth went dry, her mind blank. I don’t want to kill him. I don’t want to kill anyone. The parcel under her shirt began to burn into her skin. She tried to ignore the heat growing in intensity.

  “But, then it’s probably something else they really want from you.” He set two cups down on the table. “Will it be better if your man waited outside?”

  “I’m not leaving her alone with you.”

  “Maybe I should get a third cup. I think that’s what my mate, Dek, told me. You got him to drink three different teas.”

  “There’s not enough time,” said Braklen.

  It’s burning me.

  “Plenty of time. Who cares if we leave tomorrow?”

  “We don’t have any dried flowers.”

  “I’m sure you do. I don’t think Triena would choose to travel without them.”

  “You don’t know that.” Braklen’s face reddened with anger. “I’ll go find another ship, I want to leave now.”

  The parcel burned into her skin and she tried to not move it. She didn’t want him to know she had flowers.

  “Well then, Triena, let’s start now.” The kettle whistled as it boiled.

  She couldn’t take it anymore. She reached under her shirt and pulled out the parcel. Straight away she felt her skin cool and the relief spread all over her body.

  “What if I kill you?” She sm
iled.

  Kenti laughed. “Not heard that in any rumors. Besides you don’t look scary to me.”

  You have no idea. A new knot formed in her stomach. What if I do kill him? There’s a limit to how many people we can run from.

  “We’ll take your ship then,” said Braklen.

  “Fine. I won’t care if I’m dead. But, I do have friends who would come after you. Friends who would make the Peacekeepers look friendly.” He smiled as he sat down with the kettle in front of him. “I reckon we have about ten minutes.”

  Not enough time. But, Triena sat down opposite Kenti. He doesn’t know that, I guess. “Well, then let’s get started.”

  She unwrapped the brown greasy paper. There was a collection of dried flowers in half a dozen folded pieces of paper. The old man did his job and kept the flower buds separate.

  Triena lined up the packages held her hand over them, closing her eyes and feeling each one with her energy while trying to forget about her rabbit. Her muscles contracted in her palm, painfully so. She opened her eyes and picked out one dried ball, Blood Drop, non-poisonous with a metallic taste, and dropped it into a red striped cup. “Past.”

  She returned her aching hand over the dried flowers. We probably won’t need the others. Whatever that was, I’m sure it’s going to kill him.

  Triena made herself concentrate to use the energy. She didn’t want to taint the reading, but she was tempted. The readings she did normally took at least an hour. She felt out of alignment because she hadn’t gone through the usual ritual of preparing for the reading. I hope it doesn’t affect the reading.

  It was like imaginary teeth gripped the soft skin in her palm, Black Widow. “Present.” He’s not going to like this reading. She dropped a different dried bud into chipped mug. Black Widow usually bought a haunting message by surfacing a memory long buried.

  A burning heat told Triena she had found the final bud and she dropped it into a tiny cup that’s handle had broken off. “Future.” Angel Snow, harmless enough.

  She wrapped the flowers in the paper and put it back down her top. The package no longer burned her skin. She didn’t like this new way the energy communicated with her.

  “You got a lot riding on this” Kenti looked way too relaxed for Triena’s liking.

  “Ready?” It was part of the process. She needed his absolute permission to ensure she did an accurate reading for him.