“That’s a big ‘might.’”
“If the two of you are granted the time—and patience—to get to know each other, I believe you’ll be in for a few surprises.”
“Then it won’t happen. He needs to send me home.”
* * *
Jape landed his dartwing in front of the enforcement dome to find he had to face a female more unreasonable than Velia. His stomachs roiled to see the regal Ehar waiting among the tall grasses beside her shuttle.
“Didn’t you speak to her last night? Does she expect a report on Velia already?” Arga whispered. They approached the tall woman, who stood as straight and unmoving as a containment pole.
“Save yourself. Greet her and go inside,” Jape muttered, plucking the one shred of humor he could for Arga’s sake. And his own dignity.
“That bad? Good luck, then.”
Ehar’s acknowledgment and well-wishes for Arga were polite, and he responded respectfully before making his excuses and hurrying into the dome. With his exit allowing Jape to save face, the head enforcer forgave him for setting Retav on his case that morning.
Maybe if I play nice, he’ll coax his guardian to distract Ehar as well.
For the moment, Jape had to deal with her himself. She got to the point.
“You took her to your home.”
She must have set that spy on him. Jape tamped down on the anger awakened by her distrust. “It seemed wise. I could keep her under personal watch and ask my questions in surroundings she found less intimidating.”
“Did the interrogation offer any useful information?”
“Not really.” Not to Ehar anyway. She would not be interested in why Velia became an engineer or that her father had seen drones.
She damned well wouldn’t want to hear about emotional connections forged for the purpose of sex. Ehar’s vow of celibacy was well known.
“Then you must be done with her. Send her back immediately. Destroy her people’s portal access.”
Jape bristled at the clipped demand. “As I told you, Head Elder, it’s too soon. It will take a few days for the excitement to calm on the Earth side of the vortex, for them to let their guard down again.”
“It’s not something else? Earthling females have proven irresistible to other Risnarish men. I hope you are not falling into such a trap.”
Was she threatened by Velia’s presence? That made no sense. Ehar was too far above such pettiness. Of all the women, she was rumored to be the most determined to reach a perfect state with the All-Spirit. Her ambition to achieve absolute enlightenment while still alive was lauded by many. Ehar was the epitome of her gender.
It was easy to feel like a lower animal in her presence. Jape wondered if she didn’t regard him with derision, if she regarded him with anything at all. He fought to not sound defensive.
“My only objective is to keep Risnar safe. From the Monsuda and how they might use Earthlings against us.” And to make sure no more warriors died on his watch.
“I have been contemplating the matter all night, and I believe I have detected an error in your neglect to finish the assignment.”
His neglect? Jape hid his hands behind his back so she couldn’t see him form fists. He gripped tight, fighting against the white-hot rage that wished to rail against her coldness. “What error?”
“The Earthlings may send in a rescue after the woman. Who’s to say they won’t come to Risnar in full force, striking against us?”
“Velia says the Monsuda have not instructed them on the operation of the portal. The Earthlings have been told they need to earn that right. All they have are observations and guesswork, and they aren’t ready to risk lives to confirm any of it.”
“And you believe her?” Ehar’s tone didn’t express derision. It didn’t have to.
Jape had no problem telling only a partial truth. “Based on the reports by Anneliese Thompson on the Earthling’s capabilities, my warriors and I are ready for any scenarios involving such an attack force. You have nothing to worry about.”
“I have our village to worry about, Jape Bolep. I have our peace and tranquility to consider, which the Earthlings have proven to be a danger to. I cannot wait on the Assembly to finish their plans to destroy all the portals at one time.”
Treachery. Mutiny. What Ehar demanded was at odds with the way Risnarish lived, in opposition to the ruling Assembly. Guilt assaulted Jape, but names began chanting in his head, demanding justice.
Lan, Duhon, Serek, Mun, Amoth, Beroot...
“I wait only to guarantee the next attempt’s success,” Jape said.
“I want the Earthling returned as soon as possible. I want the portal connecting Cas to Earth destroyed.”
“As do I.” On that final point, they could agree.
Ehar turned away from him, swinging open the door to the enclosed cockpit of her shuttle. Just as Jape thought the encounter was done and he could relax, she gazed at him over her shoulder. “Do not make me regret leaving you in charge. I will not abide another Earthling permanently on this planet. Especially not in my village.”
She left him seething. It took Jape several minutes before he was calm enough to enter the enforcement dome.
His men paused in their work to greet him and then resumed their tasks. Jape went to his usual workstation. He stared at the computer podium before him, not seeing it.
“Was Ehar hard to take?”
Jape jerked out of his reverie at Arga’s quiet voice. He looked at the man standing beside him.
“She’s not glad Velia is here.”
Arga’s eyes narrowed. “Even though Velia’s information might be useful? What did Ehar send you to Earth for, if not to gather such?”
Jape started. It was on his lips to deny Ehar had been behind his trip to the alien portal, but his reaction had been too obvious. His ears flattened. “Damn it, how did you know?”
“You went without official authorization. You should have been removed from your position for such an infraction, yet that hasn’t happened. Most telling, the council has not convened to deal with your use of the portal and abduction of an Earthling.”
Jape drew himself up. “Ehar and a small portion of the council asked me to conduct secret surveillance of the Earthside access.”
“Not the whole council, though. Perhaps only those who were censured for their treatment of Anneliese a few weeks ago?” Concern radiated from Arga. “I’m guessing the Assembly is not aware of this either.”
“As I said, it is a secret effort. We’re gathering intelligence on whether the Earthlings plan to attack us on the Monsuda’s behalf.”
“The Assembly should be notified of what Ehar’s having you do. It puts you and Velia in a dangerous situation. More importantly, it may affect the war council’s plans to attack all the portals at once.”
Jape didn’t want to defend the head elder, but he had his own mission to accomplish. By figuring out a portion of what had happened, Arga put that in jeopardy. “Ehar is trying to keep us safe. The Earthling military is against us, Arga. Whether they’ve been tricked or are going into it with their eyes open, they are not our allies.”
“Then why not try what Velia suggests? Why is it so unreasonable to discuss it with the leaders on her world?”
“Anneliese warned that they might be invested in the Monsuda for their own gain. If there is an Earthling I trust, it is her. She says her history is rife with those greedy for power, who don’t care about the good of the population.”
Arga was as relentless as Jape’s unintended guest. “Anneliese offered no proof the Earthlings wouldn’t change their minds if they discovered the truth about the Monsuda. Why not give them that chance? Velia is willing.”
“Velia could be wrong.” Jape realized his voice had risen as the other men in the wide space glanced at him and Arga. He whispered again, “She is
blind to any corruption present in her leaders. Her loyalty is entrenched, and she will use any excuse to justify that.”
“As you search for any excuse to absolve your guilt over the dead?”
Jape stared at Arga. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t come up with an argument to refute his temporary second.
Arga’s expression filled with understanding. “I’ve been there, Jape. I understand where your head is, because I went through it when the Monsuda took Retav and when we fought at Hahz hive. I tell you, with no reservation, you are not to blame for your men’s deaths. The Earthlings are not to blame either. Only the Monsuda, who would destroy both our civilizations, are guilty of such crimes. Save your wrath for them. Do what’s right.”
Despondency fell over Jape, pulling him down with crushing weight. “I’m trying to. That’s what this is all about.” A more immediate worry assaulted him. “What will you do now?”
“You’re a good man. A proven leader. I’m trusting you to think about what’s best for us all and act on that.”
Relief washed through Jape. “Thank you, Arga. I’ll consider what you’ve said, with mind, hearts, and spirit.”
His second nodded. His expression still worried, he walked away.
Jape hated the half-truths he’d told the other man. He appreciated that Arga was trying to help him.
Still, he doesn’t feel the pain I carry. He got Retav back. My friends and warriors died. They will not return.
Someone had to answer for that.
Chapter Eleven
With Arga trailing behind him, Jape entered his home at the end of the workday. Right away, a delicious aroma assaulted him, setting his stomachs to growling with hunger. Arga stopped next to him, inhaling deeply. “Whatever you’re having for dinner, you have earned my envy.”
They pressed their palms to their chests as Retav walked from the kitchen. Velia waved and called out a greeting before resuming her bustling about the space. Jape’s gaze lingered on her even as he recalled Ehar’s accusation: Earthling females have proven irresistible to other Risnarish men. I hope you are not falling into such a trap.
What a pretty trap she made. A man might be excused for stepping into her snare.
Retav carried a covered dish from Jape’s stock. His features creased with good humor. “You enjoyed a well-lived day?”
Arga answered. “If well-lived is normal. Cas continues to be quiet. I’m beginning to think this village is as boring as ours.”
The elder man chuckled. “I don’t dislike that.” He raised the container with a nod for Jape. “Do you mind if I borrow this? That wonderful smell is something Velia concocted for dinner. She was kind enough to bake extra for Arga and me.”
“You are welcome to the dish for as long as you need it,” Jape assured him. He looked at Velia again. He couldn’t help but be impressed that she’d already acclimated to Risnarish food and had figured out how to cook it, though the enticing aroma wasn’t familiar.
There she goes again, being more interesting than she should be. Of all the Earthlings to take, I couldn’t find one who was dumb, dull, and talentless?
Arga teased Retav, “I’m sure you’ve already sampled it.”
“I am happy to report it tastes as wonderful as it smells.” The elder caught Jape watching Velia as she continued to move at ease about the kitchen. “She’s a lovely woman. May I come back tomorrow?”
“You enjoy her company?”
“Don’t you? Or haven’t you noticed the person she is?” When Jape’s ears tilted down in irritation, Retav said, “You fault her for her loyalty, but you hold fast to your own allegiances.”
He was getting tired of having his motives questioned. “I do what’s right.”
“For who? The dead, who cannot appreciate it?”
Jape had nothing to say to that. Retav’s voice was too quiet to take real offense, and he was an elder besides.
At least he didn’t belabor the point. “I only wished to offer you an idea to consider. Goodnight, Jape.” He called to the kitchen, “Goodnight, Velia. From my spirit to yours, have a lovely evening.”
Velia turned on her smile for him. She flapped her hand at him. “Goodnight! Enjoy the lasagna.”
Her gaze went to Jape. Their eyes locked. He wasn’t aware when Arga and Retav left. In the seconds that it took for them to walk out, there was no one but Velia.
Jape couldn’t look away. Couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. The world froze in place, and Velia’s expression mirrored the confusion and want in his gut.
The moment broke. Her face reddening, Velia turned and resumed her work in the kitchen. Jape stood in place for several seconds.
What was that? Jape had no words for what had passed between him and his guest. He’d never experienced anything like it.
It would be a mistake to go near Velia until he figured it out. The perplexing craving remained, urging him to go to her, to stand close.
And then what? All-Spirit, she messes with my head. I don’t know whether to lock her where I can’t be around her or—or—
Keep her?
I hope you are not falling into such a trap.
Ehar’s veiled accusation shook Jape free of the spell. No, he was not falling under the Earthling influence that had claimed two Risnarish men. Velia had no such power over him.
To prove his indifference, Jape joined her in the kitchen to discover what it was that smelled so incredible. Not to be near her. Not to share the space she inhabited.
He watched as she plated a couple of servings. Had it not smelled as delicious as it did, he would have been suspicious of the tiers of yellow and green and blue speckled with herbs and ground ecal cheese. Was he supposed to eat that?
It’s pretty if nothing else. He readily identified the ingredients, layers of foods he wouldn’t have thought to prepare and blend as she had. Retav must have guided Velia to flavors she’d recognized on Earth.
Why is she cooking for us? This took a lot of effort.
For some reason, Jape didn’t want to admit himself intrigued by the puzzle. Instead, he asked, “Do you need my help?”
“Nope. I’ll let you carry your plate and cup of tea, though. Shall we sit?”
He led her to the visiting area. Jape waited, letting Velia choose the seat she wished. She chose the couch, the same spot as before.
He’d half hoped she’d take a chair. Now he was left to wonder whether to sit beside her, or to sit across from her so he could watch her more easily.
Velia solved the problem for him. She patted the cushion next to her. “Take a load off. Are you tired? Was work hard?”
“Not really. Training the warriors this afternoon was intense, but I found it more invigorating than exhausting.” Jape perched alongside her, feeling her warmth. When she didn’t seem to mind him sitting so close, he set his plate on the table. Trying to keep the conversation going, he asked, “What did you call this dish?”
“Lasagna—or at least as best as I could approximate lasagna with Risnarish ingredients. It took a lot of tasting and experimenting to figure it out. Retav and I gagged quite a few times before I got it right.”
Her throaty laugh raised the hairs on Jape’s mane. To cover his reaction, he cut into the rectangle of layered food and set it on his tongue.
He rolled the flavors around, testing those and the textures. Tangy. Flavorful. The cheese had been prepared two different ways, the ametay fruit pureed with spices and herbs. What had she added to the meat? That was especially savory in combination with the other tastes. As someone who enjoyed cooking, Jape was awed at Velia’s skill. Such a concoction would be a hit at the nightly erawots. He’d have to get the recipe.
Realizing she was waiting for his reaction, Jape nodded his appreciation. He muttered unintelligibly around a second mouthful, unable to spare an instant between bites to offer
his approval.
Velia laughed at his enthusiasm. “It’s not quite what Mom used to make, but it’ll do.”
They ate quietly, savoring Velia’s accomplishment. Jape indulged in a second, larger helping. Then a third, equally ambitious amount. Perhaps lasagna made of Risnarish food wasn’t what Velia preferred, but Jape was a fan.
At last he sat back and sighed. “I must eat this again and again. Tell me you noted down the preparation.”
Velia beamed, pleased with her success. “Retav did. He stored it in your system. A computer network that serves the whole of Risnar? That’s nice. He said he could access it in his home, as well.”
“Do you not have any such thing on Earth?”
“Something similar, I suppose. We call it the worldwide web.” She chuckled when he rubbed his stomach with contentment. “Happy?”
“Incredibly.”
“Was it enough to bribe you into taking me to the Yitrow hive? So I can visit that stasis chamber with actual lab subjects and report to my commanding officer?”
Jape’s pleasure stuttered. The food was a plot to make him more agreeable?
Velia’s slow smile was a teasing, naughty thing that derailed his flash of anger. He’d never seen such mischief on a woman’s face. Why did he find it so intriguing, so...exciting?
Her chuckle tickled his bones. “I’m not trying to be underhanded, Stripes. Your happiness after eating my lasagna reminded me of the saying ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ You can’t fault a girl for taking advantage when she gets the opportunity. Besides, you’re planning on sending me home soon, right? We’d have to make that trip to the other hive in a day or so.”
She was looking for assurances that he would take her back to Earth. All-Spirit save him, he couldn’t blame her a bit. Not when she wore that roguish look that amused and enthralled.
“I’m taking you back as soon as I feel I can do so safely.”
“And Yitrow? We can do that?”
Jape searched for a diplomatic answer to her request. “You are devoted to helping your people. The one true path to that is to destroy the portal on Earth.”
Worlds Collide Page 10
