Chapter 9
An hour later Alexa arrived at the guesthouse, without any significant improvement. Everything that morning seemed custom-designed to scramble her emotions. Her father popped into her heart. Dad! The issue was too charged though. She said a prayer for his safety and resolutely sealed it all away until later. Much later, depending on how likely it was that she could ever locate him.
Her senses also spun with extra torque because of her reaction to that man. Was it the norm in this age, for a man to kiss a woman’s hand? If so and it was that strong every time, she was in trouble.
On the guesthouse door hung an invitation for a trip up to the space station with Callaghan’s daughter, the galactic ambassador for Adalans. To join the group, she’d have to rush. The thought of an afternoon jaunt up to a space station made her mind reel, while another part of her skipped like a little girl.
Bridgeth Callaghan’s appearance was as most people on Adalans, similar to American Indians. She appeared to be in her early forties, though Callaghan implied her age would be in the sixties. Only her height, approaching six feet, proved Callaghan to be her father. Instead of wearing white, her green brocade robe over tailored pants of a deeper green seemed to be expensive pajamas.
Alexa found skimming the treetops in the basket similar to a hot air balloon ride she once took. This was not aimless drifting, however. The basket made steady progress undeterred by a side wind ruffling their clothes, and there was no engine sound except a tiny whine only a person with exceptional hearing might perceive. They sailed about thirty feet above ground. The lift above trees happened more smoothly than most altitude gains in her plane.
An awning on top protected from too much sun, while rolls of material on the sides under the awning might be flaps. The basket, woven of both grass and a stronger stalk, smelled like an import store. A thin board of wood comprised the floor and planks on each side provided seating.
It seemed the basket knew exactly where it was going. Alexa asked, “Where is the port?”
“A bit beyond the first range of mountains. It will take about fifteen more minutes.” Bridgeth turned to her and inquired kindly, “How are you handling this? It must be wrenching.”
“Only when I momentarily accept the idea does it truly hit.” Alexa turned to gaze across the ocean. “I’m supposed to be married in less than a week.”
Bridgeth brought her hand to her heart. “I am sorry. That is a profound loss.” After a few moments, she continued, “I wish we had the time to allow you a more gentle process. However, with these delegates showing up, we had to choose between integration and keeping you in your house. Father recommended we give you a taste and let you decide.”
“Can you give me an idea of what to expect? I’ve never been in space.”
“Most everything off the planet will be brand new, I suppose,” said the woman. “I wonder if the people will be different.”
“Are you similar to the type I will meet?”
Bridgeth considered and nodded.
“Then humanity has not changed much. Bring on the technology. Maybe it will help distract me.”
When they arrived at the spaceport, a shuttle was swooping straight down from high up in the sky. The craft appeared a bigger, sleeker version of those belonging to NASA, aerodynamics being aerodynamics, even hundreds of years later.
After they climbed a steep set of wooden stairs to board, Bridgeth turned to the crew and said, “Thank you, you can close the door.”
“Helloohh!” hailed a man from outside. His basket skipped a couple of times as it landed and he held on to the sides to keep from being thrown out. “Please wait for me!”
“Corky,” called out Bridgeth. “If you wanted to come, why didn’t you speak up earlier?”
The man was out of breath. He smoothed his expensive pajama set and longish brown curls as he rushed up the steps. “The request for me to come up side was late. Thank you so much for waiting.” He headed directly to Alexa, smiling as he sat next to her. He began buckling the several seat belts and said, “I don’t believe we’ve met. I am Lord Corcoran Esteban DeSoto FitzDermot Espinoza. So very wonderful to make your acquaintance.”
No one spoke as the shuttle lifted off, almost straight up and without a huge rocket. Gravity tried to keep them on Adalans, momentarily tripling and almost quadrupling Alexa’s weight. In minutes though, they were past the planet’s atmosphere where free-fall took over, hence the multiple seating restraints.
Alexa’s hair floated out around her head. She smiled when the little gold heart on a silver chain that Mac gave her for her last birthday tickled her ear. She gathered in her locks and resolved no giggling. People nearby hopefully didn’t know the facts of where and when she came from and she wanted to keep it that way.
At long last, Corky drifted away. Continuous chatter about the planet Varga and its wonders had been informative, yet wearing. After he departed, Bridgeth brought her body near to Alexa. “He is an example of the type you will meet.”
Alexa asked, “How long to the station?”
“A few hours.”
“Perfect. By chance, is there a place I might meditate?”
“Certainly,” said Bridgeth. “Follow me.”
Alexa glided behind Bridgeth, pulling or pushing herself along to a bank of three horizontal sleeping alcoves with room enough in each to sit up when under the influence of gravity, though Alexa realized pretty quickly that in free-fall “up” is debatable. She asked her hostess, “If I doze, will someone wake me in time to see the station from outside?”
“We always announce over the intercom thirty minutes before,” said Bridgeth, “so relax.”
Despite her intention to meditate, the ship’s background noises soon lulled her asleep. She was in the middle of an intricate dream of Mac when the arrival announcement woke her. She hung there for a bit, gradually orienting herself. I could almost cry.
There was plenty of time to make her way to the viewing window, so Alexa pulled herself along the passageway in the direction of the head. Afterwards, unfortunately Corky seemed to be waiting for her. “Miss Alden,” he cooed, “so wonderful to have a little private time.”
“Hello Mr. Espinoza. Or Lord Corcoran Esteban DeSoto FitzDermot Espinoza?”
“Oh, yes,” he replied and briefly raised his hands. “My extravagant name. Everyone calls me Corky. Please, you also.” After Alexa politely bobbed her head, he began to effuse, “Yes, I can see you are a lady of great refinement. In fact, it amazes me you are here on Adalans.” When Alexa scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, he continued. “The sweet Adalans is lovely and quaint, yes? But also, dare I say, a tiny bit backward? So much physical labor, since they disallow our so-valued robots.”
Alexa’s attention sharpened. Robots? You have valued robots?
Oblivious, Corky continued. “You, however, are undoubtedly of a discerning character. I wonder if I may ever tempt you with a trip to my exquisite planet. And all its romantic and visionary and fabulous benefits.”
Because the two of them were in close quarters and he effectively blocked her exit, Alexa opted to play it safe. “That sounds lovely.”
He began speaking with gusto, “In fact,” and thus projected his body back against the wall. When he bounced toward her, his hand shot beside her head to rebound off that wall. “Excuse, please.” He smiled. “Many of those benefits are available even on this station. Though I would so adore to show you my beloved Varga, is it not perfect you need not wait to enjoy?”
Alexa smiled with her mouth and wondered where were all the people. “Well. Corky. It sounds wonderful. And I always enjoy perceiving beautiful things. Sometimes though, it is not possible for me to personally partake of every item I see.”
“Not possible?” he replied with an innocent look on his face. “I wonder. Could it be that I may assist you in enjoying anything you might desire?”
Alexa blinked. He seemed a master of obscure statements. She’d worked to not say anythin
g. Nevertheless, he surpassed all her efforts.
“Please know,” he continued. “If the block is due to a temporary small lack in finances,” Corky nodded happily, “I am in the very fortunate position of being able to assist you!”
Confusion remained triumphant in Alexa’s brain.
“You see,” he said, “people often are unaware an item they hold, which is of hardly any value to them, might actually be highly precious to another.”
Alexa’s bewilderment began to clear. To anchor herself, she backed up and grabbed onto a light switch behind her.
Corky continued, “Do you think, milady, you might possess a bauble? A trifle? A sparkle that, although pretty, might actually be rather useless to you?”
Comprehension crystalized in Alexa’s brain and she did her utmost to maintain a blank look. “Thank you, Corky, for your concern,” she simpered. “If I can ever begin to identify anything in my life fitting your description, please believe I will endeavor to locate you.” Eyes open fatuously, she prayed someone, anyone, would arrive in the corridor.
“Alexa? Are you here?” Blessed Bridgeth’s voice sounded from around the corner. “If you want to see the space station, you should come.”
For a moment, the look on his face turned dark and mean, eyes burning as the crust on hot lava. Then the smiling Corky bobbed there, between her and freedom.
“Of course. I understand,” he said and reached into a pocket. Alexa held her breath. He brought out a card. “Here is my name and contact information. Please believe I am at your service, at any moment.”
Alexa slipped by Corky to follow Bridgeth. She mentioned nothing about the interchange, even while the passengers exited the craft into a huge open space. On the station, everyone walked on the deck. A scientist in the hundreds of years must have figured out artificial gravity.
When the others moved ahead, she felt no one else might hear. “This Corky person,” she whispered to Bridgeth. “Is he known for a short temper, in addition to being pushy?”
The ambassador thought a moment. “Exuberant, yes. Even brash when he is acting on behalf of his boss, the Prime Minister of Brasileria on Varga. I’ve never known him to show anything other than pleasantness, even to the point of being obsequious.” The woman glanced at the shuttle. “When I called you to view the station, I noticed your discomfort. We from Adalans are used to being aware of the feelings of others. But I detected only a short burst of anxiety from him after I said your name.”
“He seemed to want to buy the item Donny stole from me,” said Alexa. “I assume you know about all that?”
“Yes. Father told me. I understand most everyone picked up on Donny’s thoughts, considering how loudly he broadcasted. Perhaps it was mentioned to Corky?”
Alexa considered. “Perhaps. Or maybe I imagined it all.”
Bridgeth nodded briskly and turned to follow the group.
Trundling toward them was a cart with a man on the back. He sported lime green face paint. As he passed, Alexa did a double take when she realized the man was not riding. In fact the conveyance encased his bottom half, or his top half sprouted up out of it. She caught Bridgeth’s arm. “Robots. Corky mentioned Adalans not allowing robots. Is that,” she gestured her head to the retreating cart, “an example?”
Bridgeth glanced, said “Ah,” and grinned. “Yes. You have now been exposed to a major technology difference to your time. If I remember correctly, bots had not yet become common.”
“Robots, or ‘bots,’ had hardly been anything more than an extension of a machine, a method for building cars. Though my fiancé was working in that area.” With this, again the question of past tense singed Alexa’s heart. No, Mac is working. Time is a river. He is still working. She picked up where she’d started, “Mac is working on remotely controlling robots in the ocean.” After Bridgeth nodded, Alexa asked, “Why the lime green?”
“When they have a human form, they come in many colors.” Bridgeth turned toward the double doors. “At one point, it was the fashion to make them appear human. But problems arose, and these days that is outlawed almost everywhere.”
“And robots are outlawed on Adalans, in general?”
“Because they emit no emotions,” said Bridgeth. “Being aware of emotions is our basis for security. All the delegates know ahead of time they will not be able to bring their bots with them downside.” She stopped at the doors. “Are you ready for the whole show?”
Alexa gestured for her to lead on.
Chapter 10
Surprisingly, Alexa found the space station more familiar than Adalans, considering its similarity to shopping malls, with stores and offices and probably homey apartments along hallways branching out in all directions. Entire walls broadcast news and advertisements, in full-human size. And there must be a food court nearby, including Chinese and Italian cuisine judging by the aromas. More important, she noticed a sale sign in front of a clothing store.
Bridgeth saw it too. “I have some time before my first meeting. Why don’t we look for clothes other than the white tunics of Adalans for you and your friends?”
Alexa might have ordered outfits printed for her. Instead, she located a few ready-made sets for herself and some she thought Rachel would be willing to wear. Even a couple Donny might find tolerable. When it came time to interact with the humanoid checkout bot, a peach-colored female form embedded in the desk, Alexa stopped. Duh! She turned to Bridgeth. “I have no way to pay since I’m pretty certain my money will be useless here.”
“I realized the situation, which is why I remained. Please allow Adalans to take care of this for you.” Bridgeth paid and asked for the package to be sent to the shuttle.
As they left the store, Alexa’s stomach growled. Bridgeth laughed. “I think you were meditating when we had a snack on board. Please take this card and let me know how the food is here. I must go to my meeting. Shall we rendezvous at the shuttle in about an hour?”
As Alexa searched for the best direction to locate the source of delectable smells, she noticed Jesek in the distance across a large common area. Beside him stood a tall man with shoulder-length straight brown hair. A young woman walked up at that moment and gazed adoringly at the tall man. Jesek waved and Alexa gestured back. When the man followed Jesek’s line of view, the grin that spread on his face was striking, to the point that when the intricately coifed blonde woman saw it, she frowned.
Alexa allowed her nose to guide her to the food. Plates could be heard clinking. Her mouth watered with the spices. Still she ended up at the entrance to a dead end, the kitchen nowhere in sight.
One bot was nearby, no humans. Okay new experience, talking to a robot. “Hello,” she said. “Can you tell me how to locate the food court? I think one is nearby.”
The bot rolled toward her. It was an upright metallic model with a stylized face, a type she’d seen a few times since leaving the shuttle. This one did not respond to her question. Instead, it kept advancing. When Alexa stepped to the side to give passage, it sidled and moved as if to guide her further into the cul-de-sac.
“I’m sorry. Perhaps I should find someone else to help me.”
At first the robot did not respond. When she made to walk around it, the bot took her by the arms and pushed her further and further into the deserted area.
“What are you doing?” she cried.
Its response was to stop. Then one hand took her in a grip she couldn’t free herself from and the other began frisking her.
“Stop that!”
Without warning, the robot released her. Alexa glimpsed a tall man with long hair standing behind the bot. He wrenched up and ultimately dangled the bot by its arm. “Are you hurt?” the man asked.
As Alexa shook her head, an American accent registered somewhere in her awareness. All the while, the swinging robot ran its wheels, trying for traction. The man turned and carried the bot to a corner. Its wheels continued spinning and it still made no sound. He dropped the robot, then reached low on the ba
se and must have triggered an on/off button because it abruptly powered down.
The blonde rushed around the corner. “You left!” she said to the tall man. “And didn’t hear how well I mastered the old code.” When she noticed Alexa, she demanded, “Who is this?”
Jesek arrived, and Alexa said to him, “That robot attacked me.”
“Impossible,” the woman interrupted, in the imperious tone Brits are capable of. “Their programming absolutely prohibits that sort of thing.”
“It certainly felt like an attack.”
“Why would it attack you?” She seemed to doubt that anyone or anything would consider Alexa as valuable.
Stung, Alexa retorted, “I don’t know, maybe it also wants what I have.”
After a start, the young woman finally looked at Alexa. In fact, her gaze became positively speculative. “I tell you what,” she said in an almost sweet tone. “Why don’t you hand me the item. Thus, you won’t be bothered.”
The tall man spoke up. “Lady Penelope, I believe we have a dinner reservation.” He took her arm and began walking away.
She-who-goes-by-Lady-Penelope appeared to want to remain. “But Pearson. This is important for us. I mean, for her. It’s important.”
The tall man smiled kindly. “Yes. However, you always prefer to be punctual. We are to meet the Consul and his wife, remember?” As he led the young woman away Pearson glanced back and made eye contact with Jesek, then cut his gaze to Alexa.
Quick on the uptake, Jesek asked, “May I show you around the station?”
He did his best to smooth the situation, but the encounter with the robot had shaken Alexa. After a quick bite at the elusive food court, fairly decent Chinese, she asked to go to the shuttle to wait for Bridgeth.
“That may be a good idea,” he said. “It will be crowded, with the delegates arriving. We should make sure you have a comfortable seat.”
At the double doors to the docking area, Alexa turned to him. “Are you coming too?” When he shook his head, she said, “Thank you for your help, just now and this morning. Also, please pass along my appreciation to Pearson and, um, Lady Penelope.” Jesek laughed and agreed to deliver the message.
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