Ria's Visions (Hearts of ICARUS Book 6)

by Laura Jo Phillips

  Shanti stared at Vari for a long moment, then sat down abruptly. “Go on,” she whispered.

  “There are five hundred and sixty-something people who reported that Smythe told them about the doors.”

  “What? Wait, Smythe? When did he do that?”

  “The night Ria was attacked. Before Ria changed her bloody clothes and went out to tell people herself. The times given to the investigators by the crew and passengers vary but every one of them stated Smythe spoke to them before midnight. While Ria was trying to help Ferina, he was telling people about the energy barriers. There are about twenty people, most fellow techs, who reported that Geoff told them to stay away from the restricted doors. He suddenly showed up in the ballroom where the other employees were told to remain. He stayed for about an hour and a half between ten and twelve. Then he left. That’s after the passengers were killed, Shanti. After the Doftle ordered all passengers to their rooms for the night. Before Ria even left the infirmary.”

  “That’s not possible,” Shanti said.

  “No? You think all those people lied for Ria’s sake?”

  “No, of course not,” Shanti said, shaking her head slowly.

  “That’s good because every member of the crew, and every employee of the Leaper--every single one--knew about those energy barriers on the doors, Shanti. The majority of them knew before the older passengers were killed. About half the passengers knew as well.”

  “Vari this just doesn’t make any sense. Geoff went through one. Why would he do that?”

  “That’s the wrong question, Shanti. You need to ask why Smythe told you that.”

  Shanti stared at her hands in silence for a long time. When she spoke, Vari could barely hear her.

  “Geoff raped Ferina, didn’t he?”

  “Yes, he did, only that’s not all. He raped her, beat her, and murdered her and four other women. Then he tried to do the same to Ria. He damn near succeeded, too. The man who rescued her had to be Smythe since he’s the one who told you the pretty story.”

  “The next morning I went to the infirmary to see Ria,” Shanti said softly, her eyes on her hands as they gripped her thighs tightly. “She was wearing a scarf around her neck. I thought that was odd for her, but I didn’t say anything. She asked me if I was okay, and I told her about Geoff. She said she was sorry for me, and mentioned that she’d never met him. I showed her a picture of him that I’d taken with my hand terminal. She turned white. Worse than white. Gray. I asked her what was wrong and she said she wasn’t feeling well, then ran to the bathroom.”

  “She told you she was sorry because the man who nearly murdered her died, the same man who planned on doing the same things to you, don’t forget. And we didn’t tell her we were sorry she was nearly murdered. That sounds fair.”

  “That’s harsh. I didn’t know, Vari. How could I have known? I loved him.”

  “You could have listened, Shanti. I could have listened. If you want to justify the things you said to Ria, that’s your business. I’m going back to the Bihotza to find my sister and apologize.”

  Shanti stood up. “No, I don’t want to justify myself. I’ll go with you.”

  ***

  Ria finished packing the rest of her things in record time, barely caring what she put in which bag. When she was finished it took three trips to get all of her belongings from her room to Transport. She allowed herself to relax a little once she was onboard the Hilgaria. She doubted either Shanti or Vari would come over just to hiss and spit her some more. She hoped not, anyway. She moved her luggage to the side of the room, politely declined the offer of help from the transport operator, and took one load to the room she shared with Star.

  “There you are,” Tee said the moment she entered the room. “Ria?” he asked, instantly sensing the pain she was trying to hide. He saw her struggling with suitcases and leapt up to help her. Once they were inside she turned to leave again and he stopped her with gentle hands on her shoulders.

  She refused to look up at him so he bent his knees. “What has happened?” he asked when he saw her pale, tear streaked face. She opened her mouth, then closed it and shook her head.

  Tee realized that whatever it was, she wasn’t yet ready to speak of it. “Do you have more luggage?”

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  “Transport?” She nodded. “I’ll go get it. Why don’t you sit with Star while she feeds the cubs?”

  Ria nodded, then turned toward Star who was watching her with obvious signs of worry. She walked toward her, then changed direction. After grabbing a bottle of water from the chiller she went to sit in the spot she usually sat in beside Star’s bed.

  “You are very hurt and sad, Ria.”

  “Yes, I am,” Ria admitted. “But you know what, Star?”

  “What?”

  “I’m not as hurt and sad as I would have been without you, Belle, Lonato, and the Katres. In fact, now that I’m sitting here with you, I’m feeling a little angry about the whole mess.”

  “I think I prefer your anger to your pain.”

  “So do I,” Ria said with a little smile.

  “If you would like to tell me what happened, I would like to hear it,” Star said. “Well, I don’t think I’ll like hearing whatever has hurt you, but I will like knowing about it so that I know who to bite when next I see them.”

  Ria laughed, knowing full well that Star would never bite anyone unless they were attacking someone she loved. “Yes, Star, I would like to tell you. But I think I’ll wait until Tee returns so I don’t have to repeat myself too many times.”

  “That’s wise,” Star said. “Did you see the door?”

  “No,” Ria said, turning to look. She smiled. “I’m so glad that’s in. I didn’t like feeling so separated from you. I know it seems silly when I was just a few feet away, but I didn’t like it.”

  “Nor did I,” Star admitted. “I take it that you had an enjoyable evening, though.”

  Ria laughed. “Yes, you could say that.”

  “That’s a sound I like hearing,” Tee said, entering the room with Thorn, carrying the remainder of her belongings between them.

  “Is this all of your things from the Bihotza?” Thorn asked.

  “There are a couple of trunks in the hold with spare clothes and toiletries, but otherwise, yes.”

  They put the luggage down, then turned toward her with worried eyes. “Tee, I don’t want to see either Vari or Shanti. If they ask, which I don’t think they will.”

  “Of course,” Tee said, reaching for his vox. “Would you like to know if they ask?”

  She thought a moment. “Yes, please.”

  Tee turned away and spoke into his vox. When he was finished he returned to stand by Thorn.

  “Will you tell us what’s going on, Ria?” Thorn asked.

  “Yes,” she replied, surprising them. “I was just waiting for you so I don’t have to go over it too many times.”

  “Is this about what happened to you on the Leaper?” Tee asked.

  “It is.”

  “It has something to do with that message you got today,” Thorn guessed. Ria nodded while removing her hand terminal from her belt. She opened the vid message, then handed the device to Thorn.

  “I ask that you not watch the vid attached to the message.”

  Thorn dipped his head, then played the message while Tee watched over his shoulder. When the message ended, both Thorn and Tee looked angry, which surprised her.

  “We’re angry because this man is a coward,” Thorn said, handing her device back to her. “He’s the one you made the promise to.”

  “Yes,” she replied, setting the hand terminal on the floor beside her. “Even though he saved my life, I have to agree that he’s a coward for putting his burden on me.”

  “Agreed,” Tee said. “I’m not sure I see where Vari and Shanti come into this, though.”

  “I wanted them to know the truth. They jumped to conclusions before I finished and, after making a few thr
eats, they stormed out.”

  Tee’s vox beeped and he reached up to tap it. He listened for a moment, then turned to Ria. “Vari and Shanti are asking to transport to the Hilgaria to see you.”

  ***

  Vari and Shanti stood in the Bihotza’s transport room, both of them slightly breathless. They’d gone to the conference room, then to Ria’s old room. All of her things were gone, and so was she. Now they were waiting for permission to transport onto the Hilgaria.

  Vari’s stomach was a knot of tension. She’d never had to request permission to transport onto the Beacon or the Hilgaria, and she was very afraid she knew what the answer was going to be.

  After a couple of minutes the transport operator turned to her. “I’m sorry, Lady Vari, Admiral Talon has denied permission for you and Miss Shanti to board the Hilgaria.”

  Vari nodded, unsurprised, then turned and left the transport room with Shanti at her side. She paused in the corridor and removed her hand terminal from her belt. A moment later she had Talon’s image on her screen.

  “Lady Vari,” he said, his tone definitely cool.

  “I need to speak with Ria, Talon,” she said.

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible, Lady Vari.”

  “She’s my sister, Talon. You can’t keep me from her.”

  “I’m not,” Talon said. “This is her choice, her decision, and I will abide by it. The expression on your face tells me you’re not surprised.”

  “No, I suppose I’m not. I’d like the chance to apologize to her.”

  “I’ll tell her that.” Talon hesitated. “I don’t suppose you’d like to tell me what happened over there.”

  “No, I don’t think I should do that,” she said. “I think Ria is angry enough with me as it is. Please tell her that I’m sorry, and I love her. Anytime she wants to talk to me, or yell at me, she only needs to let me know and I’ll be there.”

  “I’ll tell her,” Talon said.

  “She’s not even going to give us a chance to apologize, is she?” Shanti said with an edge of irritation after Vari disconnected.

  Vari turned to face her friend. “Do you think she owes you that, Shanti? After what you said?”

  “I didn’t know the whole story.”

  “You didn't stick around long enough to hear it, which was your choice. Neither did I and frankly I don't blame her one bit for refusing to see us.”

  Shanti sighed. “You’re right, Vari. I’m just really confused. The man I thought I loved was a liar, a rapist, and a murderer. It’s hard to process.”

  Vari nodded. “Tell me something, Shanti. Why did you say Ria was the most selfish person you’ve ever met?”

  “Because she is.”

  “Based on what? As far as I’m aware, you barely know her. I doubt you’ve had any conversation with her that lasted more than a couple of sentences.”

  Shanti flushed, her cheeks darkening to a pale gray. “I don’t know, Vari. I guess I always had the impression you thought she was selfish.”

  “I said some awful things to Ria while siding with you, Shanti. Those are things I have to live with. Now you’re telling me that the awful things you said to her are my fault, too?”

  “No, of course not,” Shanti said. “You’re right, Vari. I don’t know her. I don’t know why I said what I did, then or now. I do know it was wrong of me, and that I should have allowed her to finish her story before flinging accusations around. I’m really angry at her right now and I know she doesn't deserve it, that it's not her fault. I just haven't switched gears yet, but I’m trying.”

  “Here’s something else to know. I love you, Shanti. But if you ever say another bad word about Ria, or any member of my family…,” Vari hesitated, then firmed her resolve and stared straight into Shanti’s eyes. Then she clenched her right fist, raised to her left shoulder, and drew down in a sharp diagonal line, stopping half way since this was a threat, not an action. “Askna d’enlai, Shanti.”

  Shanti’s eyes widened in surprise, but Vari held her gaze steadily. After a few moments Shanti pressed her palms together and bowed her head over them, acknowledging Vari’s threat as fair, and accepting the new conditions of their friendship. Vari returned the gesture, her heart heavy, but unable to withdraw the threat.

  “Why would you cut Shanti from your heart, Vari?” Dr. Jula asked tensely, startling both women. They turned to see her in the Transport room’s doorway, eyes fixed on her niece. “This is about Ria, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is,” Shanti admitted.

  “I’ll let you explain,” Vari said to Shanti. “I have explanations to make to my own family.” Shanti nodded. “If you have questions for me, Niri, let me know.”

  “Thank you, Vari. Come, Shanti. I would hear this story now.”

  Shanti nodded and followed without complaint. It was only when Vari threatened to cut her from her heart that Shanti recognized the cruelty of her words to Ria, and the selfishness of her own actions. Until that moment, she hadn't really given any thought to what her words had done to Ria because she’d been thinking only of her own pain. Vari’s threat had certainly gotten through to her, though. Now, she could only hope her aunt would stop at the threat, has Vari had.

  ***

  Ria fought to control the fear that hit her at the thought of facing Vari and Shanti again. “No, Tee, I’m not ready for more threats and venom from them just now.”

  Tee’s eyes darkened with anger, but he nodded and spoke calmly into the vox. “They will not be allowed here without permission from you, Ria.”

  “Thank you.” She took a deep breath. “Settle down, guys, this will take a while.”

  Thorn and Tee exchanged looks. “Should we summon Talon?” Thorn asked.

  “If he’s not too busy with something else, yes.”

  “There is nothing and no one more important to us than you, Ria,” Thorn said while Tee tapped his vox again.

  “He’s on his way,” Tee said. “If you’re going to remain where you are, we’ll drag some chairs over.”

  “Yes, I want to stay here for now.”

  Thorn nodded and moved two chairs while Tee grabbed a third. By the time they had them arranged, Talon arrived. Ria finished her water and got up for another bottle while Tee and Thorn filled Talon in on what they knew so far. After he listened to the message from Smythe, he hugged her, kissed her, then sat down.

  Ria took a breath, and began her story again. When she was finished, they sat quietly for several minutes.

  “What did Vari and Shanti do when you told them this?” Talon asked.

  Ria told them. They were angry at the unfair and unkind words both women had said, but they were confused, too.

  “Why were they so angry, Ria? What life do they believe you’re responsible for?”

  “There was a man, a member of the Leaper’s crew, who Shanti fell in love with. She was devastated to learn he walked through that door without knowing there was an energy barrier on it and died a few hours later. That was early on the morning Vari and the Dracon-Bats took the ship back.

  “She blames me for his death. So does Vari. They believe I as good as murdered him because I didn’t tell anyone about the danger.”

  “But you did,” Thorn said, frowning.

  “They didn’t stick around to listen to that part. Shanti accused me of going merrily off to bed, of being selfish, and ignoring my responsibilities to others.”

  “You were nearly murdered,” Thorn rasped angrily. “Does that not matter to them?”

  “Apparently not,” Ria said. “They didn't say anything about that. Only that I was selfish, and that I should have done something. Shanti said she’s going to try to have me charged with his murder.”

  “That’s absurd,” Tee said. “You can’t be held responsible for what the Doftles did.”

  “It’s a whole lot more absurd than she knows since she didn’t let me finish,” Ria said, surprised to find that it no longer hurt to think of Shanti’s words.

  �
��What do you mean?” Talon asked.

  “Shanti came to the infirmary the next morning and told me about her man dying. I’d never met him so she showed me an image she’d taken on her hand terminal. It was the man who nearly killed me, and who did kill five other women that I know of.”

  “Olchuk,” Talon hissed. “Why didn’t you tell her that at the time?”

  “I didn’t want to hurt her. I figured there was no harm in letting her believe the story Smythe had told her.”

  “No harm to her, perhaps, but great harm to you,” Thorn growled.

  Ria looked at Star, who hadn’t said anything so far. She could feel her anger and tension though. “What are you thinking, Star?”

  “That it would not be a good idea for me to see either your sister or her friend for a time,” Star said. “I’m also wondering about those emotions you took from the poor woman you tried to help.”

  Ria smiled sadly. “You know me awfully well, Star.”

  “I do,” Star agreed. She said nothing more, and Ria knew that she wouldn’t. Star was leaving it to her whether or not answer the unspoken question.

  “I pulled a bit too much, a bit too fast,” she said. “Then I forgot about it when he threw Ferina through the doorway. The result was that I absorbed more than half of it before I sent what was left into the man trying to kill me. I’ve felt her fear and terror as though they were my own ever since, but it’s much better now. In time I’ll no longer feel it, though I’ll always remember it.”

  Talon, Thorn, and Tee struggled for long minutes to withhold the blood rages that threatened. They won the battle, but it was a near thing.

  “What is on that vid you don’t want us to see?” Talon asked.

  “Smythe said in the message that he placed cams around that door, and in his brother’s stateroom. He suspected what his brother was doing before they took jobs on the Leaper. He said that in his message, too. That means Geoff had raped and killed before, and Smythe either knew it, or suspected it.

  “I think every single one of those women got tossed through that doorway and it’s all on that vid. What he did to them in his room is probably there too. Smythe wanted proof, and he got it. He just didn't have the guts to use it.