The Memory Thief
Page 30
Sumiko threw her arms around me and buried her face in my blond hair. Tears filled my eyes, despite my effort to be stoic. If there was one I would miss more than any others, it would be my best friend.
She spoke in Jomon. “Don’t cry, Faith-chan. I will always be with you, ne?”
“And I with you.” I dabbed at my eyes with my handkerchief.
A sly smile snaked across Sumiko’s lips. “Especially since I’m coming with you on your trip.”
I gasped. “No. You can’t. Who will care for Michi? And my sister? You must stay and take care of Felicity.”
Sumiko took my hands in hers. “My brother will take care of Felicity. Who will take care of you?”
I glanced at Meriwether who was stumbling over his feet in the entryway. I tried not to let contempt cross my countenance.
Sumiko snorted. “Exactly.” Though she spoke in Jomon, she lowered her voice, lest she be overheard. “You don’t love him. I don’t know why you’ve got it in your head you have to do this, but you aren’t leaving here on your own. I’m coming with you.”
“You don’t understand. I have to do this . . .” My throat tightened. “Alone.”
“So you can make trouble out there in space without any friends? I think not.”
Meriwether placed a hand on my shoulder. “Are you almost ready? The captain wishes to depart before anyone carries off the engine.” He chuckled at his own joke.
I looked to Sumiko and shook my head before she said anything.
Sumiko nodded to him. “Do you expect me to keep silent and stow myself away?”
“No, I expect you to stay where it’s safe.”
“Nowhere is safe. Besides, if you think space is the more dangerous and that is where you will be, so shall I.” She lifted her chin.
Meriwether looked from me to Sumiko, eyebrows raised.
Sumiko held herself taller. She spoke in English, her words heavily tainted by her accent. “I am Nipa’s sister, a Jomon princess. You will need an ambassador representing the planet of Aynu-Mosir on legal matters, no?”
Meriwether rubbed at his smooth chin. “If I am to understand you, you wish to leave your home and come with us?” He stared off into the distance, his eyes narrowing in thought. As much as I wanted to refuse Sumiko, if he should do so, I determined I would insist. “Does Nipa know of your plan?”
Taishi Nipa turned and bowed upon hearing his title.
Meriwether threw up his hands in exasperation. “Why am I always the last to know everything?”
“What? We’re to have one more aboard?” Captain Ford demanded, coming in from outside. “There won’t be enough food. Where are those packages of beef brisket? Tell the natives to bring them back.”