Alien Redemption [Clans of Kalquor 06] (45 page)

He says he wishes there were twenty more of you working with the Mataras.”

Degorsk sighed. Nobeks were so damned serious. “That was a joke.”

“Ah.”

Lidon came in to stand at the end of the table. “Excuse my Imdiko, Sletran. He thinks he's funny.”

As Degorsk scowled, Sletran said, “Your Imdiko?” He looked at the doctor with more interest. “You were also military?”

Good. They were establishing a rapport, common ground. Degorsk told him, “We were assigned to a spyship, though we both had experience on board destroyers.” He cut his gaze to his Nobek. “And I am funny, Lidon. I'm hilarious.”

“So you say.”

With a snort, Degorsk dismissed him. He was pleased to see Sletran looked a bit amused with the exchange. Relaxing the Nobek was important. “So, my understanding is you hope to discover your missing time, which will show you aren't behind these murders?”

Sletran surprised him by shaking his head. “I don’t want to be the murderer, but more than that, I want to know the truth. Whatever it is.”

“Even if it proves your guilt?”

Sletran leaned forward, as if to take Degorsk into his confidences. He asked, “Do you have a Matara, Doctor?”

Degorsk felt a frown, but kept his expression pleasant. He had no idea where Sletran was going with such a question. “Yes I do.”

A definite smile curled the prisoner’s lips. “I too have been blessed with a mate. Her name is Rachel.”

“I heard about your clan's good fortune. I haven't seen Dr. Conyod to congratulate him yet.

Matara Ray-Ray is an amazing woman. She was kind enough to allow me to do a case study on her for my training.”

Sletran’s smile faded. “If I am … what I fear I am, then my Matara's life is in danger.” He closed his eyes, wincing as if in pain. “And not just hers. No more can die because of me, Doctor. It has to stop.”

He opened his eyes again to stare intently at Degorsk. “I need you to help me find out the truth. I want to know if I'm the monster who terrorizes these poor women.”

Degorsk nodded, fascinated despite his concerns about being the one who might uncover terrible secrets. “All right, Sletran. Let's find out.”

* * * *

Rachel had not expected to meet royalty in her lifetime, not someone of her modest background. Yet here she sat, watching Nobek Emperor Bevau pace the floor while Dramok Emperor Clajak sat on the bench by the wall. Had she not been so worried about Sletran, she might have been nervous encountering the rulers of an entire empire. She had no idea what was deemed respectful to Kalquorian monarchs. When they’d entered, she’d risen from her chair along with Erybet and Conyod. As she’d stood there, wondering if she should bow to the emperors as her clanmates did, she’d been shocked when they bowed to her. Deeply and respectfully, as if she was the ranking member of the room.

Now her eyes moved with the incredibly gorgeous Bevau as he shook with anger and tried to take it out on the floor by walking it to death. The space in Breft’s office was tight enough that he was forced to pace almost in a circle. It was Emperor Clajak who supposedly had the quick temper, but the man with steel-colored hair watched quietly, albeit with a deep frown, as Bevau raged.

Spittle flew from the Nobek emperor’s snarling mouth. “Akrij countermanded Sletran's order to abort the attack? That wasn't in any of the reports I received or the interviews I conducted with him. Akrij told me the com link was distorted with interference and that he never got the command.”

Breft asked quietly, “Are you sure without having the reports in front of you, my emperor?”

Bevau rounded on him. “New Bethlehem was not just a scandal, Breft. It was a travesty.

Every word of every file to do with it is burned in my brain.”

Fury equal to that of the emperor’s boiled from Conyod. “If it hadn't been kept such a secret, you would have known the truth already.”

Bevau glared at him. “At what cost? Until Akrij’s complicity was discovered, your clanmates and their men would have been in danger, Imdiko. The troops who were unfortunate enough to have been a part of it would have all been lynched by our outraged population.”

Erybet quoted Ubnal’s earlier assertion. “We should have all died on New Bethlehem.”

Rachel’s blood chilled at the lifeless sound of his voice.

Bevau’s anger lifted enough for profound regret to enter his expression. “Erybet, that's not true. I am so sorry you and Sletran were made to suffer the way you have. I only wanted to protect you.” His face darkened again. “I thought that's what Akrij wanted too when he insisted on the gag order.”

Emperor Clajak’s tone was icy with rage. “He was looking to save his own ass, if you ask me. What I can’t understand is why he wanted to kill those people.”

Bevau’s jaw clenched. “He will be brought up on charges. I swear it.”

They all came to attention as Lidon stepped into the room. He was followed by Dr.

Degorsk, one of Rachel’s favorite doctors from the hospital. The gentle therapist who had made her laugh some of her bleakest moments away looked into the crowded room and settled for standing in the doorway.

“So this is where all the elite hang out,” he grinned as he bowed to the royal pair. When he got glares in return, he flushed. “Apologies for any disrespect, my emperors. I'm a little flustered after my session with Nobek Sletran.”

That comment made Erybet, Rachel, and Conyod rise to their feet. Her fists clenched at her sides, Rachel stared at the Imdiko, hoping against hope.

Behind her, Breft said, “What did you find?”

Degorsk looked at Rachel. His smile eased the pounding of her heart a touch. “In my opinion, you've arrested the wrong man for the Matara murders.”

Rachel burst into relieved tears. Conyod covered his face with his hands, and Erybet fell into his chair as his knees gave out.

His voice muffled behind his palms, Conyod moaned, “I knew he wasn’t guilty. I knew it.

My Nobek would never hurt any innocent.”

After giving them a moment to get past the first rush of emotion, Breft said, “Quiet, everyone. Please continue, Dr. Degorsk.”

Rachel made herself calm so she could hear the doctor’s report. Degorsk said, “During his blackouts, Sletran has been going to places where the Earther Mataras congregate, especially when something happens that reminds him of New Bethlehem. He usually ends up at the marketplace, the complex, or the beach. But he's not stalking those women. He's trying to protect them.”

Emperor Bevau’s brows drew together. “Protect them? From what?”

“From danger. Nothing specific.” Degorsk nodded at their confusion. “The events of New Bethlehem and his part in them are driving Sletran to stand guard over the Mataras. The part of him that feels so much guilt over the massacre is trying to find redemption. He’s unconsciously driven to play guardian.”

Conyod’s hands had dropped from his face. His cheeks were shiny with tears. “He never could stand by and watch the helpless be hurt.”

Degorsk smiled at him. “Due to the secrecy surrounding the event, Sletran can't overtly make amends for the slaughter. His subconscious, however, is driving him to find avenues where he can keep an eye on those he's deemed at risk.”

“Typical Sletran.”

Degorsk sobered as he looked at Conyod. “I know I'm still just an intern on the psychiatric team, but I feel I must speak frankly. If you'll excuse the forwardness, I believe you should remand him to the hospital for testing and to develop a therapeutic plan for his recovery. He's been badly traumatized, and it's not something that will get better with time. He needs professional help.”

Erybet’s voice was thick with emotion. “Conyod knows that, Doctor. He's been telling me that ever since we got back.”

Conyod looked at his Dramok with gentleness. “You'd benefit from analysis and therapy yourself.”

Degorsk said, “Conyod, I'd like to speak to Sletran more, if I may? I know I’ve concentrated my work on the Mataras—”

Lidon spoke up. “Sletran connected well with Degorsk. I think my Imdiko’s experience in the military helped Sletran relate easier to him than he would with just any therapist.”

Conyod nodded to Erybet, who said, “Please Dr. Degorsk, by all means.”

Breft inclined his head. “Thank you, Degorsk. Your help has been invaluable.”

Degorsk bowed to everyone and left. Lidon stepped forward to Erybet’s clan with a handful of items. “Here are belongings Sletran can’t keep while he’s here.”

Rachel had pockets in her dress, and she took Sletran’s things, wanting something of him close until she saw him again. His com unit and a small knife were tucked away carefully.

She looked to Breft, concerned that nothing had been said about Sletran’s release now that they knew he wasn’t the killer. “Sletran come home?”

“I'm sorry, Matara. I can't sanction that yet for a few reasons: first, there is the evidence that continues to point to your Nobek. We need the results on our DNA tests that will fully exonerate him.”

Rachel opened her mouth, angry words ready to pour forth. Breft stopped her by holding up a hand. “Most importantly, he's safer here than anywhere else. If word gets out we brought him in for questioning concerning the killings – or the New Bethlehem issue – his life will be in danger.”

Rachel snapped her mouth shut. Damn it, she wanted her Nobek! But she also wanted him safe. She looked to Erybet for guidance.

The Dramok asked, “How long will you keep him? You don't have any other suspects, do you?”

Instead of answering him, Breft turned his gaze to Bevau. “My emperor, I realize the falsified reports and actions in regards to New Bethlehem are a military matter, but I still have a murderer to catch.”

Bevau jerked a nod. “When I found out you'd arrested Sletran, the first thing I did was com Akrij to tell him. As Sletran's commanding officer, he probably won't be surprised to see you at his doorstep.”

Breft looked to Lidon. “Get Raxstad. I want High Commander Akrij picked up and brought in for questioning regarding the Beast of New Bethlehem murders. For that matter, collect the rest of his clan and bring them in too.”

Erybet gasped. “You don't think he—”

“I only wish to ask him a few questions. It could be he is as innocent as Sletran, but he may have seen or heard something that will lead us to the killer.”

Clajak asked, “Why his clanmates?”

Bevau answered that one. “Because Akrij knowingly gave the order that killed more than two dozen women and children. It takes a badly unbalanced mind to do such a thing, and his Dramok and Imdiko may have seen something amiss with him.”

Breft’s eyes had gone dark. “If I don't like Akrij’s answers about that affair as well as what's happening here, I'd certainly like to find out what they know.”

Rachel’s head swam with this latest development. Did Breft actually suspect Dr. Kivokan's Nobek, the man Erybet and Sletran trusted? And he thought Kivokan himself might know something too?

Next to her, Erybet shook. His voice was shaking too as he asked, “Is there any way I could be present for the questioning?”

Breft considered him a moment before answering. “Not of Akrij. I don't want an incident, and you're clearly angry.” The officer smiled grimly. “As is expected. However, you may observe his Dramok and Imdiko's interviews as long as you can remain in control of yourself.”

Erybet took a deep breath. “Thank you.”

Rachel tried to talk, but her ability to speak her own language had deserted her once more.

Oh well, she should speak the language of her adopted planet anyway. “When see Sletran?”

Conyod’s arm squeezed her shoulders. “I'm eager to see him too, but I'd like to give Degorsk some time with him. Sletran needs to talk to someone not caught up in our situation.”

He looked to Erybet, whose face was intent as he stared at the floor. Conyod frowned, clearly not liking what he was seeing. “With your permission my Dramok, I'd like to drop by the hospital's psychiatric wing. I want to arrange for a room and Nobek specialist for Sletran's therapy.”

Bevau spoke up. “We have excellent facilities for members of the military.”

Conyod barely restrained a snarl as he looked up at the Nobek emperor. He snapped, “I've had my fill of the military
taking care
of my clanmates.”

Erybet straightened and began to admonish his Imdiko. “Conyod—”

Bevau waved him off. “It's all right, Erybet. I know better than to cross an Imdiko who's been pushed too far. Our gentlest breed can turn quite vicious when it comes to taking care of clanmates.” He exchanged a look with Clajak and the two men snickered. Breft looked away, but Rachel saw his smirk. She looked at Conyod with surprise. Her Imdiko, vicious?

Conyod blushed. “I meant no disrespect, my emperor,” he said in a small voice.

Bevau looked at Erybet for permission before reaching to place a hand on the Imdiko’s shoulder. “Think nothing of it, Conyod. You have every right to your anger.” He grimaced. “I feel I owe you an apology for returning your Nobek in the condition he's in. Make the arrangements that suit you, and I’ll sign off on them myself.”

“Thank you, my emperor.”

Breft’s expression was serious again. “Since we may have to keep Sletran here for a few days until this blows over, feel free to bring him whatever you think will make him comfortable.

I’ll get you a list of approved items.”

Conyod nodded. “Of course.” He rose to leave.

Erybet kissed Rachel’s cheek and prodded her to stand too. “Go with Conyod, Ray-Ray.

By the time you get back, you can probably visit Sletran.”

Rachel was reluctant to go. She really wanted to see Sletran, but it wasn’t because she was terrified he’d be hurt. It was funny, but she actually thought the supposedly fierce Kalquorians, even the Nobeks – even their police – were somewhat caring people. No one wanted to hurt Sletran, at least not the ones who knew his story. So much for Kalquorian savagery and the brutality they supposedly used on their captives.

No, she only wanted to visit her mate simply because it would feel good to do so. But with Erybet’s assurance she might see Sletran when they got back, she thought she could postpone that joy. A long way from the terrified and angry woman she’d been when she walked into the place, she took Conyod’s hand, accepted the bows all the other men in the room gave her, and left.