fortuneswheel (23 page)

* * *

Raguul hated wearing his dress uniform, so his temper was none too mellow by the time Myak had finished fastening his baldric over the sleeveless red tabard.
"My shirt's caught now," he grumbled, tugging ineffectually at the black cloth.
Myak came to the rescue, easing the shirt free at the shoulders, then tugging the cuffs at the bottom of the full sleeves.
"Try that, Commander," he said, standing back.
Raguul flexed his shoulders experimentally then nodded. "That's better, thank you."
Myak handed him the knife first, followed by the single sword which, as a Commander, he could wear at his side.
Raguul adjusted the weapons till they sat comfortably over his hips. "Right, I'm ready," he said.
"A moment, Commander," said Myak, bending down to adjust the lengths of the tunic panels so they hung level with his knees.
The Commander's tail flicked in annoyance. "Come on, Myak. You're being over-fussy."
"If you wouldn't mind holding your tail still, sir, I'd be a lot quicker," said Myak quietly. "There, I'm done."
"You said Clan Leader Aldatan was at ease with her son when you showed them to her quarters?"
"Yes, sir. She was laughing as he left her."
"Gods, this whole situation is like a container of explosives about to blow up under us! At least they seem to have made their peace over his Leska. What about Hamilton? Did you make sure he attended the Attitude Indoctrination lecture when he arrived?"
"Yes, sir. He was there along with the other visiting Terrans."
"He hasn't said any more about that male he wanted to bring— what was his name? The one we refused."
"David Elliot, sir. No, apart from his initial complaint, nothing more has been said."
"Vartra be praised you recognized the name, Myak. The last thing we needed was the human girl's betrothed here tonight."
"She wasn't betrothed to him. From what I understand of their social setup, they can choose their own life partners. Her father chose hers for her without her consent."
"No matter. Considering their strange views on sexual matters, we've enough problems brewing with her father. We don't need the added complication of that male as well." He looked sharply at Myak. "You realize this whole situation could still explode in our faces?"
"I know, sir."
"Did you manage to pick up anything more from the Clan Leader?"
Myak gave him a reproving look. "You know I won't probe for information, sir. Besides, I would have found nothing if I'd tried. The Clan Leader has a formidable talent."
Raguul grunted. "Well, let's be off. I want to get there early."

* * *

Kusac returned to their suite feeling a lot calmer about the forthcoming reception. Carrie was sitting on the edge of the bed finishing her drink. He sniffed the air, nose wrinkling till he recognized it.
"Do I smell coffee?" he asked. "Don't tell me they've had the sense to program it into the food dispensers."
"Kaid had it done for us," she said. "C'shar just isn't the same. Do you want some?" she asked, getting up.
"Please. I'm sorry I had to spring my mother's arrival on you like that, but I didn't know she was coming," he said, taking his uniform off and going over to the wardrobe. "I didn't want to worry you because I hoped she'd go to her own rooms first."
"She had to know sometime," said Carrie, handing him his mug. "She didn't seem to dislike me."
"Far from it," he said, taking a drink. "She said she likes you and finds you very Sholan. She's sending Miosh over to help you look your best so you'll be more relaxed at the reception."
"That was kind," murmured Carrie, moving over to the other end of the wardrobe to get her clothes.
There was a knock at the door. Kusac opened it.
"The attendant says she's here to help the Liegena, sir," said Kaid.
His mother's subtlety wasn't lost on Kusac and he sent a quick thought in her direction.
I will enjoy watching the discomfiture of our people at to
night's gathering,
she sent.
They won't know how to react!
With a grin, Kusac let Miosh in and returned to the wardrobe to get the clothes he was wearing. Kaid remained to help him while Carrie and Miosh went into the adjacent bedroom.
Understandably, Carrie hadn't felt like going back down to the concourse to shop for clothes so they had taken advantage of Kaid's suggestion to have the storekeeper bring a selection up to their suite. Kusac had made sure she'd chosen several different outfits, telling her not to worry about the cost.
For the reception she'd chosen a deep blue split-paneled robe which they'd had edged with a dark purple border. Shoes had proved a problem until she remembered the pair of simple black slippers that were among the few things she'd had sent from home. Round her waist was a plain black leather belt with a dagger hanging from it.
"Why the dagger?" she asked, coming back into their bedroom.
"Ceremonial." Kusac was digging in his drawer for an arm bracelet. "It harkens back to our less peaceful days, and looks good to the peasants," he added with wry humor.
Kaid winced at the sarcastic tone.
"Well, what reason would you give?" Kusac asked him.
"It goes back to those days, certainly. The years after the Cataclysm, when no one went unarmed. The size of the knife shows that it has devolved from a sword, and that though more peaceful now, we're prepared to fight should the need arise."
"Neat, and it has the ring of truth to it," said Kusac, slipping the bracelet over his shirt to sit snugly above his elbow. "It sounds very like one of the Warriors' maxims to me."
Kaid shrugged and moved forward to hand Kusac his belt.
"Well, I'm ready," Carrie said, standing up. His mother's attendant gave a final twitch to the folds of her robe, then stood back.
"The Clan Leader sent this for you to wear tonight," murmured Miosh, taking a sleeveless black over-robe out of the package she'd been carrying. She held it out for Carrie to put on.
Kusac heard a slight intake of breath from Kaid and looked up at her. He nodded his head slowly, the presence of the black over-robe not lost on him either.
"The Terran part of me knows how your own people will admire you tonight," he said. "The Sholan loves your beauty. Cub, you look wonderful, and you've got legs!"
Carrie grinned, running her hands down the front of the split-paneled dress that almost, but not quite, hid her bare legs.
"The styles are so flattering," she said. "I've never had anything like this to wear before, nor the occasion to wear it."
She looked appraisingly at him. He wore a shorter version of her tunic but in a soft olive color with a white full-sleeved shirt on beneath. The purple border of his guild was on the hem and neck of the tunic.
"Come to think of it, I've never seen you in anything other than your uniform. You look pretty good yourself. What do the colors signify?"
Kusac looked down at himself. "Nothing particularly," he said. "I just happen to like them. They're the clothes I brought with me."
"The Clan Leader sent a robe for you also, Liegen," said the attendant, handing the garment to Kaid.
"My mother is nothing if not thorough," said Kusac ruefully, taking it from her and putting it on.
"What's the significance of the black robe?" she asked. "I ought to know, but I can't find the memory of it."
"Worn as an outer robe it's our Clan color," said Kusac. "Well, we might as well get this over with," he said, putting his arm round Carrie's waist. "Let me guess, Kaid. We have an honor guard to escort us there, right?"
"Tomorrow you will have your Warriors in military uniform, Liegen. For tonight, you must be seen to have a proper honor guard. Your mother will have one, too."
"It's as well all Leskas don't have these problems," said Kusac as they crossed the lounge toward the door, "else there would be very few Leska pairs."
"There haven't been many Leskas amongst the Clan Leader's immediate family, Liegen," murmured Kaid.

* * *

"Commander, you said my daughter would be here tonight. Where is she?" asked Peter Hamilton.
"She'll be here, Mr. Hamilton," Raguul assured him. "They have been unavoidably delayed I'm afraid."
"They?" he asked sharply. "Who's they?"
"She's with Liegen Aldatan's mother at present," interrupted Myak, coming to his Commander's rescue. "They'll be here shortly, sir."
"This isn't good enough, Commander. Whenever I've tried to contact my daughter, I'm told she's busy or can't be found. I want to know why you appear to be frustrating my attempts to see her."
"Mr. Hamilton, on a ship the size of the
Khalossa
it's just not possible to know where everyone is at a given time," said Raguul.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Commander, but I have a message for you," said Myak. "The Chemerian Ambassador wishes to see you urgently." Myak pointedly stood waiting for Commander Raguul to follow him.
"Do excuse me, Mr. Hamilton," said Raguul, taking his leave. "Myak, thank you," he said as soon as they were out of earshot. "Hamilton's really beginning to annoy me. Find someone to keep him occupied for now. We should have held this tomorrow and let him have tonight to speak to his daughter!"
"We couldn't do that, sir. Tomorrow is their Link day. Have you forgotten they need every fifth day to themselves?"
Raguul muttered darkly under his breath as he went over to the Chemerian. Myak headed off to find Jo to keep Mr. Hamilton occupied if not entertained.

* * *

They went down to the reception suite in the company of Rhyasha and her guard.
I see we're presenting a united front, Mother,
sent Kusac.
They'll gossip anyway. As well give them a good reason,
she answered imperturbably.
"I'm not sure I want to go, Kusac," said Carrie quietly. "I don't think I can cope with my father yet."
"You'll do fine," said Rhyasha, taking her hand and patting it reassuringly. "We're with you tonight and eventually your father has to return to Keiss while you remain here with Kusac. It's only for a few hours." She looped her arm through Carrie's and smiled down at her.
Kusac took her other hand. "He can't make you do what he wants any more, just remember that. If you keep your shield up, it'll help you feel calmer."
They entered the reception suite like that, Carrie arm in arm with his mother, Kusac holding her other hand.
Commander Raguul, flanked by the ever attentive Myak, came forward to greet them.
"Clan Leader Aldatan," he said, inclining his head toward her. "Well come to the
Khalossa."
As he turned to Carrie and Kusac, his ears twitched briefly.
"Commander, I don't think you've met my son and his Leska yet," Rhyasha said smoothly. "Liegen Kusac Aldatan and Liegena Carrie."
Kusac and his mother were well aware of the Sholans' reaction to her words. Like it or not, she had placed Carrie firmly under the protection of the Aldatan Clan and given her blessing to their relationship. They had to accept it and act accordingly.
"Liegen, Liegena," said Raguul with a nod to each of them. He turned back to Rhyasha. "Let me introduce you to the Terrans, Clan Leader," he said.
I'm here if you need me,
she sent to both of them as she moved off in the company of the Commander.
Kusac put his arm round Carrie's waist and nodded toward where Garras stood talking to Mito and Anders.
"Let's join them," he said, drawing her over in their direction. Kaid followed them while Meral and Sevrin stood back near the door, watching them from a distance.
Carrie was beginning to feel decidedly ill-at-ease. She had caught a glimpse of her father across the room as Rhyasha was escorted over to him. He caught her eye for a moment, then had to look away as the Commander began to talk to him.
In hiding her fears from Kusac and his mother she had left herself open to her father, and now his feelings came flooding over her. For a moment she saw Kusac through his eyes, was aware of the alienness of him not only in the fact that he resembled a furred animal, but in his height and strength compared to the fragility of his only daughter. His fear for her physical safety swamped her, and with a shudder she blocked him out.
The residue of his reaction remained with her, though, and she found herself feeling alienated from everyone— Terrans and Sholans alike.
Garras looked up as they approached. His eyes narrowed slightly and his pupils contracted to slits as he caught sight of Kaid behind them.
Kusac sensed his recognition and glanced at Kaid, motioning him forward. "You know each other?"
"We met during basic training at the Warrior Guild, sir," said Kaid, taking the lead.
Kusac glanced from one to the other.
Garras is concerned,
sent Carrie.
Kaid is as always.
"Kaid, there's no need for you to be on duty," said Kusac. "Enjoy yourself. Someone ought to," he added with a flick of his ears and a slight grin.
"Carrie, don't you look grand!" said a voice from behind her.
She turned round to hug her brother. "Richard! I didn't expect to see you."
"Jack's here," he said. "Come and talk to him. You don't mind, do you, Kusac?"
"Not at all," he said.
"Quite the secretive one, aren't you?" said Garras as they watched her walk away with her brother, Sevrin following at a respectful distance.
"Your entrance caused quite a stir. No one was expecting that. Still, if you have the backing of your family, there should be no insurmountable problems."
"I've yet to speak to my father," said Kusac, turning back to him.
"Carrie's father is about somewhere," said Anders. "I'd watch out for him if I were you. He's got a stubborn look to him tonight."
"Thanks for the warning," said Kusac. "Mito, nice to see you."
"Kusac," she said, putting a hand on Anders' arm. "I heard about the shooting. Carrie's all right?"
"She's fine. The injury was minor, thankfully."
"Watch yourselves," she said, her tone serious. "I'm afraid that Guynor's threat wasn't empty."
Kusac looked puzzled. "I'm sorry, Mito, but I don't see the connection. The man who shot Carrie was after someone else. He was under the influence of illegal drugs."
"He was from Khyaal, like Guynor," said Mito. "Just be careful, that's all."
"Anders, why don't you take Mito over to the buffet to get something to eat." A tone of command underlay Garras' suggestion.
"Yes, sir," said Anders, drawing Mito away.
"Is there anything I should know?" Kusac asked Garras. "Or is Mito being her usual melodramatic self?"
"Probably just Mito," said Garras. "I should think you've enough to contend with tonight without dealing with imaginary problems."
"I think I could do with a drink," said Kusac. "What about you?"
"I've got one, thanks."
Kusac made his way over to one of the long tables and asked for a glass of wine— supplied by the Terrans, the rating who served him said. Wanting a little peace and quiet, he ambled toward an empty chair— one of the comfortable ones.
"Liegen Aldatan," said a voice at his elbow.
Looking round, he found himself face-to-face with the Commander. He inclined his head. "Sir."
"We haven't met properly, but already I feel I know you through the piles of paperwork that you've generated," said Raguul.
"Me?" Kusac asked, surprised.
"You. You've no idea how much red tape your father has torn apart, trying to get your military status rescinded."
Kusac sighed. "I've a fair idea."
"Oh? Then you might not be displeased to find that the Commander-in-Chief has refused him."
"Really?" Kusac's ears pricked up.
The Commander nodded. "We feel that taking all the circumstances into account, the best thing we can do is place you on indefinite leave on Shola. You were training for Alien Relations, weren't you?"
Kusac nodded in agreement.
"You'll be able to finish your training there."
"Why go to all that bother?" he asked, frowning.
"Because of your Leska and her ability to fight. You seem to have absorbed some of her attitudes, and quite frankly, telepaths who can take part in combat situations could be an advantage to us. I don't say we have a need for them at the moment, but should that need arise, I want to be able to recall you both at any time."
"Which is why we need to go to the guild to work on our Link and find its limitations. I can see it all now. I'm afraid I have to say that I don't approve of the military using telepaths in combat, Commander."
"You're already working for the military, Liegen. However, don't prejudge a situation that hasn't yet occurred and may never do so."
He turned to look in Carrie's direction. "Speaking of Leskas, was that a wise move?" he asked, nodding toward her. "I believe your father has other plans even if your mother lends her support."
"I have plans, too, Commander," Kusac said quietly.
"I hope you know what you're taking on."
"What do you think?" Kusac asked, looking unblinkingly at him.
"I think you'll win, Liegen Aldatan," he said abruptly. "Your actions so far demonstrate honor if not wisdom. I wish you success."
Kusac flicked his ears in thanks.
"When do we leave for Shola?"
"When I have a craft free to send you," the Commander said, moving away. "Oh, I thought you'd like to know that you can have your physician. I consider it a very wise move on your part." He smiled, then headed for the buffet table.
Preoccupied by what the Commander had said, Kusac didn't realize he was being approached until a hand clapped him on the shoulder, almost making him jump out of his skin.
"Kusac," said a cheery Terran voice. "I'm glad to see my poor doctoring returned you to full health."
"Jack Reynolds?" said Kusac, slipping politely out from under the hand and turning to greet the Terran.
"Aye, no doubt you remember me," he said grinning, "but I had to have you pointed out to me by Carrie. You aren't the only one here with black fur, you know, and with your upright posture and clothing you look totally different. How you put up with my poking and prodding, I'll never know. You were probably heartily sick of it long before I was finished."
"Not at all," said Kusac. "I was extremely grateful to you for saving my life. I'm very glad to have the opportunity to thank you in person."
"Think nothing of it, lad. I thought you were far too patient for a forest cat even then," said Jack. "I'll have to rewrite all my notes on Keissian felines now!"
"I seem to be creating quite a pile of paperwork wherever I go," said Kusac wryly.
"Eh? Oh, you and Carrie. Yes, I gather you've caused quite a stir among your own people, not to mention ours. Tell me more about this Link you have."
"It's just a telepathic Link," said Kusac.
Jack shot him a piercing glance. "Just, eh? Don't give me that, laddie. I saw the two of you arriving. Can't think when I've seen a cozier pair so obviously at ease with each other."
Kusac glanced around sharply, mentally scanning to see if any other Terrans had overheard them. He took Jack by the arm, drawing the doctor toward a quiet corner of the room which boasted two empty chairs.
"I knew there was more to it," said Jack in a satisfied tone as he lowered his bulk into one of the chairs. He grimaced as he sank back in the seat. "This furniture definitely wasn't made for the likes of me," he said, eyeing his slightly rotund frame. "But you lot, it's just a treat for you. You can curl up in them. Now, tell me about you and Carrie."
"The Link is telepathic, but it's total. A blending of mind and body," said Kusac, leaning forward so he could speak quietly.
"How? Tell me more about it. I've been convinced all along that Carrie's talents could be explained scientifically."
"I don't know the mechanics, only the effects. We're constantly in communication with each other. Our minds are never alone."
"How on Earth do you keep your own identity?"
"We do have our own thoughts," he said, "but there is some overlap, of course. We need time to see how it will develop, because what we have isn't a normal Leska Link, it's far more intense."
"Hm. You said body and mind. Is pain the only physical sensation you share?"
Kusac frowned, sitting back a little. "Our Link's very different from what Carrie and Elise shared," he said. "The body is made up of senses, and ours... communicate... on a physical level, confirming and consolidating the mental Link. Every fifth day the Link draws us together physically so our minds can merge totally. The experiences we've each acquired are then sorted into our separate memories where we can assimilate and understand them. Without that closeness, our minds couldn't cope with the Link. It would literally overload our systems and kill us. It's analogous to the body needing sleep so the mind can file all the experiences of the day."
"This Link sounds like it should be avoided if at all possible," said Jack, shaking his head. "I assume that whatever happens to you, happens to her, just as it did with her sister."
Kusac's tail flicked, his ears trying to fold down. "No," he said sharply. "Not like her sister. I have more to give her. Elise gave only pain."
Jack leaned forward, frowning in concern as he patted Kusac on the hand. "Now, don't take me wrong. I never meant that. I can see you care about her. I do have a personal interest in you both, you know."
Kusac relaxed slightly, again moving away from Jack's hand.
"What is it?" asked Jack, picking up on the gesture. "Have I done something I shouldn't? Your people seem to be free of many of our taboos. Don't you touch unless you're related?"
Kusac grinned. "The scientist at work again. Yes, we're very tactile but telepaths are a rule unto themselves. We don't like being touched unless we invite that intimacy. I told you, our bodies sense as much as our minds. Imagine being touched by someone who dislikes you. You can't avoid sensing all that hate directed toward you." Kusac wrinkled his nose. "It's far from pleasant."
"That sounds more of a disability than an advantage," said Jack, sipping his drink. "I suppose your own people know better than to touch you. I'm sorry if I caused you any distress."
Kusac shook his head. "Only a little discomfort," he said.
"Can you pick up knowledge through your telepathy?"
"Oh, yes, but it doesn't give you the experience to use it. It has its limitations."
"Have you picked up anything about our culture from Carrie, other than what you saw when you lived with us?"
"I know everything she knows," said Kusac, "as Carrie does with me."
"Then you two are the only people with a working knowledge and understanding of both our cultures. I hear you're being posted back to Shola. It would make sense to pass on that knowledge to someone before you leave."
"To you?" grinned Kusac. "Certainly, Jack. Come and see us tomorrow and I'll arrange for you to meet our First Contact team personally. You'll be the leading Terran xenobiologist yet!" he laughed.
"Good," grinned Jack. "It's refreshing not to have to conceal one's small ambitions. Quite a glittering gathering, isn't it?" he said, looking around the room. "Your people have a barbaric splendor tonight."
Though slightly smaller than the average Sholan, the Terrans stood out because of their more sober clothing.
"Everyone is wearing ceremonial clothes," said Kusac. "We dress for show, not warmth or nudity taboos like you."
"What about that fellow," said Jack, nodding at the Warrior standing resplendent in black and red near Kusac's chair.
"Bodyguard," said Kusac briefly. "One of the Warrior Guild."
"I notice Carrie has one, too."
"We keep getting told we're a bridge between our species and they can't afford to take any chances with our safety," said Kusac tiredly.
"Have there been threats against you?" asked Jack, looking worried.
"No, none. In fact, most people present are untroubled by our bond. Most Sholans, that is," he amended. "There was an incident on Keiss concerning one of the crew of our scouter and myself, but that was dealt with several days ago."
"What happened?"
"I'm sorry," said Kusac tersely, "I don't wish to go over the incident again."
Jack nodded, content to leave the matter. "I wish I could say our people are being more tolerant of you two, but some of them aren't."