fortuneswheel (48 page)

* * *

As soon as Rhyasha reached her home on the estate, she sent a message to the guild requesting her daughter's presence immediately.
Taizia was there within the hour. "Mother, it's good to see you," she said, greeting her with a hug. Fetching one of the large floor cushions, she planted it and herself by her mother's feet.
"It's good to be home again," Rhyasha said. "C'shar?"
"Please. How are the talks with Keiss going?"
"They're complete," said Rhyasha with satisfaction, handing her a mug. "Even if I do say so myself, your father couldn't have done a better job. We had some interesting news before I left. There's been no sign of that Valtegan ship yet, and all attempts to find their home world have come up blank. However, the Chemerians have suddenly gone absolutely paranoid— even for them— about what they term 'our enemy' being a threat to their worlds. Considering the distances involved between us and them, we're wondering if they know something that we don't. I left Vrail dealing with it. If he finds out anything, he'll let me know." She stopped to pick up one of the biscuits beside her.
"Now tell me about your father. I hear he's headed out to Earth. What's happening there?"
"The Terrans are reluctant to send us any telepaths. They say they haven't got any, so Father's on his way there armed with a copy of Carrie's encyclopedia. You remember, it's that book of knowledge you lent me your access code for. It lists the various centers of learning where they've been studying the Terran Talents for years."
"I remember. Well, your father's sure to enjoy himself," she said dryly. "He always did like the cut and thrust of the diplomatic world. How's your brother and his Leska? Are they well? How are they settling in on Shola?"
"Don't you mean his betrothed?" said Taizia, eyeing her mother over the top of her mug as she took a sip of her drink. "Carrie gave him a torc yesterday."
Rhyasha nodded. "I expected she would. Has Kusac spoken to your father about it yet?"
"Not to my knowledge. You got my message about Rala?"
Rhyasha frowned. "Yes, I did. I've never been happy about your father's choice, now I'm utterly convinced she's wrong for him. The stupidity of her trying that old trick on Kusac! Neither her tantrums nor her ingenuous act will have any effect on him, the opposite in fact, thank the Gods!"
"Frankly, I'm glad. I never did like the idea of having Rala living here as my sister," said Taizia.
Her mother sat and sipped her drink, amber eyes taking on a faraway look. "I knew Kusac's marriage with Rala would give him very little emotional satisfaction and I'd just about given up hope of him ever finding a female he could care for. Then he finds Carrie." She sighed and her eyes refocused on her daughter.
Taizia leaned forward and took her mother's hand, stroking the soft golden fur. "Strange as it may sound, she's right for him. You know he's always enjoyed his studies. Well, now he has a lifetime to devote to studying his Leska's species."
"What about her, though? Do you think she cares as much for him?"
Taizia laughed, giving her mother's hand a gentle squeeze. "She's as besotted with him as he is with her! Never fear, they'll be happy, given half a chance," she said, her tone becoming more somber.
"You've reminded me why I sent for you," said Rhyasha, businesslike once more. "I've been trying to look ahead and decide what's best for the Clan in the long run. Kusac has two choices. To marry Rala, or not to marry her. If he decides to disobey his father and the Council by not marrying her, I'll have no option but to declare him outcast from the Clan. I'm sure he intends to break the contract; therefore, we have to find some reason for it to be dissolved before he does."
"I know," said Taizia quietly. "I've already been thinking along the same lines."
Rhyasha hesitated. "There is something else that has to be taken into consideration. If he does marry Carrie, he can't remain my heir. You'll have to be named."
Her daughter sat there in stunned silence. "No," she said at last. "I refuse."
"You can't. We need a marriage which will give the Clan heirs. Kusac's marriage to Carrie obviously won't, and since she's also his Leska, the duty falls to you."
"I don't want my brother's position," Taizia said. "Why must he lose it? He can lead the Clan just as easily with an alien wife as he can with a Sholan one."
"He can't provide heirs, you know that."
"Then name my children his heirs!" she exclaimed, "but don't take the heirship away from him! It's been done before— in Grandfather's time— why not now?"
"Kusac would gladly give it up," Rhyasha said dryly.
"I'm sure he would, but he's been brought up to lead the Clan one day, I haven't. I know nothing about it."
"You've as much common sense— if not more— than Kusac. Very well, if that's what you want," she sighed. "I'll name your future children as Kusac's heirs. I'd love to know why the Gods should bond him into a sterile link. I just hope he can cope with it. Since he's now behaving like any other competitive, virile male, he'll be experiencing the pull toward persuading her to have his cubs."
"He'll cope," said Taizia. "He learned the painful way to control his aggression, as we all did. He'll probably work harder to compensate. Anyway, the physical shape of Terran females makes them appear to be pregnant all the time. That may in itself be enough."
"Maybe," said Rhyasha. "Meanwhile, we need to find at least one good reason for the marriage contract to Rala to be dissolved. I won't let him be pushed into breaking the Clan laws."
"Surely his Link to Carrie is reason enough. Do you know how close they are?"
"I've a fair idea," admitted Rhyasha. "Enough to be very concerned as to the effects on both Carrie and Kusac if he had to pair with Rala to provide heirs. But his link isn't a good enough reason for the Council or for your father."
Taizia glanced up at her mother. "Frankly, I don't think he'd be capable of pairing with Rala because of the totality of his Link with Carrie. What about using Rala's behavior at the guild as a valid reason?"
"I intend to do that anyway," said Rhyasha, her voice becoming hard. "That's what happens when a female is brought up almost exclusively by a doting father who refuses to listen to his female relatives' advice! I hope to change your father's opinion on the grounds that in complete defiance of guild rules, she is mentally manipulating people around her, and attempted to do the same to Kusac at a time when she knew he was vulnerable. Those certainly are acceptable grounds for annulling a marriage contract."
"I told you that Meral came to find me so I could accompany them to Rala's home. I can certainly testify as to her attitude then. She was projecting a most vile temper all the way back to her father's estate."
"That will certainly help. Another worry of mine is concerned with Carrie. If he does intend to marry her within our Clan system, then she must have an escort when he isn't with her. Despite the fact there's no need to protect her honor until the wedding, all the proprieties must be seen to be followed. I don't want the Clan council to have any grounds for demanding an annulment."
Taizia grinned. "That's the first thing we've discussed today where the news is good," she said. "I've just realized how clever Kusac has been. He had Kaid escorting us yesterday."
Rhyasha looked thoughtfully at her daughter. "Did he? Then he is more perceptive than I thought. Do you realize who Kaid is?"
Her daughter frowned. "What do you mean? He's Kusac's adjutant, isn't he?"
"That, too, but he is one of the Brothers of Vartra."
"Ye Gods!" swore Taizia, her eyes widening in surprise. "She couldn't have a more acceptable escort, but why a Brother?"
"There was an attempt on her life while they were on the
Khalossa."
"But why?"
"Dissident survivors from the two dead colonies who didn't want the treaty with Earth."
"I knew nothing about this. Tell me more," she said, taking another drink of her c'shar and pulling a face as she realized it was now cold.

* * *

Myak was waiting for him when he came out of the scouter.
"Captain Garras, Commander Raguul wishes to see you. If you would accompany me?"
Garras padded alongside Myak, too tired to be curious. What he wanted was a shower, food, and his bed. Food and sleep would do.
The Commander looked up as they entered. "I don't know when I've had a tour of duty so full of surprises," he said, picking up a small sealed package and holding it out to him. "The Brotherhood has reactivated your status. Your orders are in here, as is the location of your new posting."
Garras took the package. "Thank you, sir," he murmured, too astonished to really take in what was happening.
"Your transport is waiting in the central docking bay. You leave immediately." Raguul nodded toward his adjutant. "Myak had your personal effects packed. They've already been loaded."
Raguul waited a moment for a response from Garras. When none was forthcoming, he spoke again. "Good-bye, Captain Garras. Doubtless your next appointment will be more interesting than the routine patrols you've been flying here," he said with heavy sarcasm.
"Yes, sir," said Garras, finally putting the anonymous envelope into a pocket and turning to leave.

* * *

Garras stopped dead in his tracks as he entered the bay. Crouched in the center with the fuel and oxygen lines being disconnected was a Stealth fighter. Dressed in the active service grays of his guild, the Captain stood by the side of his craft keeping a watchful eye on the maintenance crew.
He turned as he heard Garras approach. "Captain Garras," he said, ears dipping in acknowledgement of the other's superior grade. "If you'd like to board, sir, you'll find a uniform and food waiting for you in the cabin area. I'll be with you as soon as I'm finished here."
Garras nodded, letting his eyes rove over the sleek craft, in no hurry to board yet.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" The young Captain's mouth opened in a proud grin. "You can travel up front with me if you like, or you can sleep in the cabin. It's a two man craft but with the space to squeeze in one passenger if necessary. My colleague flew the outward flight, so he'll probably bed down after takeoff."
"Regretfully, so will I," said Garras, finally finding his voice. "I've just come off duty myself." He turned and headed for the steps up to the hatch.
The inside of the craft was compact. The cabin had a table surrounded by three bench seats which obviously doubled as very narrow beds. Set in the wall was a heater unit and in the cupboard above it he found a variety of meal and hot drink packages. Dried protein strips and concentrated emergency rations were in abundance, too.
"Captain Garras?" came a voice from the flight deck.
"Yes?"
"Welcome aboard, sir. Help yourself to a meal. We'll be another ten minutes or so before we lift off. Blankets are stored under the benches along with the safety restraints."
"Thank you." Garras took a c'shar pack and one of the less revolting looking packages of stew and put them in the heater. While he waited for them, he sat down and took out the package containing his orders. Ripping it open, he scanned the page quickly, his feelings ambivalent as he read the letter from the Brotherhood.
He knew exactly who to thank for this. "You bastard, Kaid," he muttered under his breath. It had been fifteen years since he left Stronghold, and now not only had he been recalled to active service by Kaid, but he'd requested him for an undercover job.
The heater chimed. Folding up his orders, he stuffed them into his inside pocket, then got up to collect his food. He bit the end off the drink sachet and poured it into a disposable cup. Sitting down again, he pulled the tab on his meal pack and began to suck the contents. He hated eating processed food. There was no texture to it.
So Kaid would meet him at Nazule Guild and brief him, would he? Well, he had a few things he wanted to say to him, too! Then a slow grin crossed his face. Dammit, but life had grown too staid. After his experiences on Keiss, the routine flights had left him bored out of his mind. The thought of returning to the merchant routes was almost as bad. The skills they'd both learned were never forgotten. They were ingrained into your body, not just your mind. Then there was Vanna. His grin faded. If there was still trouble looming for Kusac and Carrie, then Vanna could be in danger, too.
He heard footsteps on the ladder outside as the Captain came aboard.

* * *

Kusac, accompanied by Meral and Sevrin, was taking some time off to visit his mother at the estate. His father had been gone a week, but there had been no news from him as yet.
They were heading for the vehicle park to hire an aircar, the secondary reason for their journey. Kusac had his own vehicle at the estate and he was intending to bring it back to the guild to be kept there.
Kusac paid the fee, then they followed the assistant down into the bowels of the underground park. Sevrin let Kusac walk ahead of them with the assistant and touched Meral on the arm to draw his attention.
"Someone following us," he whispered.
Meral's ears swiveled round, listening for the slightest sound. He started to shake his head, then he heard it too. The faintest click of claws on metal. As one they loosened their jackets, drawing the slim energy pistols. Meral gestured Sevrin to go ahead and warn Kusac.
He scanned the park in more detail now, checking the pools of shadow at the back of each empty bay, the concrete supporting pillars, the half-height landings fronted with open railings. A few meters ahead was a doorway, another potential hazard.
Sevrin had stopped them and was gesturing for them to duck behind the vehicle in the adjacent bay. Kusac started to move, but the assistant's voice rang out in the silence.
"Don't be ridiculous!" As she stepped toward the doorway an energy bolt hit her square in the back. Without a sound, she pitched forward onto her face, dead before she hit the ground.
Kusac flung himself into the bay, rolling across the ground till he was out of range behind the small private craft. As he came up in a crouch against the side of the vehicle, he heard the sound of another discharge followed by a grunt of pain from Sevrin as he staggered backward. He hit the side of the vehicle, the gun falling from his hand as slowly he slid down to the ground.
Keeping his head down, Kusac inched cautiously back to him, picking up the gun as he came to it. Carrie's presence flared in his mind, then was still. He knew she'd alerted Kaid.
The front of Sevrin's chest was a gaping seared wound and his breath came in short pants. He turned his head toward Kusac, eyes full of pain. Already they were beginning to dim. Kusac reached for his hand, aware of his agony but unable to help. Sevrin's eyes flickered once, then closed, his body suddenly becoming still and limp.
Deep in Kusac's throat an angry growl began to build. Letting Sevrin down to the ground, he checked the gun then mentally sought for their attackers. Meral was three bays away to his left and beyond him he could feel two minds intent on more killing.
Carefully he raised his head above the nose of the aircar, seeing the semi-darkness of the park lit up with flares from the weapons. Meral was pinned down, safe for the moment but unable to reach their assailants on the half-level above.
Measuring the distance to the doorway, he waited his moment then dived away from the aircar, rolling across the open park and coming to rest by the door. A kick and it was open. He tumbled through.
Crouching low he hugged the walls, making his way carefully up the few steps till he reached the next floor. The door opened inward this time, giving them no warning of his location. Keeping his head down, he waited till he heard shooting, then ran for the opposite side, diving between two vehicles. Keeping one vehicle between him and them, he checked for their minds. Awareness of Carrie's passive strength flared within him and using their combined energy, he carefully probed at their two assailants. They weren't yet aware of him.
He ran the length of the vehicle, stopping at the wall. There was a gap just large enough for him to squeeze through. The same with the next aircar. Carefully he moved forward to the front of the craft, looking round it to visually check on their position. Suddenly one of them came into view, backing into the accessway between the two rows of bays.
Eyes fixed on his target, Kusac brought the gun up, pressing the trigger as the male came into range. The beam hit him, flinging his body through the air like a broken toy.
A brief silence followed, then with a blur of movement too fast for him to react, the second male leaped forward from the gap, disappearing between the vehicles on the other side. Kusac heard the hollow metallic thump of someone landing on a vehicle and using it as a springboard, followed by the flash of a body scrambling up to the next level. He was gone.
Kusac stayed where he was, reaction finally setting in as he sat there mentally searching for any more attackers.
"Kusac!" He recognized Meral's voice. Although several hundred meters away, it sounded loud to his enhanced senses. With a brief mental acknowledgment to Carrie, he stopped searching.
"Here!" he called. "I killed one. The other got away."
"Sevrin?"
"Dead."
A short silence. "Stay where you are, I'll join you."
Within five minutes, Meral appeared in front of the adjacent vehicle. "The area's secure now," he said, crouching down beside him. "I checked the body. Nice shot. Pity you had to take his head with it. We'll need a DNA typing for his identity."
Kusac's eyes narrowed. "I wanted to be sure," he said shortly. "We've to wait here for Kaid. The Protectors are on their way."
Meral nodded, squatting down like him with his back to the aircar, gun cradled ready for use. "Who's watching Carrie?"
"Armed Protectors," he said shortly.
They sat in silence. Now was neither the time nor the place for talk. Later, when they returned to the Guild, he'd have plenty to say. For now he was keeping watch with his mind. The skills they'd learned the hard way on Keiss once more were proving invaluable.