Alien Attachments (14 page)

A tall, thin, olive-skinned woman with long, jet black hair entered. Her red silk blouse and black, form-fitting pants made a striking figure. Behind her came Ian’s father, dressed all in black and a long cape. Dani’s heart pounded, ready for an assault until she took a closer look. It wasn’t him. For one, he stood taller, possibly as tall as Ian. For another, his hair was darker and straight, whereas Ian and his father had unruly waves. And unless she was mistaken, this man was older. The face, however, was totally Ian’s dad.

“Ms. Standich, I am Lady Mara Cavacent, Ian’s mother.” The woman held out her hand.

Unlike her husband and son, she didn’t appear to be angry. Dani wasn’t sure what to do with the Lady’s outstretched hand. Kiss it? Shake it? She reached out and shook it firmly.
If you’re gonna be wrong, do it like you mean it.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cavacent.”

“Please, call me Mara.”

“Only if you’ll call me Dani.”

Mara smiled and Dani’s heart constricted. Clearly Ian got his smile and olive skin from her.

“All right, Dani.”

An image of herself and Ian in bed with Rucon towering over them flashed across her mind. Doesn’t matter, nothing happened
.
Well, something happened. Either way, the whole thing was embarrassing.

Mara smiled and stepped forward. “My husband and son have neglected to thank you. You saved Ian’s life. More than once, from what I’m told. I will not forget that.”

He has her eyes too.
“Thank you. I don’t... I don’t know why I…” Dani looked away, feeling her face heat. “I just somehow knew I had to go to him.”

Mara surprised her by embracing her in a firm hug. “It was your psi, darling. If you hadn’t listened… Well, enough of that.” She turned to the man behind her. “This is Mordo, Ian’s uncle, and my husband’s brother,” Mara said.

A twinge of recognition flicked over her.

“I believe we’ve already met. In a manner of speaking.” The man smiled and approached, hand extended.

“I’m sorry, I feel I know you but…” Dani shook his hand.

“I helped you and Ian escape.”
His familiar voice whispered in her head and a wispy blue light seemed to flicker and was gone. Dani tried to stay focused. “When Ian moved the portal. You’re the one who helped us.”

Mordo’s smile broadened.

“Can you all do this?” Dani asked. “Talk in my head?”

“No dear,” Mara said. “Only a few exceptionally powerful psi can. Unless, of course, you’re bonded. Psi-mates can do it too. You have a lot to learn, don’t you?” Mara motioned to the couch. “Please, come sit down.”

Dani took a seat next to Mara on the settee. Mordo pulled up a chair to face Dani. Mara and Mordo exchanged a glance before Mara patted her hand. “Mordo would like to take a look at you, dear.”

“Or more precisely, at your psi,” Mordo said. “With your permission, of course.”

Dani flashed back to when Armond had done the same thing. She hadn’t known it then, but that’s what he was doing. Afterward, Ian had changed. Dani struggled to make sense of it all. “All right, but you should know, this doesn’t seem to go over too well with you guys.”

Mara gave her hand a squeeze and sat back. “I’m sure it will be all right.”

Mordo leaned forward and placed his hands on her knees. He closed his eyes and relaxed visibly, taking slow, deep breaths.

“Should I be doing something?” She whispered to Mara.

“No dear, you’re fine,” Mara replied.

Dani shivered. Mordo’s psi was completely different than Ian’s. A bizarre array of emotions flitted through her with an accompanying counterpart, affecting her psi. Joy followed by anger, a wave of wonderment followed by a devastating sensation of loss. Dani held back tears as the memory of her parents death flooded through her.

Mordo opened his eyes, a quizzical look on his face. “My apologies. The triggering of memories is…unusual. I’ll try a different approach. Can you bear with me a moment longer?”

Dani chewed her lower lip and nodded. Mordo resumed his closed-eye examination. This was better. She sensed the probing of her psi, but no random memories assaulted her. Slowly, images started flooding through her mind. People she didn’t know. A regal-looking man in ornate robes and a flash of hatred. A young man laughing accompanied by a flood of love, desire and longing. Mordo cleared his throat and the images stopped. Next came rage—fury at the loss of her parents and something not entirely her own. Intense anger at herself and Ian alike stabbed through her.
This isn’t my anger. It’s Ian’s.
A force inside exploded and the couch she and Mara sat on flew back and slammed against the curtained wall behind. Mordo, in his chair, flew in the opposite direction. The chair started to flip over when he raised his arms and froze. He sat suspended a few inches off the ground.

Dani gripped the cushions of the couch. “Did I do that?”

Mordo lowered his arms and the chair righted itself and settled to the floor. With a slight waive, the couch and chair returned to their original positions. “I’m afraid so,” Mordo said, straightening his cape.

Mara let out a little huff and adjusted her collar. “Well, that was interesting.”

Mordo gazed at Dani, then at Mara next. “
This could get complicated…”
Mordo’s voice, but it was directed at Mara and was accompanied by another blue flash. Returning to her, he spoke up. “You, my child, have extraordinary power. And because of this, you are extraordinarily dangerous. We must begin your training immediately.”

Dani had been given a reprieve, but from what, she wasn’t sure. The fact that she was on an alien planet with her life at the mercy of these people, struck home. “Thank you. What do you mean by train?”

“Let me ask you something first,” Mordo said.

“Of course.”

“Have you ever used, or even noticed, your psi before?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Dani thought back. “Although, maybe, in a way.”

“Explain, please,” Mordo said.

“I do mixed fights. For a hobby, and exercise. I’m really good. Too good. I don’t train like the others, and to be honest I’m kind of a klutz. I’ve won more than one because I tripped and ended up doing something totally unexpected, even to me. Somehow, it almost always works out. Do you think psi has anything to do with that?”

“Most certainly.” Mordo looked her up and down. “By train, we mean to teach you how to harness and control your psi.” Mordo smiled at her then. “Your ability to heal is remarkable. I’d like to find out what else you can do.”

“I’d like that. I’m feeling very restless right now.”

“I’m sure you are,” Mordo said, standing. “Like any other form of energy, psi needs an outlet or it will erupt in unpredictable ways.” Mordo glanced at a timepiece around his neck. “I have a number of appointments I must attend. Shall we say nine o’clock tomorrow morning to begin your training?”

“Sure,” Dani said.

“And now,” Mordo said, standing and moving the chair aside. “I believe you have some guests.” The door flew open and the entire Earth crew piled in. Jared led the way followed by Marco, Gina, Battista and Ria. Armond strolled in a moment later.

Dani flew to her feet.

“Dani, my girl!” Jared hugged her and squeezed so hard, she could barely breathe.

Ria pushed him out of the way and gave her own crushing hug. “Girlfriend, I thought I lost you. Don’t
do
that ever again, you hear?”

Dani laughed. “You have my word.”

“
Si, Si
. Dani, you scare us most to death.” Gina dabbed at tears in her eyes.

Battista gave her a kiss on both cheeks.

The group surrounded her, and everyone spoke at once.

“How are you?” Marco asked.

“I’m fine. I promise.”

Marco swooped in when Ria let go, and scooped her up into a bear hug and swung her around.

“Marco! Your hand. How is it?” She squirmed until he let her down, and pulled his wrist from behind her back.

“What, is that?” Dani asked.

A bulbous plastic sphere protruded from the wrist where his hand should be. “I’m growing it back, baby! You didn’t think a little Torog laser treatment would stop me, did you?” He held the bulb up to her face.

Inside she could just make out appendages within some kind of liquid. They were far too short for Marco, but had plenty of room to grow. “Gotta get the bone and cartilage done first, then we start on the skin. Should be good as new in a few weeks or so,” Marco said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Un-be-lievable,” Dani said. “And kinda creepy too.” She leaned closer, and the bony sticks waved at her, making her laugh. “This would be killer at Halloween.”

Ria sidled next to her. “Did you hear, Ian’s up and okay?”

“Yeah, I heard. Great news huh?” She could only hope she wasn’t blushing. “Hey, what are you guys still doing here?” she asked Jared.

His face lit up. “I asked Rucon if we could stay awhile. Seemed kinda harsh to get us to an alien world then send us back without so much as a look around.”

“He say yes.” Gina clapped her hands. “Is so amazing here.”

“Rucon is Ian’s dad, right?” Dani asked.

“Yes,” Jared said. “Haven’t you met him yet?”

“Not exactly, no.” She was pretty sure she was blushing now.

“So, Dani,” Marco leaned in with mock intimacy. “We gotta know, just how strong a psi are you?”

Silence reigned. Ria punched Marco in the arm.

“Why,” Mara said, rising to her feet, “would you ask such an absurd question, may I ask?”

Marco spun around. He’d clearly forgotten Mara’s presence. “Your ladyship.” Marco bowed low.

Mara let out a great sigh. “Marco, you know I do not like that level of formality. You EPs are like family. Now, answer the question before I have you shot.”

Marco scanned the faces of the others before replying. “I sort of figured it out. Ian is strong, no question, but not that strong. Even with Mordo’s help, there’s no way he could have pulled that off. Dani was the only other one there.”

“Armond helped too,” Mordo said.

“Yeah?” Marco asked, giving Armond a sideways glance. “He didn’t mention it.”

“You neglected to ask,” Armond said.

Ria spoke up next. “I found out when Ian asked me to help with her claustrophobia. From what I could tell she’s seriously powerful.”

Jared and the Papallos stared at her wide-eyed.

Mara rubbed her temples and gazed at each person in the room, in turn. “You are not to say anything of Dani’s abilities to anyone. Do you understand?”

“Of course, your ladyship,” Ria said. “We would never jeopardize the Cavacent family.”

More was being said here than Dani understood, but before she could dig deeper Ria suggested Dani join the team for lunch. Her stomach growled a response.

“Great idea,” Marco said. “You can come and watch us train afterward.”

“You’re gonna train on a full stomach?” Dani asked.

“Enemies don’t wait for one’s food to digest,” Armond said as though she were a child.

Dani ignored his tone. “Good point.” She looked to Mara. “Is that all right? Am I allowed to wander about?”

“Of course, dear.”

“Please don’t leave the Cavacent grounds,” Mordo said, turning to leave. “And I’d suggest you not interact with anyone outside our little group here.”

Dani nodded, knowing full well it was no suggestion.

“Come on,” Ria said. “We’ll show you around. Are you ready?”

“Yeah, but first,” Dani said, “I really need to see what’s behind the curtains.”

“You haven’t seen it yet?” Ria asked.

“Didn’t really have time, did I? Do you mind?”

Mara turned, waved her palm, and the curtains slid away from the large window.

Dani walked over to the glass. The others gathered around. The room was elevated with a tremendous view of a city below. Nestled amongst mountains, it sparkled in beautiful yet bizarre light. “Your sky is...green. With green and purple clouds. Wow.”

“Well, duh,” Marco said.

Dani responded by punching his arm this time.

“Wait’ll you see a storm,” Ria said, stepping up next to her. “The clouds are spectacular.” She leaned in closer and gave her arm a squeeze. “Your dad was right.”

Dani closed her eyes and nodded.
Oh dad, if only you were here to see this.

“Welcome to Sandaria, dear,” Mara said. “The city below us is Ardos, our Capital, and home”—she pointed to a massive castle-like building in the center—“to the Emperor and Empress Sandar.”

The city was traversed by an oddly reflective winding river, like liquid silver. Boats were just discernible on the surface, and she let out a small gasp when flying vehicles zipped by outside. Parks sat scattered throughout the city, all connected by trails and roads, which lead to the center.

Mara came and stood at her other side. “Beautiful isn’t it?”

“Amazing.”

“I remember the first time I saw it,” Mara said. “I was speechless too.”

“You’re not from here?” Dani asked.

“Oh no, I’m from Mitah. Relatively far, even by our standards.”

“But you’re Sandarian, right?”

“Of course, dear.”

“Do you miss your home?” Dani asked.

Mara looked out over the city. “Very much at times, but this is my home now, with Rucon. I wouldn’t want to be anyplace else.”

There was an odd resonance to her voice that made Dani wonder what she wasn’t saying.

* * * *

As soon as they got outside the questions started. Jared and the Papallos relentlessly drilled her about psi, what it was like, and how she got it.

“I have no idea,” Dani said. “But, I think maybe I’ve always had it. It’s why I win the mixed fights and always manage to get the perfect shot with the camera. Still, something happened when Ian healed my wrist.”
And when we were together.
Angry as she was at Ian’s behavior, it was impossible to deny the effect he had on her.

Nearly forty minutes later they were finishing up the tour of the compound. “Mara wasn’t kidding. The grounds are huge,” Dani said. They traversed an outside courtyard full of flowers and manicured lawns, their boots crunching on white gravel. “Wow.” Dani bent down and plucked a few blades of grass. The base, like grass on Earth was green, but halfway to the tips, they turned purple. Not a glaring purple, more a violet. On Earth, the main plant color was green, here it was purple. “Does it have anything to do with the purple and green clouds?” She asked Ria.