Close Contact (24 page)

That didn’t mean I didn’t feel it, though. I winced at the power that leaked into my insular world, then fought it off and kept going.

She struck out harder, pounding me with the force she wielded, the power she stole from the Sumantti, and a crack opened in my shield. Ignoring everything else, I fought to close it without effect even as I continued forward.

You can do it
, Kiera’s voice encouraged.
Don’t give up.

With renewed determination, I pushed on. I’d almost reached Gaia when Peri darted by me, seemingly unaffected by the power fluctuating in the room. With a scream of rage, eyes blood red, she dived at Strand, digging her talons deep into his face.

Somehow, the leader of Helios One had fought his way to his feet and was pushing toward me, his knife now aimed in my direction.

Fear washed through me, breaking my concentration and giving Banca a chance to widen the crack in my shield. Fear,
not for myself but for Peri as she dodged Strand’s knife and swooped to attack again. How could one lone dragon bird hold off a seasoned fighter armed with a long knife?

She couldn’t, and if I went to help her, Banca would win.

The thought barely went through my mind when Reynard charged by me, a feral grin on his chiseled face as he engaged Strand.

Trusting him to handle the situation, I plowed my way through Banca’s resistance to Gaia, reached down and covered her hands with mine, at the same time expanding the bubble of protection so it enveloped her and the Sumantti.

Or at least I tried to cover the Sumantti. But no matter how hard I struggled to close it, Banca kept a pathway open to the stone, using the crack she’d made in my shield to drain power. We fought for dominance until I was ready to collapse from exhaustion, while the child just kept getting stronger.

Abruptly, Peri left off her attack of Strand and turned her attentions to Banca. Somehow, she cut through the flow of power like it wasn’t even there and reached for the girl’s face with all four feet.

It wasn’t much, but it diverted Banca just enough to allow me time to begin mentally closing the breach in my shield. I’d almost succeeded when, from outside, I felt a dramatic increase in the energy flowing into me, and knew the Mother Stone was helping.

Stop this
, I commanded the Sumantti.
As long as you fight, she’ll continue to drain your power. You have to stop.

She heard me. I could even feel her attempts to obey. But Banca wouldn’t let the stone go, wouldn’t let me completely close the crack. Swatting Peri away with one hand, she refocused on the opening in my shield, keeping it open with the power she was draining. Even as I poured my strength and the Limantti’s through the Daughter Stone, the child sucked
it in. The more the Sumantti struggled, the more power Banca drained from the stone.

Inside the crystal I could sense the tiny Psynaviats dying, their DNA winking from my consciousness like stars gone nova as the life force left them. Pain screamed from the rest, sending me into another panic.

And it wasn’t just them. I had become a conduit to the Mother Stone on Orpheus Two. She, too, was feeling the strain as Banca drained away their energy, and still Banca drank it in and reached for more.

Help them!
Kiera screamed in my mind.
She’s killing them!

I reacted without plan, without reason, without thought. Running on pure instinct, I reached into the crystal with my psi ability and made a minute change in the DNA of the alien life forms. When it was complete, I forced them out of their environment and into Gaia through her hands.

The flow of power cut off instantly as the last of the psynaviats left the stone. It was as if someone had thrown a switch and all around us went still and silent. Gaia collapsed into my arms, her eyes closed and so still I thought I’d killed her. But when I checked, she wasn’t dead, just unconscious. The alien life flowed in her body, confused by its new home. And yet, already it was slowly regaining its strength.

At the same time, the Mother Stone withdrew to ponder what had just happened. Her puzzlement left a lingering aftereffect in my mind. I couldn’t help her, because I had no idea how I’d done what I’d done. I was simply grateful it worked.

The ringing of metal on metal drew my attention, and I turned to see Reynard parry a thrust from Strand’s knife. Before I could go into overdrive, Reynard spun, slid his sword under Strand’s partially raised arm, and impaled him through the chest.

Gently, I placed Gaia on the floor and then moved to stand beside Reynard as he stared down at Strand. The leader of
Helios One lay sprawled on the floor, one hand gripping the shaft of Reynard’s sword where it was buried in his body. His breath came in labored puffs and hate gleamed in his eyes.

“Bitch.”

The word was barely a whisper and I arched a brow, but he wasn’t looking at me. He was glaring at Banca.

The crystal still sat on the table, but now it was nothing but a big piece of quartz. Over the top of the stone, Banca stared at me, her eyes blank, no expression on her face.

It was hard to believe she was the same child I’d battled a few moments before, and I wasn’t sure what to do about her. She looked so damn innocent when she wasn’t trying to kill you.

The sounds of battle in the hall behind me died away, and Durtran and Bim charged into the room. I held up a hand as they flanked us.

“It’s over, Strand,” I told him. “You lost. Any last words?”

With a shudder, Strand released his grip on the sword, blood pouring in a steady stream from the wound, his face white. “That child is a monster. You should kill her now, while you have the chance. She sucked the life force from two of my men while we were holding her. But I suppose she’s the Federation’s problem now.” He gave one last gasp and went limp, his eyes fixed and unmoving.

Reynard leaned down and checked for a pulse on the man’s neck before pulling his sword free. “He’s dead.”

With a sigh, I turned to Durtran. “Did you kill all his men?”

“No, some of them threw down their weapons. Those we took into custody.”

“Good. They’ll do nicely as witnesses against Strand’s cohorts in the Federation. Lillith?”

“On my way.”

“Land as close to the castle as possible. I need to get Gaia into sick bay. I have no idea what the psynaviats are doing to her.”

“What about the other one?”

I glanced at Banca. She hadn’t moved since I’d rendered the Daughter Stone inert. “We’ll have to take her, too. She shouldn’t be dangerous for a while. She fed well today. Prepare a room where she can be restrained for now,” I told the ship, disgust tingeing my tone. “Maybe Dr. Shilly will know what to do with her. In the meantime, we’ve got some mopping up to do here on Madrea and time is wasting.”

From the size of the crowd surrounding Lillith all of Bastion City and the Bashalde were present to see us off. It had been a busy few months since Strand had died and the remaining crewmembers had taken his ship and fled. Fortunately, they were successfully nabbed by the Federation before they could clear Madrea’s gravitational field.

But my work here was done, and it was time to go. Madrea was now ruled by a council of six comprising equal parts Madrean and Bashalde. To my delight, Durtran was chosen as council leader. Their first act had been to lift the ban, which allowed negotiations to begin for the sunstones. As a result, Madrea’s future looked bright.

The chatter of the crowd faded as I paused halfway down the ramp Lillith had extended and scanned the faces looking up at me. Of course, I’d dressed for the occasion. I was wearing my sedate royal-blue jumpsuit with the hot-pink boots and holster for my blaster, so maybe I’d stunned them into silence with my brilliance. Overhead, Peri swooped and dived in excitement, circling the throng as though sending them her own good-bye.

It was amazing how many of the people waiting were familiar to me. There were Cammi and Treya standing with Marcus, while Leddy glowered at them. Next to them were Bim and Lowden. Jancen stood with Durtran and the other council members to one side.

But the one face I wanted most to see wasn’t there. Peri
picked up on my disappointment and settled to my shoulder, cooing softly from her perch as I looked over the sea of faces again.

Reynard wasn’t there. He’d stayed with me on board Lillith for the entire two months except for the time he’d spent handling Politaus’s funeral. Luckily, he was fascinated by the ship and it took his mind off the loss of his friend and king, but this morning he’d left before I woke and I hadn’t seen him since.

Maybe he just couldn’t bear saying good-bye, I thought, my heart breaking a little more at the idea of never seeing him again.

Pasting a smile on my face, I continued down the ramp and went to Marcus, giving him a quick hug. “Are you sure you want to stay here? Dr. Daniels would be happy to have you back.”

“I’m sure. This is my home now.” He glanced at Cammi when he said it. “But I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too.”

“Have you heard any more about the girls’ condition?” he asked.

Lillith had ferried both Banca and Gaia to the Federation ship, and they’d been immediately rushed to Centaurius. Dr. Shilly had been sending me updates ever since they’d arrived.

“The psi inhibitors seem to be working on Banca, although she still doesn’t talk or do much of anything. Dr. Shilly doesn’t think she’ll ever be normal. She may not be completely human. They’re still running tests. But I couldn’t get a lock on her DNA even though she was well within my range several times, so it doesn’t bode well for a good outcome.”

A spurt of gilt went through me at the thought of the other girl, even though part of me knew there was nothing else I could have done. “Gaia stays unconscious for the most part, although when she’s awake she doesn’t remember who she is or what’s happened to her. Dr. Shilly isn’t sure she ever
will. At least she’s out of danger now. He’s trying to find a way to get the psynaviats back into the crystal, but so far they don’t seem inclined to return.”

I turned to Treya. “If you ever decided to give up dancing, you could make a fortune on Centaurius doing makeup for the ladies.”

“Yes?” She looked thoughtful. “Maybe someday I’ll give it a try.”

“Cammi.” I looked at the woman and then leaned closer. “Take care of Marcus for me.”

“I will, you can count on it.”

“Leddy,” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to miss your cooking most of all.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” she whispered, “but I put a fifty-pound bag of coffee beans in your ship.”

“You’re an angel of mercy,” I whispered back. “Thank you.”

From there, I was passed around and hugged by more people than I could count. Even Bim took a turn, and then blushed bright red. Lowden and Jancen both informed me that since I was now an honorary Bashalde, I had to return for gatherings occasionally so my adopted family could make sure I was healthy and happy.

When I reached Durtran he bowed. “Agent Adams, we owe you more than we can ever repay. If there’s anything I can do, please ask.”

I paused, nearly hiccupping on the emotion choking me. “Tell Reynard I said good-bye,” I said. “Tell him I’ll always love him.”

Surprise flitted across his face. “The commander? But I thought—”

“Please,” I interrupted. No way could I get this out more than once. “Just tell him.”

“Of course.” He bowed again and then turned. “Commander!”

“Here!” The voice came from the rear of the crowd and was followed by clanging and the sound of pounding feet. Reynard burst through the mob, his arms loaded with swords, books, and a bulky bag that obviously contained clothing.

Durtran grinned at him. “Commander, Agent Adams wanted me to tell you that she’ll always love you.”

Reynard laughed. “Of course she will. We’re promised.”

I gaped at him, shocked down to my toes. “What are you doing?”

“You didn’t expect me to move halfway across the universe without my things, did you?”

“You’re going with me?”

“Well, of course I am.” He frowned at me. “When Politaus died, my vow was fulfilled. There’s nothing to hold me here now, and every reason to go.” His voice softened. “Wherever you go, I’ll follow, Echo Adams. You’re my life.”

“Oh, Reynard. I love you so much.” He dropped his load as I launched myself into his arms, sending Peri squawking and scolding into the air. Around us, cheers erupted, but I was too busy to listen.

Nearly everything I’d ever wanted was now mine. There was only one thing left to accomplish and it would have to wait until I got back to Centaurius.

Finally, I released him and helped him retrieve his things. Together we carried them up the ramp, stopping at the top to wave good-bye. As soon as we were inside, Lillith shut the air lock doors and lifted off.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming with me?” I asked him.

He shrugged. “I thought it was understood.” Lifting my hand he gently touched the ring. “After all, we’re promised.”

“Yes,” I said softly. “We certainly are.”

T
he halls of the Bureau of Alien Affairs seemed strangely silent as I stopped in front of a real wooden door with a discreet gold plaque on it.

Nervously, I smoothed the lines of the bright red vegan silk suit I wore, while Peri muttered darkly on my shoulder. “If you’re worried, you should have stayed with Reynard,” I told her. “I’m perfectly capable of handling this myself without your protection.”

Her thoughts were full of doubts as I lifted a hand and knocked.

“Come in,” Dr. Daniels called.

He stood as I entered the room, his blue eyes twinkling. “Ah, Agent Adams. I’ve been expecting you.”

“You have?” Surprised, I paused in the middle of the room.

“Please, sit.” He moved to a sideboard and took a bottle of Sirius ’45 from a wine bucket. “I believe this is your favorite, and we have cause for celebration.”

“We do?” I parked my butt in an overstuffed chair and eyed him suspiciously as he poured two glasses.

“Yes. The people who made up Losif Strand’s alliance
were found guilty on all charges this morning. They’ll spend the rest of their lives on Inferno, along with the men who originally signed onto the Federation ship to steal the Sumantti.”

I nodded, distracted for a moment. “That is good news. I’m glad it’s over.”

“As am I. How is the commander settling in?” he asked, handing over one of the glasses and taking the chair next to mine.

“He’s ecstatic. We can’t even go for a walk because every time he sees a new gadget, we have to stop so he can figure out how it works. When he’s not here at headquarters doing his job, he’s logged into the computers, studying. I think he’s leaning toward an engineering degree.”

“Well, he’ll have a job with us as long as he wants it, no matter what field he specializes in. You were absolutely right about his abilities. There’s not a martial arts instructor in the bureau who can beat him, plus he’s like having a human lie detector around. We’ve never had such a well-behaved junior class before.” He smiled. “But you aren’t here to talk about the commander, are you?”

“No, I’m not.” I rolled the glass between my hands while Peri shifted uncomfortably on my shoulder. “It’s about my job.”

He nodded. “Yes, this talk
was
a bit delayed by your mission. We both know you weren’t created to be a field agent, even though things turned out fine this time. Any suggestions on what we should do with you?”

“As a matter of fact”—I took a deep breath and plunged off the precipice—“I want your job.”

He threw his head back and gave a deep belly laugh. “You never disappoint, Agent Adams. Unfortunately for you, I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon. On the other hand, there’s a lot for you to do here at Alien Affairs, so I’m sure
we can keep you busy at something. Maybe a job as my assistant?”

“Really?” Stunned, I could only stare at him.

“Really. Not only are you organized to a fault, you’re supremely educated on Federation politics. And of one thing I’m sure. With you around, life will never be dull. Welcome aboard, Agent Adams. You start tomorrow.”

I drained my glass, and then let out a whoop of joy as Peri did blissful loops around the room. Life was good. Yes, it was very, very good.