Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) (9 page)

“Knaleg.” Kynan looked
absent-minded
for a moment then resumed his focused look, “I cannot give you the answer you
want. If I told you to use the port pad only two or three more times would that
help you? We can use the port pad system at will because we use a random
dialing system which hides our ships location in space. You are not able to
utilize that being based on a planet, traveling to other planets. I can only
say, use
both
port pads at your own
peril.”

“I think we have had enough excitement for one day.” Amber broke in and
spoke over the males. “Kynan. Please stay on Terraneu for as long as you wish
to stay. We can arrange quarters for you and all of your guard.”

Kenzie noted before Kynan could say yes or no, Star answered for him.
“That would be nice Amber. We would all love to stay for a few days.”

Kenzie didn’t laugh at the grimace on
Kynan’s
face but it was a close one. The poor android didn’t want to
stay
but obviously didn’t want to disappoint
Star either.

“It would seem it is settled.” Kynan bowed to Amber in a formal way. “I
have notified my guard and have taken steps to secure quarters in an
unoccupied
sector. The thermal scan shows
R17,18,19 and 20NW1-5 are open? Those twenty rooms will be sufficient for us if
I ask my guard to share.”

“There are that many?” Knaleg went to protest but Amber nodded gracefully
and intervened again.

“Thank you for taking the time to organize your men. That will be fine.”
Then everyone was standing.

Kenzie and Knacayn were moving toward his family still at their places
along the table when Amber called out, “I think a welcome dance is in order. I
will arrange for the decorations,
music,
and flavored water.” She looked to Kniam, “If you could notify the community?”

“Of course.” He nodded and then got a faraway look
on
his face. Kenzie knew he was relating to the
rest of the males what had happened. Probably warning them
 
to be on their best behavior with the
androids and letting them know about the dance.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but do you have other requirements? Food or
drink?” Amber had stepped up to Kynan and put her arm into his. “I will walk
with you to your
dome
and you can tell me
all about yourself.”

Kenzie shuddered and knew at that moment Knacayn’s mother was one very
brave woman. She was adept at diplomacy, but it would take her a bit longer to
get used to the A.I. units.

“We can process food and drink, it just requires additional energy
consumption. We will adhere to what you consider normal.”

“Our bodies use the suns for energy, so we don’t require food. One of our
most popular
domes
is The Watering Hole,
they serve flavored water. You will have to try it.” Amber was dragging Kynan
along toward the door as if he wasn’t an
all-powerful
android that could have them all dead at the snap of his fingers.

“I would be happy to try…” his guard were moving to follow, blocking
everyone else from using the door.

Kenzie couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation as they moved out of
sight. The community was coming alive again, sounds were making their way
inside the council dome. Kenzie saw Brennae and Star make a beeline for each
other and then she was drawn into Knacayn’s side and the conversation he was
having with his father.

“Kenzie? Can we come in?” Kenzie was in her room preparing for the
welcome dance when she heard Brennae in her front room.

“Yes. Come in.” She yelled and then thought to wonder at the ‘we’ part of
the question. Tugging her dress over her hips, she made her way into the living
room. Brennae was making herself comfortable on one of the chairs and across
from her was Star.

“I hope you do not mind I am here with Brennae.” Star was wearing a
Terraneu style dress in black. The only difference being the fashionable
cut-outs in the material that produced flashes of skin when she moved.

“Not at all Star, it’s nice to see you again.” Kenzie had gotten to talk
with Star yesterday after the meeting and she had been surprised at how
friendly the android was.

“I already asked Star and she said she was okay with me talking to you
about it.” Brennae got her attention with that statement and then continued,
“You see, Star has a small problem.”

Kenzie couldn’t imagine what a small problem would be so just remained
silent.

“I will start at the beginning.” Brennae offered. “Star was built and
programmed to be used for sexual purposes. She was horribly treated by my late
uncle, Knuan and after freeing herself from him, she is afraid to let herself
be put in the same situation again.”

 
Reading between the lines, and by
simple
observation,
Kenzie was able to
reason the male Star was afraid of was Kynan. “I think I understand, at least
in some small way.” Taking in Star’s worried
frown,
Kenzie hoped she could say something helpful. “Do you mind if I ask you a
personal question?’

Star looked to Brennae and then back to her, “I do not mind. Ask me
anything.”

“Did you have any feelings for the men you were intimate with?” Kenzie
hated to ask,
Brennae’s
mate Marcael, was
one of the men from
The Elyon
Star
would have been intimate with. Giving Brennae a look that said I’m sorry to
have asked, she turned back to Star. “It is important you think about it very
carefully.”

Star paused in thought, “In the beginning it was not in my programming to
have feelings. It was only when I achieved
self-awareness
I became familiar with true feelings. Anger and resentment toward Knuan and his
men. Friendship and fondness for Marcael and his. I think I know what you are
asking. Did I ‘love’ any of them. I can honestly say I did not. I felt more
friendship for them. I wanted them to survive and be safe, but I could not
picture a normal life with any of them.”

Kenzie was glad for Brennae’s sake Star was able to answer that way. “Now
take your current situation. Think about the male guards, the MAN units and
say…Kynan.” Kenzie saw Stars eyes get a dreamy look, “Can you say the same
about all of them? I know Brennae said you were afraid to be in the same
situation, but true feelings for someone
would
make your circumstances completely different. That is the blessing, or curse,
depending how you look at it, of feelings. If you let yourself truly love
someone and they love you in return, then that person is going to enhance your
life.”

“I think I
understand,
” Star spoke
softly as if still working out thoughts in her head. “If I open myself up to
love, it will either destroy me…or make me stronger.”

Kenzie almost laughed at the way Star described love, but upon
reflection,
it was a pretty good description.
Sighing she realized sometimes love did both of those things. “I don’t want to
speak out of turn, but is Kynan the one we are talking about?”

Star cocked her head to the side, “Is it obvious?”

“That he is taken by you?” Kenzie smiled, “That he would do anything for
you? Like perhaps save the population of a planet because it would make you
happy.”

“Or stay with a bunch of humans on a strange planet so you can visit your
friend?” Brennae added.

“Or order his guard to follow all the rules of the local population and
attend a dance?” Kenzie had heard about the meeting Kynan had held with his
guard. They were to follow all the rules of Terraneu and if he heard of any
infractions…well, the threat wasn’t defined, she just assumed it would be very
bad because the guards were on their best behavior.

“Okay.” Star laughed, “I get the point. Kynan has gone out of his way to
make the few days we will be here enjoyable.” She stood up and moved gracefully
toward the door, “I have a lot to think about. Thank you for your time Kenzie.”
She jumped when the android gave her a
quick
hug. She was warm and smelled
faintly
of
flowers. “We should be getting to the dance. Brennae has told me some stories
and I find I am eager to get there.”

Kenzie looked at Brennae, who laughed and motioned for the doorway.
“Kenzie hasn’t attended one of my mother’s famous dances yet either Star. You
are both in for a treat. My Uncle Kneus downloaded all of the music he could
from Earth when he was there. We have Disco, Rap, Blues, Dance, Classical…just
so many different types. My favorite is what my mother calls ‘
The Big Hair Bands’
.”

They had reached the path outside her doorway and Kenzie wasn’t surprised
to see four burly guards waiting for Star. When she ignored them and continued
toward the park, Kenzie did the same. She had agreed to meet Knacayn there and
from the sounds floating on the night Brennae was right. This was going to be a
treat. The tempo of the music made her heart race. The paths were covered in
lights and streamers were floating
on
the
air. The sun had set and the darkness settling over the community added to the
mystery of what was to come.

Suddenly the male guards were closing in on them. Their armor went up and
some type of weapons were drawn. Kenzie was pressed into Star and Brennae.

“What are you doing?” Star was pushing at the guard in front of her.

“There is some type of biological threat.” One of the guards spoke out
and Kenzie tried to look around him to see what he was talking about. The loud
growling of an animal could be heard over the music, then Brennae shouted.

“It’s my pet! Don’t hurt her!” Another loud growl could be heard and
Breanne shouted again. “Or him! Jasper! Star! Stop. Sit.”

“Star should not sit when it would place her in danger.” This guard turned
to look at Brennae as if she were crazy for suggesting it.

“Not Star my friend.” Brennae snapped at him, “Star…my pet.” She pointed
at the animals now sitting in front of them. “The black female I named in honor
of Star and the white male is my mate’s. They are sacath. They are only trying
to reach me.” When the guards looked unconvinced she added, “A sacath is a pet,
a companion.” Brennae was struggling to come up with a word for what the pets
were, that the androids would understand.

“The sacath are a part of Brennae’s family and she loves them.” Kenzie
offered. When the eyes of the guards swung to her she added, “It might seem
strange but the sacath are loved
on
this
world. Also, be careful of the little furry gnowlers. They will be out at night
to eat the grass. They are also looked upon with affection.” Kenzie didn’t know
if the guards had been warned about the animal life being protected, so added,
“You might want to pass this information on so all of the
guards
are warned.”

The guard that had been pressed into her moved back a few paces, “Thank
you…Kenzie.” His voice was stilted, but warm and Kenzie appreciated how hard
this situation might be for them. “I have warned the others of the small animal
life being valued.” His strange liquid eyes moved to the sacath that
was
now rubbing against Brennae. She could see
how the sacath would appear small to him. To anyone
normal-sized
the sacath were quite large and she had almost died of
a heart attack when first approached by one. She hadn’t been told the animals
were pets either, so she could understand the guards reaction. “I am Two.” He
held out his hand.

If Kynan was the first to gain awareness, then this guard had been the
second. How long had the androids been together she
wondered?
Realizing his hand was out and she hadn’t shaken it yet
she blurted, “It is nice to meet you.” Kenzie held out her hand and it was
engulfed in his larger one. He was amazingly gentle for someone so large. “I
hope you have a good time at the dance.”

“Kynan has memories of old
Earth
[JKS1]
 
dances he has shared with us.” Two tapped
his temple. “We are going to incorporate that knowledge with what we observe.”
The group was moving back along the path as they talked. A short distance ahead
of them on the path Knacayn waited for her. His head turned to glance at the
path and then he spotted her.

“There is my date. I will see you around Two.” Looking to Star and
Brennae,
she saw they were looking for their
dates as well. “Star. Brennae. I am sure we will meet up later. Marcael is over
there talking with Cole and Mallex.” Kenzie pointed across the grass at the
group huddled under a tree.

“Kenzie.” Two bowed at her and then the four guards sort of shuffled Star
away. “Kynan is this direction, speaking with the male council member
designation, Baylech.”

Kenzie watched as Star’s small form was engulfed by the males. Almost
like a wave flowing over the beach. She didn’t feel too badly for Star because
she had a feeling if the female had wanted to go in a different direction, the
males couldn’t have stopped her. Laughing over the absurdity of one small
female having all those males on edge, Kenzie made her way to Knacayn.

“What is so funny?”
Knacayn
pulled
her into his side and kissed the top of her head.

“I was just thinking how funny it is for one small female to lord it over
so many big, hulking males.” Kenzie pressed her cheek into Knacayn’s chest and
felt the rumble of his laughter as much as heard it.

“I assume you are speaking of Star. I do not envy Kynan trying to win
that female.” Knacayn had been busy all day with meetings and touring Terraneu
with the male council and Kynan. It was obvious his opinion of the android had
warmed and Kenzie was glad. It would be a good thing for all of them if the two
groups were on peaceful terms.

“She is very nice and I hope she finds happiness after what she has been
through.” Kenzie defended Star automatically.

“Kynan has not had a life that was a walk in the park either.” Knacayn
took her hand and they moved toward the flavored water set up for refreshment.
“Are you thirsty?” At her
nod,
he asked,
“Would you like to try a new flavor or do you prefer cherry?”

Kenzie was happy he didn’t assume a choice and had asked her. “I would
like something new tonight. Surprise me.”

“Okay.” Knacayn looked at her with
mischief
in his eyes, “I will.” He turned to the table and after whispering his request
took the glasses handed
 
him. “Surprise.”
He offered her the drink he had selected and they moved toward where the rest
of his family was settled.

Taking a sip, the flavor washed over her tongue. “What is this?”

“It is called fruit punch.” His eyes flashed with amusement, “It is a mix
of different flavors. All of them were from Earth at one point. Orange, pineapple,
and cherry.”

Kenzie laughed with him. He had managed to incorporate her favorite
flavor into a new selection.

“There you are.” Amber’s voice called out. “We were just discussing
holding a meeting tomorrow.”

“If anyone wants to return to Earth, we will use the port pad to send
them back. More than a few have not had the change and might want to return.”
Kniam was pressed against his mate as she swayed slightly to the music.

“Since Kynan warned us not to use the port pad often, we will have to set
up protocols for
its
use.” Kneus took his
mate, Gwen’s hand and turned toward the dancing crowd. “That can be decided
another time. Right now it is a celebration and I would like to dance with my
beautiful mate.” Gwen beamed at the compliment and tucked herself into Kneus’
side.

“I agree.” Knollig grabbed Mauri and led her toward the dancing.

Kenzie had never been much of a dancer. It wasn’t like they had a lot of
reasons to celebrate or dance. When Knacayn took her hand, she turned to look up
at him. “I’m not sure about dancing.”

“It is okay.” He was slowly moving her toward the crowd with the press of
his body. “Feel the music.”

Kenzie focused on the pounding beat of the music. She started tapping
with her foot, then watching Knacayn and the others, she let her body sway
slightly. The longer she listened, the more she understood the appeal of music.
The songs were stories being told. One after the other the music changed and
Kenzie was transfixed with listening to both the words and the melody.

“This one is a hair band.”
Brennae
swung past her with Marcael. “Listen to the words.”

Kenzie concentrated on the lyrics and almost lost her footing when she
realized the song was about sex. Knacayn’s strong hands moved to her hips to
steady her. The heat of his fingers seeped through her thin dress and burned
into her skin.

“My mother was raised during a strange time on Earth when almost all
music had something to do with sex.” Knacayn’s deep voice washed over her and
she raised startled eyes to his. “Even the ones that seem innocent, the deeper
meaning is sexual.”

Kenzie couldn’t help but laugh. “So much for my innocent ears.”

“I like your innocent ears.” Knacayn kissed her on the sensitive part of
her neck.

“Sorry to interrupt, but
father
is
requesting our help in entertaining Kynan and his guard. They are not dancing
and he is concerned they will not enjoy themselves.” Knadyn had danced over
with Ava to give Knacayn their father’s message.

Kenzie looked to where the androids were standing with some of the
couples of Terraneu. The guards were watching the dancers intently and Kenzie
knew they were memorizing the moves. When the current song ended, Knacayn
tucked her arm into his and strolled over to where the others were gathering.
All of Knacayn’s family and their mates were now chatting around Star and
Kynan.

“Where are Hope and Red?” Kenzie heard Brennae ask as she joined the
females.

“They are on
The
Elyon
,
”
Star answered. “The ship is in orbit, along with
The Hedal
.” Kenzie’s attention was diverted by a new song playing
on the sound system. Her eyes went to Knacayn, standing a short distance away.
Smiling softly at him, her gaze was drawn to Kynan and the guards standing
stiffly at his side.

Before she could think twice, she stepped back from the group. “Ladies.
If you would excuse me for a moment.” She could feel the eyes of the others
burning into her back. They were all watching to see what she would do.

Approaching the males, she winked at Knacayn and then moved to stand in
front of Two.

“Hello again.” When Two tore his eyes from the dancers to look down at
her, she held out her hand. “Would you like to dance?”

Since it wasn’t really a question, she took his hand and pulled him
toward the dancing. He was very large and she had to exert no small amount of
pressure to get him to move.

“Kenzie.” He tried to get her attention but she pretended to not hear
him. “I have not learned—”

“It’s okay Two. I am new to dancing too.” Kenzie assured him. The music
had changed from a slow song to a fast paced one. “The best advice I got is to
feel the music.” She stopped at a relatively clear spot and started swaying to
the music.

For a
moment,
Kenzie worried Two
wasn’t going to move at all. The next thing she knew he was a dancing maniac.
Not in a bad way either. His arms and legs were moving to the rhythm, as large
as he was the movements were still very graceful.

“Very good Two.” Kenzie complimented him. “You are a very good dancer.”

“Thank you.” Two replied and before Kenzie could protest he was holding
her hands. “This is something we learned from
Kynan’s
memories.” The next thing Kenzie knew she was being turned, spun, twisted and
tossed in the air. Her gasp of shock got drowned out by the music and Two did
catch her. When the song ended, she laughed breathlessly.

“That was amazing Two.” She looked around at the other dancers. Everyone
had their eyes glued on her and the android. “You really are a good dancer.”

He beamed with pleasure at her compliment and then they were surrounded
by females asking Two for the next dance. Kenzie nodded at him, “Thank you for
the dance Two.”

Moving back as the other women pressed in, she laughed to herself. Two
would be dancing the rest of the night if those women had their way. Turning
back to find Knacayn she was almost stampeded by the women dragging the other
guards to dance. Kynan was the only android left standing and that might have
been due to the fact Star stood directly in front of him. If the crossed arms
didn’t sway them, the fierce look on her face did.

“Why didn’t I think of that!” Amber’s melodic laughter joined with the
others.

 
“You should have seen your face
when he tossed you in the air.” Steph had joined the group while she had been
dancing with Two. “Talk about priceless.” Her friend scrunched up her face and
opened her mouth in a large O shape.

“That really was a good idea Kenzie.” Mauri stood watching the guards
dancing. “I don’t think they will be allowed a
moment's
rest.”