Sacred Trust (16 page)

“Explore,” said Eonus, before anyone else had a chance.

“Explore?” asked Ilandus.

Between the two Arandi, it would take a year to have a discussion, so I interrupted. Perhaps diplomacy didn't come naturally to me, but I wasn't getting any younger.

“The three of us are pretty bright, as you all know, so we figured out our options. We unscrewed the ventilation screen in our ceiling and sent Ruen up for a look. She was the lightest for Eonus to lift. When she came back she told us about the tunnel above us, so we decided to explore it. Ruen, being the first abducted, had already found out our captors could listen to us in our main room, but not in the amenities room. That's where we did a lot of plotting. We calculated the time between our meals. Using our timetable, we went exploring. We needed to be back for each meal to pick up the food trays that arrived one-by-one by way of some sort of automated dispensing system. We knew if we weren't there to pick up the trays, our captors would figure out we weren't in our cell,” I said.

The silence in our living room unnerved me. Digesting my words obviously took our parents some considerable time. Eventually, Raen and Dad leaned forward on the loveseat. “So what did you find?” my father asked.

I looked at Ruen, and said, “It's too bad we don't have your game board. It would be so much easier to explain with a diagram. So we're going to have to make another one.” Ruen nodded. “Why don't we do that? Can someone get us some big pieces of paper and markers. Then we can draw everything out as we explain our experiences.”

We cleared the dining table and gathered supplies.

The diagram of our living area didn't take long to produce—beds, amenities room, table and stools, and food slot—that was about it. Then I started drawing the details of our excursions. Apparently my artistic ability apparently left something to be desired, according to Eonus, as he quickly took that task from me while Ruen and I explained his more suitable drawings. At least I used more words than he had in explaining my scribbles.

Getting the proportions correct proved difficult, but we did our best. I pointed out the herd beasts—the hippos were my favorite over the camel, chicken and pig-like creatures. Of course, only the humans knew what I talked about when Eonus drew rather comical renditions of the animals.

“Pretty close to human animals,” said my father. “Ruen, do you agree with Tata's pictures?”

“Yes, they are accurate but, of course, we have different names for them,” said Ruen.

“Hostage on Basili?” asked Ilandus.

The three of us looked apprehensively at each other. “We don't know...for sure, but...we have an idea we might have been held on a...a spaceship. A really
big
spaceship.”

Obviously stunned, our parents stared blankly at us. Not one of them uttered a word.

I finally cleared my throat and launched into some of our discoveries. “It seemed like the facility...or ship, as it were, was self-contained, with the housing devices, cooking facilities, greenhouses, protein sources and such all right there on site.” I looked over at Eonus for his help.

“Spaceship. Aliens,” he said, dropping the words like bombs. Our parents' eyes widened and Ruen and I both looked at him, wondering why he always had to be so darned direct.

“Uh, we aren't exactly sure about that,” I added. “But we did see what we think were spaceships, a fighter style ship and a shuttle like they had on
Star Trek
, docked in a repair or construction bay inside the facility. And whatever the facility was, it came to a point like the bow of a ship.”

“On our last exploration,” Ruen said, quickly jumping into the explanation before any of our parents could question us about Eonus' input, “we found a tube-like elevator at the bow. Since the tunnel seemed to run the length of the...” She licked her lips. “...the ship, we figured there were several more levels, each with their own tunnel. But, I think because of Nara's allergic reaction, we were returned before we could explore any of the other levels. It must mean they don't intend to hurt any of us.”

“Still, I'm rather glad Nara had an allergic reaction,” Dad said. “If those albinos are indeed aliens, they may not have returned you had they found you using that elevator and in possession of their secrets, no matter their original intentions.”

“Indeed,” said Officer Kikess. “You have certainly given us much to think about.”

“Then you believe us?” Ruen asked him hopefully.

“I believe you believe what you saw was an alien spaceship,” Kikess said.

My shoulders slumped and Ruen's lips thinned into an irritated line. “Figures,” she said, slumping back against the sofa.

“No anger,” Eonus said, reaching in front of me to grasp Ruen's forearm, “Hard believe.” He gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. It was enough to elicit a small smile from her.

“Daughter, I will look into this.”

Kikess hadn't given the impression he totally believed our story. However, with the three of us agreeing on what had happened to us, he obviously knew he had to put aside his skepticism. But being a police officer made that difficult.

“Rest,” said Ilandus.

Such an astute observation. I really did like Eonus' mother.

“Yes. You all look pretty exhausted,” said Kikess. “Nara, I do not imagine you are feeling that well from your medical problem.”

I had to agree. “Yes, I'm fading quickly. I just want to sleep in my own bed, for a change.”

“So I think we should let the children have an early evening, while we digest everything they have told us,” said Kikess. “Before everyone leaves, though, I do have a proposal. I would like to have Nara, Ruen, and Tata receive a tracking device under their skin. That way, if they go missing again, we can locate them a lot quicker. Worried parents are something to be avoided,” he added, with a genuine smile.

The parental devices conferred and agreed to the tracking devices.

Annoyed, I said, “Do you not think that we, the intended recipients of said tracking devices, should have a say in this matter? After all, we're adults—university students,” I said.

Four guilty faces looked back at me.

Actually, getting tracking devices was a good idea—considering our recent experiences—but our parents weren't going to get off that lightly, at least with me. “Since the issue of our albino captors—whether they're aliens or not—hasn't been resolved, I agree some enhanced security is needed. However...” I looked purposely at Kikess. “...Ruen, Eonus, and I are not the only ones you should be concerned about. If the children of diplomats are abducted, then the diplomats could be next.”

“I don't think ...” said Dad, but Kikess interrupted him.

“What are you proposing?”

“I think our parents should have the tracking devices implanted too—as a safety measure. After all, they're diplomats, and if they happened to be abducted or harmed, all hell would break loose, especially within the police department.”
Okay, that was a bit snide, but my point may just get Kikess' attention.

Ruen covered her mouth with her hands. She was trying to smother a giggle.

Kikess studied me for a moment, and then glanced at his daughter and Eonus. I didn't have to ask; I knew Ruen and Eonus well enough to know they would agree with my proposal. “All I'm saying is,” I added, “it would be a good cautionary preventative to take.”

Kikess nodded. “Additional protection for ambassadors is not a bad idea, until we know what is going on,” said Kikess. “Tracking devices will be arranged for all of you here, along with the other ambassadors and their offspring.”

“Don't forget; you need a tracking device, too,” said Ruen.

Kikess smiled. “I have had one ever since I joined the force. Policemen are always getting abducted.”

The look on Ruen's face led me to believe she'd never heard of this contingency. She appeared horrified by the thought.

Glancing at each other, Ilandus, Raen, and Dad conferred silently. Diplomats could be obtuse and hide their thoughts, unless you were related to them.

Finally, Dad voiced their decision, “Okay, we agree to have the tracking devices implanted, but just until this crisis is over and we find out why your abductions happened.”

For once, my father had agreed with one of my suggestions. Would wonders never cease?

I leaned back and closed my eyes; the day had been long and stressful. Ruen had grown quiet as well and was curled up on her end of the sofa, her head cradled in her hand, supported by her elbow on the arm of the sofa. Even Eonus seemed to be feeling the effects of the day's adventures, his eyelids beginning to grow too heavy to hold open.

Kikess obviously noticed our fatigue. “Eonus and Ruen, if you two are feeling all right, I think we can postpone your exams until tomorrow, after you've had some rest.”

“Sounds good to me,” said Ruen.

“Fine,” said Eonus.

Kikess nodded. “Then, unless anyone objects, I think we will get together tomorrow to have your tracking devices implanted.” He walked over to the dining table. “I will take these drawings with me and study them tonight. Perhaps I can find someone who knows where this place is.” He rolled up our scribbles and then spoke to Ruen. “I will be busy tonight. It would be better if you stayed with your mother, rather than alone. She needs you, and I am sure you need her. Daughter, I will call you later.”

“All, Father,” she said, nearly ready to fall asleep where she sat.

Kikess left our apartment, with Eonus and Ilandus saying their goodbyes as well. Surprisingly, nothing was said when Eonus kissed me on the forehead before they left and went upstairs. After Kevin took my temperature and studied my eyes, he and Sylvia also disappeared. Apparently, I was recovering nicely.

When Dad and Raen wandered into the kitchen, Ruen and I snuggled together on the sofa and pulled the blankets around us. Neither one of us felt like moving.

“I should get Mother and go home,” said Ruen, “but I just don't feel like moving. We have had a frightful time, and I am exhausted. At least you understand what happened to us and how I feel about it. I'm not sure Mother will.”

“I know. I don't think everyone believes our story.” I shook my head. “How could we possibly make up an adventure like that and be in such unanimous agreement about it?”

“Yeah,” said Ruen. “You would think at least our parents would believe us.” She shook her head. “What I really want to know is where we were held captive? That place fascinated me.”

I smiled. Ruen's obsession with science had grabbed her again, even under these trying circumstances. “So you don't really want to admit it might have been a spaceship?”

“I don't know. Tata seems pretty certain it was. Do you really think so too?”

“Maybe. I'm not too sure of it yet either.”

Ruen laughed. “Now, we sound like my Dad.”

“Well, you have to admit, Ruen, it's part of your father's job to be skeptical.”

She nodded, and we lost ourselves in thought for a few moments.

“I need a glass of water. Do you want one?” I asked, feeling the result of too much talking.

“Please,” she said.

So I threw off my blankets and headed for the kitchen, only to stop in open-mouthed surprise in the doorway. Raen and Dad were seated at the kitchen table, leaning toward one another. Dad's palm cupped Raen's face, and her hand lay atop his—a very intimate tableau. I backed up two steps, coughed, and then slowly reentered the kitchen. The previous scene had disappeared, and they were holding glasses now—instead of hands.

“Are you okay? How are you feeling?” asked Dad.

“I'm fine, just a little tired. Ruen and I are debriefing a bit, more like relaxing, so I'm just getting us some water.”

Raen started to rise from the table. “Don't get up, Ambassador Title,” I said. “Ruen and I need to talk a bit more, so there's no rush to leave.”

I returned to the living room with much to think about.

Ruen and I drank our water but didn't say much. I didn't know what was on her mind, but I knew what occupied mine. “Since you're staying here tonight with your mother and we need to go to the police terminal tomorrow before school, let's all go together.”

“Sounds good,” said Ruen. “And now I think I will go home.” She went into the kitchen to get her mother, and she and Raen soon left.

After saying goodbye to them, Dad came and sat on the sofa beside me. “Is there anything else you've remembered about your experience?” he asked.

“Not yet. But I'm sure some little details will come to mind after my brain gets some rest. It's been a long, stressful day. I'll be off to bed soon.” I drank some water. “I didn't know Ruen's mother was a diplomat. I found out when Ruen and I were idly chatting when our captors took Eonus for questioning. I wanted to learn some things about Ruen...and Basilians, of course. You must know her mother quite well.”

“It must have been frightening not to know what was going on,” said my father, adroitly avoiding my implied question.

“We still don't know why everything happened the way it did, or even what the whole thing was about.” I rubbed my face. I was starting to be incoherent. “You know, Dad, I'm not even sure I like being here on Basili. It's so far away from Earth. I know you're a diplomat, but sometimes you go to the strangest places.”

“Arandis and Basili are unusual societies but, at least, they are similar to each other and in some ways are a lot like ours.”

“So how long have you known Ambassador Title?” I asked, wanting to know exactly how far their relationship had progressed.

“Oh, I met Raen when we first arrived. She is the Basilian ambassador to Earth. So we've spent a lot of time together.” Dad looked away.