strongholdrising (16 page)

Haven Belt, the
Hkariyash
, Zhal-Zhalwae, 24th day (May)
"CARRIE! You are being better!" the young Sumaan shouted, bounding over to them as they emerged from the
Venture.
"Captain Kishasayzar not letting me off ship to be seeing you!"
He skidded to a halt a few feet in front of them, his long neck snaking down till his face was on a level with hers. A large three-fingered hand descended heavily on her shoulder, making her stagger slightly as she was enveloped in a gust of his warm, sweet-smelling breath.
Kaid instantly steadied her. "Careful there, Ashay. You don't know your own strength."
The large head slewed round to glance at Kaid, muzzlelike mouth opening in a wide grin. "You joking with me! I like!" He turned back to Carrie, his long, pink tongue flicking out to press itself against her cheek. "Worrying about you, I was," he said, his brow creasing in concern. "Pleasing it is to see you well."
"It's good to see you again, too, Ashay. You've grown, haven't you?" she said, realizing his shoulders were now level with Kaid's head. Reaching up, she patted his arm in a friendly gesture. "I hear you've been showing off your piloting skills on the
Venture.
"
"And shooting ones," he said, lips curling back in a wider grin to reveal even more of his teeth. "Was fun, but Jo said be careful, no shooting of
Hkariyash.
"
"I can understand why," she murmured.
A guttural voice hissed out a command and Ashay let her go to turn and reply. His head snaked around to her again, an apologetic look on his face. "I have work to do making sure the
Venture
is latched down. I be seeing you later."
Watching him head off round the rear of their shuttle, Kaid shook his head. "I can see Dzaka in him when he was about twenty," he said as they moved off toward the cargo lift up to the main deck. "All legs and elbows. There's no real difference between them, you know. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself. T'Chebbi said Kisha had mentioned that he was very concerned for you."
Making sure none of the Sumaan in the landing bay could see her, Carrie surreptitiously wiped her sleeve across her damp cheek. "He reminds me more of a huge reptilian puppy," she said. "Complete with soggy tongue!"
Kaid laughed as he pressed the button and the lift began to ascend. "Puppy love, as you'd say. You should be flattered. I haven't heard of anyone who's been kissed by a Sumaan before. We always seem to see a side of our allies no one else has."
"Not surprising. We have intense relationships with them because we work closely with them in a way no Sholans have done before."
The elevator shuddered to a halt and they got off.
"I'll meet you in the mess in half an hour," said Kaid as they came to their cabins. "Unless you want me to come in with you?"
She shook her head. "I'll be fine. I could do with a shower and clean clothes."
He nodded. "You know where I am if..." he began, then stopped, remembering they had no need to tell each other where they were now that they were Linked.
She nodded again, and activated the door. "I'll see you later."

* * *

The room felt empty as she closed the door behind her. Twin beds, a night table between them; two drawer units with cupboards below, a large desk with a computer terminal and a door to the toilet and showering room were all it held. There were no personal touches— they'd stowed all their kit away before leaving the ship to join the Jalnian caravan. No one could have anticipated that the outcome of their mission would have been so drastic.
She had no baggage with her. When she'd been injured by Bradogan in the spaceport shoot-out, she'd been taken straight to Tirak's ship. Even when the
Venture
had ferried over medication for her, no personal possessions had been brought. All she had brought with her from Haven were the borrowed black coveralls she wore.
She went to her side of the drawers, unlatching and opening the top one, finding it as she'd left it— full of her toiletries, hairbrush, toothbrush, and the like. Had Kusac sent someone over to collect his things, she wondered, closing it again.
Fearful of the answer, she reached for Kusac's drawer then hesitated. It felt like prying, as if it were a stranger's drawer she was looking into rather than her life-mate's. A task that would have been so natural less than two months ago— dear God, was it so short a time?— now felt like an intrusion into his privacy.
She had to know and tugged it sharply open, sighing with relief when she found it full of his tunics. Laying her hand on them, she pressed, breathing deeply, but they smelled only of clean laundry. Slamming it shut, she opened the one below. An overwhelming need to find something that held his scent filled her. Tears she didn't know she was shedding rolled down her cheeks. Finally she found what she was searching for in one of the cupboards— his favorite olive-green tunic, tried on and soon discarded because it was too tight.
Burying her face in it, she began to sob.

* * *

In the mess, Kaid started to his feet, but Jo caught him by the arm.
"I'll go," she said, getting up. "I've been expecting this. She needs to grieve for him and what they've lost. She can't do it in front of you. The wonder is she's held it in this long."
"There's a damper in the room," he said quietly, aware that everyone could feel Carrie's grief. "It's by the door. You'll need to turn it on."

* * *

The
Couana
and the
Hkariyash
lay side by side just off the main Haven asteroid. Though both were disc shaped, they couldn't have been more different. It was the color he noticed first— the
Couana
was deep, electric blue, its serial number, name, and other identifying details highlighted in gold.
"Can tell it's Touiban," said T'Chebbi from beside him.
He continued to watch through the pinnace window as it grew gradually larger in the view screen. The main accommodation and work areas were perched in the central area of the disk. The outer edges, where the fuel scoops were located, curved downward like the wings of some gigantic bird of prey. The illusion was heightened by the cockpit bridge with its twin laser turrets.
"Sure you don't want anything from
Hkariyash
for journey? Is last chance," she said quietly.
He shook his head. To do that would make him feel like he was abandoning her, never mind how bad it would make her feel. "I can manage," was all he said.

* * *

The pinnace came to a stop inside the tiny docking bay at the rear of the ship. As the hatch doors beneath it began to close, the lights outside came on. T'Chebbi dug him gently in the ribs, drawing his attention to the fact the others were getting to their feet.
He rose, following her into the narrow aisle between the seats, waiting till the air lock was opened. As they made their way through into the cargo area of the
Couana,
he felt the vibration and heard the clang as the landing bay doors beneath the pinnace closed.
Brynne and Keeza led them and Zhiko over to the elevator.
"What's this ship do?" asked T'Chebbi.
"It's purpose built," said Brynne. "The swarm we have on the estate works exclusively on Shola, so it's a small lab ship built to transport them from their homeworld to our solar system. They've got four cabins set up for Sholans and one specialist room for the Sumaan. The other two rooms are for them and their wives. On the lower deck are three labs with their own electronic equipment so they can work on board if they need to."
This roused his interest. "Wives? I thought the females stayed inside the hives on their own world."
"Not this bunch. Apparently we've had a complete swarm from the start, though none of us can tell the males from the females. Toueesut asked Mara if they could live on the estate and set up home there. Garras and your father said it was okay."
"Mara? How's Mara involved with this?"
The elevator came to a stop and Brynne was able to turn his attention to opening the safety gate. "I'll tell you about it later," he said. "Dzaou, you and Maikoi are in the room down the corridor ahead. Zhiko and Taeo, come with us. You're just beyond the lounge area. T'Chebbi, you're next to Dzaou. The galley is right next to you." He indicated the room on his left. "Your room is the first one, Kusac," he said, drawing him round the corner to his right.
"I see Kusac to his room first," said T'Chebbi, following them.
Brynne stopped almost immediately, activating the door for Kusac. "Keeza and I are next door if you need anything," he said.
He hesitated at the door, his hand going involuntarily to his neck to feel for the metal punishment collar. The trip in the pinnace had brought back memories of his flight from the
Kz'adul
to Haven.
T'Chebbi's hand closed on his arm, feeling the faint tremor. "You go," she said to Brynne and the two females from Dzaou's unit. "I see to Kusac now." She waited till they'd left before speaking. "Is safe," she said quietly. "We getting fighter escort home. Nothing can happen this time."
"We thought that when we left Jalna," he said, resisting her first gentle push as she encouraged him to enter the cabin.
The air smelled faintly of Touibans— a light, pleasant smell. The walls were brightly painted, an almost electric blue that matched the color of the ship's hull. A large Sholan bed stood against one of the walls with a night table beside it. At the foot was the usual locker, but there were also a recessed wall cupboard, drawer unit, and a desk with the obligatory comm. To one side, a door led to the bathing room and toilet.
"I can stay here with you if you want. No need to sleep alone if you want company."
He forced himself to look at her, ears lowering in embarrassment. "Thank you, no. Not after our conversation last night."
She put her head to one side in a Sholan shrug. "That was then. Was angry. You should have stayed with them, not come on
Couana
alone. Not good to be alone so soon after release."
"I have to get used to it," he said, walking over to the bed and sitting down. "You go and see to your own room. I'll be fine."
"You need me, use wrist comm, day or night. Is an order. We leave in about an hour. Meet me in mess fifteen minutes after takeoff," she said before leaving.
The faint hiss as the door closed seemed to fill the cabin, making him feel acutely alone. There was none of the subliminal faint white noise of other minds that he was so used to, now there was just silence. He lay back on the bed, staring up at the dark blue ceiling, smelling the faintly perfumed bedding beneath him, and thought of Carrie.
He remembered the first time he'd sensed her mind within his— it had felt as fragile and unsure as that of a cub— like their daughter's had done the day she was born. He'd never feel Kashini's mind again either. J'koshuk should have killed him, it was preferable to being half dead as he was now, cut off from those he loved. He was barely alive anyway. Carrie didn't need him now, Kaid could look after her, and Kashini since he was her Triad-father. Being born as she had been, in full possession of her Talent, she needed a father who was a telepath, not a mind-dead cripple like him. What good would he be to her? How could he help bring her up to respect the minds of others, to learn the necessary disciplines, if he was mentally deaf to her needs? His presence only complicated matters for Carrie and Kaid— dammit, he couldn't even make love to her safely! He was the past, not their future.
Slipping his hand into his robe pocket, he closed it round the tablets he'd taken from T'Chebbi's medikit. Anger filled him at what the Prime doctor and the priest had done to him, causing the familiar tingle at the base of his neck. It grew rapidly stronger till fire flickered throughout his body. Even from beyond death those two mocked and controlled him, he thought, trying to force his mind to calmness and failing. Whimpering softly, he curled into a fetal ball, managing to pull his arm up to his face and bite down on the sleeve of his robe to stifle the sound.
Haven, Zhal-Zhalwae, 26th day (May)
Their footsteps echoed round the central chamber that had been carved from the heart of the asteroid designated H173. On either side of them, serried rows of cryo units, connected by metal gangways, towered above them.
"I hadn't realized there were so many," said Commander Rhyaz, stopping to look at one of the control consoles. "Do you watch them alone, or have you a staff?"
"I watch them alone," replied the Instructor, automatically checking the readouts for that sector. "If I need help, as you know, Haven is only fifteen minutes away. I only have to transmit a security code to the current Captain or Commander, and he'll send the personnel I request. Again, they have the highest security clearance." He looked at the Commander. "Because of my gift, they remember only that they were working on one of the training asteroids."
"It must be lonely out here," observed L'Seuli as they moved off again, this time toward the tunnel that led to the exit.
"I am content," said Tanjo. "It has given me the time and peace for prayer and meditation. I'm not isolated. I'm kept abreast of our Brotherhood news, and that of the Alliance. I have the other Instructors to talk to. Every six months, I awaken thirty of our Sleepers and prepare them for their journey to the nearest training center, then welcome them back when they return. Occasionally, I'm chosen to host a training session here."
When Rhyaz stepped out of the cavern into the brightly lit sick bay, he had to screw his eyes up against the glare. He heard the gentle hiss of the concealed air lock closing. The silence that followed was overpowering after the constant hum of the cryo chamber.
"L'Seuli, I'll join you at the shuttle in a few minutes," he said as they walked through the resuscitation area and down to the initial briefing room. "I'd like a few words in private with the Instructor."
"Thank you for your hospitality and the tour, Instructor," murmured L'Seuli, inclining his head as he took his leave.
Rhyaz waited till he'd gone before speaking. "I acquainted myself with your files before I left Stronghold, Brother Tanjo, and discussed them with Father Lijou."
Tanjo clasped his hands within his sleeves and began to walk slowly toward the outer corridor. "How are the Father and his mate?" he asked. "I believe congratulations are due on the birth of their son."
"He was born three days ago," said Rhyaz. "From all accounts, he's a fine, healthy cub."
"The Good Goddess be praised. I'd heard of their accident. Please tell Father Lijou I will say prayers and burn some incense for Mistress Kha'Qwa's speedy recovery, and for a bright future for their son."
"I will, Brother, but wouldn't you rather tell them in person?"
Tanjo stopped dead, looking at the Warrior Master in confusion.
"You've been here for eleven years, Tanjo," said Rhyaz. "The Father and I have been going through our records. We believe you have more than atoned for what little culpability could be leveled at you regarding Ghezu's assumption of Leadership. It's time you returned to Stronghold, and the world."
"Are you reassigning me?" he asked, unsure what to think.
"Not at the moment, Tanjo. But we think you should seriously consider it."
"I would prefer to remain, if I may, Master Rhyaz. As you said, if it hadn't been for me, Ghezu would never have become Leader. The misery and loss of life that he caused in the Desert War alone is something I can never forgive myself for. Then there's Brother Kaid and his son, and the distress I caused Father Jyarti in the last years of his life."
"You're taking on too much responsibility, Tanjo. You made one mistake, that's all. One that the majority of people have made with Ghezu at some time or another, namely that of falling under the influence of his gift."
"And look at all the evil that came from my mistake," he said quietly. He flicked his ears in a negative. "No, Master Rhyaz. I have nine years left to do. I wish to serve them out here. By guarding our Sleepers I feel as if I am going some way to paying my debt to our people."
"You know Kaid was here, don't you?"
"I knew," said Tanjo. "I woke Commander L'Seuli's team. I reassigned them to Brother Kaid only three days ago."
"You've no need to fear for your life at his hands. We intend to see he's apprised of the true facts regarding the Leadership Trials. He's a reasonable person. I'm sure once he knows the truth of the matter, he'll hold no grudge against you."
"I'm not afraid of Brother Kaid. There's no need for you to intervene on my behalf. I'm sure he and I can come to our own understanding of the matter, given time. Thank you for your concern, Master Rhyaz, but I prefer to remain," he said firmly, beginning to move on. "My penance is for Vartra. One doesn't negotiate with the Gods, even Father Lijou would agree with me on that."
"Hmm," said Rhyaz, thinking of the way in which Vartra had been dealing with the Brotherhood lately. "The choice is yours, of course, Tanjo. However, we are increasing the number of people here to three. Your two assistants will arrive sometime tomorrow. We're expecting trouble from General Raiban in the near future. This facility, and the others like it, must be kept secret at all costs."
"What kind of trouble?"
"It was inevitable that she and the High Command would discover that we have a fleet of our own and the personnel to crew it. The way I read it, she's going to try to compel us to become part of the combined Forces, which is something we want to avoid at all costs. Hopefully, we can keep the arguments to the Palace at Shanagi— Governor Nesul hasn't forgotten that it was Konis Aldatan who supported him against Raiban and the other members of the High Command as well as Esken when he needed a knowledge transfer to keep abreast of our inter-species politics. But, Vartra forbid, if she should come looking for us out here or at any of the other Outposts, things could get nasty. That's why we're increasing your level of security."
Tanjo flicked an ear in assent. "I understand, Master Rhyaz."
"The Brothers who are joining you are from the Warrior side of our Order. You can also expect new emergency plans drafted by the Chief Instructor to arrive shortly. From now on, you will have a minimum of thirty Sleepers awake here at any given time. They will be your frontline troops. In the event of a possible hostile takeover, you will have a procedure to follow regarding awakening more Brothers and moving the facility deeper into the asteroid belt. The safety of our Sleepers must not be compromised, Tanjo."
Tanjo looked shocked. "I would defend them with my own life!"
Rhyaz smiled gently. "I know you would. Let's pray it never comes to that. As I said, it's hoped we can keep our arguments with General Raiban to the council chamber."
By now, they had reached the small docking bay where L'Seuli waited.
"If you should change your mind about staying here, don't hesitate to contact Father Lijou, Brother Tanjo. Your island of calm is about to become very busy."
"Perhaps the Father is right and I have been alone here for long enough," the Instructor murmured, removing his hands from his sleeves to fold his clenched fists across his chest and bow his head in a salute. "Safe journey, Master Rhyaz and Commander L'Seuli, and thank you for your visit."