Chapter Nineteen
“Trust me, I know.”
“How can I be sure it isn’t a case of ‘poor me, I’m always pushed away by my family, so I’ll force love to happen whether it’s right or not’?”
“Perhaps it is. You can’t be certain until you’ve given it time to develop. The fact you’re on watch for such a reaction helps.” Sara looked at her levelly. “The biggest problem is, you’re putting your life on the line to learn if it’s real.”
“It feels as if running is all I do. First from Earth, later from the Holy Asshole, recently from the Galactic Council, Alpha Space Station…when does it end? When do I get to live my life? When do I get to hang on to the people I care for?” Charity heard her voice rising, but she couldn’t stop it from doing so. She was tired of losing those who mattered.
“Yeah. Been there, done that.” Sara’s smile took on a sad note.
Charity regretted her outburst. “I’m sorry. You lost your first husband, then your Dramok—”
“My situation doesn’t minimize yours.” Sara leaned toward Charity from her side of the table. “Are Detodev, Ilid, and Mitag worth fighting for? Worth the chance of being abducted by those who’d hurt you? Though I have no doubt your young men would do everything in their power to keep you safe, there’s no guarantee they can do so.”
Charity had examined the situation up and down, thanks to the long, mostly sleepless night she’d spent struggling. “I think they are.”
“You think ?”
“I’m leaving room for mistakes. I’m no idiot, despite appearances.”
Sara chuckled. “I’m quite aware you aren’t a fool. The question is, do you bet your life on a maybe?”
“Here’s the thing.” Charity spoke as confidently as she could, to demonstrate how rational she was despite the fact she really was taking a tremendous chance. “I could run and hide and buy a few weeks or years. Perhaps a lifetime. I could reach an age when I’m wrinkled and gray. But I’ll always wonder if I lost the most precious gift I could have had. I’ll live in doubt, and worst of all, regret. Are Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag worth hanging around for? I don’t know. What I am certain of is leaving the question unanswered is worth fighting against .”
After a long beat, Sara tucked her blond hair behind her ear and sat up straight. “In the early days of Haven’s existence as a colony, a large faction of Earthers lived here who treated our Kalquorian neighbors with suspicion. Hatred, even. They weren’t called Earthtiques then, but they fit the description. There were Kalquorians who felt as adamant we had no business mixing.”
“Which launched their civil war.” Charity had seen some of the fallout of the conflict.
“When I joined Clan Amgar, it was under the worst possible conditions.” Sara’s gaze was distant, her expression grim. “I was desperate. I had three small children, poor health, and a failing farm. I wondered when I accepted Clan Amgar’s proposal to clan if I did so for the wrong reasons. We earned animosity from those who hated our union. Such hatred ultimately cost Amgar his life. It nearly killed the rest of us too.”
Charity thought of her own irritation over Groteg and Kalquor insisting she leave Haven. It seemed petty given the grief Sara had been dealt.
“Don’t do that,” Sara said gently. “I can see shame in your face, and it isn’t necessary. Don’t belittle your own struggle just because it isn’t as dramatic as the challenges others have been through.”
“I feel like a whining baby,” Charity grouched. “You don’t need to hear it.”
“I don’t mind. If I can help you come to the best decision for yourself, I want to.”
“You’re such a mom.”
“I’ve had more practice on that front than I often think I can handle.”
Charity managed to laugh.
Sara regarded her with warmth. “Listen to me. You’re an adult, as you keep pointing out to Groteg. Your reasons for remaining on Haven strike me as valid, so you should. But you must be fully aware of how dangerous your situation is. You can’t downplay how bad it could get over a maybe .”
Charity heard Sara’s urgency. She respected it, since her friend…another friend she was desperate to stay close to…had seen the worst.
“I’ve lived some horrific shit myself. I’ve been in similar danger before and nearly paid a terrible price.” She spoke slowly, feeling the words to be sure she chose the right ones. “The difference then was I had no choice. I don’t think I’ve ever had a choice until now.” She sat up straight too, mimicking Sara’s stance, looking her in the eye. “I can tell you with complete assurance I’ve weighed the consequences to body, heart, and soul. I’ve made my decision: I choose Haven.”
Sara smiled. “Give me one more stab at playing devil’s advocate. If you can tell me your solution to this detail, I’ll support you to my utmost ability.”
“Okay?”
“If it ends up you’ve found clanmates, or better yet, the loves of your life in Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag, this is where they’re committed to live. On the place you’ve dubbed Planet Farm Hell. What happens to your education and future career as an astronomer in such a scenario?”
Charity grinned, unabashed that at some point Sara had overheard her denigrate Haven. She was too pleased to have discovered a hidden advantage and a worthy reply for her host. Of all the considerations, the answer to both issues had been among the first she’d figured out. “Let me tell you of the message our friend and consummate troublemaker ‘Jennifer’ sent to a certain Kalquorian university and governmental department last night.”
* * * *
Thanks to Charity giving Sara good reasons to support her determination to stay on Haven, the younger woman was given the green light to escape the farm prior to Groteg’s return from work. Avoiding a confrontation with the well-meaning and protective Nobek set the stage for a perfect night.
“I have the feeling you and the boys will be having a heart-to-heart talk, so I won’t wait up.” Sara grinned as she sent Charity off in the farm’s battered but serviceable spare shuttle.
“You’re as bad as Ilid’s mom and Imdiko father when it comes to playing matchmaker,” Charity teased.
“I’m remembering the happy rush of new love, I suppose.” Sara’s look turned wistful.
After comming Ilid, Charity arrived at the house his parents had rented. She and the handsome Dramok had little time to do much talking of even the casual sort. Diju barely let her get in the door before urging her toward a spare bedroom no one was using.
Ilid tried to intervene. “Can I at least say hello before you abduct my date?”
“Of course.” Diju paused, her hand on Charity’s arm, which she’d been tugging. “Say hello to him, Jennifer.”
“Hello Ilid,” Charity giggled. It was impossible not to be amused when his fathers were snickering in the background.
“Hello. How—”
“We agreed on hello. Nothing more.” Diju resumed pulling Charity away.
“Mother!”
“You can have her later. I need another woman to talk to for a change.” Diju ignored his protests and sequestered herself and Charity in the pleasant but nondescript room, shutting the door in Ilid’s face.
She turned to beam at Charity. “There. Oh, what did you bring?” She eyed Charity’s dress bag greedily.
Unable to stop laughing, Charity showed her the cute dress sporting a flouncy skirt she’d decided on for the night. “It’s too much for a night out in Sunrise, but Mitag will be dressed up too if he survived that wedding reception this afternoon.”
“So pretty!” Diju’s delight gave up room for a pout. “I tried to take Ilid to buy something special for tonight, but he said the outfits he’d brought would do. Men.”
“From our conversation yesterday, I believe he’s trying to put Detodev at ease. Our resident farmhand doesn’t do fancy.”
“Ah. That makes sense. He probably can’t afford much on his salary, and you don’t step on a Nobek’s pride.” Pride shone in Diju’s purple eyes. “My son is so considerate.”
“He was brought up right.” Charity winked.
“Don’t think I’m belittling Detodev. He’s a terrific man, and farming is a noble career. He isn’t much for smiles or talking, but few Nobeks are. I so hope…” Diju’s voice faltered as she caught herself.
“They’ve made a decent start.” Charity couldn’t resist raising her hopes. “With Mitag too.”
Diju’s expression took on a pleading quality. “Jennifer, I’m sorry I’ve been pushy. You’re so sweet, so adorable, and I can tell Ilid cares for you. I realize you have plans to return to school later, but I can’t help wanting my son to have the fresh start and happiness he deserves. Forgive me for being unable to stop from convincing you to see him as…as…”
Her hands fluttered. Tears filled Charity’s vision as she wondered what hopes her own mother might have held for her had she lived to see her daughter grown. Faith had often told her and Hope, “No matter the paths my girls take, I’ll be happy as long as you’re happy. It’s my greatest dream for you.”
Charity hugged Diju. “We’ve had a good start too,” she whispered in her ear. “It’s too early to predict how the future will turn out, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”
Diju let a sob slip. “I already know I could love you as a daughter. If it means anything, be assured you wouldn’t gain just a clanmate. You’d get an entire parent clan too, a clan who cares for you.”
Tears flowed hot down Charity’s cheeks. She couldn’t speak.
They didn’t separate until a soft knock sounded on the door. As they both hurriedly wiped their cheeks, Diju called, “No, Ilid. You’ll have to wait.”
The door opened anyway. It was Imdiko Jadel who spoke. “I bring wine.”
“You wonderful man,” Diju beamed. “It’s all right, come in.”
“It looks as if I made the correct call.” He took in the evidence of the emotional moment they’d had. “A few snacks too, since Ilid tells me dinner isn’t for a couple hours yet.”
Charity experienced a rush of affection for him as he set a tray on the small table between two chairs by the room’s sole window. She felt it for all of Clan Codab. Perhaps their regard for her had initially been because they’d merely seen her as a potential lifeline for the struggling Ilid, but they were wonderful people. They treated her with respect she thought she had yet to earn. As they’d gotten better acquainted, she’d sensed growing approval and a welcome to their inner circle. She recognized it for the generous gift it was.
I could fall in love with the whole bunch of them.
“Anything else?” Jadel asked them as he readied to leave them.
“Keep Ilid out. This is woman time,” Diju insisted. “Wait. Have Detodev and Mitag meet here before they go to dinner and the show. If Nobek Detodev feels underdressed—”
“Mitag got him to buy a new shirt,” Charity interrupted.
“Good. Still, he might be concerned. Don’t make a big deal of it, Jadel; I don’t want Detodev embarrassed, but see if he’ll wear Gruthep’s nice trousers. I think they’re close to the same size. I’m so glad I packed a few good outfits for everyone.”
“Got it. Enjoy yourselves, Mataras.”
The women enjoyed themselves indeed. The wine helped, but as was the case with Sara, Charity wallowed in the delight of the presence of an older woman who’d become like family. They drank wine, fussed over Charity’s hair, and experimented with a few makeup techniques. Mostly, they talked and talked and talked.
Following some hesitation and no doubt too many glasses of wine, Charity shared her true identity. She decided she owed it to the woman whose son might be endangered by her situation. She included the tales Detodev and Mitag had shared of their pasts as well.
“I’m truly thankful the four of you found each other,” Diju commented softly after listening in amazement. “You need them, and they’ve certainly benefitted from you. Now don’t cry! We’ve just gotten your eye makeup perfect. I’m sure Ilid and Detodev have your safety well in hand, but perhaps Gruthep can stay behind another month to assist when the rest of us return to Kalquor. You shouldn’t have to give up the hopes you’ve won due to those Earthtiques. Groteg can’t fault my Nobek’s skills on that score.”
“It isn’t only up to him,” Charity sighed. “The spy division of the fleet is involved. It’s them pushing the matter of me leaving Haven.”
Diju’s eyes narrowed. A calculating smile pulled at her lips. “We can put a few obstacles in their way. Let’s plan on you returning here to spend the night following the show. Sleeping under the same roof as Ilid’s parents will put a damper on romance, but it’ll also make it harder for your wardens to whisk you off in the morning. I’ll talk to my clan and see what they say while you youngsters are out.”
Charity gazed at her admiringly. “I hope your faith in me for Ilid isn’t misplaced. We’re still deciding whether we’d be a good match.”
“I already know,” Diju said, waving her hand breezily. “The name of the game now is giving you and my son the opportunity to realize it yourselves.”
* * * *
“Wow.” Charity grinned at Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag in appreciation. “You guys are impressive. The residents of Sunrise are hereby served notice they have to up their standards where the rest of their men are concerned.”
Mitag in his new outfit was devastatingly stunning. The teal of his jacket and trousers lent a glowing hue to his dark bronze skin. The cut set his gorgeously toned physique to perfection.
Ilid wasn’t as dressy, but there was no denying he was made to break hearts. Sleek black hair framed his handsome face and spilled on his shoulders. Charity ached to bury her fingers and comb through the thick tresses. His shirt, open halfway down his defined chest, was a brilliant blue and left nothing to the imagination where his muscled arms and torso were concerned. His black pants did the same for his thighs. Charity had a hard time restraining herself in front of his parents. She was tempted to ask him to turn so she could see how well the trousers molded to his ass.
Detodev wore the simple but tasteful white shirt Mitag had coaxed him to buy, which showed his muscled upper body to advantage. Whether he’d owned his own creased chocolate brown trousers or borrowed them from Gruthep, he failed to look underdressed next to Ilid. It was his expression, however, which defined his attractiveness. He didn’t exude delight, but there was definite warmth in place of the reserve he typically wore as a second skin. He’d turn the heads of women who had no interest in the dangerous type.
“Gruthep, I might need to borrow a blaster to fend my rivals off tonight.” Charity glanced at the elder Nobek eyeing his son and friends proudly. Maybe he’d indeed had a hand in prepping the younger men.
“Look who’s talking.” Ilid’s expression was frankly admiring, as were Detodev’s and Mitag’s. “Forget Sunrise. None of the women on Haven can compare to you.”
Charity played overly modest as she twitched the ruffled skirt of her dress, which nearly matched Ilid’s for its deep blue. “Oh, me in this old rag? You’re too kind, Dramok.”
“Kind, nothing,” Mitag asserted. His face shone. She didn’t ask if it was from the success of the wedding reception, which had gone off without a hitch, or admiration for her. “You’re beautiful.”
“You are, Starry Eyes.” Detodev’s voice was quiet, but there was real appreciation in it. His reaction, more than the rest, caused her cheeks to warm.
Dramok Codab tapped the handheld Ilid wore on his belt. “There’s a little extra in your account for dinner, drinks, and whatever else comes your way tonight.”
“Thank you, my father.”
“But no fancy overnight room,” Diju spoke up. When Ilid’s face turned crimson, she added, “You’re bringing Cha—uh, Jennifer here afterward to stay in our guest room. She’ll explain the reason to you, and I’ll explain to your fathers.”
Ilid had caught the near-mistake of her speaking Charity’s real name. He glanced from his mother to his date as realization dawned. “Ah. Okay. Sounds like a plan.”
Though the elder men appeared curious, they shrugged it off to wish the young people an enjoyable night. Diju hugged them in turn. She winked at Detodev when he turned awkward at the affection.
She sent them off wearing a bright smile. “Have fun. That’s an order.”
“Breathe it deep! Nothing beats fresh air, huh?”
“If your definition of ‘fresh’ comes from when you’re standing in the middle of a ronka pasture, where your horse just dumped you on your ass,” came the answer. The actor on stage lifted a foot to inspect the bottom of his boot.
“Come back to my house, Dramok. I’ll let you take off your boots…and anything else uncomfortable you’re wearing,” a buxom woman drawled as she sauntered across the scenery. Her appraising eyes raked him. “Matter of fact, you can take off the comfortable stuff too.”
Charity joined in the laughter ringing through the theater. The risqué musical Cow Patties in Paradise was a far better show than she’d expected. Both humans and Kalquorians starred in the farce. In the story, no one of a backwater Haven town was terribly intelligent except the beleaguered Nobek head of local security and his human girlfriend, who ran a popular pleasure club. Rich, clueless tourists had descended upon the town’s hapless residents to play at being cowboys at a newly opened holiday ranch. The results were predictably hilarious. The songs were raunchy but sung shockingly well, and the bawdy jokes had been nonstop. Even Detodev occasionally bellowed unrestrained laughter at the outrageous comedy.
It was definitely not fit for children, so Clan Amgar had been smart to keep the kids away. It was, however, right up Charity’s alley. She couldn’t remember the last time her ribs had ached from laughing so hard.
The audience was enjoying the first act so much, they groaned as one before breaking into applause during the intermission preceding the second act. Her hand fanning her warm face, Charity joined her chuckling dates in filing from the auditorium to the lobby for refreshments.
Mitag, who knew the wine vendor, snagged them a premium vintage to enjoy. “This show met the hype, kicked down its door, and surpassed all expectations.”
“Agreed. Hell of a spoof on our poor little Haven.” Charity clicked her glass to his and took a heftier swallow than she should have. Giddy from the fun, she rashly added, “The show is poking fun, but this place isn’t so bad. In fact, it isn’t bad at all.”
Mitag slapped a palm to his chest and staggered as if having a heart attack. “Did you actually compliment our ronka-scented backwater planet?”
“It’s grown on me. If there were a place for an astronomer, I’d be tempted to hang around for a while.”
She watched to evaluate their reactions. They didn’t disappoint her. The earlier trace of hope peeked from Detodev’s rugged features. Outright want appeared on Ilid’s and Mitag’s.
“You said the location and view from here deserves an observatory. You should lobby for it,” Ilid ventured.
Charity thought of telling him of the clandestine com she’d made to Kalquor. She forced herself to calm the wild hope she’d birthed. No need to excite anyone’s expectations, including her own. “As soon as the Galactic Council is Dark-free, re-opens Jedver’s university to Earthers, and I get my degree, I might do just that.”
Detodev surprised them by raising his glass. “To our Starry Eyes learning to dodge the cow and ronka patties. We’ll make you a farm girl yet.”
Charity laughed. “Not likely, big man. I’ll stick to my telescopes and odorless sky. And a clean sidewalk from my front door to the observatory. The verdant fields and acres of manure are all yours to frolic on.”
* * * *
They returned for the second act when a theater usher clanged a metal triangle. Charity appreciated the cute announcement of the intermission’s end. It reminded her of how ranch workers had been summoned to dinner in the Old West movies her father had enjoyed. The eager audience resumed their seats, looking forward to the rest of the show.
A few hilarious minutes into the second act, during a raucous musical number featuring the entire cast in various stages of undress, an alarm blared. The house lights came up, startling the actors to a standstill. The theater manager rushed up to address the packed auditorium.
“It’s the fire alarm, folks. We have a small blaze backstage. If you’ll please make your way calmly to the exits—”
A billow of smoke suddenly swept through the space. The curtains behind the set visibly smoldered. Then the fire suppression system went off, soaking everyone and adding to the confusion. All at once, the house lights went out, leaving them in the dim reddish gloom of emergency illumination.
It sent people into a panic. Cries and shouts resounded, blending with the claxons to create an earsplitting cacophony. The audience and actors stampeded from the front of the house toward the exits at the side and back of the auditorium.
Charity had instinctively grabbed Ilid’s hand at the start of the commotion. He curled his arm around her as Detodev stretched to encompass them and Mitag in his long reach. “Crouch low!” the Nobek shouted over the din. “Fire suppression will kill the fire, but the smoke is still a problem. Ilid, can you lead us safely to the nearest exit?”
Charity barely discerned the Dramok peering in the murk, craning his head above the crouching Mitag’s. “The closest exit is bogged by those trying to escape. I suggest we make for the side exit, where fewer are going. You’ll have to lead us, Mitag.” He gestured, but Charity’s weaker human sight couldn’t discern the escape he indicated.
“I can do it. Come on.”
“Hang on to each other,” Detodev rasped. “Even there, it’s a big crowd.”
Ilid maintained his grasp on Charity. She in turn fisted a handful of Detodev’s new shirt. She assumed Ilid had hold of Mitag, who was in front of him.
They crept among the row of seats, slowly but steadily, staying as low as they could. Charity could see and sense the continued frantic efforts of others eager to escape. The frightened crowd climbed over seats, many coughing in the thickening smoke. Detodev swatted off those who flailed to get past them. She sensed many falling as they fought the crush, of other terrified patrons stepping on them to get out. She had no idea how bad it was, however, until Detodev abruptly stopped an instant after they cleared the row and joined those in the crammed aisle.
“We have to help him,” came Mitag’s voice, fighting to be heard in the bedlam of shouts and cries.
Help who? Charity wondered.
As Detodev moved to one side, she saw an elderly man lying on the floor before their little group. He was bleeding from his nose, lip, and a cut on his brow. He moaned and feebly tried to rise.
“I have you.” Detodev bent lower to pick up the man, who’d apparently been trampled in the hysteria. Charity released the Nobek to give him better freedom to assist.
Something crashed. Charity was certain it came from the direction of the stage. The thunderous sound in the darkness was dreadful, and the shouts of those battling to be let out became screams. Charity was shoved hard by a wave of those who doubled their efforts to escape the theater. Ilid’s grip was torn from her arm. The next instant, she was forced beyond Detodev and Mitag, who were staggering as they tried to protect the fallen elderly man from the fresh onslaught. Charity had no choice but to run along the tide of the crowd. If she hadn’t, she’d have fallen and been stomped by the heedless mob.
She was brought up short when she collided with those jammed near the exit, trying to squeeze out. The pressure increased as everyone around her fought to flee the auditorium. The air was squeezed from Charity as she was flattened between others. She realized she wouldn’t have to fall to be crushed to death.
As she fought for air and dizziness threatened, a massive figure picked her up and began shoving those in front of her to either side. She clung to her rescuer, thankful for even the smoky atmosphere she heaved in her depleted lungs. She had no capacity to feel bad for those Detodev pushed ungently to clear a path to the door. In a matter of seconds, they emerged in the comparative brightness of the night and Sunrise’s streetlamps. She gulped like a landed fish to claim the cool, clear oxygen between coughs.
She was aware of the sidewalk flowing past as she was carried at a run from the theater. A beefy arm swung at those unlucky enough to find themselves in their path. Pained cries sounded in their wake.
“Ease up, Detodev. We’re out, we’re okay,” she wheezed as she looked up at him. She blinked in surprise to find her rescuer wasn’t the Nobek after all. Nor was he Ilid or Mitag.
“I think you inhaled too much smoke, Miss Nath. We’d better get you to the hospital.” Assistant Chief Wilkes’ smile strived but failed to be comforting.
Charity noted he was carrying her toward an unfamiliar shuttle. “No, I’m…” she coughed and tried again. “I need to see how my friends…” Another fit of coughing, then horror dawned. “Wait. What did you call me?”
His grip tightened, though he carried her as if she weighed nothing. He didn’t answer but continued to push past the frightened and confused escapees of the fire who failed to move out of his path quickly enough.
Details clicked together in her head at a lightning pace. He knew her identity. He was big and muscled, the size of a Kalquorian, perhaps the size of her assailant in the barn. He’d have had access to the spy O’Neal, who’d supposedly committed suicide while in custody.
She tried to wrench free, but Wilkes’ grip was implacable. She drew a breath to scream for help from those swirling behind her, but she was seized by a fit of coughing and couldn’t call out. By the time she stopped hacking, Wilkes had shoved her into the shuttle. The force of his toss knocked her to the floor near a passenger seat. He closed the hatch behind them.
Charity took no time to stop to think. She bounded up and flew at him, kicking, punching, scratching, and screaming.
He fell heavily against the hatch, shocked by the unexpected attack. Charity kept up the barrage, knowing her only chance was to somehow get him clear of the craft’s door so she could escape.
The element of surprise was over, however. She’d done no damage to the behemoth. Wilkes grabbed her by the throat, his features bestial in a snarl.
“Bitch! You’ll pay long before I get you to New Bethlehem. When I’m done with you, you’ll beg to tell the universe about your traitor father and where the Kalqs have hidden our Holy Leader.”
He squeezed. Though Charity couldn’t stop from instinctively grabbing the hand cutting off precious air, she continued kicking, trying for his sensitive spot. The much bigger Wilkes’ reach was too long, however, giving her no ability to do so.
Through blooming black spots in her vision, she saw him draw back a fist, carefully measuring. She didn’t see it when he punched. She only felt a crash of thunder in her skull, then she fell in an endless abyss.