Alien Refuge (12 page)

To Ospar she said, “I’ve seen no evidence of anyone being forced into something against her will. The few women I’ve seen join clans were quite happy about it.”

His smile turned wry. “Though they became unpopular among your people.”

Iris shrugged. “I’m not one to judge. Each person has to make their own decisions, and they make their decisions based on their unique circumstances.”

Ospar glanced at Rivek. “She sounds like you.”

Rivek’s tone was reasonable. “Then you should listen to her very closely.”

That brought another round of laughter, which Ospar joined in with this time. While chuckling, Jol took a small, one-button com out of a pouch on his utility belt. He showed the black device to Iris.

“I want to give you a private com device that will connect you directly to me in the case of any emergency. It could be that no one gives you any trouble for accepting my help. Nevertheless, I will feel better knowing you are not without immediate aid should it become necessary.”

Thomas went to Rivek and tugged the engine from the Imdiko’s hands. He took it to his tracks and put it on the rails. He announced, “Rivek’s train is on the track. Choo choo!”

Iris smiled at Jol. “That’s very generous of you, Nobek Jol. Thank you.”

Thomas went to Jol and took the tanker car back. The Nobek showed him the com. “Thomas, can you give this to your mommy?”

“No.” Thomas was all about putting his train together right now, and Iris winced at his rude tone.

She spoke up. “Please bring me that, Thomas?”

The child smiled at Jol and held out his hand. Jol smiled back, seemingly not affronted by Thomas’ initial reaction, and handed him the com. Thomas brought it to Iris.

“Good boy. Thank you.”

Thomas went to his tracks and set the tanker behind the engine. “Jol’s tanker is on the track. Choo choo!”

Jol told her, “That com can also be used if Thomas gets hurt or if you do. Don’t hesitate for an instant if an emergency comes up.”

“Thank you.” Iris had worried about such things. Her closest neighbor’s home was in sight of Iris’, but there was no guarantee he or any of his family would hear her if she screamed for help. The closest medical facility was fifteen miles away, and the snow crawler wasn’t fast at all. As prone to sudden outbursts as Thomas was, it was only a matter of time before he hurt himself. His near-accident with Blaine’s shuttle had only proven that point.

Rivek spoke next. “I also wish to offer a service, specifically for Thomas.”

Thomas was walking by the Imdiko and looked at him when he spoke his name. He just as quickly dismissed Rivek as he took his train car from Ospar and placed it on the track. “Boxcar’s boxcar is on the track. Choo choo!”

Iris bit her lip. She would have to work on Thomas’ pronunciation of Ospar’s name. Staving off a fit of giggles, she responded to Rivek’s statement. “What did you have in mind?”

“Remember our discussion about Thomas’ problems being a gift to those who wish to serve?”

Curious to know how Rivek’s beliefs viewed things, Iris had asked him why he thought God, or whatever the Kalquorian equivalent was, would allow people to suffer or face difficulties as Thomas did. Rivek had told her such people were gifts to others who wished to display kindness and generosity. The conversation had been quite in-depth, and Iris had been impressed with Rivek’s ideas.

“I remember it well. You gave me a lot to think about,” she told him.

Thomas took his caboose from her, finishing his train. He happily choo-chooed and scooted it around the track.

Rivek said, “We at the temple want to take advantage of these gifts your son offers. To work with him to help him get past his angry outbursts. To help with his speech difficulties. To perhaps help him control his impulses that could lead to him getting hurt, such as when he ran into the travel lane.”

Iris stared at him. “You can do that?”

“We’d like to try. Most of us have some training in psychology and therapeutic practices. Counseling goes along with our calling.”

Ospar said, “Rivek does have much success with calming even disorganized minds that have none of your son’s potential. Isn’t that right, Jol?” he added with a smirk.

The Nobek stared at him. “Yes, I’ve noticed a great change in you since he came along. Your recovery has been miraculous.”

Ospar pulled a face, and Iris had to laugh. There was nothing but camaraderie underlying the gentle jabs the three men aimed at each other. The teasing was all lighthearted and funny.

Rivek rolled his eyes and grinned at her. “I don’t guarantee we will be of any aid to Thomas, other than to be his friends. It would also give you the opportunity to take some time for yourself, which you can use to relax or get more work done. Or you could also partake in some of our training in meditative exercises.”

“That’s – that’s so generous of you. I don’t know what to say.”

She wondered again if the clan was considering her as mother material for their own children. She also wondered if she should refuse Rivek’s offer flat out. People would no doubt notice and talk if she and Thomas visited the Temple of Life regularly.

But what if the priests were able to help Thomas? There was no behavioral therapy available on Haven. Try as she might, Iris had had no luck in getting Thomas to limit his outbursts that led to broken things or putting himself in dangerous situations. If there was the slightest chance Thomas could overcome some of his challenges, Iris was determined to make it happen. But if the E.I.K. found out...

As if intuiting her struggle, Rivek offered, “Perhaps a couple of hours twice a week to start with? We can ease into it and see how Thomas does.”

Iris thought that small amount of time might pass unnoticed by others. “He has asked about you and Copin frequently since we visited,” she told the Imdiko.

There was never any real question as to whether or not Iris would accept the proposal. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to improve Thomas’ lot in life, even if it meant daring the enmity of her neighbors and the E.I.K. So what if everyone ostracized her? What if hateful notes ended up on her door? She had to ensure the welfare of her child, and they could all go to hell if they didn’t see that.

“When should we come?” she asked Rivek.

He smiled as if delighted. “As soon as tomorrow morning, if that meets with your approval.”

“That would be fine. This time of year, there’s nothing to harvest anyway. We have nothing but time.” Not the entire truth, but some of the home’s repairs could be put off. “I have to warn you, however, that changing Thomas’ regular routine usually means tantrums and outbursts. He may have difficulty adjusting at first.”

“That is not a concern. He will be treated with patience until he gets used to the new schedule.”

Ospar checked the small chronometer he wore on a chain around his neck. He sighed. “I’ve enjoyed this break, but I must be getting back to my work. My own schedule beckons.”

Everyone stood. Ospar gave Iris that infectious smile, the one she couldn’t help but return. “It has been a privilege to meet you, Matara Iris. If you need anything at all, you have only to ask.”

“Thank you.”

Thomas chose that moment to run up to her with one of his engines. “Here, Mommy.” He started to pass it to her and let go before she had a good grip on it. It hit the floor and a piece came off.

When Thomas threw a toy in frustration, it meant nothing to him if it shattered. But an accidental breakage always set off instant hysterics.

Tears were already flowing as Thomas shrieked with heartbroken horror. “Train is broken! Train is broken!”

Iris picked up the pieces and looked at them. Fortunately, this one was made of interlocking blocks, so it was an easy fix.

“It’s not broken, sweetie. See?”

Still bent down so Thomas could see, Iris snapped the two parts back together. She handed it to him and he looked it over. He immediately quieted. “Train is fixed.”

Iris looked up as she began to straighten. The hand raised over her was huge, looming before her face. Iris jerked away instinctively with a cry, shoving Thomas behind her.

She cringed. When the expected blow didn’t come, she looked up to see a wide-eyed Ospar offering his hand.

He said, “Matara? I only wished to shake your hand in your traditional Earther way.”

Iris’ pounding heart slowed. She flushed and stood up straight. “Oh, ah, sorry. I was – I was—”

Jol’s thunderous voice filled the room. “Who has hit you?”

The Nobek’s expression was as furious as his voice was loud. He looked ready to take the house apart with his bare hands.

“No. It’s nothing. I just – you see—” she stuttered, not sure what she could say to calm the huge Kalquorian.

Rivek’s tone was gentle, but his eyes sparked with anger. “Jol is right. That was the reaction of someone expecting to be struck.”

“Tell me his name.” Ospar’s smile had disappeared. There was something very dangerous in the governor’s attitude. Iris had the sudden idea that crossing this man would be a monumental mistake.

Jol’s fists were clenched, and long, slender fangs had appeared behind his squared teeth. “Is it someone on this colony? This is not acceptable, Matara. I will not have it.”

Iris had the crazy urge to throw her arms around the Nobek’s neck, to hold him still and calm him down. She couldn’t imagine why she would want to do such a thing, nor was this the time to think about whatever her motives might be.

Instead she told him, “It’s okay, Jol. He’s not here. My husband is dead.”

The three men stared at her, waiting for more. They were all angry. All three ready to protect her. The realization stunned Iris.

They don’t really know me, and yet they are prepared to jump to my rescue. Is that normal for Kalquorian men?

Again, there was no time to consider what was going on behind the surface situation. Iris needed to talk the enraged trio down. Thomas was beginning to whimper, ready to go into a meltdown because of the tension in the room.

Iris made her voice quiet and soothing to calm her son down. “He didn’t survive Armageddon. He can’t hurt anyone ever again.”

“Good,” Ospar snapped. Iris didn’t have to guess if he meant her abuser’s death or his inability to cause further harm.

The men spent the next few seconds obviously forcing themselves to settle down. When the worst of the tension had bled from their bodies, Ospar twitched a forced smile. “I believe we will stick with Kalquorian traditions of respect from now on.”

He bowed to her, and the other two followed suit. Ospar said, “I look forward to our next meeting, Iris.”

She wondered if there would be another meeting. The thought made her warm. “So do I. Thank you all again for your kindness.”

She escorted them to the door. It was only then she remembered something she’d wanted to ask. “Oh! Did you get a chance to try the pie?”

Ospar and Rivek glared at Jol. These looks were the pretended irritation they’d shown each other before, not the outright rage they’d displayed only moments ago. Jol gave them wide eyes. The Nobek’s attempt to look innocent didn’t sit well on his naturally fierce face.

Ospar grouched, “I barely got a taste. Jol consumed most of it before Rivek and I could have more than a mouthful apiece.”

Jol sneered, unrepentant. “My pie. She made it for me. And you both had more than a mouthful, hateful thieves.” He looked at Iris and smiled. “It was most delicious. I am looking into who has a surplus of apples so you might bake me another, if I can assume your kindness?”

He looked so hopeful that Iris couldn’t help but giggle at him. To herself, she sounded like a breathless little girl. “Of course. I would be glad to.”

Rivek, who did stern no better than Jol emoted innocence, scowled at the Nobek. “You will find enough apples and whatever other ingredients are needed so that we can each have our own pie. Horrible glutton.” He too offered Iris a smile. “You can dictate a list of the ingredients you need tomorrow when you come to the temple.”

Iris thought they might not be so quick to ask if they knew how time-consuming and intricate making a lattice-topped apple pie could be. She decided they didn’t need to know. They’d done so much for her and Thomas already and were prepared to do more.