CollisionWithParadise (34 page)

“Hello, Shiva,” Azaes greeted his former betrothed and squeezed Genevieve’s hand with instinctive reassurance. “How’s my brother?”

“Looking very good. He stirred just before you entered. I think he may be coming out of the trance.” She sounded excited. It was obvious to Genevieve that she had strong feelings for Azaes’s younger brother. The two women gazed at one another and an understanding passed between them. Both suddenly smiled with abject happiness. Genevieve had given Shiva her freedom to choose the mate she loved, Diaprepes. “When are you leaving for Earth?”

“As soon as we get the last equipment together. Perhaps today,” Azaes said, glancing at Genevieve. “It is urgent that we relay our message to the world government and curtail the subversive actions of one government. There is much repairing and learning to do between our peoples.”

Shiva nodded solemnly. “I wish you both the best of fortune. Although we’ll miss your great wisdom, Azaes, the importance of your success on Earth is critical. I have every reason to believe that together the two of you will succeed,” she ended with a genuine smile of confidence that Genevieve found reassuring. Shiva added, “And thank you for building this place back up for Diaprepes and Anka. He will be very pleased when he wakes.”

Azaes glanced at Diaprepes. “When he wakes, you can release him, Shiva,” he said. “He is well enough now and will make a good
kushu
. Wish him well from me. I know that you and he will do wondrous things with the
Sthanu
Circle and Eos as a whole. It will be a time of great change and discovery. Perhaps of things you already know in your heart,” he said with a knowing glance at Genevieve. “I know you and Diaprepes have not chosen the same path of self-restraint I have and that is good. Because the smell of change is definitely in the air.”

Shiva nodded regally. Was it possible that she was not as naïve as Azaes? That she already knew about the Epoptes? Genevieve smiled to herself as she studied the woman’s complicated expression and made the obvious conclusion. Perhaps it was Azaes alone who’d clung to his oddly callow beliefs.

“And speaking of change,” Azaes went on, “I must, in turn, thank you for agreeing to look after my young impetuous sister.” He smiled sadly for a moment. “I will miss the little brat. She has much to learn by way of wisdom, but I do not begrudge her impulses as they express her intuitive inner self.” He then smiled broadly. “And there is certainly a place for intuition in this world.” Then he pulled Genevieve with new urgency toward the exit, adding over his shoulder to Shiva, “I promised Genevieve a glimpse of our newly furbished
Atlantis II
, before we finally embark on our long space journey together.”

“I understand,” Shiva said in a serious voice, though her eyes twinkled brightly and a faint knowing smile of amusement crossed her face. “You want enough time to properly show her the ship.” And properly he would, thought Genevieve, as they fucked from room to room. Genevieve realized that it was Shiva who’d observed them as they’d slept, embraced in after-love under the
fika
trees.

Once outside, Genevieve turned to Azaes with a feral grin. “But first you and I have a date with a certain
vishna
tree.”

Azaes folded his arms around her and squeezed her tightly to him. “I wouldn’t miss it for the universe,” he said then seized her face in his large hands and kissed her long and passionately.

About the Author

Kate Wylde is the pen name for this award-winning Canadian science fiction and fantasy writer of several novels, short stories and essays. In another life, Wylde is an ecologist with strong allegiances to the environment. She has published scientific papers on water issues and landscape evolution.