fortuneswheel (6 page)

* * *

Rhian and Askad lived on level 20. Their quarters were the more spacious ones reserved for Leska pairs and boasted a small lounge and two bedrooms. Carrie was shown to a room the same size as Kusac's had been.
"You have the room with the bath," said Rhian, indicating a door to the rear of the bedroom.
"How come you have two bedrooms?" Carrie asked, dumping her bag on the floor.
"This is Askad's room, when he chooses to use it," Rhian said, stuffing the contents of a couple of drawers into a cupboard. "You can use these while you're here. I have the larger room, which we're both using at present."
She moved over to the wardrobe, clearing a space for her unexpected guest there, too. "Why should we want separate rooms?" Rhian turned round to look at Carrie, cocking her head on one side, ears turning in her direction. "Why not? We have our own lives to lead, and occasionally one of us meets someone nice with whom we wish to spend a few days or weeks."
Misinterpreting her startled look, Rhian grinned in the openmouthed Sholan style. "We work for Alien Relations," she said. "I can pick up very little from you telepathically as yet, but the 'Why?' was so loud I think even the untalented could have heard you!"
She handed Carried a thick toweling robe. "Here, go and have a bath. After a month living rough, I'm sure you're feeling itchy and uncomfortable. Admin will catch up with you in a day or two and make sure you're issued with all the essentials. I'll lend you what you need till then." With that she was gone, leaving Carrie to her own devices.
The bathroom was easily navigated, and though there wasn't the time for a long soak, she emerged feeling refreshed and clean for the first time in several weeks. As she toweled her hair, she came back through to the bedroom.
An oval bed dominated the room. Gingerly, she sat on the edge of it, half afraid she would roll into the central bowlshaped depression. Unbidden, an image of a curled-up sleeping Sholan sprang to mind. The memories from Kusac were blending into hers now as she began to experience life in his culture. It was unsettling.
She sensed Rhian outside the door before she heard the knock.
Carrie opened the door, admitting Rhian and an armful of brightly colored clothes.
"I have some clothes I can lend you until you have the time to buy your own," she said.
"I've brought some things with me, thanks," Carrie said.
"Let me show you anyway," said Rhian, depositing her bundle on the bed. "Certain plain colors denote the guilds and can't be worn by anyone other than guild members. As a telepath, you are entitled to wear purple like us and it would be wise to be seen wearing it from the first so everyone is aware of your status."
"What status?" asked Carrie, an edge to her voice. "Do I have to proclaim to the world I'm part of a Leska team?"
"The color only tells others you are of the Telepath Guild," said Rhian calmly, her tail giving an involuntary twitch. "When the guild grades you, you'll wear a mark of rank on your uniform. Next to it will be the symbol 'L' to show you are part of a Leska pair. It is necessary," she said, her voice rising as Carrie opened her mouth to protest. "Should there be an accident, they'll know that you have a partner nearby who must also be found. You'll need to wear that badge on your leisure clothes, too. All this will be explained to you later, not now."
Carrie subsided, muttering. "Kusac's already told me." She knew Rhian was not the one to argue with over this.
"Look," said the Sholan female, reaching out fleetingly to touch Carrie on the arm. "You are a new species. Do you really think news of your telepathic abilities and your Link to one of our people hasn't already spread throughout the ship? We've been in space for seven months now. It has been boring beyond belief until we arrived here. The events on Keiss, with you and Kusac as the central characters, will be the subject of gossip for a long time to come. What does a small insignia on your collar matter more or less? If you fight all our customs before you understand them, you'll wear yourself out to no purpose. Now, come on," she said persuasively. "You're about to go and enjoy your first real Sholan meal with friends. Let's choose something nice for you to wear."
Despite her protests, Carrie let herself be persuaded into borrowing some of the less brightly colored clothes to augment her rather drab trousers. Those she refused to leave off. Finally she chose a long blue overtunic with panels split to mid thigh and a contrasting undertunic.
"Hm," said Rhian, regarding her critically. "It's longer on you because of your lack of height. Just as well you don't have a tail," she grinned, picking a purple sash off the bed and tying it round Carrie's waist. "That's better," she said. "It matches the edging on the tunic."
"Rhian, we're only meeting up for a meal," said Carrie, exasperated by the fuss the Sholan was making over her clothing.
"Meals, and first impressions, are important," chided the older female. "You will blend in more if you dress like us. Besides, Kusac will like what you're wearing," she said. "In fact, even though your legs are covered, the robe still enhances them enough to interest more males than just him, I'll warrant! Now come, or we'll be late."
As Rhian grabbed her by the wrist and towed her into the lounge where Askad was waiting, Carrie made a low noise of disgust. She felt overdressed by her standards to say the least, and only hoped that Rhian knew what she was doing. Still, both she and her Leska were now wearing casual clothes of a similar style.

* * *

The trip to the mess hadn't been as bad as she'd feared. There had been many curious glances, but they were just that, nothing more.
"Now you see why I suggested you wear Sholan clothes," whispered Rhian as they joined Vanna and Garras at a small table in the quieter area of the large room. "You are just the Terran Telepath to them, and naturally you would be in the company of other telepaths."
Rhian was right. Dressed as she was, she blended in amidst the colorfully dressed Sholans. She was glad to sit down and let the general hubbub of noise wash over her. In the more familiar company of Vanna and Garras— Mito having been unable to come— Carrie began to relax.
Kusac arrived, fur still damp from his shower. He took the seat between Carrie and Rhian.
"Sorry I'm late, I had some business to attend to," he apologized.
"Your first meal back on the
Khalossa
and you didn't even bother changing," scolded Vanna.
"It is a clean jacket. I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer," he said, turning to Carrie, his hand briefly touching hers in greeting.
"It's as well you didn't," said Garras, an amused look on his face. "You might not have had a Leska waiting for you. We've had to fend off at least two hopeful young males."
"Excuse me?" said Carrie, startled.
"Pheromones," stated Vanna. "Jo has to be right."
"Are you trying to tell me...? You mean they weren't just being friendly?"
"They were being very friendly, until we suggested they leave," said Askad with a grin.
"How could they!" exclaimed Carrie. "Surely they know I have a Leska," she faltered, glancing at Kusac.
"There's no need to take offense," said Rhian, puzzled by the human female's reaction. "They were very careful to behave courteously."
"Carrie's people form a bond with only one person," said Kusac quietly.
"Ah, like the Touibans," said Askad.
"No harm was done, Carrie, nor insult intended," said Vanna, leaning forward to pat the girl reassuringly on the hand. "In fact, the opposite."
"I said more than Kusac would find you attractive, didn't I?" said Rhian with a laugh that bordered on a purr.
"Let's get some food," said Kusac abruptly, getting to his feet and waiting for Carrie to join him.
Confused, she reached out for him as she got to her feet. Mentally and physically, he lent a steadying hand.
It's the Sholan way, cub,
he sent.
Look at the memories
you gained from me when we Linked the first time. You'll un-
derstand it better now. Vanna or Rhian can tell you more
about our ways. Ask them.
Are your women often approached like this?
It depends. Often they do the approaching, too.
He hesitated.
There are ways I can prevent this happening if you
wish.
I wish! Do it now.
No one will approach you when we're together,
he said, his hand tightening on hers.
We'll talk of other ways later
Reassured, she moved closer to him as they approached the serving area.
"Did Rhian lend you those clothes?" he asked. "You look really good in them. They suit you."
"She wanted me to wear the Telepath Guild colors."
"Sensible. It gives you the protection of my guild from the first. Now, let's see what they've got to eat today," he said, stopping at a board of glowing cursive script.
The meals she'd shared with them so far hadn't prepared her for the food on the
Khalossa.
The Sholan diet was rich in meats, but the variety of sauces they were either cooked in or served with was extensive. Vegetables and fruit were numerous, too.
After they'd eaten, they made their way from the mess through to the main concourse, the communal leisure area of the
Khalossa.
It was very different from what she had seen of the ship so far. Here was no narrow corridor of identical doorways all painted a utilitarian restful gray.
The first thing that struck Carrie about the concourse, apart from how large and open it was, was the view. The blackness of space lit by a myriad of tiny pinpoints of light gleamed beyond the transparent wall. She could only stand and stare in wonder as the limitless vista called to something deep in her soul.
She reached out, fingers tentatively touching the window. In her mind she could feel Kusac's gentle amusement.
This is why you and I left our home,
he sent, his hand closing on her shoulder.
A new life and new worlds among
the stars.
It's so beautiful, I had no idea!
How could you, tied to one world?
He gestured with his other hand toward the stars.
That's where the future lies, and
we're part of it.
Yes,
she sighed, laying both palms against the cool surface.
No barriers to stop us, just the vastness of space before
us. I don't think I could bear to leave it.
"I don't want to hurry you," said Vanna's voice from behind them, "but you've been starstruck now for the last ten minutes! Do you think we could leave now? I'd rather like to get a drink."
"I'm sorry, Vanna," said Carrie, turning around. "It's just so beautiful!"
"I gathered you were somewhat impressed by it when your eyes glazed over and you started stalking across the concourse. It was as if nothing else existed, the way you were prepared to walk through anyone in your way!"
"I didn't," said Carrie aghast, looking round in embarrassment. Sholans sitting around the tables by the window were regarding their little group with indulgent amusement.
Put your shield up, cub,
came Kusac's warning.
They
aren't laughing at you, they're just enjoying your pleasure.
It reminds them of their first time in space.
Carrie concentrated on building a mental barrier as they moved off toward one of the doorways with tables and chairs outside it.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"This is called the concourse," said Garras. "Over there are the main stores for both ship levels. That's where we get all the day-to-day essentials like brushes, soap— stuff like that."
"Over there," said Vanna, pointing to the opposite side, "that's where you get the few luxury items that the
Khalossa
carries. Hair decorations, cosmetics, some leisure clothes, snack foods— things that make life a little more varied on a starship like this."
"In the center they sell memory cubes for the comms and the notepads, ones with books on them," said Kusac.
"Books? What kind of books?"
"Whatever you want," said Vanna. "Some are stories told by our leading storytellers, others you read yourself. You can get them on any subject you want. Like the clothing, if they haven't got it in, they can order it for delivery on the next supply ship."
"Would you like to go into the store?" asked Rhian.
"No, thanks," she said, moving closer to Kusac as she became aware that she was the focus of many curious looks. Suddenly the concourse seemed full of people. A headache was building and all she wanted to do was sit down in a quiet area away from the noise and bustle.
Remember your shield, cub,
sent Kusac, picking up her distress.
As she strengthened her barrier again, the headache began to fade and the noise seemed to lessen.
"It's shift change," said Vanna. "That's why it's gotten so busy. Let's get settled before all the seats are gone."
The bar was not dissimilar to her father's, having a long counter with several tall stools placed beside it as well as the surrounding tables and chairs. They chose to sit at the counter, the six of them forming a little knot at one end. Perhaps because of the semifamiliar surroundings, or perhaps because of the company, she finally found herself slipping back into the easier relationship she'd had with Kusac before the raid on the Valtegan base. She'd found a referent to counter the culture shock that had suddenly begun to hit her.
Since leaving Rhian's and Askad's quarters, she'd been watching the Sholans, trying to see them as a people now that she had the opportunity. They were gregarious, liking to be in groups rather than couples. As Vanna and Kusac had said, there were far more males than females but that didn't stop their clothing from being on the flamboyant side. Her outfit was nothing spectacular compared to some.
They were also a highly tactile species, as she had already guessed. Within their groups, they frequently touched their partners or friends. The exceptions were her telepath companions. She'd already picked up Rhian's and Askad's reluctance to touch anyone not of their guild, but they showed their affection for their friends in the featherlight touch of fingers against their cheeks.
The same was true with Kusac, though tonight he touched no one but her, his hand straying frequently to where hers lay on the counter. His need to touch her, as if for reassurance she was there— not to mention her growing reciprocal need— was no more than others were doing.
She sat quietly, sipping the rather heady drink she'd been given and listened to them discussing the reports they were due to hand in to the Admin office in the morning. She leaned against Kusac, pleased when he put an arm around her shoulders, his fingertips gently stroking her neck for a moment or two.
"Kusac, what happens when you've to go back to work?" she asked. "What do I do? Come to think of it, what do you do?"
"We're on leave for the moment," he said. "After what we went through on Keiss, we've been given ten days off."
"You've got longer," said Askad. "New Leska pairs get an extra five days, fifteen in all, so as to get to know their partner better. During that time they meet with their Tutor to assess their working capabilities. Once that's been done, then they're reassigned to appropriate duties. I presume the same will happen with you."
"What do telepaths do on the
Khalossa?
What do you do?"
"I don't so much do, as work with people and advise them about what needs doing," he said vaguely, keeping his eyes turned away from Rhian and Askad.
"Yes, what have you been doing, Kusac?" asked Rhian, her tone a little sharp. "You're wearing a grade five badge, but I'll warrant that isn't your true level."
"It was suggested that I needed the experience, so I've been working with the military protectorate in the troop levels. You know the sort of thing," he said. "Assessing situations and advising what level of telepath is needed to defuse any potential trouble. Glorified crowd control."
"Hm," said Rhian, obviously not convinced. "It'll be interesting to see what you're doing three weeks from now."
"You want to know what we do," said Vanna from across the curve of the bartop. "Well, I'm up in the medical section taking my turn in the wards with any of the injured or ill, or I'm in the labs running tests. I was included on the
Sirroki
because it was on a three-month mission, and they needed a medic on board."
"I pilot scouters," said Garras. "Normally I'd be plying the trade routes for my clan, but I was drafted in to fly the scouters doing reconnaissance and survey work. Again, I'll be on leave for the next few days. After that, who knows what they'll find for me to do?"
"It's not exactly leave," said Vanna. "We've still to be properly debriefed. AlRel will want to talk to us, then they'll want us to have medicals. The Telepathic Medics have scheduled a session for you tomorrow morning, Carrie. It won't be too much of an ordeal as they've been told you're a healer. That means no psych profiles and a minimal physical examination. Rhian and I will be with you, so you won't have to go through it alone," she reassured her. She looked over at Kusac. "Your session is in the afternoon."
"Are they afraid I'm carrying some strange germs or something?" asked Carrie.
"No, of course not," she laughed. "We all went through decontam as we came off the shuttle. You're a new species, they want some tissue and blood samples so they can run their batteries of tests. If you take ill, they have to know how you'll respond to our drugs. They also need to key your physiology into the computers so we know how to reproduce your blood, plasma— all those things."
Underlying Vanna's voice, Carrie was aware of the sound of Terrans coming into the bar.
"Why do they want to see me?" asked Kusac.
"They don't, I do," said Vanna. "I'm curious to see if there have been any chemical changes in your brain because of your Link. And I want to check on your leg wound. The bandage needs changing."
Kusac frowned thoughtfully.
Carrie meanwhile had leaned back to glance quickly toward the door. It was Skai and the rest of the Terran party. She ducked back against Kusac, trying to make herself invisible in the faint hope they wouldn't recognize her. Several of the Sholan women she'd seen wore their hair long.
Skai spotted Vanna and called out a friendly greeting just as Kusac picked up Carrie's distress.
"I hear there's a Terran woman on board," said a loud voice, "keeping company with one of your males."
Kusac, leaning down toward Carrie, froze.
"That's him," said Lawson, the owner of the voice as he walked over toward them. "The telepath. Found one of your own kind instead, eh?" His ribald laugh died as Kusac turned to face him, exposing Carrie.
"So they were right," Lawson continued, his voice low and full of venom. "You're the one from Geshader. Bloody little no-good tramp!"
Kusac began to snarl, lips pulled back to expose his large and deadly canines. "How dare you talk to my Leska like that."
Skai tried to pull him back. "Leave it, Lawson. You met her sister, not Carrie."
"So?" said the man belligerently, pulling away. "Some bloody family they are! Both of them no better than..."
"Shut up, Lawson!" said Anders, cutting him short and trying to step between him and Kusac. "You've had too much to drink. Leave them be, they aren't harming anyone. It's none of your business."
Carrie moved back, trying frantically to get off her stool. Fear and anger warred in her in equal proportions, and she knew Kusac could feel it.
"No, I won't shut up," said Lawson, staggering slightly as he pulled free of Skai for the second time. "I want to know why she keeps screwing aliens! Is she a pervert or something?"
Skai backed off, trying to catch Carrie's eye, but it was Vanna who was staring at him.
"Nothing to do with me, honestly," he said, spreading his arms.
Anders grabbed for Lawson as the fourth member of their group ran to help. Together they tried to haul him back toward the door.