Rystani Warrior 04 - The Quest (31 page)

She set down the shuttle in the middle of a pad that had been surrounded by a verdant garden with blooming flowers. Outside about thirty people had gathered to greet them. Before she unsnapped her safety harness, Kirek leaned over, angled his mouth over hers, and stole a kiss.

Heat suffused her, and of their own volition, her fingers threaded into his hair. If only the world wouldn’t intrude. If only he didn’t have so many obligations. But for one moment, he was all hers, and she reveled in his kiss. She didn’t think she’d ever tire of him surprising her with those sparks in his eyes or the mischievous grin she’d spotted before he’d swooped down to ravish her mouth, heating her blood and escalating her pulse.

When he finally pulled back with a satisfied smirk, she was certain her eyes had glazed over with lust. Great. With her lips all puffy from kissing him, her hair a mess, it was the perfect time to meet his parents—whom he hadn’t seen in forever.

As usual, he’d known just what she’d needed. She slapped his butt with a playful smack. “Let’s go before your parents think we forgot how to use an exit hatch.”

Kirek grinned, unnecessarily helped her to her feet, then popped the hatch. “After one look at your swollen lips, they’ll more likely believe you’ve been seducing their son.”

Angel swore under her breath, wondering how their words could have echoed outside—but apparently they had carried. From outside the spaceship, she heard a woman chuckle. “Kirek, there are children out here who can hear you.”

A woman laughed. “I’m sure Dora has already corrupted the children.”

“More. More,” the kids shouted. “We want to hear more.”

“Settle down,” an adult male ordered, but apparently no one took him seriously—Angel and Kirek exited the shuttle to more shouts of encouragement.

Kirek hadn’t taken two steps forward before a woman broke away from the others to hurry forward and embrace him. “Mom.” Kirek placed his arms around his mother before Angel got a good look at her. “I’ve missed you so much.”

The warmth in Kirek’s voice twisted Angel’s heart. Then his father joined the family hug, and for one moment, she felt like an outsider. But then Kirek reached out and pulled her forward. “Mom. Dad. This is Angel Taylor. She’s saved my life more times than I
…
”

Miri hugged Angel so hard she stole her breath, and Angel didn’t even hear what Kirek said—not that it mattered. Kirek’s mom smelled like fresh-baked bread and sweet cinnabar jelly, and her crinkled eyes welcomed her without any reserve whatsoever. It was as if whoever Kirek brought home to her deserved her friendship. When Miri finally stepped back to wipe away happy tears, Etru hugged Angel all over again. With his dark hair and blue eyes, the family resemblance was unmistakable. Thankfully the huge Rystani warrior knew his own strength, and his bear hug was just as hospitable as his wife’s. “Welcome to Mystique.”

Angel didn’t have time to feel the least bit awkward. Kirek kept an arm draped possessively over her shoulder as he introduced her to Tessa Caymen and Kahn, Dora and Zical, Alara and Xander, and Shaloma, and a bunch of intelligent-eyed and happy kids, too many for Angel to even attempt to keep track of. With everyone laughing and talking and hugging at once, she learned that Miri had been cooking for a week to prepare a feast for Kirek’s homecoming, that the Federation Council was awarding both of them the the Qudsar Medal of Honor for their efforts, and that endorsement and holovid contracts were awaiting both their signatures in case they wanted to start a business venture or become holovid stars. With the opportunities coming her way, she’d have enough credits to pay back Kirek for the ship’s renovations and still have enough left over to do whatever she wanted for a very long time.

Kahn teased Kirek over the holovid offer, but Angel watched him draw Kirek aside for a serious private moment before they all headed toward a white canopy that draped a buffet laden with food, the enticing scents causing her to salivate. But Angel also noticed the security guards stationed around the picnic area. As Kirek poured her a fruit drink, she wondered if the guards were there for a specific reason or if the political problems Kahn had hinted at were more severe than he’d let on during his ship-to-Mystique conversations with Kirek.

However, the meal was one of celebration, and Angel hesitated to bring up politics when everyone was so obviously determined to have a good time. Kids of all ages helped themselves to food and played mock war games. Unlike the kids at the school on Dakmar, these children seemed happy and well-behaved. Adults relaxed in the sunshine, but Angel noted that the men and Tessa’s gazes never strayed far from the children and the perimeter.

The men had gathered around a barrel of brew, refilling their glasses as they spoke in low murmurs. The women wandered to the other end of the table. As much as Angel wanted to hear the men’s conversation, the women here fascinated her.

“I’d love to see the
Raven,
”
Dora told Angel. “Kirek nabbed first dibs on the shapeshifting technology, and Tessa’s outfitting a new ship, but it’s not finished yet.”

“I’d be happy to give you a tour,” Angel told the gorgeous woman with holovid looks, finding it hard to believe she’d once been a computer. She seemed so alive, so motherly with her kids, and yet so in love with her husband.

Dora shot Angel a mischievous look. “Did Kirek install the bathing pool I designed?”

“He did.” Angel had spent many wonderful hours in the pool with Kirek, but the family gathering didn’t seem a good time to mention that fact. But Dora seemed to know. Her eyes twinkled.

But before Dora said anything more, Tessa smoothly inserted herself into the conversation. “The shapeshifting hull fooled the Zin?”

“Tessa, I hadn’t finished asking her if the shape of the pool enhanced—”

Tessa rolled her eyes. “After all these years of being human, surely you can think about something else besides lovemaking?”

Dora shrugged. “Why should I have to? Alara’s always talking about sex, and you don’t complain about her topic of conversation.”

As Tessa and Dora spoke, their voices teased, and there could be no doubting these two women were the best of friends. It was obvious from their tones, their glances, and their ease with one another, making Angel very aware that although she considered Frie a friend, she’d never shared as much with her as these two women seemed to.

Tessa sighed. “Alara is a scientist working on a biological problem.”

“A problem no more.” Alara’s eyes gleamed. “I found a way to break the link. Endekian women will no longer be forced to make love to regenerate their cells.”

“That’s incredible.” Tessa raised her glass in a toast. “To Alara.” They all sipped. Then Tessa eyed the scientist, speculation in her sharp gaze. “You didn’t file the patents, did you?”

“The formula is my gift to Endeki.”

Tessa grimaced, but her tone remained light as she spoke to Angel. “Alara is a brilliant scientist, but she has no head for business. I can’t imagine working for years on a project only to give the work away.”

“It’s your fault,” Alara teased her, not the least intimidated by the famous former Tetuan who was now the political backbone of Mystique and one of the foremost Federation leaders.

“Mine?” Tessa’s eyes widened.

“You’re so successful, none of us have to work.”

Tessa sighed. “So my success has spoiled you.”

Alara and Dora chuckled. “Your success has given us opportunities to pursue our goals.” Then Alara elbowed Tessa. “Besides, I heard that Earth never paid for their pollution technology, and you footed the bill.”

Tessa, clearly uncomfortable at being caught in a generous act, shrugged. “You can’t believe rumors.”

“Uh-huh.” Alara muttered. Dora grinned.

“What will you do now?” Angel asked the scientist.

“I’m not certain,” Alara admitted.

“I could use your help with the Federation Council,” Tessa told her. “The Federation united to fight the Zin, but now that the threat is over, the delegates seem to have nothing better to do than squabble over resources. We have planets where entire populations are starving, a war about to break out over the mining rights in Orion’s Belt, and the asteroid city of Halmenica wants independent status.”

Dora’s eyes narrowed on Tessa. “I’ve heard rumors about an attempt to overthrow the Federation Council.”

Tessa sipped her drink. “They’re just rumors. We haven’t pinned down—”

“Excuse me,” Angel interrupted, the hair on her nape standing up and practically screaming from an
instinct she didn’t understand but had learned to trust. “Danger’s coming.” With a psi thought, she sent an order to her shuttle to lift into an orbit where it would be safe.

“Kahn! We’re under attack!” Tessa shouted, almost at the same time Angel had spoken.

Skimmers shot across the previously empty sky. On foot, men charged out of the surrounding woods, weapons firing. The attackers fanned out but kept advancing, their movements coordinated and purposeful.

Security bravely placed themselves between the family and the attackers, but they were outnumbered, and many of them died during the initial attack.

With a child in each arm, Dora, Alara, Miri, and Shaloma, with another youngster on her hip, quickly gathered the children into a group and rushed the youngsters toward the cover of the nearest building. None of the kids cried. All obeyed the instructions without panicking, surprising Angel.

Angel, Tessa, and the men retreated more slowly, firing their weapons to cover the retreat of the other women and children. Their defense was almost choreographed or much practiced. But this was no drill. Men downed by the enemy fire didn’t get up. Their shrieks of pain rang in Angel’s ears.

“You okay?” she asked Kirek, retreating by his side.

“What the hell is going on?” he muttered. “Those are Federation troops.”

“Tessa mentioned political problems.” Angel raised her blaster and fired, bringing down a skimmer. Then she ducked into a building that appeared to be an electronics factory. But on closer inspection she realized the building was a control center with a vast security network and information-gathering system from where Tessa likely ran her empire.

Kirek made certain that everyone, including security, had retreated inside the building then barred the doors. “There are always political problems. We are safe, here. The inside of the complex won’t be penetrated by anything less than an army. Or a Zin core meltdown. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tessa’s engineers have discovered a way to prevent that kind of attack.”

Once again, Angel was surprised by the total calm of the children. They had gathered in a corner of the building outfitted with toys for the youngsters and vidscreens for the teens, who seemed just as intent
on figuring out what had happened as the adults.

An hour later, the family gathered around a traditional hearth to discuss the situation. Kirek had insisted that Angel join them, his expression grave. She didn’t believe she belonged here, but since they hadn’t had one moment of personal time since she’d arrived, she was reluctant to recall her shuttle from orbit and leave.

The family congregated in a large comfortable room, the hearth filled with Rystani glow stones. Angel was surprised to see that children, from babies to toddlers to the almost-adults, were also included. Once again, she was amazed at their good behavior. Obviously loved, yet not spoiled, the kids seemed happier than many others she’d seen—even after a nerve-wracking day.

Tessa spoke from a position beside her husband. “We’ve put together the pieces from today’s attack, and I’m happy to say it was due to a small faction of malcontents who are unhappy with the Zin peace treaty.”

“Those responsible have been rounded up, and the law will mete out their punishments,” Kahn added. “The threat was minor, and we believe that after the treaty is ratified, life here will return to normal.”

Dora held a baby on her lap. “So why are we here?”

To Angel’s surprise, Kirek stepped forward. “I have a proposal I wanted to make to our entire family.”

Stunned that he’d said nothing to her about his proposal, Angel watched the family members turn to him, giving him their full attention and respect. And love. But she saw confusion on their faces, too. Apparently, no one had any idea what he was about to say.

Standing straight, shoulders relaxed, chin high, Kirek spoke slowly, as if knowing what he said next was of the utmost importance. “Now that my mission is over, I’ve been thinking about my future. All of our futures. I understand Alara has finished her task?”

“I have,” Alara admitted. “Endekian women are availing themselves of my vaccine.”

“Tessa, you’ve been totally frustrated with Federation politics. Kahn’s hinted that you’ve been looking for a successor.”

“True.”

“Kahn and Xander have completed the defense system of Mystique and can now leave the work to others.”

Kahn folded his arms across his chest, his amber eyes bright with curiosity. “Are you saying we’re no longer needed?”

“Not here on Mystique. Not even in the Federation. Most worlds are settled. It’s crowded with political backstabbing, arguments over space lanes and trade routes, and—”

“What are you suggesting?” Tessa asked Kirek.

Angel was shocked that he would speak of these peoples’ lives as if they were antiquated, almost as if he were belittling all they were doing. Yet, Kirek had always spoken about his family with love and the utmost respect, so she too wanted to know where he was taking this conversation.

“Angel and I have found a portal out on the rim that would allow us to travel to other galaxies—perhaps we can find one that needs exploration and colonization.”

“You want us to leave Mystique?” Miri’s lower jaw dropped open.

“I won’t go without you. We’ve been parted long enough.” Kirek’s words were soft, certain.

Oh
…
God
…
Kirek’s plan suddenly struck Angel full force. He’d always known she wouldn’t leave the Raven. He wouldn’t leave his family. So he’d come up with the solution that they should all leave the galaxy—together.