The Face of Earth (21 page)

“Go on.” She moved as close as the confinement shield would allow.

Rathor reeled her in like a fish. “He is willing to let you go whenever and wherever you like. However, he is very impressed with you, and would like you to consider joining his crew.”

There was an audible intake of breath from behind Sharra, and she turned to find Karina white-faced. “Don’t trust Agnar, Sharra. He’s a pirate! And he’s already taken you prisoner twice.”

Rathor jumped in at this point. “That is true, Sharra, but look at the reasons why he took you prisoner. The first time he wanted your ship. He needed your hand code to get it. This time you were with the people who sent him to Bitowa and the person who put halabands on him. He has no personal grudge against you.” Sharra appeared to be considering his words. Rathor left it at that. “Think it over.” He turned and left the prisoners to themselves.

Karina took Sharra by the arm. “You can’t seriously consider his offer! After all Agnar has done to you!”

Sharra looked at Karina coolly. “He does have a point. And now that I am no longer princess and heir to the Bitowan throne, I have to find some sort of life. System bound as I was, traveling the universe has always been of interest to me.”

“But Sharra . . .” Karina trailed off, not knowing how to convince this strange Bitowan woman that a pirate’s way of life was a bad choice. She wasn’t sure she wouldn’t choose it herself if offered. It certainly sounded appealing. She let go of Sharra’s arm and looked around their small cell. Tresar was curled up in the corner and Flavoi was studiously cleaning his nails. They wouldn’t be any help. Karina turned back to Sharra, but Sharra had a faraway look in her eyes that told Karina she was thinking. Karina flopped down on one of the cots, deciding now was as good a time for a nap as any. Silence descended on the cell and Karina soon fell asleep.

Karina woke with a start when a loud voice boomed, “Well, getting our beauty sleep, are we?” She rolled over to see Agnar grinning down at them. The others had been asleep as well; Sharra was blinking her eyes and yawning from the cot next to Karina, and Tresar was sitting on the floor looking bleary-eyed. Flavoi lay on the floor next to the cot he had been sleeping on, rubbing at a sore hip sustained in the fall caused by Agnar’s noisy greeting. Agnar laughed and leaned casually against a bulkhead. He addressed Karina. “So, have you and your friends decided where you would like to be dropped off?”

Sharra cleared her throat. “I have decided to take you up on the offer to join your crew, Captain, if you will have me.”

“Sharra, no!” Karina looked pleadingly at the Bitowan woman who had become her friend over the past week.

Sharra took Karina’s hand and squeezed it gently. “You would have me do what is best for me, would you not?”

Karina sighed and released Sharra’s hand. “Yes. Good luck to you.”

Sharra moved to the confinement shield and looked Agnar straight in the eye. “Captain.”

Agnar smiled genuinely and dropped the shield for the moment it took Sharra to cross it. “Welcome aboard, Sharra. Report to Equaria. She’ll see you settled.” Sharra nodded and left the room.

Agnar turned back to Karina. “Well?”

Tresar stood up and approached Agnar. “Take us to Yalsa, to specific coordinates that I’ll supply when we reach the planet.”

Agnar was confused. “Aren’t you wanted on Yalsa?”

Tresar glared at him. “Since you have destroyed my ship and taken my inventions, I need my other ship and what’s left of my inventions.” He paused and glowered at Agnar. “Unless you are willing to return what you have stolen.”

Agnar laughed hysterically. Tresar, Flavoi, and Karina watched mutely, finding nothing funny about Tresar’s request. Agnar finally stopped laughing and wiped his eyes. “Yes, well, that would make me a good citizen, and the last time I checked, I was a notorious pirate.” His face became grim as he continued. “Besides, I consider it due payment for the suffering and loss I experienced on Bitowa. It was you who sent me there, was it not?” Tresar’s only answer was silence. “Be thankful I let you keep those little baubles that hide you from detection.” Agnar looked pointedly at the necklaces they all still wore. “I’ll inform you when we reach Yalsa,” he added, as he turned on his heel and walked out.

CHAPTER 15

The next morning Karina was jolted awake by the bump of a poor landing. Tresar wasn’t in the cell with them, and she and Flavoi looked at each other worriedly. Several minutes later Sharra and Equaria came in to escort them off the ship. Karina grimaced at Sharra, but Sharra just shrugged and dropped the confinement shield.

Equaria gestured with her weapon for them to move. She escorted them through the ship and out into a clearing surrounded by tall trees. Agnar was standing in the center of it with his hands clasped behind his back. Tresar stood next to him, looking around at the familiar landscape that hid his cave.

“We’re at the coordinates you specified. Are you satisfied?” Agnar asked. Tresar grudgingly agreed. Agnar gestured Karina over, pointing to his neck. “If you please?” Karina looked at Tresar. He gave her a slight nod. She sighed and went to Agnar. The instant she touched the tattoos, they changed back to necklaces, hanging around Agnar’s throat.

“Unclasp them as well,” Agnar ordered. Karina undid the clasps and the weight of the halabands caused them to fall to the ground, where Agnar instantly put his foot on them. He rubbed his neck with a smile on his face. Karina began to move away, but Agnar grabbed her by the wrist and leered at her. “Never trust a pirate, my dear.” He looked around at the surrounding trees. “Now!” he yelled. Camouflaged Yalsan men emerged from the woods and surrounded Tresar and Flavoi, weapons aimed at the two men. An officer approached Agnar while a group of soldiers began unloading Tresar’s inventions off Agnar’s ship.

“Our exchange is complete. We found the cave and its contents. We’ve sent the agreed amount to your account for the inventions, as well as the additional amount for the capture of the fugitives. You can keep the girl as you requested, but you promised to leave Yalsan territory, and we hold you to that, or you will be arrested as well.”

Agnar grinned at the man, baring his teeth. “And so I go.” He turned to Tresar, scowling. “My betrayal of you and your remaining inventions to the Yalsan military doesn’t make up for the lives of my men at Bitowa, but it’s a start.”

Flavoi was speechless, but Tresar was livid as he watched his life’s work disappear into the military vehicles. He was breathing heavily and almost snarling at Agnar. “Don’t be surprised to see me again, Agnar,” he spat. “Karina won’t be the only reason I hunt you down. And this time you won’t survive what I do to you.”

Agnar nonchalantly turned his back on Tresar, throwing one last barb over his shoulder. “If the military lets you see light of day ever again, I will be surprised.” He gave a mock salute to the commander and motioned his crew to board the ship. Still grasping Karina’s wrist, he reached down and retrieved the halabands, pocketing them.

He marched a resisting Karina up the boarding plank and into the ship, turning in time to see the soldiers lead the bothersome scientist and his friend away. Karina kicked him and struggled to get away before the door closed. Agnar growled in pain and threw her over his shoulder, heading for the brig. She squirmed and fought him, biting, kicking, and punching.

In the corridor outside the living quarters she managed to swing down and twist her way free. She was running back toward the air lock when the ship lurched in its takeoff from the clearing. Karina fell against the wall and Agnar managed to get a grip on her. He wrestled her to the floor, pinning her with his body so she couldn’t move. She was yelling Earthling obscenities at him, struggling to free herself from his greater weight.

“Bastard! Fucking son of a bitch! You have no right to hold me! Get off me, you big oaf!” Karina yelled, sprinkling her Yalsan speech with English.

“My goodness. You do have quite a mouth on you,” Agnar replied, grinning.

Karina’s struggles were getting weaker and she was losing her breath. Agnar calmly waited for her to tire, holding her wrists firmly on the floor over her head. Her movement was causing a reaction in him that any decent man would find embarrassing. However, he was a pirate, and a notorious one at that, so he just grinned down at her, their faces so close that he could feel her breath on his lips.

Karina became aware of his arousal, and instantly froze. She stared up at him like a frightened rabbit. She was breathing heavily from the exertion, and he was finding that quite attractive as well. His voice was huskier than usual when he finally spoke. “Well. Isn’t this interesting.”

Karina’s voice was noticeably meeker. “Get off me.”

Agnar didn’t move. “Don’t you want to try to get away?” Karina shook her head. Agnar feigned disappointment. “Too bad.” He paused, looking down into her eyes. “Are you going to come quietly?”

Karina nodded. There was no point in resisting now that the ship was off the ground and escape was impossible. Agnar got to his feet, keeping hold of Karina’s wrists. He helped her up and led her to the quarters that Sharra had used when this was her ship.

“Since Sharra is part of the crew now, she won’t need such fancy quarters.” He palmed the plate, opening the door, and gave Karina a gentle shove into the room. “Make yourself at home.”

Karina whirled around as the door shut. She put her hand against the plate to open it. Nothing happened. She futilely banged on the door. Nothing. She leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor. She sat quietly for a minute, staring at nothing in particular. When she spoke her voice was devoid of emotion.

“Fuck,” she quietly swore in English.

Agnar stood outside the door, leaning against it with both hands. He hung his head, breathing heavily and trying to shake off the lust Karina had aroused in him during their struggle. It was becoming difficult to ignore how he felt when he touched her. He had to find a way to get her to see him as more than just a pirate. He didn’t think he could stand her dislike of him for much longer.

Agnar went to the bridge to join his crew. Sharra was there, manning one of the science consoles. The rest of the crew was dispersed around the room employed at various tasks. Equaria sat at the communication console, idly watching the forward viewscreen. As soon as she noticed Agnar’s arrival, she immediately jumped up to greet him.

“How does it feel to be free of morals?” She was grinning wickedly at her self-perceived wit, waiting for his reaction.

Agnar rubbed his neck, relieved to feel only the smoothness of skin. “Absolutely wonderful. And I have you to thank for knowing when to disobey orders.” He looked at her sternly and shook his finger in mock disapproval. “But don’t make a habit of it.”

Equaria laughed and returned to her seat, and Agnar sat down in the captain’s chair. He sank into the cushioned seat with a satisfied sigh. “Ahhh. It’s good to be the Captain.”

Sharra timidly cleared her throat. Agnar turned and noticed the questioning look on her face. “Yes? What is it, Sharra?”

Sharra hesitated, unsure of her standing in the crew. “Ah. What will happen to Karina?”

Agnar pondered that for a moment. “As the last living Earthling, she’s worth her weight in quarinium.” He looked intently at Sharra. “You’re concerned because she’s your friend, correct?”

Sharra flushed and looked at the floor. “Yes,” she answered quietly.

Agnar stared at her a moment longer before speaking, and then it was to Equaria. “Watch the bridge.” He turned back to Sharra. “Come with me.” Equaria raised her eyebrows at this, but since it wasn’t her business to question the captain, she shrugged and returned her attention to the viewscreen.

Agnar led Sharra to her old quarters and palmed the entry plate. Karina was sitting in the chair, but when she heard the door open, she jumped up, ready for round two. Agnar closed the door and locked it. He turned to the women and pointed to the bed. “Sit,” he commanded. He took the chair Karina had just vacated and sat down. He looked up at Karina and Sharra, who were still standing. “Well?” They looked at each other and sat down.

Agnar set his chin against his clenched hands. He looked gravely at the two confused women. “Do you remember how you removed the halabands?”

Karina and Sharra spoke at almost the same time. “We were eating,” Karina started, Sharra interrupting with, “They just came off.”

Agnar put his hand up to stop them. “They came off when you drank the Stelairian.”

Sharra looked puzzled. “Do you mean the Stelairian brandy?”

Agnar shook his head. “No, I mean the Stelairian. He was in a fancy green bottle with metal trim.” Agnar’s voice took on an educational tone. “Ancient Stelairians discovered how to change their DNA to cure aging. When they gave birth to the next generation, that change was passed on, and continues to be passed on today. Stelairians stop aging when they reach adulthood. Since they don’t age, they don’t die of old age. They only die if they are killed. If they die, they can somehow be transformed into a fluid with life-enhancing properties. Other species who drink this fluid will extend their life spans thousands of times longer than is typical for their species. It makes them extremely healthy, and prolongs their youth.”

Agnar paused and looked at the women. Karina looked disgusted at the idea of drinking a dead person, but Sharra looked thoughtful. “You two drank him,” Agnar continued. “You will live in health and youth for thousands of years.” Karina’s expression changed to match Sharra’s. “Think about what I’ve said. Both of you will live much longer than you expected. You might want to take that into consideration when making decisions.”

Agnar stood, indicating that the lecture had ended. “Sharra, when you’re ready to return to the bridge, call me on the comm. Karina, I’ll bring you dinner in a couple of hours.” With that, Agnar left, and Sharra and Karina found themselves locked once more in Sharra’s old suite.

Karina felt a little awkward in Sharra’s presence. After all, she was more or less a traitor. They sat in uncomfortable silence for a moment, and then Sharra spoke softly.

“I am sorry, Karina.” Karina just stared ahead, saying nothing. Sharra sighed. “I was hoping you would understand my decision. After all, I did not have many options.”

Still hurting from Sharra’s betrayal, Karina didn’t look at her when she spoke. “You could have stayed with us.”

“No, I could not. It would have put all of you in far more danger. I did not know Agnar was planning to betray you to the Yalsan authorities. I realized that once he freed us, Haron would be next to come after me, and I could not bear to be responsible for putting my friends in the way of harm.”

Karina looked at Sharra, overwhelmed. “We’re your friends?”

Sharra laughed. “Well, you are, anyway. I do not know about your two fly boys.”

Karina frowned at the thought of Tresar and Flavoi, wondering where they were and if they were okay. Sharra caught her mood and quieted.

“I am sorry about that. There was no convincing Agnar to let them go after what happened on Bitowa. I wanted to warn you, but I never had the chance.” Another thought crossed Sharra’s mind. “Oh! I have to tell you, Agnar means to sell you.”

Karina was shocked. “What!”

“He said that as the last living Earthling, you are worth your weight in quarinium.”

Karina was thrown off balance by this new word. “Quarinium?”

“It is a precious and nearly indestructible metal. Bitowa has the greatest share of it, which is one of the many reasons why my father is so powerful.” She gestured around her. “This ship is made of it.”

Karina was barely listening, growing angry at Agnar’s gall. “Sell me? Sell me? Who does he think he is? My life is my own, he can’t sell me!”

Sharra became a bit hesitant at Karina’s fury. “Ah . . . well, he thinks he is Agnar, the most notorious pirate in three quadrants. And he is right.”

Karina snorted. She looked Sharra right in the eye. “So, if you’re my friend, you’ll help me get away.”

“I . . . I cannot. Please do not ask me. I should not have told you, but I did so for the sake of our friendship.”

“There must be something you can do,” Karina pleaded.

Sharra pondered for a moment. Then she brightened as an idea came to her. “Do you still have the necklace Tresar gave you to hide you from sensors?”