Starburst Read online

  “Fine. Is the sanitary unit safe, do you think?” Meredith’s voice cut through the air, waspish with anger, as she turned, her movements jerky and more uncoordinated than he had ever seen.

  * * * *

  Meredith stood in the sanitary unit, and like the rest of the ship, its decoration bordered on spartan. Creature comforts seemed to come second. Except of the sexual kind. She closed her eyes. Her outburst to Chowd was both childish and unfair. He wasn’t truly Ru’Edan, but he was male and in striking distance. The knowledge of her behavior left a sour taste in her mouth, her head pounding and stomach churning.

  Her fingers, white with the pressure of gripping the metal bowl, stung. She looked up, grimacing further when she caught sight of his reflection in the mirror.

  “Feel better now?” His soft voice warred with the concern in his eyes.

  “Yeah. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. Or taken it out on you. It was unfair and wrong of me.” Meredith waited for his reaction.

  A gentle hand touched her shoulder, and she nuzzled in, accepting the action. Her body loosened as the tension seeped from her tightly coiled muscles. She released her breath and turned toward him.

  “I know you aren’t like that. It just amazes me.” For a fraction of a second, she floundered for the words to describe what she felt. “For centuries women on Earth have been the equal of men. It always seems wrong that other planets don’t have that same outlook.” She looked away briefly before turning her eyes to his. “More importantly, I know you wouldn’t treat me, or any other woman, that way. That makes you so very special.”

  She leaned in close, fitting her lips against his, feeling his shuddering response and absorbing strength from him. Then she closed her eyes.

  Light fingers traveled over her cheek, caressing for just an instant. “I know it’s a culture shock for you. I couldn’t tell you what to expect, because I don’t have this kind of experience either. The way I grew up, with Crick...it was militaristic, but an unbalanced form of that. The women were essentially servicers. They had no role except to bear the children who would become the next generation of warriors, or servicers and staff. There was no tenderness or kindness. Not like I have experienced since I left,” he whispered to her, and the warm touch of his breath made her knees wobble and her skin tingle.

  Meredith opened her eyes to see him watching her intently.

  “I don’t want to be like that,” he continued. “I want the softness I find with you. With the human way of life.”

  The words felt like a vow, and something deep and rich rippled through her system, filling her entire body with heat. “Chowd...I...” Stars! The words she needed to say were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them instead. Now really wasn’t the time.

  He looked closely at her. “What?”

  “I think we should get on and check on the others.” She knew neither of them expected that response, but she couldn’t, wouldn’t say she loved him here. It would taint their relationship as furtive and dirty. The wrong words in the wrong place and at the wrong time could damage what grew between them. She had started mentally listing all the appropriate places and times when his voice interrupted.

  “Yes, I know.” His answer shocked her momentarily, her heart thudding in a deep, slow cadence before she realized he meant checking on the others. She castigated herself mentally for flights of fancy, but a seed of hurt lodged deep in her chest.

  Meredith nodded, more because she knew he expected it. He stilled her when she made to move, his hand holding her, his gaze probing, as if for just an instant she had betrayed herself. She wondered if he somehow knew her thoughts before casting that idea aside. Of course he didn’t.

  After a moment, he stepped aside, and she followed him out of the sanitary unit and into the small cabin. For the first time she took a proper look. Her anger before hadn’t allowed her to take in the surroundings of the gunmetal gray linoleum-looking floor and the matching gray of the walls. A small porthole gave her a view of the vast expanse of space, and long beds covered with thin, metallic blankets filled the room. She’d bet this was considered luxurious among the crew. Especially among the female techs.

  “Was this like you experienced growing up?” she asked.

  “No. This would have been extravagant. We stayed with our mothers for around the first ten years, then we were placed into a barracks-like structure. Rows of beds, three beds high. They would have fit around fifteen in here. Everything was communal. The only one who got anything different was my brother who died. But he was older and a pure blood.”

  Chowd shrugged.

  “After we were placed in the barracks, we were forbidden contact with our mothers. Neither my mother or I allowed that to happen though. We would meet regularly in the kitchen. After my birth, something went wrong and she was no longer considered a breeder, so they relegated her to the kitchens. That meant it was easier for me to stay in contact. She listened and would share information.” His eyes shuttered closed, and Meredith knew that part of the conversation was over for now.

  “You know, she must have been very brave. I wish I’d met her. If she was anything like you are, I think I would have liked her a lot.”

  His eyes opened, and she saw the flash of pain deep within him. It hurt to see such misery, but he quickly turned away again.

  “We need to get going,” he said, his voice rough but controlled. With that, he moved to the door, and Meredith had no option but to follow him into the corridor.

  Chapter 10

  The ambassador sat on the edge of the bed in a room slightly larger than theirs. Meredith could tell from his grimace that he didn’t think the appointment of the room was adequate to his needs or status. As with everything else she had noted since boarding the ship, creature comforts were few. There was a splash of color about this room though. Instead of the gunmetal gray everywhere, the room had obviously been newly refurbished, a streak of black now picking out the lintels above the sanitary unit door. The floor was carpeted, and there was even an image of some distant planet, complete with a pale sun and violet grasses, gracing the walls, though its importance was lost on her. A high-tech desk screen sat on a small desk in one corner, and the bed was slightly larger, though no more comfortably made up.

  “Ambassador, I see they have placed two guards at your doorway.” Chowd’s voice was soft, as if coaxing a toddler in the middle of a tantrum, and she grinned inwardly. That was the best description of the ambassador currently.

  “Yes, supposedly for my protection. However, I was assured I would have access to all areas of the ship and to its crew in an uninterrupted fashion so that I can get the average Ru’Edanians opinion, as well as that of the senators and officials. Which, clearly, I don’t have.” His voice betrayed his dismay and anger at being guarded by two species and stopped from going anywhere on the ship at will.

  “Yes, but consider, that it is a mothership, with access to all sorts of classified information and technology. They will be very cautious about where you travel and who you will interact with. They want to ensure your safety and the completion of the treaty with the least amount of upheaval.”

  “It is still not within the terms of our agreement.” His petulant voice filled the air before a knock sounded on the door, and a gruff voice called from beyond, “Two members of your crew. A Raven and a Jamma—”

  Meredith depressed the door-open button, knowing that she had better be quick, and Jemma’s voice filtered through. “It’s pronounced Jemma, and—”

  The door started to open, and Raven’s voice filled the void. “Thank you.”

  Once the door opened fully, Meredith could clearly see Jemma, red-faced with flashing eyes, and Raven. He ushered her in and closed the door before finally rolling his eyes behind Jemma’s back.

  “Man! Chowd, it’s a good thing you aren’t like this lot. Otherwise I would’ve strangled you the minute we met.” Jemma’s voice filled the air with disgust as she flung herself against the wal
l, striking a devil-may-care pose.

  A smile of indulgence played on Raven’s lips. “Come on. He couldn’t say your name right because he was struck by your beauty.”

  Meredith worked to contain a giggle, but it escaped. The strangled sound broke the tense atmosphere in the room, and others joined in, including Jemma. The ambassador lost the tense, white markings that had bracketed his mouth. The minute of companionship shattered the restraints of the team, and Meredith felt pleased that the coldness and sarcasm dissipated, even if it was only for a short time.

  “Seriously, now that we’re all here, we need to update our situation slightly.” Chowd addressed the assembled crewmembers, looking at them one by one. “While it’s disturbing, the chief guardian has made it clear Jemma and Meredith are not, on any occasion, to be left by themselves. The gender inequality could result in something more than just a mere situation of inconvenience. Secondly, I need to know exactly what you have seen and heard since boarding. Lastly, Ambassador, you need to be involved as your safety is paramount. We need to get you in and out with minimal danger.”

  All gazes zeroed in on Chowd, and Meredith had a moment to watch the easy way he took command of the situation.

  He continued. “I personally believe that Jod Svan’Er may, in time, become one of our strongest allies here, but it will require patience and care in how we deal with him in the short term.” He paused, and Meredith remembered the way Jod’s face had shown a flash of emotion, perhaps yearning, while watching the way the crew interacted with each other with an easy familiarity.

  The Elector’s security team entered the room and joined them, then the members of the crew were silent. Meredith looked quickly at Jemma, who’d once more assumed her cross look. This was the Jemma they all remembered from their first meeting, and Meredith couldn’t control the tiny smile that broke out. The Ru’Edanians didn’t have a clue about what was coming their way!

  Chowd waited for an instant before continuing, “Jemma and Raven, while you were securing the shuttle, did you hear anything that we need to know about?” Both shook their heads, and he looked at the security team. “Anything from you two?”

  One stepped forward. “While we made our way here, there was a crewmember who called out, but they were quickly dealt with by...I guess a superior. I couldn’t make out the words though.”

  Chowd looked to his partner.

  The man quickly shook his head. “No, I didn’t hear it either.”

  Chowd’s brow furrowed, and she felt a flutter deep in her belly. “Okay. I need everyone to keep their ears open for whatever is said around you. If in doubt, check with Meredith or myself to seek a translation. We meet in an hour to attend the formal dinner. Meredith and myself, Jemma, and Raven will go change into formal uniforms now. Full dress blues with gloves are in order. Meredith and I will relieve you two when we’re prepared.”

  The four of them headed to the door and stepped into the corridor. He stopped and held out a hand to Meredith as Jemma and Raven disappeared into their cabin before turning to the Ru’Edan guards outside the door. “What are your orders concerning the ambassador?”

  They looked alarmed for a moment at Chowd’s question before one nodded to the other, their yellow eyes bright with apprehension. “We are to wait for the ambassador and the party. Then escort you to the formal dining zone. No one except the captain or the head guardian is to have access. And of course, your people.”

  Chowd nodded then turned back. “Let’s go change.” Without a word they walked away, and Meredith hid her surprise until safely within their cabin.

  “You were rather abrupt just then.”

  “It is the way a member of the high-class talks to those of the lower classes. To do anything else would be inappropriate and invite an unwelcome level of interest in our affairs.” He looked back at Meredith, and she saw a disconcerting distance in his eyes. “I know it seems confusing at times, a little like the caste system that those native of India continue to adhere to, but it’s important that we follow these social rules while aboard. Promise me, Meredith, that you won’t break that rule?”

  She watched, perplexed, and waited for more, but it wasn’t forthcoming, so she nodded in agreement before turning to grab her bag. “I’m going to wash and dress, then once we’re both ready, we can head back to the ambassador’s cabin.” She snatched up the uniform and headed for the sanitary unit.

  “Meredith?” The word was a plea, and she stopped, turning slowly.

  “I understand and will try to do as you ask.” She softened the words with a small smile before turning back to the unit and shutting the door.

  Once inside the bathroom, Meredith engaged the shower, stripping quickly and stepping into the tiny cubicle while the issues they knew of spun around in her head. She sensed a well of distrust at the humans here on the ship, but surely it couldn’t be as deeply ingrained as the others suggested. None of her work would have led her to that conclusion. Of course, she trusted what Chowd said, but she seriously doubted that there was as much danger as he alluded to. She ducked her head under the shower and let the thoughts wash away.

  * * * *

  When the crewmembers were finally assembled inside the ambassador’s cabin, Chowd opened the door and spoke to the guards waiting outside. Their sullen looks left him with a sense of uneasiness, but what else could he do? Jod Svan’Er would soon arrive, and they needed to hurry in order to be prepared.

  Chowd instructed the guards to let him know as soon as the guardian arrived then ducked his head back into the cabin as he spied Jod coming around the corner. “It’s time to go.”

  At his prodding, they stood as a group, all of the Elector crew and Meredith resplendent in their formal uniforms, white gloves gleaming under the bright lights, every one of them immaculately groomed and ready to show their pride in the Empire and their species. The ambassador wore his formal dress of red-and-white land suit, medals gleaming on his chest and across the sash.

  Chowd felt a thrill that he was one of these few souls representing the Elector. They would certainly stand out from the drab colors of this ship and crew.

  As one they formed up, flanking the ambassador as a guard of honor, more ceremonial than strategic. Chowd took the rear of the formation as they moved through the door, showing the precise movements which he knew were uncommon to the Ru’Edan. Jod nodded before taking the front, leading them down the cold, gray corridor toward the formal mess area he and Meredith had seen earlier.

  As they entered, the senior crew and captain stood, the drab gray-and-black uniforms reflecting the utilitarian society. The captain, the only one with a streak of red in his uniform, strode forward, bowing formally to the ambassador then to Chowd as the next highest-ranking official in the party. He acknowledged Raven next and stared for a moment at Jemma and Meredith. Chowd felt the tension rising once more in his chest, but the captain turned away without a sound, introducing his crewmembers one by one.

  More than one rested hungry eyes on the two women, but no one dared approach them at the beginning of their meeting. One member of the crew, a junior comm officer, stepped toward Meredith and was reprimanded with a quick, single-word comment. He flushed and took a step back. The atmosphere settled into a cold and remote silence. Drinks circulated, but the crew of the Elector refused alcoholic beverages in favor of the more exotic juices on offer.

  Chowd found himself standing on the sidelines with Jod Svan’Er. Raven watched the women close by, giving an impression of a sentinel, and Chowd nearly snorted at the implicit threat he posed.

  “Is that supposed to be a warning to the crew?” Jod’s question took Chowd by surprise.

  “No. I think it is an unconscious act of protecting his mate though.”

  “Probably wise. Most of these crewmembers have not had female interaction for several of your Earth months. I suppose the man next to them...Raven? He is as lethal as he looks?”

  “He has been known to be. Of course, so have the women. Jemma
in particular is cold in combat. She’s not exactly someone I would want to cross.”

  Jod laughed, his eyes crinkling with mirth. “A female? Cold in combat? Now I am sure you tell me an untruth.”

  “No. She single-handedly took out many of Crick Sur Banden’s own men in combat not so long ago.” He continued to watch Jod’s reaction, but all he betrayed at the moment was genuine surprise, taking another look at the women.

  “Indeed? Well, I would be interested in seeing her in action at some point. But enough of that. I must inquire...how do you fare with being at odds with a member of your family? Surely Crick Sur Banden is some distant relation that causes you difficulties? After all, you carry the name Sur Banden, so that makes you a member of the house. Is that why you have aligned yourself with the humans?”

  “Distant family member? I wish. No. He’s my sire.”

  Jod reared back at this. “Sire? You’re the son of Crick Sur Banden? Do not say that too loud. He should have assumed a seat on the Senate, but his actions made him an outcast.”

  Chowd felt as if a blow had landed on him. “A member of the Senate? Surely not?” But it made sense. Chowd remembered the sense of entitlement Crick had always exhibited. The power he wielded and how his men acquiesced to it. His access to intelligence and his level of education should have alerted Chowd to the high-born position of his father. He’d never dreamed that he should have taken a place on the Senate.

  “Indeed. The whole family was called into disrepute and shamed publicly after he turned rogue. Furthermore, there are members of the crew from the family, and that will cause more issues for you and your team if it is known.” Jod leaned forward now, making the point forcefully, and Chowd nodded. His stomach soured at the thought that he might have endangered someone with the knowledge of his unwanted kinship.

  “I thank you for your assistance in this matter.”

  The captain’s voice broke over the gathering after he stepped away from Jod. “Come, let us retire to the table and break our fast. Ambassador, would you take the top seat? The members of the crew each have an allocated position. I had our communications officer arrange for placement boards, so you will not have difficulties finding your assigned seating.”