CHAPTER SIX
“JASMINE!”
She heard the voice, just vaguely. She was still caught in the nightmare, screaming until her throat was sore.
“Jasmine, wake up!”
She was shaken, gently, by both arms. She forced her eyes open and there was her father, looking concerned.
“Child, you almost screamed the room down!” he exclaimed. “What was it, a nightmare?”
She sat up, drew up her knees under the covers and rested her damp face on them. She was shivering. “It was the old nightmare,” she whispered brokenly, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Except that this time, the man I was with had a familiar face. It was Mekashe. We were in a forest somewhere, being threatened by some creature. Mekashe changed into a monster, with fangs and claws and fur...!”
Ambassador Dupont swallowed, hard, and tried not to let her see how disturbed he was. It was as if she’d seen Mekashe in his true form. The ambassador knew of the shape-shifting ability, but he’d only heard about the form it took in the Cehn-Tahr species. What he’d been told about them sounded very much like the creature his daughter was describing. He dreaded having her know the truth. She was in love with Mekashe. How would it affect her, when she knew that the form he took wasn’t his true one, that he was something entirely out of her experience?
Mekashe cared for her deeply. It would destroy him, if she saw him as he was and screamed like this.
The ambassador ground his teeth together. He was watching a personal catastrophe in the making, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it. He was forbidden to tell anything he knew about the Cehn-Tahr to anyone except the Cehn-Tahr himself. He couldn’t even tell his own daughter; that had been made explicitly clear. Besides that, Jasmine would never keep the secret. It would slip out and he’d be sent home in disgrace. It was doubtful that he’d even be able to get employment if that happened. There was so much resentment already among politicians about his selection as ambassador. The political sector would make sure that he never worked again. It was a chilling thought.
“There, there,” he said gently, as he had when she was a little girl, patting her on the back. “Everything will be all right. It was just a dream, sweetheart. Just a dream.”
She smoothed back her hair and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry if I upset you,” she said with an apologetic smile. “I’m just not used to aliens. Although Mekashe doesn’t look anything like that monster I dreamed about,” she assured him.
He wasn’t convinced, but he couldn’t let his worry show. “Where are you and Mekashe going today?” he asked, to cheer her.
She glanced at the clock display on the wall and laughed. It was, indeed, morning, if very early. “We’re going to Dacerius,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to see it.”
He smiled. “So have I. They have an entire pamphlet in the databanks for anyone who’s interested in the tour. It sounds fascinating. If the two of you like it, I may try it myself.”
She looked worried, as if she thought he might want to tag along with them.
He laughed. Her expression was so open. “I don’t want to go with you and Mekashe,” he told her. “Just so you know. The time you have together is precious.”
“It is,” she said, and smiled apologetically. “But I really think we’re going to be together for a very long time.” She sighed. “I’ve never felt like this. It’s joy beyond description.”
“I had that, with your mother,” he said. “She was a rare person.”
“She was.”
“Try to get a little more sleep,” he said, rising. “And no more nightmares. That’s an order.”
She laughed. “Yes, sir.”
“Sleep well, daughter.”
“You, too.”
* * *
SHE DID MANAGE to get a few more hours of sleep, without the nightmare returning. When she got up, she powdered her face, put on a light lip gloss and put on a gossamer blue sleeveless dress in a light, clingy fabric that swirled around her ankles. It made her look older, more sophisticated. And it was just right for a hot, desert climate. She’d noticed that the holorooms did an excellent job of matching climate to location. She didn’t want to sweat too much.
Mekashe was punctual. He was wearing a lightweight suit, superbly cut, that enhanced his muscular form. She wondered at the strength of it; he was very fit for a diplomat.
“Why are you watching me so closely?” he teased.
“You’re very...well, very muscular,” she replied, smiling up at him. “Does your diplomatic service have physical requirements?”
“Many,” he said, “and more than just physical ones. You look very pretty,” he said, changing the subject.
“I tried to dress for the climate. I expect Dacerius is very hot.”
He chuckled. “Extremely hot. The sands blow constantly, so that it’s impossible to walk around the villages without being lightly covered in yellow dust.”
She laughed. “If I get covered in yellow dust, I’ll look like you,” she said with a shy glance. “You have the most beautiful skin color. Sorry, handsome skin color,” she corrected at once.
He curled her fingers into his, sending a shock of pleasure through her. “I’m pleased that you like it.”
“What do the Cehn-Tahr look like?” she asked suddenly. “I mean, do you have different skin colors, like human colonies do?”
He’d caught his breath when she asked what his species looked like. He was afraid that she’d seen or heard something that would disturb her. He laughed softly. “No. All Cehn-Tahr have golden skin and black hair. We are one race, not many.”
“Then you must never have conflicts,” she began.
He threw back his head and roared with laughter. “We have them constantly. One Clan takes offense at something a member of another Clan says, and there’s open verbal warfare. It can be extremely unpleasant.”
“What are Clans?”
He pursed his lips. “You might call them family units, but that would be a simplification. Clan is everything in my culture. We live and die to spare it shame or dishonor.”
“It sounds like a very noble culture,” she said after a minute.
He smiled. At least that sounded positive.
* * *
THE HOLOROOM THAT Mekashe had reserved was already programmed for Dacerius. He’d already checked with the programming manager to make sure there were no more glitches, like the one that had injured Mekashe. They arrived in a shuttle in the created environment, which made the experience even more real.
When they stepped out of it into the spaceport on the planet’s surface, Jasmine caught her breath and laughed. “It’s so hot!” she exclaimed.
He smiled. “True to life. Come. There are Yomuth for rent just outside. We can ride to a village and sample the native foods. And see the Nagaashe,” he added when she looked dubious.
“But I’m really not dressed to ride anything,” she began worriedly. “I should have worn slacks. I’m so sorry!”
He chuckled. He led her to a small cubicle in the spaceport. “It’s a changing room,” he said. “Clothing for the tourist attraction is provided with the holoroom.”
Her face lit up. “Really? Oh, thank goodness. I would have been heartbroken if I couldn’t ride!”
“Go ahead,” he said, indicating the room. “I’ll wait here.”
“I won’t be a minute!” she promised.
* * *
OF COURSE, IT was ten minutes, maybe more. She had a choice of desert outfits, so she finally chose one that was supposed to resemble ancient human desert garb—a tunic and long skirt with high boots and a wide-brimmed hat, in a khaki color. She was so fascinated with it that she lost track of time.
“I’m so sorry!” she told Mekashe when she reappeared. “I got carried away.”
He scowled. “Carried...away.” He nodded, not understanding.
“I lost myself in the search for clothing,” she amended. “It was fun!”
He laughed. “I see. You look nice.”
“It’s ancient human desert wear, they said,” she told him. “At least, it should keep the sand out!”
“Indeed.”
She noticed that he was wearing the same suit and hadn’t changed. “Won’t you ruin your suit?” she worried.
He laughed. “It’s made of durable fabric, and it changes color and shape according to the environment it encounters. You’ll see when we get outside.”
* * *
THAT REALLY FASCINATED HER. She followed him out the spaceport doors and into the desert sun. His suit turned pale tan and amended itself into desert wear, much like the Dacerians themselves wore.
She laughed with delight. “That’s so incredible!”
“We have rather advanced tech on Memcache,” he said simply. He caught her hand in his. “Now. Let’s find a Yomuth shop!”
* * *
THERE WERE YOMUTH in all sorts of colors. Some were white. Some were tan. Some had patterns. But Jasmine fell in love with a black-and-white one with huge blue eyes. He rubbed his head against her and she was entranced.
“They’re quite affectionate,” Mekashe said. “This one, then?” He gave the merchant his chip and paid for the animal for a whole day.
“Mount up,” he told her, indicating a large, high stone edifice with steps.
She knew immediately what it was for. She climbed to the top and let Mekashe seat her on the soft blanket that served as a saddle. He moved into place behind her, linked a long arm around her waist, took the reins and urged the mount forward.
The Yomuth was fast. It took to the road with a spring and a grunt and galloped down the long, winding desert road.
“This is fun!” Jasmine called.
“Yes, it is.” He chuckled. He turned the animal toward Hakar, a small village a mile from the spaceport. It had a famous bazaar in real life, which was re-created in the holoroom.
“It’s so hard to believe that we’re in a room,” she exclaimed as she looked around at the endless horizon.
“Technology has made many advances over the years,” he agreed. “One does get the feeling of actually being in the chosen place.”
“Is it like this? Really like this?” she wondered when they reached the village and he was handing her down to the mounting stone in place beside a stable.
“More or less,” he said. He smiled down at her. “Of course, on the real planet, there are raiders and some rather fierce predators. Those won’t be re-created here.”
“Thank goodness. I couldn’t bear to see you hurt again,” she confessed huskily.
His heart soared. He smiled at her and felt himself almost airborne.
“Is that where they sell the Nagaashe?” she asked excitedly, when she saw another group of tourists gathered around something serpentine on a raised table.
“Yes, it is. This village is famous for them. Of course, these are virtual Nagaashe, Jasmine,” he emphasized. “The sale of real ones is taboo.” He didn’t tell her why, that the blue-eyed serpents were both sentient and telepathic. The small ones from Dacerius were sold on the black market, but their possession was illegal on most civilized worlds.
“Why?” she asked curiously.
He smiled. “I’ll tell you later. Look.” He pointed to a table where the little Nagaashe were slithering around.
She moved closer. She was shocked when one of the little creatures rushed toward her.
She jerked back, but Mekashe caught her shoulders and held her in place. “No. Don’t run,” he whispered. “It likes you! It wants to be picked up.”
“Oh.” She stopped struggling and moved closer. The tiny serpent coiled just in front of her, swayed back and forth and emitted a purring sound. “My goodness!” she exclaimed.
She cupped her hands and the little creature slid into them and coiled and purred even louder. She laughed like a happy child as she lifted it to her face. It leaned forward and rubbed its head against her cheek, vibrating and purring.
“It’s so sweet!” she exclaimed.
“They make loyal pets,” he said. “There have been stories about them, legends, for many years. The virtual ones have a shape-shifting ability. They can grow to enormous size and actually protect their owners from attack. It’s why they’re so sought after as pets.”
“Do the real ones do that?” she asked.
“No. The true Nagaashe are as tall as a two-story building. They are both venomous and aggressive when attacked. They have a large colony on Eridanus Three, where they live undisturbed. The virtual ones are patterned after the real ones, but with the shape-shifting function programmed in.”
“That’s fascinating.”
He smiled. “Yes. They have other traits that are only revealed to the owner, and each is different and unique. They can never be used against the owner. But they are quite protective, and they survive to a great age, like their living counterparts.”
“How long do they live? The real ones?” she asked curiously.
“We have no true figures, but some are rumored to be thousands of years old.”
“My goodness!”
The little Nagaashe purred some more.
“I have to have him,” she said huskily. “I don’t even care what it costs.”
He laughed. “I will give him to you...”
“No, you won’t,” she said firmly. “Daddy gave me plenty of mems to spend, and I’m buying him myself.” She looked up at his surprised expression. “You’re so kind to me, Mekashe. You’ve treated me to so many fascinating trips. I can do this one thing for myself.”
He sighed. The giving of a gift was a prelude to courtship. It would bring on the mating ritual. He didn’t mind. He planned to bond with her. But perhaps she was right. It might be just a little soon for something so profound. With that thought in mind, he’d given her the capture device through her father. He’d asked earlier if she had it, and she assured him that her father had passed it along. She seemed enthralled with the capture of the two of them together.
“Can you ask him how much the Nagaashe is?” she asked Mekashe.
“I can.” He spoke Dacerian like a native. The shopkeeper replied, and Mekashe translated for Jasmine.
“That’s very reasonable, for something so precious!” she said. She reached into her pack and pulled out a sack of mems. She handed it to the merchant and Mekashe explained that she wanted the merchant to take out what was needed for the serpent and return the rest, which he did.
“And now you’re mine, you precious thing,” she whispered to the little serpent. “You’re just so precious!”
Mekashe was delighted at her pleasure in the little pet. It would keep her safe, too, protect her against any threat. It might shock her when she watched it transform, however. He’d have to make sure she understood that it wouldn’t look like the tame, affectionate little creature she was holding, if it changed into its larger form to meet the threat.
She turned to him suddenly, worried. “We’re in a virtual place,” she said. “I won’t be able to take him out of here, will I?”
He chuckled. “If that were the case, the holorooms would go unvisited. The Nagaashe will be replicated outside the instance and waiting for you, nicely packaged, when we leave.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding. “Oh, thank goodness,” she said heavily, rubbing her head against her pet’s. “I’m already attached to him. It would hurt to have to leave him behind.”
“I can assure you that you won’t,” he said, smiling. “And now, how would you like to sample Dacerian fare? You can bring the little serpent inside with you,” he explained with a laugh when she paused at the doorway of the small restaurant.
“Oh, then, that’s fine! What is the food like?”
“Much easier to show you than tell you, but I think you may find it delightful,” he commented as they went inside and were seated.
She looked at the menu and hesitated. “Can you tell me what it says?” she asked. “Better yet, can you just order something for me?”
“What sort of fare do you prefer?” he asked.
“Nothing that comes from an animal,” she replied quickly. “Just vegetables or fruits.”
“Certainly.”
* * *
SHE ATE HEARTILY, delighted with the taste of the native plants. “Aren’t you eating?” she asked worriedly.
He smiled. “I think you know that I prefer meat. But I won’t eat it in front of you.”
She smiled back. “That’s so sweet. But I wouldn’t mind, really,” she said hesitantly. “Sometimes we have to compromise.”
“I agree. But I had a large breakfast and I’m truly not hungry,” he said, smiling warmly. If she was willing to compromise, perhaps the road ahead wouldn’t be so rocky after all.
After she finished her small meal, with her virtual Nagaashe tucked safely into her pack, they mounted the Yomuth again and headed to the next tourist attraction. It was a desert camp in the old style, with a campfire and huge tents in which the inhabitants lived.
There were animals being roasted on spits in the campfire and Mekashe tugged Jasmine’s hand as she went toward it.
“That will not make you happy,” he told her quietly. “We should go along to the rest of the camp. They use flint knapping techniques to work stone weapons. It will be interesting.”
She looked up at him, puzzled. “But I’ve heard of campfires. I’ve never seen one. They say that the Holconcom used to tell stories of Dr. Madeline Ruszel around them, before she was bonded to your emperor’s son.”
“That is true,” he replied, smiling. “She was legend among the kehmatemer, the emperor’s Imperial Guard, long before she left the Holconcom to bond with Dtimun.”
She caught her breath. “She was Holconcom? But she’s a woman...!”
He chuckled. “You see, Dtimun and the emperor were involved in a feud that lasted many decades. When the Morcai Battalion was first formed at Ahkmau, where military humans and Cehn-Tahr were imprisoned, it was Dr. Ruszel who saved Dtimun’s life. Dtimun had Ruszel assigned as Cularian medicine specialist aboard his flagship, the Morcai, and she became the first and only female human ever to serve there. The emperor was furious, but Dtimun’s authority aboard the Morcai was absolute. Later, she saved the emperor’s life during a small conflict on an away mission, and earned his respect.”
“She must have been an exceptional person,” Jasmine remarked, fascinated.
“She still is,” he said, smiling.
Her pale blue eyes were full of concern. “Those are facts that most Terravegans don’t even know. You won’t get in trouble with anyone, for telling me?”
He shook his head. “Your father will be privy to much information that is never shared with outworlders. I am, how do you say, anticipating your residence on Memcache. You are not an outsider,” he added huskily, with possessive eyes.
She moved a step closer to him. “I’m glad. I love it, that we’ll be near each other on your planet. And we can see each other?”
He nodded.
“And...go places together?”
He nodded again.
She moved closer still. “I can’t wait,” she whispered. “It will be a whole new life.”
“For both of us,” he whispered back.
Around them, the villagers were smiling and laughing softly. Mekashe cleared his throat and stepped back.
“We seem to be attracting attention,” he explained.
She noticed. Her face flamed. “Sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. But we should move on.”
“Yes.”
* * *
IT WAS A perfect day. When sunset came to the planet, it was time to board the shuttle and travel back to the ship—or at least, enter the simulation that created the experience.
Mekashe walked Jasmine back toward the rooms she shared with her father. They were holding hands and both reluctant to part.
“It grows harder to leave you,” he said huskily when they reached the door.
“For me, as well,” she replied, looking up at him hungrily.
He pulled her into the small alcove and kissed her with such passion that she caught her breath and shivered.
He drew back at once. “Did I hurt you?” he asked quickly. He’d used an extra dose of the dravelzium, to make sure, but perhaps...!
“You didn’t hurt me,” she said. Her breath was jerking, like her heart. “It was...beyond words.”
He understood then, and he laughed softly. “Perhaps we both improve with practice,” he teased.
She laughed. “Perhaps we do.”
“Where shall we go tomorrow?”
“You choose, this time,” she said.
He pursed his lips. “Memcache?”
Her breath caught. “Could we? But isn’t it taboo?”
“Not for an ambassador’s daughter,” he replied easily. “But if it makes you more secure, I will ask the approval of my government first.”
“Please,” she said. “I couldn’t bear to get you into trouble.”
He beamed. “In that case, I’ll do it tonight.”
She reached up a small hand and stroked his hard cheek. “I don’t know how I lived, until you came into my life. Everything before this is gray and still. When I’m with you, it’s explosions of color and light and joy.”
He brought her palm to his mouth and kissed it hungrily. “You have a way with words,” he said. “I could not have put it better. I feel the same.”
She searched his eyes. They were a somber, quiet blue. “I don’t think I could live, if anything happened to part us.”
His heart jumped. “I promise you, nothing will. And I never give my word lightly.”
She drew in a breath. The nightmare she’d had was disturbing. She thought about sharing it with him, but she would have felt ridiculous. So she smiled instead and walked reluctantly into the rooms she shared with her father.
“Good night, then.”
“Sleep well,” he said gently.
He stood, watching her, until she was out of view.
* * *
WHEN HE GOT back to his quarters, he turned off the white noise ball and called to the emperor, who was instantly inside his mind.
The emperor chuckled. “So this is the one, then?” he teased.
Mekashe laughed, too. “I’m afraid so. She is human...”
The emperor scoffed. “So are my son’s mate and your cousin’s. All my grandchildren have human blood. It enriches our culture. Even the Dectat approves. You will find no barriers here.”
Mekashe let out a sigh. “I have lived my life alone,” he said. “No female has ever appealed to me, except in the way of friendship. This one—she burns me.”
“A beautiful young woman” was the reply. “I have read the dossier on her father, which included one on her. She has a kind heart, which is far more important than beauty, although she has that in abundance. She will grace Alamantimichar,” he added, naming the great Royal Clan to which he and Mekashe both belonged.
“I am gratified that you have no objection.”
“You have spoken with Dr. Hahnson?” came an unexpected question.
Mekashe blinked. “Well, yes. I have been using dravelzium,” he began.
“Never mind,” the emperor replied, amused. “I understand. If you know the obstacles, that is enough. Take care. I look forward to meeting her at the reception, when all of you arrive on Memcache.”
“I had not thought to enjoy such a long R & R,” Mekashe mused.
“And I was certain that you needed one,” the emperor retorted. “As you can see, my decisions are usually correct.”
He laughed. “Indeed they are, sir. I will see you in three weeks.”
“You are sorely missed. But enjoy your time with her. Your duties will be rigorous when you return, I fear. We are entering into another bout of diplomacy with the Altair delegation. It will require much travel.”
“I will not mind.”
“Rhemun is considering a different position,” the emperor added. “This is something that might concern you. But we can discuss it when you arrive.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Take care.”
And he was gone.
* * *
MEKASHE WONDERED WHAT was going on with Rhemun. Now that he was comfortably bonded, with two children, he might be encountering resistance from Edris Mallory about his spacegoing duties aboard the Morcai. Rhemun headed the Holconcom, which faced many dangers.
He wondered if Rhemun was considering a post nearer home. His heart leaped. That would place Mekashe in command of the Morcai, of the Holconcom. It had been the dream of his life, that position, but he would never have begrudged it to his best friend, Rhemun. Clan status dictated position. Mekashe was next in the chain of command, if Rhemun relinquished command of the Holconcom.
If he was appointed, he could not refuse. But Jasmine would have issues with that. She still didn’t know what he really looked like, or what his position was in his government. She didn’t like the military. Mekashe was in command of the kehmatemer. How would that sit with a female who had pacifist leanings? Even worse would be the Holconcom with their fearsome reputation.
“Mekashe, put these concerns out of your mind and rest,” came an amused old gravelly voice into his thoughts. “And turn the white noise ball back on! Enemies thrive even on cruise ships!”
“Yes, sir!” he replied, chuckling.
He turned the device back on, shaking his head. The emperor was right. He could do nothing about the future. Karamesh. It was written. He turned away from the viewport and went to bed.
* * *
JASMINE’S FIRST VIEW of Memcache took her breath away. Mekashe, watching her reactions, felt joy surge through him.
“It’s more than I ever imagined,” she whispered. “It’s...perfect!”
They were in the middle of a forest that resembled bamboo forests on old Earth. The ground was sprinkled with pretty blue and gold flowers in an assortment of shapes and sizes. A silver ribbon of water curled lazily through it with small waterfalls made by natural stone barriers slowing it.
She reached out and touched the water. “It feels so real,” she exclaimed.
“The programmers are quite good. Most of them.” He glanced at her. “Come this way. I want to show you something.”
She followed him to a clearing. There, among flowering shrubs and fountains, was the most majestic, beautiful stone house she’d ever seen. It had towering columns with designs on them, and the sound of wind chimes were all around them.
“What is this place?” she asked, breathless with delight.
He smiled. “It’s my home,” he said simply.