Tessi

TESSI

"This is so strange," I said as I moved down one of the ritzier avenues of the Promenade. The different corridors sprung off the central nexus like spokes on a wheel, and this was the most exclusive of them all.

"What is strange?" Nayal asked. Razov either didn't hear me, or didn't care what I said.

"I've been down this way a couple of times and usually people look like they'd rather spit on me than speak to me. Today, everyone is being polite. That last shopkeeper even refused to take payment for my Kathckachino."

I lifted the green drink in my hand for emphasis.

Nayal burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"Forgive me, mistress," he said, for the first time not making the honorific sound like an insult. "You're adorable at times."

"Adorable, am I?"

"There are several reasons why everyone is treating you differently now," he said, holding up a finger. "One, you are dressed in tailored finery that speaks of your wealth."

It was true. Alkard had made an entire closet full of clothing just for me of the finest fabrics and materials.

"Two," Nayal continued as they walked through the milling throng of aliens. "Not to point out the obvious, but you are accompanied by one of the most feared men on the station."

Razov simply nodded, his face not registering anything other than acknowledgement of a simple fact.

"Point taken. Is there anything else?" I asked.

"Oh, yes. One more thing, and the most important factor of all." The old man's eyes shone with mischief. "Everyone who matters on this station knows that Alkard fancies you. They would never risk messing with you and raising his ire."

I did a double take.

"You're kidding."

"No, I am not. If you want my advice, you should just roll with it. Learn to enjoy the trappings of power."

I laughed, and grinned.

"You know something? You're all right, Nayal. I thought you were a crotchety old dick, but now I realize you just like subtly fucking with people. A man after my own heart."

Nayal grinned, and it was the first genuine smile he'd given me.

I let out a long sigh, and a strange feeling came over me.

"What's that face for?" Nayal asked.

"I don't know, I just…my stomach has felt all knotted up for a long time, I guess. Now it feels…unknotted. Sounds stupid, I know."

"It sounds like you are no longer afraid," Razov said, scaring me half to death. He had been so silent, I'd forgotten what his voice sounded like.

"Um, yeah," I said. "Maybe."

Maybe I did finally feel safe enough to relax. What a concept. If only I didn't feel guilty too for being safe while Mera was in danger.

And there was something else that kept me from being truly happy. I missed Alkard, simple as that.

Of course we were fire in the bedroom together, but now I realized just how much I enjoyed being around him, even with our clothes on.

Sure, he'd been busy a lot of the time, but even just sitting with him for a few moments over a meal made my chest feel light and bubbly.

Of course, that feeling stopped as soon as I wondered how long this could last.

What was going to happen to me when the month was up?

Would I go back to dancing, only catching glimpses of him as he came through the Fallen Star?

Sure, I'd miss the clothes and the soft bed, the luxury of this life.

But how could I survive without his touch, the security I felt in his very presence?

There wasn't anything I could do about it now.

"Hey, I'm famished," I said, gesturing at a café. "Want to grab a bite to eat?"

"I am a bit peckish," Nayal said. "How about you, Razov?"

The big man grunted.

"So eloquent, this one. Let's eat."

We ordered something that came in nautilus style curled shells. The seafood had been grilled and then coated with grated cheese of some sort. The tender meat melted in my mouth.

"Exquisite," Razov said, surprising me again.

"Say, Nayal," I said, putting down my fork. "How long have you known Alkard?"

"Since he was a child. Why do you ask?"

"What was he like as a kid?"

The idea of a baby Alkard made me grin. He would have been adorable.

"Hmm. A bit on the grim and dour side. He didn't play games, unless they were war games. Then he was always in charge of strategy."

All right. Adorable and grumpy.

"That sounds about right," I said, chuckling. "What about…has he ever had a girlfriend before?"

"Girlfriend?" Nayal tilted his head to the side. "I'm not familiar with the term."

"Um, like a regular lover, who might turn into something more?"

His brows widened as the confusion cleared.

"He's spent time with women before you, but never with anyone more than once."

That made me feel a little better.

"If you must know, I've never seen the master act quite the way he has about a woman before you," Nayal said.

"That's not right," I said, my cheeks burning hot. "You're kidding."

"I am not. And quite frankly, I see why he adores you so."

"So you don't think I'm not appropriate for this gig?" I gave him a pointed stare until he sighed and spread his hands.

"It's obvious that you're determined to remain in this position, so I figure the best thing I can do now is make sure you survive."

Razov snorted.

"She has spirit aplenty, Nayal. You don't need to encourage her to take needless risks."

"Hey, he talked again. Did you get dust on your toes when his lips moved?" I asked sweetly.

"Bah," Razov said, his lips tight and his voice tighter. He seemed to have trouble looking at us

"Razov, are you trying not to laugh?" Nayal asked in wonder.

"No," Razov said, trying to scoff. "I do not laugh. Excuse me, my drink is empty."

"His drink is half full," I said as Razov rose. "Do you really think we have a shot at making this thing we have work, Nayal?"

"I do think you have a shot, but I'm not in charge of the fate department. Nor am I much of a seer, I'm afraid."

"Well, you're obviously more than just a butler."

A brief snort was his only comment.

After our meal, we returned to window shopping. I peered intently into every shop window, but came away disappointed each time.

"What are you looking for?" Razov asked.

"I'm looking for another present for Alkard. I know I got that." I pointed to the small box Nayal carried. "But it's really more of a joke. I'd like to get him something else. What do you think he'd like?"

"I don't think he really needs any more presents," Nayal said with a laugh. "As far as what he might like, you would probably know more than I would, believe it or not. Other than making money and accruing power, I'm not sure what he likes…other than you, of course."

I blushed again, and then saw something in a window that caught my eye. A red sheath dress with a high thigh slit, and elaborately embroidered stars on the sleeves. Maybe if he didn't need a gift, he'd like an experience?

Say, the experience of taking that dress off of me.

"Let's go in here."

The three of us entered the shop, my escorts stepping back while I asked about the dress.

As I moved towards the changing rooms to try it on, someone stepped into my path.

"Message for you, ma'am," said a Nazok with a smile.

I reached out and took the chip, plugging it into my percomm as I stepped into the room. Probably just another receipt from an earlier purchase or something. Just another message…

It was just an image, but I staggered back, clutching my gut as if I'd been kicked.

Mera lay on a metal floor, a set of station coordinates scrolling across the screen, and a two word message.

Come alone.

My inquiries were being met with success at last. The whole purpose of the shopping trip had been to gather information about my missing friend, to ask every runner, every beggar for anything they'd seen.

One of the people I'd asked must have been too afraid to answer me directly. They might be in danger, too.

Heart pounding in my ears, I tried to get my thoughts in order.

This was the first clue I'd had to find Mera, and she was hurt. If I didn't do what the message said, what would happen to her?

I needed to go. Get away from Nayal and Razov.

Somehow get to Mera without them noticing.

The stupid bracelet was going to give me away.

Luckily, Alkard's device was built for someone with a larger frame. With a little bit of tugging, it slipped off easily enough.

As I stared at the bangle in my hand, I came to my senses.

What the hell was I doing?

This was stupid. I needed to get out of here, find the guys.

They'd take me back to Alkard right away. He'd know what to do.

I flung open the door, but something soft slapped over my mouth and nose.

I cried out in alarm, struggling to pull the cloth off my face as an acrid stench burned my nostrils. Powerful hands gripped my arms, pinning them to my sides. Furry hands.

Another Ewani pressed the cloth over my mouth.

"Jussst breathe, pretty girl. Jussst breathe. Ssssleep. Sssleep."

I couldn't even scream as the blackness claimed me.