Rebellion (8 page)

Bella made a hissing sound. “You’re not that old.”

“Perhaps not,” Arlo said, “but you’re still much faster than me.”

“That’s not saying much.” The teen smirked.

“Be polite,” Merek said.

“I’m always polite.”

Both men made sounds of disagreement, and the three of them shared a laugh.

“We need those texts deciphered,” Merek said. “They’re not only proof that Curzans had psi from the beginning, but they are part of our past. An entire history we know nothing about.”

“We’ll figure them out.” Bella sobered. “Ty seemed pretty tense today.”

Merek sighed deeply. “I shouldn’t have let him stay to watch Jafferies die. I don’t know what came over me. I couldn’t pull myself away. He didn’t need to see that, not after seeing his parents…”

“Don’t blame yourself,” Arlo said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“It was my fault. He hasn’t been the same since.” He looked Arlo in the eyes. “I fear he’s planning something foolish.”

“What?” Both Arlo and Bella asked.

“The man who killed Jafferies, Leon Jara, also killed his parents.”

Bella put a hand to her chest. “Mother Goddess. What do you think he’s going to do?”

He could tell by her voice she knew exactly what Ty would do. He simply raised an eyebrow at her.

She looked away from him. “Do you really think he could do something like that?”

Merek shrugged. “He watched that man kill his folks. That demon has been riding his back for more than half his life.”

“Couple that with his temper?” Arlo stood. “Chances are, we’re going to have to save that boy.”

Ria hoisted her bag over her shoulder and followed the others out of the spaceport. Darl had sent open-air cruisers to pick them up. Rucon and Mara took one, along with the luggage, leaving Ria and the other EPs to take the second. It was a large vehicle with plenty of seats. Dani leaned into Ian’s side on the front bench, leaving her and Armond with benches to themselves. Ria tossed her handbag into the back and crawled in after it.

They had made good time until they reached the outskirts of Watersedge where the cruiser slowed due to increasing traffic. The opening ceremonies of the ball were this evening, and people were streaming into town.

Ria was getting used to the phenomena of traffic on Earth but hadn’t expected it here.

As if in response to her thought, the vehicle’s AI spoke up. “Please be advised, we have obtained special dispensation to avoid the congestion. We will be diverting over the bay and the waters of the Marul Ocean if this is acceptable.”

Ian responded in the affirmative and the cruiser lifted vertically, out of the line of traffic and veered off to the right. A few other vehicles performed similar maneuvers, but most remained in the increasing congestion.

This is more like it.
Ria smiled as they soared over the ocean and then turned inland toward Watersedge. The town sat at the interior of a massive open-mouthed bay. Below the town, sheer cliffs dropped over three hundred feet to the ocean surface—a spectacular sight. The elevation tapered off near the mouth and white sand beaches stretched for miles on either side of the cliffs.

Every couple hundred yards or so massive staircases zigzagged down from the town to the water below. A suspended boardwalk with shops and restaurants had been cut right into the rock face near the water’s surface. The bay provided a relatively calm harbor, and a bustling marina took up one end of the impressive landscape.

The water was light blue and surprisingly clear. Unlike Earth, which continued to consume dirty energy sources, Mitah had clean fuel, harvesting solar, wind, and tidal forces. It showed in everything from the sky to the ocean.

“Dani, check it out.” Ria pointed to the ocean below.

Enormous ridged-backed creatures swam near the surface in a group. Ria counted sixteen before giving up. She snapped a picture with her com so she could research them later.

They were nearing the far side of town. Below, the streets were full of activity and the three miles of the Summer’s Ball venue were clearly demarcated as pedestrian only. They soared over the streets, then into the mountains behind. The air smelled of forest as they landed at the front of a large, white stone estate. Vast lawns with perfectly trimmed gardens surrounded the place and butted up against the forest behind. An explosion of multicolored flowers covered the grounds. The smell was irresistible.

A swarm of servants were tending to the luggage when Rucon and Mara stepped out of their vehicle. They made a striking pair with Mara’s small frame and jet-black hair against a red blouse, contrasting with Rucon’s white shirt and blond locks. Ria filed out last and followed the others to meet their hosts.

Darl and his wife, Sherla, stood at the bottom of the steps that led to the entrance of their home. Pillars lined the front porch and two massive statues of some weird, long-legged animal sat on either side of the stairs, guarding the entrance.

It was a bit over the top for Ria’s tastes but the overall effect was nice enough.

Where Rucon had stayed fit over the years, Darl was a bit on the soft side. His wife fit the image of a rich, powerful spouse. She was in a dress suit with blond hair perfectly styled and elegant jewelry that sparkled as she moved.

Ria stepped up at her turn and reached out to shake.

Darl surprised her with a kiss to the back of her hand. “And you must be Ria. Rucon told me about his team on Earth.”

Ria waited for the comment on her size, but thankfully, it didn’t come. She smiled, retrieved her hand, and turned to his wife.

Sherla shook her hand with a surprisingly firm grip. “It’s nice to meet you, dear.”

“I’d like to welcome all of you to our home,” Sherla said. “Our staff will show you to your rooms. I’ve put you all in the same wing, which I hope is convenient. Please, make yourselves at home. We’ll be having a light meal at six in the dining room before we go into town for the opening ceremonies. Feel free to come and go as you please during your stay. Simply ask one of our staff and a cruiser will be brought around for you. All you need to do is enter your destination and the autopilot will drop you off and park until you’re ready for them to return.”

Nice.
Ria winked at Dani. They were both eager to get into the first of their new outfits. Abuzz with the anticipation and energy of all those in the town below, she followed the rest into the house, and they made their way to the guest suites.

A little over an hour later, Ria stood looking at her reflection. The opening ceremonies were all about fun. Attendees were encouraged to let their creativity soar and to dress in the spirit of the event. Ria selected a silver bodysuit made of shimmering fabric that fit perfectly and was accentuated with a jewel-encrusted belt. On top, she layered a floor length, nearly sheer shift of purple and green that flowed and fanned out when she moved. Patent leather knee-high boots gave her a four-inch boost in height. Bejeweled choker, earrings, and a matching headband completed her exotic look. Being back on Mitah had her thinking about Ty. They’d never exchanged numbers, and she didn’t know if she’d be able to find his place. All she could do is hope for fate to jump in and lend a hand.

Dani knocked at her door, and the two headed downstairs to find they were the last to arrive. Mara came over, and the three gushed a mutual love-fest over each other’s clothes.

The men stood gathered around the wet bar, decked out in suits of fantastical colors. Only Armond remained in EP attire.

“Wow,” Ria said. “Way to be original, Armond.”

Armond surveyed the other men. “Judging by these four, my attire will, in fact, be unique among the party goers.”

Ria stuck her tongue out at him. He shook his head and returned to fiddling with the portal device.

Darl raised his glass to the ladies. “To the ravishing beauties in our midst.”

Everyone toasted. Rucon leaned against the bar. “I was just about to ask our host to tell us a little more about the Curzan situation.”

Darl used a wood tamper to press down the contents of an elaborately carved wooden pipe before puffing on the self-lighting bowl. “The whole business is starting to look quite sordid. It seems Chancellor Mortog is trying to keep it quiet, but word is spreading. After what I discovered last week, I believe it’s true.”

Rucon frowned. “The Curzan who was murdered?”

“Yes. It’s extraordinary and highly disturbing. He’s owned a small market at the edge of town for almost thirty years. Listed as Mitan, which implies he had psi.”

Ria sat up straighter. “That would invalidate the Salvator’s planetary rule. How is that possible?”

“We don’t know. What we do know is that Anton Salvator has succumbed to a brain disease and Chancellor Mortog has been in charge for the past seven years. He’s made no effort to hide his disdain of the natives.”

“The PR, Salvator, has a son doesn’t he?” Dani said. “Ian and I watched a few vids about Mitah.”

“Yes, his name is Zander, but he’s still at university. Has another year before taking his place.”

“Which may not be his place if the rumors are true,” Ria said.

“Correct.” Darl frowned. “It could be worse than that. If Salvator’s rule is deemed fraudulent, it might potentially undermine all land grants to us Mitans who have made this planet our home for generations. At very least, we deserve a tremendous amount of restitution, but I’m certainly not going to give up my lands. Curzans are considered to be of low intelligence and lacking in morals. They are barely above the status of animals here. It’s quite complicated.”

Ria blew out a breath and gazed among the well-lit gardens outside. “Sounds like Mitah is in for a wild ride.”

* * * *

Ria spun around, arms wide, loving the way her shift floated around her. She understood why the Summer’s Ball was such a popular event. A cool breeze blew in from the water. Music and laughter wafted through the night air that smelled of perfume and enticing foods. Multi-colored glowing orbs floated meters off the ground and strings of white lights were everywhere.

Darl had a table reserved not far from one of the many dance floors, within sight of one of the entertainment areas. The art museum was the hub of this area and stood atop a large hill between the lawns and mountains beyond. Three aerial dance troops wowed the crowds with stunning feats of synchronized airborne dance. They were dressed as ethereal-winged
Swali
.

“This is incredible.” Ria had to shout to be heard over the music.

“Amazing,” Dani agreed.

“Lord Rucon Cavacent, I presume?” a man’s voice boomed.

Ria swung around to find Leon Jara and a shorter dark-haired man she recognized as Chancellor Mortog—de facto ruler of Mitah. He wore an ornate ceremonial robe with a heavy gold collar. He addressed Rucon, who stood to her left next to Mara.

Laric walked up behind his father and nodded to Ria, who decided to take the initiative. “Rucon, this is Leon Jara and his son, Laric. The Jaras were kind enough to host us when we came here to shop.” The men shook hands, then Jara introduced everyone to the chancellor.

Ria took an instant dislike to the chancellor and was pretty sure she wasn’t alone. He came across as one of those people who believed himself superior to everyone else.

“Jara tells me you moved your entire clan to Earth,” Mortog said.

“Correct.” Rucon crossed his arms and offered nothing further.

“That was a bold move. I’ve heard some other rumors as well. I haven’t been able to verify them as yet, but I have been able to determine that the Portal Masters are behaving oddly. That makes me think the rumors must be true. Do you really have your own Portal Masters?”

Rucon held his stance. “I believe the Masters are men, not property.”

Mortog frowned. “Of course. I didn’t mean to insinuate—”

“As to the status of any Portal Masters,” Rucon interrupted, “you’d have to ask them yourself.”

Mortog’s eyes squinted a fraction. “If there is anything I can do to make your stay here more…pleasant, be sure to let someone in my office know.”

“I think we have everything sufficiently in order.” Mara stepped closer and took Rucon’s arm. “Come dear, dance with your wife.”

The tension dissipated as Rucon and Mara drifted off.

Chancellor Mortog turned and left without a word, followed by Jara.

Laric glanced over his shoulder and shook his head. “Well, that was fun.”

“The chancellor doesn’t strike me as one to go out of his way for visitors,” Ria said.

“He’s not.” Laric pulled at his chin. “He’s certainly interested in those Portal Masters.”

Ria shrugged. Rucon had hoped to keep the knowledge quiet but there was nothing to be done. “Care to show us around?”

“Sure.” Laric held out his arm for Ria. “But first you have to meet my two half-siblings. They’ve been dying to meet off-worlders.”

“Sounds good. How old are they again?”

“Joon and Leeda are ten. They’re brats, but I’m rather fond of them.”

“Lead the way then. Love your suit by the way.”

Laric’s suit shone with silver Mitah silk and had dark blue pinstripes that enhanced the perfect fit of the cut. Jara’s table was only a few yards away from Darl’s. The chancellor and Jara weren’t in sight so they said their greetings to Nini and the twins. A boy and girl, they were beyond cute in little
Swali
costumes.

“You’re the Earmot Protector, aren’t you?” little Joon said. He was clearly the more outspoken of the two as Leeda seemed to have a deep fascination with the hem of her dress.

Ria smiled at the kids. “It’s Earth, and yes, I am.”

Joon used his foot and pushed a chair back. “Sit down, please. Laric said you’d tell me all about portals.”

“And starships,” Leeda added, not looking up.

Joon tilted his head sideways and rolled his eyes. “And starships. But portals first.”

Leeda crossed her arms and pouted, but stayed silent.

Ria took the proffered chair. “Well, I don’t have too much time but I can give you the short version of portal theory if you’d like.”