Chapter Four

Evan rolled over and opened his eyes slightly, confirming the fact that it was still night. With one glance at the room’s clock, he was assured he still had several hours left. Alex was still sleeping, so there was no need to . . .

He sat up with a start. Alex was still asleep. He knew that, without even looking, just like he used to know when Spencer was awake or asleep.

Well almost just like Spencer.

What sleep he still wanted had just been shocked out of his system, so he quietly got off the couch and tiptoed closer to the bed. Alex was indeed still sleeping. The certainty Evan felt deep within was as puzzling as it was familiar. Maybe all it had taken was enough time around his new Keeper to get used to him. He wished there was someone he could ask about these things! It would have been easier if he had been sold once or twice, instead of being with one man all these years. At least then he might have had a better idea how it worked. Learning to adjust to a new life might have been easier if he’d done it a few times.

Or not.

Evan didn’t think being inherited was something he could ever get used to, regardless of the fact that he was bred to expect it. He padded barefoot to the room’s table and sat down, activating the computer with a press of his palm. Before it could announce how happy it was to serve him, he canceled all audio output, then glanced again at the sleeping figure in the bed. Cautiously, he tested his ability to inhale with a slow breath, deepening with each successful second. The pneumonia finally seemed to be under control. Good. Now he should be free to search the ship’s private computer files without upsetting Alex.

After a quick review of the surveillance replay monitoring the corridor outside their room, Evan was satisfied no one had attempted a break-in while they slept. He scanned the boarding records again, suppressing a yawn. The names looked the same as they had the first time he checked, but his lack of sleep at the time worried him. Harvey’s men weren’t all stupid. If he and Alex had managed to get onboard as easily without using the front door, so could they. Evan rubbed sleep from his eyes, but that only served to blur his vision even more. God, he was tired! He should be using this time to get caught up, like Alex had intended. But he had to be sure they were truly safe.

There was really only one way to get this done without falling asleep at the console. Evan took another deep breath and closed his eyes. With his palm spread over the input screen, he relaxed his mind and allowed the information to bypass his eyes and run entirely through his consciousness. The flood of information took less than a minute and no red flags. Had his decoys worked? Was it possible they really had slipped away to safety? All facts pointed that direction. It was obvious to anyone onboard – thanks to Miranda Carpenter – that Alex and Evan were there.

It was also obvious to anyone within that woman’s range that Alex wasn’t entertaining any offers of sale. Evan hadn’t had time to process that bit of information. Things had happened so quickly, then they weren’t alone, so Evan hadn’t had time to entertain a single thought of his own. Between keeping an eye out for trouble and trying to pick up on anything his new Keeper might have been trying to tell him while the Carpenter woman was bustling them around the ship, he’d been unable to keep up. Let alone catch up. Now that he had some time, he found himself completely unsure of what to make of it all.

Satisfied at least that Harvey hadn’t gotten anyone on the ship, Evan shut down the computer and returned to the couch where he sat staring at the sleeping figure of his new Keeper. He’d been just as startled as Alex the moment the ring altered into the intricate pattern it now maintained. It wasn’t until then that he’d remembered how the silver band had looked on Spencer. There had been a pattern, but nothing as intricate as now. Though what that might mean, he had no clue. Sha’erah were taught virtually nothing of themselves, only their duty was important.

What he did know was that Alex had, in no uncertain terms, declared his decision to keep him. Now it was up to him to adjust to it. He sighed tiredly. At least he wasn’t with Harvey. Even though a day ago that actually seemed preferable. Harvey knew what he was and how to use him. Not that assassination was his field. Information was what he did. It was what Spencer had him created for. Now he had to hope there was a place for his ability in Alex’s world.

This was something he had to learn about, as quickly as he could. Evan knew nothing of the field of deep space exploration, or of turbidium, but he could learn. He’d have to. He belonged to Alex now, so he’d have to find a way to make sure his Keeper never regretted that decision, as surprising as it was. With the debts and financial difficulties he’d already learned about, he couldn’t understand why Alex hadn’t sold him to Harvey. His ship, his crew, everything could have been paid for with enough left over to keep him wealthy for the rest of his life. And he’d passed that up.

Evan shifted his position on the couch and leaned back, still watching the bed. This self-centered, clueless jerk he’d met on Cryian, who didn’t even know Sha’erah were real, was now his Keeper. If he couldn’t find something tolerable about him, his new life was going to be miserable.

He took another deep breath, enjoying the fact that he could breathe again unhindered, then brought his legs up on the couch and eased back down, staring up at the ceiling. To his credit, Alex had stood up to Harvey without faltering. Of course, he hadn’t been aware how dangerous the man was at the time. But still, he’d kept Harvey from intimidating him and never backed down. In the tunnels, Alex had more than held his own, proving he was not completely useless in a fight. And he’d shown some integrity his father never possessed, by allowing him to pass on Miranda Carpenter’s request for an evening together. It was possible that when they first met, the confusion and inability to make quick, rational decisions had been the simple shock value of his inheritance.

That shouldn’t be surprising. Spencer had never been one to explain himself. Evan had to admit Alex was holding his own pretty well for someone who, just a week ago, had been living a happy normal life with nothing more important on his mind than leaving port ahead of his competitor. Evan realized it was possible he hadn’t been making things any easier, this being his first time switching ownership. If he’d known more of what to expect, perhaps he wouldn’t have been as nervous himself, and he could have helped Alex understand what was happening.

Evan closed his eyes and moved deeper into the couch cushions, preparing his mind to drift back into sleep. Things might just work out after all, in some manner. He wasn’t Harvey’s new assassin, which was good for something. Alex might not be as old and in control as Spencer, but he could prove better in some other ways. Deep space exploration. It was different, at least, and not morally reprehensible as far as he knew. Maybe his life wasn’t going to suck after all.

Just before the morning chimes, Evan rolled over and sat up, vaguely aware of a sense that his Keeper was starting to wake up. He silenced the alarm and hurried to use the bathroom before Alex was fully awake and in need of the facility. That inner sense was reassuring in many ways and Evan found himself happy to have it back. Not only did it make his life easier, knowing when his Keeper was awake or asleep, but it also helped to know it hadn’t been something restricted to Spencer. Of course, Alex was Spencer’s son. But that wasn’t something he could figure out even if he wanted to. He simply didn’t know how it worked.

“I can’t believe how much I slept.” Alex was sitting on the edge of the bed, roughly rubbing his eyes. “What time is it?”

“Just after eight.” Evan walked to the couch and began to put the cushions back in order. “We dock at Scotian in an hour.”

“Great.” He slid off the bed and stumbled toward the bathroom, still rubbing his face. “Order some breakfast, will ya? I’m starving.”

“What would you . . . ?” Evan’s question hit a closed door and any follow-up would have been drowned by the sound of the shower. Fine. Well, he’d been with Alex for a couple of days now, he should be able to figure out what the man liked for breakfast. After all, he’d eaten whatever was ordered so far. He settled in at the table and pulled up the menu. Ships like the Terria Rose II had unlimited variety and barely assumed to suggest what foods were proper for what time of day or night. Evan realized as he scrolled through the traditional sets of breakfast foods that he and Alex hadn’t had more than a few actual meals together. He wasn’t at all sure what his Keeper liked to eat.

Spencer had enjoyed a wide range of tastes, so finding something Alex’s father liked wasn’t necessarily going to help. After a few minutes of internal debate, Evan made a choice based on protein content and popularity. If Alex didn’t like it, he’d have to let him know. There was a lot to learn about a new Keeper, from his food preferences to his body language. And with Alex, it was apparent he didn’t expect to be taken literally at all times. But even that assumption would have exceptions, and Evan had to learn them all. It was like learning to walk all over again.

“That did the trick.” Alex came out of the bathroom still rubbing his hair dry. “Am I correct in assuming you’re not expecting an ambush when we disembark?” He tossed the towel over the foot of the bed and started getting dressed.

“I’ve checked the ship’s registry several times and monitored the security records in the corridors and holding bays.” Evan paused long enough to retrieve the breakfast order that arrived outside the door. “And I can’t find any evidence of Harvey’s men.”

“Good.” Alex pulled a shirt over his head then joined Evan at the table. “I wasn’t looking forward to worrying about that for the rest of my life.”

“I don’t understand why he gave up so easily.” Evan took note of the fact that Alex had begun eating without commenting on the food choices.

“Easily? You call barely getting off that planet with our lives, giving up easily?” He stabbed some meat with a fork. “Besides, I thought you said you set up some decoys?”

“I did.” Evan shrugged, then shook his head. “I just never expected them to work.”

Alex looked up and both eyebrows arched. “You’re just telling me this now?”

“I didn’t see a need to before.” Evan sipped his coffee. “You had enough stress and I had the situation here under control at the time.”

“This is going to take some getting used to.” Alex was looking at the ring again, apparently addressing some inner point. “When we get to my ship, everything should start to fall back into order. Right?”

The question was suddenly directed at Evan.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure it does.” He lifted his coffee cup. “But you have to tell me what you want.”

“What I want?” Alex shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth, then waved the utensil in the air. “What I want is for my life to get back to. . .” He paused, creasing his eyebrows.

Evan set down his cup and watched Alex more closely, waiting for him to finish his sentence.

“Never mind, normal is already gone.” He broke eye contact suddenly and stabbed the fork back into his eggs.

It struck him then, stronger than before, that Alex Marcase was nothing like his father. They had a similar look, especially when he was angry or hadn’t shaved that small section just under his lower lip completely. But aside from that, the two were as different as night and day. Evan finished his coffee and watched Alex eat the rest of his breakfast in silence. He’d clearly wanted to say he preferred his life before they met, something Spencer would never have hesitated to say. His new Keeper might be a little clueless about some things, but he wasn’t without integrity. Or completely devoid of tact.

Evan set about packing what little they both had, stuffing various items of clothing back into the shoulder bags they’d carried onboard. It was going to take some effort, learning the habits and personality of a new Keeper who was the direct opposite of what he was so accustomed to. For the first time in his life, Evan began to wonder if it were possible – really possible – that not everyone alive today would give anything to own a Sha’erah.

“Your attention please.” The ship’s announcement echoed through the hallways and inside the cabin. “We are now docking at Scotian. All passengers wishing to disembark may do so through decks five and seven.”

“None too soon.” Alex shoved his PDA into the customary mid-thigh pocket. “Let’s go before the crowd builds.”

Evan nodded, slinging his pack over one shoulder. He reached for the other one but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

“I can handle it.”

Surprised, Evan let go of Alex’s pack. He opened his mouth to argue, but it was too late.

“Lesson one in this thing, I can carry my own stuff.” Alex hefted his pack over his left shoulder and nodded toward the door. “But, thanks for offering.”

Evan felt it necessary to remind him, since he obviously hadn’t been paying attention. “I told you before, I’m your –”

“Sha’erah, I know.” Alex put a hand on Evan’s back and gave him a gentle but firm shove toward the door. “I’m supposed to give you orders and you’re supposed to follow them blindly and without question.”

Evan led the way out of the room and turned left toward the exit. “Something like that.”

“Well then, from now on I order you to let me carry my own stuff.”

For his first actual command, it was pretty strange. “I understand.”

They were no more than three paces down the corridor when Alex stopped and held up a hand. “Wait a second. When I say ‘from now on,’ I don’t exactly mean exclusively.”

Evan looked at him, eyebrows arching.

“I mean, you take things pretty literally, right?” Alex stepped to the elevator and punched the key, staring at the floor while he thought out his words. “Like back at the apartment. What I mean is, I can carry my own stuff unless I need a hand with something.”

Evan’s eyebrows creased further as he watched his Keeper work out his own logic. People were gathering nearby, waiting for the same elevator to take them to the proper level for disembarking, most gazing at the pair of them with strong but cautious curiosity.

Alex continued his convoluted train of thought. “So, like, if I tell you I can handle my own stuff, but then there comes a day when I need help with something, I’d like to think you wouldn’t just stand there obeying my original order.”

If they hadn’t been in public, Evan thought he would have burst out laughing.

“I just don’t want you to ever feel obligated or anything.” The doors opened and Alex stepped into the elevator. “You know, to help out.”

There were people listening to them. Did Alex really want him to reply in public? Spencer never allowed Evan to speak to him in front of others, but Alex wasn’t Spencer.

“Am I making any sense?” Alex seemed completely oblivious to the other occupants of the elevator, either willingly ignoring them or so focused that he didn’t notice.

“Yes, of course.” Evan replied quietly.

“Good.” The elevator reached the proper level and disgorged its occupants. “Then you can explain it to me later.”

Scotian’s space dock was like nothing Evan had ever seen before. Clean, well lit, and manned by human workers at every turn. There were armed guards near the loading dock, but nowhere else that he could see. Smiling humans waited patiently behind counters to direct visitors or assist those in need of them. Automated greetings announced the availability of public transport and informed the new arrivals of the weather conditions planet-side.

The planet itself was a jewel in the inky blackness, shimmering green and invitingly from below.

“This is your home?” Evan glanced at the planet from a window while they waited for a chance to cross the shuttle bay to the pedestrian strip.

“Not really.” Alex glanced momentarily at the planet and shook his head. “I was born down there, yeah.” The light changed and they crossed the path, stepping easily onto the moving platform that would take them to the opposite side of the port. “My mother calls Europa Minor home, even though she lives here. Her other children can’t seem to decide where they want to settle.”

“Other children?” Evan knew Spencer had just the one son, he’d never considered Alex might have more family.

“Don’t misunderstand, they’re not my siblings or anything,” Alex corrected quickly. “Biologically there might be something in common, but I wasn’t raised anywhere near them, thank God. They all lived with their fathers. I don’t even know them other than by name, and the occasional accidental meeting. One of the perks of being in deep space ninety percent of your life.”

“So you don’t really have any family, then?” Evan had no concept of what siblings would have been like – let alone a parent – but he’d always thought they played an important role with most people.

Alex turned to look at him. “I guess we have something in common.”

Evan contemplated that revelation as they were moved along the walkway. His original impression of his new Keeper definitely needed adjusting.

Alex pointed ahead of them. “That, that’s home.”

They’d rounded a wide corner and hopped off the moving sidewalk to a stationary platform facing a huge window. Evan found himself staring out at one of the largest ships he’d ever seen. The Ascalon floated in space, connected to the port by several ramps stretched out like umbilical cords feeding the massive ship with a constant flow of people and supplies. It was unlike anything he’d imagined, and at least ten times any size he could have pictured in his head.

“That’s your ship?”

“That’s her.” Alex smiled as he looked at the ship. “Franklin pulled out late last night.” He pointed to a corridor to their left and started walking toward one of the connecting walkways that led to the Ascalon.

“Shouldn’t we leave right away then?” This competition was something Evan needed to learn about as quickly as possible, since it appeared to be of high importance.

“We can launch tomorrow.” Alex shifted his pack’s weight to the other shoulder. “Franklin’s a slave to habit. He’ll take a good three days to completely leave this system, moving slow enough for the media’s ships to dog him for awhile, doing interviews and such. I’ve given him a five day head start before and still passed him well inside known space.”

Evan nodded, making several mental notes, including how much more relaxed Alex seemed now that they were here.

“The trick is navigating the nebula itself. Heading to it we’ll probably be within shouting distance of each other.”

The ship was even larger from the view on the gangway, her massive engines taking up a full quarter of her size, glowing softly yellow in standby mode. Evan looked up, straining his neck to see to the top level.

“And the reason for going through the nebula is turbidium?”

“Right.”

They reached the end of the gangway and paused a moment just outside an open hatch. “What exactly is turbidium?”

Alex’s eyes sparkled. “This.” He reached out and slapped the cold metal beside the hatchway. “The strongest mineral yet discovered. Withstands any temperature variation, hot or cold. It’s the main component in ships, space stations, mining orbitals. And it’s getting hard to find.” He motioned with his head and stepped into the ship, leading the way.

Evan hurried to follow while evaluating this new information. “And you believe you’ll find turbidium inside the nebula?”

“I’m counting on it.” Alex stopped at a lift and pressed a button. Almost immediately the door whooshed open, inviting them inside. “Let me introduce you to Jeff and show you around.”

They traveled several levels up, then shifted direction and moved through the heart of the ship toward the bow. Evan mentally calculated their position at roughly two levels from the top and no more than one deck mid ship from the bow by the time they stopped and stepped out of the car.

The corridor was carpeted in lush deep blue, with a softer, almost gray color lining the walls. Breaking this soft wash of color every few yards was a door, clearly marked and color coded, each sporting a simple privacy lock and message board. Evan noticed most of the locks were set, with notes explaining the whereabouts of each occupant.

“Jeff and his wife share a room in my quarters.” Alex pointed to a door at the end of the corridor. “We’ll do some moving around and find you something close by.”

“I can sleep on the couch.”

“No, I mean something permanent. You’ll need a room of your own.”

“Only if it’s attached to yours.” Evan realized again there were many things Alex still didn’t understand.

Alex stopped beside a door sporting his name and rank above it. “That Harvey guy is history, remember? We’re on my ship now, as safe as we could ever be.”

Evan shook his head. “You’re my Keeper. Your safety is my primary concern.”

“Yes, I realize that. But I’m saying we’re safe here.”

“As long as I’m with you, you’re safe.” He wasn’t getting it. “You remember the alarm when your PDA was being broken into?”

“How could I forget?”

“That could just as easily have been a bomb. Or someone breaking into your room. Or any number of things.”

“Including a simple computer message.” Alex sighed and rubbed his eyes. “All right, one thing at a time.” He typed a sequence into the door lock and the unit responded immediately.

The room was large, opening up to a wide seating area nestled snugly in a lowered section two carpeted steps down. The seating consisted of a huge couch forming a semi-circle around a massive, low table, all facing a window that occupied the majority of the far wall. To their right was a fully functional galley, sporting a seating bar as well as a more formal table and chairs. And to their left, a bank of computer terminals and double-sided desk waited to be needed. The entire room was carpeted in a thick, deep blue, and brightly lit to represent late morning.

Evan scanned the room quickly, assessing each corner, nook, and crevice and identified the room’s only other doors – situated on opposite sides near the edge of the window – as Alex and Jeff’s bedrooms. This was easily confirmed when a man, much older than Alex, stepped through the door on the right and stood staring at them both.

“Jeff, I’d like you to meet Evan.” Alex tossed his pack to the floor, just missing the back of the couch. “Evan, this is –”

“Alex, I need a word with you.”

Evan frowned at the man’s rudeness but couldn’t help noticing the look on Alex’s face was one of disappointment. Surely he didn’t allow his subordinates to talk this way on a regular basis?

“Can it wait? I’d like to be able to shove off tomorrow.”

“No, it can’t.” Jeff shot Evan a stern look, then jerked his head toward the room he’d just stepped out of.

Evan understood this man wanted Alex alone, but he didn’t like him already. He positioned himself deftly between his Keeper and the older man and returned the stare.

“He’s part of the crew now, Jeff. What’s the problem?” Alex walked to the back of the couch and leaned into it, facing his partner. He shot a look at Evan and nodded.

“I’d rather not, Alex.” Jeff’s gaze never wavered. “It can wait a few hours, but I need to speak with you in private by tonight.”

“Fine, whatever.” Alex shook his head tiredly. “Did you get the rest of the crew replaced?”

“We’ve got a full contingent. And an okay for departure at 0800 tomorrow. The roster’s in your office, as well as the bank statements.” His jaw muscles flexed. “It was lucky you ran into Carpenter on that trip. At least something good came out of it.”

Evan half-hoped Alex would ask him to kick this man out of his quarters. He didn’t like the way he spoke to the commander of the ship, let alone to his Keeper.

Alex pushed away from the couch and retrieved his pack. “Evan, you can stow your gear in my room for now. I’ve got a million things to do and not much time to do them.”

Evan hefted his own pack and waited until Alex had turned to lead the way before he allowed his gaze to leave Jeff.

“He’s uncomfortable with me.” Evan tossed his pack where Alex pointed, then glanced around the spacious bedroom.

“Jeff’s okay. I think he’s just got a lot on his mind right now.”

“What’s his position here?” Not that it mattered. Alex was in command.

“Second.” Alex opened his pack and started emptying the contents into a laundry chute. “He monitors personnel, supervises the ship’s functions, keeps this tub on course.”

“Has he been with you long?”

“Years. Four missions in all, this’ll be the fifth.” Alex reached the bottom of his pack and stopped, eyebrows creasing. A moment later he pulled out the pouch Evan had given him from Spencer’s safe. Without a word, he dumped the contents out on his bed, then whistled quietly at the amount of credits shining back at him.

Evan continued to examine the room while Alex counted the credits. There was a comfortable washroom equipped with the latest in water recycling technology, a large dresser against one wall, access to an inter-ship communications center embedded just above the nightstand, and a small table with two chairs in the corner near a smaller version of the floor-to-ceiling window in the main room. The only entrance was the door they’d come through, leading to the main living area. While Alex continued to count the credits he’d obviously ignored until now, Evan quietly placed his palm against the comm. port, bracing his mind for the flood of information. There was plenty of time to research and sort through all the data later. All he wanted now were the security codes. As he expected, they weren’t as tight as they could be. Before Alex could notice what he was doing, Evan altered the programming, then judiciously added a failsafe that would alert him any time Jeff entered the room. He finished without bothering his Keeper with the details.

“I suppose my father considered this no more than pocket change?”

Evan turned his attention back to the pile Alex was staring at. “He never carried cash.”

“There’s forty thousand here. If I’d known that, I wouldn’t have carried it around either.”

He shrugged. “Do you want me to take it to your bank?”

Alex seemed to fall deep in thought. After a long moment, he gathered the metal up and shoveled it all back into the pouch. “I’ll contact them and explain who you are.”

“You won’t have to.” Evan reached out and took the pouch. “Just tell me which one it is, I’ll take care of it.”

Alex blinked. “Right, I suppose you did this all the time. Okay, it’s First Scotia National. And listen,” he walked to a drawer in the desk and removed a small card, “we don’t have a lot of time in port. I have to go see my mother, if I don’t say goodbye there’s hell to pay when I get back. But that’s one thing I can spare you from.”

Evan opened his mouth to protest but Alex raised a hand, stopping him before he could start.

“Trust me, Harvey’s men have nothing on that woman. We’re safe here, remember? Besides, she’s got an apartment right here at the station, I’ll only be gone an hour and no more than two levels down from this dock.” He handed Evan the small card he’d retrieved from the desk. “I want you to do me a favor. Just so you don’t frighten half the crew before they get to know you, why don’t you go buy something in a color other than black? There are plenty of shops here in the port.”

“What do you want me to buy?”

“Clothes, whatever you want. Just something other than black.” Alex laughed shortly, glancing at Evan’s pack.

“But I have clothes.”

“I know, but they’re all black. In case you haven’t noticed, the sight of you dressed completely in black can be a little . . . intimidating.”

Evan’s eyebrows knit together as he tried to understand the problem.

“Look, when we leave port, we’ll be out for about a year. So pick up anything you think you might need or want.” Alex peeled off his shirt and pulled a clean one from dresser drawer. “I hope that’s going to be okay with you, being out there so long. Some people can’t handle being away from civilization that long.”

“No problem.” Evan shoved the credit pouch into a pocket along with the slim card.

Alex looked up while he adjusted the collar of the clean shirt. “No problem being out there? Or no problem because you wouldn’t say anything if there was?”

“Yes.”

“Right, why do I bother?” Alex shook his head. “Okay, I’ll be back in an hour, why don’t you just meet me here when you’re finished? Oh, wait, you don’t know your way around this place.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, you probably will be.” Alex looked around the room quickly as if making sure he wasn’t forgetting something. “Okay, back here in an hour.”

Evan hesitated a moment, but he couldn’t think of any reason why Alex wouldn’t be perfectly safe for that short a length of time.

When they walked through the living quarters, Jeff was nowhere to be seen. They walked together back through the ship and Alex pointed out the various levels and abilities of the Ascalon and her crew. Evan allowed himself to be impressed, not only by the size of the ship, but the confidence in his Keeper as the commander of such a large crew. He made a mental note to research the professional history of Captain Marcase, as well as all personal information he could find. When they reached the apartment avenue he waited until Alex was stepping through the door of an elaborately decorated building before leaving to find the financial section of the space port.

The looks he received as he entered the bank to make Alex’s deposit for him were no different than the looks he was used to getting. People who didn’t think they’d ever see a Sha’erah in their lifetimes, pointing him out to their children. Passers-by who caught a glimpse of his tattoos and did a double-take, confirming what he was. There were even those who reacted with apprehension at the site of a darkly dressed man with black eyes striding up to them with unwavering purpose. The human teller at the bank was a rare sight. On Cryian, and many of the other planets Evan had occasion to visit, banks were completely automated for safety. After she recovered from her initial surprise, the teller gave him full access to Alex’s account, checking the credits with slightly shaking hands.

Evan knew part of her nervousness was due to his attire, which was the way Spencer had always liked it. He’d made a point of the black clothes because they added that sense of danger and mystery he wanted his Sha’erah to exude on his behalf. He’d never really given it much thought before. But now he found himself in a clothing store, making a clerk very nervous, as he tried to decide what exactly Alex had had in mind. Something other than black. He didn’t need any clothes. Spending his Keeper’s money on something for himself wasn’t anything he’d done before. But Alex was adamant that he have something other than black. After a bit of looking, he settled on a shirt of deep blue and one in a medium gray. Without further instructions, he had to assume they would fulfill his Keeper’s wishes, being clothing other than black.

With that done, he returned to the ship to wait for Alex.

The quarters were empty and the door to Jeff’s room shut. Evan checked the time and decided his Keeper had another twenty minutes before he’d retrace their steps and go looking for him. With nothing else in need of his attention, he settled in at the desk and activated the main computer with a touch of his palm. It took seconds to find what he wanted, namely the ship’s log and crew listing, which he poured through easily in search of suspicious or recognizable names and faces among the new members. In a short time he’d decided there was no one he knew to be in league with Harvey on board. Of course, that didn’t mean anything, but it was beginning to look like things were going to settle down. After all, Alex had made his decision, and the ring had reflected that. While he could still sell at any time, even a man like Harvey would have to realize it wouldn’t be to his best advantage to press the issue with a man about to leave on an extended deep space exploration beyond the known galaxy.

Evan switched his examination from the crew to the ship and its mission. The amount of information was overwhelming at first, but he’d have time to learn all he could in the coming months. Just hitting the highlights easily ate up the next fifteen minutes. By the time he understood the complete deck layout and specs of the Ascalon, his self-allotted spare time was nearly up.

“What are you doing?”

Evan turned to find Jeff standing just inside the door, glaring at him. He would have preferred ignoring the man, but he was his Keeper’s second-in-command. “Alex isn’t here right now.”

“I can see that.” Jeff stormed into the room, but kept a wary distance. “So while he’s away you helped yourself to the ship’s files?”

The answer was so obvious he couldn’t believe one was required, so he waited, watching the co-commander fidget nervously.

“I know about you Sha’erah, what you can do, what people use you for.” He backed up one step and tried to straighten his shoulders. “And I know you’re not entirely human.”

“You are obviously well informed.” Evan shut down the computer without taking his eyes from Jeff.

The man nearly sputtered. “Alex doesn’t need the likes of you. And I sure as hell don’t need some alien running around this ship violating the privacy of the crew. I know where you came from – that stinking planet of criminals – and I don’t trust you for a second.”

Evan sat quietly, watching the man with an intense gaze. He knew it was adding to Jeff’s fear-based reaction to him, and was probably not the best message to be sending, but he didn’t like this man.

“You’ve got your own agenda, don’t you? Some alien purpose you won’t confess to anyone, am I right?”

The questions obviously didn’t require answers. At least not ones he would believe. Evan stood to leave and found himself several inches taller than Jeff, adding to the man’s anger.

“Well I won’t allow it!”

“You won’t allow what, Jeff?”

Both men turned to see Alex enter the room, glancing from one to the other. Evan took immediate note of the tired, almost weary look on his Keeper’s face.

“What’s the problem?”

Jeff stabbed an accusing finger at Evan. “This. This is the problem. Alex, he’s not even human. What were you thinking, bringing it here? You should have sold him back on that planet and been done with it all.”

Alex inhaled deeply, chewing on the inside of his cheek. Evan instinctively kept a close eye on Jeff’s movements, making sure he didn’t move any closer. He kept his face a well-trained mask of unemotional purpose and prepared himself for anything.

“You, too, Jeff?” Alex angrily paced halfway to the galley and spun around, shaking his head. “You know, I just spent an hour seeing a side of my mother I never imagined.” The two men eyed each other. “We’ve known each other a long time.”

“Your mother told me you’d be selling him,” an accusing finger pointed toward Evan. “Before we set off. I didn’t think it would be an issue.”

“What issue, Jeff? What exactly is the issue here? Are you angry that I brought another crew member with me? Angry because I wasn’t here this week? What exactly?”

Evan kept his eyes trained on Jeff and noticed the nervous glances the man was shooting at him.

“She told me who . . . I know who that man was, who died.” Jeff paused, expecting a reaction.

“That’s what this is about?” Alex looked surprised. “He was my father. A criminal wanted in every populated area. I never told you about him, and now you know . . . Is that what you’re angry about?”

“He’s an alien!” Again the finger pointed at Evan but wasn’t able to remain in the air for long. “Something you can’t predict, and instead of selling him for enough money to buy this ship twice over, you bring him here like he’s just a new member of the crew?”

“Jeff –”

“Alice left this morning. She’s afraid to be around him and I don’t blame her.”

Alex blinked. “Alice left?”

“I’m sorry, Alex. We’ve been friends for some time now, but to bring this on the day before a new expedition . . . It’s just too much.” Jeff straightened his shoulders. “If you’re not selling him right away, then I can’t stay either.”

Evan watched from the corner of his eye as Alex stared silently at his partner for a long moment. Nearly a minute passed with no words said. The tension in the room set him on edge, waiting for action, but Alex was the only one to move. He stepped closer to Evan, his countenance hardening. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Jeff.”

The man sputtered. “You’d let me leave? You’ve had this . . . Sha’erah . . . for less than a week, and you’d keep him knowing it means I’d quit? I’ve been with you for years!”

“And apparently I never knew who you really were.”

Alex’s comment was almost under his breath, but in his alert state, Evan heard it clearly.

“You know something, Jeff, I’ve learned a lot in these last few days. I freaked out when I found out what my inheritance was,” Alex nodded at Evan, now only three feet away from where he stood. “And maybe I’m still a little freaked out, but I’m trying hard not to make any huge mistakes. I gotta tell you, seeing your reaction, my mother’s – and obviously Alice’s – has made me suddenly aware of what a jackass I was that day.” He turned and looked at Evan apologetically, then looked back at Jeff. “It doesn’t surprise me that I acted the way I did, given the fact that I was pretty clueless at the time. But I thought you, of all people, would have been bigger than this.”

Jeff’s posture had wilted slightly, but apparently not his determination. “You don’t know what you’re setting yourself up for, Alex. But obviously you’re determined to go through with this Keeper business.” He shook his head. “I hope you know what you’re getting into.”

He started for the door and Evan tensed up, watching every move. The intense scrutiny clearly angered Jeff further and he picked up his pace.

“But I can’t stay here to help you fix it.” He reached the door and turned, shooting Evan one last look of pure disgust. “You’ve made your choice.”

When the door closed behind Jeff, Evan turned to face Alex. He looked angry as he stared at the closed door, twisting the silver ring around his finger.

“I can’t believe this.”

“Do you want me to stop him?” Evan did notice he wasn’t trying to pull the ring off, just spinning it around in a nervous habit that had suddenly presented itself.

“No.” He shook his head once, decisively. “He obviously made his mind up before we even got here. I just can’t believe he could be so . . . I don’t know.” The ring was forgotten as he strode to the computer terminal. “But I’m not putting up with any more of these surprises.”

Evan stood by, watching, as Alex called up the ship-wide intercom.

“This is Captain Marcase. I need all command staff in my office in twenty minutes.” He flicked the unit off and turned to face Evan. “It’s time I showed you the bridge.”

“What if he contacts your competitor and gives him your flight plan?”

“He might, but Franklin’s not likely to believe him.” Alex led the way down the corridor to a lift labeled Bridge Only. “He’d think it was a trick or something.”

“What if he didn’t?” Evan automatically scanned the elevator for occupants as the doors began to open. “He could sell your flight path to that other ship.”

“Jeff doesn’t know the flight path.” Alex smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling. “No one does. I don’t document it, I just lay down a few random ideas in case someone tries to sneak a peek.” He hit the button to take them to the upper deck. “But until you found evidence of near break-ins to my personal digital aid, I never believed anyone ever tried.”

Evan nodded, absorbing this added information. His Keeper had some shrewdness hidden away after all. He certainly had no problem sticking to his convictions, even when that meant losing a long-time second-in-command. He found that somewhat surprising – considering how long the two of them had been together, compared to how short a time Alex had been his Keeper – and the price he could easily have been paid to be rid of him.

The car came to an easy stop and opened up to an expansive bridge, bustling with activity, much of which slowed minutely as the occupants took note – then a double take – of the new arrivals. Evan found himself on a balcony of sorts, encircling a command center three steps down. Alex paused for a moment and pointed out the various sections, then led the way around the balcony to a door on the opposite side that slid open immediately with a commanding swoosh. Inside the new room stood a desk, facing them as they approached, with one large comfortable chair and plenty of room between it and the wall.

Alex strode purposefully to the chair, so Evan took up residence in the ample room behind him, facing anyone who might enter. It was a position he’d enjoyed in Spencer’s office, one that afforded him the perfect vantage point for defense, assistance, and without a doubt, intimidation. If his Keeper was conducting business, it was his duty to stand quietly at the ready and say nothing that might interrupt. Evan enjoyed the fact that it kept him from having to interact with anyone directly that he didn’t want to be near in the first place and – deep down – he had to admit he enjoyed the effect.

Almost immediately after they entered the office, there was a knock on the door.

“Enter.”

Alex’s voice was suddenly that of the commander of a large, fully staffed space-going vessel. Inwardly, Evan smiled at this sudden revelation, adding that to Alex’s surprisingly growing list of attributes. The door opened quickly and admitted three men and two women, each blinking in slight surprise when they saw Evan standing behind their commander’s desk.

As soon as they were all inside and apparently recovered from their surprise, Alex cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming, I know everyone’s busy right now and I won’t take much of your time.”

The only reaction from the group was a sense of anticipation.

“Just a few minutes ago, Jeff and Alice left the ship.”

The women blinked their surprise while two of the men raised eyebrows and looked concerned.

“Before I go any further, I need to know if there are any others of you who are going to have a problem working with Evan.” He didn’t glance over his shoulder, but kept looking at his staff. “If you do, and you don’t think you can work with him, then feel free to leave but please do so now.”

The men and women took turns looking at each other questioningly, then one man cleared his throat and shot a quick glance at Evan before addressing Alex.

“I believe I can speak for us all, Captain, when I say we have no problem working with a Sha’erah.”

The others nodded agreeably.

Alex laughed shortly and shook his head. “So, you all knew about Sha’erah, I take it? Am I really the only idiot left alive who didn’t think they still existed?”

That drew slight embarrassed laughter from the assembled crewmembers.

“Well, sir, I’ve seen one before.” The man who had spoken up continued, smiling. “Not that I was ever associated with him, mind you. God knows I didn’t grow up anywhere near that kind of money.”

“We did hear about him from Jeff, Captain, so he wasn’t that much of a shock.” One of the women nodded. “I’m sorry to lose such a valuable second-in-command, but I don’t believe you’ll find that kind of prejudice as common among the rest of us.”

“Good.” Alex stood with a sigh. “In that case, I’d like you all to meet Evan.” He turned slightly so they could see more clearly. “Evan, this is Don Patterson, Engineering Chief.”

Evan nodded once toward the tall, dark-haired man smiling benignly at him.

“Craig Waters, Navigation.”

More nods were exchanged as Evan made a note of each face, matching them up with the files he’d been scanning when Jeff interrupted him.

“Lilly Knudson is our Chief of Science and her partner there is Carla Emmons, Mineral Evaluation.” The women smiled warmly. “And I’m sorry, you and I haven’t met yet.”

The only unidentified member of the group was an older man, taller than Evan, with graying hair and soft brown eyes. He stepped forward, smiling. “Doctor Gorman. I joined your crew just yesterday, Captain.”

“Doctor Gorman.” Alex reached out and took the man’s hand, then nodded to Evan. “In that case, Evan, this is Doctor Gorman, our new physician.”

He remembered the name and face from the files of new crew members. Nothing remarkable had stood out about him or his history, so Evan nodded equably.

“All right. With that settled, we can all get back to work. We launch at 0800 tomorrow.” Alex sat back down. “Oh, one more thing. Evan will be taking Jeff’s place. Any concerns or problems with the ship or any of the other equipment, you go to him.”

Evan knew his face showed no reaction, and to their credit neither did any of the others in the room, but he couldn’t help wondering if that was the best decision Alex could have made. He knew little about the ship, and even less about deep space exploration. Of course, any comments or concerns he might have had would have to wait until the last of the staff had finished their questions and impromptu reporting of their readiness to depart in the morning.

When they were finally alone again, Evan was free to express his concern.

“Do you have a clue what you’re doing?”

Alex surprised him by laughing. “I was waiting for that.”

“I don’t know this ship or its equipment.”

“You can learn it, can’t you?”

“Of course I can learn it, but that’s not the point.”

“What is?”

Evan blinked. “You’re competing with another ship on a race to get through a nebula, something I’ve never even been close to, and your second-in-command walked out on you not more than an hour ago.” He stared at Alex, waiting for his Keeper to show a spark of that intelligence he’d been noticing earlier. “Two days ago you didn’t like the idea of me touching your PDA, now you want me in charge of your ship?”

Alex arched his eyebrows in a facial shrug. “Like I said, I’m learning. About all kinds of things.” He gathered some data sheets from his desk and shuffled them into a neat pile he could carry. “I need someone I can trust to look after the mechanics of this ship, and now that Jeff’s gone, you’re the only one capable of fitting that description.”

He’d turned to leave the room, so Evan moved to keep beside him, speaking in a lowered voice now that they were in public view again. “Which description?”

“Both.” Alex’s reply came with no hesitation as he hit the switch for the lift again.

The elevator was occupied, so Evan remained quiet, contemplating this new tidbit of information. His Keeper was turning out to be more complex than he’d first thought, but there appeared to be angles he wasn’t ready to expose. And many surprises. One minute he was throwing a fit because Evan was doing his duty upgrading his private security, the next minute he was entrusting him with the entire ship. This was certainly going to be an interesting new life. But, he had to admit, it beat the hell out of killing for Harvey.

Back in Alex’s quarters, they found Jeff’s room completely emptied of personal items.

“They didn’t waste any time.” Alex shook his head and sighed deeply. “Well, this solves two problems. You can have his room. That puts you close enough to me to keep you quiet, doesn’t it?”

“I’m always quiet.” Evan glanced through the door and scanned the spacious room. It was fitted with the same furniture as Alex’s, but in the opposite configuration.

“I meant – No, never mind.” He brandished the data files. “I’ve got some work to pore over, then we’ll go planet-side for a traditional dinner.”

“Traditional?”

“Yeah. The night before any expedition, everyone heads out on the town for a fancy dinner, usually down on the planet. Then they make their way back to the ship just in time for a nice, traditionally hung-over launch.”

Evan shook his head, then went to retrieve his pack and toss it into his new room. And they think Cryian is a strange place. There might be something to be said about deep space exploration as a career, but so far, the people didn’t seem all that different, considering.

Alex had settled in on the couch to study his data sheets, so Evan got comfortable at the desk again and began the involved task of studying every inch of the Ascalon. He concerned himself first and foremost with her layout, so he could quickly and easily get from any section to anywhere he needed in the shortest amount of time. It was conceivable, now that they were onboard his ship, that Alex would, on occasion, be in another section, and Evan would have to be able to reach his Keeper quickly at any given time should the need arise. It didn’t take long to commit the ship’s layout to memory. And not much longer after that to figure out all the secondary routes through service walkways and piping tunnels.

Next, he concentrated on the flight path, to make sure no one, including Jeff, had accessed it without Alex’s permission. His understanding of flight paths and nebulas was barely even basic compared to probably half the people on this ship, the cook included. But after an hour of study, research, and perplexity, he was certain there was, to say the least, a discrepancy.

He looked up at Alex, wondering briefly if he should broach the subject or not. “There’s something I don’t understand.”

“What’s that?” Alex set his papers down and yawned, stretching.

Evan took a breath and waved his hand over the computer console embedded in the desktop. “This flight path. When it reaches the nebula, it appears to run in circles.” Evan knew it was possible he’d simply misread the path, all five times. Surely Alex knew what he was doing, after so many successful trips had been accredited to his leadership.

“I’m impressed.” Alex smiled, looking slightly surprised. He stood and stretched, then walked to the desk. “It does go in circles, but it’s designed so that even a pro wouldn’t realize that for quite some time. You figured it out pretty quick.”

“I don’t understand.” Evan glanced at the computer again, sure he’d been accessing it correctly. “This is the flight plan you have under tight security. There are no others in this system or your PDA.” He looked at Alex again. “So where do you keep the real one? Is it secure?”

“Very secure.” Alex grinned, then tapped his forehead. “I keep it right up here. Sort of.”

Evan blinked. “You have it memorized?”

Alex made a face. “Actually, no. I have an idea. And seven months to work it out.” He walked to the galley and started fixing some coffee. “See, I usually log a flight path ’cause good luck getting any financial backing without one, right? So I log one, officially, but it’s not a real one. It just has this elaborate pattern of turns, leading eventually right back where it starts. Only no one ever checks it out, since they’re very protected. You just have to show the banks that you have one on your files. That’s the one Franklin tried to break into my computer to see.”

Evan blinked again, trying to decide if this was a brilliant strategy, or the dumbest thing he’d ever heard. “So you knew he would try?”

“No, I suspected someone might. But I honestly didn’t think Franklin would stoop that low.” He shoved a cup under the outfall to catch the coffee dripping out. “No one knows it’s not the real flight path. Even Jeff. I never told him I did it this way.”

“You do this all the time?”

Alex nodded, grinning. “Yeah. Working out flight paths is a passion of mine, I suppose. I’ll work on them while we’re en route, and probably change it a half dozen times before we get to where we need it.” He shrugged. “It always works out. Jeff just thinks I’m making adjustments to the registered path, since we get new information updated from probes about every three weeks.”

Evan mulled this information over a moment before commenting. “How long does it take you to figure out a flight path?”

“Based on the information we have right now, about eight weeks or so.” He paused to sip the coffee. “Every time we send out a probe, if we get more and more detail of the nebula, the path can be updated and changed as needed.”

“If you get more detail?”

“Yeah, well, nebulas are hard to see into.”

“But you’ve done this before, right? Gone through a nebula, I mean.”

Alex nodded while swallowing his coffee. “Sure, once before.”

“So, leaving here tomorrow, with no clear idea of how you’re going to get where you need to go, this is normal for you?”

“Are you nervous?” Alex grinned, looking nothing at all like his father.

“For your success.” Evan recovered his surprise to assure his Keeper of his unflinching loyalty. “I was only checking it to be sure Jeff hadn’t tried to access the flight path and sell your route to your competitor.”

Alex pursed his lips and shook his head once. “Well, yesterday I would have told you he could never do a thing like that. But after today . . . I apparently didn’t know him very well.”

Evan had no reply he could offer. He was accustomed to being held in higher regard than trusted employees merely due to his great expense. Spencer had fired many assistants when they objected to having a Sha’erah investigating their every move. But Alex seemed deeply affected by Jeff’s refusal to stay simply due to his discomfort around Evan.

“Enough about that, let’s go get some dinner.” Alex finished the coffee in one swallow and set the cup down purposefully. “I’m gonna shower and change. You bought new clothes, right?”

“Yes.”

It took the duration of the short flight from space station to planet for Alex to accept the fact that midnight blue was something other than black.

“I asked you to be more specific.” Evan stepped out of the shuttle and instinctively glanced around for any sign of danger before moving out of the way so Alex could follow. “All you said was other than black.”

“I know, I know.” Alex shook his head, got his bearings, then nodded toward a large, attractively decorated building a block away. “My fault. I guess bright colors just aren’t you.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Right.” They entered the restaurant’s lower level and were immediately assailed by various wonderful smells. Alex inhaled deeply. “I haven’t been here in over a year.”

Before he could comment, a human maitre d' approached, smiling at Alex until he caught a sudden glimpse of Evan. As he quickly took in the sight, his expression altered. Suddenly he was straightening up and bowing slightly toward Alex.

Evan had seen this before.

“Sir, welcome to our humble establishment. May I interest you in a table upstairs?”

Alex hesitated a moment, then shrugged. “That’ll be fine.”

Evan followed his Keeper up a wide, elaborately carpeted stairway to what was obviously the more expensive section of the restaurant, where the maitre d’ ushered them with a flourish to a table sporting an excellent view of the landscape beyond the building.

“It’s not every day we have someone of such importance with us, Captain Marcase.” He made a grand gesture of handing Alex a gilded menu. “Please consider yourself our guest this evening. Order anything you like, anything at all, our compliments.”

Alex’s eyebrows shot up in puzzled surprise after the departing man. “Is he kidding?”

“It happens all the time.” Evan shrugged, unimpressed. “Not on Cryian, they’re used to it there.”

“You mean people see you, and assume . . . What?”

“That you’ve got more wealth than they could possibly imagine and therefore you’re very important.”

Alex rolled his eyes.

“In most cases, it’s true. They like having people they think are that important seen in their places. Good for business.”

“So they bribe you with free food? Just so you can be seen in their restaurant?”

Evan nodded.

“So that’s how the rich stay that way, they never have to pay for anything.”

When the waiter arrived, Alex encouraged Evan to order anything he wished, regardless of price, taking full advantage of the restaurant’s misguided generosity. Within minutes, they’d been offered every type of wine the establishment had to offer. Alex chose a mid-range mild white wine and glanced around the fashionably darkened room.

“Doesn’t it bother you to be leaving tomorrow without your second-in-command?”

Alex swallowed a mouthful of wine and gazed into the glass. “What bothers me is his attitude. I thought he was better than that.” He set the glass down and looked at Evan. “I realize I was seeing my own reaction in his, but I thought he’d be bigger than that.”

“He’s not the first. Spencer encountered that reaction now and again.”

“Yeah? What did he do about it?”

Evan shrugged. “Same as you. He fired them.”

“Technically, Jeff quit.” Alex shook his head and glanced at the ring on his finger. “Did he have friends?”

“Who?”

“My father.”

Evan considered the question before answering. He really wasn’t sure what Alex considered a friend. “He had business partners. In his line of work he couldn’t afford to trust many people.”

“No, I don’t suppose he could.”

They ate quietly for a time. Evan kept a watchful silence, mentally reviewing the ship’s information he’d been studying. After the meal, Alex continued to stare at his glass of wine as if deep in thought. Finally, still looking at the glass, he broke the silence.

“There were times I wished I was there.”

Evan sensed something bothering his Keeper but he didn’t know what might be expected of him. “Where?”

“With him. Spencer.” Alex looked up. “My father. Even knowing what he was, what he did.” He sighed, glancing around the room. “See that table over there? I know them. Senator Alvarez and his daughter.”

Evan glanced at the table in question and saw a gray haired, distinguished looking man smiling broadly at the young, attractive woman with him.

“Seeing people like that is when it bothers me. Spencer contracted with my mother for a son, for himself, then changed his mind. That’s something not legally done anywhere, but he managed to do it.”

“I don’t understand.”

He sighed. “I don’t suppose you do.”

“You would have rather lived with him, been a criminal like him, than become the respected explorer you are? No, that I don’t understand.”

Alex laughed shortly, shaking his head. “I never said it was logical.” He spun the wine glass around, barely noticing it.

Evan couldn’t help feeling there was something in what Alex was saying that he should understand on a deeper level, some hidden emotion behind his actual words. He’d never considered the idea that Spencer’s son might have had feelings about him, feelings other than hatred. Spencer hardly ever spoke of his only son, and only vaguely followed the young explorer’s career. His lack of connection with Alex added to Evan’s surprise when the will was read and his new Keeper named. Spencer couldn’t have known what his son’s reaction would have been, or if he would have even come to claim his inheritance. He was never a man who had time for family, or friends.

“Sorry, I tend to get nostalgic the night before leaving, I guess.” Alex finished his wine and motioned to the waiter, who smilingly informed him there would be no bill and graciously encouraged them to return soon. “I didn’t have the heart to tell the man we won’t be back this way for a year.”

While Alex took a look around them at the festively lit streets, Evan flagged down a taxi and held the side door open. “It doesn’t bother you to be in space that long?”

“No.” Alex inhaled deeply, then shook his head and climbed into the cab. “I crave it. There’s plenty going on around the ship to keep your mind occupied.”

“Like plotting a real course?” Evan slid into the cab after his Keeper.

“Works every time.”

“You do have a reputation. I found some articles about you when I was researching.” Actually he’d found quite a few, but only had time to read one so far. “Your competitors do their best to imitate you.”

Alex grinned like a school boy and gave a short laugh. “Imagine what they’d do if they found out how I operate.”

“They won’t. Not while I’m around.” Evan glanced out the cab window and saw the shuttle bay two blocks north. “You’re confident Jeff didn’t know the filed flight path wasn’t the real one?”

“As confident as I can be. Which isn’t saying much anymore, I suppose.”

He turned back and looked at Alex. “From now on you can be sure no one finds out anything. I can keep all of your data safe from anyone, and if need be, I can penetrate Franklin’s database and find out exactly what he knows or doesn’t know.”

“Let’s not get carried away. I don’t work that way.”

“Then we’ll make sure it’s not necessary.” Evan was beginning to feel his old sense of purpose and security creeping back. Alex wasn’t Spencer, and he had a feeling nothing was going to be quite the same as it had been, but for the first time in over a week, he was beginning to think that might be okay. “Whatever it takes, we’ll get you through that nebula first.”

Alex leaned back, eyebrows creased, and gazed at Evan. “Is this just one of those ‘Your goals are my goals’ things, or are you actually getting into this?”

He was never going to get used to these questions that made no sense. One was the other, how was that a question? “I’m Sha’erah, you’re my Keeper.”

“Doctor Slater was right.” The cab stopped at the curb and they climbed out, just in time for the next shuttle departing to the orbiting port. “Changing that answer isn’t going to be easy.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will, eventually. I hope.”

Evan followed Alex to the shuttle, shaking his head slightly. Sha’erah were highly adaptable, and easily adjusted to new environments, climates and tasks. He was sure spending a year or more at a time in space wouldn’t be a problem and, in fact, looked forward to the more easily regulated area an enclosed ship would afford. He knew, as always, any new duties he encountered could be mastered with time and study. And he felt fully prepared to ensure Alex reached the nebula before Franklin and achieved his goal.

But he was fairly confident he would never – during the course of their time together – understand him.

Next Chapter

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