Chapter Nine

Evan looked around the room, blinking it back into focus.

"You've been in and out all day."

"I have?" Confused, he tried to sit up and found he couldn't, so he settled for the second pillow Alex was currently stuffing under his shoulders to raise him up slightly. "I don't remember."

"I'm not surprised." Alex sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you hungry at all? I can have some soup sent up here."

A flash of memory -- white-clad strangers, and an uncomfortable, hot feeling in his head -- "Where's Zane?"

"In the other room, the one you slept in our first night here. Do you want me to get him?" Alex started to get up, pausing for Evan's reply.

"No, I'm fine." He inhaled deeply and let the air out slowly, feeling some minor clearing of the fog filling his thoughts. He recognized where he was now, it was the overly large room Alex had been in, with the bed that could fit seven fully grown men.

Alex put a hand to his forehead. "Fever's gone now. I should get you some soup."

Before he could argue, his Keeper had left the room. Just as well, he had to use the bathroom and wasn't entirely sure what he was going to find when he tossed the blanket aside.

What he found were long, black silk pajama bottoms, and legs that were more steady than he expected. After using the washroom, he felt much better, but completely wasted. He'd just made it back to the bed when Alex returned, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl and two tall glasses filled with an orange liquid.

"You need to eat something." Alex set the tray on the nightstand, then shoved more pillows behind Evan, propping him up better. "Zane says you'll be fine. A day's rest and we can get the hell off this planet."

Evan accepted the bowl. He had no real desire to eat anything, but the smell wasn't unpleasant. Maybe if he just held it for a while. It was Alex who looked as if he hadn't eaten or slept in three weeks. His eyes were bloodshot, his skin looked drawn and his hands seemed to be shaking.

"You look awful."

"I'm fine." Alex shrugged and sat down, holding one of the liquid-filled glasses. "I could kill Thomas, though. How hard would it have been for him to say something? Give us both time to get out of the way?"

Evan saw a deep anger flash in Alex's green eyes. He didn't think it was directed at him. Alex looked more upset than anything. Scared, almost. "Thomas did what he had to do, he isn't in the habit of thinking of anyone else."

"Yeah? Well that's no excuse." Alex stood suddenly and set the glass down. He paced away from the bed to the wall and stared at the imitation window, now displaying a far-off view of an ocean not of this planet. Evan could see then how badly his Keeper's hands were shaking.

"I didn't say it was an excuse, I said it was the reason." Just how long have I been out? And more importantly, what did he do while I was?"Kellman didn't fire that dart."

"He might as well have."

"Alex, you didn't . . . "

Alex turned, hitching one shoulder in a shrug. "I came close."

"Are you crazy?" Evan nearly spilled the soup.

"Crazy? No, I'm pissed!" Alex paced back to the chair. He pressed both hands on the back of the seat and leaned forward. "I was flat-out angry, and I still am!"

"Did you attack Kellman, or Thomas?" Even as he asked, Evan knew Alex couldn't have done either, he was still alive. So what had he done, exactly? "Do you know what can happen if you even think about killing Kellman?"

"Dammit, Evan, you're my friend!" Alex pushed away from the chair and paced again, toward the foot of the large bed this time. "You're not just my friend . . . you're my only friend. The only real . . . You're the only person I can really trust."

Evan watched his Keeper, surprised by the seriousness of his tone. If this had been Spencer, he'd be in serious trouble for having come so close to being killed. But Alex . . . Alex was genuinely and deeply upset. Seeing the emotion in those green eyes and the deep inflections of his tone brought an unexpected flush to Evan's face. As well as the sudden need to assure his Keeper he was all right, just to get that fear to fade from his eyes.

"Okay, I admit, sometimes I have to realize I hardly know you, really." Alex had reached the end of the room, so he turned around to pace back the way he'd come. His gaze alternated between looking at Evan and searching the floor for something important while his expression reflected an inner struggle. "And, there are times, honestly, when you kinda scare me."

Evan's face flushed again, but he had no comment to make that could have assured his friend just then of the fact that he couldn't ever actually intend him harm. The still-purple bruise on the side of Alex's face would have made that comment rather moot.

Alex continued, undaunted but hesitatingly. "We've been through things together. Things that go way beyond our bizarre, convoluted pasts. Things that, in their own twisted way, made me realize more about myself than I thought possible." Alex had reached the head of the bed again where the chair stood waiting, so he turned around and paced again, unable or unwilling to sit still for more than two seconds.

Evan blinked, watching him turn around. He had no words for what his Keeper was saying. No training or experience in the matter that would suggest what he was required to say. Spencer had never spoken to him like this. No one had.

"What I'm saying is you're my friend. . . The thought of you . . . Thinking that you could have actually died because of some stupid . . . " Alex stopped pacing and turned back to face Evan from the foot of the bed. "Yes, I got a little crazy. I directly threatened Kellman with Thomas standing right there." He stared at Evan as if expecting to be reprimanded. "Just don't hold your breath waiting for me to apologize for it."

His mind was oddly blank. There were no trained responses, no clear words he could find in his catalog of replies that would fit. Evan knew his face was slightly red, but he couldn't seem to get that under control just then. The meaning behind what Alex had so uncomfortably but honestly stammered out had never in his life been directed at him before. It wasn't done. He was valuable, to be sure, but never truly valued.

It was clear Alex deserved to have something said in response. He'd just expressed genuine affection for who Evan was, instead of what he was. But he had no idea what or how to reply.

Evan cleared his throat, his mind racing through his emotions in search of the right thing to say. As he stared at the hands holding the steaming bowl of soup on his lap, he noticed his own tattoo, starkly black against his slightly pale skin. The pattern there looked even more intricate and clear than usual, dramatically black against pale skin.

Suddenly his reply became as clear as the pattern on his hand. An opinion. His opinion. Something his Keeper had been asking for, and hoping for. Something Evan finally felt he could give. He looked up and met Alex's gaze.

"I vote we take what we need from his private files and leave."

Alex's face broke slowly into a smile that cleared away much of the exhaustion and worry around his eyes. "I second that." He pointed to the soup in Evan's lap. "Now, eat!"

Evan obeyed, eating the soup that tasted even better than it smelled. It sat comfortably in his stomach and caused no nausea, but something about a full stomach and the last vestiges of the fever had him sleeping soundly again in minutes. It wasn't until he woke again, this time curled up facing the chair his Keeper was sound asleep in, that he realized he'd had no dreams this time.

Whether it was the soup, or the medications the doctors had given him to fight the poison, Evan felt one hundred and ten percent better. He sat up, careful not to wake Alex, and slid out from under the blankets to use the washroom. With the windows set to the timer he'd established, it appeared to be somewhere near midnight or later. A simulated full moon was peering through the curtains, filling the room with a soft, white light he could see by. Evan washed up in the darkened, moon-lit room, glad to find no residual headache or dizziness lingering after the poisoned fever. There was a slight aching in the shoulder where the dart hit, but it was tolerable.

The dream he'd had earlier and the vision of the long, seemingly endless corridor had faded, replaced by the memory of Alex's unusual, deeply-felt confession and his own uncertain reaction. Alex often said he wanted Evan to consider them friends, rather than Keeper and Sha'erah. But until now, he'd never understood how deeply Alex felt that way or how badly he needed Evan to understand it. The man had a tendency to say one thing and mean another. And he rarely ever actually told you how he felt unless he was angry or disgusted. But all that had begun to change, back in the hallway. Back before they happened upon Kellman beating Thomas.

When Evan came out of the washroom, feeling quite refreshed and awake, he decided to use the time alone to get some of the less pleasant tasks taken care of. Alex may have agreed to let him get into Kellman's files and take what they wanted, but he knew deep down the morality of what they'd agreed on would bother him. If he waited too long to get it done, his Keeper might have a change of heart. He was a good man, but that only got you so far sometimes.

Evan pulled one of the spare blankets from the bed and draped it over Alex's sleeping form. He'd have to wake him soon, before the position he was in could cause a painful injury to his neck, but that could wait a few minutes. He slipped the PDA out of the thigh pocket it usually resided in and took it with him. Doctor Zane was sleeping in the next room, soundly snoring in the double bed. Evan walked quietly by and out to the living area.

The computer was situated at the far end of the room, well out of any hearing range. Evan sat on the couch, cross-legged, and pulled the computer around in front of him.

Okay, Kellman, what do you know?

Evan placed his hand over the input pad and imagined Regian Kellman's personal files. He quickly and easily found his way back through the security that hadn't even detected his first entry, back to the personal files where he'd seen the information one Keeper fastidiously took down in regards to his Sha'erah. This time he ignored the electronic bragging designed for God knew who to see, and went in search of more important issues.

With Regian's father in his mind, Evan found files referring back to his name and examined them. Soon, he found records kept by the elder Kellman himself. Notations concerning mining, off-planet marketing and mineral rates. Farther back in time he discovered mention of Thomas, and a figure that was several thousand less than the amount Spencer had paid listed as the purchase price for what he deemed a High Security Investment.

The files he wanted were here. Without taking himself out of the computer, he used his free hand to flip open Alex's PDA and turn the unit on. Transferring the files was as simple as a thought, but Evan took great care to make sure he'd sent them all and left no tracks behind to be discovered. It was clear no one on Murcadia was good enough to find what he'd done or how he'd done it, but he enjoyed making sure everything was left in order, with no trace of his having been anywhere. Besides, it was good practice. And if their mystery hacker showed up again, Evan knew he'd need to be in top form to keep whoever it was at bay, then find a way to trace the violator.

He'd only spent an hour at the task, but even that had used up his energy reserves. Evan shoved the machine aside, picked up the PDA, and slowly walked back to the bedroom on slightly shaking legs. Sweat was beginning to build up on his face and chest with the effort. When he passed through the room Zane was sleeping in, Alex appeared in the doorway.

"What are you doing up?" He kept his voice to a harsh whisper as he reached out and took Evan by the arm, alarm coloring his green eyes.

"Just getting something done." Evan didn't protest the assistance, but he slipped the PDA back into Alex's pocket when he turned around to walk back to the bed.

"What? The files?"

"All I did was download. We can go over them later."

"That could have waited," Alex admonished.

They reached the side of the bed where the chair had been pushed out of the way. Evan sat on the edge and took a deep breath. The shakes had subsided, so obviously he was improving, just not very quickly. He glanced up at Alex who was shoving blankets aside. His Keeper looked exhausted and in desperate need of a shave.

"You need some rest."

Alex shook his head. "I'm fine, just get back into bed."

"You're going to get a sore neck sleeping in that chair." Evan pulled his legs up and under the blanket, then pointed to the opposite side of the bed, ridiculously far away. "Like you said, there's room for five people in here."

"I'm not tired. Zane said you're sleeping because of the medication, so I'm not keeping you awake."

"You will now that I know you're sleeping in that chair." Now it was Evan's turn to scold. "Just lie down, at least. Practice your meditation."

Alex rolled his eyes, looking down at Evan from beside the bed. Finally he shrugged. "Okay, for a few minutes maybe." He walked around the large bed to the other side and peeled off his shirt. "But I'm not tired."

Evan watched Alex climb into the bed. The mattress was so huge, he couldn't even feel the movement from his side.

"If you're feeling better in the morning, we can get out of this place and back to the town, then find a ride off this planet." Alex yawned. "Get some rest."

Within minutes he was sound asleep.

Evan would have laughed out loud but he didn't want to wake him. For a long while, he sat there on the bed, watching Alex sleep. Most of the lines around his face had softened as soon as he drifted off, removing almost all of the resemblance to Spencer he seemed to gain when he was angry or exhausted. That's how Evan could tell how badly Alex needed sleep. His normal expression could be rough, until he smiled or said something to make you realize he wasn't the angry, brooding man he sometimes appeared to be. Which was exactly the opposite of his father. Spencer had appeared kind and friendly, but there was always deceit or contempt working behind the facade that didn't always come out when he spoke.

Definitely not like your father.Spencer Marcase never spent a minute worrying about Evan's health outside his own financial losses. He was convinced -- though he had no proof aside from experience of the man -- that had he died, Spencer would have demanded a refund. He wasn't at all sure what Alex would have done. Aside from get himself killed.That thought was both frightening, and flattering.

Evan wasn't sure exactly when he'd fallen asleep, but the familiar feeling that woke him in the morning was a welcome one. He opened both eyes, knowing Alex would still be relatively asleep but close to waking, and found his Keeper right where he'd left him, sprawled out on top of the blankets, still in his pants from the night before. He slid out from under the covers, trying not to disturb the sleeping man, and walked to the washroom. Zane was still in the other room, so Evan decided a quick shower in Alex's bathroom would be prudent. He didn't know how deeply asleep Zane might still be, and didn't need to wake the man needlessly.

Whatever poison the dart had contained had left a mark larger than the small needle warranted. Evan noticed for the first time the large, purple bruise spread over the entire span of his left shoulder where the impact had been. In the center of the bruise was a small puncture wound, hardly noticeable in the mass of red and purple skin. He gingerly flexed the arm, wondering why the bruise hadn't bothered him until now. Of course, these things always hurt more the day after, and looked worse than they felt.

He tested the range of motion and was pleased to find it only slightly hampered by stiffness. The worst of the pain was only if the shoulder was touched, which probably explained Alex having assisted him from the right side. It did look impressive, he had to admit, and must have added to his Keeper's concern and anxiety. Well, he was fine now, wasn't he? Thanks to the doctors and their specialty in poisons. Handy thing, to have your own fleet of doctors and a research facility basically designed for the sole purpose of keeping you alive. Not to mention Thomas. It was hard to imagine anyone making it past that Sha'erah.

Evan stepped into the shower, careful to keep the spray from hitting his shoulder dead-on, and let the hot steam push the last of a headache away.

Considering Thomas's talent and abilities, it was harder still to fathom why -- if he truly had threatened Kellman while Evan was ill -- Alex was still alive? He could just picture it, too. Without stopping to think of the ramifications of his actions, Alex would have simply attacked the man, like he had when they found him disciplining Thomas. Alex wasn't one to hold back, or to think things through completely every time.

So why was he still alive? Had Thomas sensed he wasn't truly a threat at the time? That wasn't likely. Alex was small, but he could be a powerhouse when he was angry. Someone with Thomas's skill and experience wouldn't make the mistake of underestimating him. There had to be something else, but without more information, he couldn't hazard a guess. Well, he could, but he didn't think any of them were feasible.

Evan shut off the shower and got out, toweling off quickly so he could get dressed and out to the living area before --

"Good morning." Alex had just entered the large washroom, suppressing a yawn as Evan was reaching for a towel to wrap around his waist. "Sorry, were you done in here?"

"Yes, I am." Evan stepped aside so they could trade places, with Alex inside the room and him in the doorway. "I should have used the other one, but Zane's still -- "

Alex waved a hand, dismissing the idea. "You feeling okay? How's the shoulder?" He put a hand on Evan's left arm, just below the shoulder, and looked closely at the injury.

"I'm fine." Evan nodded once, glancing at the bruise. "It's not bad, really. Just looks ugly."

"You're sure? Kellman hasn't been up here since it happened, so we can hang out if you need another day."

"No." Evan shook his head emphatically. He wanted off Murcadia and to get his Keeper as far away from Kellman as he could, as quickly as he could. "I'll be fine. We have the files, we can leave this morning."

Alex nodded, smiling slightly. "Deal."

He left his friend to wash up and walked to his room, carrying the pajama bottoms he'd been sleeping in and the towel he was still rubbing over his hair. Zane was in the smaller washroom taking a shower, so he dressed and sent an order down to the servants to deliver breakfast for three to their rooms in half an hour. The request was accepted immediately and without argument, making him wonder where their host was and what orders he'd given regarding their continued stay.

"Ah, Evan, good morning. How are you feeling?" Zane stepped out of the bathroom already dressed, and smiled in his typical fatherly fashion.

"I'm fine, thank you." Evan pulled open a drawer in the wall and retrieved his pack so he could start stuffing clothes inside, taking a minute to dress first. "And thank you for looking after Alex while I was sick." He'd meant that slightly sarcastically, even knowing Zane would have been powerless to stop Alex from doing anything he really wanted to do, but he kept his tone serious so the doctor wouldn't take much offense.

"Well I only wish I could have, actually." Zane shook his head, admonishing himself. "The two of you are quite a matched pair, I must say."

Evan stopped what he was doing and looked at the older man, eyebrows knitting together.

"From the moment he could muscle his way into that room until . . . well, right now, actually . . . he hasn't left your side." Zane made a slight clicking sound with his tongue. "I couldn't get him to eat once. Not even after you'd been up and taken that soup, proving you were recovering."

Evan's face flushed. "How long was I sick?" What in the hell had Alex been thinking? I was right there, he could have taken a meal, gotten some sleep, I was just right there.

"Oh, about thirty-six hours or so, give or take." Zane tossed the towel he'd been holding over the back of a chair and walked to the living area. "Don't get all upset with him, Evan. It's natural concern."

Evan followed the man, feeling irritated and flattered at the same time.

Zane pulled out a chair at the round table and sat, facing Evan. "You’d have done exactly the same thing." He held up a hand, stopping any protest before it could start. "I know, you feel you would do that because Alex is your Keeper. But we both know it goes farther than that. Alex cares for you just as deeply."

Evan stared at him, searching his mind for a comeback.

"You wouldn't have done that for Spencer. And it's the same thing that put him beside your bed for thirty six hours without a break, scared to death and in danger of his anger getting the better of him." Zane was smiling, as usual. "Evan, I'm not in search of a way to figure out how to make a Sha'erah and Keeper better understand and appreciate one another. The two of you have already proven it's possible. That kind of thing can't really be taught or found."

Zane seemed to be developing Alex's odd tendency to take a simple conversation and twist it into something completely out of left field. And he hasnt’ even been around him that much!"Then what are you looking for?"

The doctor shrugged. "I'm curious, more than anything. And I'd like to see if there is something that can be done to . . . alter the nature in which Sha'erah are taught and treated. I think it would serve both Sha'erah and Keeper well to have a more mutual relationship."

Evan knew there was something more he wasn't voicing, probably out of courtesy. He was fully aware the fact that he had been genetically and mechanically manipulated before birth, specially ordered for a specific purpose, was upsetting to most people. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he realized it was, nevertheless.

"Hey." Alex nodded to them both as he came out of the bedroom, still pulling on a shirt. "Any clue how we get a ride out of this fortress?"

"I was just getting ready to look into it." Evan walked to the couch and pulled out the computer again. Before he could even turn the machine on, they heard a loud rapping on the door.

Seconds later, it opened, allowing Thomas and Kellman to step inside.

"Gentlemen, I'm glad to see things are in order once again." Kellman stood in the doorway, smiling at Alex and sparing Zane the barest of glances.

Alex stepped forward and Thomas moved slightly ahead, blocking his direct access. Evan tensed and moved away from the furniture, so he would have a clear shot straight at the Sha'erah if he made a move. The sight in any other circumstance would have been humorous. Alex was like an insect next to Thomas. Attacking him outright would be as effective as that insect trying to push a tree over. Trouble was, the insect in this case wouldn't hesitate to try and wouldn't quit until he was stopped.

"We're leaving right after breakfast." Alex's tone was dark, but the volume was in check and he made no attempts to get any closer. In fact, it appeared he was addressing Thomas instead of Kellman.

"That's too bad." Kellman shook his head sadly. "I was hoping to take you out hunting during your stay."

"You mean stand safely in a shelter while a group of well-armed people scare some poor creature into running for its life so you can shoot it before it even sees you?" Alex's posture belied the anger Evan could see hiding behind his green eyes. "No thanks, I'm not the hunting type."

Kellman looked disgusted. "Thomas will drive you back to the shuttle port. Just come downstairs when you're ready to leave, he'll be waiting." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and stormed out of the room, Thomas following close behind.

"This planet could do better than having him as king." Alex turned back to Evan and Zane, shaking his head.

"Well, Thomas notwithstanding, I expect if the entire planet wanted a change, one Sha'erah wouldn't be able to stop them." Zane sat back down at the table. "I'm only sorry he wasn't able to help us. This whole trip could have been avoided."

"We don't know that yet, Doc. Evan has what we need, we just need time to go over it."

"I'd rather look into his files after we leave here." Evan walked to the table, then had to detour to the door when the servants brought breakfast. He waited until they had set up the dishes and left, then watched while Zane scanned every item with the detector before he returned to the conversation. "I made sure to download everything that had any mention of Sha'erah, Thomas, lawyers, contracts, the works. I'm sure if he has anything we can use, I copied it."

"Good. I just want off this planet and outta here." Alex tasted the coffee, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I don't care what transportation we find, since we don't know where we're going anyway."

Evan sighed. "We should have an idea, at least, before we just get on the first ship that comes along." As usual, Alex was acting first, thinking later. He just wanted to get his Keeper out of the castle and away from Kellman before he found another reason to risk getting himself killed. It wasn't clear how he'd gotten away with threatening the man earlier, or how much further Thomas would let him go, but Evan didn't want to chance finding out.

"Well, we'll check the transports and get something general, at least to the next system. That's only a day away, then we can always transfer." Alex shrugged. "At this point, unless we find something different in those files, our only other lead is VanHolt."

Zane raised one eyebrow. "Do you think Paulson Carpenter contacted him?"

Evan was watching Alex, studying his face. "You mean to go back to Cryian?"

"If that's where he is."

"It's a dangerous place."

"But one you're familiar with. Besides, Harvey's dead and gone."

They both seemed to have forgotten the doctor's question, so he sat quietly and watched the exchange without interruption.

Evan looked at his plate, thinking it over. When he left that place the last time, he'd truly thought it was the last time. It had been a mad, desperate run from danger with a new Keeper he -- at the time -- despised. Was it really just ten months ago? But now Alex was right. All the dangers he'd known there were dead and gone.

"We should make sure he's there first."

Alex shrugged. "You can find that out, can't you? Without letting him know we're coming?"

Evan nodded once. "Yes, probably." His Keeper looked at him intently for a moment, then he seemed to remember Zane was there.

Alex cleared his throat. "Well, he's a starting place, anyway. We'll get off this planet, check through the files Evan has and go from there, but in the general direction of VanHolt."

"Providing he's where he should be." Zane nodded, happily accepting the notion. "Well, I'd best finish packing. Meet you downstairs in, say, thirty minutes?"

"Yeah, that's fine, Doc." Alex finished his coffee and pushed the rest of his breakfast aside.

"Is that all you're eating?" Evan's own appetite had surprised him, but he was keenly aware of how little his Keeper had eaten.

"Yeah, I'm not hungry." Alex stood and set his cup down. "I just want out of this place."

Evan turned around to protest, but he faced a raised hand and stern expression.

"I'm not the one who was sick here, remember? I'm fine, now that you're okay. And I'll be even better when we're gone. Just relax and eat, I'll get our stuff packed." Alex turned and walked back to the bedrooms, ignoring all attempts at protest.

Evan was quite sure he'd never met anyone as single-mindedly stubborn as Alex Marcase. When he got his mind on something, he was like a scent animal, hunting that one idea down to the exclusion of all else, until he was victorious. And failure was not an option he considered. If he had died from that poison, he was quite convinced Alex would have been killed trying to kill Regian Kellman. Unless Thomas had allowed him to succeed, which didn't seem possible.

With a sigh of resignation, Evan stopped trying to find a good argument to persuade Alex to sit down and eat. He finished his own plate and left the dishes where they were. Let the servants earn their keep. After what had happened, he wasn't feeling very charitable toward anyone with a choice who stayed with the King of Murcadia. Thomas, he understood. He was Sha'erah. But people had choices all the time, and rarely did they make the right ones.

By the time he returned to the bedroom, Alex had nearly finished packing. And as packing, Evan realized he'd simply shoved clothing and toiletries into their respective packs with little care. Luckily their new clothes were of a fabric that maintained its appearance, regardless of how it was stored.

"You know, we don't really have to rush." As much as his Keeper wanted to appear calm, he could tell Alex was working on some latent anger.

"The sooner, the better." Alex looked up suddenly. "Are you feeling okay? We can stay in the city somewhere if you want to take a few more days."

"No, I'm fine." Evan felt his face flush slightly in response to the renewed concern his Keeper so honestly and unselfishly displayed. "I just . . . I don't get it."

Alex laughed shortly, shoving another shirt into his pack. "Don't get what? Why Thomas didn't pound me into dirt when I went for Kellman's throat?"

Evan blinked. "You went for his throat?"

"Yeah, actually, I did." Alex grinned like a school boy.

He was stunned speechless as all the blood left his face. The fact that Alex was still alive suggested that he'd simply verbally threatened Kellman. But to have him by the throat - and Thomas nearby -- "You're crazy."

"Nah, just pissed," Alex shrugged.

"With you that's one and the same." Evan blocked out any mental image trying to take shape of Alex Marcase physically accosting Regian Kellman, and the ramifications of that action. "Where was Thomas exactly?"

Alex hefted the filled pack and carried it out to the living area. "Standing right beside him, believe it or not. He never made a move." He set the pack by the door and glanced around the room. "I guess he didn't believe I meant it."

Evan shook his head, shoving the last of his clothes into his own pack. Thomas wasn't blind, or stupid. Alex might not always say what he meant, but he always meant what he said, especially when he was angry.

"I've got that." Alex took the pack from his hand before he'd even lifted it off the bed.

"I can manage my own pack." Evan protested, following him out to the door.

"So can I." Alex picked up his own, slinging the strap over his shoulder, picked up Evan's in his other hand and opened the door. "Let's go."

Evan hesitated. It was ridiculous, considering the fact that his shoulder really didn't hurt all that much, and he had another shoulder! But it was no use arguing, judging by the look on Alex's face, so he proceeded out the door and down the hall, following his Keeper down the long stairway. They found Zane waiting near the entrance, and several servants hovering to take their luggage and put it in one of several waiting vehicles.

Thomas said nothing when they approached. He simply waved one hand directing the servants to carry the packs outside, then turned and opened the door, leading the way out of the castle and toward the transportation.

Evan was surprised to find the same elaborate motorcade waiting to escort them back to the shuttle port in the city. Probably for public relations. Couldn't have your people see you welcome a VIP to your castle, then send him off in a rented car a week later.

What surprised him even more, was finding Kellman seated in the car after he'd climbed in.

"I wasn't there to great you when you arrived, so I thought the least I could do was see you back to the city." Kellman smiled widely, showing teeth that glittered in the sunlight filtering through tinted windows.

Evan tensed, watching Alex as he got in and saw Kellman. He paused for a moment, then sat down facing the man, his jaw rigid with control. Zane got in and took the space beside Kellman with a tolerant sigh.

"I think your driver can find the way." Alex leaned back in the seat and fixed his gaze on the king.

Thomas hadn't gotten in with them, and instead returned to his position with the driver, completely walled off from any access to his Keeper.

Evan didn't trust the situation. Of course, he'd keep Alex from doing anything stupid, but what possessed Kellman to push the issue, knowing how he felt?

"Yes, but you weren't afforded a verbal tour of my fine planet on your ride here. I'm going to remedy that." Kellman tapped on the plate separating the driver and Sha'erah from the passengers. Immediately the car hummed into gear and began floating down the drive toward the massive stone gate.

Evan kept an eye on Alex. If Kellman was going to give them a verbally guided tour, he knew his Keeper's smart mouth was going to be unable to remain as tightly closed as it was now.

"You know, my people were mortified to learn that a guest had been assaulted."

"Evan wasn't assaulted, you were." Alex's tone was held in check and a slight smile of defiance tugged at the corners of his mouth. "He just got in the way saving me from something aimed at you."

"Yes, well, like I said, attempts such as those rarely take place inside my own home." Kellman shrugged it off as if the entire incident had been nothing more than a simple banged knee. "Ah, you see that?" He pointed out the window, drawing attention to a brightly colored, oddly shaped animal floating six feet from the ground, moving through the air by flapping feather-covered fins like some bizarre cross between a fish and bird. "Helium bladders in their bodies keep them floating, while they regulate the temperature internally, adjusting their height."

Evan barely glanced at the creature, but he saw Alex faking an interest as they drove by.

"Beautiful, but dangerous. If you happen to be petting one when it's hit by a ignition laser."

"Happen often?" Alex's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Now and again." Kellman countered with a smile.

By the time this is over, I’ll be exhausted! At least he didn't have Thomas to worry about. He just had to keep Alex in his seat, let him fight with words and keep his hands to himself.

"So tell me, Kellman, why king? What kind of life are you living when you're too paranoid to walk down the city streets and your brothers all want you dead? President of the company wasn't enough?"

Kellman's eyelids lowered. "Why not? I had the money, the power, and the ingenuity to do it before they did."

"And you had Thomas."

"Yes, I have Thomas." Kellman's smile returned.

"For how long?"

"Excuse me?" Kellman blinked and shot Evan a quick glance. He regained his composure almost instantly and looked Alex square in the eye. "He's my Sha'erah, inherited from my father on his deathbed. I have no need to sell."

Alex shrugged casually. "I'm not talking about selling. I'm just thinking that one of these days he might figure it all out."

What is he doing?Evan kept his face expressionless, hiding his desire to clamp a hand over Alex's mouth until they reached the shuttle port.

"Figure what out, exactly?"

Alex held up his hand, moving the finger that held his ring. "That this is just a ring."

Kellman stared blankly at Alex while Zane just looked uncomfortably at both of them. Evan felt a throbbing in his bruised shoulder, protesting the tension in every muscle of his body. He knew his expression was properly schooled, but if Thomas was reading his Keeper's mind, he must be getting nervous.

Alex looked at his ring. "It's meaningless if you take it. Only valuable if they give it to you."

Kellman began to sputter, but no actual words were coming out. Finally he composed himself, glaring at Alex. "You wear one." It was an accusation, proving his point.

Alex shrugged one shoulder and started slowly turning the ring around his finger. "Evan gave me this ring."

Evan couldn't resist watching Kellman's face for his reaction to the news. The man shot him a look, confused and angry, then turned back to face Alex, who was continuing his statement.

"He's not my property. Oh, he's still Sha'erah, there's no mistaking that. But he does what he does for different reasons." Alex was smiling still, his green eyes sparkling with a razor's edge. "We both do. But Thomas there, he hasn't figured it out yet. Either that, or he's just biding his time."

"You're out of your mind, Marcase." Kellman's tone dripped acid. He shifted in his seat and threw Zane a look, expecting the doctor to agree with what he knew was right and logical. "Thomas is Sha'erah. He protects me because I'm his Keeper, it's that simple."

"Is it?" Alex stopped turning the ring and his smile vanished instantly. "If you die, he gets passed on. He'll do the same thing for your brother, whichever one of them finally gets in power. He's got nothing to lose, either way."

Evan tried to keep both Alex and Kellman in his line of vision, but it was easier to watch the king's reactions play out over his face as he struggled with what he heard.

"I know I can trust Evan completely. And not because he thinks he's obligated." Alex narrowed his gaze, watching Kellman. "I had my hands around your throat."

Kellman coughed once as small beads of sweat began forming on his upper lip. "Thomas would have stopped you if he truly believed you were serious."

The car came to a stop beside the entrance to the shuttle port, but Thomas remained where he was, doors closed, sitting with the driver. Evan glanced around, noting the complete lack of armed guards anywhere. Their escorts were still in their vehicles, but the servants were unloading the luggage, placing it on a cart near the door. He looked back at Alex. How far is he going to go? Another glance toward the front of the car showed Thomas still sitting quietly. And why isn’t he reacting to what I know Alex is thinking?

"Believe me, Kellman," Alex leaned forward, preparing to get out of the car but bringing his face very close to the king's. "I've never been more serious."

At that, he climbed out of the car and stood by the open door, waiting for Zane and Evan to join him. Zane hurried out next, through the opposite side, without saying a word. Kellman was staring at him now, the last occupant of the car.

Evan knew he wouldn't say anything, not to him. But the look he flashed was filled with anger and fear. It only lasted a moment, then the man turned away and Evan left the vehicle, joining Alex and Zane at the doors leading in to the shuttle port. There was a small crowd inside, all staring out at the important visitors who'd just arrived in the king's personal land cruiser, but the men ignored them all.

"What were you doing?" Evan kept his voice low, but there wasn't anyone other than Doctor Zane close enough to hear him.

Alex shrugged. "Putting the fear of God into a man who really needed it." He put a hand on Evan's uninjured shoulder and smiled. "Come on, let's find something to take us outta here."

They found a ship due to dock in five hours that was cruising through the system on its way to a major way station where other ships came and went on a daily basis. Alex decided that was their best option, so Evan booked them three seats on the first shuttle up, with a destination of the way station, and placed an order for their luggage to be taken care of. Alex insisted Evan get comfortable in the waiting area and relax while he made sure their bags were sent to the correct terminal. Zane wandered off to find them some refreshments and a download of the local news reports to occupy his mind during the six hour wait they had to fill.

Evan found he wasn't actually comfortable until Alex returned. "I could have handled that, I'm fine now."

"Yeah, and so am I." Alex sat in the large, soft couch next to him. They had a seating area all to themselves, with some minor privacy thanks to several potted plants and a sculpture of a local animal. "I'm just as able to handle our luggage as you are."

"I didn't say you weren't."

"Good."

Evan let out a sigh. Doctor Zane had once told him he just needed to accept Alex's odd traits and learn to work with them, and as Sha'erah, he was accustomed to the idea of having to adjust himself to a new Keeper. But that meant adjusting himself to someone who knew what it meant to be a Keeper. Learning how to be with Alex was a completely alien concept. Oddly enough, though, it was one he was beginning to get used to. And damn if he wasn't enjoying it.

Doctor Zane returned then, carrying a tray of drinks and an assortment of edibles to tide them over during their wait. He settled happily in a chair facing them and set the tray on a table between their seats.

"I do apologize for Kellman's behavior. He's not the same man I knew when I first visited Murcadia."

"People change, Doc." Alex shrugged, but there was an expression still shading his face that gave Evan the impression of a lingering anger or frustration. "We didn't have to come out here, but maybe what Evan downloaded will be helpful after all."

"I can start reading through it while we're here."

Alex shook his head. "No, it can wait a few hours."

"We're not doing anything else right now."

"Just hours ago you were lying in bed close to death," Alex scolded, green eyes flashing at him. "I think a few hours of rest isn't too much to ask."

Evan made a face and reached into Alex's pocket, pulling out the PDA he'd put there during the night. "Try thirty-six hours. I'm fine now."

"Look, I've seen how involved you get when you're doing this." Alex took the PDA away from him. "A few hours of sitting here relaxing isn't going to kill you."

"I've been sleeping for two days straight. You're the one who needs a rest." And a shave, before I accidentally call you Spencer. "And some food before you fall over."

"I wasn't the one who got poisoned."

Both men turned to Zane, ready to have the doctor solve their argument and declare a winner.

"He's asleep." Evan stared at the older man. His ever-present smile wasn't even drooped in slumber, but his eyes were closed and a slow, quiet snoring was the only sound he made.

"Or faking it." Alex sighed dramatically and handed Evan the PDA. "All right, but make it show on the screen so I can see what you're reading."

Evan took the machine and flipped it open. He felt bad, in a way, arguing with a man who had so been so honestly concerned with his health. But obviously the man couldn't see how tired he looked! Maybe a few hours of dry reading would ease some of that exhaustion brought on by a serious lack of sleep.

He moved closer so Alex could see the small screen while he kept his palm over the input pad and delved into the small computer. Before opening the files, he did a routine check of his security and found no second attempt to breach it. Satisfied, he went to the first of the files and adjusted his thoughts so the information he was seeing was being displayed on the screen at the same time.

"Whoa, hang on, not so fast."

Evan blinked and focused on Alex, then the screen. "Oh, sorry." The mind could process information in bundles, absorbing it straight into memory as if it had already been read and digested. But the eyes didn't have that luxury. What Alex was seeing was racing over the screen too fast for any human to read. He took a breath and closed his eyes, seeing the files again, and tried very hard to slow it all down. A moment later, a snort of disgust brought him once again back out to reality.

Alex shook his head. "Never mind, you made your point. Just don't overdo it or anything."

Evan looked at the screen, puzzled. What he'd considered slowing down was still more of a blur than actual words. He looked at Alex, ready to offer up an apology, but his Keeper was scrunching down on the couch. He leaned his head back to rest on the cushions, and closed his eyes.

"Maybe Zane had the right idea after all."

"I'll wake you before the shuttle lands."

Alex merely nodded in reply, and was asleep in minutes.

"About time." Evan watched him for a moment, making sure he was truly sleeping. Slowly the lines around his eyes and mouth smoothed out, and his face lost some of the darkness that had clouded it since the morning. It never ceased to amaze him how Alex could be so like, and yet so unlike, his father. Both were stubborn, both had unwavering ideals and the ability to focus on one thing to the exclusion of all else. Yet the very ideals they held to so strongly were exactly opposite in nature. Their focus was motivated by completely different goals.

He had to admit, Alex had changed since they first met. Either that, or his perception of the man had. He was still stubborn, still totally clueless as to how to be a Keeper and completely ignorant of the honor it brought. But in a way, he was glad. Granted, if someone had told him a year ago that he'd be saddled with a Keeper who hadn't even known Sha'erah existed, and one who would so constantly and consistently refer to him as a friend and partner, and treat him as such, he would have told them they were mad.

Three hours later, Evan let go of the PDA and flexed tired fingers. He hadn't found much, and what he'd found hadn't been as much of a surprise as he thought, but there was no use continuing. All that was left were financial records and a diary that would have put the entire planet to sleep after ten minutes. He glanced at Alex, still sleeping beside him on the couch, and decided to let him stay that way. They had another two hours to go before the shuttle would arrive to take them up to the waiting ship, and Alex could use as much sleep as he could get. His head had drifted to the side, and was resting up against Evan's right shoulder. Careful not to wake him, he slid the closed PDA back into the thigh pocket of his Keeper's pants and settled back to rest his head against the cushions of the couch.

Alex's quip in the land cruiser to Kellman about Thomas's loyalty being called into question was nagging at the back of Evan's mind. Something about it rang true, but the idea that a Sha'erah -- especially one of Thomas's years and training -- would ever willingly allow his Keeper to be killed simply to instigate his own transfer, was unthinkable. Yet somehow Thomas had allowed Alex to get so far as to have his hands around Kellman's throat.

How far would he have let it go? Was it possible he truly didn't believe Alex was a threat, and was letting him blow off steam? That didn't seem likely at all, considering how quickly he'd been ready to attack when Alex had grabbed Kellman in the trophy room. And that had been just one of Alex's impulsive reactions. Even he knew his Keeper wasn't about to kill the man, but his actions had come close to causing both of their deaths.

So, if Thomas stopped him then, when he was simply trying to stop Kellman from being so brutal . . . why didn't he intervene when Alex truly wanted to kill the man?

Evan swallowed, staring up at the ceiling of the waiting area. There was only one explanation, but it didn't make a lot of sense. To stand by and do nothing while your Keeper was murdered was no different than murdering him yourself. Which couldn't be done.

But I did it, didn’t I? Technically speaking, Spencer Marcase was still his Keeper when he killed him. Although that was a point he still didn't like dwelling on. Alex was his Keeper. The ring hadn't left his . . . Well, the ring had been all his doing, hadn't it? But at the time, it wasn't a conscious decision. He just knew he had to stay with Alex. That's where he belonged. That's where he'd always belonged. Spencer had given up all rights to him when he staged his death back on Cryian. So really he hadn't helped to kill his Keeper. Regardless of the fact that he didn't understand whyat the time the ring had stayed with Alex. So in point of fact, he didn't . . .

Have a clue what I’m thinking.Evan sighed. It was no use, it simply didn't make sense and it wasn't going to. All he was accomplishing was a headache and an argument that had no answer. If Thomas did kill or allow the death of Regian Kellman, it was his concern. There was certainly no chance in hell he’d ever harm Alex. Sure, there were times he really wanted to pound some sense into him. And days when he thought he'd go insane trying to figure his Keeper out. But what it boiled down to was a respect and mutual affection and appreciation he could never find with another Keeper, or anyone else for that matter.

A soft chime announced the approach of the transport shuttle. Evan reached over and gently shook Alex. "The shuttle's on the way down."

Alex opened his eyes and blinked, then slowly dragged himself back to a sitting position, rubbing at the imprint of Evan's shirt that creased the side of his face. The movement and noise woke Zane, who yawned and smiled at them both.

"Shuttle's coming, Doc." Alex stretched and looked at Evan. "Did you get some rest?"

"A few hours," Evan lied. "There wasn't much in the files, but I did find a name I recognized."

Alex tensed, still blinking away the sleep from his eyes. "Who?"

"The lawyer Kellman's father used to draw up the will that leaves Thomas with whoever heads the estate." Evan glanced at Zane, then looked at Alex again. "Lewis VanHolt."

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