Cloud Rebel (R-D #3)(41)

I could see that Bekzi had made friends with them already, and was paving the way for Gerrett to do the same.

"When we go to Canada?" Bekzi offered a grin as he switched from Russian to English.

"Uh, when Valegar announces the all-clear," I said. It became obvious that Bekzi and the others were planning to come with Gerrett and me.

"Good. He bring Rafe. That very good," Bekzi nodded. "We eat, first. You want something? Coffee? Food?"

"Coffee," I sighed. "I'm really not hungry, and I had sunlight not long ago."

"You pale," Bekzi shook his head. "Not worry. Everything work out."

You didn't see the pile of bodies in that Cordell restaurant, I sent mindspeech.

I know this. Please, not worry. Some things—can't help, he shrugged.

The others seem to think Norian Keef may come himself, since we killed his murderous, Elemaiyan agents.

Hmmph. He Grz-gitch. He try harm, he get more back. I could tell there was no love between Norian Keef and Bekzi the reptanoid. From what I knew of Norian, I didn't care much for him, either.

How soon, you think? Bekzi thought to ask.

No idea. Whenever it is, it'll be too soon.

Agree.

*

Ilya

"This will be the test," Nefrigar announced. Whatever he'd done, other than squeezing my head between his hands, I hadn't felt.

I froze. What would the test be?

"This," Nefrigar smiled and transformed. Before me now stood her—Corinne—as she'd been when I first met her. I blinked in astonishment at her dark hair and blue eyes.

I felt a churning in my gut, but that's all.

"Now, this." Another transformation came. This time, Corinne as she'd been after receiving the drug a second time. Blonde hair, brighter blue eyes. A smile that lit the room.

I heaved. Valegar's hands went to my head and stomach to ward off the nausea.

"Now, this." Nefrigar became Corinne the Larentii. With Valegar's hands on me, I didn't even feel ill. Whatever Nefrigar had done, it appeared to be working. If it had truly been my cabbage standing before me, I'd have thrown my arms about her and wept with joy.

Instead, I wiped moisture from my eyes with a shaking hand and nodded my gratitude to Nefrigar.

"Good," he said. "Very good. If the compartmentalization appears to weaken, let Valegar know immediately. We will perform repairs quickly."

"Will I be able to touch?" I asked. I didn't realize how shaky I was until I heard my voice tremble when I spoke.

"Under observation," Nefrigar nodded after a moment of thought. "She will be wary, now. Approach with caution."

"I know." I had to defeat the trauma in her past as well as work to eliminate her current vision of me. That could prove quite difficult. At least I could think her name, now, without going into a rage.

"I warn you now, never bring harm to her. She will be the mother of my grandchild, someday," Nefrigar said.

Yes, I'll admit that I hadn't considered that. Jealousy enveloped my mind.

"Ah. That we can remedy easily," Nefrigar said while light poured out of him. When my vision focused again, the jealousy was gone. Instead, I felt nothing.

I couldn't decide whether I should be angry or not.

"Not would be the best option," Nefrigar interpreted my expression. "If you wish to see our Corinnelar again."

"I see your point," I rubbed the back of my neck with a still-shaky hand.

"Ah. Wise man," Nefrigar smiled. "I shall go. Valegar will be available should you have need or further questions."

"Thank you," I nodded respectfully. I'd met so few in my lifetime who were deserving of respect. Nefrigar was so far outside my realm of experience, that I almost felt I should bow in his presence.

"Not necessary," he grinned and disappeared.

"Are you ready to be transported to Canada?" Valegar asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said.

"Very well. I shall notify Corinne so she can meet us there."

*

Corinne

Your Ilya appears fine, Val sent. Come to Canada and bring the others.

You know they're all prepared to come, don't you?

I received mindspeech from Bekzi. He says Sergei and Katya's friends feel uncomfortable without their presence. Therefore, this is the best solution.

All right. I'm bringing everybody.

Very good. I look forward to seeing you, dearest.

Honey, I just want your arms around me, I said.

I will ensure that this happens.

*

Reth Alliance

Ildevar Wyyld, Founder

"They're dead. All four of them," Norian hissed.

"Have you considered that these deaths could be justified?" I asked.

"They killed my agents, after inviting them in and meeting with them." Norian was furious and only attempting to hold back his anger because he stood before me. Anyone else would feel his full wrath.

"How can you be sure that one of Earth's governments did this?"

"It was the government that refused to cooperate, and I have images of two of their top officials involved in this massacre, recorded by Invus before the vid was destroyed.

"Were there other images? Before or after?" I remained skeptical, while Norian insisted that his four were blameless in the event.