Neutral Space(21)

“Why didn’t they pull him out?” I turned my coffee cup in my hands.

“Because the government underestimates the power of loyalty of Kelsairan to Kelsairan. They believe there can only be loyalty to the government. They thought Salea would keep me there simply because he was in the army.”

“That’s why you shot him to make it look like he was doing his duty.”

She nodded glumly.“That and Teesa is carrying their child. He’ll never hold a gun right again; they’ll give him a nice desk job now, and Teesa won’t have to worry.”

I shook my head in disbelief before asking,“Why are we going to Kelsair?”

“For help. My brother has a ship that won’t be recognized, and he can give us money. I also have to get my journal and the fake plans my government wanted to feed yours I was hoping they could do something with them.”

“How do I know this isn’t some trap?”

“Jackson, why would I tell you all this if it was?”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner if it wasn’t?”

“Jackson, I wanted to but I couldn’t. I was afraid the prison, and even the transport ship was bugged. I’m talking about trying to end the war and maybe even doing so by letting the humans win. I really am committing treason. I have every right to be paranoid and secretive.”

“And why, all of a sudden, are you so concerned with ending the war?”

“Because only when the war is over can we truly be together.” She looked away from me ready to cry. “God, Jackson, I love you. I didn’t mean for it to happen but I do. I don’t care what happens; I just want to be with you.” I knew then I loved her too because at that moment I forgave every lie she told me and secret she kept. “You don’t have to say the same just forgive me.” She pleaded.

“Kheda, I forgive you. Although, it will take me a while to trust you again.” I told her. She came around the table and fell into my arms. She cried there softly a few moments until my arms finally wrapped around her. “Why don’t you rest for a while.”

“You swear you’ll be here when I wake up?” Kheda looked up at me.

“Kheda, where would I go? Besides, I can’t stop without risking your life, and no matter how mad I am I can't do that.” She wiped her tears and smiled hearing the implications in my voice. “Now you're happy? Women,” I said exasperated “go get some sleep.” She got up and went into the bedroom while I went for more coffee.





Chapter 9





K



heda spent the next three days figuring out how to fool the sensors into showing two Kelsairan biosignatures. The best she managed so far was a Kelsairan and Ceron. It wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t what they were looking for either. I watched her as she worked. I know I should have remained angry with her longer and should have kept my distance, but I couldn’t. There was something about her that I found utterly irresistible. Whether it was her calm confidence, her intelligence, or just her good looks; I don’t know, but I found it hard to keep my distance. I still had not told her I loved her though, but I had admitted it to myself. That, to me, seemed to be punishment enough for her.

I got nervous when we entered Kelsairan space. The ships ignored us for the most part. Two days of travel brought us to Kelsair. Our view screen worked, although it would not transmit a picture somehow, Kheda simply couldn’t fix it. Kelsair seemed a small planet, but there appeared to be more water than on earth. There were lush bands of green and stretches of brown. “I grew up there on that land mass below that band of forest. We are headed here to this forest one of my parent’s homes is there.”

I glanced at the control panel. “Kheda were being hailed.”

“Try not to speak you still have an accent.” She grinned at me. “This is Sai; we humbly request permission to land.”

“What’s your business on Kelsair?” The voice was flat on the other end of the comm.

“I’ve come to pay homage to Kelta,” Kheda said respectfully.

“And the Ceron?” The voice was annoyed now.

“My husband.” She took my hand. We both wanted more than what we had now.

“You have three days.” The voice was flat again.

“I would like to visit family,” Kheda told the voice.

“Four and do so quickly. Next time be sure your view screen is transmitting.” The voice nearly growled at us.

“Sorry, I can’t seem to figure out what the problem is.” She held up a severed wire and grinned. She cut off the transmission and looked at me. “I was hoping for five days. We’ll just have to hope my brother is near. We’ll set the ship on autopilot to take off in four days if we get the ship from my brother. We won’t have to worry about anyone finding it.”

“And if we can’t?” I looked at her worried.

“We’ll have to hurry back. Tonight, though, you’ll have a real Kelsairan meal.” She was getting excited.

“Are you cooking?” I was skeptical. Kheda didn’t seem like the domesticated type.

She shook her head, “No, my aunt will.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to see your family.”

“Aunt Sai wouldn’t care if you were an osimpa. If I love you, then she’ll love you.”