Neutral Space(27)

“Looks like someone doesn’t like my brother’s dabbling, especially not at intermission.”

“Then I guess someone isn’t doing as Kelta asks.” Kheda looked to the door as it opened. “Apparently not.” Aya stepped into the room and could have been Kheda’s twin. He was a little bigger but if Kheda were a man he’s precisely what she would have looked like. She ran to embrace him.

“Cia, indeed.” He squeezed her tight. Aya glanced up at me and did a double take. “What are you playing at Kheda?” She looked at him. “Since when do you keep company with Cerons?”

“He’s human.” She relented, and he let her go.

Aya sighed, “Then it’s true you’re in a lot of trouble.”

“I am,” Kheda returned to my side and took my hand.

Aya sighed and sat down in a chair “Why have you come, Kheda? This is dangerous for me.”

“Who else can I go to?” Her shoulders sagged.

“Did you have to bring your alien lover to flaunt in front of me?” Aya asked. Kheda crossed the room and smacked him hard. He remained seated as he stared at her.

She pointed a finger in his face, “You listen to me, Aya. Despite everything you may have heard I have remained true to Kelta. I am pure. He has done nothing to change that and has even denied me his bed.”

Aya looked to me “Is it true?” I nodded “Why?”

“Because I love her.” It was the pure and brutal truth.

“Kheda, what a mess. What do you want from me?” he got up to pace.

“I want the ship I gave you and some money.” She put her hands on her hips.

“I love that ship.” Aya stopped pacing to stare at her.

“Have I ever asked anything of you?” She folded her arms.

“No, you’re right as always.” He smiled at his sister “You look great.”

“Thank you, Aya.” Kheda relaxed once more.

“Come back after the show I will get you what you need. And Kheda, I hope you locked the door at my house.”

“Of course I did, but you shouldn’t have given me the combination if I wasn’t allowed to go there.”

“And what if I had been there?” Aya asked.

“I know your habits, brother. When in Vali you stay with Thris.”

“And just how do you know this?” His brows furrowed.

“Special Ops.” She smiled.

“God, I missed you.” He hugged her again just as someone knocked on his door. I went out first, and Kheda followed.

Aya stuck his head out. “Miss Soloion would you be so kind as to escort Cia back to her seat and be sure she finds her way back here after the show. Send flowers to Thris and tell her I’ll be back a little late.”

We sat through the rest of the show and left just after the last song. Kheda was sure he’d have one or two curtain calls, so we had plenty of time to get backstage without being noticed.

Miss Soloion met us halfway and grumbled the entire way back. She let us into his dressing room and closed the door after us. Aya came in a few minutes later and lounged in a chair. “Well, what did you think, human?”

“I have a name,” Aya looked at me expectantly. “It’s Jackson Peterson, and I liked it very much, although you went flat halfway through your second aria.” Aya looked like he was going to tear my head off for a moment and then he started to laugh.

“Surprised you noticed. That took a lot of courage to say to me.”

“You wouldn’t be the first Kelsairan to beat the crap out of me.”

“No, I suppose not.” He got up from his seat “All right Jackson, I’m Aya; nice to meet you. It seems I owe you for helping my sister escape Kras.”

“We helped each other,” I told him, and Aya nodded in acknowledgment.

“Now, where’s my ship?” Kheda was eager to go.

“My ship you gave it to me, and I’ll want it back.” Aya corrected.

“Talk to Jackson, he’s a better pilot than I am.”

“A better pilot than Kheda? I thought I’d heard it all.” Aya looked at me surprised. “You bring her back in one piece.”

“Whatever damage is done Kheda can fix.” I looked at her.

Aya sighed “She’s in the hotel hanger. The code’s the same.” Aya went to the wall and opened a safe. He pulled out a handful of credits and handed them to his sister.

“Aya, I can’t take this; it’s too much.”

“Take it that’s less than a weeks pay. Besides, without you, I wouldn’t have it.” He hugged her. She slipped the money into a bag that matched her dress. “Take care, Kheda, and try to stay out of trouble.” She nodded and went out the door I moved to follow, but Aya stopped me. “What’s your part in all this? I’m assuming you’re Jeep but why come here?”

“I told you; I love her.”

“And exactly what are your intentions towards my sister?”

“I asked her to marry me two nights ago.” Aya was stunned. I wasn’t sure if he was going to hug me or deck me, but he finally nodded.

“I know she agreed or she wouldn’t have gotten so angry with me. I can only imagine what you two have been through together and I truly hope you can make it work.” Aya went back to the safe and pulled out a box. He brought it over and handed it to me. “Take this.” I opened it and was surprised to see jewelry. A green and gold necklace that seemed a little stiff.