Neutral Space(35)

We both came to dinner freshly bathed and dressed, although we were late. It was worth it, though. A little more exploring led to other options and Kheda was grinning like an idiot. The fact that her calm demeanor was gone flustered Bhet. All she kept saying was ‘in the shower.' Ren merely smiled as he ate his dinner.

That evening, as I lay with Kheda in my arms, I finally got up the nerve to face reality once again. “What did Ren say about the list?”

“I was hoping you’d leave that until tomorrow.”

“Kheda, we should leave in the morning.”

She sighed and got up on one elbow. “They were meetings held in neutral space. Ren never found out specifically where they went and the location changed at the second meeting. Ren was not even allowed to stay for the whole thing, most of the time he was stuck on the ship.”

“But why are the humans and Kelsairans having secret meetings? Peace negotiations, do you think?”

“No, Jackson. There are merchants at the meetings: arms dealers, medical suppliers and I don’t know what else.”

“They’re trying to keep the war going?” I was stunned, but when I thought about it, the facts fell in place. “God, Kheda, think about what we’ve resorted to killing each other with. The plasma rifle Dan had was outdated simply because each side came up with shielding technology for their people. Each new technology was the same, and then Sean Masden reintroduced the gun and bullets. Soon your side had them too only a little different. We thought your scientists reproduced them but what if Masden simply sold them to your people.”

“It doesn’t matter, Jackson; my people are developing new body armor to stop bullets.”

“We have the same. It’s been around since the 20th century.” She looked at me amazed. “We’ve used it from day one. How long have the meetings been going on?”

“Ren wasn’t sure, but he knew it was much longer than the list indicated.”

“I need access to a human database. I need to find out who the other names on the list are.”

“Can your friend Tony help us again?”

“No, besides I’ve already put him in danger once.” I thought a moment. “I know who can help us, but Tony was right. Jeannie is going to kill me.”

Kheda sat up. “Who’s Jeannie?”

“A very old friend.”

“Jeannie is a girl’s name. Who is she?”

“Someone’s jealous.”

“Sounds like I have a right to be if she’s going to be mad you married.”

I looked to Kheda finally. “You’re right, but are you sure you want to know?” Kheda nodded. “Jeannie and I met in the army. She and I were friends with benefits.”

“Meaning you had sex with her.”

“It wasn’t quite like you say, but yes.” I squirmed under Kheda’s glare.

“And why are we going to see her?” She narrowed her brows.

“Jeannie was military intelligence. Hell, she may still be and not told me. If she doesn’t have access, then she can get it. We need her help.” Kheda sighed and finally asked where Jeannie was. I told her she was on Sirus Three.

“Lucky for you it’s a long trip; I’ll have you all to myself. In the meantime, you’ll be too tired to think about her.”

“You, my dear, have nothing to worry about.” I pulled her back into my arms, and she settled in beside me once again. “Why do you think your father gave you this list?”

“He’s fought the war as long as I can remember. Not in an open fashion, but more in a ‘save our people fashion.’ He always told me he thought it a waste of our most talented minds to have them fighting with the humans. He said he was sure it was the same for your people.”

“Why hasn’t your government stopped him?”

“Because of all the good he’s done. Any animosity he’s caused towards the war has been overshadowed by his good deeds and programs. Like Ren said, he has a way of making himself heard no matter what. Aya has been helping him just little statements here and there, but it's enough for now.”

“And what did you think of all this?”

“I was taken from one extreme to the other. I thought my father and brother did not know what threat the humans truly posed. I pitied them and humored their deeds all the time making a reputation for myself doing exactly what they spoke against. I was good at what I did because I believed blindly in what I was told.” She looked to me. “And honestly, in all the fights I was in, your people did nothing to dispel those lies.”

“Because we were told similar lies.” She nodded with understanding. “It seems both sides want this to keep going. Do you think the list will be enough to make them talk peace?”

“I think there’s something we’re missing, or rather something Ren is not telling us.”

“We’ll figure it out.” I kissed her “let’s get some sleep.”

Kheda woke me early the following morning. She was already dressed and packing the few things we’d gotten out of our bags. I asked her for clean clothes, but she shook her head. She told me there was a sandstorm overnight and we were going to have to clear the engines before we could leave. Joy just what I wanted.

Ren waited for us upstairs with a light breakfast and two canteens a piece. He walked us to the door after we ate. “Thanks again Ren.” Kheda smiled.