The Seer Page 2

  "My blaster is holstered. I don't have any other weapons."

  Arissa cringed as the TelSec’s light fell on her again.

  "You?"

  "She's not armed," Jolar said quickly.

  "I'm not asking you, am I? I'm asking her," the TelSec officer snapped. "You, miss, you armed?"

  Arissa shook her head, biting her lip at the dizziness that action caused.

  The TelSec looked over Jolar's uniform. "Fleet, huh?" He threw a derisive glance at Arissa that made her cheeks hot. "Guess I don't need to ask what you're doing in this part of the capital. Don't you Fleet types like to keep to the upper city pleasure houses for downtime?"

  Jolar narrowed his eyes. "I came here to meet a friend."

  The TelSec glanced at Arissa again. "Right.” He flicked off the light and hooked it to his belt, lowering his blaster but keeping it unholstered as he pulled a scanner from his pocket. “Let's see who you are, Fleet.”

  He passed the red light over Jolar's right eye.

  The officer glanced at the display. "d’Tural, Jolar, Commander. Zartan," he read. "Looks like you are cleared for that weapon you’re carrying.” The TelSec smirked. “Guess I'll let you keep the blaster after all."

  "Thanks," Jolar muttered.

  "You can put your hands down, Commander." The TelSec officer holstered his blaster and turned to Arissa. "Now, you."

  Arissa's throat closed as the TelSec lifted the scanner toward her.

  Jolar quickly shielded her eyes from the TelSec’s instrument with his hand.

  "You can't scan her,” Jolar said. “She’s injured, see? She has eye pain, probably a concussion too."

  She glanced at Jolar as he scrambled to find some excuse the TelSec would believe.

  The TelSec’s jaw hardened. "I need a scan."

  "I'm telling you, you can't. Look at what he did to her! She needs medical attention, damn it. The Fleet medcenter can give you her info later."

  Why does he want so badly to take me there?

  The TelSec officer hesitated. "All right. Put your hands down, miss. Wait—the Fleet medcenter? You're telling me she's Fleet too?"

  "No," Jolar said. “I'm Fleet, she's pregnant so that's where I'm taking her."

  The officer raised an eyebrow. "Yours?"

  "Yes, mine." Jolar growled. "Are you going to put that in your report?"

  Arissa blinked at his unhesitating claim of responsibility for her and her supposed baby. Jolar shifted his weight, partially shielding her from the TelSec’s gaze.

  The officer gave a snort and slid the scanner back into his pocket. "Not part of the investigation, I guess." He jerked a thumb toward the alley and the other TelSec shuttle parked there. "You want to tell me what happened?"

  Jolar shrugged. "I met a friend for a drink. I was walking back to—"

  Over Jolar’s shoulder the TelSec speared Arissa with a look, his mind darkening with suspicion. "And where was your pregnant Orny here? Didn't she go with you?"

  "No," Jolar said coldly. "Actually I spent a good deal of time tonight chasing her down and convincing her to come home with me."

  The TelSec narrowed his gaze. Finally, he gave a short nod.

  "The man pushed me into the alley, he didn't see Tianna behind him. He pulled a blaster. Tianna distracted him and I shot first. Then I called TelSec."

  "Why didn't you stay with the body?"

  "Tianna was frightened. She ran off, I went after her. We were on our way back to meet you."

  "Did you know the man?" He glanced at Arissa. "Either of you?"

  "If I ever met him," Jolar answered, "I don't remember it."

  The TelSec looked at her. Arissa shook her head and pain shot through her head at the movement.

  "You say he pulled a blaster," he continued. "What did he want?"

  Jolar shrugged. "Money for more chemicals probably. He had his blaster pointed at me, he was going to fire. I didn't have any choice."

  "Did he take anything? Money? Your security badge?"

  Jolar shook his head. "No, nothing. Look, she's in pain. Can I get her to medical now? You know where to find me."

  The TelSec gave a nod in the direction of the other shuttle. “I’ll get our medic to—”

  “She needs a doctor,” Jolar snapped. “Not some Sec officer with a first aid kit. She goes to the Fleet medcenter and she goes now.”

  The TelSec officer's mouth tightened. "Let me clear it."

  He stepped away pulling out his communicator.

  Arissa was trembling, her breath coming in short, quick bursts.

  "Hold on," Jolar murmured, taking her cold hand in his strong grip. "Just a couple more minutes, okay, Tianna?"

  His hand was warm around hers, his thumb lightly stroked her skin. She suddenly remembered he'd wanted her before he knew.

  The TelSec turned back. He gave them a nod. "I’m authorized to take you to the Fleet base."

  "No!"

  "Yes," Jolar said deliberately, glaring at her. "We need a ride to Fleet Sector Xan. To take you to the medcenter."

  Voluntarily get into a Security transport? Is he insane?

  He still held her hand, his pull gentle but insistent. "Come on, Tianna. He's taking us to the Fleet medcenter. It'll be all right."

  He meant it.

  "Jolar, I—I can't—"

  His vivid eyes narrowed. "Do you want me to carry you, sweetheart? I will."

  He really meant that.

  She took clumsy steps forward and the TelSec slid the shuttle door open. Jolar put his hand on the small of her back and gave her a gentle push inside.

  Arissa wrinkled her nose. The shuttle’s interior smelled artificial, heavily fragranced with some awful fake floral scent. She scooted over on the seat as Jolar sat next to her. The TelSec slid the door shut, trapping her inside.

  "Please—"

  "Quiet," Jolar hissed.

  The TelSec was already taking the controls. He spoke into his comm unit looking towards the other shuttle. "Yeah, lifting off now. Should be back in twenty or so. Right, thanks."

  Arissa gripped the seat as they rose, her stomach lurching at the sudden movement. It had been nearly eight months since she'd ridden in a shuttle. Not since—

  Jolar frowned. "Tianna?"

  The TelSec glanced back at them. "She’s not going to throw up back there, is she? I just had it cleaned."

  "My head hurts," Arissa said faintly.

  Unexpectedly gentle, Jolar pulled her close against his big body, drawing her head to his shoulder, encircling her in the warmth of his arms.

  "Hang on,” he murmured. “We'll be there in a few minutes.” He stroked her hair, his hand cradling the back of her head, his cheek against her temple. “It's going to be okay.”

  She closed her eyes. Gods, he smells so good.

  A tingle of desire.

  Quickly crushed.

  She could feel the sudden tension in his body as he turned his face away to look out the window. The city was speeding by below as the TelSec officer joined the airlanes, the neighborhoods showing more green space as they became more respectable.

  It was a silent trip, neither man interested in small talk. The shuttle ride roiled her stomach but it was far too soon that the TelSec decreased speed.

  "I'm going to drop you at the gate and—"

  "No," Jolar said. "Send them my ID scan. Tell them to clear us through to land at the medcenter."

  The TelSec glanced back, then shrugged and lifted the communicator to hail the gate.

  Jolar's vibration uncoiled with relief when the gate gave clearance. He pulled away from her before the shuttle touched down and was out of the vehicle as soon as the door opened.

  It was full dark now and the well-lit neat square around them was a study in straight lines and uninspired landscaping.

  A military base? How is this better than a TelSec station?

  Jolar looked at her sitting there frozen in the shuttle. "Come on, sweetheart.”

  He’s afraid t
oo.

  He held his hand out. "Let's get you taken care of." His eyes narrowed, his anxiety buffeting her. "Come on, Tianna. The officer wants to leave."

  Arissa swallowed hard and put her hand in his.

  Jolar nodded his thanks to the TelSec officer as she climbed out and urged her back as the man closed up the shuttle and lifted off.

  She clutched his arm. "You can't let a doctor examine me! My records—I never had the full medical scan. They'll do one and—and they'll find—"

  "I know," he said tightly. "Just be quiet."

  Everything in her was crying out that Jolar truly meant to help her, was committed to protecting her . . .

  Still she couldn’t bring herself to walk into the gleaming medical center and Jolar nearly had to push her through the sliding doors.

  Sparklingly clean with white and silver appointments, the Fleet emblem shone on the doors, on the walls, on the blue medtech uniform of the young man who greeted them.

  "Commander." The medtech’s eyes flicked toward Arissa and his eyebrows raised, just a touch. "How can I help you?"

  "Call Doctor de’Sar," Jolar said. “Tell her it’s urgent.”

  The medtech’s glance took in her threadbare clothes, her face, where she’d been hit.

  “Doctor de’Sar is not on duty tonight, sir.” He was already looking at the datapad in his hand. “But Doctor Yuseh—”

  “I know she’s not here,” Jolar interrupted. “That’s why you’re going to call her, Lieutenant. Now.”

  The man blinked and his mouth tightened. “Yes, sir.” He tapped on his screen, his eyes scanning the response. “I’ve relayed your message. Doctor de’Sar has confirmed she is on her way. Would you care to have a seat?”

  Arissa glanced uneasily at the bright, clean, empty waiting room.

  “No,” Jolar said. “Jensah has an exam room off her office. We’ll wait for her there.”

  The man straightened. “I really don’t think that—”

  Jolar’s eyes were blue ice. “What part of this conversation makes you believe I'm interested in your opinion?”

  The man’s nostrils flared, his tone clipped. “Follow me.”

  He came around the desk and led them through double doors into the main part of the medical building. The place was like a shiny white labyrinth, the lift, the doors, everything required the medtech to use his security pass to open.

  How could she get out again?

  Would she ever get out again?

  The medtech led them into a cold, antiseptic-smelling room. Medical equipment was neatly laid out beside the exam table. The sharp lines of the well-lit military base below were visible through the room’s one-way windows.

  “All right,” the man began. “Let’s get a look at your records then we can—”

  Arissa darted back, twisting away to cover her face as he brought the scanner up.

  Jolar instantly moved to stand in front of her. “Doctor de’Sar will treat this patient. You’re dismissed.”

  “Sir, if you let me get a scan then the young woman can change into—”

  “You’re dismissed!”

  The medtech’s face tightened. “Yes, sir!” He tossed the scanner back on the table then turned on his heel and left, the door sliding shut behind him.

  Jolar blew his breath out and ran his hand through his hair. He glanced back at her. “You can sit down now.”

  Arissa shifted her feet. Standing made her feel safer.

  “Suit yourself.” He dropped into a chair and rubbed his hand over his eyes. “What a day.” He looked at her, his anger sharp and hot, his fear like cold spikes. “Guess I don’t have to tell you about it, do I? You already know.”

  “I can’t read your thoughts,” Arissa flared.

  Anger darkened his face. “You said you were a—”

  “It’s not like that!”

  He glared at her for a long moment then a puzzled frown replaced the scowl. “You didn’t hear any of that, did you?”

  “You were trying to think at me? I just told you I can’t do that.”

  There was a pulse of surprise from him. “I just thought—”

  “What?” she demanded. “That I was lying?”

  “Well, what can you do, damn it?”

  She folded her arms. “You’re angry, embarrassed, suspicious, probably wondering if I’m just crazy. When you were staring down that man’s blaster, you were afraid but more outraged at the unfairness of it, that you were going to die without knowing why. When you shoved that money in my hand, you were angry at yourself because you wanted very badly to frack me, knew you shouldn’t, and knew you were going to anyway.”

  His lips were colorless. “Gods,” he breathed. “You are really are a—”

  The door slid open and Jolar shot to his feet.

  The white haired woman took a surprised half step back, catching the edge of the doorway. “Good evening, Jolar.” She tilted her head. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “No, I’m—” Jolar cleared his throat. “Good evening, Jensah.”

  She offered Arissa a warm smile. “Well, now, is this my patient?” she asked, shrugging out of her jacket and laying it over the back of a chair. She raised the light level over the exam table.

  “Yes.” Jolar wet his lips. “This is Tianna. She’s uh—hurt.”

  “I can see that lump from here.” Jensah ran sanitizing cleanser over her hands and dried them. “Come sit down, Tianna. Let me take a look at you.”

  The woman’s compassion, her patient curiosity, was like a balm. Arissa edged closer and perched on the edge of the exam table.

  She started when the woman’s gentle fingers went under her chin to tilt her face up.

  “I just want to see a little better,” Jensah soothed. “Well, that is quite a lump, young lady. Did you black out?”

  Arissa shook her head.

  “Any nausea? Dizziness? No? Headache? Yes, indeed,” she smiled kindly at Arissa’s nod. “I’m not surprised. Well, let me take a quick look at your records while you go change into an exam gown and—”

  Arissa flinched away as Jensah brought the scanner up and Jolar took a quick step forward.

  “Jensah,” he said. “You have to treat her without an ID scan, without any record made.”

  Jensah frowned a little, lowering the ID scanner, her curiosity rising in pitch. “Ah, well, I’m sure you know that whatever happens here is confidential.” She glanced at Arissa. “Jolar, whatever your relationship with this young woman, you can rely on my discret—”

  Jolar colored. “No, she’s not—You can’t scan Tianna.”

  Jensah shifted her weight. “Jolar, it would be irresponsible to me not to access available medical records before I treat her.”

  Jolar wet his lips. “You owe me, Jensah. You owe my family a great deal.”

  “Yes, Jolar.” Jensah’s sense cooled. “I haven’t forgotten.”

  He glanced at Arissa. “Well, this is enough to wipe out that debt and put me firmly in yours.”

  There was a pulse of surprise and her interest reverberated. “I see. What exactly are you asking here?”

  “That you treat her but make no record of it. If you have to access her ID—” He held his hand up to cut off Arissa’s protest. “You do it in such a way that the request is encrypted. There can’t be any record she was here.”

  “What you just asked me to do is highly suspect.” Jensah folded her arms. “I’m beginning to wonder if this will cross into illegal.”

  Jolar nodded. “Yes, it will. Very, very illegal.”

  “Goodness, Tianna.” Jensah looked round at her. “What have you done?”

  “It’s Arissa,” she whispered. At his surprise and hurt she met Jolar’s eyes. “My name is Arissa.”

  Three

  “Oh, my gods,” Jensah breathed as the results of the full scan displayed on the screen.

  "It's true then?" Jolar asked tightly. “She’s a Seer?”

  "If I hadn't . . . Look
there, the activity in the pineal gland, the development in the front portion of the corpus callosum. Yes. Yes, it's true."

  Arissa shrank back. They were looking at her like a bug under a microscope.

  Jensah shook her head, tapping at her datapad. "I've got to show this to Doctor Gardi in Neurobiology! Gods, when he sees—"

  "No!” Jolar grabbed her wrist. “You can't show this to anyone."

  Her head came up. "Jolar, I don't think you realize—I mean, the opportunity to study one of them— a live subject, not a postmortem or preserved brain!"

  Arissa caught her breath.

  "Fracking hell, Jensah, she's a person not a specimen!” Jolar flared.

  "But the opportunity to—" Jensah shook her head. "I know a number of others in the scientific community would welcome this chance. I'm sure an exception could be made for just one to kept alive for research purposes. I'm sure there's a way… Navik Station. Yes, the sealed research facility orbiting the outpost at Rusco. Surely if we can keep blood plague samples sealed there, we could certainly contain a Seer!"

  Arissa gripped the edge of the table to keep upright.

  “Are you even listening to yourself?” Jolar demanded. “What kind of life would she have?"

  "She would have a life," Jensah said sharply. "Look at her now, in tattered summer weight clothes and suffering from malnutrition. Wouldn't you—Arissa—rather live in a comfortable, safe facility where all your needs were seen to? Where you would be fed and cared for?"

  "Like a lab animal?" Arissa cried. "No, I festering well wouldn't! I’d rather frack strangers in the back alleys of the marketplace!"

  Jensah’s mouth thinned. "Well, I don't think you are being very sensible." She scowled up at Jolar. "Or you either. What do you intend to do with her now? Give her some money and throw her back into the street? Sooner or later TelSec is going to pick her up, you know. And what do you think they'll do to her?"

  "I don't know what I’ll do,” Jolar said tightly. “But I’m not going to let them execute her and I didn't bring her here so you could turn her into a science experiment." He glanced at the clock. "I need to see Dacel. I'm already late."

  "Dacel?" Jensah frowned. "You're not thinking of sending her to Zartan?"

  "I just said, I don't know yet.” He glanced at Arissa. "Give us a minute, Jensah, okay?"