Hesparia's Tears (10 page)

Together they made their way down the corridor towards the eli-pad and the increased security detail which had been assembled for the excursion to the burg of Parkes. A series of large vehicles had been placed at their disposal for transport to and from the venue. Galan looked at it, noting the rudimentary nature of them. He would have preferred to use one of their own conveyances, but Agent Foley had stated that this would probably cause more issues than it would solve.

He clambered in, grunting as he moved into the restrictive space. “Please use the seat belt.”

Galan looked at the driver.
What is a seat belt?
Galan looked at Foley.

“I have no idea what a seat belt is. Can you please explain this?”

 Seth climbed in beside him. “Joras thought you might need some assistance.” Seth grinned at Galan before he rolled his eyes.

“I need to use a seat belt.” He carefully enunciated each word and was startled when Seth leaned over him. “What are you doing, Seth?”

“I’m putting your seat belt on. So watch and learn. That way you can do it by yourself on the way back.” A thin strap of webbing was drawn over his shoulder and clicked into a small gadget. Galan was fascinated. On Hesparia they used force fields on their small conveyances, so it was rare that anyone got more than a bump or bruise.

A whine rent the air and he sat up, startled.
Surely they weren’t still using internal combustion engines?
Galan made a note to ask about that later as they pulled out. He watched as they drove along, small single conveyances moved ahead with flashing lights attached to the front, and the person rode astride the small machines. Galan watched as vehicles stopped for them and they headed into the township.

It wasn’t so very small as he had been led to believe. It was more the size of one of the agricultural townships that provided produce to the Hesparian towns. Greenery lined the roads they travelled on and small mercantiles were dotted here and there. The houses were mainly neat and tidy. Occasionally some people along the roadside waved signs at the motorcade as they progressed through the streets until they reached a large white building. It was ugly and stark white. It resembled a glorified box sitting in the centre of town with perfectly aligned garden beds.

“Well, this is it.” Seth watched him nervously. “Do you think you can undo the seat belt? There is a small button to release.”

Galan nodded and found the clip, releasing the belt with a hiss. Seth climbed out and Galan followed him, smoothing down his ceremonial garb. He stepped away from the vehicle and Seth reached behind closing the door, remembering to turn off the light camouflage. Audible gasps broke out as Galan watched the vehicle roll forward. He was ushered within the interior of the building. With a shrug Galan entered the structure, feeling the caress of the cool air.

Sounds from outside were muted once he had retreated inside and the door closed. Galan looked around, gazing at the glass boxed items with an interested eye. A buzz at his collar caught his attention. “Galan.”

“Well, gee thanks, Galan. I called to you and they won’t let me through.” Jessa. “Is there something I need to know? Some reason I’m not being included?”

“Wait one moment, while I request you be escorted inside.” He grinned. There was no way he could stop the jaunty spring in his step. Ever since his men had returned from Jessa’s abode, he’d been concerned that she wouldn’t attend the meeting. But no, here she was. A warm tide of elation swept through him. He turned to Agent Foley. “Jessa is just beyond the door. Please have her escorted in.”

Agent Foley shook his head and something shifted within him. “I’m sorry, sir. I can’t.”

Galan stopped still and glared at the man. “Can’t or won’t?”

“Can’t, sir. My orders are that Miss Bankia is to be refused entrance.” The words were as impassive as his facial expression.

“Galan? What the hell is going on? They say I am on the
Do Not Allow
list.”

“
Jessa, I am currently discussing the situation inside. Stay where you are.” His words were precise and he was sure he heard a comment.

“Do you think you could hurry it up a little?”

Frustration was clear in her voice and he wanted to smile, but smothered the grin. “No Jessa, no co-operation.” Galan hardened his voice.

Agent Foley nodded and turned away, talking into his phone and Galan waited.

“Sir, I can’t…”

“Fine. Joras? We leave now.” The security detail formed a circle around him and they headed towards the door. Shouts broke out behind him, but he didn’t turn, until one voice called out.

“Let her in!”

Galan stopped and waited. Were they planning to let Jessa join them, now? Was this how it was going to be played out? Brinkmanship all the way? His gut churned while fury rose, but he contained it. The glass door opened and Jessa scurried in. He let himself gaze upon her, the vibrant green of her skirt and the white shirt emphasising her loveliness. Her face pinked and the glitter in her eyes called to him. She was his. He would never give her up. Not now. Not ever.

 She wore the communicator and the non-functional unit as ear adornments. Her red hair was tied back, showing the long line of her throat and her legs were bare and on her feet were green shoes which matched her skirt. Over her shoulder was slung a small bag. Without a doubt she was both the most feminine and the most beautiful female in the room. All the other women wore pants negating any femininity that they projected. She joined the group of Hesparians, a small smile playing over her features as her breathing eased.

Jessa hadn’t meant to join them. In fact she had been determined to go back to her nice safe and totally neutral lifestyle, which included work and home. Nothing more than resuming her life had been in her conscious mind. She had dressed for work at the observatory in her customary skirt and blouse, but subconsciously, she must have decided to follow the buzz of excitement to the community centre. Her feet had found their way here. Some primal force told her she needed to be by his side. And she had subconsciously obeyed. She’d even worn his earrings, not that she knew why and that made her feel like a prize fool.

Anger filled her, as she remembered the confrontation outside. The person on the door had flushed once she had gained entrance. To be refused, indeed! Thank heavens she’d had the communicator which had meant she’d been able to tell Galan she’d been outside. She didn’t know what he’d said, but she made a point to ask him later. The need to fiddle with her skirt ensuring it sat correctly nearly overwhelmed her. It was just nerves of course, but she couldn’t help her reaction in front of these important people. She wanted to show herself in the best possible light before him, which was silly, she reminded her psyche. But it didn’t stop the ingrained feminine pleasure she derived watching him looking her over.

Slow steps brought her towards him. He smiled slightly and she melted deep inside. Seth grinned and elbowed her in the ribs, the quick sting calling her back from the introspective fog she had lost herself in on seeing Galan. Jessa realised what a spectacle she was making of herself and him too. “So… Are you ready Galan?”

He nodded in silence. She joined the group heading towards the door.

Jessa scanned the room, she’d been here many times before, attending functions with her parents and brother, but it had never looked like this before. People milled here and there in small groups, phones stuck to ears. They talked in earnest but muted whispers. Others tapped on their tablet devices, no doubt sending requests to their minions back in offices in Canberra. As they passed, she could see others looking at them. She shivered, feeling so out of place among these career politicians and public servants. Galen’s hand rested lightly on Jessa’s waist, making her nerve endings quiver in reaction to his caress.

“Look, it’s the PM.” Seth’s scornful voice caught her attention.

She glanced in the direction he indicated. The Prime Minister was taking her seat, talking quietly before holding up her hand, cutting her staffers off. The men and women’s expressions showed acceptance of her curt action and she smiled towards Galan. She gave a well-practiced curve of her lips. One she had obviously used thousands of times before, but Jessa was unsurprised to see it didn’t reach her eyes. No, those contained a calculating directness. She stood and walked slowly towards their group.

“Welcome, Captain Galan.” She stuck her hand out to Galan.

Jessa was impressed by how effectively she cut off the rest of the group with the single motion.

“I’m so pleased you chose Australia as your first landing site.” The woman didn’t gush or fawn over him, but worked steadily, drawing Galan away from the group. Seth and Jessa waited, and for her part, she was unsure what to do or how to react.
Should we follow? Should we wait?

Joras moved beside Jessa. “Do you know this woman?”

“She’s the Prime Minister. The head of our elected government,” Jessa answered absently, with her eyes taking in every carefully rehearsed step.

“Hmm. Is this the norm for the way she meets with dignitaries, find one and single them out from the others. It isn’t very…wise, surely?” His dry words made Jessa want to smile.

“I don’t know. I’ve never met her before.” She stepped forward but Joras touched her arm slightly.

“Let’s wait and see what happens, shall we?” His voice held amusement. She turned to see the glint of humour in his eyes.

So they waited and soon enough Galan bowed in a courtly manner and returned to their group, indicating each member and making an introduction as he went. Once this had happened, they were ushered to seats at the long white clad table.

Galan finally allowed his men to turn off the camouflage and did the same, even as he insisted that both Jessa and Seth sit near him. The meeting came to order and the members of the working group ran through the usual processes. Jessa sat, pen in hand and scribbled notes on the small pad that had been placed before her.

Quickly, it came time for Galan to outline the issue. “We have come to earth seeking assistance. We have, in the last several years, lost many of the females from our planet. We come seeking willing volunteers to join us on Hesparia.” As he spoke the room erupted in murmurs and she could see heads shaking.

“Madam Prime Minister…” One large man in a suit rose to his feet, his face thunderous. “You cannot possibly allow…”

The Prime Minister stood, raising a hand. “Please resume your seat, Minister. We shall discuss this later.” He looked at her, red faced before slowly subsiding into his chair. She returned steely eyes back to Galan. “Please continue, Captain.”

Jessa contained her snort of amusement. It was clear Galan hadn’t informed the PM of his real status or position. “Thank you, Prime Minister. In exchange, we are more than happy to share insights into genetic technology, space flight and healing with your people.”

The shocked murmurs continued as the discussion turned towards timeframes, goodwill gestures. A meal was delivered to the table, yet the humans kept a watchful eye on their Hesparian counterparts. Jessa sighed each time another objected to something Galan mentioned.

By the end of the meeting, she was exhausted and wanting nothing more than to sit down with a quiet drink.
Preferably something long and cold and decidedly alcoholic
, she told herself. Agent Foley made his way towards her. She hadn’t heard him approach but quickly turned in his direction at his words. “Miss Bankia?”

“Yes, Agent Foley?”

He looked slightly discomforted. “Can you please tell me if it is your intention to stay with the Hesparians? We seem to be having some trouble working out exactly where you are supposed to be.”

As Jessa made to open her mouth, Galan moved behind her, slipping an arm around her shoulder as he addressed the agent. “Jessa will remain with me, so if you could make arrangements for suitable clothing and effects to be delivered to my ship? I will require the same, of course, for Seth.”

As quickly as that, the matter was settled.

Then they were moved through the door, towards the cars that waited in the portico.

Voices called and lights flashed but Galan kept her at his side. Jessa let her eyes scan the crowd and at the back she saw a face. One she hadn’t seen for a long time. One she had thought she’d wake up next to, for the rest of her adult life when she was much younger and so much more naïve
. Jace.

Chapter Six

Days passed, each full of meetings. Jessa remained with Galan, Seth and the crew on what she learnt was the
Princess Gospah
. They took delegations and even made a trip to Canberra, flanked by military personnel. As the days had progressed the protestors became more strident and increased in numbers. Each time she saw them, Jessa shivered, seeing the anger and hearing their angry words. She scanned the crowds—she was sure that Jace was there. But what on earth could he want? Certainly not her, the thought had spun around in her head day and night.

She did learn more about how the Hesparians had such a grasp of their language though as they breakfasted one morning.

“Hang on. Something has just occurred to me. Even after our first meetings you have an extraordinary grasp of our language.”

Joras grinned. “We had been monitoring your planet for some time, and found that we could decode your language very quickly through your written and spoken translations. And of course, we availed ourselves of some of your transmissions. I believe you call it tele-vis-eon.”

Of course they would.
She rolled her eyes, noting the careful way he pronounced the words. They must have learnt some very interesting things from the current crop of shows.

Soldiers were brought in to guard the perimeter and Jessa watched in amazement as her countrymen spilled vitriol in the media. Their angry comments about letting aliens walk on their planet and possibly even mate with them worried her. Others claimed that those who associated with them were now tainted. Talk shows on the radio were flooded with arguments that ‘no human should be expected to participate in what is essentially a bride buyout for another planet’ and ‘the end of the world is here’ through to, ‘is this the beginning of the alien invasion’?”