Starlaw (25 page)

To get out of the way, she put her back to the hull and concentrated on seeing anything of the landscape she could. With so many present, her only clear view of anything was straight up. When she lifted her gaze, she saw a huge, moon-like body overhead. Behind it, several other planets in hues of purple, blue and gold hovered in the Lusterian evening sky. Surrounding these bodies were clusters of celestial events that made her think of some telescopic view of space dreamed up by science fiction writers. Her mouth dropped open at the beauty of an alien evening so lovely that fears suddenly diminished. No planet she'd seen so far rivaled this spectacular presentation of nature.

My God
!
I'm the first from Earth to ever know. I'm the first to ever see this.

Time was lost. She simply stared up and wasn't sure how long she stood there in awe. Sounds of revelry seemed to fade. There was nothing but her and that unbelievable alien sky.

If the rest of the planet was as lovely as her research indicated, she might drown her insecurity in the wonders of the environment. Surely no one would care if she wandered and explored. What harm could she possibly do?

Despite the absolute riveting nature of the celestial presentation, a deep familiar voice dragged her gaze downward, back to the throngs and reality.

Before her, the crowd parted. The crew and their families slightly bowed their heads as a powerfully built man moved closer to the ship. This dark-haired giant was dressed in a deep green, belted tunic, black pants, and polished, high black boots. He wore a cloak bearing an insignia over his left breast. It looked as though it had some majestic significance.

Next to this older, warrior-like figure, a diminutive woman of wondrous beauty strode. She had long pale hair that had been braided. It hung down her left shoulder and glistened in the evening light. The color offset her lovely blue eyes. Her bright, open smile lit the coming darkness. And though her long gown exactly matched the clothing of her male companion, she stood out like one of the seven-pointed stars in the twilight sky. There were those in the crowd who actually gasped in wonder of her awesome appearance. Where gleeful greetings had been heard, silence now engulfed the landing field. The style of the significant arrivals' garb appeared almost medieval except for the sparkling quality of the expensive-looking fabric. The pair seemed like some mythic king and queen from a fairytale. Compared to others who were dressed in floating, gossamer fabrics that moved in the slightest breeze, or to the League enforcers whose dark uniforms were meant to make them look more official, these new arrivals clearly meant to stand out. She heard someone mention the arrival of the royal couple. Her summation of their importance was correct.

What was more interesting than the clothing was the regal man's eye color. Even as far away as Laurel stood, the glowing, deep green hue matched that of the
Titan
's commander.

She looked closer. Yes. The resemblance was inescapable.

The stately, older man greatly resembled Darius—or perhaps it was the other way around. The man's long black hair, streaked with gray, couldn't diminish his handsome face. His joy in being present was obvious. Unlike the man who commanded the
Titan
, this newcomer's countenance was kind and open. There was nothing stoic or somber in his bearing. He greeted those around him with a slight, congenial nod and murmured what she assumed were quiet welcoming messages to those nearest his location.

These people had to be Darius's kin. They made a breathtaking family who were happily acknowledged by those on the landing field. It was clear they commanded and received the greatest respect.

No one dared touch the ethereal duo. In fact, the crew and their friends and family made a path that equaled one given for the impromptu visit of dignitaries. Behind the couple, others of equally royal bearing approached. Smiles were plastered over their faces. Some of these new arrivals were very young, some were older, but all had those piercing green eyes.

“The royal family is welcoming home their son,” someone commented. “It is fitting after the controversy allowing the commander of the
Titan
latitude in arresting one whose kin killed his wife and child.”

Laurel turned her head to see who'd spoken but those nearest were already moving aside and forward to get a better view. Small, crystal orbs appeared from folds of clothing. She assumed those raising the devices were trying to keep the event intact for posterity. Her research indicated the shimmering round objects now being lifted by the onlookers were recorders and used much the same as Earth video devices or smart phones. She neither knew nor cared how they worked. What was most important was that no one, Gemma and Barst included, had ever said Darius was part of some royal family. It was likely the pair she so admired were his parents. They appeared old enough to have sired him.

“Hail to King Dar and Queen Maelle,” a League officer suddenly shouted.

Laurel retreated toward the stern of the large, silver bird-of-prey shaped vessel that'd been her home since having been taken from Earth. Why had no one bothered to impart that little bit of trivia? Why did she now feel so insecure? Would that knowledge have made any difference in the way she'd treated Darius? And finally, if his family was so powerful, and she
still
wouldn't be allowed to go back to Earth, then her summation of her status was correct.

She truly was a denizen of Luster, for the rest of her life.

She stood a bit apart from the massing crowd and watched as Darius slowly approached his family with all the pomp of a returning prince. His head was slightly bowed. He knelt before his liege and lady, just as if he were in some children's story she'd read so many years ago when cynicism hadn't dimmed her belief in such pageantry.

For some strange reason, she wished herself anyplace else. She tried to remember the rude things she'd said to Darius and knew that piper would be paid. As a supervisor back on Earth had told her over and over, it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. Well, she'd truly opened hers and proved herself a total malcontent at best, a troublemaker in need of incarcerating at worst.

What would he say to his parents about her? Had her temper finally sealed her fate, and would Darius use his influence and his belief in her inferiority to quell any plans she might make for this new life?

She took a deep breath and waited.

Laurel felt her heart pounding but couldn't say why. After having confronted a man many times larger and more powerful than she, why the sudden desire to run? Perhaps she'd be locked away as Darius once promised.

Darius's mother held her arms wide and tearfully pulled her very large son into her petite embrace, holding nothing back as far as emotion was concerned. Maelle—if that really was the queen's name—was a lady who was obviously happy to have her child home. Several women dressed similarly to the royal couple pushed themselves forward and held the
Titan
's commanding officer as though they'd never let him go. Who were these new additions to the spectacle? Friends, relatives, or lovers?

The crowds suddenly seemed overbearing, too besotted and too fan-like with their recording globes held high and reverent smiles pasted on their faces. Everyone's attention was riveted on Darius, his father, and mother. Laurel couldn't locate Gemma or Barst. Without their camaraderie, some of her swagger disappeared.

Laurel slowly backed away. In the throngs, no one noticed one person wearing an unmarked League-looking tunic, pants, and boots. She should leave now, before the royal family learned of the disrespect she'd shown their titled son.

She slowly turned. The bright lights of the city were impossible to miss. Research told her that Crystol was populated by about eight million beings that'd either immigrated to Luster or were born there. Surely no one would notice one more walking peaceably about the streets.

Likely, she'd pass as Lusterian. They were a human-looking lot despite their taller frames. But she could fit in. She had to. Where else could she go?

As she sauntered slowly away, making sure not to move so fast as to garner notice, she congratulated herself. Even the less-than-human sentient beings scattered about the massive gray landing field paid her no attention at all. Eventually, she walked through a very large containment apparatus that looked like the pearly gates of heaven itself.

Lights from city power sources beckoned her forward. Not knowing where she was going or even caring, she took fate in hand and acted as if she belonged.

• • •

Darius stifled his amusement. Ever the perfect hostess, his mother was in the process of graciously welcoming friends and dignitaries to their home. It'd taken the better part of two hours to shuttle everyone from the airfield to the estate, but celebrations for the
Titan
's homecoming were in full swing. He sipped Anphrasian brandy, smiled at his sisters' antics in flirting with various members of his crew—crew who were too wise to take up the invitation lest they find their hearts broken or become the subject of gossip among citizens.

“Barst and Gemma … you are always welcome here,” Maelle announced as she greeted Darius's best friends and their extended families. “Please join us in the great chamber. We've missed you all so much.”

While others not afforded the privilege of entering the inner, more secure sanctum of Starlaw castle's great chamber mingled, dined, danced and drank themselves into stupors, Darius and his crew followed his mother, sire, and siblings into the large hallway off the dining area.

The great chamber was a massive room decorated with gilt treasures of another era. Tapestries, ancient armor no longer used, and heraldic symbols hung everywhere. Heavy, dark colored furniture made it possible for even the largest, off-world species to sit in comfort. A thick burgundy carpet muted the sounds of booted feet as well as the lighter taps of ladies' sandals.

“You should sit down, Darius. I know you reported that nasty encounter with those driller things as history, but you look stressed to me.”

He waved off his eldest sister's concern. Lovely, blonde Nyssa—a perfect copy of their mother in every respect—was forevermore trying to nurse someone or some
thing
. If it wasn't some wounded creature, it was anyone claiming a scratch or a cut. In his case, the incident with the drillers had been over for months. Nyssa wouldn't be satisfied until he gave her some
other
project to attack.

“Nyss,” he addressed using the nickname he always had, “there's someone I'd like you to befriend. She's the Earth woman I spoke of.”

“Ah yes! Laurel Blake. I've yet to see anyone matching her description though I have searched for her,” Nyssa claimed as she glanced around the chamber. “With so many revelers present, perhaps she's still in the dining area or dancing with the others.”

“Perhaps,” he said with a decided nod. Since Laurel had kept her distance on the ship, he readily assumed this was the case. “Is the cottage ready?”

“Certainly! And I'll be happy to help her acclimate, in any way possible.”

He smiled down at his sibling, loving her for her open, sweet heart. “Gemma and Barst will know where she's got to. Likely the woman is somewhere with the ship's crew, trying to figure out some dance step or bit of trivia having to do with local custom. She may be from a primitive world, but her tenacity when it comes to learning is nothing short of mind boggling. At least that's the word I have from my staff.”

“Don't you know her well enough to judge such things for yourself?” Nyssa asked as she tilted her head and gazed up at him.

“I've had a ship to run and a prisoner to deliver. Since both chores are now completed and I'm on leave, I'll put more attention on our sad little victim.” His smile faded. “Truly, she's in need of guidance, Nyss. And I thank you for your offer in that regard.” He finished his drink and put it on the tray of a passing waiter. “If you'll excuse me, I'll fight my way through these bodies and attempt to locate our little charity case. She has no idea I've secured a residence on her behalf and I fear the news will be met with more hostility than happiness. With her, it's all about pride.”

“Just use that Starlaw charm, brother. I'm sure she'll come 'round,” Nyssa teased.

“You don't know this woman.”

He stepped away from Nyssa and searched a half hour but still couldn't find the tall brunette that was the center of his existence these days. But he
did
locate Barst's large frame near the chamber doors. As ever, Gemma was by his side.

He quickly greeted his comrades, motioned them onto a balcony away from the crowds, and put voice to his queries.

“Have either of you seen Laurel?”

“Indeed we have not,” Barst answered. “Gemma and I wanted to introduce her to our parents and a few other friends who'd be eager to offer support in her new life.”

Gemma nodded in agreement. “I rather thought she might be with some of the crew outside. She's made a number of friends among them.”

“I thought of that, but still can't find her,” Darius relayed as he anxiously gazed out at the gardens and the guests who strolled there.

“Stars! All I could think of was finding my parents … poor Laurel … ” Gemma uttered as her smile faded. “You don't think she got lost, do you?”

Feeling embarrassment and shame, Darius dragged one hand through his hair in an agitated gesture. To his consternation, the thick mass he'd carefully tied back as uniform codes required came loose. Strands of it sifted forward even as he tried to shove it all back. “That woman! Where by Orion's balls could she have possibly drifted? I should have put an ID chip on her before she left the ship. She's the only one on the entire damned planet without any identification whatsoever. It never occurred to me she'd have the gumption to actually go off on her own. What was I thinking?”