Chapter 27: Death Grip — Part 11

Can I pass something by you?

Susan’s mind was kind and loving, even a little longing. Of course, my dear. What is it?

Devon let his thoughts flow slowly as he tried to form them. I was just speaking to Bosh. It appears the young girl feels a little too vulnerable for sex right now. You know how aggressive the local symbiotic strain is, and how picky it is about how it is contracted. I feel she’s got a better chance on Antans, where the unspecialized strain is in the air and water.

Susan seemed contemplative. It’s the dry weather. The symbiont is happiest uniting with a body in a wet environment. Or during sex, from what I can tell.

Devon’s emotions were affirmative. She is terrified of sex, Susan, and hasn’t even mentioned Antans. It’s like she doesn’t know your home world exists.

Obviously she isn’t currently aware that exposure to the Antansi atmosphere would contaminate her, and I’m pretty certain as to why. The Baron has been acting like such knowledge is something we wish to keep secret.

Her mind seems more the pace of Antans than Vodia. She’d be more likely to keep her mind, with the proper care. Devon said, adding his own personal concerns to the list. Truth be told, Susan, I don’t trust anybody to watch over her but you. You’re the best damn medic in the galaxy, as far as I’m concerned.

Susan’s thoughts were filled with humor. All right, you win. I’ll take her with me. I have to get back to my discussions with the Baron. His knowledge of Grison is most intriguing. Especially the parts he’s afraid to tell me. Have her ready to leave in two hours, and make certain it is her choice.

Devon turned to Bosh and gave a brief description of Antans’s atmospheric conditions. “It’s safer than blood exposure, the wet air keeps your skin healthy and promotes healing, and you’ll be on a planet where the medics are specially trained for transitional care. Susan says you can go with her. We can have you transported to her ship immediately. Once you get there, there’s a chance you could end up dead, of course. The symbiont is quite particular. No promises on your memory, but if anybody can pull the bulk of you through, Susan can.”

“I’ll do it.” Bosh said, not pausing to think.

“I’ll make arrangements for your departure. I wish you good luck.” Devon ran a hand across her forehead, knowing it would be the only place, at the current, she would be able to feel. “I have to go now. If you need anything, ask anybody for me, and I’ll try to get back to you before you leave.”

He left Bosh in the care of two Vodian physicians, who would prepare her for departure, and walked across the citadel to a government conference chamber. The Baron was busy discussing what he could about the Triple Union. Susan looked to be, for some reason beyond Devon, completely spellbound by his oration. Susan smiled at Devon as he approached, the focus of her attention shifting rapidly in that way that only women seem to be able to do without looking guilty.

“Baron, forgive me for being rude, but I have to leave soon, and I’d like to take the next couple of hours to wish my friends on Vodia good-bye. I’ll start with you Devon, since you are my husband, after all.” She drew Devon close, kissing him softly on the lips.

The Baron speaks of Emperor Grison as if he’s nothing more than an animal. Whereas I believe that he sees his view as the truth, I also know that he may be biased by the weaknesses of his own culture. I’d like you to form a crew and travel to the Triple Union, and confirm that they are, somehow, better than their enemy. If you find the people and conditions in their Union suitable for alliance, we’ll do what we can to oppose Grison’s advance. I love you honey — and I trust you to make the right decision.

With Susan gone, Baron Thomson and Devon had an uncomfortable few moments. Devon was the first to break the moment of silence. “I’ve been told by Susan the crimes you claim against Emperor Grison, and have seen first-hand how harsh their politics can be. Now I’d like you and those of your crew who’ll be returning with you to join me at the Excelsior. I’ll have a liaison escort you to the dry dock in question. Wait for me there please.”

“What about Bosh?” The Baron asked.

“Bosh will be recovering on Antans. When she is ready, she will return to her duties within your Cynosure.” Devon turned to leave, and Thomson stopped him.

“We are not a Cynosure, and despise everything that concept represents.” The Baron corrected, his mind focused with thought. “We’ve seen only a fraction of your abilities, Devon. I speak for my fellow Barons when I tell you that we might be able to persuade our people to accept becoming a part of your tribe.”

“That will be our decision.” Devon said quickly. “Forgive me if I sound curt, but Susan’s given me specific orders. If you’d like to send transmission back to your world, discussing your newfound knowledge and your current status, I’d be willing to arrange for a tachyonic pulse burst once we leave orbit. Good day.”

Devon wouldn’t admit to the Baron the anger he felt at being away from Susan, but he was certain to admit it to himself, so it wouldn’t bias the duties he would be performing for Susan over the months to come.