Relativity: Proximity Series, #2

By M.A. George

No matter the planet, Palta Capal is an alien.

She's lived a lifetime where she never belonged…but relocating to the "home world" she's never seen has her feeling more like an outsider than ever.

Teetering between the thrill of newfound love and the despair of family loss—not to mention the looming threat of global war—Palta doesn't need any more excitement in her life.

But what she needs and what she gets are two entirely different things.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. George
• Release date: Apr 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386339236

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

O ngkiñaen.

Own king cane?

Ong-keen-yain.

Cue my exasperated sigh.  This is humiliating...

Palta, it takes time to learn a new language...Be patient with yourself.

"It took you precisely ten minutes to learn English...I can barely learn one Onontian word in ten minutes."  Another sigh of frustration on my part.  (Actually, more like a growl than a sigh.)

Cue Aeron’s infinitely patient and encouraging voice, Try again...Ongkiñaen.

Ong...keen...yain?

Perfect!  His whole face lit up.  (Okay, so that elated smile was worth it.)

Hold on there, cowboy...Don’t get too excited, I warned.  "I have absolutely no recollection what the English translation was."

Let me see if I can put it into context for you...You are the most amazing ‘ongkiñaen’ I have ever met.

Oh, now that was just plain rude.

What?  His face fell, as he tried to understand how he had managed to offend me.

Just because I’m a little slow with the lingo, I tried not to crack a smile, as I kept up the insulted façade, It doesn’t give you a right to call me an amazing idiot.

Now it was his turn for an exasperated grumble.  I didn’t call you an idiot, Palta... I had to smile at the way he stumbled over the word idiot, like it was blasphemous to even mention it in connection with my name.  "I called you a woman."

Oh, I nodded with a mock epiphany.  "I guess that’s okay...I am one of those."  I winked with a teasing smile.

Yes, his mouth turned up into a sly smile, as he leaned in with desire in his mesmerizing green eyes.  You are definitely one of those.

I stopped him with a hand against his chest.  "Now how do you expect me to learn anything if you look at me like that?"

Like what?  Now he was the one doing the teasing, as he moved in temptingly close.

Like you’re having impure thoughts.  I eyed him shrewdly as I shook my head, feigning disapproval.

Can you blame me? He smiled crookedly as he raised one eyebrow, reaching up to stroke the side of my cheek with a single finger.  I’m alone on the couch with a beautiful, intelligent, irresistible woman in her private suite...I would say ‘I’m only human’—except, of course, I’m not actually human.

"See, that’s just it...You shouldn’t even know sayings like that, I griped.  It takes normal people years to pick up on all those little phrases.  Do you have any idea how stupid I feel, when I can’t even say ‘Hello, my name is Palta...Oh, and by the way—I’m the village idiot.’?"

He was amused by my rant, chuckling softly as he kept stroking my cheek, tracing his index finger down the side of my neck and along my collarbone.  You are one of the most intelligent people I know, Palta, he assured me, as he looked seriously into my eyes, then returned to playfully trailing his fingertip out to my shoulder and down my arm.  As he reached my hand, he interlaced his fingers with mine, pressing our palms together.

I had to take a moment to catch my breath, my heart fluttering wildly at the thrill of his sensual touch.  My voice was almost hoarse as I tried to carry on with the conversation.  "I’ll admit, I used to consider myself a reasonably intelligent person...until I met you.  By comparison, I look like a colossal moron.  And my self-esteem is really taking a nosedive with the realization that I’ll belong in the kindergarten class on Onontí.  Make that the remedial kindergarten class...Even five-year-olds can speak in complete sentences," I added dryly.

"You’ve had one day to get started, Palta, he reminded me.  It is expected that it will take quite a bit longer than that to be fluent."  He squeezed my hand as he reached his opposite hand up to cradle my cheek, trying to console me.

"It didn’t take you that long..." I pouted.

Would it make you feel better if we had a contest to see who can most successfully heal mortal wounds with the touch of a hand?  He raised his eyebrows knowingly.  Not only would I be a complete failure...I’d have to come running to you for help, lest I leave the wounded to die a miserable death.

Gee whiz, you didn’t have to get so graphic, I kidded.

Well, I’m trying to illustrate a point, he shrugged.  We each have our gifts...and in reality, you have far more of them than I do.

Oh, no, I shook my finger at him.  I’ve got the market cornered on self-deprecating talk right now.  Don’t even think about joining in.  I blew out an apologetic sigh.  I’m sorry I turned this into a competition...I don’t want to compete with you.  I love that you are a million miles ahead of me in brain power.  It inspires me to push myself, I smiled sincerely.  I guess I just got a little carried away with pushing too intensely.  I’m not used to being second rate...It annoys me, I admitted awkwardly.

You are right, it’s not a competition, he agreed.  "You and I are a team, Palta.  And you are second to no one...myself included, he eyed me meaningfully.  You are—at the very least—my equal."

I understood his meaning without the need for further explanation.  Aeron was the ruler of an entire planet, and was undoubtedly used to people subordinating themselves in his presence.  He didn’t want me to debase myself to him or anyone else.  I nodded in acceptance, trying to push my fears to the back of my mind.  Though I knew without doubt that Aeron was in earnest, surely there would be those who would object to his association with me—an obscure woman he’d scrounged up from a foreign planet—Onontian by blood, but otherwise completely clueless as to their language, customs, and history (save a few facts pertaining to my own saga).  And of course, I was far from being royalty.

Yep, I was going to make headlines as the hussy who was trying to seduce the king...Fabulous. 

Just as I was working myself into a perfectly respectable panic attack, Aeron distracted my attention by leaning in for a kiss.  Suddenly I didn’t care if I was going to be ridiculed as a misfit.  As long as he still wanted me, the gossip wouldn’t faze me.

And it was very apparent from his kiss that he wanted me.

I emptied my mind and indulged in the unbelievable way he touched me, wrapping his arms around my back as he pulled me to sit in his lap.  He smelled and tasted heavenly—just fresh and clean, not drowning in cologne or mouthwash.  I struggled to control my ragged breathing as he began kissing down my neck, his soft lips sending a chill rushing through my body.  Just as he was stroking his hand along my thigh, his lips finding their way back to my mouth, my ears made out a faint buzzing sound in the background.  Determined to chalk it up to a figment of my imagination, I ran my fingers through his hair as I returned his kiss.  He moaned in approval...Either he was ignoring the buzzing sound too, or it really was a construct of my subconscious.  At the second peal of the buzzer, he let out an irritated sigh.  I echoed his show of annoyance as I realized that the doorbell really was ringing...

What could possibly be so important right this minute?

CHAPTER 2

Isnapped back into reality with the disturbing realization that quite a few things could be direly important right now.  For one, civil war was threatening to tear Onontí apart...Though we were still a solid three months of space travel away, Aeron was overseeing everything from afar.  What if our side was falling to the rebel forces?

Secondly, we were traveling faster than light in a ship that was pushing 126 years old.  It didn’t look at all rickety—but what did I know about space ships?  I visualized random parts breaking off the ship’s hull, tumbling into the void of space, exhaust sputtering in our wake.  We didn’t exactly have the option of pulling into an intergalactic service station.

Though we were already the better part of a day away from Earth (at this speed, that would be pushing sixteen billion miles), I still thought of it as home.  And we had left a fair trail of chaos behind in our departure.  Aeron’s ship exploding in the Montana Rockies was surely going to make history.  And although I hoped it wasn’t true, there was the distinct possibility that an Onontian assassin had remained behind on Earth.  My brother-in-law Dominick had only seen two of the rebel soldiers as they swooped in and abducted my father from his own home...That left one soldier unaccounted for.

Which brings me to the most pressing worry on my mind at present...my father.  I looked to the door, my expression frozen in terror, as I predicted the reason for the sudden intrusion.

It must be about Father.

I had no idea how...but I was certain that one of our group was standing outside the door, waiting to break the bad news to me.  Maybe my sister Sabela had sensed that he was no longer on the enemy ship we were pursuing (though I was fairly certain we were too far away, even for her keen senses).  Perhaps Aeron’s sister Ewenami had received a transmission from Imai Odele—the trusted contact on Onontí, who also happens to be the man she loves.  One way or another, I was convinced that this unexpected visitor at my door came bearing bad tidings.

Aeron read the trepidation in my expression as he took hold of my hand.  Don’t be distressed, he spoke soothingly, I’m sure it’s nothing serious.

He was always so optimistic, part of me was tempted to believe him.  It was the other more pessimistic part—still the greater fraction of my conscious mind—that was inclined to expect the worst.  I’m not actually a pessimist by nature, but 117 years of cumulative life experiences have taught me to respect Murphy’s law.  Maybe that does make me a pessimist by nature?  I’d have to work on that.  Some other time...Right now I was busy preparing myself for the worst.

I half-cowered behind Aeron, my hand still in his, as we proceeded toward the door.  The panel slid open to reveal Ewenami standing in the corridor.  She seemed relaxed as she addressed Aeron, Imai needs to talk to you.

Worry crinkled my forehead as I peered around Aeron’s shoulder.  Don’t worry, Palta, she reassured me, It’s just his routine report.  I wasn’t sure if Ewenami had read the anxiety on my expression or in my thoughts...Either way, her casual assurance did put me at ease.

Aeron turned to examine my face as I stepped to his side.  Forgive me, Palta, his expression was sincerely apologetic.  I’ll have to step away for a few minutes.

I erased all traces of apprehension from my face as I encouraged him to answer the call of duty.  No apology necessary, Aeron.  Your people need you.  I gave him a supportive smile.

"Our people," he reminded me, as he kissed my cheek.

Our people, I echoed.  I liked the sound of that...I’d never belonged to a group larger than my own family (at least not without concealing my true identity).  I knew it would take time, but there was a possibility I would grow to find a home among my native people.  The look of sheer determination on Aeron’s face told me that he would make certain I felt at home on Onontí...I hoped he wouldn’t go to extremes to accomplish that task.  Surely he wouldn’t try to reconstruct an American city, or change the official language of Onontí to English?  Though I would never invoke it, I had the distinct impression that my wish was his command.

He reluctantly released my hand as he exited my suite, making his way to the upper deck that constituted the control bridge.  Ewenami stayed behind to invite me to join her in the dining area—it was approaching dinnertime.

As we made our way there, she caringly acknowledged the reason for my anxiety, I know you are beside yourself with concern for your father’s safety, Palta.  I sincerely want to avoid violating your privacy; but I can’t help but notice that he is constantly in your thoughts now.  I can see that it’s not like you to be this preoccupied.  Is there anything I can do that would help to ease your distress?  Her compassionate expression was sincere.  I was reminded of her own tragedy—the unexpected assassination of her parents just prior to her travel to Earth.

Thank you, Ewenami, I was genuinely grateful.  "I wish there were something that any of us could do right now...It’s this uselessness that is driving me crazy.  The only thing that will calm my mind is seeing my father alive and well.  And for the moment, that is an impossibility," I brooded sadly. 

I understand, she patted me comfortingly on the back.  I’m here if you need someone to talk to.

I smiled in appreciation as we arrived at the dining area and began preparing our food.  Though the ingredients were all unappetizingly freeze-dried, we managed to put together a fairly decent spread...Too bad my appetite was ruined by the continual gnawing in my stomach.  I had honestly never before experienced quite as much stress as I had in these past few days...I had no idea how much my nerves affected my stomach.

As I picked at my food, a thought occurred to me.  I looked up to address Ewenami, seated across the dining table from me.  In all the chaos since we met, I began, I have neglected to offer you a sincere apology.

For?...  Her expression turned puzzled, as she tried to resist the temptation to read the explanation in my thoughts.

For the way I spoke to you that night we first met, I cringed.  It wasn’t like me at all—I don’t know what got into me.  I was inexcusably belligerent.

Trust me, Palta...It’s already forgotten, she smiled graciously.

You’re too kind, Ewenami, I shook my head.  I can’t imagine how you could ever tolerate me—let alone befriend me—when I was such a jerk without cause.

You had a cause...I appeared to be standing between you and the man you love, she reminded me.  I cringed again at the embarrassing realization that she knew exactly what my juvenile motivation had been.  It would be one thing if Aeron had been my boyfriend...but at the time, he was barely even classifiable as an acquaintance.  I blushed with humiliation as I recalled the intensity of my loathing when I’d thought she was romantically involved with him.

Ewenami tried to assuage my guilt with a reassuring smile.  Believe me when I say there is no apology necessary...I would react the same way if some mystery woman tried to steal Imai.

But that’s normal...Imai loves you, I responded.  Aeron barely even knew me at the time.  I blushed again as I recalled my obsession that bordered on stalking.

"I assure you, he knew exactly who you were, she gave me a meaningful look.  You occupied his thoughts more than he cared to admit.  He tried to hide it from me—but as soon as I met you, it became glaringly obvious.  Why do you think I was so excited when he worked up the nerve to tell you the truth?  It would have broken his heart if he had to leave you behind."

I’m flattered, but... I couldn’t mask my bewilderment, I’m sure he would have forgotten me when he returned to Onontí...Surely he has his choice of much more appealing women.  I frowned as I contemplated the thought. 

He’s had a lifetime of opportunities to fall for one of the jillion women who expressed their interest, she shook her head.  You are the only one who has caught his attention, Palta...You are his perfect match.

I delighted in the idea, knowing Ewenami had an insider’s view into his true feelings...yet I couldn’t help but envision a line of a ‘jillion women’ forming in front of me.  He is so flawlessly perfect in every way, Ewenami, I shook my head in disbelief.  It’s only a matter of time before he realizes he has better options.

Now, you know I love my brother more than anything, she responded, but he is most definitely not perfect...No one is.  And you forget that I can see a person’s true nature in their thoughts with very little need for conversation...You are far too self-conscious, Palta.  You habitually sell yourself short.  Though she was almost forty years my junior, her expression reminded me vividly of my father when he disapproved of my tendency to focus on my shortcomings.  Aeron has as much reason to love you as you do him.  Though her tone of voice was gentle, her expression made it clear she wasn’t going to let me argue.  I was reminded of her royal footing—and Aeron’s description of her tenacious willpower.

I might have chosen to stubbornly refute her claims, had I not wanted so badly for them to be true.  I hope you’re right, Ewenami, I mustered an awkward smile.  I love him more desperately than I care to admit.

I know you do, she smiled warmly, "almost as desperately as he loves you..."

CHAPTER 3

As Ewenami and I kept chatting, Sabela and Dominick arrived to join us for dinner.  Sabela looked as tired as I felt...Apparently I wasn’t the only one losing sleep over our father’s disappearance.  We all visited around the table as we ate (or at least attempted to eat).  Sabela was doing about as well as I was in that regard.

Eventually Aeron arrived to complete our party.  I stood from the table, offering to prepare something for him to eat.  He took a look at my plate, his face growing concerned.  Palta, you’ve hardly touched your food...Does it taste that bad?  What can I get you that you’d like?  He stepped toward the pantry, rummaging through the food stores for something that might suit my tastes.

It’s not the food, Aeron, I assured him.  I just don’t feel like eating right now...

He understood my meaning immediately, stepping over to enfold me in his comforting arms.  He’s going to be okay, Palta, he whispered in my ear.  They kept him alive for a reason.

I looked up to meet his eyes, my brow furrowing as I tried to decipher what that reason might have been.  It was a familiar riddle to my sleep-deprived brain...the exact question that had puzzled me throughout the previous night:

Why would Bito Obo want to capture my father?

Several theories seemed plausible...Maybe he knew that Aeron was looking for my father, and wanted to use him as bait to draw Aeron in.  I certainly didn’t like that prospect.

Or perhaps his intent was to force my father to join in his cause...Together their powers of mind control would bring the monarchy to its knees.  I suspected he knew my father better than that.  As his half-brother, he would surely know that Father was the most ethically-conscious person on either of our worlds.

From the little I knew about Bito Obo, I had the impression he was a vindictive power-monger.  It was possible his sole purpose was to force his half-brother-turned-rival to watch as he destroyed the empire my father had dutifully served.  Yet again, I was far from thrilled with that option.

Aeron reached up to outline the crease in my forehead with his thumb, his own mind straining to come up with some way of unburdening my thoughts.  Don’t mind me, I tried to put on a stoic face.  I’m just a little tired.

You’re exhausted, Palta, his expression was still deeply concerned.  Emotionally and physically...Yesterday was horrendous, he reminded me, as he began gently tracing his fingers about the numerous bruises and abrasions that covered both my arms—the souvenirs from my tumble down the forested hillside, as we laid siege to the rebel ship.  I told you not to waste your energy healing my insignificant little scrapes.  You have no strength left to heal yourself...  His eyes filled with regret.  "Please eat something, he begged me softly, I’ll cook