Mosaic: The Caladrius Chronicles, #1

By R A Harrison

Declared a renegade

The life you knew in shatters

How do you pick up the pieces?

 

Bekah and Lan are young professionals, at the beginnings of their careers, but have fallen foul of the Consortium, the huge mining and industrial conglomeration with its stranglehold on the colonies.  Into their lives comes the enigmatic Zandra, with a secret so well hidden not even she knows of it, but which will change all of their lives.  But an invitation from Captain Pendryl, to join him aboard the Caladrius, may provide the solution they are all searching for.

 

Crewed almost entirely by the Gifted, the Caladrius will be the flagship of a taskforce protecting telepaths and telekinetics in the colonies.  But the mission is not without danger … too many of the colonies have become isolationist and regressive, and see the Gift as witchcraft.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unending Sky Publications
• Release date: Sep 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781915764010

Book preview

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Copyright © 2023 by R A Harrison

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without written permission of the author, except as permitted by UK copyright law.

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

First edition: August 2023

ISBN: 978-1-915764-00-3 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-915764-01-0 (eBook)

Cover design: Platform House Publishing

Cover art: Amanda Carden / Shutterstock

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www.unendingsky.uk

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Contents

Trestine Research Station

1.Lovah Colony

2.Widdershins

3.Solstice

4.Aftermath

5.Revelations

6.Regenesis

7.Renegade

8.Cold Harbour

9.Retail Therapy

10.Flying Colours

11.Ransom

12.Volition

13.Breathing Space

14.Match Made

15.Shore Leave

16.Night Terrors

17.Felicitations

18.Trading Post

19.Incursion

20.Broken Pieces

21.Honorific

22.Sanctuary

23.Shunned

24.Incognito

25.Dissidence

26.Ruffling Feathers

27.Cliffedge

28.Duplicity

29.Bygones

30.Bearing Fruit

31.Handover

32.Homeward-bound

33.Willow Tree

34.Lyceum

35.Uncharted Territory

36.Spreading Wings

37.Threshold

38.Birthright

39.Fidelity

Trestine Research Station

She awoke from a deep sleep which seemed to span the ages, to the sight of polished steel and sterile white walls. At first she thought it was just another fantasy in a series of nightmares, each a lifetime long. On all sides were faces; distorted, blurred, through the mists of semi-consciousness. She struggled to clear the mists away. Let this be reality, however incredible, no more dreams!

It was reality. Minds began pressing in on hers. That had never happened before in her dreams. Gradually she became aware of unspoken questions, genuine concern for her, and gentle reassurances.

She was not reassured. There was too much pressure, it hurt her defenceless mind and, soundlessly, she screamed. Suddenly it was quiet. Then there was a single mind with hers, a warm mind, holding her gently but firmly within the realms of sanity, pouring balm on the raw edges of her tormented thoughts. No questions; no probing or anxiety; just warmth and security.

Chapter one

Lovah Colony

It was almost seven o’clock by the time Dr Bekah got home. The emergency and trauma department where she worked was short-staffed; the extra hours were taking their toll and playing havoc with her home life. She’d hoped to be back sooner, to greet her new maid in person, but when Security had called to say the woman had arrived, Bekah still had several hours’ work ahead of her.

But walking into the kitchen, she found the dinner vegetables already prepared, and a pot of coffee waiting. She poured herself a mug, and stood looking out to where her maid was sitting in the evening sun. Bekah’s ground-floor apartment wrapped around a pretty flower-filled courtyard, a welcoming refuge at the end of a long day, with its warm honey-coloured stone walls and a gate opening onto the parkland beyond.

She watched the woman for a few minutes, while sipping her coffee, trying not to feel annoyed that this unsettling homecoming had emphasised just how much she needed the help. She’d been resisting, too used to being self-sufficient; but with her ever-increasing workload, she’d eventually relented.

And this stranger, sitting in her courtyard, was the result. Probably in her early thirties, demurely dressed in a grey tunic and trousers, but with startling red hair, she had her eyes shut and her face lifted up to catch the last of the sun’s late-spring warmth. Hearing the doctor approach, she started to stand, but Bekah forestalled her, sitting down beside her.

Stay! You’ve more than earned your coffee break. I’m Dr Bekah.

Zandra, Madam.

Welcome Zandra, I hope you’ll be happy here. She hesitated, then gestured towards the kitchen. Thanks for doing all the veg. It’s been such a long day, I’d almost changed my mind about cooking for my guest.

I can cook for you, Madam, if you wish. She smiled shyly. I can probably anticipate most of what you need, but please tell me if there’s anything I miss – or if I fuss too much.

The compassion Bekah saw in Zandra’s eyes caught her by surprise. She’d checked in the mirror before leaving the hospital, so she knew exactly what Zandra was seeing – raven-black hair piled up in a messy bun, and stubborn dark shadows under her eyes making her look much older than her twenty-seven years. But she was so used to being the empathic one, caring for everyone else, that being seen as a person, not just a medic, came as a shock.

And now that Zandra was here, probably a long way from home and perhaps unsure of her welcome, Bekah felt a sudden pang of guilt that she’d been resenting the intrusion.

Where are you from?

Cafta Colony.

The equestrian leisure colony? I’ve been there – wonderful riding country. She smiled, making a deliberate effort to put Zandra at ease. Okay then. Yes, please cook. But make sure that you do enough for yourself too.

Apparently there was an etiquette here that Bekah was blissfully unaware of, because the look on Zandra’s face was priceless. So she quickly added, Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you by suggesting you dine with us. But we won’t want waiting on, and you have to eat too. Now, I’m going to have a long soak before Lieutenant Commander Lan arrives. Dinner at eight?

Certainly, Madam.

The doctor narrowed her eyes speculatively. Any chance I can persuade you to call me ‘Bekah’? No? Then call me ‘Doctor’, please. ‘Madam’ makes me feel about ninety!

She wasn’t expecting to be answered by such a mischievous smile, and found herself grinning in response. You and I are going to get along just fine, Zandra.

Later that evening, when Lieutenant Commander Lan took the empty dinner plates back out to the kitchen, he found Zandra sitting at the counter looking at an electronic workpad.

That was delicious, thank you. Lan smiled at her as he handed over the plates. What are you reading?

I joined the library this afternoon; I’m just browsing their catalogue. There’s lots of books here I’d heard about, but never had the chance to read.

It’s a good library, he agreed. Pass me your wrib. When Zandra looked confused, he added, Your wrist communication band – wrib, for short. You’ve not had one of these before?

Zandra shook her head, as she slipped the band off her wrist and passed it to him.

They’re a lot more than just communication devices. Yours is a basic one, but even this will take and make calls, receive alerts, act as a tracker if necessary, and allow limited access to the colony database. He handed it back to her, just as his own beeped. I’ve just pinged my wrib from yours, so now we have each other’s comm IDs. Just in case.

She nodded. Thank you.

Go to bed Zandra, he added kindly; she looked all in. You only arrived today, didn’t you?

I did, but I slept most of the flight.

Not much else to do, when you’re a passenger, he observed.

Are you a pilot, sir?

I am. Now, go to bed. He gently pushed her out the door. You’ve already done most of the clearing up, and there’s no need to wait up for Dr Bekah and me.

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Dr Bekah hadn’t realised she was moping – not that her oh-so-polite maid would have been rude enough to actually accuse her of such a thing. She hadn’t expected to miss Lan so much; he’d been away before, but they’d been spending much more time together since then.

He’s at a conference, she replied to a question from Zandra. He’s on a one-year secondment here and has to report back to GOTETH every once in a while.

GOTETH?

The Guild of Telepaths, Empaths, Telekinetics and Healers – you know he’s Gifted, don’t you?

No, I didn’t. I’ll have to be careful what I think!

Don’t worry, he can’t read you, possibly because you’re Caftanese; I’ve read that people from your colony have natural mental shields. I’m an empath, and I can’t read you either.

Bekah paused, reaching out again, but still detected nothing. She hadn’t really been expecting anything different, but not being able to sense Zandra’s presence was a little unnerving.

Deliberately pushing her unease aside, she made herself focus instead on what a relief that was, after an exhaustingly long day of patients unwittingly projecting their emotions at her.

Zandra nodded her understanding. Are there other Gifted here? she asked curiously.

No, just us; so I suppose it was inevitable we’d end up spending time together. Bekah unconsciously stroked the miniature enamelled oakleaf brooch at her collar. It had been presented to her when she became a member of the Guild. The day her parents had disowned her.

Lan had already been here a few weeks when I arrived, and he jokingly introduced himself as my union rep. She grinned at the memory. And kept using that as an excuse to check up on me, asking me out for coffee, then dinner.

Zandra’s answering smile seemed a little sad, and Bekah wondered whom she’d had to leave behind on Cafta.

Film night? And a big bowl of popcorn? she suggested, abruptly changing the subject before they both became too maudlin. There’s this new comedy I’ve been dying to watch!

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Dr Bekah looked in dismay at the rockfall blocking the tunnel ahead. The collapse had knocked out the main power to the section, and the hastily arranged emergency lighting had an eerie, almost sinister feel. This wasn’t going to be a straightforward rescue, mining accidents never were – but, as an emergency medic, it was the kind of event she’d practised exhaustively for.

She turned to the senior engineer, asking about getting an airline through to the other side of the cave-in.

We’re on it. He pointed to two of his team, who were carefully climbing the rockpile, testing each precarious foothold in the scree before moving again. They were nearing the top, but every little slip, as the rocks settled beneath their boots, brought Bekah’s heart to her mouth.

Can you tell if they’re still alive? the engineer asked.

Bekah found she’d been holding her breath, and exhaled slowly. You said three miners unaccounted for. I’m sensing three on the other side of that pile.

Can’t you talk to them?

She shook her head. I’m an empath, not a telepath. All I can tell you is that they’re scared, but not in pain. She looked around, suppressing a shudder, and wondered for the umpteenth time why she’d accepted a role at an outpost whose primary industry was mining.

You’re not comfortable underground, Doc?

In a tunnel where there’s been a recent collapse, and there are no supports? No, not particularly.

This is a new, exploratory cut—

And therefore even more unstable, Bekah interrupted. The conviction that the walls were closing in on her wasn’t completely unfounded, and her disquiet was making her irritable. I want temporary props and beams down here immediately. This area should have been shored up already. We can’t even begin to remove the rockfall until it is.

He nodded, and began issuing orders.

There was a sudden shout from the men climbing the rockpile. Doc, we can hear them! They’re alive!

Let’s keep them that way. Can you get the airline through yet?

Yes ma’am, just easing it through now.

Within a few minutes, they’d managed to push the pipe through. Flicking the switch on the pump, Bekah breathed a sigh of relief. Now they knew the men were okay, and wouldn’t suffocate, they could concentrate on the laborious task of removing the rubble.

All around her, a second team was quickly assembling the newly arrived props and the lightweight but strong panels which would slide over the top, sheltering the rescuers from any further falls. It was only a temporary fix but, as she and the team began clearing the collapse, the props and panels could be gradually extended to support the newly exposed areas.

Bekah checked her wrib; it had been just under two hours since she’d been called out. They’d cleared the front edge of the fall, and with the aid of a protected mobile platform, were cautiously moving forwards to clear more rocks from the top. It was painstaking work – everyone knowing that moving too fast, without shoring up as they went, could trigger another collapse. She paused for breath. Pushing damp hair away from her face, she watched anxiously as enough space was cleared to slide cantilevered beams in place above the rockfall.

As soon as they’d finished constructing a shielded crawl space, Bekah climbed the ladder to the top of the platform. But as she was sliding across, she felt hands steadying her.

I’m coming too, a familiar voice informed her, and she looked over her shoulder to see Lieutenant Commander Lan crouching behind her on the platform.

What are you doing here? I didn’t even know you were back!

Too tightly focussed on the men ahead to notice me? Lan teased. I landed about an hour ago, but when I heard you were leading the response, I barged in. He grinned. Just your union rep, watching out for you as always. Plus, I thought you might need telekinetic support; I should be able to help stabilise the rocks on the far side of the fall.

Thank you, she acknowledged. I hate doing these kinds of rescue without a TK partner.

Together they edged their way into the crawl space, joining the two members of the mine’s rescue team who were waiting for them, a ladder ready for the descent on the other side. Between them, they cautiously lowered it, anxious not to trigger another rockslide.

Any injuries? Breathing difficulties? Bekah asked the men who crowded round her at the foot of the ladder, bombarding her with a tsunami of emotions ranging from receding terror to a cautious joy at being reached. Lan was right behind her, handing out water bottles. He discreetly placed a hand on her hip, and she was grateful for his support. She’d never worked with a Beta before; he must be sensing the same emotions she was, but was much more able to shield against them.

None, Doc, but we’re right glad to see you! We were working further along the cut when we heard the collapse behind us.

She peered beyond them, to the roughhewn walls dimly lit by the lamps on their safety helmets. No supports here either?

Not for lack of asking, grumbled one of the men, before being elbowed sharply by his neighbour.

Bekah was getting angrier by the minute. Let’s get you out of here, then deal with that. She looked back up at the two miners who were waiting for them in the crawl space. Does this side still look stable enough for us?

For now, one of them called down. But I wouldn’t hang around!

You three go up first. She gestured towards the ladder. The Lieutenant Commander and I will be right behind you.

Once they were all safely on the other side of the fall, Bekah turned to the senior engineer.

They don’t need to go to the hospital, but your infirmary should check them over.

Thank you.

But I’m shutting you down—

What! he interrupted furiously.

But Bekah wasn’t going to be shouted down. The entire pit – until a full independent safety survey has been done. You’re lucky no-one was injured, or even killed.

The Consortium isn’t going to like that, he warned.

Then they shouldn’t cut corners, should they? Bekah retorted. I’m getting out of here. The longer I look at these walls, the less I trust them. But I’m not going to put your head on the block; I’ll deliver the news to your Regional Director myself.

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Zandra found the doctor sitting in her study, staring blankly at her report. Placing a tray with a couple of mugs of hot chocolate on the desk, she pulled up a chair.

Tough day? she asked. The cave-in was on the news – I presume they called you in?

Bekah nodded, gratefully accepting the mug Zandra passed her. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the soothing aroma; she’d never tried chocolate with cinnamon before Zandra’s arrival, but it was becoming a firm favourite.

I closed down the entire mine, she admitted with an exhausted sigh.

It was unsafe? Zandra blushed. Sorry, obviously it was, or there wouldn’t have been a collapse.

Bekah filled her in on everything that had happened, including the heated discussion she’d had with the Regional Director’s assistant. Zandra was unexpectedly easy to confide in.

The Consortium are taking shortcuts, not shoring up the new adits properly.

And no-one noticed? Zandra was appalled.

The miners and engineers knew, and I can’t believe senior management didn’t. But there’s not that many employers here.

And once someone is labelled as a troublemaker—

Exactly. They’d be destitute, and stranded.

Lovah Colony is controlled by the Consortium, isn’t it? Zandra asked. I mean, it makes sense, she hurried on quickly, seeing Bekah’s surprise. The cost of the equipment alone, let alone transporting it here, must have been much more than a fledgeling colony could afford … besides which, I’ve seen it before.

At home? The Cafta Colony?

Zandra nodded. It didn’t start out as an equestrian resort; the original colonists were genuine settlers. But they struggled to make ends meet, to pay back the loans, and gradually all the ranches were bought up by outsiders and resort chains.

Leaving the original settlers with nothing? No property, and an underclass in their own colony? When Zandra nodded again, Bekah continued softly, her voice full of compassion. Which is why you had to leave when the ranch you grew up on changed hands, and your job disappeared.

Bekah was silent for a few moments, staring at her report. So you understand why I have to make a stand.

Miners are cheap and plentiful. Doctors with your experience and credentials are not.

They’re not commodities! exclaimed Bekah.

Good luck getting the Consortium to agree with you. Zandra’s words were bitter, but her hand on Bekah’s shoulder, as she stood to leave, was warm and supportive.

Dinner will be ready in half-an-hour, she added gently.

But it’s your afternoon off! Bekah protested.

Which is why you’re only getting heated-up stew, Zandra grinned at her. It stopped being my afternoon off when I heard the news. Finish off your report, hit send, then come and eat.

Yes Mother, Bekah muttered, not meaning Zandra to hear – but the sound of laughter reached her from the kitchen.

Chapter two

Widdershins

Lan was up early the following morning. He’d spent the night with Bekah, having stayed up late talking through the events at the mine and at the office of the Regional Director afterwards, who – despite the seriousness of their visit – had refused to see them. Lan had returned briefly to his own office to file his report, before arriving at Bekah’s apartment just as Zandra was serving dinner. Ever efficient, she’d anticipated he’d be there, and had made enough for three.

He left Bekah in bed; she’d spent the night tossing and turning, unable to sleep. There was no coffee on, so he presumed Zandra wasn’t awake yet either. He made enough for them both – she’d probably appear soon – and was just pouring himself a mug, as she came in through the gate from the parkland beyond Bekah’s courtyard.

Lan couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her. Gone was the perfectly attired and perfectly proper maid; Zandra was in running clothes, hair up in a messy bun, her face flushed.

Oh, I’m sorry Commander, she gasped, a little out of breath. Were you looking for me?

Only to give you a coffee, he replied, pouring a second mug and passing it to her. Mystery solved – I didn’t realise you ran.

I try to go most mornings. There’s some beautiful running trails in the park.

There certainly are. I used to run, when I first arrived here, but somehow it got squeezed out.

You and Bekah would be welcome to join me, Zandra suggested shyly.

I don’t want to intrude on your private time—

You wouldn’t be, I’d welcome the company.

In which case, thank you.

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They were running counterclockwise along the Ridge, the leisure track on the top of the embankment encircling the Citadel, Lovah’s main civic building. Bekah and Zandra had been running together for several weeks now, and Lan joined them whenever he could.

To their left a patchwork of well-tended green spaces, lakes, woodlands, and sports facilities lay spread out beneath them, with the Citadel itself in the distance. Given that colonists were, almost by definition, adventurously forward and outward looking, it always amazed Lan how many settlements borrowed from historical architectural styles. And Lovah’s Citadel was no exception, modelled on almost fairytale-like castles built by long gone empires.

But to their right, beyond the double-skinned, fortified biodome which encompassed the Citadel and its surroundings, lay Lovah’s rocky and barren wilderness. Lovah was unlikely to ever be terraformed, its gravity insufficient to build and maintain a breathable atmosphere, so all its facilities were either protected by biodomes, or underground.

As they ran further on, a smaller dome came into view. Zandra paused to take in the panorama, giving Bekah a chance to catch her breath. And Lan too, if he was honest; Zandra was almost disgustingly fit.

It feels so incongruous, Zandra remarked. From down there, she pointed to the parkland, you have no idea all this is out there.

That’s the purpose of the embankment, Lan explained, coming to stand by her side. It helps keep the agoraphobia at bay – not everyone is comfortable with the idea that the dome is all that separates them from the vacuum of space.

He indicated the facility she’d stopped to look at. That’s the upper level of the hospital, where Dr Bekah works. The majority of it is underground, connected to the main Citadel via subterranean transit. And beyond that, you can just see the spaceport; most of that’s underground too.

Zandra took a couple of steps closer to the biodome, looking to where he was pointing. When I arrived, I didn't expect the landing pad to lower our shuttle into the terminal, but I suppose it makes sense to keep the port underground.

Not just the port. If we were to continue round you’d see some of the mines and the industrial and research facilities. The agricultural units are above ground, but closer to the equator where they get the benefit of longer days.

The parklands are really the lungs of the Citadel, Bekah put in, turning her back on the stark landscape and facing inwards. They help to maintain the air quality, as well as the citizens’ mental health. Lovah Colony is designed to be completely self-sufficient in an emergency.

Provided the biodome holds, joked Lan.

Bekah threw a playful punch at him, which he easily fended off. You just had to say that, didn’t you!

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Standing by the gate where his shuttle was docked, staring out over the inhospitable landscape Zandra had found so fascinating a couple of days ago, Lan took a few deep, steadying breaths. He really should have kept his temper. And he certainly shouldn’t have stormed out of his meeting with the Consortium’s Regional Director, but the woman’s attitude had been insufferable.

He’d never felt more grateful that this was a temporary assignment. Despite his family connections, he really wasn’t cut out for a diplomatic career – he was an engineer, a spacefarer, and couldn’t wait to get back out there. Even before he’d accepted the year-long assignment to Lovah, he’d known he was facing a near-impossible task. There was no secret about it. So much money, power and influence was wielded by the intercolonial research companies and by the Consortium – the giant corporation which had several mines on Lovah – that the Civic Council here was little more than a figurehead.

So with no real ruling body to negotiate with, GOTETH had no treaty with Lovah, and therefore no consulate. However, they had been invited to send a trade envoy, someone with an engineering background, and it was this thankless role that Lan had taken on almost five months ago. But try as he might, he’d been unable to gain more than a small toehold. He must have visited every facility, every lab, every farm on the colony, but to no avail. No one was seriously interested in hiring specialist telekinetics, or open to how they could make light work of awkward lifting, simply with the power of their minds. Nor did anyone seem to care that, with a TK’s ability to work remotely, they could avoid sending workers into dangerous situations.

True, he hadn’t expected much from today’s meeting, but it had gone spectacularly badly, right from the start. Bekah’s Compulsory Shutdown Order had been countermanded almost immediately. But in a calculated display of power, presumably designed to show just how inconsequential Lan and Bekah’s positions were, the Regional Director made it clear that she’d used her influence to have it dismissed.

And apparently the assistance he’d given Bekah at the cave-in hadn’t gone unnoticed either. The Director had told him she was interested in having a small team of telekinetics – she’d called them ‘lifters’, as many unused to dealing with the Gifted did. But he’d seen the first flicker of anger when he’d named the fee.

I only want five lifters, on standby!

That figure is per Guildmember. And is on par with what you pay your other professional specialists.

I was thinking more in terms of a retainer, with a bonus paid whenever they attended a scene.

GOTETH wouldn’t be able to agree to that, he’d countered calmly, as we’d still need to pay our members full-time. In effect, we’d be subsidising your operation.

They could get other work; there’s plenty of jobs available. The Director’s tone had become hostile.

None suited to Gifted personnel. And I hope you’re not suggesting our highly skilled professionals take on any of the menial jobs you’re currently advertising.

If that’s all they’re capable of, yes. But I can assure you that we’re not going to pay what you’re asking, just to have them sitting around.

Oh, they’re capable of much, much more; which you would know if you’d watched or read any of the promotional material I sent you prior to our meeting today – a meeting you requested.

She’d glared at him, narrowing her eyes. Then I’ll just have to request that Dr Bekah attend each and every emergency. I’m sure you’ll be there providing back up for her.

And there it was, the bargaining tool she was relying on. Lan had shaken his head wearily; the conversation was going nowhere, and his patience was wearing thin.

Your agreement with the hospital explicitly states that call-outs will be on a strictly rotational basis. Dr Bekah’s contract reiterates that. It was one of the things he’d been sure to check before the meeting. He got to his feet. I think we’re just about done here.

I don’t appreciate your attitude, Lieutenant Commander. I may have to report this conversation to your superiors.

Please do. And be sure to get my name right – it’s Lan Anyatta-Timmol.

Timmol? You expect your family connections to protect you?

Lan had just shrugged, and walked to the door. We both know my family connections mean you won’t even send that report. If you change your mind about a serious conversation, you know where to find me.

He was done with diplomacy. With any luck, she’d send the report anyway and he’d get recalled early.

His wrib chimed, jolting him back to the present.

Yes, Zandra, he snapped.

There was a moment’s stunned silence, and privately he cursed himself for taking his irritation out on her. But her response, when it came, was as respectful as ever.

I’m sorry to disturb you when you’re busy, sir, but I’m worried about Dr Bekah. She was being harassed by someone in a café, and she’s much more shaken than I would have expected.

Tell me what happened, he ordered tersely, already entering the airlock where his shuttle was docked. He’d apologise to her later.

Dr Bekah asked me to go shopping with her, and we were about to stop for coffee. She went on ahead, but when I caught up with her, a stranger was making a nuisance of himself. She’d already asked him to leave, but he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Did Security remove him?

No— She hesitated. I did. They’re here now, but I, um, pushed him out the door, she admitted.

Despite his foul mood, Lan laughed, some of his tension relieved. I would have liked to have seen that. I’m just leaving the Consortium’s office. I’ll be about ten minutes. Does Bekah know you’re calling me?

No. I said I’d pop out to check the coast was clear. She wants to go home, sir.

Then I’ll meet you there. And I’ll square things with Bekah about you calling me.

Less than ten minutes later, he was letting himself into Bekah’s apartment.

She’s in the courtyard, Zandra whispered, meeting him just inside the door.

Lan gave her arm a light squeeze as he rushed past her.

A good hour later, Lan tapped lightly on the door to Zandra’s room. I persuaded her to take a nap, he said quietly. May I come in? We owe you an explanation.

A look of surprise crossed Zandra’s face, but she nodded and beckoned him in.

His eyes wandered around the room, noticing the changes she’d made.

Let me guess, you’re not a frilly person? he asked, grinning. Before Zandra’s arrival, Bekah had roped him in to adding decorative touches – fairy lights and far too many scatter cushions – to help her maid feel welcome. All these had gone, probably stuffed in a cupboard out of sight.

I know Dr Bekah wanted me to feel at home, but it was a little overwhelming. Zandra smiled shyly back at him.

She moved over to the chairs in front of the window and, lifting a brightly coloured blanket out of the way, invited him to take a seat. Although dusk was falling, the curtains were still open, and Lan could see the lights marking the pathways, which crisscrossed the parkland, coming to life.

So, no frills. But you obviously love colour, he observed, touching the blanket. So why do we never see you wear anything other than grey?

Grey is unobtrusive. I’m trained to be efficient but invisible.

I’ll allow that you’re efficient, but unobtrusive and invisible? He was gently teasing her. I think that ship’s already sailed.

Is Dr Bekah mad at me, sir? For calling you?

He quickly shook his head. She doesn’t like people seeing her weaknesses; but, no, she’s not upset with you.

She still looked worried.

You’re good for Bekah, Lan continued, wanting to put her mind at ease. I insisted she get some help because she was working herself into the ground. And I do appreciate how well you’ve been looking after her; she’s actually beginning to relax.

He hesitated for a moment, before deciding to trust her, at least this far. If she understood Bekah’s triggers, she’d be in a position to help.

She had to leave her last post because she was receiving hate mail, threats – even an attempt on her life. That’s why she tries to lose herself in her work, and why she reacted the way she did today.

Zandra’s eyes widened, but she nodded her understanding. Anything to do with her being a crusader?

Lan’s lips twitched, as he failed to hide his amusement at Zandra’s directness. Everything to do with it.

Is she likely to get the same treatment here?

I don’t think so. Most of the Consortium’s ire is being directed at me rather than Bekah. I think today’s incident was exactly what it appeared to be – some guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’s been charged with harassment.

Lan had demanded the security feed from the café, having traced Zandra’s location through her wrib. She’d easily overpowered a man twice her size, restraining him until help arrived.

I watched the footage. Thank you for handling it so neatly. He grinned, as she fidgeted uncomfortably. Where did you learn to do that?

On Cafta. Some of the guest cabins were pretty isolated, so we had self-defence training. But it’s the first time I’ve ever needed it.

I’m glad you weren’t afraid to use it today. Keep an eye on her for me?

She nodded, standing as Lan rose to leave. But just as he reached the door, he turned to face her and bowed formally – leaving her wide-eyed in astonishment.

Once outside the room, Lan leant against the wall, wondering what had possessed him. The look of horror on her face told him she was unaccustomed to such respect. His action had surprised him almost as much as it had her, yet it had been an honest reaction on his part. A courtesy drilled into him since childhood.

So why was there a nagging voice in the back of his mind, wondering if perhaps she was too good to be true? And why, when he wasn’t in the least attracted to her, did he feel such a strong connection?

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When Bekah had first arrived on Lovah, she’d been so shaken by her narrow escape on Mining Platform 12 that she buried herself in her new role, hiding her vulnerability behind a professional façade. She’d kept herself to herself, rarely ever venturing out for drinks after work, never letting her guard down. Only Lan was allowed within the walls she’d built to protect herself.

Right from the start, even before she’d known who his father was, he’d inspired trust – something that had previously been in short supply. And not simply because he was a fellow Guildmember; with his silly jokes about being her union rep, she’d known he had her back.

But as spring blossomed into summer, she found she was enjoying life again, and valuing her unlikely friendship with Zandra.

She’d no idea when she engaged her that Zandra would turn out to be such an excellent cook. Or that, with Zandra’s encouragement, she would find the confidence to host small dinner parties for her colleagues, like the one she’d thrown yesterday for Summer Solstice.

I’m promoting you to Housekeeper and Chef. Bekah was rummaging through her closet as she spoke, throwing horse-riding clothes onto the bed. I thought we could go riding to celebrate. I’m sure I’ve got stuff in here that would fit you.

I’ve never been riding.

But you’re from Cafta!

Which has rigidly enforced social divisions.

Bekah sat down heavily on the bed, suddenly aghast at the situation she’d created. She looked over at Zandra, who was stood in the open doorway, watching her, as inscrutable as ever.

Look, I know I’ve been treating you as a companion, not just a maid. Have I made you uncomfortable?

To be honest, yes, a little, Zandra admitted, after an agonising pause. I’m not used to it, and sometimes it feels really awkward. Then she shrugged her shoulders, and grinned. But I do enjoy our companionship.

Then proprieties be damned. Bekah threw a pair of jodhpurs at her. I’m teaching you to ride.

Lan was less certain.

Are you sure she’s not taking advantage? he asked later that evening, when Bekah was telling him about her day, leaning comfortably against him as they sat on the courtyard bench, watching the stars come out overhead.

He hated questioning her judgement; she seemed so certain that Zandra wasn’t a threat.

You already run together nearly every day; you eat together when you’re not entertaining; she calls you Bekah—

Well, it is my name! She turned to face