The next day I'm sitting with Ambassador Ahmadi in his office, as we discuss the proposition the King made to us. The Ambassador is extremely glad for the offer to help us. Me. I'm always cautious, even if it's from Jahní's Father. "Captain, is this not what we were hoping for? That they would share their technology with us."
"Yes, DAMN IT!" He sits There shaking his head at me. "Ambassador, I understand that we can't just turn our backs on this, but we need to tread carefully here." History is always at the forefront of my mind, especially when a more advanced society meets one not as advanced, and what usually happens. "We don't want to become an endangered species ether, or lose our identity."
"I know and comprehend you point Captain, however I must insist in the interest of the U.E.A." He's right of course, but I have to tread carefully, so we are not lost in the process. Nothing is so simple; I remember what my Father always said, 'Never believe it if it's for free, because there's always a cost.' I rub my chin. Damn, we need the help to get the Helios back up and operational.
"alright Ambassador, lets get this started and my God be with us."
He smiles at me. "God be praised. He will guide us of that I'm sure, now we will be able to move to and fro at a moments notice." I hope this is the right call, because they will have access to sensitive info. Well, the future of Earth hangs in the balance now more than ever.
"Ambassador, as much as I want show total trust, I can't because the safety of this crew is my responsibility. So, that being said security will be tight and round the clock." That's the only way I can feel comfortable having the members of another race, poking around the Helios.
"Very well Captain, I will pass the message along that we accept the help, with the restrictions you have just made." I nod in agreement. "So, how is the Princess carrying on with her condition?"
I look at Ahmadi and frown. I forgot that he was there that terrible day. I still haven't forgiven the King for that beating Jahní received at his orders. "She's fine Ambassador."
He smiles warmly. "Please give her my regards and well wishes."
"I will Ambassador, thank you." I look at my watch. "I must be on my way, but we will be in contact constantly." I extend my hand and we shake.
I stop at the door of our room in the secret passageway I unlock it and step in, but jahní is not here yet since I'm a little early. I put the bag down I brought with me, pulling out the candle setting it on the small table there. I light it and it warmly illuminates the the room, as I set down a couple of small plates and serve the food I had prepped, by my friend the cook in the Embassy.
I then set two glasses, which I brought from Earth and pour some grape juice. No alcohol for Jahní and I don't drink. I look out of the window and see the sun setting. I have so many different memories in my head, of sun sets and moon rises that I close my eyes. Just then the door opens and Jahní steps in and we look at each other. She then studies the table, while walking up to me putting her arms around my neck.
"You've been a bit busy I see." I look into her eyes knowing she is mine body and soul and no one else's; I will not share her ever with anyone.
"It's for us, for you. It's been four months since we first met." She looks down for a second then back at me. I love you my dearest Jahní. She stares at me in utter surprise, I'm confused at her reaction. "What's wrong?"
"I... Heard you." I laugh a little since I'm sure she did. "Your... thoughts I heard them in my mind." My Smile fades as her statement pierced my head.
"Wait, you heard my thoughts?" How did that happen? She's not even connected with my mind, if thats what you call it.
She searches my eyes to see if it was just a fluke. "Can you do it again?"
I shake my head shrugging my shoulders. "I have no idea that I even did that, to b honest."
"Try to project your mind again." She seems excited about this, So I try to think back what I did precisely in order to recreate the exact situation, but it was not possible for me. so I get frustrated. "Be calm, do not force it."
I attempt once more to reach her mind; I breathe deeply to calm myself closing my eyes and I focus in on Jahní. Can you hear me?
Yes, I can. I quickly open my eyes; I heard her in my head without her having to touch me. How is this possible? I'm only a human, without any extraordinary abilities. I wonder if I can do it again, I focus once more on Jahní.
Let's enjoy this small meal my love. She smiles adoringly and my heart skips a beat, while moving to the table. I help her to sit then take my own across from her, on that small table. I look at her as she taste the food and raises her eye brows, it's a nice savory dish of sirloin steak and vegetables. I want her to try some Earth dishes; I concentrate once more. What do think of food?
Smiling she looks up at me. It is delicious. What's it called?
Well it doesn't really have a name in particular. My head starts to hurt, but I want to keep going to get better. Jahní reaches across the table lightly touching my hand with her finger; she runs a pattern by going up from the knuckle of my index finger to the tip then down my middle finger, and up the ring finger then down my pinky. Then she goes across my hand and starts the pattern again.
I feel my head ache reduce by quite a bit, as I focus on the sensation. "You must not over exert yourself or you could hurt your mind."
I nod understanding what she's saying, especially after feeling the headache that came on. "What did you do that calmed my pain?"
"You were having a type of sensory over load, so by making you focus on something that feels nice your mind was able to relax." A distraction. The Majah-tu have probably been dealing with this for a long time.
"Thank you, for being patient with my inexperience in these matters." She inclines her head and we continue to eat the meal. As we eat I can't help, but wonder what else I might start to develop as time moves on.
"Your mind is beginning to open up, it must be connecting better with that sleeping part of you." I take a deep breath and notices that I didn't like her comment. "Forgive me Ant, it was not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable."
I regard her for a moment, but I'm not upset over her remark. It is what it is. "Don't worry you did nothing wrong, so there is no need to forgive you." She has an analytical gaze that seems to see right through me, with her silver eyes that can at times be unnerving.
She takes a sip of the juice and raises her eyebrows taking another sip. it's all new for her and I'm enjoying her reactions to everything, it's refreshing to watch. We finish eating and then we sit together on the bed quietly just feeling our emotions, as we look at the moon through the window.
"Ant, I was thinking about your growing abilities. I think we should keep this quiet and just between us." Really? "There would be those who would become fearful, of you and the rest of the humans of your crew." I hadn't gone to that conclusion, though it makes sense. She has been putting a lot of deep thought about the possible outcome.
"What would your father say about this development?" She turns to me and the deep concern is visible. "Do you think he would be afraid of it?" Oh man that is not what I was wanting to hear. "I mean we do have some humans that are highly evolved, this could be attributed to that." Boy that does sound weak.
"Does your family have a history of this type of thing happening before?" I shake my head, because I knew this was not a good idea. "That would not work once they put readers to work on you. believe me you don't want them, how did you say that... living rent free in your mind."
"Only you babe are allowed into my head." she smiles moving in closer to me, tilting her head up and I put my hand under her chin and we kiss gently. "I take it you don't want anyone snooping around up here." I tap my finger to my head, and she laughs softly at my comment.
She becomes somber. "I don't want to lose you to anyone. I would defend you against them and then you and I would both be in danger." I sigh at this new issue that I have to deal with, nothing is simple.
"You know what we need." She gazes at me curiously. "We need to get away from here, and be free from all the non sense of the Palace and the Embassy." Jahní looks down with the faintest smile; I know what she's thinking. The last get away we had ended badly.
"I am confined to the palace my love, so there is no place for me to go to." Yeah, I understand how she feels; but, I don't believe in surrender. Where there is a will there is a way.
"I think the King would agree that for your health and the baby's, it would be in your best interest to get out. even off world for a week or so." Her face brightens as the possibilities cross her mind, of where to go. I wouldn't mind going back to the ice world, I mean we have some wonderful memories there.
"There is a world far from here that belongs to my Father. We have not used it in a very long time... not since my Mother died." A shadow passes her face then its gone. "It is very remote and no one is permitted there, and I see no reason for him to object."
Ok, this is what I'm saying, there always options to choose from. We just have to open our minds to the possibilities that are in front our us. "Lets do it!" I feel excited about leaving and I can feel hers building up, as well as joy. Finally we may have a small reprieve here.