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2

Craig groggily awoke to what he thought was a strangely accented voice. It didn't occur to him right away that the gently compelling voice was in his mind and not heard with his ears.

“Na'suan*[1]* Craig, sen-Raleen*[2]* has already risen—you Honored Mother should not be kept waiting at her table."

Craig pulled a cushion over his head and groaned softly.

“I feel like an elephant is sitting on me."

Taen-Gar'ta, the middle-aged Mûr Tua'ansa male who had been assigned as Craig's onnaf, or personal valet, gave a bemused look.

“I assure you, na'suan Craig, the only thing on you are the coverings. No doubt it will take one or two cycles of nan-Raleen*[3]* until you become acclimated. However, it would be terribly improper to keep your Honored Mother waiting quite that long. Come, you must be made presentable."

Craig felt the cushion over his face lifted off, and the covers pulled aside.

“I will assist you in rising, na'suan Craig."

“What the…?!"

When Craig opened his eyes, he felt a wave of vertigo hit him. It suddenly seemed as if the planet lost gravity and he was floating out of bed! Panic gripped him, and he would have begun flailing his arms and legs in a desperate attempt to get a hold of something—anything, but he couldn't move.

“Be calm, na'suan Craig," he heard Taen-Gar'ta's oddly accented voice in his head. “I am simply assisting you by holding you in my thoughts. There now, your feet are firmly on the floor. Let us get you presentable…"

Cassandra glanced at her husband while taking another sip of her tea. Although William was reading a report on his PAD, he was starting to show the tell-tale signs of annoyance.

“He'll be along any moment, dear. Suos-Fre'an assured me that Taen-Gar'ta would make sure that Craig would be here in time for…whatever they call 'breakfast' here."

William paused a few seconds and then said, “'Chu'anso', I think."

Cassandra took another sip of her tea, savoring the mildly spicy, sweet flavor. The tea, a local favorite, was called na'oos, and it was grown in the foothills of Nus-Sava'en, a forbidding-looking mountain approximately fifty kilometers east of Zhæn'ana. Just as she was finishing her tea, there was a soft chime.

“Enter," Cassandra called out.

A section of wall softened, and then opened like a dilating iris. Suos-Fre'an, the salt-and-pepper gray haired Mûr Tua'ansa woman who was the cha-nwea*[4]*, stepped into the residence's informal dining room.

“Na'suan Craig, Madam."

Suos-Fre'an stepped to the side and took a respectful stance, eyeing Craig as he entered the room. Craig glanced up as he walked by—he couldn't read her expression, though he somehow felt that the cha-nwea was not particularly pleased.

“Ah, there you are," Cassandra piped up upon seeing her son.

William glanced up from his PAD and quietly said, “About time."

Suos-Fre'an continued to discretely watch Craig, noting how—in her opinion—he failed to show proper respect for his parents, particularly to his mother. She found herself in agreement with his father's comment, though she kept the thought private.

Craig plopped himself down into a chair at the table, still looking somewhat sleepy, though freshly scrubbed and properly dressed. William noted his son's clothing—it was an improvement, considering how Craig normally dressed, and he said so.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise. He looks ready to start a new day…well, night, I suppose. What do you think, hon?"

Cassandra smiled at her son, and patting his arm, said, “You look nice, dear." Looking at Suos-Fre'an she added, “I think we're ready now."

Suos-Fre'an nodded her head once, and then seemed to look off into the distance for a moment. Shortly thereafter, their food arrived.

After they had their chu'anso, or breakfast, Suos-Fre'an handed a note to Cassandra.

“Madam, Lady Nemi-Mer'ana is here to see you and your family. She has brought the personal security detail that has been assigned to you."

“Oh, already? Very well, then, thank you. William, Lady Nemi-Mer'ana has arrived.

William raised an eyebrow.

“She's brought the security people."

“Ah, okay. A little sooner than I thought, but…"

“We best not keep her waiting."

William said, “Right. Come on, son."

The three of them got up from the table and went to the residence's office, where they greeted Lady Nemi-Mer'ana.

When Bren-Khy'an arrived at the entrance to the new Terran embassy, she quickly noted that the basic architecture was identical to the other embassies. The security systems, she knew, would be the latest that Imperial Security had devised, so protecting the compound itself would not be an issue. However, protecting the diplomats and their families while they were outside of the compound would be a challenge. Although all of Mûr Zhæn was relatively crime free, the main problem would essentially boil down to issues of honor. Off-worlders—aliens not familiar with Mûr Tua'ansa culture—might unwittingly insult the sensibilities of one or more citizens. A seriously offended Mûr Tua'ansa could become dangerously aggressive—aside from physical strength and speed, all Mûr Tua'ansa possessed the powerful psi abilities of full telepathy, telekinesis, and teleportation without error. Most races had little to no ability to protect themselves from beings of such abilities. In some minds, though, the most horrifying capability of all Mûr Tua'ansa—from children to the most ancient of elders—was the venomous bite. The slightest amount would permanently mark an individual, such as during pairing; more than that was violently lethal to most species. The healers had long ago developed antidotes and cures for the tissue destroying substances and toxins in Mûr Tua'ansa venom in effort to save those who were deemed accidentally or unfairly bitten. Those who received a bite when the athwan*[5]* was justifiably invoked were allowed to die. Bren-Khy'an's job would be two-fold: to physically protect her assigned Terran from harm, and act—when necessary—as an advisor to avoid potentially bad situations.

Bren-Khy'an was led by one of the Dark Fire's crew members to the residential section of the embassy, where she was bet by the cha-nwea, Suos-Fre'an. After reading the scroll containing Bren-Khy'an's orders, Suos-Fre'an took her to the residence's office. Lady Nemi-Mer'ana had arrived only a short while before Bren-Khy'an, along with four other members of the Imperial Guard.

“Ah, so we are all here. Cha'nwea, you may inform our new friends now that I am here to introduce their personal security detail," Lady Nemi-Mer'ana ordered.

Suos-Fre'an bowed and left to fetch the Nicolinis.

“Bren-Khy'an, I suppose that you already know the others," Lady Nemi-Mer'ana said with a slight wave of her fingers.

Indeed, Bren-Khy'an did know the other four guards—they also came from the Jankir-Sumíl Regiment of the Imperial Guard, the same as she. However, Bren-Khy'an was the only one of the five guards who was a member of the Che'maht Sahn'rah, the elite personal guards of the Empress.

“We are acquainted, yes, My Lady," Bren-Khy'an acknowledged with a curt nod.

“Excellent. Bren-Khy'an, you will have the honor of keeping na'suan Craig Nicolini safe."

Bren-Khy'an ever so slightly lifted an eyebrow, causing an amused look on Lady Nemi-Mer'ana's face.

“Yes, he is a young male of his species—an adult by their standards, but still young and…you no doubt wonder why you have been chosen to guard him."

“I serve as it is willed," Bren-Khy'an stated, keeping her tone neutral.

Lady Nemi-Mer'ana stared directly at Bren-Khy'an a few seconds, then with a slight smile and a small gesture with her right hand, she sent, “Of course. You may be free with your thoughts in this matter."

Bren-Khy'an's tail twitched slightly, once. She well knew of Lady Nemi-Mer'ana's reputation in the Royal Court—the Che'maht Sahn'rah, as part of their duty in protecting the Empress, maintained an extensive intelligence gathering network. Their faith in, trust of, and loyalty to the Empress was absolute—all others, particularly those who may have business with the Empress, they scrutinized closely. Bren-Khy'an's orders bore the Empress' personal seal—it was by Her Will that Bren-Khy'an was assigned to this duty, and that she did not, would not, could not question. How Lady Nemi-Mer'ana came to be involved in her assignment, though, did give Bren-Khy'an something to think about, as did the words of Madam Commander Anen-Rhy'an.

“As you wish, My Lady," Bren-Khy'an sent, carefully choosing her words. “The House Cha-Nwea could easily enough find a staff member to watch over a youth, unless there is something about this particular na'suan that requires he be closely watched by the Che'maht Sahn'rah."

Lady Nemi-Mer'ana also knew well Bren-Khy'an's reputation and skills, having been on the receiving end of them on one particular occasion. Lady Nemi-Mer'ana did not do favors for others unless she had good reasons to; however, she strongly believed in “keeping the scales balanced" as it were. Bren-Khy'an had been among the ones who had risked themselves in saving all aboard a returning diplomatic shuttle that experienced a catastrophic propulsion failure. Bren-Khy'an and four other guards—the same four currently present with her—had witnessed the explosion of a drive pod on the shuttle as it was attempting to land, while they were on the training field. Without hesitating, they teleported aboard the shuttle, grabbed the pilot and passengers, and teleported out and into the starport's Emergency Capture Field. Teleporting from one stationary location to another took very little energy—teleporting from the ground into a moving vehicle of any kind, or from a moving vehicle to the ground, was dangerous. The greater the velocity difference, the greater the amount of energies involved. While it was possible to teleport directly from a vessel in orbit to the ground, unless the vessel was in exact geosynchronous orbit, doing so could be lethal. Special Emergency Capture Fields were located in strategic locations for teleporting safely into in the event of disaster. The ECFs would gently snare individuals having to “bail out" of a disabled craft, dissipating their vertical and horizontal momentum as it lowered them to the ground and into the care of specially trained and equipped healers. Lady Nemi-Mer'ana was on that particular diplomatic shuttle, and it was Bren-Khy'an who go her to safety. In Bren-Khy'an's mind, she and the other Imperial Guards had simply acted according to their training. They were not actively guarding the Empress at that time, and they had been trained in such rescue methods.

“There is no particular reason for the Che'maht Sahn'rah to be interested in the Terran youth, he poses no inherent danger to the Empire—to himself and his family, however, might be another matter. To put it simply, and you will likely find this out soon enough for yourself, the youth requires a strong and steady head to keep him from making a fool of himself," Lady Nemi-Mer'ana replied.

Bren-Khy'an sensed the amusement of the other guards.

“My own family is justifiably afraid of what I am capable—even my Honored Grandmother knows that, in the defense of our Empress, I would not hesitate to kill even her if she should pose a threat. I am to be a me'wae[6] to this youth?! How is this a 'favor'?!" Bren-Khy'an thought to herself. To Lady Meni-Mer'ana she sent, “I shall do as is Willed, My Lady."

Lady Nemi-Mer'ana thought for a moment and sent, “Consider this a learning experience for both you and your charge, Bren-Khy'an. You will learn about these Terrans, and in return, you shall instruct the na'suan in our ways."

Bren-Khy'an was not sure how the latter might be accomplished, even though she felt that she was definitely not the best person to be teaching social skills to a young off-worlder male.

“Na'suan Craig Nicolini, this shall be your own personal guard, who will accompany you at all times whenever you have reason to leave these grounds, or engage with those not of this household," Lady Nemi-Mer'ana said.

Bren-Khy'an stepped forward, stood with feet shoulder width apart, right hand in a fist on her hip, and held up with her left hand the scroll containing her orders. She let the scroll unroll and spoke aloud in her native Tuan language.

“I am Imperial Guard, First Grade, Bren-Khy'an, of the Che'maht Sahn'rah. It is by The Will of our Empress, Her Majesty Krel-Mri'ana, that I am assigned to be your protector and mentor while you are on Mûr Zhæn."

Craig had no idea what the scary-looking guard said, and he definitely found her intimidating.

“Uh, hi," Craig said, extending his hand.

Bren-Khy'an looked down at Craig's proffered hand, not understanding the significance of the act.

“Son, they don't shake hands here. Just nod your head," William said quietly.

“Oh."

Craig dropped his hand and did as his father instructed.

Bren-Khy'an nodded curtly, rolled up the scroll, and placed it back into her shoulder bag.

After the other four guards were introduced, they were shown to their quarters so that they could put their things away and get settled in. Bren-Khy'an felt her quarters in the embassy's residential section were positively cushy compared to what she had been used to. The Che'maht Sahn'rah had the best quarters amond the palace guards, as befitting their elite status, and they were well cared for.

“This will take some getting used to," Bren-Khy'an mused as she put her belongings away. She stopped for a moment and thought about what Lady Nemi-Mer'ana had told her earlier. “Consider this a learning experience," she had said. “I will need to learn their language, that is certain. There can be no mistakes if a situation should occur. When I finish here, I shall have the House Cha-nwea tell me where to find this youth I am to protect so that we may embrace in thought. We shall see if the Terran can learn our words as well."

Craig did not hear the repeated soft chime of the door announcer, though he did hear Taen-Gar'ta's voice in his head over the music he was listening to.

“Na'suan Craig, your guard, Bren-Khy'an, wishes to speak with you."

Pulling the headphones off, Craig looked up in surprise.

“Huh? Why?"

“That is between you and her, Na'suan Craig."

When Taen-Gar'ta stepped aside, Craig saw that Bren-Khy'an was no longer in her scary-looking armor and cloak. The cut of the dark blue working uniform she wore made Craig's jaw drop.

“Na'suan Khrayg, wemah suoi?" Bren-Khy'an sent in her native Tuan.

When Craig got a confused look on his face, Bren-Khy'an pointed at herself and then pointed to the unoccupied section of the couch next to him and repeated what she had sent.

“Um, oh, you want to sit…here? Uh, yeah, sure."

Craig quickly straightened up the couch, putting his entertainment PAD and headphones on the end table. For once, Craig remembered his manners and stood, making the usual Terran gesture for her to sit. Bren-Khy'an did not understand—in her culture, males were seated first. It would have been a slight under normal circumstances, but Bren-Khy'an again recalled Lady Nemi-Mer'ana's words. This would be a learning experience for them both. Taking a slow breath, Bren-Khy'an nodded her head once, and sat.

“Er, what do I do now, Taen-Gar'ta?" Craig asked his onnaf quietly.

“In our culture, you have already offended her by insisting she sit first. You should not remain standing. Sit with her."

Craig swallowed hard and sat down as close to his end of the couch as possible.

Nervously he asked Taen-Gar'ta, “Uh…could…I mean, would…you tell her that I'm sorry? I didn't know about the sitting thing. Uh, in our culture, um, ladies and guests and such are, um, seated first."

Taen-Gar'ta flicked the end of his tail, nodded his head, and then faced Bren-Khy'an. Craig saw her stiffen slightly and narrow her eyes. Taen-Gar'ta's tail flicked several more times before he bowed his head a moment. Craig was not privy to the mental exchange between his onnaf and his guard, though he was beginning to get worried—especially when Bren-Khy'an gave him a hard look.

“Ah, geezers, why did mom and dad have to drag me here?! We gotta do everything at night, the people who work here treat me like I'm just a toy in a rat terrier's mouth, and I'm stuck with a guard that looks like she'd just as soon kill me as look at me! I wanna go home where it's safer! Maybe I could talk the captain of that scout ship into taking me back home. I can't take this crap—everybody hates me here!" Craig thought to himself.

He began to panic. Craig suddenly stood up, grabbed his entertainment PAD and headphones, and said, “You folks all hate me. Fine. I can't do anything right—I try to be nice, and all I do is just make things worse! This place is a nightmare, and I just wanna go home and be with my friends!"

Craig rushed off towards his bedroom, leaving Taen-Gar'ta and Bren-Khy'an with surprised looks. Even though Bren-Khy'an could not yet understand his words, she did sense his emotional state. Tae-Gar'ta was quite taken aback by Craig's outburst.

“I…do not understand."

“You do understand their words—what did the na'suan say?" Bren-Khy'an asked. After Taen-Gar'ta interpreted what Craig had said, Bren-Khy'an sighed and looked down at the floor, collecting her own thoughts. After a moment or two, she looked towards the door to Craig's bedroom. “I am not accustomed to failure, yet I have failed even before I began. I am Che'maht Sahn'rah, not a me'wae—my opponents should fear me, not one whose life is entrusted to be to keep safe. How am I to proceed?"

“Perhaps you might ask the one who knows him best," Taen-Gar'ta suggested.

Bren-Khy'an considered it, and then left to consult with Craig's mother.

“He said what? Oh, dear!" Cassandra exclaimed quietly.

“We do not understand why he believes he is hated, Madam, we surely do not," Taen-Gar'ta implored. “The na'suan's guard believes she has failed in her duty already, and that is…difficult…for her. The Che'maht Sahn'rah do not fail!"

Cassandra saw the distress in the eyes of Craig's guard, even though she tried to hide it.

“Craig has always been somewhat shy and insecure, though once you get to know him, he's a nice young man. I know he misses his friends, they're…hmm, that might help. Craig likes music, and he has quite a collection of musical instruments from different worlds. Maybe you might try introducing him to some of your music?"

When Taen-Gar'ta finished interpreting Cassandra's words, Bren-Khy'an relayed her thanks, saluted, and headed to her quarters.

“Na'suan Khrayg, e'u Bren-Khy'an. Sa'chi suoi?"

Craig's eyes popped open when he heard the husky female voice of his guard in his head.

Quickly removing his headphones, Craig shouted, “Leave me alone!"

The door's announcer chimed softly.

“Na'suan Khrayg…m'oicha, sa'chi suoi?"

“Go…away!"

There was a brief pause and then…

*Bamf!*

“GAAA!!!"

“Na'suan Khrayg, senu suoi amaht awan'at enchase-oun."

Bren-Khy'an's sudden appearance in his room scared Craig—he knew about the Mûr Tua'ansa ability of teleporting from the data file he had read prior to the voyage to Mûr Zhæn, but this was the first time he saw any of them use it. When Bren-Khy'an held her hand out to him, Craig looked at it in confusion.

“Senu suoi," Bren-Khy'an sent again, still holding her hand out to Craig.

“What do you want?" Craig asked in exasperation.

When Craig found himself getting up off his bed, apparently not by his own will, he attempted to resist.

“M'oicha, senu suoi," sent gently.

Seeing that he apparently had no choice, Craig slipped his shoes on, and let Bren-Khy'an take his hand.

*Bamf!*

An instant later, Craig found himself outside in what looked like a wooded area. Still somewhat in shock from experiencing the teleport, he let Bren-Khy'an lead him to a place that seemed overgrown with strange vines. Craig saw the vines part enough for them to enter a secluded garden, full of multi-colored glowing plants and bioluminescent globes. Craig was stunned by what he saw. When they sat down on the ground, Bren-Khy'an carefully fitted a pair of wireless earphones in Craig's ears, and another pair in her own. Switching on a small player, Bren-Khy'an selected a traditional Mûr Tua'ansa spiritual song often used during healing—it was a favorite of hers that she would listen to during meditation. Sometime during the second song, Bren Khy'an felt something touch her hand. She saw that Craig's hand was on hers—when she glanced over at him, she saw that his cheeks were wet. Taking a bit of a chance, Bren-Khy'an carefully entered Craig's thoughts…and began to learn his language.

(On to Chapter 3 https://www.sofurry.com/view/1049118)

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[1] Na'suan – Tua'an equivalent of “young sir"

[2] sen-Raleen – “Sister Soul", Mûr Zhæn's closer moon.

[3] nan-Raleen – “Brother Soul", Mûr Zhæn's farther moon.

[4] Cha-nwea – the Mûr Tua'ansa equivalent of a Major-Domo.

[5] Athwan – an ancient ritualistic homor fight that ends only in capitulation or death.

[6] Me'wae – the Mûr Tua'ansa equivalent of a nanny.