***
“I’ll let you into a secret,” he said taking a large swig of wine. “Very few really know me. Kate, I have to be professional and strong at all times. But contrary to popular belief, I do possess a heart, well, rumor has it I at least have a sense of humor on the occasion.”
Kate decided she could accept that, she even managed a giggle. “Alright, but just don’t lie to me. We may even get along.”
“Do you feel like telling me what is on your mind?”
She licked her lips and sighed. “Where do I start? I have so many unanswered questions. I guess it is trying to make all the pieces fit. I don’t fear Kalvich, I mean, I don’t even know him, only what I have heard about him. In my visions, I just see shadows instead of faces. I don’t even fear the powers I have, or what I am or am becoming. I just want to know why me? Why now? Was this planned by the gods or was I just chosen at random? My head is spinning with too many unknowns eating my brain out. I’m sure I’m going to go nuts. And I value my sanity and would gladly give up all this horseshit just to be me again.”
“For one thing, Kate, slow down, one thing at a time. You are not being fair to yourself and you need to give yourself a moment to breathe. We, I am here to help you. I told you that at the start. Why not accept it? Your friend Dr. Pete Reynolds and I have talked at length about human history. You are the Chosen One, and one day you will accept that in your heart. You have a destiny to receive great powers. Kalvich is waiting for you. He is the one to answer some of your questions, and help you. And of course, Cemel will naturally guide you. Time has a way of misconstruing matters, especially over a period of six thousand years.”
She looked at him, “Okay right, good practical advice, and one thing at a time. Firstly, if you were talking about someone else, I might understand. However, again I ask you–why me?”
“As I said, just accept that this is what the gods’ plans are. What will be will be. Kalvich is the Trimadian race’s leader. He has great powers and gives us faith, keeps the Trimadians united and strong and the elite force in the universe. We don’t question that faith. You will enhance that faith.”
Kate remembered the classic movie Contact, with Jodie Foster, always believing that science holds the answers. But, after her fantastic journey, her mind opened up to the wonders of faith. In just believing. Some things are just to be accepted, logic does not answer everything.
“It all sounds so noble, but yet—”
“Kate, have patience, at this stage, you don’t realize the extent of your powers, so you cannot believe in yourself.”
She sighed again, feeling tired. It had been a long day.
Talokta had taken Kate to his quarters, and both were sitting side by side on a huge comfortable sofa, the type you just sink into and have great difficulty trying to get out. The room also consisted of a large bed behind them, a table and another room off to the side she assumed was the bathroom.
When they had first arrived, she had stated, “For such a high ranking Trimadian, your quarters seem so small and ordinary, compared to mine.”
He laughed. “You have my quarters. This room is just for me on a temporary measure until we get to Heliostronus, then I get it back.” He flashed a pert smile at her. “I took the liberty to make a few subtle changes hoping you would feel more at home during your journey.”
She was beginning to feel guilty about calling him arrogant. “I wish I could read your mind as easily as you can read mine. Thank you, Talokta. That was a nice gesture.”
Kate became conscious of her panda eyes from crying. “Could you dim the overhead lights please.”
He simply smiled and touched a control panel by his arm. The lights dimmed to candlelight.
In his soft tone, he said, “I would like to hear more about your life on Earth.”
And before she knew it, she was pouring out her heart, between sips of a delicious red wine, called Lapin. A type of mulled wine that warmed the blood, it made her feel better.
She was now feeling not quite so lonely. In fact, she genuinely enjoyed his company. He was articulate, an excellent listener, and she began to open up and relax.
“There’s something about Trimadian wines that cheer you up,” she observed.
“Yes, we produce and consume a great deal of our own wine and it is exported around the galaxy.”
He paused, looking deeply into her eyes; he could tell she was finally starting to relax. And with a somber sincerity, he stated, “You have no idea of the many gifts that Kalvich can give you. You will never again want for anything. You can have all the most beautiful clothes, wealth, power, precious jewels; anything you want is yours. You can have your own army. You have people who adored you many thousands of years ago. You see, to Kalvich and all the Trimadians you are Queen Leah, not Kate Willard. I know it is hard to accept, but you must try.”
Kate closed her eyes and lay back. “Honestly, something in me is drawing me to this life you are telling me about. I want to remember, but I am so confused.” She turned her head and looked at Talokta who was staring intently at her. “I know one thing for sure, just by sitting here talking to you, I intellectually acknowledge that I can’t go on being Kate Willard and Queen Leah. I only know Kate. Leah is a stranger. It’s like looking in a mirror and watching your life go by as a spectator and not having control.”
He saw the agony in her eyes and said gently, “Just give yourself permission to let someone help you.”
She lent over and put her head on his shoulder, murmuring softly, “Yes, you are right. It’s nice to have a friend.”
He did not move, this was unexpected, and Talokta was not someone who was easily surprised. Until he had set his eyes on her, she was simply the subject of a top mission. Now here she was, alone with him. She was a new experience; unpredictable, unexplored territory.
He listened to her breathing and became aware of his own heart beating. Yes, he once had a love, which he had lost to the ravages of war. But that was a lifetime ago, since then he devoted himself completely to his work.
It helped him forget the pain.
The Cathexistome inside him was inbred to mask most emotions except the typical ones that made Trimadian Leaders as their nature intended: a sense of pride, strength, intelligence, duty, logic, cunning, and violence. This woman seemed to mask the Cathexistome inside him! He could smell the sweetness of female flesh, the musky scent emitting from her that made him feel uncomfortable, yet it was desirable.
Commanding thousands of troops and warships into battle was a walk on the Trilades moon. Something he could easily and decisively do.
Yet, this situation, one single, beautiful woman. He had no idea what to do. Was it the thought that she was destined to belong to someone else? No. He admittedly felt a natural attraction to her.
“Thanks fer listenin’,” Kate slurred. The wine had made her very sleepy and she did just that. She fell asleep against his shoulder. He took her goblet that was about to test gravity and placed it on the table. He waited a minute more and tentatively put his arm around her, listening to the rhythm of her breathing. Like Manutaai, a strong urge to protect her came over him. She was so lost, so vulnerable, in the state she was in. He remembered her words. She was reaching out for help. Now was the time. Kalvich was right, get close to her. Humans are emotional, and they need nurturing, trust, and companionship.
Win Kate’s trust to allow Leah to surface.
Finally, the tall, muscular warrior picked her up and cradled her in his arms, fighting against the flame of desire that flowed through him. Desire and passion that had been buried so deep he had almost forgotten. He remembered the words of the oath he took when he swore allegiance to his great lord, Supreme Ruler, and friend.
He carried her back to her own quarters, and placed her on the bed. He spent a good few minutes studying her face.
Then he left.
Chapter 25—Cemel