“A stroke of luck indeed,” Yoponek said. “Again, that’s also our quest. We’re in our wandering year, the period of time between primary and final education. We’ve chosen to spend it traveling the Ascendancy.”
“An amazing and unique concept,” Haplif said, skipping over the fact that he could name at least five other cultures that did the same thing. “Do you have a specific field of study?”
“Well, I’m a student of history and Chiss culture,” Yoponek said. “So pretty much anything we see and experience is in my area. Yomie—” he sent her an appraising look “—is much more a student of everything.”
“So even more intrigued by everything in the Ascendancy,” Haplif concluded, nodding. “An exciting time for you, indeed. So for a year you are free to move about as you wish?”
“For another five months,” Yomie corrected, her nose wrinkling a bit. “And it’s hardly free.”
“We’re doing all right,” Yoponek said, giving her a slightly annoyed look. “We just have to be careful with our money from now on.”
Haplif suppressed a smile. Perfect. “I understand the challenges of limited funds,” he said, switching his attention to the girl. Clearly, she was the practical one of the pair. If he could convince her, the boy would follow. “But there’s an obvious solution for both our problems. I suggest we combine our efforts.”
“What do you mean?” the girl asked, frowning.
“I offer you passage aboard our ship,” Haplif said. “That will save a great deal of your funding. In exchange, you would offer your services as guides and mentors, saving us missteps and wasted efforts.”
The two Chiss exchanged looks. “What if we want to go someplace you don’t?” Yoponek asked.
“Not a problem,” Haplif said. “We have no fixed itinerary, nor have we anywhere in particular we wish to go. Cultural nomads go where the wind of fate takes them. We would happily allow you to be that wind, following wherever you lead.”
Again, the two looked at each other. “What do you think?” Yoponek asked, switching back to Cheunh.
“It would make the finances work better,” the girl said, sounding a little hesitant. “Not exactly what we’d planned, though.”
“We would also of course provide sustenance throughout our journey,” Haplif put in. “Our experience has shown that our two species can eat the same food and require the same nutrients. And of course, we’ll also be buying other exotic foods, which will offer you more variety.”
“We did talk about sampling the various cuisines along the way,” Yoponek pointed out.
“I know,” Yomie said.
But Haplif could still hear the doubt in her voice … and if she didn’t come around in the next few seconds, he’d have lost them both.
He gave a silent inner growl. He’d wanted to continue using only the spices for their income and hold off on bringing out the jewelry until the time and place where they would do the most strategic good. But Yomie was teetering on the line, and the two rings and woven necklace she was wearing suggested that she appreciated fine jewelry. No choice but to switch plans.
“You seem uncertain,” he said. “If I may, allow me to offer one more inducement.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a brooch, one of several he carried. “I would be honored if you would accept a small gift,” he continued, placing it on the table in front of her. “There’s no commitment suggested or required. I gift it to you simply in gratitude for listening to my offer.”
The girl tried to play it casual, pausing for a full two seconds before picking it up. But Haplif could see the gleam in those glowing red eyes as she gazed at the delicate swirl and interweaving of the metal threads. “It’s nice,” she allowed, again trying to hide the true depth of her interest. Haplif watched her closely, noting that the boy was doing the same. Definitely the decision maker of the pair.
She took a deep, deciding breath. “All right,” she said. “If Yoponek’s happy to go with you, so am I. At least, for a time.”
“Then it’s settled,” Haplif said, beaming his best cheerful smile. “Whenever you’re ready, I’d be honored to show you to our ship. Once we’re there, you can discuss and then decide what our next destination should be.”
“We’ll also need separate sleeping compartments,” Yoponek said. “Not just separate beds, but separate compartments.”
“Yes, of course,” Haplif said, hiding his surprise. Most species’ betrothal customs and restrictions, at least those he’d seen on his various jobs, seemed to be held more in theory than in actual practice. This couple was apparently more serious about following them. “Whatever you need, we can supply.”
From across the festival grounds came the sounds of musicians warming up their instruments. “Can we listen to one more set first?” Yomie asked, looking at the boy. “I really like their style.”
“Of course.” Yoponek looked at Haplif. “If that’s all right?”
“Absolutely,” Haplif said, being careful not to let his cheerful façade slip. “As I said, I and the Agbui are completely at your disposal.”
He hesitated, recognizing that this next step might be a little too early in their still-tenuous relationship. But he needed to be sure. Reaching across the table, he brushed his fingertips across Yoponek’s temple, pushing back a few strands of hair as he did so.
The boy twitched, but didn’t pull away. “What was that for?” he asked.
“It’s an Agbui gesture of greeting and friendship,” Haplif said, reaching next toward Yomie. The girl tried to duck away from the approaching fingers, but Haplif managed a brief touch. “I’m sorry—is it offensive to you?”
“It’s all right,” Yoponek said. “Yomie?”
“It’s fine,” Yomie said stiffly, her glowing red eyes narrowed and glaring.
“My apologies,” Haplif said, ducking his head toward her. “With like-minded souls, I sometimes forget I’m not among fellow Agbui.”
“It’s all right,” Yomie said, relaxing a little.
“But I intruded,” Haplif said humbly. “I will try to remember my proper place in the future. In the meantime, let us enjoy the performance together.”
The music started up. Yoponek turned his chair around in the direction of the musicians; with a lingering look at Haplif, Yomie did likewise. They settled back to listen, their hands entwined in each other’s.
With their faces turned away, Haplif finally permitted himself a small, triumphant smile. Yoponek was already enthusiastic about the free travel and cultural opportunities, he’d seen in that quick pass-by. Yomie, while more cautious, was at least warming up to the idea. As long as Haplif and the others didn’t make any blatant missteps, their new guests should settle in comfortably.
And with a pair of Chiss aboard from whom he could study and glean information, the handle he was looking for was bound to show itself.
And once he had the handle, he would have the whole ax.
He settled back in his seat to wait on the convenience of his new unwitting allies. And really, the music wasn’t that bad.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Breakout in thirty seconds,” Wutroow called from her position behind the Vigilant’s helm.
Ar’alani looked around the bridge, confirming one final time that her ship was prepared for battle. Sky-walker Ab’begh and her caregiver were safely tucked away in their suite, the weapons and defense status boards all showed green, and all stations were cleared for action.
Two more Nikardun bases in this region, if Yiv’s records were accurate. Two more battles, and then they could go home. She took a steady breath, setting her mind into combat mode.