Zelerod's Doom by Jacqueline Lichtenberg

Author:Jacqueline Lichtenberg [Lichtenberg, Jacqueline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction, sime-gen, Sime~Gen, mutant, symbiosis, Romance, Adventure
Publisher: Wildside Press
Published: 2011-03-24T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

TRANSFER SHOCK

With Muryin’s transfer settled, Risa turned her will to taking her transfer from Korin.

She’d broken with Sergi before, so it should pose no problem—except that she wouldn’t be at her best when meeting all those Householding Representatives in Capital.

But for Sergi it wouldn’t be that bad. He had worked with many channels before they’d found torluen. Twice the professional Hugh was, he’d handle Muryin easily.

When Dsif died, she and Sergi had discussed this possibility. Sergi had pointed out, “If she gets a solid First Transfer, Muryin may grow up to be saner and easier for Gulf to deal with than Klyd is.”

Risa had zlinned nothing in Muryin’s condition to change that. So both Risa and Sergi were startled to hear Klyd say, “I’m afraid that’s out of the question.”

Risa stared at Klyd, her astonishment plain in her nager, as was Sergi’s and Hugh’s. Hugh regained control, hardening his nager into a tense shell as he muttered, “Sorry.”

Klyd acknowledged with a tentacle but didn’t soften his words. “Hugh’s the only Companion here conditioned to Farris draw-speed. Sergi, with all respect, you haven’t the response times Muryin will require—nor quite the capacity.”

Sergi argued, “That’s not what you told Nedd twenty years ago. You wanted me for your own Companion then.”

Risa submerged her shock. She’d thought Sergi’s interest in serving Muryin was merely professional.

Little things he’d said over the last few months—his knowledge of Farrises when there were none in Gulf—all fell into a pattern. Well, it would be good for him to have his illusions shattered. Lifelong yearnings shouldn’t be denied when fulfilling them was so harmlessly appropriate.

Klyd answered. “Sergi, twenty years ago you were young, pliable, and immensely talented. But you’ve spent too many years working to—different—specifications.”

Risa controlled her need-temper. She wasn’t accustomed to being called a spoiler of talented Companions. Nor would she allow the insult to her husband, who was smarting at the loss of his treasured opportunity. “Sergi is remarkably adaptable and our differences aren’t so great.”

She felt a stir of need-dampened amusement from Klyd. “What seem small differences to you have crippled Farrises.”

Risa curbed her exasperation with his hot-house-flower attitude. “Muryin’s your daughter, your House heir. We cannot argue your choice; we can only offer our help.”

Klyd bowed, “Zeor thanks Keon for its most gracious offer. Seldom has a House had such a generous ally.”

Nivet formalities! Then she realized Klyd’s unspoken question and replied, “Korin, you have my permission to serve Klyd.” He’ll get that Farris experience he wants, even if Sergi doesn’t.

When they’d rounded the building and were out of earshot of the Zeor group, Risa added, “Good luck to him convincing Hugh. Did you catch his reaction?”

“Yes. Hugh’s going to abort. Why doesn’t Klyd see it?”

Because he doesn’t want to. “What makes you think so?” Risa agreed, but was curious about Sergi’s thinking.

“Hugh’s face at Dsif’s burial—the way he looked at Klyd and Muryin. How he blew the fields when Klyd chose him for Muryin. Klyd denies it, but they must have an orhuen.

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