Clans of Kalquor 13: Alien Haven - Chapter One Scene Two

 

On sale now at Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Amazon (print).

Coming on November 12 to Kindle (if Amazon approves the date change...still waiting for confirmation).

Coming soon to Apple and Kobo.

 

Meeting Clan Amgar; "Jennifer" and Ilid hatch plans to get together

* * * * 

“In spite of the acoustics, I wish the trip had been longer. I enjoyed getting to know you,” Jennifer whispered to Ilid.

He darted a glance at his parent clan, who followed them a few feet behind in the aisle toward the exit hatch of the shuttle. The vessel had landed a couple minutes before. “Me too. I will see you again?”

Jennifer grinned, delighted at the prospect of encountering his familiar and classically handsome face again. And of seeing far more of him from head to toe. It was all she had to look forward to on the planet she’d never aspired to visit, much less spend an extended stay on. Three days of flight had barely scratched the surface of what promised to be an exciting fling where Ilid was concerned. She hadn’t come close to getting her fill of the compelling man. 

“Remember, Clan Amgar’s farm is where I’ve been sentenced. I will be insulted if you don’t visit in a day or two,” she warned.

There was no trace of the reserve that sometimes gripped Ilid. He smiled broadly. “I’d never insult a woman such as you,” he swore, his Kalquorian accent slightly slurring the English he spoke for her benefit.

Perhaps his parent clan overheard them despite their quiet conversation. Kalquorian hearing was insanely sensitive. Maybe they’d have heard her and Ilid getting friendly even if the walls had been thicker. Over Ilid’s shoulder, she saw Matara Diju and her trio of male clanmates exchange smirks. 

Far from the protective type for whom no woman would be good enough for her son, Diju had acted determined to play matchmaker between the young people. Every chance she’d gotten during the flight to Haven, a mixed Earther-Kalquorian community in Kalquorian Empire territory, Diju had pointed out Ilid’s best traits to Jennifer. 

She might have been delighted to hear them having sex. Jennifer somehow kept her nose from wrinkling at the thought.

She had no designs on any long-term relationships, though Ilid was a compelling temptation to give her daydreams to the contrary. Twenty-three years old, he was perfect for sheer fun, especially when his pronounced serious streak disappeared. 

She would see him again, she vowed. Though his problems were his own, she was determined to loosen him up. His laugh brightened their surroundings when it came, which was far too rare. He was a genuinely good guy.

Had she been in the market for a serious relationship, she admitted she would have judged Ilid a better than acceptable prospect. The Dramok breed of Kalquorian men had a habit of being bossy in her opinion. In defiance of his categorization, Ilid possessed an aura of vulnerability under the surface. She found it alluring. His parents were absolute darlings from what she could tell from their short acquaintance. That assessment included the watchful and brooding Nobek Gruthep, the protector of the clan. He and his clanmates doted on Ilid while obviously trying not to smother him.

In short, Ilid was wonderful, as was his family. Jennifer almost regretted her determination to play the field, but she’d eschewed dating Kalquorians until recently. She had a lot of catching up to do when it came to the species her elder sister Hope had committed to, in love and career. Fortunately…or unfortunately, depending on how things went…Ilid would possibly return to Kalquor in a month anyway.

An attendant who’d kept the sole five civilian passengers of the spacious shuttle comfortable during the trip, wearing the armored uniform of a Kalquorian fleet member, offered a slight bow as Jennifer and Ilid neared the hatch. “Welcome to Haven.”

“Ee-i-ee-i-o,” Jennifer muttered in sing-song. 

“Matara?”

“An old Earther tune regarding the glamorous life on a farm. I can’t wait to be among the cows and pigs.”
Ilid chuckled. He’d heard her complaints when it came to being stuck on Haven, a mostly agricultural community. He’d been appropriately sympathetic while finding humor in her concerns about backwoods hayseeds and watching where she stepped when she went outdoors.

She was relieved not to be knocked backward by the smell of animal manure when she exited the hatch. Indeed, Haven’s largest spaceport bore a remarkably respectable resemblance to such facilities she’d been to throughout the galaxy. It appeared as technologically modern as busier ports, if less hectic and noisy.
Despite the welcome absence of fertilizer aroma, Jennifer noted an appalling amount of flannel shirts, stained dungarees, and tall boots among the obvious fulltime residents who hurried past groups of uniformed ships’ crews. Even the Kalquorians whom apparently called Haven home had adopted clothing reflecting an Earther influence. Yeehaw, she thought, her mood dipping. Two flavors of hayseeds.

She slowly descended the ramp to the ridged flooring, which offered stable, nonslip footing. Feeling Ilid close behind, she said, “It’s quieter than most spaceports. Fewer ships.”

“Anti-virus protocols have shut out a lot of commerce, I’d guess,” he ventured, also gazing at their surroundings. His expression had taken on the nervously watchful cast she’d caught glimpses of during the trip.

Nobek Gruthep, a scarred but likable member of Kalquor’s warrior caste sporting an ass-long graying braid, placed a hand on Ilid’s shoulder. “Their security watches carefully for Darks, too. There have been no instances of suspicion our enemy has gained a presence on Haven.”

Ilid visibly drew a deep breath. Another nervous glance at his surroundings, and he relaxed enough to smile at Jennifer. “Where is this Clan Amgar supposedly responsible for rehabilitating you, Miss Behavior?”

Jennifer blew a raspberry at him but laughed. As far as Ilid and anyone who asked knew, she’d run a bit wild in the now Dark-overrun Galactic Council, where she’d attended university until a few weeks prior. According to her cover story, she hadn’t gotten in the sort of trouble to land her in a detention facility…thanks to her father’s high-ranking position in the government…but it had been decided she should cool her heels on Haven while she learned to stay out of mischief.

In response to this tale, Ilid had given her the pun nickname of “Miss Behavior.” His mother had been quick to defend Jennifer. She vigorously protested a young person’s right to make mistakes, especially in the current climate of war and viral pandemics. Jennifer had merely laughed at Ilid’s gentle teasing. She could take a joke, and he was as non-malicious as a person could be.

In response to his question about her guardians, Jennifer glanced at the few people rushing past. “I have no idea what they look like. Their Matara is an Earther and…oh, that might be them.”

An attractive blond woman, flanked by two Kalquorian men, was hurrying along the walkway in the middle of the docked vessels. The blonde waved at Jennifer, smiling a welcome.

“Nobek and Imdiko. There’s no Dramok,” Ilid’s father Jadel said in an undertone, probably to his clanmates.

“It’s nice three of the four came to meet her on a regular workday.” Diju stepped forward to stand next to Jennifer. The muscled but plump Kalquorian woman waited expectantly, making it clear she regarded herself responsible for the younger woman until her rightful caregivers arrived.

The oncoming trio eyed Ilid and his parent clan warily, but their expressions remained pleasant. Jennifer decided it was up to her to head off any concerns.

“Hi!” she called. “Clan Amgar?”

“Here we are, Jennifer.” The Earther woman was extremely slender, the sort of leanness that spoke of hard work rather than lack of nourishment. When she shook Jennifer’s hand, there was surprising strength in her grip. “Sorry we ran a bit late. I’m Sara.”

“It was my fault we weren’t prompt.” The unfamiliar Nobek’s gaze took in Clan Codab, each man in turn. “I’m Nobek Groteg, head of the Kalquorian branch of Haven’s security. This is our Imdiko, Utber.”

“It’s good to meet you. Let me introduce my new friends. This is Dramok Ilid and his parents, Matara Diju, Dramok Codab, Imdiko Jadel, and Nobek Gruthep.” Jennifer glanced between the Nobeks. “Your names are similar, and you’re both involved in law enforcement. I bet I’ll get them mixed up. Don’t smack the silly Earther when she calls you the wrong names.”

The pair glanced at her and chuckled. Groteg visibly relaxed. “I’ll let it pass this first time.” His eyes twinkled.

She grinned, liking him on the spot despite his intimidating appearance. “You’re the head of the planet’s security? Isn’t the area kind of…isolated for you to work from?”

“Isolation describes Haven’s overall setup in a nutshell,” Utber laughed. “The town of Sunrise is small, but it’s mere kilometers from the seat of our government. The location has been deliberately kept rural for the safety of the planet’s leaders.”

“It’s easier to keep tabs on those who show up to cause problems,” Groteg agreed. “It appears to be an odd arrangement, but so far, it’s worked for us.” His attention turned to Clan Codab. “I understand your clan is interested in expanding your bakery business beyond Kalquor.”

“Under our son’s management.” Diju beamed at Ilid. “If we find Haven suitable, he’ll do an amazing job.”
Groteg, Gruthep, and Codab exchanged what Jennifer thought were overly meaningful glances. What had she missed?

“A bakery would be wonderful,” Sara said, her blue eyes brightening. Their corners creased pleasantly as her smile deepened. “The only one in Sunrise closed when the owner passed away several months ago. We have a coffee shop, but it isn’t the same. I understand the building and its equipment are for sale.”

“It sounds like an intriguing opportunity for Ilid.” Diju beamed at the news.

“Let me give you the address. Had you planned to stay nearby during your visit?”

While the women put their heads together, the men, save Ilid, drew close to mutter. Ilid jerked his head to indicate Jennifer and he should retreat a couple feet distant so they could talk.

“Clan Amgar seems to be a good bunch. Are you okay? Nervous?” he asked.

She smirked. “I was told I’m not the first wayward youth they’ve worked to put on the straight and narrow. I don’t see what kind of trouble I could find on Planet Farm Hell anyway. Hey, have you ever heard of cow tipping? I bet you’d be great at it.” She eyed his muscular build, her grin widening.

“I don’t know what cow tipping is, but it sounds as if Miss Behavior is already up to no good.” He shook a finger, laughing as he pretended to reprimand her.

“Ilid, Clan Amgar needs to get Jennifer settled and return to their workday. We’ll have to say our goodbyes for now. We’ll see you again, Jennifer?” Diju sounded hopeful.

Jennifer kept her gaze locked on Ilid. “I certainly plan on it.”

“If only to distract you from mayhem.” He dipped a traditional Kalquorian bow to her. “I look forward to hearing all about you toiling in the fields while seeking to keep your shoes clean. Until then, Matara Jennifer Seng.” He winked, his broad grin dispelling the formality.

Wistful loss swept through her as Ilid and his family said their goodbyes and walked away. For some reason, it bothered Charity “Jennifer Seng” Nath to see her would-be lover leave, unaware of her true identity.

* * * * * 

Using the alias Jennifer Seng, Charity Nath hides on Haven, a planet settled by Earthers and Kalquorians. She’s less than thrilled to be on the agricultural outpost where the height of culture is a play titled Cow Patties in Paradise. With a bounty on her head and ruthless enemies determined to cash in, she has little choice but to work on Clan Amgar’s farm until the danger is past. At least the view is nice, thanks to three young, handsome Kalquorians…but they have their own secrets they’re unwilling to share.

After his encounter with a merciless entity that performed horrific medical tests on him, Dramok Ilid is eager for a place where he can feel safe again. Haven’s strict security protocols mean the pandemic raging in his home empire has little chance of striking the planet. Better yet, there’s little opportunity for the enemy Darks who traumatized him to show up either. Still, he knows he isn’t the man to lead a clan of his own despite the tempting potential of his new friends who are everything he could hope for. 

Imdiko Mitag is charming, gorgeous, and resolved to draw out the trio who seem perfect for the clan he’s always dreamed of. His eagerness conceals a long-ago tragedy and an unloving childhood he’s determined won’t dictate the rest of his life, if he can convince the others.

It isn’t that Nobek Detodev doesn’t want friends and lovers. As a Nobek who hates who he is, he’s certain no one else could want him. His aloof persona begins to crack when Charity, Ilid, and Mitag refuse to let him remain unapproachable. But surely they’ll run when they discover the truth.

When Charity comes under attack by those who’ll stop at nothing to destroy the uneasy peace between Earth II and Kalquor, the quartet finds secrets are the greatest danger to keeping her safe. Can her life and their growing love survive the truth of their pasts?

After six years, a new novel for the original Clans of Kalquor series…the fiftieth book in the Kalquor Universe…is here. One big adventure in two versions celebrates this milestone. Version One is the traditional Clans of Kalquor heroine-centric story. Version Two is both a Clans of Kalquor and Clan Beginnings same-sex-friendly edition. Both versions are here in one volume. Choose which to read…or read both.

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On sale now at Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Amazon (print).

Coming on November 12 to Kindle (if Amazon approves the date change...still waiting for confirmation).

Coming soon to Apple and Kobo.