Alien Refuge Read Online Free PDF Page B

part, Jol had learned to overlook that quirk, especially when it didn’t happen in front of people outside their little group. As Rivek often reminded him, forgiveness was its own test of strength, one worthy of a warrior Nobek.
    Besides, Jol looked forward to the opportunity to see Iris and Thomas again, to perhaps learn more about them. If he got into an argument over Ospar’s imperious nature, his Dramok might see fit to send someone else in to do the needed repairs.
    Jol felt a near compulsion to speak once more with the pretty Matara who wore sadness like a dark cloak. He didn’t know why he was so fascinated with her and the boy, but it was one of many questions he wanted answered about the pair.
    As they waited for their food to finish cooking, Ospar changed the subject. “Is all ready for Councilman Maf’s visit?”
    Damn it. Jol had been so caught up in the Jensons’ issues that he’d let slip important updates Ospar needed. He switched gears quickly. “His quarters and household help are prepared. I have yet to receive an itinerary from your aide, however.”
    Ospar nodded. “Mention it to Borl first thing tomorrow. That is, unless you are attending to the Matara’s heating emergency right away?”
    Another flash of Iris’ haunted face appeared before Jol’s imagination. He tried to make her go away with little success. “I would like to see to that as soon as possible, though I do have a security meeting with my force as soon as I walk in the door.”
    “Then I will speak to Borl about it. You’ll have that itinerary within the first hour.” Ospar’s grin reappeared. “I take it your sweep, other than snatching Earther children from death, was a nice getaway from the office today?”
    “Uneventful, really.” Jol shrugged. “More signs put up by the E.I.K. that I had taken down.”
    In recent months an underground movement had made itself known on Haven. Missives signed by the Earthers for Independence from Kalquor, or the E.I.K., had begun appearing in public areas of the colony. These declarations and threats demanded the Kalquorians leave Haven and let the Earthers govern themselves. Warnings of ‘severe consequences for treasonous actions’ were issued to the Earthers known to be friendly with their hosts. Several homes had come under attack with crosses erected and burned on their properties.
    Rivek smiled, as if contemplating naughty children instead of militant adults. “Occupation is never appreciated, even when benign.”
    Jol scowled at him. “Occupation? We’re in Empire territory, which these fools so conveniently forget. We gave them this colony as a gift.”
    The Imdiko priest’s strong features were at odds with his serene expression as he scooped the fried bread circles out of the sizzling oil. He set them to drain on absorbent towels. “Some people can never be helped enough to overcome their anger.” His smile grew as he looked over his shoulder at Jol and Ospar. “Which is not to say we give up on them.”
    Ospar returned the smile. “Of course not. But you have to admit, they make it damned hard to do that sometimes.”
    “Thank the ancestors for challenges. Otherwise, we would all fall into weakness.”
    Jol thought of the challenges facing Iris, of the strength she showed despite all her problems. Rivek would no doubt think her the perfect example of perseverance. Yet, the Nobek wanted to make her lot not so difficult. Surely there should be more pleasure than pain to life.
    Jol wished he could do more for her than put up a fence and keep her home warm, something that might erase the darkness in her eyes.
    * * * *
    Morning’s first light was barely in the sky when Iris approached the Kalquorian Temple of Life. She held a food container in one hand and Thomas’ wrist with the other. For once the little boy wasn’t struggling to escape her and go his own way. He stared at the temple with wide eyes.
    The structure was beautiful, probably the most stunning Iris had