Chapter Five: Sympathies and Starlight
Hiead Gner sat at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of tea. Habibi nestled in his lap, purring. The radio played in the background. "This is Erts Virny Cocteau with you, on Radio Flora, playing the songs you love to sing. In the next hour, listen for Joan Armatrading, Robert Johnson, and Bebel Gilberto. At this time, we here at Radio Flora send out our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ryker Kuerten."
Silence followed the announcement. After about five minutes, Erts resumed speaking. "You will be greatly missed, Ryker." Hiead's ears pricked up when he heard, "The next dedication goes out to the Angel, from Rei." The opening chords of "Blue Melody" kicked in.
Zero came downstairs, black loafers in hand, wearing a charcoal grey shirt and black trousers. Black socks stuck out of a pocket. "Come on, give me a hand here."
"And how do you propose I do that when your cat has taken me hostage?"
Zero snorted. "Nudge him when you get up. He will take the hint, trust me." Hiead nudged the cat, which sprang from his lap. "Easy-peasy when you know how, mate."
He handed Hiead a kitchen towel and an oven mitt. "I think the dishes are just about done. Let's get them up top." Zero reached inside, with two potholders, and pulled out a baking sheet, where the cobbler had rested. He put it on the stove, while Hiead retrieved the lasagna, and placed that next to the cobbler. The two looked at each other for a moment, then looked away.
"So how did you get the name of Darden Angel?"
"There was a patient at Point Three Hospital, by that name, who shared a room with me. He came in, about two weeks after I'd arrived there. He was having seizures, and they had to restrain him. One morning, he snapped the restraints, ran for the elevator, and fled the hospital. They found him three days later, in a field some 60 kilometers away. He'd been dead for 36 hours. Nobody showed up to claim his body, or his possessions. So, once I was able to move around, I took his name, his wallet, and what I came in with, and hightailed it to the Outlands."
"And how did you pick up your line of work?" Zero went into the living room, sitting on a maroon cushion. Hiead followed, plumping himself on the sofa. Habibi jumped up, nuzzling his neck.
"I met a former policeman, name of Mickey Traherne, who worked as a bounty hunter. He taught me the ins and outs of tracking criminals. What he didn't show me, I didn't need to know. He was my mentor and my partner. Between us, we must have collared hundreds of felons, every stripe. We even managed to crack down on a few white-collar perpetrators, and believe you me, those are hard to come by."
"And what happened to your partner? Did you get into an argument? Split the franchise? Did he retire to Terrasol?"
"Two years ago, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy worked for a while; until about six months ago, he was in remission. Then they found that the cancer had spread, and wasn't responding to chemo. He heard about a new treatment, still in the experimental stages, and decided to give it a try. The treatment program involved a new drug called Resilient Q; according to the brochures, it would boost the immune system, halting the spread of cancer cells.
"Within a month, Traherne gained weight and regained muscle mass. He also got more short-tempered and violent. He started complaining of headaches, which began turning into seizures. He had a final seizure one evening, when we were on the road, and died before I could get him to an emergency room. His widow and kids moved away, not long after the funeral."
"So that's how you got there from here, is it?"
"Yes." The cat settled into his lap, falling asleep. "He must think I'm the most comfy couch on two legs."
"Just his way of saying he loves you, Hiead."
"So how did you and Kizna get engaged?"
"Well, we came here after the showdown, and started college. She went to North Plain. I studied at Terranova. We stayed in touch with most of our friends. Yamagi and Roose came out. Didn't faze Tsukasa too much---she actually joins the boys when they have drag dinner shows---but Wrecka went ballistic. Accused Yamagi of corrupting her 'sweet innocent Roo-chan.' If she only knew. But she'd still probably kill Yamagi. And then she'd go after you and me for putting dirty thoughts in their heads!"
"I'll save the 'why me' question for later. How exactly did you and Kizna get together?"
"She kept tabs on me after your funeral. And when Ikhny killed herself, we sort of became each other's life support. She transferred to Terranova in her third year. We moved off campus in our senior year."
Hiead frowned. "Back it up there. Ikhny killed herself? Why?"
"She blamed herself for what happened to you in combat. Said she should have done more to ensure your safety, keep you from harm. Never forgave herself. She got hold of a gun, and one day, after Kizna left for class, she took a shower, dressed in her Repairer uniform, and shot herself. Kizna found her body an hour later."
"So you and she got closer. I'm glad the two of you could carry each other. When did you fall in love with her?"
"Well, we started teaching after graduation. We had both decided to pool some money and look for a house. We moved here a year and a half ago. And I proposed to her last Christmas."
Hiead shook his head. "You didn't answer my question."
"We're getting married in April."
"Still didn't answer my question, Zero."
"She was there when I tried to kill myself. She stuck by me while I mourned losing you. She helped me get back to the living world. I owe her so much." Hiead, take the hint! Stop prying. I spent seven years of my life trying to erase that day. Seven years of memories and dreams. And now you're here, and it's so late, so very late.
Zero's eyes welled with tears, and he buried his face in his hands. Sobs racked his frame. Why couldn't you come for me sooner? Why did you let me think you were dead all this time? And why, why, why are you still so beautiful? Oh sweet Mother Kannon, what do I do now? He rocked on the cushion, shoes forgotten, when he felt two arms circle his waist. He sank into the weight of Hiead's body, listening to the other man's breathing, to his heartbeat.
"Forgive me, Rei. Forgive me." He paused a moment, then started to sing: "I almost wish I could forget you; in reality I won't, though summer with my arms around you seems hopelessly remote. But it won't be long, and our love is strong. No it won't be long, it won't be long, if nothing goes wrong."
Zero closed his eyes, recalling an afternoon in the relaxation room, after a grueling session in the Cuerval. He'd lain in the grass, listening to the sounds of birdsong and rushing water. I often wondered what it would be like to spend an evening there, with a blanket and a view of the stars. The sounds had lulled him, and he woke that evening to the sound of Clay's voice: "Zero! If you don't want a demerit for violating curfew, get up and get to bed." He chuckled at the memory, and began to relax.
"You still have a lovely singing voice, Hiead. You should have considered a music career."
"Oh yeah," he laughed, relieved that Zero had stopped crying. "I can see it now. Darden Angel, the Singing Bounty Hunter."
"You'd still go by Darden?" Zero turned his head to look up at Hiead's face. Ruby eyes gazed into his; a hand reached up, brushing tears away.
"Maybe. I still have a lot to learn about being Hiead. Besides, bounty hunters travel under assumed names. Not even Traherne used his real name when we hit the road. To you, however, I am Hiead. And if asked---nicely-- -I'd answer to that name from Kizna, even some of the others you knew."
Zero nestled his head against Hiead's chest. Fingers rumpled his hair, and a whisper floated by: "Will you be okay?"
"I think so. Thanks."
"Good." Hiead released him. "Get the phone. Garu and Rio are buzzing you."
"I don't hear it." Zero got up, giving Hiead a puzzled look.
"They're dialing now. Give them a shock."
As Zero approached the telephone, it rang. He picked up, saying: "Talk to me, Rio."
"You knew that was me?" Rio whistled in surprise.
"Well, I got a tip from a dinner guest. When do I expect you guys?"
"We're five minutes away. See you soon, dude."
"Later." Zero hung up. "Okay. So I stand corrected. You want to come with us?"
"If it's no trouble. Besides, I think I need to do a little investigative work. Your soccer player did not die of anything natural."
"Huh?"
"When you coached him last year, what was he like?"
"He didn't really interact with the other players too well. I think his parents were getting a divorce, and there was a nasty custody battle. I visited their home a few times. I remember the school psychiatrist gave him a prescription for anti-depressants. Halfway through the school year, he attempted suicide, and he spent six weeks in Point Seven Hospital. I think they started him on a new battery of medications and intensive therapy. I think he was mainly taking a new drug, something called Brilhante. He was good for the rest of the year. But Rio got him this year, and he had a much shorter temper."
The doorbell rang. "You can ask Rio more about Ryker, if you like. Excuse me." Zero walked to the front door, opening it. Rioroute and Gareas Elidd waited, coats over their dark clothes. Still muscular, Garu now had a more solid look, and a few fine lines near his eyes. A snowy streak ran through his green hair. "Get your shoes on, Enna, before we---oh my god! Is that who I think it is?"
"Ask him yourself, guys." Hiead got up, walking over.
"Yes, I am Hiead Gner," he said, shaking hands with Rio and Garu. "I met your companion this afternoon." "I don't understand," Rio said. "We saw your Ingrid intercept a barrage of VICTIM. We saw the vessel fall apart. They told us your body had been vaporized in the assault. The Observers gave you a posthumous Medal of Valor."
"Truth be told, I still don't understand a lot of things. I'd like to, though."
"Okay, I'm ready," Zero announced, as he threw a coat over his clothes. "Can someone give me a hand with the dishes?"
"I will," Hiead replied. He walked into the kitchen, and brought both pans in his arms. "Shall we go then, gentlemen?"
Garu nodded.
"Just a minute!" Zero said. "You'll want a coat. Wait here." He bounded up the stairs, returning with a black wool coat, which he draped over Hiead's shoulders.
The four walked out the door. Zero locked up, and they piled into Rio's car, for the drive to the upper city, and the Kuerten household.
Author's Notes
Fifteen reviews. Wow. Another ten, and it's "Free Space" time. Why "Free Space"? I like the idea of sitting down and jotting a note, not unlike the notes that shojo manga creators sometimes do. So to all who have reviewed thus far, I say it again: thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Sandy: thanks! I try to write every day. Lil_angelgirl: as to the question of what Hiead will go by, I think he will probably use "Darden" as an alias. As to how Clay will react---and how Gner will take finding out that he was tagged for death---I see sparks flying. But the return of Hiead Gner may prove to be the least of Mr. Fortran's worries. See what happens. Seeker: well, Rio is a gym teacher and soccer coach, and Gareas owns and operates a dojo. The details of how they got together will come soon. And look for Erts soon. As to whether Zero stays with Kizna, or returns to Hiead: well, much as I hate to be a downer, I say---stay tuned.
The lyrics which Hiead sings are taken from "Don't Be---Memory" by the Chills. Martin Philipps wrote them; I just like them. "Brilhante" means brilliant in Portuguese. "Easy-peasy" is a phrase used by Jamie Oliver, a cook also known as the "Naked Chef." What can I say? I'm a Food Network junkie!
Red River City is built somewhat like older river cities, with upper and lower tiers. Most of the former Pilots live in the lower city, which is near the Red River (so called as there is a good deal of red clay in the soil). The higher-ranking officials (all with GOA and GIS backgrounds), as well as the upper classes, live in the upper city, on a series of hills above the riverbank. I promise I'll provide more details on the lay of the land as I continue.
Coming up: The wake, and an interesting talk over midnight breakfast. Kizna meets Hiead the next morning. Clay and Saki enter the picture; what do they know about the drug known as Quark? Yamagi, Roose, and Tsukasa liven up a dinner party at Zero's. And there is more to come. Stay tuned, and I will do my best. Thank you all so much. And here's to next time!
Antoinette Herrera (poetisa)
Hiead Gner sat at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of tea. Habibi nestled in his lap, purring. The radio played in the background. "This is Erts Virny Cocteau with you, on Radio Flora, playing the songs you love to sing. In the next hour, listen for Joan Armatrading, Robert Johnson, and Bebel Gilberto. At this time, we here at Radio Flora send out our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ryker Kuerten."
Silence followed the announcement. After about five minutes, Erts resumed speaking. "You will be greatly missed, Ryker." Hiead's ears pricked up when he heard, "The next dedication goes out to the Angel, from Rei." The opening chords of "Blue Melody" kicked in.
Zero came downstairs, black loafers in hand, wearing a charcoal grey shirt and black trousers. Black socks stuck out of a pocket. "Come on, give me a hand here."
"And how do you propose I do that when your cat has taken me hostage?"
Zero snorted. "Nudge him when you get up. He will take the hint, trust me." Hiead nudged the cat, which sprang from his lap. "Easy-peasy when you know how, mate."
He handed Hiead a kitchen towel and an oven mitt. "I think the dishes are just about done. Let's get them up top." Zero reached inside, with two potholders, and pulled out a baking sheet, where the cobbler had rested. He put it on the stove, while Hiead retrieved the lasagna, and placed that next to the cobbler. The two looked at each other for a moment, then looked away.
"So how did you get the name of Darden Angel?"
"There was a patient at Point Three Hospital, by that name, who shared a room with me. He came in, about two weeks after I'd arrived there. He was having seizures, and they had to restrain him. One morning, he snapped the restraints, ran for the elevator, and fled the hospital. They found him three days later, in a field some 60 kilometers away. He'd been dead for 36 hours. Nobody showed up to claim his body, or his possessions. So, once I was able to move around, I took his name, his wallet, and what I came in with, and hightailed it to the Outlands."
"And how did you pick up your line of work?" Zero went into the living room, sitting on a maroon cushion. Hiead followed, plumping himself on the sofa. Habibi jumped up, nuzzling his neck.
"I met a former policeman, name of Mickey Traherne, who worked as a bounty hunter. He taught me the ins and outs of tracking criminals. What he didn't show me, I didn't need to know. He was my mentor and my partner. Between us, we must have collared hundreds of felons, every stripe. We even managed to crack down on a few white-collar perpetrators, and believe you me, those are hard to come by."
"And what happened to your partner? Did you get into an argument? Split the franchise? Did he retire to Terrasol?"
"Two years ago, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy worked for a while; until about six months ago, he was in remission. Then they found that the cancer had spread, and wasn't responding to chemo. He heard about a new treatment, still in the experimental stages, and decided to give it a try. The treatment program involved a new drug called Resilient Q; according to the brochures, it would boost the immune system, halting the spread of cancer cells.
"Within a month, Traherne gained weight and regained muscle mass. He also got more short-tempered and violent. He started complaining of headaches, which began turning into seizures. He had a final seizure one evening, when we were on the road, and died before I could get him to an emergency room. His widow and kids moved away, not long after the funeral."
"So that's how you got there from here, is it?"
"Yes." The cat settled into his lap, falling asleep. "He must think I'm the most comfy couch on two legs."
"Just his way of saying he loves you, Hiead."
"So how did you and Kizna get engaged?"
"Well, we came here after the showdown, and started college. She went to North Plain. I studied at Terranova. We stayed in touch with most of our friends. Yamagi and Roose came out. Didn't faze Tsukasa too much---she actually joins the boys when they have drag dinner shows---but Wrecka went ballistic. Accused Yamagi of corrupting her 'sweet innocent Roo-chan.' If she only knew. But she'd still probably kill Yamagi. And then she'd go after you and me for putting dirty thoughts in their heads!"
"I'll save the 'why me' question for later. How exactly did you and Kizna get together?"
"She kept tabs on me after your funeral. And when Ikhny killed herself, we sort of became each other's life support. She transferred to Terranova in her third year. We moved off campus in our senior year."
Hiead frowned. "Back it up there. Ikhny killed herself? Why?"
"She blamed herself for what happened to you in combat. Said she should have done more to ensure your safety, keep you from harm. Never forgave herself. She got hold of a gun, and one day, after Kizna left for class, she took a shower, dressed in her Repairer uniform, and shot herself. Kizna found her body an hour later."
"So you and she got closer. I'm glad the two of you could carry each other. When did you fall in love with her?"
"Well, we started teaching after graduation. We had both decided to pool some money and look for a house. We moved here a year and a half ago. And I proposed to her last Christmas."
Hiead shook his head. "You didn't answer my question."
"We're getting married in April."
"Still didn't answer my question, Zero."
"She was there when I tried to kill myself. She stuck by me while I mourned losing you. She helped me get back to the living world. I owe her so much." Hiead, take the hint! Stop prying. I spent seven years of my life trying to erase that day. Seven years of memories and dreams. And now you're here, and it's so late, so very late.
Zero's eyes welled with tears, and he buried his face in his hands. Sobs racked his frame. Why couldn't you come for me sooner? Why did you let me think you were dead all this time? And why, why, why are you still so beautiful? Oh sweet Mother Kannon, what do I do now? He rocked on the cushion, shoes forgotten, when he felt two arms circle his waist. He sank into the weight of Hiead's body, listening to the other man's breathing, to his heartbeat.
"Forgive me, Rei. Forgive me." He paused a moment, then started to sing: "I almost wish I could forget you; in reality I won't, though summer with my arms around you seems hopelessly remote. But it won't be long, and our love is strong. No it won't be long, it won't be long, if nothing goes wrong."
Zero closed his eyes, recalling an afternoon in the relaxation room, after a grueling session in the Cuerval. He'd lain in the grass, listening to the sounds of birdsong and rushing water. I often wondered what it would be like to spend an evening there, with a blanket and a view of the stars. The sounds had lulled him, and he woke that evening to the sound of Clay's voice: "Zero! If you don't want a demerit for violating curfew, get up and get to bed." He chuckled at the memory, and began to relax.
"You still have a lovely singing voice, Hiead. You should have considered a music career."
"Oh yeah," he laughed, relieved that Zero had stopped crying. "I can see it now. Darden Angel, the Singing Bounty Hunter."
"You'd still go by Darden?" Zero turned his head to look up at Hiead's face. Ruby eyes gazed into his; a hand reached up, brushing tears away.
"Maybe. I still have a lot to learn about being Hiead. Besides, bounty hunters travel under assumed names. Not even Traherne used his real name when we hit the road. To you, however, I am Hiead. And if asked---nicely-- -I'd answer to that name from Kizna, even some of the others you knew."
Zero nestled his head against Hiead's chest. Fingers rumpled his hair, and a whisper floated by: "Will you be okay?"
"I think so. Thanks."
"Good." Hiead released him. "Get the phone. Garu and Rio are buzzing you."
"I don't hear it." Zero got up, giving Hiead a puzzled look.
"They're dialing now. Give them a shock."
As Zero approached the telephone, it rang. He picked up, saying: "Talk to me, Rio."
"You knew that was me?" Rio whistled in surprise.
"Well, I got a tip from a dinner guest. When do I expect you guys?"
"We're five minutes away. See you soon, dude."
"Later." Zero hung up. "Okay. So I stand corrected. You want to come with us?"
"If it's no trouble. Besides, I think I need to do a little investigative work. Your soccer player did not die of anything natural."
"Huh?"
"When you coached him last year, what was he like?"
"He didn't really interact with the other players too well. I think his parents were getting a divorce, and there was a nasty custody battle. I visited their home a few times. I remember the school psychiatrist gave him a prescription for anti-depressants. Halfway through the school year, he attempted suicide, and he spent six weeks in Point Seven Hospital. I think they started him on a new battery of medications and intensive therapy. I think he was mainly taking a new drug, something called Brilhante. He was good for the rest of the year. But Rio got him this year, and he had a much shorter temper."
The doorbell rang. "You can ask Rio more about Ryker, if you like. Excuse me." Zero walked to the front door, opening it. Rioroute and Gareas Elidd waited, coats over their dark clothes. Still muscular, Garu now had a more solid look, and a few fine lines near his eyes. A snowy streak ran through his green hair. "Get your shoes on, Enna, before we---oh my god! Is that who I think it is?"
"Ask him yourself, guys." Hiead got up, walking over.
"Yes, I am Hiead Gner," he said, shaking hands with Rio and Garu. "I met your companion this afternoon." "I don't understand," Rio said. "We saw your Ingrid intercept a barrage of VICTIM. We saw the vessel fall apart. They told us your body had been vaporized in the assault. The Observers gave you a posthumous Medal of Valor."
"Truth be told, I still don't understand a lot of things. I'd like to, though."
"Okay, I'm ready," Zero announced, as he threw a coat over his clothes. "Can someone give me a hand with the dishes?"
"I will," Hiead replied. He walked into the kitchen, and brought both pans in his arms. "Shall we go then, gentlemen?"
Garu nodded.
"Just a minute!" Zero said. "You'll want a coat. Wait here." He bounded up the stairs, returning with a black wool coat, which he draped over Hiead's shoulders.
The four walked out the door. Zero locked up, and they piled into Rio's car, for the drive to the upper city, and the Kuerten household.
Author's Notes
Fifteen reviews. Wow. Another ten, and it's "Free Space" time. Why "Free Space"? I like the idea of sitting down and jotting a note, not unlike the notes that shojo manga creators sometimes do. So to all who have reviewed thus far, I say it again: thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Sandy: thanks! I try to write every day. Lil_angelgirl: as to the question of what Hiead will go by, I think he will probably use "Darden" as an alias. As to how Clay will react---and how Gner will take finding out that he was tagged for death---I see sparks flying. But the return of Hiead Gner may prove to be the least of Mr. Fortran's worries. See what happens. Seeker: well, Rio is a gym teacher and soccer coach, and Gareas owns and operates a dojo. The details of how they got together will come soon. And look for Erts soon. As to whether Zero stays with Kizna, or returns to Hiead: well, much as I hate to be a downer, I say---stay tuned.
The lyrics which Hiead sings are taken from "Don't Be---Memory" by the Chills. Martin Philipps wrote them; I just like them. "Brilhante" means brilliant in Portuguese. "Easy-peasy" is a phrase used by Jamie Oliver, a cook also known as the "Naked Chef." What can I say? I'm a Food Network junkie!
Red River City is built somewhat like older river cities, with upper and lower tiers. Most of the former Pilots live in the lower city, which is near the Red River (so called as there is a good deal of red clay in the soil). The higher-ranking officials (all with GOA and GIS backgrounds), as well as the upper classes, live in the upper city, on a series of hills above the riverbank. I promise I'll provide more details on the lay of the land as I continue.
Coming up: The wake, and an interesting talk over midnight breakfast. Kizna meets Hiead the next morning. Clay and Saki enter the picture; what do they know about the drug known as Quark? Yamagi, Roose, and Tsukasa liven up a dinner party at Zero's. And there is more to come. Stay tuned, and I will do my best. Thank you all so much. And here's to next time!
Antoinette Herrera (poetisa)