SHIELDER



Chapter 3

Holding the lanrax against her chest, Sakura rocked back and forth on the bench. She buried her face against the creature's golden fur as it chattered softly. Observing the decontamination chamber from the cockpit viewer, Li was oddly reminded of a mother and child. Preposterous. The lanrax was an animal, not an infant.

Yet as he watched the seemingly mutual exchange of comfort, Sakura's frantic plea echoed in his mind.

You don't understand . . . he's all I have!

A vision of her eyes, huge and dark in her pale face, flashed before him; eyes that had briefly opened a doorway into a well of loneliness and pain.

He knew pain when he saw it. Knew it intimately. He understood how it felt, more shattering than a laser blast to the gut. How it tasted, the bitterness of despair and impotence. How it smelled - most especially how it smelled; rancid fear, charred and decaying flesh. How it looked, contorting once beautiful faces as death's merciless claws ripped the soul from the body.

Li leaped from his chair and pivoted away from the images on the view screen - and in his mind. This ragtag pilgrim was of no concern to him. The whole universe was filled with unfortunates. He had no time for any of them.

Yet Sakura's mutilated leg, her seizures, her obvious poverty, continued to haunt him. He'd been tempted to jettinson her tunic, a pitiful excuse for even a rag, along with her boots, which were riddled with holes and too large for her feet. She hadn't been filthy, but she hadn't been clean either. The decontamination chamber would take care of that problem.

But it wouldn't fix the disruption to his plans. Li balled his hands into fists, nagged y misgivings he had harboured when he first intercepted her distress signal. True, Sakura hadn't given him any real cause for concern, but he made it a point to be suspicious of everyone. Her ship had been stranded right in his flight path. Coincidence? Or one of Nakaru's attempts to decoy him?

Not that he'd allow anything - or anyone - to deter him. Sakura had no weapons, nor could she access his ship operations. Instinct told him she posed no real threat. Even so, he'd find out everything he could about her. He'd watch her every move until he deposited her at the Star Base Intrepid, four days away.

The beep of the subspace transeiver drew his attention. He pounded the com pad.

" State your message. "

" You were supposed to contact me at fifteen hundred hours, Showron. Sudden memory lapse, old man? "

Curse it all. Taking care of Sakura, he'd forgotten about Eriol. The one person that would never let him slide.

" A small delay, Hiragizawa. I've got Nathan Long. Caught him stowing away on a freighter headed for the Verante constellation. "

" Well, son of an Antek. Long's been evading shadowers for as long as I can remember. How'd you get a fix on him? "

" Let's just say he double-crossed one of his closest associates. The associate was only willing to disclose Long's location. "

" I've got a lead on a max-level offender in Alta's sector. A lot of reward miterons riding on this one. Since I'll be travelling near the prison base, I can take Long and turn him in, " Eriol offered. " Where do you want to hook up? "

" I heard Nakaru's been spotted on Saron. I'm headed there now, but I'm two days out. "

Good thing the pilgrim was in decon, Li thought. She wouldn't appriciate the delay in their flight schedule.

" You've had more false leads on Nakaru than Alta has moons. You never give up, do you? "

The ever present pain and hatred spilled from Li's soul. No, he'd never give up. Although well aware of his obsession with Nakaru, Eriol had no inklng of Li's real reason for pursuit. Li intended to keep it that way. His partner might not buy the explanations, but he knew when to mind his own business.

" You know how it is Hiragizawa. I could use the miterons. "

" Ok, where are you heading after Saron? "

" Star Base Intrepid. I have to deliver something. "

" Intrepid. That would work. " Eriol mused. " I can pick up more supplies while I'm there. "

" Not to mention a lengthly visit to the Pleasure Dome. " Li retorted.

" Yeah right. Madison would dismember me and feed the parts to the Anteks if I set foot there. But you should try it, old man. It would do wonders for your sour disposition. I can meet you at Intrepid, but it'll have to be fast, so I can get to Alter. Can't let some other shadower get my quarry and collect all those miterons. "

" Intrepid it is, then. I'll need a day on Saron, so give me five days. Contact me before you enter the star base orbit and I'll transmit my coordinates. Signing off. " Li disconnected the signal, then returned to the decon viewer.

He studied Sakura critically. She'd told him she was seventeen seasons of age. She was little for an adult female, and way too thin. With her narrow hips and small breasts, she could even be mistaken for a boy in the right clothes. How long since she'd had enough to eat? he wondered. The scant supply of food she'd brought with her wouldn't feed a child for a week.

The strong pull to come to her aid irratated him. He didn't have time to be concerned over the fate of a bedraggled waif and her mangy lanrax. Not when the annihilation of an entire clan cried out for revenge. With a disgusted grunt, Li turned off the viewer. The sooner he got rid of his passenger, the better.

Just one quick stop first.

" You are not permitted access to any part of this ship, other than your quarters and the gallery. You may enter the cockpit only with my permission. You're forbidden to talk to any prisoners I'm transporting. "

Sakura nodded, unable to look away from Showron's eyes. They glinted like magnasteel, taking on the hue of deep amber. No one except Tori had made such direct eye contact with her in seven seasons, and she found it unnerving.

" No unecessary conversation or senseless chattering. I abhor distractions. And that creature - " he pointed at Kero in his plexishield case. " It stays in the case at all times. Are we clear so far? "

His unwavering gaze seemed to bore through to her very soul. Shadower. This man was a bounty hunter. Outside of the Anteks, the Controllers barbaric enforces, shadowers were the scourge of the quadrant. They willingly underwent Controller psychic mind indoctrination for the sole purpose of recieving permission to hunt down criminals and collect the reward. It didn't matter to them whether or not the unfortunates they captured might be innocent. Not did it matter that Controller prison facilities were purported to be more horrible than the Abyss. Gold was ultimately the bottom line. Once indoctrinated, a person no longer housed even a microbe of pity or concern. They knew only the compelling, cruel dictates of the controllers.

" Answer me, " Showron demanded. " Are you clear on these rules. "

His harsh tone sent shivers through Sakura. He couldn't possibly know she was a Shelder, she told herself. She nodded again.

" Yes. "

" Most important of all, I'm captain of this ship. I'm the absolute and final authority. My orders are to be obeyed at all times, immediately and without question. Any infraction of ship rules and you'll spend the trip in the brig. Understood? "

Even sitting, he cut an imposing figure, filling the large flight chair, crackling with vitality and authority. And the certainty he was a shadower added more peril to an already threatening situation.

Sakura twisted her hands in her lap, praying the tension invadng her body wouldn't trigger another seizure.

" I understand, Captain. "

" Then see that you follow those rules. "

He swivaled around and studied a computer screen, punching rapidly. He appeared to have dismissed her, but she had no idea where he quarters were. Reluctant to disturb him, she remained seated, quietly studying the cockpit. Herfocus setled on the computer next to her chair.

OCIS-600, the most advanced system in use. She'd read all about the new computers on Liron's Information Access and Rtrieval link, or IAR. They had only been available for a few moon cycles, yet here was one right in front of her. She longed to touch the keypad, to delve into data banks reputed to retrieve information almost as fast as light speed.

" What are you doing? "

The harsh question jolted her out of her reverie. The familar feeling of guilt, even when she had done nothing wrong, swept through her. She jerked around, her heart hammering against her chest.

" I was just looking at the computer. I've never seen an OCIS-600. "

His eyes narrowed.

" Why would you be interested in my ship's computer? "

He obviously didn't trust her any more than she trusted hm. Desperately she wished she could acess the navigational system and reassure herself they were headed to the nearest star base rather than a Controller prision. But she couldn't afford to arouse Showron's suspiions any further.

" I had heard about the new computers and was just curious about them. Gomen. I won't touch your computer. "

" See that you don't. " He rose from his chair, towering over her. " Come on, I'll show you to your quarters. "



Sakura scrambled up awkwardly, resisting the urge to rub her stiff leg. She started to draw the heavy case with Kero into her arms.

" I'll take that. " Li brushed her arms away, then lifted the case easily in one muscular arm.

She found his size and strength intimidating, yet in an odd way, she also found it fascinating. Shielder men, although they too were somewhat strong, tended to be slighter in staure. They relied on speed and skill in battle rather than brawn.

She followed Li down the corridor. The cabin quarters lined the wall opposite from the brig cubicles. Nathan Long lounged near the force field of his brig, smiling insolently. Ignoring him, Li led Sakura to thesecond panel. She assumed the first was his quarters.

" Lighting on. " he commanded as they entered the room. Lights blinked on. The room was compact but efficianty laid out. A bunk filled one wall, while shelves and control panel for the room functions lined the second wall. Recessed storage drawers and an entry into a small lavatory occupied the thid wall.

Sakura looked around the bright, cozy cabin. Although the room's accommodations were probably modest by Showron's standards, to her they seemed luxurious. Her cave on Liron had been primitive by comparison, and so had been her shuttle quarters.

The cabin's limited floor space forced her into close proximity to Showron. As he eased around her to set Kero's case on the table, his leg brushed against her. The sensation of rock-hard muscles touching her sent an odd vibration through her body. She could feel the heat emanating from him, could inhale his unique scent.

Since her injury, Sakura's senses had sharpened, compensating for her lack of physical agility, giving her a highly attuned sense of smell. She found Showron's scent an unfamilar blend of clean skin, sandalwood and masculine essence, a far cry from the unwashed, sweaty bodies of male and female Shielders practising their battle skills. And not at all unpleasant. She studied him, an odd warmth surging through her. Frowning, he returned her persual. Self-concious, she fingered her tunic.

" The controls are voice-activated. You have lights, climate, and music. The lav also operates on voice control. You should find everything you need here. " he turned to go, brushing past her again.

He strode to the entry, then swung back around.

" Meet me in the gallery at eighteen hundred hours. "

Distracted by all that was around her, she blurted.

" Why? "

" For the evening meal. It's best to keep standard ship hours, pilgrim. Makes the adjustment easier when you're back on terra firma. "

He left before Sakura could point out that she had her own food. But she didn't know where he'd put her bag of supplies, and she'd have to ask him for it. Her growling stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten since the previous day, but her hunger would have to wait. She must tread lightly with this suspicious shadower. She'd approach him at 18:00 hours and ask about her supplies then.

Meanwhile, she planned to take a long shower, with all the hot water - hot water - she wanted. She'd never dreamed she would experience such a luxury. Glancing at the entry panel to be sure it was completely closed, she slid the lid to Kero's case back far enough to slip her arms inside. Immediately, he wrapped himself around one arm, chattering a greeting.

" Shhh. Don't let hm hear you. I have to close the lid in a minute. I know you're hungry, but I'll get our food soon. " she stroked her pet, finding comfort in the warmth of another living thing.

Approaching the gallery, Sakura heard sounds of activity from within. She stopped at the entrance. Li punched a sequence of buttons on a metal unti taking up much of the opposite wall. He noticed her and gestured for her to come in.

" Sit down. "

He turned back to the wall unit. Sakura stood there, uncertain. He glanced around, his eyebros drawing together.

" Sit. " he repeated, the command in his voice unmistakable.

She slid onto a seat at a small table, folding her hands tightly together in her lap.

" If I could have my supplies, I can eat in my quarters. "

" You call those supplies? You don't have enough in that bag to keep a desert krat alive, much less a person. "

Admittedly, her stores were meager and she should conserve them as long as possible. But hunger knotted her stomach and she feared if she didn't eat soon, she might faint. As if by magic, a loaf of bread appeared behind the plexishield panel in the wall unit. Li opened the shield, retrieving the bread, and set it on the table.

Enthralled, Sakura leaned forward.

" You have a food replicator? How does it work? "

" You've never seen one before? " he punched more buttons before turning to face her. She shook her head.

" Well, it's pretty complicated. Basically this system takes sterilized, organic particles suspensions and converts them into solid food. It requires a lot of energy, but there's virtually no risk of unsafe bateria, and the food is fortified with nutrients. " " Oh. " Nessa eyed the replicator in awe.

Without another word, Li placed some more items on both their plates and dug in. Sakura starred at the food heaped on her plate. It was more than she ate in a day, maybe two. She reached out and touched the bread, finding it warm and soft. How many seasons since she'd had bread that wasn't hard and stale?

" Is something wrong? "

Sakura looked up at Li. He took another bite, still looking at her. She'd scavenged for sustenance so long, she couldn't concieve of anyone sharring his meal with her. He probably hoped to gain her trust and then trick her. She returned her hands to her lap.

" You don't have to feed me. I have provisions. "

His eyes never leaving hers, he took a drink from his gass. He set the glass down and pointed to her plate.

" Your nourishment is right there. Eat. "

The tempting smell of bread wafted up to tease her. Maybe one bite wouldn't hurt. She reached out, then hesitated, self-concious with Showron's intense stare impaling her.

She picked up the bread and took a tentative bite. It was soft and light, free of mold and grit. She couldn't remember when anything had tasted this good. She ate a few more bites, and then reluctantly stashed the rest away in her tunic while Li spooned more canta beans onto his plate.

She tasted the other edibles on her plate, before pocketing them as well.

Li sat back in his chair after finishing up.

" What planet are you from? "

What appetite she had, fled. She laid down her utensil.

" I'm from the colony Delsan. It's one of Halpern's moons. " Fortunetly, she'd done her homework and she believed her informatiuon was accurate. Many cult followers seperated themselves from society, choosing to inhabit moons.

He appeared to digest this information.

" What about your family? What kind of parents would allow a young, defenseless woman to roam the quadrant alone? "

Her family. Sakura's chest constricted.

" I have no parents, " she whispered, battling the pain inside. She noticed Showron's eyes were no longer icy, but a deep amber, laced with compassion.

" Have you no one then? "

Thoughts of Tori eased the ache in her chest.

" I have a brother. He awaits word of my safe arrival. "

" It's good to have someone. "

His quiet comment struck a chord with Sakura.

" What about your family? "

The warmth fled his eyes at light speed, replaced by frigid steel.

" MY family is not open for discussion. Ever. I'm the one who asks information on this ship. I advise you to keep your questions to yourself. "

Tension emanated from him. Her question had been totally innocent, but she'd managed to overstep her boundries again. She rose from the chair.

" I haven't given you permission to leave. Sit down. Now. " his voice shook with anger and authority.

She sank down onto the edge of her chair.

" Gomen. I won't pry further. I request permission to go to my quarters. "

He leaned back, some tension easing.

" You haven't finished eating. And I have more questions. "

" I'm not hungry anymore. I'd like to rest. " Sakura hedged. She was too tired to match his wits right now.

He studied his hands on the table for a moment and then looked up at her, his eyes speculative.

" Have you ever had caroba, pilgrim? "

She'd never seen such expressive eyes, capable of changing appearance in a single moment. Sakura wondered at his new game.

" No. I've never heard of it. "

" You haven't? Well we have to correct that right now. "

He stood and started punching pads on the replicator.

" I think you'll like caroba, pilgrim. It's quiet delicious, and it will put some meat on your bones. "

Positive he wasn't interested in her well being, Sakura held her silence. A moment later, he set a plate of small, dark-brown squares in front of her.

" Here you go. Try it. "

Wary, she shook her head.

" I'm not hungry. "

" Oh, but this is worth the effort. " he leaned forward until his face was only millimeters from hers. He was so close, she could see the small golden flecks splashed like stars in his eyes.

" Take it. " he urged her to take a small piece he offered her.

She took it and popped it into her mouth. It had the sweetest, most satisfying flavour she'd ever tasted. It seemed to flow from her mouth to her stomach and heart and lungs, and even to her lower body, filling her with a warm glow. Her eyes widened with apriciation.

Li smiled knowingly.

" Like it? "

Sakura eyes sparkled for the first time in seven seasons. She nodded.

" You can have the whole plate. After you answer my questions. "

The sparkle fled. Narrowing her eyes, Sakura drew back, a surge of anger racing through her. The vehenmence of it surprised her. For seven seasons she's been forced to subjugate anger and pain in order to survive. Maybe leaving Liron had freed those bonds, or maybe it was the stress of the current situation. Whatever the reason, her emotions had been as turbulent as a wormhole crossing ever since she'd meet Showron.

She was neither a child nor witless, and she was tired of being treated as such. But she was at this man's mercy, she reminded herself. Reacting follishly might endanger her further. She met his challenger gaze and inhaled slowly.

" I will answer your questions Captain Showron. You don't have to use childish tricks. All you have to do is ask. "

He slid into his chair, an annoying, satisfied expression on his face.

" Good. We understand each other. I ask and you answer. What happened to your leg? "

The tumult inside her intensified. Relentless as the chilling winds pervading Liron in Winter months, he would give no respite until he obtained the information he wanted from her.

" My leg was injured in weaponry practice. "

" What kind of weapon? How old are you? "

She didn't know what he could obtain from knowing about her injury, so she gripped the table edge, and tried to bury the memory and the pain.

" A laser sword I was ten seasons of age. "

" A laser sword? I thought religeous cults prohibited violence? Why were you using such a weapon, and at so young an age? "

There it was. He still didn't believe her story. She raised her eyes to her tormentor.

" We would prefer to live our lives peacefully, by the teachings of Shara. But others in this quadrant live by attacking the weak and taking over their lands. To survive, we must defend ourselves. "

" Why didn't you recieve medical treatment for your injury? "



Here he sat, on the finest ship miterons could buy, surrounded by the latest technology and luxurious accommodations. He couldn't begin to comprehend the life of a Shielder. To understand it was like living from hand to mouth; to always be in hiding from a lethal, all-powerful enemy. Never enough food or warm clothing in the colder seasons or medicine.

" We are very poor people. Medical treatment wasn't available. "

Li leant on the table, resting his forearms on the table.

" Where were you heading when I found you? "

" I already told you. To Zirak, for the Festival of the Eclipse. "

He smiled grimly.

" So you say. Why were yu travelling alone? It seems odd that all of your cult wouldn't want to attend this momentous event. "

" True, all would have liked to attend the festival. But our numbers are few and the crops must be harvested, and out colony protected from attack. We could only spare one ship. So we drew lots, and I won. I'm the lucky pilgrim who will recieve the blessing of Sharra. "

" Very lucky, indeed. " he murmered. " Now you have no ship and no good way to get to Zirak. "

Alarm shot through her.

" What do you mean? You agreed to take me to a star base. Are you telling me you won't honor your word? "

He leapt to his feet. Planting his palms on the table, he leaned toward her. Fury set his face in a mask of granite. His eyes speared her like laser bolts.

" I always honor my word. Unlike many of those from your quadrant who murder innocent people to further their own fortunes. " he jerked up, and stepped back. He glarred at her.

" You'll get to Star Base Intrepid in due time. The meal is over. Return to your quarters. "

He left the gallery before Sakura could even respond. . .