Chapter 21: Discussions

Malik stood before his queen with an annoyed look on his face. "So not only do I have to deal with the Techno, I have to deal with Lex?" he asked irritably. "Stop being so grumpy, Malik!" Iris ordered. "I think the two of them are perfect for the job. Jay's talents wouldn't be suitable in any other situation. And he still takes his orders from you. What's the problem?" "You know the problem," Malik growled. "Iris, why are you giving these people positions of power before you even get to know them properly?" Iris sighed. "Who else have I given power to?" she asked. "I chose Jay for this job merely because leading and training troops is his expertise. And I have it from all his tribe members that he is capable, honest, loyal, and highly qualified for the job."

Malik sighed and sank into a chair wearily. "I won't argue that he seems qualified but . . ." "Then stop arguing period, Malik," Iris ordered as she signed a paper with a flourish. "Don't worry so much." "Honestly, Iris, I don't worry so much about Jay and Lex as I do Ebony," he said. Iris looked up from her paperwork. "That's why I want her around you," she told him bluntly. "I need her around someone I can trust completely. Someone I know can't be coerced into any plans she might make. Whom else do I trust more than you, Malik?" "Sometimes I wonder," Malik replied. "Just because we are no longer lovers, Malik, doesn't mean I don't still love and trust you as one of my dearest and best friends," Iris said gently.

"I still want . . ." he began. "I know. But you know I no longer feel the same way," Iris whispered. Malik stood up. "I'll do as you ask. But promise me you'll be careful, Iris." She nodded. Malik bowed to her and strode out the door. Iris sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. She was startled as a knock came from the door. "Come in," she said, sighing again and pushing away the remainder of the paperwork. To her surprise, Ram walked into the room. Iris' eyes widened as she noticed he had washed off the Techno symbol on his forehead. "Can I sit?" Ram asked. Iris nodded and motioned towards a chair.

"I am ready to begin the search for the missing Mallrats," Ram began. "I came to ask what resources will be available for my use." Iris folded her hands in her lap and looked up at him. "Whatever resources we have, you are welcome to use. Anything you will need, I am sure I can find somewhere." Ram nodded. "Thank you," he said simply. "Where do I need to go?" "There is a computer room here at the palace," Iris told him. "It contains the best computer equipment we have. I don't think the computers at the power plant will be of much help to you." "It won't have what I'll need," he agreed. "By the way, I want Ellie and Jack helping you," Iris said.

"You mean you want them spying on me," Ram retorted. Iris shrugged. "Call it what you will," she told him airily. "But they will be with you at all times." Ram glared at her. "I don't blame you for not trusting me," he said, clenching his teeth, "but . . ." "But nothing," Iris snapped. "They will be there and that is final." Ram closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine. Can someone show me where the room is? I would like to inspect it before I . . . we . . . begin." Iris nodded. "Yes. I will send someone to your room tomorrow morning after breakfast." She stood up and went to the door. Ram followed, and as Iris opened the door he grabbed her forearm. "I have your word I won't be forced to leave once I find the Mallrats?" he asked angrily, his face a mere few inches from hers. Iris gasped as he tightened his painful grip. She stared deep into his dark green eyes, full of worry and anger. All of a sudden she felt dizzy. Iris wrenched away her arm and grasped the door for support. "You have my word, Ram," she said as she tried to catch her breath. He gave her a curt nod and stalked off. Iris watched him go, wondering what was going on.

At the same time . . .

Trudy laid Brady in bed and gently covered the child with a blanket. She smiled as she brushed her daughter's blonde hair back from her face. The door to her room opened and Trudy turned quickly to see a white-faced Amber standing in the doorway. "My God Amber, you look terrible!" Trudy cried, rushing over to her. "What happened?" Amber sank to the floor, taking deep breaths of air. "Bray," was all she said. "Bray is here, in the crib," Trudy said, confused. "No, Trudy," Amber said after a long pause. "Bray. Bray is here. In Genesis. I just saw him."

It took Trudy a couple of minutes to understand. "Bray?" she asked, her hands flying to her mouth. "You're sure?" "I talked to him, Trudy," Amber said, covering her face with her hands. "He hates me." Trudy gaped at her. "What do you mean?" Amber brushed tears from her eyes and told Trudy what had happened between her and Bray. "Alive?" Trudy finally said. "He's alive? Oh thank God!" "He wants to see us, Trudy," Amber continued. "Just you, Brady, Baby Bray, and me. He said he would send Ethan to us, to show us where Bray lives." Trudy stared at her, wide-eyed. "I just . . . I just can't believe he's here," she whispered. Amber nodded once before her fragile composure broke and she was sobbing in Trudy's arms.

Later . . .

The dinner table was quieter than usual. Iris sat at her usual seat at the head of the table with her ladies seated close to her. Sarai sat next to Lex, feeding him bits of chicken from her own fork. Amber and Trudy seemed very quiet and kept giving each other furtive looks. Ram had chosen to eat in his room, as had Ebony. Salene, May, and Ellie were visiting Ved and Cloe. Jack and Jay sat eating quietly. The only ones deep in conversation were Gel, Lottie, and Sammy, who were discussing the next day, when they would begin their schooling. Those at the table jumped as a messenger burst in the door and knelt before Iris. "My Queen," he said quickly. "I was told to come tell you that Mistress Cloe is in labor. She is at the hospital."