Return Of The Fontalo
by Linda Rigsbee
Chapter 15
Donte returned to the Groot Thuis and the residents of the village of Bergen returned to their homes. Donte arranged the repair of the tram station and rail. Nieke worked with them to get the wired messages back in operation. The Captain of the Fontalo ship made no more threats, but neither did the spaceship leave. The captain was obviously waiting for something. That thought weighed heavily on Donte’s mind. The Fontalo had owned enough spaceships that they were willing to leave three of them behind when they abandoned Purlieu.
The captain had acted hastily and underestimated his opposition. Now he realized he could afford to sit and wait until enough ships arrived to assist him. How long would that take?
Meanwhile, Rianne and the children were refugees in an underground complex. It could be months before the arrival of additional spaceships and in that time, he didn’t dare go see his family for fear he would lead someone to the complex.
Three more weeks passed before Adriaan beeped Donte to tell him that another spaceship was approaching Purlieu. He had not been successful in contacting them yet.
“Only one?” Donte asked.
“We haven’t detected any others yet. This one is smaller than the Fontalo ship.”
“Has the Fontalo ship reacted in any way?”
“No. They haven’t tried to communicate as far as I know.”
There had been no detected communication between the Fontalo spaceship and the crew on the island, either. Yet they obviously communicated in some way. Maybe Nieke could shed some light on that situation. He’d have to ask her.
“Keep me informed,” Donte said.
Two more days passed before Adriaan contacted Donte again. “I have contact with the new spaceship. It has a female senior officer named Cheska. She is saying something about Oriel and The Fontalo, but she talks fast and I can’t understand her. I’m transferring her to you.”
A female voice finally reached Donte. “I am Cheska of the Centaurus, a GEF ship from Oriel. I understand I am speaking to the ruler of Bergen.”
“Yes. I am Donte. How can I help you?”
“I am seeking permission to land at your airfield. I would like to meet with you.”
Donte arranged a meeting time at the airfield. Hopefully this would not be another demand to surrender the Mascots. It was possible that they wanted to negotiate. He couldn’t imagine any possibility that included surrendering the Mascots that could be negotiated.
He messaged the colonies about the new arrival, contacted Beier and spoke to the cabinet about the meeting. He bathed and put on a fresh uniform before meeting Beier at the station. They rode to the airfield together, arriving before Cheska did.
Donte and Beier were watching from a window when a small airship landed at the airfield a few minutes later. It rolled to a stop near the buildings and a petite woman emerged. She wore matching gray trousers and jacket and carried a rectangular bag with a handle. Her dark brown hair was cut short.
Donte looked at Beier and they both shrugged. The women of Oriel certainly dressed and wore their hair differently.
When she entered the conference room, she studied Donte and Beier with hazel eyes that held a touch of anxiety. That came as no surprise. They probably looked anxious to her as well.
Cheska was an attractive woman who looked to be in her early thirties. Her short hair was combed forward, framing her face with soft curls. In spite of the clothes and short hair, she looked decidedly feminine.
Donte offered a hand and she accepted it, giving him a confident handshake. He had a feeling this was going to be an interesting meeting.
***
When the Centaurus had approached Purlieu, Cheska hadn’t been surprised to discover a Fontalo ship already there. Had they already terminated the Mascots? There were three other ships, all facing the Fontalo ship. The Fontalo ship was turned away from the ships and the planet. That was a strange situation. They couldn’t defend themselves that way.
Cheska had carefully positioned the Centaurus so that none of the ships faced it and it didn’t face them. The Centaurus was a research ship. It carried no troops and was rigged for only minor defense. She didn’t want anyone to feel threatened.
She didn’t want to talk to the Fontalo Captain until she knew what had transpired, so she had directed a signal to one of the other ships. It immediately responded. The Moeder commander Adriaan didn’t speak her language well enough to communicate efficiently, but said he would transfer her to the Ruler of Bergen, who spoke her language fluently. Within minutes she had permission to land on their airfield and speak to the man in person.
She arrived at the airfield on time and was escorted to a room where she met the man and his assistant. Donte was tall and lean. Beier was about a head shorter and stocky. Donte had dark hair and dark blue eyes, and Beier was blond with light blue eyes. Both were attractive men, but Donte was, without a doubt, the most attractive man she had ever met – enough so that it was actually a little unsettling at first. He had beautiful eyes that looked directly at hers, and the most sensual lips she had ever seen.
Donte greeted her with a friendly smile and a handshake. His deep voice was quiet and gentle. The tension evaporated from her body. Bergen had an incredibly young ruler. He didn’t look like he could possibly be more that twenty years old – if that. He introduced himself merely as Donte and his assistant as Beier.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Donte…Beier. I’m Cheska, senior officer of the Centaurus. I was sent here by the GEF with the hope of reaching you before any Fontalo ships. It looks like I’m late. I hope they haven’t caused you any grief.”
Donte’s expression briefly revealed surprise. “I’m afraid Captain Pacilio has made quite a nuisance of himself. He seems to think The Fontalo owns the Mascots of Purlieu. I hope Oriel isn’t of the same mind.”
His eyes expressed concern, but his voice remained calm and confident. Cheska felt drawn to him. For some reason she felt compelled to please him.
“I don’t know about that part, but Fontalo is currently on trial for creating the beasts.”
For a moment Donte and Beier both looked shocked. “Beasts?” Donte echoed. “Are we to be destroyed?”
It was Cheska’s turn to be shocked. “We?” Her gaze traveled over his lean muscular build and back to his handsome face. “Are you a Mascot?”
He nodded. “Beasts?” he repeated. His expression struggled between humiliation and indignation.
“I’m sorry…you’re not on my list of Mascots. I thought…I expected them to be…animals. Fontalo classified the Mascots as animals…part human.”
Beier looked alert – his expression wary. Two things occurred to Cheska at that moment. The first was that Beier was more than an assistant – possibly Donte’s bodyguard. The second was that Beier was also a Mascot. She would have been frightened at that moment if not for the presence of Donte. She had no idea why she felt that way. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Donte remained calm in spite of the fact that she had insulted and essentially threatened him.
Donte met her gaze in a way that was strangely disturbing. “We are humans contaminated with animal genes. I’ve never been referred to as a beast.” He shrugged and a touch of humor came into his eyes. “Although, at times I suppose most of us might fit into that category.”
Cheska couldn’t contain a smile. “I doubt you have ever fit that description.” She sobered. “We have no pictures of Mascots, so we had no way of knowing. In any case, I’m not here to collect the Mascots or in any way pass judgment. I was sent here to warn you about Fontalo. My understanding is that they have a list of Mascots to terminate. Oriel has new animal rights laws that protect you.”
Donte laughed and looked at Beier.
Apparently Beier didn’t see the humor in it. Beier’s sober expression turned on Cheska. “The Fontalo has told us that they are waiting for reinforcements from Oriel.”
Cheska frowned. “Reinforcements?”
Donte indicated a table and chairs. “We have a lot to discuss. Shall we take a seat?” He held a chair for Cheska. “Would you like a hot drink?”
She had no idea what the hot drink might be, but it sounded good. She nodded and he walked to the door, asking someone to bring hot drinks.
Donte and Beier sat across the table from her. Donte began explaining all that had happened since Fontalo arrived. It soon became apparent that Donte was not only highly skilled, but modest about it as well. It occurred to her that Captain Pacilio had intended to reclaim and use the resources of Purlieu to win their case. Once they had terminated all the Mascots, there would be no evidence against their claim that the Mascots were animals, not humans. But Captain Pacilio had made one enormous mistake. Even he thought the Mascots were animals. He didn’t give them credit for the intelligence required to defend themselves effectively. Donte had anticipated and outwitted him at every turn.
Donte and the colonists had, without a doubt, defeated Captain Pacilio…at least for the time being. Fontalo had built a virtual empire over the years, and they weren’t likely to give up. If she could get Donte safely back to Oriel, they would be quickly defeated – in court and in the eye of the public. Donte was undeniably human. He had a sweet personality that would quickly win hearts and his story of defeating Fontalo would cinch the deal. Fontalo wouldn’t have a chance. Unfortunately, those reasons were probably what would make Donte a target for Fontalo. She had no way to protect him against such a large and powerful corporation. There was only one thing she could think of that she could do. What they needed was photos – videos would be even better.
She looked at Donte. Would you mind if I took some photos and videos of you and other Mascots and sent them to Oriel?”
He looked confused. “Photos? What are videos?”
“Photos…pictures. Videos are moving pictures.” When he continued to stare at her, she explained. “Surely you have seen pictures.”
Donte nodded. “I have seen pictures in books at the library on the Moeder…photographs.” He nodded again when he comprehended the abbreviated word. “We have pictures that people have painted, but videos…I’ve never seen pictures that move.”
She smiled. “The pictures don’t actually move…” It occurred to her that she didn’t thoroughly comprehend how digital cameras worked either. “I’ll show you.” She frowned again. “Do you have computers?”
He nodded again, still obviously confused. “On the spaceships.”
She pulled a digital tablet from her briefcase. She couldn’t connect to the network, but she could pull up some videos from its memory. She turned it on and touched her way through several levels of programs before she found a suitable video to play.
Donte stood and walked around the table, leaning down beside her to look at the tablet. He watched it for a few moments before his gaze returned to her face. It was difficult to read his expression.
“Oh, recordings…how did you take these…uh…videos?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t take these. Someone else did.”
He frowned. “Then why is it on your…” He looked at the tablet, obviously not sure what to call it.”
“Tablet,” she supplied. He was so cute – not at all intimidated by the technology. When he didn’t know something, he simply asked.
“We share pictures.” She didn’t mind his questions, but they were straying too far from her purpose. “I use a camera. I point it at my subject and take a picture of it. I left my camera in the airship, but…” She sighed. “Would you mind?”
He looked at the tablet. “Why would you want to take videos of me and other Mascots?” His gaze came back to her face, both curious and wary.
She gazed up at him. “Fontalo has referred to the Mascots as animals, because at the time it was legal to genetically modify animals, but not humans. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m sure if the people saw pictures of you, they would know that you are actually humans.”
Donte frowned. “What is a lawyer?”
“Someone who represents a person in court.” Of course he would want to know what a court was. “Surely you have someone who decides what to do if a person has done something wrong.”
He shrugged. “The cabinet, if it is something that concerns the entire colony – otherwise the colonists decide what to do.”
She stared at him. “You mean to tell me you don’t have a legal system? How could that work?” She shook her head. “Never mind.” Now she was the one who was leading the subject away from her question. “I’m assuming you don’t want me to take pictures or videos.”
His reflective gaze morphed into humor that spread to his lips. “You may take pictures.”
She smiled. “That was like pulling teeth.” When he frowned again, she grinned. “Never mind; let’s not go there.”
Donte chuckled and returned to his chair. They were interrupted briefly when a girl came in to bring their drinks. She placed a drink in front of each of them, but her attention was clearly devoted to Donte. He didn’t appear to notice. He thanked her and she left.
Donte sipped his drink. “This situation with the Fontalo ship troubles me. Why would the captain think reinforcements would be arriving from Oriel if he knew The Fontalo was in trouble?”
Cheska put the tablet back in her briefcase. “I suspect he was talking about other Fontalo ships. If other ships from Oriel arrive, they won’t be assisting Fontalo and I’m sure he knows that.”
Donte leaned back in his chair, studying her. “You said if other ships from Oriel arrive. Yours is the only one they sent? How did they imagine one ship could defend us from a fleet from The Fontalo?”
Her neck felt warm. It was a fair question – one she had been debating as well. She had no answer. She stalled by sipping the hot liquid. It was good - slightly sweet with a mild flavor – definitely not coffee. She finally answered his question. “They sent the Centaurus because it was the closest GEF ship to Purlieu. I think their priority at that point was to warn the Mascots.”
He nodded. “I see. As animals, we are now protected by law, but we are still dispensable. The Fontalo isn’t a threat to the colonists, and colonists are not expected to risk their lives to save animals.”
Warmth crawled up to her cheeks. His assumption was probably accurate. To be honest, her first concern had been the colonists, not the beasts. Her priority had been to protect the colonists from the beasts.
She sighed. “I’m sorry I can’t do more. Obviously, there are more Mascots than those on this list.”
Donte nodded. “The captain demanded that Purlieu surrender all Mascots, including any illegal offspring.” He gave her a wry smile. “He said we weren’t supposed to be breeding.”
Cheska frowned. “That part puzzles me. Fontalo’s report says that you are all sterile. Yet you must have been born after all this happened.”
Donte glanced at Beier and returned his attention to Cheska. “They gave the serum to all pregnant Mascots, but they didn’t know my mother was pregnant.”
“But they administered the serum over forty years ago.”
Donte smiled. “I’m forty years old.”
Beier grinned. “He looks like he’s in his early twenties, doesn’t he?”
She smiled. “Then you’re fertile. How many more are there?”
Donte sobered, pointedly ignoring her question. “So, we can expect no help. I hope no one will interfere if we make our own defense.”
“The Centaurus is a research ship. We can neither defend nor inflict harm on Purlieu or Fontalo ships. Our presence only assists in that Fontalo knows Oriel has informed you of the situation. I believe you are within your rights to defend yourselves against them. We will not interfere.”
“How many ships does The Fontalo have,” Donte asked.
That, at least, she could answer. “They have a fleet of eight ships, including the three here.”
Beier glanced at Donte, obviously alarmed.
Donte leaned forward in his chair, resting his arms on the table as his gaze fixed on hers. “No; they have five ships. They relinquished the three ships when they abandoned us and tried to kill us. I will not surrender them. To do so would leave us almost completely defenseless. I will not permit it.”
Up to that point, Donte had been amicable. When he spoke of the spaceships, his entire demeanor changed. Before, he had spoken in terms of we, and now it was I. She frowned.
“Do you represent Purlieu?”
“Yes. I represent all the colony leaders and the spaceship leaders. They have elected me to this position.”
“Well Donte…” She hesitated, not certain how she should address someone in such a high command. “What do I call you?”
He smiled. “My name is Donte. Everyone addresses me as Donte or Monomi.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Monomi?”
He shrugged. “It’s a term of respect for Mascots in high command. I prefer to be called Donte.”
She nodded in acknowledgement. “I can pass on your statement about the spaceships to Oriel, but I have no authority to negotiate terms.” She hesitated again. “I have a camera in my airship. If you would allow me, I can send a message to them about what we discussed along with a picture of you.”
He nodded.
“If I could get you on the Centaurus and let you speak to them in person, it might make a difference. I don’t know.”
Beier looked at Donte, his expression stern. “No. It would not only put you in danger, but them as well. The cabinet would never approve it.”
Cheska stared at them. Donte was apparently the highest in command, and yet his assistant was giving him an order. Donte looked at him, but didn’t appear to be concerned about insubordination. His gaze came back to Cheska, his expression amicable.
“Surely we could figure out a way to communicate from here.”
She shook her head. “I don’t have a communications specialist on our ship.”
Donte smiled. “We have one.”
She shrugged. “I’m willing to try, as long as he doesn’t mess up what we have now.”
He nodded. “She…I’ll talk to her about it.”
Cheska flew back to the Centaurus with a feeling of accomplishment, even though she had achieved precious little. The first thing she did was send a message with the pictures to her commander on Oriel. She informed them that the close-up picture was of a 40-year-old Mascot who was the highest in command. She described their conversation and added that Donte was interested in the welfare of everyone, not only the Mascots.
It might be a week or more before she got a response. She printed out two pictures. The first was a full picture of Donte and Beier side-by-side and the other a close-up of Donte’s face. She pinned them on the wall above her desk. The close-up picture was a good likeness, and yet she didn’t feel as attracted to him as she did when she saw him in person. It wasn’t sexual attraction, but more a feeling of serenity.
If Donte couldn’t come to the Centaurus, she could go to Purlieu. That might not resolve the communication problem, but she would like to see how the colonists lived. It wasn’t part of her mission, but it might give her a better idea of how the colonists lived and possibly a clue about how she could assist them.
She glanced up as Dr. Oriana and Gaige entered her office. Dr. Oriana spotted the picture of Donte immediately.
“Oh, is he the one you talked to?” She studied the picture with obvious appreciation. “He’s a cutie. He looks so young! I thought you said he was the ruler of Bergen.”
“He is,” Cheska said. “He’s forty and a Mascot.”
Dr. Oriana’s gaze shot to Cheska; her expression shocked. “I thought they were beasts.”
Gaige studied the picture. “He looks human.”
Cheska nodded. “He is. Fontalo lied. They are humans contaminated with animal genes.” She related their conversation. “It was strange the way his assistant reacted, and Donte didn’t seem to be concerned that the man was being insubordinate. I got the feeling that Beier assumed a role as his body guard. Donte certainly didn’t appear to consider him one.”
Gaige considered the information. “Maybe they’re homosexuals.”
At first thought, Cheska discarded that idea. On reflection, she remembered the girl who brought their drinks. She was attracted to Donte, but he didn’t pay any attention to her. Was it possible?
She shook her head. “I don’t know and it doesn’t matter. What concerns me is that he said Captain Pacilio told him that he was waiting for reinforcements from Oriel. Oriel wouldn’t be assisting him, but has Fontalo sent more ships? If so, how can we possibly assist Purlieu?”
Gaige lifted his brows. “Or how can we stay out of range when the fireworks start? If he’s going to fight them with spaceships; it will create an unsafe environment for us.”
He was right, of course. At that point the prudent thing to do would be to back off and let them fight it out. Until then, there would be time to observe them. She looked at Gaige. “I think I’ll go down and get all the information I can before the fighting starts. Would you like to go?”
He looked hesitant. “I don’t know. Would we be welcome?”
She shrugged. “I can ask.”
He nodded. “It would be interesting to see how they live. I thought your conversation about the tablet was funny. Isn’t it strange that they have all this technical knowledge on the spaceships, but they are so far behind on the planet? He didn’t know what a video was. They don’t have televisions, I gather, or cameras. They have trams, though. Do you think they have motorized vehicles?”
“Well, actually, I think he simply didn’t understand the term video. He called it a recording. We didn’t discuss their transportation system. I’ll contact the Moeder and leave a message for Donte asking about a visit.”
She leaned back in her chair. "Donte referred to Fontalo as The Fontalo. I thought that was strange but I didn't want to correct him on such a small thing."
Gaige thought about it for a moment. "I suppose there will be many phrases or words that they don't understand or misuse. Maybe they would appreciate it if we helped them with that."
True. It might even save them some embarrassment when they spoke to Oriel.
Soft Science Fiction
