Page 76 of Stealing Mercury
Her mother’s tent was luxurious compared to what they’d had in the early days, but even then she’d had her mother’s love and a sense of community.
Steeling her courage, Samantha looked up to the men’s faces. Their ears twitched with curiosity, their noses flared as they took in the rich array of spices that perfumed the air, their eyes took in the bustling jumble of people. These were the refugees of destroyed worlds and forgotten cultures. Gollerra hadn’t always been a peaceful sector. The camp had already been well established when her mother’s people had made their way here. They’d crossed the border to get out of the reach of the Earth Alliance.
Mercury must have felt the weight of her stare. He looked down and his lips tilted in a smile. “There are many different species here.”
“Yes,” Samantha confirmed. “Mostly humanoid, but from different worlds.”
“We’ll be able to blend in.” At Carn’s low growl he added, “Until we leave to free Hera.”
Lo stepped closer, gently tugging a handful of Samantha’s hair. “Show us the way, little Sam.”
“Right. This way.”
She gave a nod to the nearby group of men playing Fret, an informal group of sentries that kept an eye on who entered the camp’s safe zone. She led Mercury, Carn, and Lo through a tidy, wide trail to a long-established part of the camp. Her mother’s tent was smaller than some, larger than most. Colorful stripes showed where it had been expanded when she was a child.
The entrance stood open, the cloth door tied back. Samantha started to step through, but Mercury held her back. Lo ducked inside then straightened. His ears twitched and his nose flared and then his body relaxed as he motioned her forward.
Samantha stepped quickly inside, sure Lo’s appearance had scared her mother speechless. She should have known better. Her mother stood near the meal table. It was covered with food. A warm smile curved her lips and her face radiated a golden glow.
Samantha flew into her mother’s welcoming arms.
“Welcome home, daughter.”
“Mom.” She sunk into the sage and desert-dahlia smell of her for a moment before pulling back.
“You were expecting us.”
Her mother’s smile widened. “This is still a small community, daughter. Messengers came from the port to let me know the moment you landed.” She turned her attention to the men. “They said you traveled with three large males, so I prepared food to make them welcome.”
Samantha introduced her mother and briefly explained the circumstances of their visit. She left out any mention of the more intimate part of those circumstances. It wasn’t something she was ready to explain, but her mother would know. She’d sense it.
It was Mercury who approached her mother, bowing his head like a supplicant. “Thank you, Moira, for gifting our lives with your courageous daughter.”
Her mother’s laughter filled the tent like musical bells. “Her father called that particular trait recklessness. I’ve always thought it was an extension of her generous heart. I’m glad she was able to help you. Please sit and eat. You all look too long without a proper meal.”
Moira led them to the table and the men ate as she filled Samantha in on all the news from the camp.
Samantha peeled a citrus fruit and handed it to Mercury who broke apart the sections and shared it with Lo and Carn. “We won’t be here long. We have to find Carn’s mate. He’s very worried about her.”
Her mother’s golden hue flushed to a dull copper. “I’m proud of you, daughter. But also afraid.”
Mercury stood and went to Moira, kneeling at her feet. “I’ll do all in my power to keep her safe.”
Moira reached out a hand and stroked his head as if he were just a boy. “I believe you.”
Surprised by the exchange, Samantha cleared her throat and stood to start clearing the table. “Is Felzaf still working in the clinic?”
The men took their cue from her getting to their feet and helping her clear away the remains of the meal. They’d all discussed it during the journey and decided their first priority had to be getting rid of the tracers that had allowed Drake to hunt them.
“Yes.” Her mother’s glance bounced from person to person. “Is someone injured?”
Samantha could feel Mercury’s questions in the air, but he remained silent. She hadn’t thought to explain that Felzaf was more medic than technician. “Everyone is okay, but we think Mercury, Lo and Carn may have tracker implants. I’d like to get that taken care of as soon as possible. Roma could have contacts at the port. If Owens sends someone after them, I don’t want to make it easy for them.”
Her mother nodded. “I’ll send word you’re coming.”
Mercury stroked a hand down Samantha’s back. “Do we endanger your mother, by staying here?”
Moira had moved to the opening to call a messenger from the path. “There are no maps of the camp and no one would help an outsider, even one from the port, to find my home.”
