Deep

"Why?"
      Tahnia, bemused, watched from her rumpled nest in Meaghan's bed as the librarian laced up a pair of tough hiking boots.
       "Because I've been meaning to go exploring for months and today feels like a good day for it."
       The junior chef shook her head and snuggled further down under the bedclothes.
       "Not accordin' to Vaira, it's not."
       Meaghan paused in her preparations.
       "Pardon?"
      "Vaira says it's goin' to get mighty wet later on."
       The brunette half-smiled.
       "The weather forecast is for fine weather all day today and into tomorrow."
       Tahnia chuckled.
       "Ah trust Vaira's aches an' pains over th' official forecast anytime."
       Meaghan quirked an eyebrow in gentle disbelief. Vaira was a middle-aged Verlander, new to the island, brought in to replace one of the housekeeping staff who'd had to leave to deal with a family crisis. She was a nice enough person - Meaghan thought - even if she did have one foot over the line demarcating 'crackpot'. For some incomprehensible reason Tahnia took everything the elder woman said as absolute truth...
       "I'll take my chances with the professional weather-watchers, thanks."
       "Don't y'all get grumpy at me when you get wet." Tahnia shrugged.
       "I promise." Meaghan leant down to plant a kiss on her friend's velvety brown cheek.
      "Right, well have fun." The chef's tone indicated she couldn't comprehend what sort of fun could possibly be had tramping anywhere that didn't have clearly marked paths. "An' don't forget to take one of the two-way radios. Th' island's not that dangerous, but it ain't that tame either."
       "Will do." Meaghan's smile was fond. "I'll see you later, beautiful..."

The librarian gazed for long minutes at the steep slope ahead of her. Meaghan was an experienced climber, she'd checked the island's topographical map and estimated it would take several hours to reach the caldera of the extinct volcano. It was still early though, just past dawn, there was plenty of time to get up there and still make the journey back in daylight. She turned for one last look at the castle below, its dark walls glimmering amongst the greenery, then grinning happily the brunette shifted her scuffed backpack into a more comfortable position and set off.
      The path leading away from the lookout was ill-defined and within a hundred paces had become noticeably steeper. Using the thick vegetation as an aid to climbing, Meaghan hauled herself up the sides of the mountain, stopping frequently to rest and conserve her strength.
      Around midday Meaghan took a longer break for lunch. Perched on a rough piece of volcanic rock, the brunette chewed thoughtfully on a high-protein food bar. She guessed she was only about half-way up - it'd taken longer than anticipated to get this far - and that might necessitate a change of plans. She could, in all probability, make it to the top and back down again while it was still light but that might be pushing it. Should she continue? The sensible thing to do now would be to return...
       Meaghan smirked to herself. She'd wanted to do this climb since she first set eyes on the peak, she was sweaty and filthy and having a grand time. No, she'd not turn back now.

Kazestrel rubbed a hand over his eyes, rolling his shoulders to try to ease tightness. The last couple of days had been... stressful. Oh, nothing major, just a rolling series of minor... things, not overly significant in themselves, just apparently, determinedly, intent on disturbing his composure.
      To start with, several of the security cameras he'd placed had short-circuited, in the main lecture theatre and the foyer, but perhaps most importantly the one on the island's lower peak that constantly scanned the entrance to the lagoon. Those in the castle were relatively easy to deal with - he'd had Jadrel perform the repairs - but he'd no sooner fixed the external camera than it failed again. This time the fault appeared to be somewhere in the cabling between the security room and the device itself, and since that involved several miles of wiring, repairing it would have been a laborious task. Instead he'd decided to fit an inconspicuous self-contained power unit to the camera mounting and feed the information back to his monitor via a series of minute quantum relays installed in the trees along the route. It was the sort of technology that would have had Heart's physicists drooling at the mouth - it had certainly had that effect on Jadrel, metaphorically speaking - and it absolutely was not permitted on primitive or non-member worlds. It was also available, easy to use, and a great deal more efficient than any native system. Lasqendeamyl would have a fit when Kazestrel - eventually - told him. In the meantime and under the circumstances he could afford to ignore Collective protocol this once...
      Then there was the ANOMM. Well, there was always the ANOMM, but Peridien was particularly worried at the moment because everything had gone very quiet in the States. Since this dated from Kazestrel's arrival on Heart, they assumed, in the absence of any information to the contrary, that the two were probably connected. The ANOMM licking their wounds, perhaps? Hunting for him? Regrouping, deciding how to handle the knowledge that they weren't alone in the galaxy? Whatever the reason, the Nameless Elder wanted them watched even more closely than normal.
      Kazestrel's last communication from his administrator had been depressing, too. A single Zgradon had somehow managed to slip through Norandi's tight security and flown his one-being cruiser into the main domicile on Farm Chaalf, killing the entire family and workforce and destroying swathes of crops. Norandi security was being reappraised; in the meantime Zgradon was under quarantine. Again.
      Grosthtun, a promising new member of the Collective whose incorporation he and Triskayen had overseen, had suddenly seceded, citing irreconcilable internal schism, and despite Jadanareior's best efforts the Coalition that was the planetary power onworld would not reconsider.
      Such a terrible waste.
      There was no news of the Alliance, though that wasn't unusual. After all, Heart would now hear about any activity before most of the rest of Haadri...
      Kazestrel had heard Jimain call Meren chearya. A Chatandi term, then. He'd *heard* *voices* from Heart, all those years ago when he was a child.
      Kafraxis had taken to contacting him, via the security room's feed from the Archyve terminal, every twenty or so COT days to give him news of his kin. Normally Kazestrel looked forward to these calls: it was so soothing to speak with another Fohmatraan, even at such a distance; he liked Kafraxis, and Kafraxis gave every indication of also taking pleasure in their interaction. But the conversation they had just concluded had left Kazestrel feeling dejected. It appeared that Jezindra had been more deeply affected by Triskayen's death than he'd allowed anyone to *see*: a little while after arriving back at C'Prime from Heart he'd taken off, telling no-one where he was going, and it had been four COT days before they'd realised he was missing. The Caelixiin had been absolutely horrified that one of their precious Fohmatraans - and a chialint at that! - was somewhere in Haadri alone and unprotected. He was also using his abilities to *hide* from his kin, and it had taken a prolonged and exhausting effort on the part of a very reluctant Jandruac to find him. He was on Vela, grieving, and furious that Jandruac had *interrupted* his self-imposed exile. She'd *backed off* hurriedly, her own mind aching with remembered grief for her sundered bond with Falcastron, and refused to do any more to help. But no more was needed: a Peace Force 'skimmer was immediately despatched to monitor the world until Jezindra chose to return. At least, Kafraxis had said, his deep burning eyes despondent, Vela was a gentle world and would pose no danger to the chialint...
      This had all summoned up memories of home, and Thaiv, and Triskayen - and Vrelissyn... Kazestrel had managed to keep his composure until the screen had blanked, then slumped forwards, covering his eyes, *hurting* deeply with the pain of loss.

Right, this could get tricky... The librarian clung to the side of the mountain, not afraid precisely, merely... concerned. The last few hundred feet of the climb had been near-vertical rockface, lots of finger and toeholds fortunately, but it was still hard going, especially with the cascading stream to make things slippery. Now Meaghan had a decision to make. She could see the lip of the caldera above her – twenty feet or so, not far - but sunset was only a couple of hours away. If she turned back now she'd be able to get down to more secure footing by nightfall - if she went ahead she'd almost certainly have to stay overnight in the caldera and come down in the morning. Add to that there were some nasty dark clouds brewing out over the ocean... If she couldn't find shelter inside the caldera - there was none on the outside - it was going to be a very uncomfortable night.
       Ultimately though, there was no decision to make: Meaghan wanted to see the lake that was feeding the stream, and gods above, she'd come this far already! She gritted her teeth and continued to edge her way to the summit.

This was definitely worth it!
       Meaghan stood on the rim of the caldera by the stream, exhilarated and smugly proud of herself. The three peaks were reflected perfectly in the glassy surface of the lake, as was the intense blue of the sky. The librarian took a deep breath - it was beautiful in a stark fashion, quiet and still, only the rocks below and the sky above, nothing to distract from the deep serenity. Meaghan turned to look out over the rest of the island spread below. She could see the bay, and the reef that circled Verbank - the colours in the lagoon were simply amazing! - but the castle wasn't visible from up here, too close to the mountain side obviously. Meaghan sighed happily; it was a fantastic view, she'd have to come back here with a camera...
       The librarian frowned - those clouds were moving in fast, though, and she could see the rain lashing the ocean. Uh oh. No way was she going to make it back down before the storm hit; time to find some shelter then she could radio back and let them know where she was...

Kazestrel glanced up as the door slid open silently. Jimain, of course; other than himself only the warrior, Meren, Peridien and Jadrel had access to the security room. The Elder smiled.
      "You are tired, Jyoteesh."
      "It is that obvious?"
      Regarding the weary, half-closed silver eyes and slumped form, Jimain chuckled.
      "Somewhat. You must rest, my friend. Sunset is not far off; I can take over now."
      The Fohmatraan nodded slightly, but made no move to rise, and Jimain shifted to stand behind him, hands resting on broad shoulders. He frowned at the tension he felt, and began to knead, strong fingers pressing into solid muscle as he leaned forward to bring his weight to bear. He'd discovered early in their friendship that Kazestrel thoroughly enjoyed being massaged, and took a quiet delight in the fact that he was the only person they knew strong enough to make any impression on a body that had developed under a gravity more than twice that of Heart's.
      *Thank you.*
      Jimain bent slightly to lay his cheek against the strange cool mane.
      *It is, as ever, my pleasure, Jyoteesh. I wish that I might do more...*
      Kazestrel knew what the 'more' was, knew that Jimain would have given much for them to be intimate. And he now knew that as long as he was passive and careful, he would cause no injury to his vourdaki hosts. But still he hesitated, unwilling to allow himself that release, knowing that Jimain could *read* him and afraid of what he'd unwittingly *reveal*.
      Jimain's hands slid down his chest, fingers working strongly, the sensation comforting and arousing... It had been so long. He missed the warmth, the *intimacy* of coition, of being inside and *inside* another, the intimate communication that was such a vital part of Fohmatraan life... suddenly overcome with a wave of longing, he pulled himself abruptly upright. The vourdak swayed, off-balance, for a moment before regarding him sorrowfully.
       "Jyoteesh, I wish that you would allow me..."
      Closing his eyes, Kazestrel shook his head.
      "Never think that I do not value the offer you make."
      Jimain sighed.
      "I would not think that, Kazestrel. And I will not insist. But should you wish it, I am always here."
      "Thank you."
      The Elder eyed him for a moment, then smiled sadly.
      "You had best be gone..."

There was a short rocky 'beach' to either side of the stream, but not much else. Meaghan squinted up at the walls of the caldera - she could make out what looked like openings in the rockface to her right. Oh well, might as well try exploring those before it started raining. The librarian shook her head ruefully; Tahnia wasn't going to let her forget this in a hurry. Meaghan chuckled and began a slow, careful climb to what she hoped was shelter.

"Sorry, 'jariel, you're going to have to speak up. Reception's pretty dodgy - I can barely hear you! Check." Huddled in a small, rather snug cave, Meaghan pressed the radio unit close to her ear, trying to catch Sanjariel's reply.
       "I said - " it came through faintly, " - are you all right? Check."
       "I'm fine. Warm and dry and I've got more than enough food to last me until morning. Check."
       "We can get someone up there to help you. Check."
       "In this weather? No, don't worry, but if you could let Tahnia know I'm all right? And tell her not to gloat! Check."
       Sanjariel chuckled.
      "I will. See you in the morning, Meaghan. Call if you need anything! Check."
       The librarian switched off the radio then put it carefully to one side while she rummaged around in her back-pack for the very light, very warm sleeping bag she always carried with her while she was climbing. The rain broke with a crash outside her small haven, making Meaghan jump. It occurred to her she was awfully close to the storm up here.

One of the higher Underhill tunnels debouched into a small clearing half way up the volcano, saving a hard climb of about half an hour for the Fohmatraan. Checking ahead that the clearing was deserted, Kazestrel stepped out of the shadows and sealed the entrance behind him, breathing deeply as a steady wind - herald of the oncoming storm - tumbled his mane around him. Barefoot and jacketless, he climbed the rest of the distance to the shallow stream-bed access to the caldera, and paused for a moment, eyes on the sky where dark grey clouds roiled, covering the lowering sun, sheet lightning flickering through the darkness. He'd seen something similar on Xlaca, and found it quite exhilarating there, but right now all he wanted was to dive deep, feel the bite of the lake's cold sweet water, and try to come to terms with his reawakened grief.

The clouds had reached Verbank by the time he stepped out of the stream entrance to the caldera and into relative tranquillity. The three peaks that cupped the lake between them channelled the wind around and over the extinct volcano, leaving the centre calm. As the rain finally hit the island in thick grey sheets he sheathed the claws that had helped him keep his footing as he climbed, and eyed the clear green water for a moment. Running a half-extended claw along the shoulder and down the side of his uniform vest, then along the arm-sheaths, Kazestrel pulled them from him before bending from the waist to repeat the action down the sides of the leggings, grateful for lathine's self-sealing qualities. Tucking the pieces of fabric and his shades under a rock to prevent any stray gusts of wind from blowing them away, he prowled to what Jimain had dubbed the 'diving rock', a boulder that stuck out from the curved side of the lowest peak, overhanging the lake, then dived, arching gracefully out over the water before smoothly breaking the surface, raising barely a ripple.

The brunette was wrapping the sleeping bag around her shoulders when something outside - a flare of light - caught her attention. Her first thought was that it must've been lightning, but there was no accompanying clap of thunder and on reflection it hadn't been that big a flash. It happened again and Meaghan cautiously shifted herself to look out over the pile of rocks partially blocking the entrance.
      Grey eyes widened. What the...?
       A tall figure, very tall, stood in the rain ten long paces or so away over the other side of the stream – they appeared to be ripping off their clothes.
       Meaghan peered closely - no, not ripping, the movement was too controlled for that though she wasn't sure how else to describe it.
      And their hair... It was silver, flowing down their back like... well, like nothing she'd ever seen before... As Meaghan watched, he - she? - stripped completely, folding the garments neatly and tucking them, along with the pair of silvered glasses they'd been wearing, under a rock.
       Meaghan stared. Even at this distance she could tell that the ... person's eyes were much larger than normal. The stranger loped towards the far wall, with easy, graceful strides, and began to climb. She felt a twinge of envy at how effortlessly they seemed to be scaling the rockface, and how quickly. Had they climbed the mountain as easily?
       Soon the unfamiliar person stood poised on an outjutting rock high above the water. Then they dived off the stone, arcing towards the lake and... to Meaghan's eyes it was like they'd slid into the water, without a splash. But how was that possible from that height?
       Meaghan waited, and waited, but after an agonisingly long time the stranger still hadn't surfaced. The librarian shrugged off the sleeping bag and crept out of the cave towards the water, oblivious to the driving rain soaking her clothes. Had something happened to the stranger? Had they hit their head and drowned?
       At a loss, Meaghan stood at the edge of the lake and tried to peer into the storm-stippled water. Should she go in after them? She wasn't a strong swimmer and the first rule of wilderness survival was to not put yourself in danger unnecessarily. There was no one here to pull her out if she got into trouble. The brunette dithered, absently wiping tendrils of wet hair away from her face. Surely they'd been down there too long already? Would there be any point in putting herself at risk for someone who was already dead?
       There was a lull in the rain for a moment allowing Meaghan a long glimpse beneath the surface of the water. She gasped, not sure if her eyes weren't playing tricks on her in the failing light. She could clearly see the stranger's body hanging vertical in the deep water, that astonishing mass of silver hair drifting about their head, obscuring their face and upper body. Meaghan squinted into the water, cursing silently as the rain began squalling again - she couldn't be sure but had she seen their hands moving? There'd be no tides, no waves in the contained lake to account for the body's movement - that meant it had to be a conscious action and that meant the stranger was not only alive but perfectly well.
       Thoroughly confused and disturbed now, the librarian retreated from the lake to crawl shivering back into her hidey-hole. What was going on? Meaghan rewrapped the sleeping bag around her and tried not to think...

Down, down into solitude, deep green and soothing. At three times his own height under the surface he paused, webbed hands fluttering very slightly, holding him still as his mane fanned around him. There were few distractions here - the slight sensation of rain hitting the surface, and minute and subtle shifts of the planet's crust, felt as tiny differences in pressure... and the images inside his own mind.
      Feeling lost and very alone, he settled himself to contemplation and remembrance, pulling to the fore memories of Vrelissyn and Triskayen, the sounds of their *voices*, all they had shared, unseen tears mingling in the waters that shielded him...

Sanjariel shook her head in fond exasperation as Meaghan closed the communication and *called* for Jimain, completely unprepared for the shocked *silence* that followed her announcement.
      *Elder? What's wrong?*
      *Kazestrel is at the lake.*
      Sanjariel caught her breath.
      *Oh shit... Um, how fast can you get up there?*
      *Fast enough to prevent a crisis, I trust...*

Dumping jacket and boots at the same Underhill entrance Kazestrel had used an hour earlier, Jimain stepped out into the storm, immediately soaked through. Shoving wet hair back from his face, briefly thankful that the rain wasn't too cold and the clouds heavy enough to protect him from sun burn, he raced for the caldera, hauling himself straight up the muddy slopes, using trees and rocks as handholds, intent on reaching the lake as quickly as possible. Kazestrel would be there by now: with luck the librarian had already been sheltering deep in one of the caves and wouldn't have seen him. The Fohmatraan spent a lot of time underwater when he was there, Jimain knew; if he could find Meaghan he would be able to distract her while Kazestrel made his escape. One loud call of the heartling's name would be enough to alert him; Fohmatraan hearing was better underwater than in the air.
      If Meaghan hadn't yet seen him...
      If she had - they had a problem.

Hauling himself over the final slight overhang, Jimain fought his way against the torrent that the rain had made of the stream from the lake, the uncertain footing making the usually easy access treacherous. As he scrambled out onto the gentle slope, his heart sank to see Kazestrel wading towards him through the shallows. Lunging forwards he reached up to grab the Fohmatraan's shoulder.
      *Meaghan's here.* He felt Kazestrel's sudden dismay as his shoulders slumped. *Has she seen you?*
      *I have seen no-one - but I was not expecting to find anyone here.* Vast silver eyes scanned the sides of the caldera for a moment, seeking an infra-red heat signature, then the alien sighed. *Over there. In the first of the lower caves.*
      Jimain turned, peering through the rain to the side of the caldera, night-hunter eyes wide. A tiny flicker of movement just behind the pile of rocks at the entrance, so slight it would take vourdaki or Fohmatraan sight to notice it. Fury building, he marched over to the cave, reached in, grabbed Meaghan by the scruff of the neck and hauled her out into the storm.

Perhaps she should've got out of her clothes first...?
       Meaghan had no idea how long she'd been huddled in the cave save that it was dark outside now, the only illumination being infrequent flashes of lightning. She was warm at least beneath the sleeping bag, though still damp, and there was a torch in her back-pack if the lack of light really became a problem.
       She'd tried not to think about the body in the lake but, honestly, how could she avoid it? Meaghan had thought herself well past being spooked by the unknown but there was something... creepy about being left alone with... whatever it was. What if it was still alive and it surfaced? Would it know she was there? Would it come looking for her? Quite unconsciously Meaghan pressed herself as deep as she could into the corner formed by the wall and the concealing boulders at the cave's entrance. She pulled the sleeping bag tighter around herself, and forced her eyes shut: Meaghan felt wrung out from the exertion of a difficult climb and nervous tension but knew there was no way she was going to be able to sleep. It would be better for her, though, if she could at least get some rest...
       Something grabbed the collar of her shirt, startling her, and before she could react the librarian found herself dragged roughly over the rocks, out into the rain. Meaghan stifled her shriek: Jimain was standing before her and he did not look happy.

"You understand I should silence you. You now pose a security risk."
      Kazestrel had dressed swiftly while Jimain had faced the wet and flinching heartling, finding a tiny measure of humour in the situation despite its gravity. Meaghan's eyes kept flicking to him, as though unable to believe what she was seeing. He laid a hand on Jimain's shoulder, distracting the enraged Elder.
      *There is little use in trying to resolve the situation here. Let us return to the castle. I will assist you.*
      Jimain glanced upwards. The rain had abated a little, but the sky was solid cloud cover and the wind had dropped; it would probably be morning before the storm died. He nodded, and, ignoring Meaghan's alarmed and indignant squawk, flung her over his shoulder.
      Kazestrel led the way, sure-footed in the stream, Jimain beside and slightly behind him, carrying the heartling easily. At the lip of rock where the stream tumbled down the drop the Fohmatraan paused for a second, judging distances, then jumped, extended claws digging into the hillside a good forty feet below to stop his fall. Jimain turned to face the mountain - giving Meaghan an alarming sight of the steep drop - then launched himself slightly out and down, brought up sharply as Kazestrel caught and braced him against the rock.
      *Thank you, my friend.*
      The Fohmatraan inclined his head.
      *Shall I carry her?*
      Jimain considered it, then shook his head.
      *It will be safer for us all if you will go ahead and lend a hand where the way is perilous.* He grinned briefly, without humour. *Your strength, balance and reactions are better than mine - and I lack your claws.*
      *As you will.*

Other than a strangled gasp when Jimain had leapt from the edge of the caldera, Meaghan didn't make a sound during the return journey. Slung over the security chief's shoulder, her weight as apparently inconsequential to him as the sleeping bag she'd left behind, she'd instinctively kept silent while her mind raced, trying to process what was happening.
       The creature in the lake was not only alive but seemed to know Jimain. The pair didn't speak; however there was a wealth of communication passing between them when their eyes met. Not that Meaghan got to witness these non-verbal exchanges all that often. It was full night, it was still raining heavily and for the most part the stranger was moving ahead of them. Occasionally though he was within her line of sight and Meaghan was able to confirm what she'd seen beside the lake. He - she? Meaghan was still unsure of the creature's gender - was taller even than Jimain, and leanly muscular, with what appeared to be elongated fingers. Silver hair gleamed in the dark like a beacon and it seemed to defy the rain, remaining full and dry-looking while her and Jimain's hair was plastered wetly against their skulls. In the dark the unnaturally large eyes were wide black ellipses rimmed with liquid silver and they regarded the librarian with an unmistakeable intelligence.
       Given Jimain's obvious anger with her, and the precarious flight down the volcano's slope, Meaghan wondered if she should perhaps be more scared than she was. She remained preternaturally calm though, almost philosophical. After all, when a situation was beyond your control the only thing you could do was go with the flow and remain alert for any changes...

It was a torturous hour, battling through the rain, Kazestrel making a path down the mountain and bracing Jimain much of the way as the vourdak slid in the mud that the storm had made of the hillside. As they reached the clearing with the Underhill entrance Kazestrel paused, touching the vourdak's hand.
      *I will find Peridien. No doubt he will want to speak to both of us.*
      Jimain nodded grimly.
      *He's in his office - I've *told* him you're on your way.*
      *Thank you. Go safely.*
      Kazestrel waited as Jimain hauled Meaghan off his shoulder onto her own feet, pushing her ahead of him as they started the much easier trek down to the castle. As they disappeared from sight he pressed his palm to the lock and slipped back into Underhill, heading for the Nameless Elder.

Jimain walked quickly in tight-lipped silence, grabbing Meaghan's arm to prevent her falling when she slipped in the mud but otherwise not responding to her. It was well into the early hours of the morning when they finally climbed the steps into the foyer. Sanjariel eyed them worriedly, handing them each a large towel.
      "Are you all right?"
      Jimain nodded shortly, wrapping the towel around his shoulders, then glowering at Meaghan.
      "Your room. Now."

Meren was waiting outside Meaghan's room. Shivering from a combination of reaction and cold, the librarian fumbled her door open and stepped inside, not surprised when Meren followed silently. She shut the door behind them and smiled tremulously at the smaller woman.
      "Ever get the feeling you've made a horrible mistake but you're not sure exactly what?"
      Meren regarded her silently for a moment, then sighed.
      "You weren't to know. Why don't you get cleaned up? I'll make you a feine."
      "Thank you." Meaghan turned towards her small bathroom, then paused. "Meren... Jimain said I was a security risk. Why?"
      Meren hesitated, then huffed.
      "It's not really my place to say - Peri... Mr Monk will speak to you later. But... You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and saw something you weren't ever meant to see."
      Meaghan blinked, ghosting a smile.
      "Well that's cleared things up nicely, ta." Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "Will I have to leave?" she whispered.
      "I don't know. I hope not."
      The librarian nodded, straightening up, pulling her shoulders back.
      "I don't want to leave. If there's anything I can do to... fix whatever it was I did wrong..." she shrugged, her smile small and apologetic. "But I suppose that's up to Mr Monk."
      Meren nodded.
      "I'm afraid so. But I know he's very pleased with your work so far. I don't want to... encourage false hope, but that will stand you in good stead." She stood to fill the water heater, plugging it into the room's utility power outlet, then smiled at the librarian. "Go shower. It'll warm you up, and you'll feel better afterwards." The smile deepened. "And don't worry about Jimain. Once he's calmed down, I'm sure he'll understand it really wasn't your fault. Half the problem is he blames himself for you not being told not to visit the lake..."
      "He does?" Meaghan frowned, then shook her head. "Of course, he's the security chief... But then, I didn't tell anyone other than Tahnia where I was going, which - from a safety point of view - was pretty stupid." She took a deep breath and chuckled, albeit a little shakily. "I admit I'll be happier to face Jimain when he's... calmer. Wasn't sure what scared me most, the look on his face or the headlong run down the mountain in the dark!" She smiled again then slipped into the bathroom.
      Meren's smile vanished as the door closed behind Meaghan. Seating herself on the bed, eyes narrowed in concentration, she *focussed* tightly, slipping easily into the heartling's mind.

*...a mélange of flickering emotion... something approaching fear, but not quite fear - of Jimain, of the silver-eyed stranger, of the inhuman, unnerving ways they'd moved in getting down the mountain ... a brief moment of terror when Jimain had leapt down from the caldera's lip... confusion... a soul-deep grief that she might have all unbeknownst jeopardised her post... miserable anticipation of being told to leave, missing Tahnia, Jhon, all her friends... a sense of failure... helpless anger that it wasn't her fault!... And beneath all that, intense curiosity. Who was he? What was he? Where did he fit into the set up here?... And then the base of the heartling's psyche, solid, responsible, fiercely dedicated to the pursuit and recording of knowledge so that future generations might learn from the past....*

Meren nodded to herself - all pretty much as she'd expected, honourable, trustworthy, sound and thoroughly commendable. Despite what Jimain feared, Meaghan wasn't a security risk - at least, not if the ANOMM didn't get hold of her...
      She *flashed* her confirmation to Jimain where he paced in Peridien's office, then poured boiling water onto powdered feine in Meaghan's mug as she heard the water being turned off in the bathroom.

"Oh this is good, thank you." Meaghan gratefully wrapped her hands around the mug's warmth and took a careful sip of the fragrant brew.
      She did feel better after the shower, warmer, not as shaky, though her stomach still fluttered with uncertainty about her future on Verbank. Meaghan chewed her lip, regarding Meren through lowered lashes. And then there was that... person... she wasn't supposed to see. Given her situation she probably shouldn't be asking any questions...
      "Meren, who was it I saw at the lake? I'll understand if you tell me to mind my own business." she added hastily.
      Meren eyed her appraisingly. How much harm, if any, would it do to say anything? She already *knew* Meaghan wasn't going to gossip... And it really wasn't fair to the heartling... She sighed.
      "His name is Kaz. He lives here."
      "Kaz. Right." Meaghan took another sip of her drink. That simple statement of Meren's had opened up at least another dozen questions.
      "Is he..." she hesitated, unsure exactly how to phrase the next query. "... from around here?" She winced: gods that was inane, but given that Kaz was completely unlike anyone else she'd encountered, and short of making herself look like an idiot by asking directly if he was an alien...
      Meren couldn't help it: she laughed. She was still *scanning*, albeit at a much shallower level, and Meaghan's frame of mind right now was amusing, in an odd sort of way.
      "No." She grinned broadly. "Not from around here."
      "Ah." Meaghan grinned in response. "I suppose all will - might - be revealed in the fullness of time? How much can you tell me?"
      "Less than I'd like to. Kaz... also handles security, though of a slightly different sort. He and Jimain work together. Kaz' anonymity is very important."
      Meaghan nodded.
      "I understand. Thank you for being honest."
      "You're welcome. The lake... well, Kaz uses the lake. He's about the only person who does, the climb is too hard for most people. Which is why no-one thought to tell - ask - you not to go there."
      "I see." the librarian nodded again, then she smiled, stormy eyes gleaming. "It's beautiful up there. I'd love to be able to make the journey again, if I'm allowed."
      Meren tilted her head.
      "The view is wonderful, but I'm not fond of the climb... well, we'll see what happens."
      Meaghan grinned impishly.
      "The route I took is the 'easy' access - wonder what it'd be like going another way 'round? Be fantastic to stand on one of those peaks."
      Meren grimaced.
      "I don't think you'd be allowed - it's too dangerous. And you need proper know-how and equipment to scale the peaks from the inside."
      The librarian quirked an eyebrow but said nothing, concentrating on her feine. She didn't think Meren was aware of exactly how much mountaineering experience she'd had, or her level of expertise. Meaghan was sure that accompanied by a professional climber, and properly equipped, she could make the summit of one of the peaks without too much trauma. She pulled her thoughts back into focus; now was not the time to be thinking about anything else but how - if - she could salvage her life on Verbank.
      Meren smiled to herself, *picking* up the thought. Oh yes, Meaghan could make the peaks - but it was very unlikely Peridien would countenance that after tonight's escapade. If the librarian was allowed to climb at all, Meren would bet it would be at specified times and she'd have to take someone with her...
      Jimain's unique *flavour* interrupted her musing.
      *Chearya? You are still with Meaghan?*
      *Of course. Have you decided?*
      *Yes. We are on our way to speak with Meaghan.*
      *And?*
      *I will tell you later...*

Jimain paced, arms folded across his chest, frowning at the floor. Jadrel perched on the desk, hand on Kazestrel's so he could *listen* to the debate.
      *Whatever possessed the foolish female to go there in the first place - and in this weather!*
      Peridien sighed.
      *This is my fault.*
      *How can it possibly be thine, my brother? How were you to know?*
      *Because it's in her records.* Peridien gestured to his monitor, where Meaghan's personal details were displayed. *Rambling, rock-climbing, hill-walking, mountaineering... all listed as hobbies on her last job application. I simply never considered she would think to attempt the volcano.*
      *Probably saw it as a challenge.* Jadrel grinned. Jimain scowled.
      *Do you not realise the seriousness of the situation? She has compromised our security! Put Kazestrel at risk!*
      *Yes, I know that. I just don't think it's as bad as you make out. C'mon, Jimain, Meaghan's not some silly gossipy airhead! She's intelligent, responsible and mature. She wasn't to know she shouldn't visit the lake - I bet no-one ever told her she shouldn't go up there.*
      Peridien shook his head. *It has never been an issue before. The climb is sufficiently hard that no one has shown the least interest.* He eyed the Fohmatraan resignedly. *I deeply regret this intrusion into your privacy, my friend. How would you want us to handle the situation?*
      Ignoring Jimain's sotto voce *she must be silenced*, Kazestrel inclined his head.
      "I would prefer her not to be killed - that is somewhat harsh for what is, it would seem, a genuine mistake." He glanced at Jimain, who nodded reluctantly: Meren had *confirmed* it soon after they'd arrived back. "Is there another method of guaranteeing her silence?"
      Peridien frowned.
      *It is possible - amongst vourdaki - for an Elder to blank out specific memories, as happened to Laladria. It's something I have performed myself, once. But it is a most unpleasant thing to have to do, for both parties. And I don't know if it would be possible with a heartling. Even with Meren's guidance there would be a danger of destroying more than the required memory...*
      *It's something we just don't do,* Jadrel *murmured* to the alien. *It's a hateful thing, to mess around with another's mind. For us, anyway. The ANOMM don't feel the same way.*
      Kazestrel nodded thoughtfully.
      "It is possible amongst Fohmatraans, as well, though to my knowledge it has rarely been done."
      *You can do it?*
      He smiled slightly.
      "No. Not as I am, at any rate."
      Jimain stopped pacing and flung his arms wide.
      *So what are we to do?*
      Kazestrel frowned.
      "How dedicated is she?"
      Peridien blinked.
      *Extremely, in my estimation. Meren has *scanned* her and agrees. She loves her job, and is wholly satisfied here.*
      "And trustworthy?"
      *Again, I would say yes... What do you have in mind?*
      "A thought... It is possible that she might be acceptable Librarian material."
      There was a stunned silence. Then Peridien chuckled.
      *Simaeon won't like that!*
      It broke the tension, at least a little. Jimain eyed the Fohmatraan narrowly.
      *It would be allowed?*
      "I cannot be certain. I would need Meren to perform a detailed deepscan, and allow me to do the same via her mind, and for something of this significance I must have the authority of my administrator. However, the Tsrynth are always eager to collect information about a new species: they would consider this an ideal solution. But of course, I will need to know how Meaghan herself feels about the proposal."
      *You'll need to speak to her?*
      "Indeed."
      Peridien considered the notion silently for a moment, then nodded.
      *Well, of all alternatives it's both the most bold and the most unobjectionable. It must be understood that her principal duties remain unchanged, however. Her work is exceptional - I do not want to lose her.*
      Kazestrel smiled.
      "I assure you I shall not... 'steal' your specialist."
      The Elder stood and beckoned to Jimain.
      *I think we had better let Ms Govern know that she is no longer in danger of her life - or her job...*