Read Silent Songs for Free Online Page A

voice asked in English.
    K'heera's earcuff translator easily kept up with the language change as she peered up into the face of the S.V. Norton's Captain, Jane Stepp.
    She was not as tall as Jib, and seemed about twice his age, though K'heera wasn't sure. Her curled black hair framed an attractive face and clear blue eyes. She was built sturdily, and seemed capable and efficient.
    26
    "Things could not be better, Honored Captain Stepp," the dance troupe leader assured the American woman. "In all my years of touring, never have I known a finer Captain's Night! Your invitation to dance will make it perfect.
    We are privileged to entertain such notable--and fortunate--passengers."
    "Thank you, Honored Dancer Kh'arhh'tk," the Captain replied.
    "This is pretty special, ma'am," Jib said in English. His voice was cool as he ignored the Pp'hhh'tttkkk incident. "I've never been at a Captain's Night with live entertainment."
    She grinned amiably. "This is a special trip for me and my crew, so we're going whole hog. It's our last journey on the Norton. After this run we're taking command of a brand-new vessel, a ship that will be servicing Trinity alone. There's her image." She waved at a three-dimensional hologram rotating in the center of the room. "The Brolga. Her maiden voyage will carry enough staff and supplies to enlarge Trinity's space station."
    "Congratulations, Captain!" Jib said.
    She bowed, clearly pleased. "I've been traveling to Trinity since it was found.
    Getting the Brolga is icing on the cake."
    "May it bring you much honor," Kh'arhh'tk said graciously, then laced his fingers together and curved his arms over his head in an elegant version of the rarely used Mizari "honor bow."
    K'heera was startled by their gesture. She'd never seen a Simiu use it before ... but then, what Harkk'ett would?
    "For you," Kh'arhh'tk told the Captain, "we'll dance the Warrior's Welcome"--
    he waved at K'heera--"with a guest star!"
    "Oh?" said the Captain. "And this is ... ?"
    "Our native sister," barked the leader. "In another year she'll be ready for the tremendous responsibilities she and her sisters share. What more reason to dance?" Kh'arhh'tk turned to K'heera suddenly. "Little sister, what is your name? You must be properly introduced to the Honored Captain."
    They have no idea who I am! K'heera thought, panicking.
    The Captain peered at her as though trying to remember. Jib had turned away. But then, what could he possibly do?
    "Immature females," Kh'arhh'tk proclaimed, "are so shy." Boldly, he encircled her arm with his. "Your name, sister?"
    "K'heera..." she whispered, her throat tightening. Honor demanded she give her full identity. "Of the family Harkk'ett."
    The dancers froze in recognition, sobering instantly. The handsome Kh'arhh'tk jerked his arm away. "Harkk'ett? That explains your other perversions. How dare you dishonor me? Honor obliged that you reveal yourself immediately! You are
    27
    not worthy of a challenge." As one, the group spun and jogged away.
    K'heera glanced at the Mizari's tentacles spinning and waving; she was clearly disturbed. However, she was unprepared for the disapproval etched on the face of Captain Stepp.
    "Why is a Harkk'ett going to Trinity?" the Captain demanded.
    "StarBridge business," Jib said curtly.
    "But why a Harkk'ett?"
    K'heera was humiliated; the Captain spoke of her as though she weren't even there.
    "She is Ambassador Dhurrrkk's choice," Jib said simply.
    "I feel proprietary about Trinity," the Captain said, annoyed. "The last thing I want to do is . . ." she cast around for the right expression, "deliver a serpent into the garden."
    K'heera was baffled by the reference, and knew she'd have to look it up, only to be infuriated when she learned its meaning.
    "That's not fair, Captain," Jib protested. K'heera couldn't bear to listen to him defend her anymore, especially since he was doing it so halfheartedly. "You can't hold an innocent person responsible for the actions of their