The Clever Fox: Part Three (The Pleasure Hound Series) by Ines Johnson Read Free Book Online

his list was to sample Earthling food. He wanted to try blueberries, plums, figs and eggplants. He’d never experienced sweet fruits in his life. Taste did not translate well in telepathy, but sight did. It was true. He had a blue motif going on.
    And finally, well not finally, but the third thing he absolutely must do on this visit after his body had been washed in the waters and his belly was full of food, Chen planned to ride a Bengal tiger. These creatures fascinated him the most. He’d sifted a memory from his mother’s childhood where she’d seen one in a distance. There was the metallic taste of fear surrounding the edge of the memory. But unlike his mother, Chen could communicate with any species. He would make friends with the beast and then grab a ride. Perhaps the beast would like to accompany him back to the ship too, along with her .
    Excitement hummed through Chen at this amendment to his plan. As the ship moved closer into the Earth’s orbit, he plotted his visit. It had been nearly one-thousand revolutions of the planet around its star since his kind had visited. The beings there must be far advanced in enlightenment since that time. Chen imagined people helping one another, living in harmony with each other, the animals, and the planet. He would go down, experience the items on his list and then perform his duties. It would be a fulfilling experience all the way around.
    “We don’t have much time.”
    The no nonsense sound of his brother’s voice interrupted Chen’s plans. Chen turned around in his seat and into a face that was exactly like his own, except for the deep frown lines marring Hsing’s brow and the grim line that marred his expression.
    “This is a momentous occasion, Hsing,” Chen said. “We have returned to the place of our ancestors.”
    “This is the place of our mother’s ancestors,” Hsing corrected. He peered out at the blue orb, no hint of wonder or excitement in his eyes. “We no longer have a homeland. Or have you forgotten?”
    Chen hadn’t forgotten. It was burned in his mind, just as it was in his brother’s mind. Just as it was in every male aboard this ship’s mind.
    “You will complete your mission,” Hsing continued, “and you will return immediately,” Hsing’s voice brooked no argument. “It is not safe to orbit this planet. Too many eyes are upon it.”
    They both looked out into the darkness of space as though they could see the myriad of other beings who enjoyed stealing down onto the young planet against the orders of the Council. At the moment, the Heavens were barren. Chen’s eyes caught once more on the many hues of blue upon the orb before them.
    “All journeys come full circle,” Chen said.
    “You will come full circle, brother. You will go down and take a female and return.”
    “Abduction is against my nature, Hsing. Coercion won’t make for a happy life.”
    “We don’t need happiness Chen, we need to save our species. Just take the first woman you see. This diversion is already a disruption to our itinerary.”
    “If only we had father’s sutras on human women-“
    “But we don’t. We have nothing from our family. Nothing from our homeland remains.”
    Hsing came before his brother and peered into his eyes. It was an unnecessary exercise. There was no thought Chen could hide from Hsing. Still, Chen looked away from the scrutiny.
    “We do not have time for your childish play, Chen-Na. You will do your duty to your family and to your kind. The alternative is the extinction of our race. I know you understand this.”
    “I do, Hsing-I.”
    Hsing came closer and put a hand on Chen’s shoulder. The rare show of affection startled Chen.
    “You look only within, Chen. You seek joy, zen, and a higher plane of enlightenment, but war follows you. You must look outside of yourself and for once let reality inform your path.”
    Hsing gave Chen’s shoulder a squeeze. Then he looked once more at the pale, blue dot before departing the