Chapter 11
Ryven kept his hands off her on the diplomacy ship. It helped that hewas the captain and chose to keep long hours, but the situation wasalso deliberate; the love play without consummation was difficult forhim, too. It didn’t help that the last time he had touched her, shehad begged him to finish. His own physical torment he could take, buther begging was another matter. It did things to him, things he wasunwilling to examine.
He didn’t want his wife to beg.
He treated her with courtesy, though, and gave her a tour of theship. To her delight, he even took her to the hangar where the starfighters were stored. She looked around the huge space withappreciation, and stroked the nose of one fighter with somethingapproaching reverence. Her eyes were wide, hopeful. “Can we sitinside?”
“It’s a single cockpit,” he told her, but gestured indulgentlytoward it. He helped her in, then stood outside on the retractablestep while she settled into the seat. There was no danger of hergetting into mischief with the power off; and just as well. That lookin her eyes would tempt him to give her far greater liberties. It wasbest he never tell her.
She looked startled when the seat adjusted to her body. “It moves!”
He grinned. “It’s a pressure sensitive seat; very helpful whengravity tries to flatten you.”
She murmured her appreciation and touched the control yoke. “Thisis similar to our controls, but your displays are very different. IfI remember my studies, this panel is touch-sensitive?” Her fingersdelicately traced the dash before her. She touched the thin brow bandresting there. “These are the mental interfaces, aren’t they? Theship adjusts to your thoughts.”
He considered her. “I see those hours you’ve spent reading arepaying off.”
She flushed. “You’ve been checking up on me.”
“I like to know what interests you,” he said smoothly. “Didn’tyou think someone had to approve the flight manuals and schematicsyou’ve downloaded?”
Her face grew hotter. “I like to fly.”
“I remember you telling my father this. It’s the reason Iindulged you,” he admitted.
It wasn’t arrogance that made him sure she’d never try to fly afighter alone. It took many months of intense training to learn allthe basics and become certified, even if one had trained on anotherkind of aircraft. They were complex machines, and he’d no more beable to intuit one of her ships than she would this one, not withoutstudy. Take off and landing systems alone could be very different,potentially lethal to the uninitiated. That didn’t even touch onthe computer guidance system or weapons. One never knew how a strangeship would adjust to space vs. atmospheric flight, and she wasexperienced enough to know that.
She wouldn’t be able to sneak it past security, anyway.
“You can fly this model in the simulators, but we will stick toshuttlecraft when we get back home.” He waited until she looked athim and steeled himself against the disappointment in her eyes. “Ithought I could take you up when we returned.” Because there was noway he was letting her fly any farther away from home, not alone.
She bit her lip. Disappointment flickered over her face, but she saidhopefully, “But I can fly this one in the simulator?”
“Yes.” What harm could it do? Though she’d fly a real fighterwhen he was stone cold dead. They were not toys.
So he took her to the flight simulators. Any regret she might havefelt seemed to fade as they entered the room. She examined thedifferent models like a woman shopping for holiday gifts. Her eyeswere shining as she climbed into a double cockpit with him. “Can weinstall one of these in our house?”
He grinned at her. “There’s no need. I can show you where to goto find them when we get back. Better yet, I can take you flying withme and train you on a live craft.”
On a live craft?
Xera badly wanted to kiss her soon-to-be husband, but she knew hewouldn’t allow it while he was in uniform. He was surprisinglystuffy for a man who went wild in private. Instead, she took his handand silently squeezed, very hard.
His eyes warmed. “You can thank me properly later.”
Xera was so excited she missed some of his explanations of thecontrols and he had to repeat them, along with an admonishment tocalm down. She took a deep breath and focused. It wasn’t like she’dnever been in a simulator, or even a real craft, before. Still.
He had chosen a shuttlecraft for her first “flight,” and itdidn’t take her long to adapt to the controls. Compared to afighter, the craft was much more intuitive, built for simplicity.Even so, her take off was gruesome and the flight clumsy. Thedifferences in the ship from what she was used to made turns tricky.He watched silently as they cruised over virtual hills and joined aflight pattern above a busy terminal. She never got to find out howthe landing would be. With the anti-collision system turned off, shemanaged to collide with another shuttle in mid-air.
She sat silently watching as the world burst into flames around them.
“You could have been worse,” he said thoughtfully.
She shot him a look, then laughed at herself. “It is anunfamiliar ship. I’ll adjust. I’ve got to admit to beingembarrassed, though. It’s been a long time since I crashed andburned.” She was thoughtful for a moment then said, “I hearyou’re a pretty good pilot.”
“Do you?” His expression was enigmatic. “Have you ever flown afighter simulator?”
“Yes, and I’d love to try one of yours. What I’d really enjoymore right now, though, is to see you fly one. I admit I’m verycurious.”
“Hm.” He unfastened his safety harness and joined her outside thesimulator. He then directed her to a viewing area along with thesimulators’ technicians while he chose a fighter simulator. Itdidn’t look like much from the outside, of course; just anegg-shaped pod like all the others. He climbed inside and sealed thedoor.
Xera sat in a chair and watched the viewscreens come up. The roomdimmed slightly to focus more attention to the screen. She would seeeverything he was seeing.
“Run simulation Yega-zero,” one of the techs said to another.“Level ten.” The tech setting up the program looked surprised,but he did as ordered.
Maybe that program was rarely run? Xera thought to herself, but shekept quiet and watched the alien glyphs run across Ryven’s screens.
Ryven calmly ran through his preflight as they talked. “Ship one,ready for launch.”
“Go, ship one,” the tech cleared him.
Ryven’s fighter cleared the docking bay and glided outside thehangar, then took off in a burst of speed as two alien fighterscharged him. Ryven fired, hit one, disabling it, then banked right,dodging a barrage of return fire from the remaining ship. He took animpossibly tight U-turn upside down and destroyed the remaining shipas two more appeared behind him. Enemy craft came in fast with ahailstorm of laser fire, swarming Ryven’s ship like mosquitoesaround a nudist. He’d roll to avoid three only to surface facingtwo more. He was fast with his attacks, snapping off shots androlling away before they could hit him.
He took some damage, though. No one could fight so many and not begrazed, but he took his ship past the limits and made it do thingsthat left Xera in awe. All told, he took out eleven ships in apitched battle that should have killed him in the first minute. Thatkind of fighting took years of experience. She had to hold herselfvery still when he came out of the cockpit to keep from throwingherself at him. She could feel her eyes glowing with pride and thelove she felt for him.
Love? Scary, but true. When had that happened?
The way his eyes sharpened on her, he must have seen it. He linkedarms and escorted her out of the hangar and to the lift. They didn’tsay anything all the way to their room, didn’t communicate untilshe shoved him up against the closed door and kissed him hard. Thatlasted all of three seconds before he reversed positions andflattened her against the door, her mouth under his, his thighnudging her higher. They didn’t say a word, just kissed until theywere both dizzy. He finally broke away and rested his head againsther neck. “Woman...” It was rebuke and hungry regret. He finallybacked up and set her away from the door. He had to steady her amoment before letting go. “Stay here,” he said, pointing awarning finger. “Decide what you will say to your sister when youspeak. It may be short, and this may be your only chance for quite awhile.” He turned on his heel and quickly left. Maybe he didn’ttrust himself, either.
Xera was ready to speak, all right. She might trip over her tongue inher haste to tell her sister everything. She was starting to thinkher promise didn’t matter under the circumstances. Ryven wasn’tgoing to wait much longer, and she couldn’t. What she felt wasbecoming a need, and went much deeper than touch. There was somethinghe could give her that she desperately needed, something she couldonly experience in his arms. She wanted that joining, that closeness.They were past the point where merely snuggling would work; theycouldn’t touch without catching fire.
She groaned and flopped down in a chair. She needed this to be over.
Xera sighed and took up her electronic tablet. She had to review whatshe’d say to her sister. After that she might study the shuttleflight manuals. If she wanted to master the fighter, first she’dhave to start at the bottom.
Anything that kept her busy was good.
It was late when Ryven entered their shared room. He’d been tensefor hours and hadn’t looked forward to another night on the floor.Much as he wanted to see his wife, she was hard on him. He wasn’tsleeping well, and he’d had nightmares of his wife going back toher people, leaving him.
She wasn’t there.
He checked his automatic concern. Although it was late, she was onthe ship somewhere. A simple question on the security net told himwhere.
He glanced at the simulator technicians as he entered the controlroom. He nodded in response to their salutes and checked the screen.Xera had made progress since that morning. The log showed that she’ddone nothing but practice takeoffs and landing for hours, with theresult that she’d become quite smooth. An unusual approach tolearning, for most students became bored with that kind of repetitionand wanted to run the entire program through. She had more patiencethan he’d realized. He told the techs to signal her, and went tostand by her pod.
She blinked at him as her eyes adjusted to the light spilling throughthe open door. “Hello. Am I in trouble?”
He extended a hand. “It’s late. You need your sleep.”
She stifled a yawn and accepted his help. “I guess.” Perhaps hisface showed his annoyance, for she glanced at him and said, “I’msorry if I hogged the machine. They didn’t tell me that anyone elseneeded it.”
He looked at her sideways. “I gave you permission to use them.”
“But you’re unhappy about it now.”
He looked straight ahead. After a moment he admitted, “I’munhappy with your preoccupation.” He privately wondered at hermotivation as well. After all, they would soon meet up with GE ships.If she thought she might find a way to leave him…but he would neversay as much aloud, and she was monitored at every moment during thistrip. His concern was unreasonable, but it made him touchy. Theentire idea of giving her access to a ship was difficult for him, buthe chose not to discourage her…at least, not until he’d foundsome way to distract her.
Part of the fault lay with him. He’d been so determined to use hisduties as a distraction from his frustrated desire that he’d oftenleft her alone. By now his crew probably wondered why their captaindidn’t spend more time with his new wife. The thought of suchspeculation made him frown.
She looked irritated. “There’s precious little to do on thisboat. It keeps me out of trouble.”
“Hm.”
She sighed, but waited until they reached their room to comment. Onceinside, she braced her legs and told him flatly, “I couldn’t flyoff if I wanted to. You know that. If that’s what’s worryingyou.”
“But the notion has occurred to you.” He stared her down, hisheart suddenly racing.
Her jaw worked. “I’d be a liar if I told you no.”
Suddenly he was tired. It had all seemed to be going so well.Whatever he’d thought they were making of their relationship, shehadn’t given in yet. Perhaps she was still holding out hope againsttheir union . Was it possible?
But such hope was irrelevant. There was no point arguing theinevitable. Even if he felt unusually dispirited.
Quietly, he said, “Go to bed, Xera.”
His lack of argument seemed to deflate her. She actually lookedsorry, but he wasn’t going to feed her need to resist him. He hadbetter tactics in mind. Yet, not tonight. He spread his pallet on thefloor and shed his clothes, heedless where they fell. He slid underthe blankets, his ears attuned to her own as they rustled. Tired ashe was, his arousal grew.
They couldn’t cement this marriage fast enough for him.
Xerastood at the Lord Governor Atarus’s left hand, her face carefullyneutral. Heavy kohl extended in a line from the corner of her eye tohalfway down her nose, bracketing it like the painted eyes ofcheetah. Her lips were carefully lined in darkest red, and a goldendiadem topped her brow, holding her thick and glossy tresses off herface like a cresting black wave. Her robes were black and gold, heldsnugly to her ribs with a golden obi.
Shekept silent as the Lord Governor addressed the commanders of theGalactic Explorers’ and Interplanetary Council’s ships.
Aline of cold sweat trickled down her back, distracting her from herpresentation of professionalism. It was the first time she had seenher own people since being captured. It was a dizzying experience. Soclose, with all they represented of home, of the familiar, yet theywere also impossibly far.
Ryvenstood at his father’s right hand. She couldn’t see his face, butshe knew it would be impassive, perhaps even arrogant like the timeshe’d first seen him. A flashback rocked her equilibrium. For amoment she felt a little sick, surrounded by aliens for all she’dcome to know them.
Herpeople were out there, and she couldn’t go to them. Sheclosed her eyes and ruthlessly tamped down the emotion. This was hereand now. She’d deal with it.
She was not the Lord Governor’s mouthpiece. He used his computer totranslate for him as he stated his case to the Interplanetary Counciland the GE. Her former crewmembers were to be a gift, a statement ofintent, as well as proof to the Interplanetary Council of the GE’strespassing. Lord Atarus had a long discussion with her over thatprior to this meeting, over how their government worked, whichauthorities to cultivate. He was very firm over what would happen toany more GE ships that trespassed in Scorpio territory. Then heintroduced her.
“Themen from the trespassing GE ship are being returned to you. We havekept for ourselves our new ambassador, Lieutenant XeraHarrisdaughter, formerly of the world Polaris. As a concession to herbetrothal to my son, Ryven Atarus, she will be allowed to contact herfamily to inform them of her impending nuptials.”
All eyes turned to her. The screen was split to show the captains oftwo ships looking at her, but there were many more on both sides whowere listening in. The commander of the GE’s ship looked at herintently. “Lieutenant. I remember your file. You graduated withhonors from our translator program. You seem to be well.” It was aquestion.
“Ihave been well treated, sir,” she answered, strained.
“Youagreed to marry the Lord Governor’s son, then?”
“Iwas chosen for the honor,” she said carefully. It was a fine lineto tell the facts and yet tell the truth without offending anyone.
Thecommander’s eyes glittered. “And were you chosen for the role ofambassador, too?”
“Iwas,” she answered.
Therewas a beat of silence. “How were you chosen, Lieutenant? The restof your crew seems to have fared very differently.” It was clearwhat he was insinuating.
Ryvenstepped forward, and his expression was not kind. “The officers ofXera’s ship were uncommonly stupid. Initially I was inclined tokill all of the crew we captured. Be grateful I found anything worthredeeming.” He sent an arrogant look Xera’s way. “The woman isa war prize, as are all of that crew. It is our custom to choose ourown ambassadors from our captives. They are not given a choice oncethey belong to us.”
“Ah.”The commander’s expression wasn’t friendly, but it was difficultto argue with the kind of arrogance Ryven projected.
Xeraunderstood his feelings; she wanted to hit Ryven herself. While sheunderstood his defending her, she hated being referred to as a warprize, a thing.
Thecommander went on, “In the spirit of your generosity, we willestablish a link to the lieutenant’s sister. I can’t guarantee itwill last long; it will be a vast distance, even for a wormhole. Wedon’t have many signal boosters this far out.”
“Afew minutes will be adequate,” the Lord Governor assured him. “Wewill prepare our...guests...for transport.”
Xerawas given a brief respite as both sides adjourned to access thesituation. She knew it could be less than an hour before she wasspeaking with Gem if the commander was prompt. In this situation, sheassumed he would be, for it was unlikely the LG would complete theprisoner transfer until he got what he wanted. If the commanderdidn’t understand that now, he soon would.
Ryvenconferred with the LG, then came to her side. “Come. I will escortyou to our room. You will want to speak with your sister in private.You prepared a message burst?” It would be easier to send off apre-recorded message in a quick burst than to count on theconversation lasting in real time.
“Yes.”She’d included a picture of Ryven and a recent image of herself,sans ambassadorial makeup. Her sister would want the pictures. She’dasked the LG for permission to describe her new home with thelavender snow and the crystal palace. She’d thrown in a briefdescription of the culture at the LG’s suggestion. Perhaps hedidn’t want his daughter-in-law’s family to think she was exiledto a barbarian wasteland.
She’dgiven an abbreviated version of how she came to be where she was andassured her sisters Ryven wouldn’t beat her. It wouldn’t stopthem from worrying, but at least they’d know that Xera would have acomfortable future. She’d said she loved them.
Itwasn’t nearly enough, but it was all she could do.
Aftera little thought, she washed her face. It would help if her sistercould recognize her. She left the hair, though. It was too muchtrouble to let Namae dress it again.
Namaewas handling being on the warship as well as could be expected. Shekept her eyes downcast when she had to travel the corridors,intimidated by so many men. If she kept it up, Xera was going tostart poking her soon. The girl had experienced hardship, yes, butthere was no call to slouch around like a beaten dog. The girl wasthe equivalent of a royal princess; she should start acting like one.If she walked like a princess and looked like a princess, she wouldbe treated as such. As far as Xera knew, the only one who had evertormented the girl about her attacker was the accuser in her ownmind.
Unbeknownstto her, Namae had become Xera’s private project. Xera understoodfear and worry. It started with a small thought and grew, circledaround and came back stronger, like the first wisp of smoke in astill, quiet house. It had to be stamped out while it was still awhisper, before it gained strength and flashed over. It was so mucheasier to smother the spark than the full grown, ravenous fire.
Fearwas the one thing that could break the laws of physics; it could feedon itself and still keep growing.
Howdid she know? Fear had been haunting Xera since the moment her shiphad picked up the Scorpio on sensors and decided to engage. On theplanet it had been fear of death, then of the men around her, of theuncertain future. Now she had a good idea of what the future held andit was grief she battled. She missed her sisters, hated thecircumstances that would separate them. It had been one thing to shipout with the GE, knowing she had the chance to go back one day. Butthis...it hurt. She wanted to be the one in control.
Thewall screen flicked on without warning. “Stand by,” acomputerized voice informed her. “Prepare for transmission.”There was a long lag, long enough to make her shift uncomfortably.Would it go through?
Chapter12
“Xera!”Her sister Gem’s face appeared. She looked older, eager to speakbut worried. The GE must have briefed her on the situation. Xerawondered what they’d said. She also knew this conversation wasprobably being monitored by both sides. The wouldn’t take thechance of missing out on any information that might give them anadvantage.
Nopressure, Xera thought wryly.
“Sis,”Xera said, fighting the constriction in her throat. “Hi.”
“Wethought you were dead,” Gem said softly, as if she also had troublespeaking. “The GE said your ship was shot down. What happened? Areyou all right?”
Xeratook a breath and sat up straight. “I’m getting married, sis. Ipromised I’d tell you. Check the message burst for details; I don’tknow how long we have.”
Gem’seyes glittered with the tears she fought. “Are you happy about it?”
Howwas Xera to answer that? There was so much she wanted to say, toconfide, but there was no time. “He’s a good man. I think, giventime, you might like him.”
“Hehasn’t hurt you?”
Xeraforced a smile. “I’m only hurting that I can’t see you again.I’m sorry, sis. I didn’t mean for it to end this way.”
“It’snot ended! You’re still my sister,” Gem said fiercely. “If theywon’t let you come home, I’ll find a way to come to you.”
Alarmed,Xera said quickly, “No! You have a family. Even assuming you canfind a craft, it’s an eight-month journey and a hostile border; youdon’t belong here.”
Amuscle jumped in Gem’s jaw. “Then I’ll send Brandy.”
“She’smarried!”
“Notanymore.”
Confused(Brandy’s hasty marriage had been only months old when Xera wascaptured) Xera still protested. It was a nice thought, but the two ofthem were not known for playing well with each other. If Brandyshowed up, there would soon be a war of galactic dimensions. Age hadnot mellowed them out. “Not if you love me, sis! You know I loveher, but no.”
Gemlooked slightly cheered. “Your independent streak is showing.”
“MaybeI needed reminding of it,” Xera said, feeling grateful. She and hersibling might be very different, but it was good to draw strengthfrom her family and she had needed this connection more than shecould say. “Thank you, sis. I love you. Trust me. Believe in me.”
“Done,”Gem said. “I…” The screen went blank.
Thecommunications computer attempted to reconnect, but it was useless.The beam had broken.
Xeraleaned her head back against her chair and closed her eyes. It wasdisappointing but okay. They’d said all that needed to be said. Gemwould worry, but that was her nature as an older sister. Better sheworry than grieve.
Asfor Xera, she felt much better. Gem couldn’t have planned a betterresolve booster than to threaten to send Brandy. A visit wouldn’tbe terrible, but the chances were too great that she would get stuckwith the girl. She couldn’t be an ambassador while bickering withher sibling. Who would take her seriously?
Atone sounded at her chamber door. “Enter,” she called, and wassurprised to see both Ryven and Namae come in.
“I’msorry to disturb you so soon. You are needed on the bridge,” Ryveninformed her as his sister set to work repairing Xera’s makeup.
Xeratried to keep eye contact with him in spite of Namae’sministrations. “What’s up?”
Ryven’seyes glittered. “Your former captain is making accusations.”
“Ah.”Xera sat still as she thought about that. “What’s he saying?”
“Heaccuses you of treason, us of torture. He’s a pitiful little man.”
Suddenlyunsure, she frowned at him. “You didn’t, did you? Torture him?”
Heraised a brow. “He is intact.”
Shedistrusted the gleam in his eye. It looked too much likesatisfaction. “What did you do?”
“Withheldpain medication and healing accelerators for his knee. He was allowedanesthetic for the operation on it, however; mostly for the comfortof the attending surgeon.”
Shesighed. Scorpio justice was rough stuff. “What about the others?”
“Alsointact. They were interrogated, but not with force. We have othermeans.”
Shegrunted, glad he didn’t elaborate. There were some pathways hermind just didn’t need to wander. “They’re looking for ascapegoat, then.”
“What?”
“Someoneto blame,” she translated, rising from her chair. “Let’s see ifwe can head this off.”
Hewaited until they were in the hallway to ask, “Would she reallysend your sister?”
Shelooked at him, silently acknowledging what she had assumed: herconversation with Gem had been far from private, with both sideslistening in. “You’d better hope not; Brandy can be a terrorunderfoot.”
Heconsidered her thoughtfully. “My brother is yet unwed.”
Acrack of laughter surprised her. “Don’t wish that on him!Whatever sins he’s committed, he doesn’t deserve that.”
Ryvenfrowned at her words, but she didn’t care. He had no idea. Sheelaborated, “Brandy is moody, solitary and cranky. I think it’sher frustrated mothering instinct that bothers her. She ran off andgot married a few months ago, and now it seems she’s not. I don’tknow if the guy got scared and ran off or what, but one crisis at atime is enough. Let’s see what our good captain has to say, whydon’t we?”
Hehad quite a lot, as it happened.
CaptainKhan’s image on the screen was pale. As a concession to his injury,he was seated in a wheelchair. New lines were deeply etched aroundhis mouth and eyes, lines of pain and hatred. That hatred was focusedon Xera as she entered the bridge. Immediately he launched into asnarled tirade. “You….”
Hiswords were abruptly cut off. They could see the commander to whomthey’d first spoken reprimanding Khan, but they could not hear thewords. There was a great deal of gesturing and flying spittle onKhan’s part, though.
Littleman syndrome. The thought flashed through Xera’s head and shehad to clamp down on a smile that could wreak havoc if seen. Any hintof mockery on her part might rile the GE, and they didn’t needthat. She could feel Ryven’s deadly focus as he moved subtly closerto her. For his sake, she was glad Khan wasn’t here in person; hewould be dead. Ryven had no qualms about covering his hands withblood. She didn’t share his sentiments.
FinallyKhan calmed down. His fists were clenched, but his posture was moresubdued as his commander reactivated the sound. “In light of hisemotional investment in the proceedings, I will speak for CaptainKhan. He has accused the former Lieutenant Harrisdaughter oftreason.” He glanced down, consulting his notes. “He claims theLieutenant seduced the alien leader.” He glanced up, “That wouldbe you, Commander Atarus; in order to save her own life. He furtherclaims that she shared information with you and assisted in thecapture of his crew. Several of his crewmembers agree this is true.Furthermore, they report that the Lieutenant was already known forher ‘sexually generous nature.’”
“Havethey been isolated and individually questioned?” Ryven inquiredcalmly. His coolness was strange in the face of the charges, almostas if he knew more than he was saying. “You’ll see the conflictin their testimonies soon enough if you do.
“Asfor the claim of my seduction…” His mouth tipped up. “You maybe interested to note that my bride is still a virgin, as anyphysician could tell on the slightest of examinations. We anticipatedthis line of questioning and took steps to preserve the...evidence.”
Thecommander looked taken aback, but it was nothing to Xera’s chagrin.She couldn’t help staring at Ryven. He quietly touched her shoulderas he informed the Commander, “With my bride’s permission, youmay send a medic to confirm the truth. I will guarantee their safereturn if you do. Of course, we will demand the satisfaction of theCaptain’s execution in return, along with his lying crewmen.”
“That’sa freaking lie!” Captain Khan snarled. “You’re no more a virginthan….” His portion of the screen suddenly went dark.
Thecommander looked strained. “We will get back to you on that. Excuseme.” The screen went blank.
EvenXera was surprised by the abruptness, but it didn’t stop her fromglaring at Ryven.
Helooked innocently at her. “You’d have suggested the same if you’dthought of it first.”
Hereyes narrowed. “Then you weren’t really planning this all along?”
Helooked at her patronizingly, but his answer was soft, for her earsonly. “You’ve been in my bed, woman. Do you think I would botherto save any evidence for him? I waited for you; no one else.”
Sherelaxed under his reassuring gaze. “You know, for an alien, you’rea rather nice guy.”
Hesmirked. “One who’s planning to bed you thoroughly at the verysoonest convenience.”
Sheflushed, understanding that this was now a matter of pride as well asdesire. No man liked to admit publicly that his wife was untouched.Even for the best cause, that had to chafe.
“Do you think they’ll accept the invitation?” Ryven asked.
Shelaughed without humor. “I doubt it. My guess is that they’ll tryto wiggle out with some diplomatic maneuver. The GE isn’t much intobeheading these days. If anything, they’ll court martial him. Hewould be demoted and jailed.”
“Ishould have gutted him when I had the chance.”
Shecouldn’t help a smile. “Barbarian.”
“Efficient,”he countered.
“Ruthless,”she added, just to see his eyes glitter.
Hebent closer to murmur, “You will soon see how much.”
Invisibleflames licked her, and she shivered.
It took over an hour, but the commander finally contacted them. Helooked grim. “In light of further investigation, we have decided todismiss Captain Khan’s accusations. It seems his testimonyconflicts with that of several of his crewmen. TheLieutenant’s…medical examination won’t be required. The captainaside, none of us here in command are interested in questioning herhonor.”
“Verywise,” Ryven’s father commented, speaking up for the first timein a while. “I suggest we take a recess from our discussions. Ifthere is nothing urgent, we will recommence in twelve hours.”
Fatigueset in as the tension drained from Xera. She glanced at her husband(or soon-to-be husband, or whatever he truly was) and saw him nod atthe Lord Governor. “We will retire, then. Rest well.” He linkedarms with her and escorted her from the bridge.
Theirmasks of unaffectedness did not last past their stateroom door. Ryvencupped her jaw in his hand. He and Xera simply breathed, simplyexisted as their tension drained away. After a short period ofrelaxation, however, Xera grew restless.
Shestirred. "How do you do that? Calm me that way?"
Henuzzled her temple. "It's a talent," he whispered. "Likeso very many other things you have yet to enjoy." He kissed her,demonstrating another. This one left her breathless. He kept histouches light, teased her until she made a sound of impatience andattacked his mouth. He laughed and took over the kiss, ramped up theheat, the seriousness, until the laughter died in flame and passion.
Theywere too raw to take it slowly. She’d been hurt; he hurt for her.This demanded a vengeance that found its expression in the bedroom.They were both more clothed than not when he mounted her, took thevirginity with which he’d taunted the captain.
Thefirst act of love in a woman’s life is never comfortable; there ispain, and very little stars and comets, despite what the poets say.There was desire, yes, but they unwittingly turned the act itselfinto an expression of violence. It was an act of pride for him, prideof the conqueror taking his rightful due, with little memory of howmuch he wanted the woman herself.
Xerawas...not herself. Her sister’s call, the accusations, the reminderof her status; they all were too much. No matter that she could nowput “beloved” in front of “war prize,” a new rebellion wasborn in her heart. A shell of anger formed around the new hurts andfocused on the nearest target. She was glad and sorry when he rearedabove her with a cry. She waited a moment as he lay there, supportedby his elbows on either side, and then subtly nudged him off.
Heglanced at her and moved away when he saw her wince. “I’m sorry.”
“Ineed to clean up,” she growled as she slid off the bed. That shouldhave been his first incontrovertible indication that something waswrong. Before he might have been excused for thinking it was merelythe loss of her innocence that disturbed her. His judgment wasunderstandably clouded.
Thebathrooms on the warship were tiny, little more than closets, evenfor those of rank. Xera forced herself to be strong as she cleanedherself. The tears were too close. Rage shimmered just under herskin. But if she lost it in front of him, he would insist on tryingto talk, and she wasn’t ready to be that naked in front of him.
Shelooked in the mirror, saw her glittering eyes and hard mouth, andknew he’d never believe she was all right. Lying wasn’t anoption, but strength might get her what she needed. “Be strong,”she hissed to herself, showing her teeth. “Be strong.”
“Xera?”Ryven’s quiet voice came through the door, very close.
Shetook a breath and opened it. “I need some time alone.” She hadnever seen him look solemn. It disturbed her.
Thosebrimstone eyes moved over her face, took in the tension of her body.A hint of sadness entered his gaze. Slowly, gently, he raised a handand touched the curve where her neck met her shoulder. He did nothingelse, simply let the moment be.
Slowly,the absence of pressure caused her shoulders to loosen. Bewildered,she stared at his chest, unable to understand why. He wasn’tforcing her, wasn’t demanding. He simply stood there and offeredsilent support. Without the touch, the moment couldn’t have drainedher resistance, stole away her anger. With it, only moments passeduntil tears gathered in her eyes, tears of relief and sorrow. Shedidn’t want him to go, didn’t want him to take his comfortingpresence away. She stepped close and wrapped her arms around him on asob.
Chapter13
Hernew husband made a low humming noise as he gathered her close. “Aziehiri’ami.” My sweetheart. “I was a boor with you.”
Xerashook her head against his chest. The insignia on his chestscratched. “We were both stupid. Maybe there is no best time.”
Hesighed and picked her up in his arms so that her feet dangled in theair. “Whenever these things go wrong, it is the man’s fault.”His eyes crinkled. “My sisters say it is so.”
Shelaughed, surprised at his humor. He took her to the couch and satdown, arranging her with her head in his lap. He stroked her hair.“Rest, if you will, azie ami. I will listen and keep yousafe.”
Sheblinked, faintly astonished. From what she’d seen, human men justdidn’t act like this, being so concerned and kind. She’d expecteddemands and pressure, and perhaps some egocentric questions. Weren’tthe Scorpio a warlike race? Was this some kind of underhandedpsychological trick? But after a moment she decided she trusted andliked it. She’d expected to kick Ryven out and indulge in a fit oftears. She’d gotten something much better.
Still,her previous thoughts were enough to dampen her eyes. “I’m nevergoing to see my sisters again.” He stroked the hair from her faceand she felt the bite of rage. She wanted to hurt him. “It’s yourfault!”
“Yes,”he said simply.
Alittle of her anger slid away, undermined by his continued calm. Herthroat got tight. “I hate you.”
“Yes,”he agreed softly.
Thatmade her cry. It was long minutes before she could admit, “I don’t.I just hate...everything that’s going on.”
“Sowould I.”
Thatloosened the mortar that held together her fortress of sorrow. Shepoured out her anger, her heartbreak. She even told him how she’dfelt during their time on the desert planet where they’d crashed.There was no one else to tell, and she needed it out so badly. “Iwas as scared of my crew as I was of yours. I thought we’d be stuckthere for years, that it would become a prison. I thought being theonly woman there would make me…you know. Vulnerable. A commodity. Ithink Khan’s attitude might have been part of what made me soscared.”
Hecurled a lock of her hair around his finger. “I would not let yoube hurt.”
“Ididn’t know that. You seemed scary yourself,” she admitted.
Hesmiled. “Even then I wanted you for our ambassador.”
“Thatwas all?”
Hiseyes were hooded as he looked down at her. He traced her cheek. “No.That wasn’t all.”
“Why?Because I was the only woman there?” She laughed wryly.
Hissmile held secrets. “I knew a ship was coming for us. It would onlybe weeks before I was home again.”
“Surroundedby women,” she said, a bit sourly.
“Theyhad lost appeal. I’d found what I’d been looking for.”
“Whatwas that?” she asked softly. She stared at him. His eyes had thatcertain glow.
Hebrushed a finger over her lips. “A fierce heart. You thought Iwould kill you and you faced death with courage. You didn’tcomplain as we marched through killing sands and men fell around us.You’re a survivor, a fighter. All that and gemstone eyes, flame-redlips... I could not believe such beauty was allowed to serve in sucha dangerous position. I wanted to kill your captain just for allowingit.”
“Ourcultures are different,” she mused, even as he brushed her lipswith his.
“Iwill never understand it,” he replied, his voice a murmur againsther temple.
Hestraightened, even though she could clearly feel his arousal with herhead in his lap. His hands remained soothing, stroking her arm. Aftera moment he said, “Tell me about your family.” He seemedgenuinely interested, and she was quietly pleased by his questions.
“Mysisters?” She thought about it. “Moody, headstrong,infamous...and that’s just my younger sister, Brandy. Gem is theoldest and...motherish.” She made a face.
Helaughed. “Motherish?”
“Youknow, always trying to steer us in the right direction. Bossy, thoughshe tries to rein it in. At least having kids has given her someoneto unleash the instinct on besides us. She’s married to a cop. Hegets bossed around by her, too.” Not that Blue seemed to mind. He’donce said there were compensations, then had given his wife such ahot look that Xera blushed. She’d stopped teasing him. Truth beknown, he could hold his own when he needed.
“Doyou fight much?”
Sheshifted to get more comfortable. “Not really, not anymore. Atleast, not with Gem. Brandy drives me crazy. She’s so stinkingmoody. She’ll snarl at you for nothing when she gets in one of hersnits. It doesn’t help that she’s always holed up in the brewery,tinkering with formulas.”
“Brewery?”
“Wemake the finest beer on Polaris. Make a mint, too, now that offworldexports have gotten more affordable. We own a bunch of inns,” sheconfided. “My dad started the first when he homesteaded the place.”
“Hesounds enterprising.”
“Yes.”She abruptly clammed up.
Whenshe said nothing more, he asked, “What was your home like?”
“Clean, busy, happy mostly. Business was always good, but it’staken off during the last few years. Gem really came into her own.She knows how to manage people, resources. I swear, all she did foryears was breathe through the business; it was like a second lung.Nobody did it better. I think she’d have had an aneurysm orsomething if Blue hadn’t found her and dragged her away from theoffice. She kicked and screamed then, but she doesn’t seem to mindnow. She’s in love.” She ducked her head slightly, the mention oflove making her self-conscience.
Ryvensmiled. “You must have had some lonely years in space, judging fromthe quality of men who were in your crew. What did you dream of doingwhen your time was your own again?”
Sheblinked, a little surprised. How had he known she was lonely? Forthat matter, it was a little arrogant of him to assume that she’dnever fraternized with anyone in a romantic capacity, even if thatwas true. “Actually, I served with a couple of decent guys. Nokeepers, though.” Let him chew on that. It might keep him fromtaking her for granted. “What did I dream of though? Little things,mostly. I dreamed about eating at home again; we always had the bestcooks.”
“Spacerations are not always enough,” he agreed. “What else?”
“Sunlight.A garden to snooze in. I was never much for weeding, but my sisteralways grew the best flowers. Windows open to the breeze, good beer,good neighbors.”
“Thehome you knew,” he said.
“Yes.I’d gotten my fill of exploring by the time we crashed. The GEsoured it for me.”
“Youdon’t like them,” he remarked carefully.
Shewas silent for a moment, held in check by old company loyalty, thenadmitted with irritation, “No. No, I don’t. They’re greedy,corrupt and have really lousy benefits. It’s a wonder they haven’tstarted a war yet instead of skirted around it. Even then, if theyhad more money and better leadership...but they don’t. They’re abunch of land-grabbing investors ruled by a board of nincompoops. I’mglad I’m out of that mess.”
“SoI rescued you, did I?”
Shehuffed at him, trying not to laugh. “Please! My ego can’t takemuch more.”
Hekissed her. “Take a transfusion from mine. I have enough to share,according to my sisters.”
“Theywould know,” Xera retorted, but his kiss distracted her. He reallyhad a talent for it.
Themood was light-years different than before, but still he only teasedher and retreated. The mischievous smile he gave her only made Xerawant to chase him. “Come here,” she demanded at last.
Mockregretful, he shook his head. “I don’t think I should.”
Shefrowned and sat up, wincing as she did. “Another kiss won’thurt.”
Heobliged, and then said breathlessly, “Anything else will hurt. I’drather not cause you pain.”
“Thendon’t.” She pulled his head back down, still hungry from hisclever, enticing kisses. At this point, not having them wouldbe worse.
“Sucha lot of work you are,” he complained huskily. “You’ll have mestart all over. I’m exhausted from your demands, wife.”
“Toughluck.” She grabbed his head in both hands and shut his mouth withhers. It felt good, powerful to be in charge. She wanted to controlhim; but oddly enough, the feelings brought back the anger. Shebecame more aggressive, almost hurting him.
Hishead snapped back and he gave her a warning look. His old commandsurfaced. “No! Not again. We will not follow that pattern. Thistime, we will be soft because it is best. You will be soft for me.”His lashes swept down and screened those volcanic eyes as he kissedthe corner of her mouth.
Sheturned her head, sulking. “You don’t always know what’s best.”
“Thistime I do,” he said softly, and cupped her breast. She didn’thave time to object before he palmed it, delivering a jolt ofpleasure. “Be soft for me, wife, soft where a woman should be soft,and I will be your rock.”
Hewas asking for trust, for openness, though he remained dominant.
Itwas difficult. She didn’t want to let go, but he had ways ofpersuading her. In the end it was his gentle yet commanding patiencethat won her over. Somehow his touch was soothing yet exciting, lightand fiery, like ghostly flames licking over her skin. He made herthoughts spin away in her head, her vision dulled with passion. Eventhe clothing sliding from her skin was an unbearably welcome caress;the hands that followed, nirvana. It was, “Oh!” and “Jaitai, kdi ahn,” as she moved against his fingers. “Tomou,”he murmured breathlessly, his mouth open and hot over her nipple. And“Yes!” and “Xeinxi.”
Eachforgot any but their native language as the passion swept them, butRyven did not change his plan. This time he took her gently, slidwith utter care into her slick core. This time she shuddered withpassion before he slowly rocked her, deaf to the urging of her nails,her hot anxiety. He knew better, knew to guide their bodies slowly.He rode out her impatience, took her past the first burst of lightand guided her into a second, even more powerful.
Herscream almost deafened him. He clamped his teeth gently on her neckand growled his own release.
Itwas a while before she recovered enough to see their surroundings.They were on the carpet next the couch. Her backside was raw from thecarpet. Ryven was heavy on top of her and deep within. She shudderedwith lingering pleasure. Hot seed trickled between her thighs.
“Mm.”He suckled her neck. “We should move to the bed, little one. Thiscarpet looked softer than it is.”
Shelaughed. “My backside is raw.”
“I’llput balm on it. You can attend to my knees...and other parts thatache.” He brushed a kiss over her lips and reluctantly withdrew hisfullness.
Sheblinked and sat up. “I thought...” She gestured at him, avertingher eyes.
Hesmiled rakishly. “Yes?”
“Shouldn’tthat be...ah, taken care of?”
“Meaning?”He sounded like he was enjoying himself.
Shecouldn’t bring herself to look, so she gestured. “You know.Down.”
Hegrinned. “Wife. You’re naked at my feet. Your thighs are stillwet with my essence, and you think I should be ‘down?’ Wehave much to teach you, little one.”
Ignoringher hot blush, he scooped her up and carried her to the bed, thenfetched the balm. He wasn’t shy about rubbing it all over her body,even deep between her legs. She gasped as his fingers slid deep witha generous dose of cream.
“S-shouldyou...be....” She ended on a moan.
“Thisis what it’s for,” he murmured, enjoying himself. He spread thecream all over the inside of her thighs, held them wide with hisforearms as he teased the petals of her femininity. It was necessary;she would have twisted out of his hold with pleasure otherwise. Atlast, when she was far gone to passion, he eased her up and handedher the jar. “Your turn.”
Sheblinked at him before obediently smoothing it over his knees andthighs, forgetting to cover herself as she worked. Her hands graspedhim, sweetly stroked as her generous breasts squeezed between herarms, the nipples tight little peaks. She cast him a heated, hungrylook.
Hesmiled and leaned back. “Come here.” He turned her when she wouldhave lain down so that her back met his front. He used his own legsto spread her thighs wide, then sent his fingers sneaking, seeking.One hand toyed in her curls as the other played with her breast thenslid up and between her lips. She moaned as she suckled him, andclimaxed.
Itwas as if sudden fever ignited his body. He flipped her over,facedown on the mattress, and slid into her, though careful, evercareful. She responded with a deep groan. Baring his teeth intriumph, he rode her to their reward.
Chapter14
Midmorningof the next day found Xera seated at her desk, perusing a report onthe wallscreen while Namae silently dressed her hair. Their meetingwith the GE and Interplanetary Council representatives had opened uptalks, and she had to be ready to participate if called upon. She wasalso doing research to see why relations between the races hadfailed; from a Scorpio perspective. Apparently the Scorpio had takena dim view of a GE captain’s aggression when he was discoverednosing around a section of space they claimed. The captain hadpushed, tried to bluff, only to discover that Scorpio didn’t bluff.The GE vessel limped home minus its captain and delivered the tersemessage, “Stay away from Scorpio space.” The GE hadn’tlistened.
Fastforward to Xera’s day. The GE and Intergalactic Council weretalking, and the IC at least, pushed for peaceful relations. TheScorpio were talking. No blood had been shed. She was hopeful thatthey could work things out, or at least part with civil nods. She wasworking on a way to introduce cooperation. What they needed wasneutral ground, a place to interact face to face. Someone had tosuggest that.
Outsidethe window she could see a large planet. The orb itself was a palelavender and dark purple swirl of deadly gas, inhospitable to life.Seventh in its solar system, it had sixteen moons, one of which wasslightly bigger than Earth’s and had rings of its own. Its name wasBetlefixh. The closest she could pronounce it was “Bettlefish.”
“Namae,”she said absently, still staring at the moon on her computer screen.“What do you think it would take to convince your brother andfather to set up a moon station there?”
Surprised,Namae blinked the screen. “What? There? Why would they want to?”
“Theyclaim this solar system, don’t they?”
“Yes,but no one lives this far out. We haven’t needed to colonize ityet, as this isn’t a fertile system.”
“Yes,but it’s on the border between our peoples. Imagine how convenientit would be to start...oh, a trading post here. The land doesn’thave much value yet, but what if people of both races were stationedin the area, lived and worked together? What do you think wouldhappen then?”
“War?”she said doubtfully.
Xeragrinned ruefully. “Maybe. Maybe, though, something better wouldhappen. Our races aren’t that different, you know.”
“Hm,”Namae offered, noncommittal. “What would we trade, though? Whatwould be worth coming all the way out here for? Your world is a longway off, isn’t it?”
“Information, for a start. My people are curious; that’s why weexplore. I bet your people would like to know what we do about oursection of space as much as we would love to see what lies insideyours. If nothing else, the Interplanetary Council should know aboutthe threat of the Khun’tat. They would also make a better effort topolice the GE if their allies were threatened. You would be one ofthe herd, after all.”
“Idon’t like that analogy.”
“You’reright. What would be a better one?”
Namaethought. “Best leave it at allies. If you say anything else, itwill definitely sour my brother. You mentioned information. Are youplanning to send scientists here?”
“Goodidea. Astrographers, people who want to study wormholes (imagine ifthey learned to send drones through!) maybe even artists andmusicians. Of course there would be all the other people required tosupport a moon station, too. This could really work.” Her eyesgleamed with excitement. Her family could actually visit her in aneutral place like that.
Whatwould her husband think of her idea?
Helistened attentively when she presented it. She made sure to use hermost businesslike approach. It wasn’t difficult. She’d beenhoning her bargaining skills on tradesmen while working at herfamily’s inn. This was just another type of sale.
Whenshe was finished, Ryven sat back in his chair and consideredsilently. She knew the value of silence and waited. She tried not tolet her cold sweat distract her. Either the idea had merit or itdidn’t. Maybe he wouldn’t think they needed a whole moon base.Maybe he’d think an annual summit meeting would be enough. Maybehe’d scotch the whole idea and continue as they were, with shipspatrolling both sides of the border and the GE playing chicken withthem.
Finallyhe looked at her. His expression warm but shuttered, he said, “Theidea is worth bringing to my father. He may take it intoconsideration. It would depend greatly on the reaction of the GE andInterplanetary Council, however. If they are not in agreement...”He shrugged. If it didn’t happen, he would not be heartbroken.
Shegave a small smile. It was a start. “Thank you. That’s veryopen-minded of you.” It couldn’t hurt to give the compliment, andshe was aware of the stretch this was for him. “I can only hope allparties are as reasonable.”
Hisfather found the idea, “Palatable, but only just.” TheInterplanetary Council was cautiously eager, and the GE expressedneutrality, not quite willing to let go of its grudge. Of course ittook a full week of negotiations to arrive at this agreement. Thingspromised to get even more sticky as they hammered out who would payfor what, how the station would be designed, policed and executed.Xera bargained with tact or fierceness, differing based on need. Bythe time an agreement had been hammered out, she was exhausted.
“Youneed to go home and rest,” Ryven informed her the night they signedthe treaty. “This constant wrangling is leaving you pale.” Hetucked the bedclothes over her shoulder and lay down beside her.
“It’sthe lack of sun,” she told him, snuggling close with a yawn. “Weall look pale. Besides, you wanted an ambassador. It’s demandingwork, but I think I’m doing a good job.”
Hisfrown was fleeting, but she saw it. “What?”
Heglanced at her then looked away. “You have done well. It’s onlythat I can’t picture you working this hard once we have children.”
Thatbanished her sleepiness. She sat up. “Gee whiz, what’s the rush?We haven’t been married a month! Who cares if I work hard rightnow? At least I’m doing something useful with my life. That’smore than a lot of people could say.” For that matter, she wasn’tready to have children, but that was a subject for another time.Surely they had contraceptives here. She’d just quietly use themwhen her biannual dose of birth control wore off. Ryven wouldn’tneed to know.
“Beinga wife and a mother is useful. Who do you think shapes thedestiny of the next generation? Having a mother close is vital in astrong society. You can’t work yourself into the ground and stillexpect to give the best of yourself to your children, your family.”He held up a hand to forestall her protest. “As for yourcontributions now, though, I am well pleased. My father has alsomentioned his pleasure.”
Mollified,she asked, “He did?”
Ryvenkissed her temple. “He said I chose well.”
“Huh!”She relaxed into the mattress. “I like him pretty well myself.”She looked at her husband in consideration. “For a man who workedso hard to make me an ambassador, you already sound as if you’veplaned my retirement. What do you plan to do for the next ambassador,kidnap another woman?”
Hefrowned at her.
Shegave a half shrug. “It’s a fair question.”
Therewas a long pause. “I suppose you’ll have to remain in anadvocatory position. As you’re married into the Lord Governor’sfamily (to his heir, no less) that shouldn’t be a problem,” hesaid dryly.
Startled,she looked at him. “You’re his heir? As in, you’ll be LordGovernor someday?”
“Ofcourse.”
Shestared at him. Somehow, she’d never dreamed of that. After all, theman was a starship commander and people didn’t inherit titles whereshe was from. She wasn’t excited about being the wife of a ruler.What did she know about such a lifestyle?
“Thisbothers you?” he said carefully.
“It’svery unexpected,” she temporized. “I’m not sure what to make ofit.”
Heraised a brow. “The Lord Governor’s wife has much influence.There were women who pursued me just for the hope of such status.”
Shegrimaced at him.
Heshook his head with the hint of a smile. “I’m not trying to mockyou, wife, just understand you. You are here and they are not. It’sonly that I expected more enthusiasm.”
Shecleared her throat. “I’ll see what I can do. I have to get usedto this, though. I’m unsure what to expect of such a life.It’s...daunting.”
Hisbrow cleared. “Ah. You’re frightened of the unknown. That’s notunusual.”
Washe being just a touch patronizing? She frowned at him. “I’mconcerned. It’s a reasonable reaction.”
“Ofcourse.”
Hereyes narrowed. “You’re being a little too soothing. I don’tlike it.”
Ryven’slips twitched. “Moody, aren’t you?” He blocked the pillow sheswung at him. “Temper, O governor’s wife. Dignity.”
Xerasnorted. “You’re not the governor yet.” She attacked him.
Hedidn’t even pretend to wrestle. He flipped her neatly on her backand rolled on top. It put him in an interesting position. “Littlefighter. Let’s see if I can tame you.” He slid inside her.
Shegasped. He held still, to let her fully absorb the sensation, thensharply thrust. Her sharp inhalations soon mixed with his slower,heavy breaths. These sounded like a doe in a thicket being devouredby a lion. And there were similarities of situation. Xera was thedoe, pinned by the weight of the hunter. His mouth was on her, overher, in her, tasting and devouring, her mouth, her breasts,her….
“Oh,yes! Ohhh, Rye!”
Oh,yes. There were similarities.
Inthe end Xera just lay there, too spent to reach for a blanket as herlover lapped her in the afterglow. She enjoyed the slow caresses ofhis tongue, the languid sweep of his hand. She fell asleep with hisfingers tucked inside her, the feel of his naked skin under hercheek. Maybe he had a point, she thought hazily. Being a full-timewife might have its advantages.
Shewas in a fog most of the next morning. Her husband’s insistence ofsleeping with his fingers intimately upon her had caused a veryrestless night. They’d awoken several times, and now she was tenderand too sated to do more than stare fuzzily at the Scorpio version oftea. She held her cup’s warm weight in her hand and looked dreamilyinto nothing.
Ryvenleaned over the back of the couch and growled in her ear as he kissedher. “Those kind of looks will land you right back in bed.”
“Youhave to go to work,” she scoffed with a smile. “You said soyourself.”
Hegrunted. “Spoilsport. I might take a long lunch, though.”
Shelooked at him archly. “And I might take a long nap. You didn’tlet me sleep last night.”
Hegrinned. “You slept; just not for long.”
“Yourfault.”
“Youdidn’t mind.” He kissed her quickly. “Rest today.”
“Hm.”She planned to, but she had other things to do as well. She wanted tostart a journal so she’d remember things when she got anotherchance to send her family a message through the wormhole. As much asshe liked to daydream, it was unlikely that her family would evervisit the proposed moon base. She’d probably have to heavily editthe journal when she was done, but that was all right. She’d readthat journals were good therapy, and she could use the introspection.
Shealso needed a list of goals. What did she want to do with her life?Things had changed radically for her and she desperately needed apoint of focus. The moon base had provided that, which was one of thereasons she’d thrown herself into it. But where was she most needednext?
Anopportunity arose as she observed Namae in the officer’s mess. Thewhole habit of her sister-in-law playing servant grated, and she wasdetermined to change it. Xera had been forced to order the girl tosit at the table and eat with her as she had tea. Now the girl satwith her shoulders hunched and avoided the eye of anybody who lookedpolitely their way. The whole thing was just sickening.
Xerahad enough. "For pity's sake, sit up straight, will you? Evenmonks act like they have a spine, and they are far more penitent thenyou are. Though, if it will make you feel better, we can see aboutgetting you a hair shirt. Why you feel like serving the sentence forsomeone else's crime is beyond me."
Namaelooked up with wounded eyes.
"Don'ttry that on me," Xera said in exasperation. "I'm not yourfather or your brothers that puppy dog eyes will convince. I'm surethey enjoy the way you punish them."
Namaesat bolt upright. “Punish them? How am I doing that?"
"Please.Do you think they enjoy the impression you're leaving? You make itseem as if they’re punishing you for what your brother-in-law did.You make them look bad." She didn't bother to keep her voicedown. A few of the nearby men slanted looks at them.
Namaesent her a hushing look. "Please!"
"Thensit up and act like a princess. If you've forgotten your lessons onhow to be one, I’ll be glad to let you join me in the deportmentclasses I asked your brother to arrange for me. They are almost asmuch fun as boot camp, but one of us ought to come out of themlooking as we learned how to behave in public." She took adisgruntled sip of tea. "Really girl, have some pride! I thoughtprincesses were supposed to be snootier than this."
"Iam not snooty," Namae said in stiff-backed outrage.
Xerasmiled with satisfaction and sipped her tea. “Now that’s morelike it. I was beginning to think your brothers had inherited all themoxie in your family."
"Whatis that?" the young woman asked suspiciously.
Awarethat she had to maintain appearances, Xera lowered her voice. Shewaggled her brows and leaned forward slightly. "Manly bits."
Namaelooked positively offended. “That’s awful!” It was hard to sayif it was the sentiment or the description she disliked.
"Itwould be if it were true. I'm happy to say I don't believe it is."Xera set down her cup. "Come on, let's go.” She waited untilthey were in relative privacy in the corridors before askingcasually, “So, who’s your fancy?”
Namaelooked at her suspiciously. "What do you mean?"
Xerasmiled. "Who do you like? Which men do you think are handsome?Don't be shy, we’re sisters now. Who else am I going to have girltalk with?"
Namaelooked nonplussed. "I suppose we are sisters."
Xerapressed her advantage. "That's right, so spill. Let me guess;you like Shiza.”
Shemade a face. "Ew! You aren’t serious.”
“Hewatches you.”
“Hewatches all women. He acts like an onta who is neverfed.”
Xerawasn’t familiar with the reference but understood the gist. “Hehas a special look for you.”
“Probablyannoyance,” Namea retorted. “I don’t fall under the spell ofhis commander’s star and pretty eyes. I grew up with him, you see.It’s difficult to take seriously anyone who you’ve watched peeoff a balcony when he’s eleven.”
Anunexpected laugh made Xera choke. “You spied on him?”
“Hewas out there in the open for the world to see,” Namae saidindignantly. “I told him as much when he saw me.”
“Whatdid he say to that?”
Namaeblushed and refused to answer. She took a corner of her skirt andflicked it out of her way, as if annoyed.
Undaunted,Xera said slyly, “But you think his eyes are pretty.”
“It’sa fact. The sky is blue. The Khun’tat are our enemies. Shiza’seyes are pretty.” Namae’s expression was determinedly blithe.“Are you pregnant yet, sister?”
Xerastumbled and looked at the other woman in disbelief. “That wasdirty! I didn’t think you had it in you.”
Namaesent her a superior look, clearly pleased with herself. “I havesisters, too. Aunts, brothers, uncles, a father. Did you think Iwould be undefended?”
Xerashook her head with new respect. “Silly of me. As for whether I’mpregnant…no, there are no babies here. I know your brother wants tohave them, but it may not be possible. As far as I know, our raceshave never interbred. To be honest, I don't mind; I don't have muchmothering instinct. Incidentally, will the line go to Toosun if wedon't produce an heir?” Oddly enough, she’d hadn’t been worriedabout becoming pregnant prior to this. She’d faithfully taken herbiannual dose of contraceptive just in case, and by her calculationsit should still be in her system for another…she frowned, suddenlyunsure of her math. What month was it?
“Perhaps,though I doubt Ryven was concerned about it, since he wed you."
"ButI'm an alien. Would that be taken into consideration?" Shedidn't want to be held responsible for messing up the noble lineage.Ryven may not care, but her new relatives might shun her. Familiescould be touchy about that sort of thing.
"Itmight, but don't worry." Namae patted her shoulder. “You won'tbe held responsible. We like you well enough. If Ryven hadn’tchosen you, we might have ended up with some hideous foreignprincess. Far better to have an alien sister than one of those."They had reached Xera’s quarters. Namae gestured for her to movefirst through the door.
Xeraentered, unsure whether to be comforted or not.
Chapter15
Xerawas in the ready room, talking with her father-in-law, when the alarmclaxon sounded. They broke off their conversation to exchangeconcerned looks and hurried to the bridge, which was nearby. Ryvensnapped terse commands as he scanned proximity readouts from hiscommand chair. He stood and surveyed the forward screen. A magnifiedview of an embattled space station showed a large Khun’tat warshipparked close by. A great deal of the outer ring of the spoke-shapedstation was damaged, and the smaller, ovoid Khun’tat fightersswarmed everywhere, dodging its sputtering weapons.
Ryventurned his head to send an order and spotted his wife and father. Hefinished a series of rapid commands and came to them. “Weinvestigated the station’s unnatural silence and found this. Otherwarships are on their way, but we’re point for now.” They’doriginally had two other warships with them at the meeting with theGE and Interplanetary Council, but he had sent Shiza’s toinvestigate a distress call and the other on a border sweep. They hadexpected an easy journey back to Rsik; the Khun’tat should neverhave been able to penetrate this deep into Scorpio territory.
Ryvenput a light hand on Xera’s shoulder. “The bridge is too busyright now; you’ll be safe in our quarters. I’ll send a link thereso you and Namae can watch what’s happening.” He shot aninquiring look at his father.
“I’llwait with them,” Lord Atarus assured him. “Be victorious, son.”
Ryvenflashed him a smile, kissed Xera quickly and turned his attentionback to the battle.
Thekiss rattled Xera. If he was being so demonstrative in public, hemust truly feel the need to comfort her. It didn’t bode well.
“Come, daughter. He will be a better commander for knowing his wifeis safe.” Lord Atarus placed her hand on his arm and escorted herfrom the bridge. Two guards she didn’t recognize fell in behindthem. Two others joined them on the way and stationed themselvesoutside her room.
Ignoringthem all, Xera told Namae what was going on and turned on theviewscreen. Scorpio fighters engaged the enemy in a bloody game oftag. The screen split into two sections. The smaller portion showed aKhun’tat transport already docked with the space station. Scorpiofighters concentrated their fire on the transport. Xera felt a chillas she realized the aliens were already taking prisoners.
Therewas a sudden flash from the alien battle cruiser, and the shipshuddered slightly around them. Xera blanched. "What was that?”Namae cried, wide-eyed.
LordAtarus frowned. "The battle cruiser fired on us. That's unusual.Normally, they would get out with as many prisoners as they could andjump for hyperspace, with or without their fighters. There might be abreeding queen on the ship, which would make them more aggressive.They're very demanding when they're hungry. If I'm right she'll havea hatching chamber full of developing larvae."
Theirwarship’s laser cannons returned fire on the Khun’tat battlecruiser. Both ships’ shields stayed strong; for the moment.
"Wouldn'tit make more sense to have the food before she laid eggs?" Xeraasked. Not that she approved of the Khun’tat method of groceryshopping.
TheLG shook his head. “They aren’t logical like that. The queensespecially are at the mercy of their instincts, and drones follow herlead. If she’s hungry, they get food. She won’t back off untilher own ship is endangered.”
“Whycan’t they just start a farm or something?” Xera demanded.
Heignored her question, knowing it was rhetorical.
Namaehad a better one: “How long until her ship is endangered, father?”
Hewas silent for some time as he stroked his long mustache. He seemedto be calculating as he watched the battle. “The station didn’thave fighters of its own, but it was not defenseless. Many of theenemy fighters are disabled….” He indicated the floatingwreckage.
Anotherblast flashed nearby, and he widened his stance to retain hisbalance. Calmly he went on: “But the mother ship is whole. Theywill not stop trying to take the prisoners; and Ryven will not stoptrying to prevent it. We do not ever let our people be taken.”
Whichput them in a dangerous spot. They had to disable the mother shipbefore it beat them. The good news was that there were friendly shipscoming. The aliens didn’t have that advantage.
Xeraopened her mouth to say so...and two more Khun’tat battleshipsjumped out of hyperspace. Namae went white. Xera saw her face andhelped her sit down, feeling shaky herself. This was not good.
Eventhe LG looked grim. He watched as their ships opened fire on the twonew arrivals, but they were grossly outgunned. The Khun’tattargeted the single-man fighters first, decimating their numbers.They also soon had the battleship’s shields down. They began totake out its cannons, destroying any chance the Scorpio had to fightback.
Thebattleship rocked by blasts, its engines trying to keep its shieldsand stabilizers working, things seemed desperate. Then the situationtook a turn for the worse. The Khun'tat battleship began to launchfighters. Minutes later, it launched a prisoner transport.
Xerafelt the blood leave her head. They were coming for her. They werecoming for them all.
"Come."Lord Atarus collected the two females and headed for the door. "Nowis the time to go to the bridge.” Their escort of soldiers closedaround them, looking tense. Xera didn't have to ask why they weregoing to the bridge. It was time for a last stand. She did not wantto end up on the meat wagon.
Troublewas, the Scorpio felt the same way. She knew from the videos she'dwatched that they would blow the whole ship rather than be taken forfood. They'd fight to the bitter end first, though. “Never lay downarms” might as well be the motto of the race. She was proud to be apart of the group and terrified at same time. It was an ugly way todie.
Ryvengripped her shoulder as they entered the bridge, and he sent a grimlook at his father. Without a word, a warrior came up and handed themeach a laser rifle. He showed the women how to use it.
Thewaiting was tense. Ryven positioned his family far away from thedoors and stood by them. Screen after screen showed armored Khun’tatgetting closer, taking prisoners. They shot out the cameras as theycame, but those on the bridge could see the fighting getting closer.Big and ugly, with their hose-like tails at the back of their skulls,the Khun’tat crushed anything inanimate that got in their way butonly stunned their other victims, either with guns or the venomousspines on the end of their head hoses.
TheScorpio resisted but were being swarmed. In twenty minutes theKhun’tat were amidships. A quarter hour more and they were past thegalley.
Xeraclosed her eyes and faced the fact that she was going to die.
TheKhun’tat were suddenly at the door to the bridge. Loud noises camefrom the other side as they fought to dismantle it. All the defenderscould do was brace themselves and aim for the hole that would soonappear. Anything coming through would be greeted with lasers.
Xeralooked at Ryven. He appeared very grim and very alone. She believedhe was preparing to order the computer to blow the ship. Or perhapsshe was wrong; maybe he’d already started the countdown and wasjust bracing against death.
Shecaught his eyes. A wordless symphony passed between them, sweet anddoomed. She closed her eyes. His fingers curled around her arm.
Theblasting at the door suddenly stopped.
Everyonefroze. There was a variety of noises, sounds of exchanged gunfire.Shouts. Someone was battling outside the door! Tense minutes passeduntil suddenly the ship’s com crackled to life.
“Ryven?It’s Shiza. I don’t mind telling you that you’ve got lousyhospitality.” He had to repeat himself twice over the shouts ofrelief on the bridge. “Open the door, will you?”
Xera’smuscles went liquid with relief. Ryven put his arm around her andkissed her hair. His grip was crushing, but she didn’t care. LordAtarus had his daughter in his arms, hushing her shuddering breaths.
Theyhad to work a bit on the door controls before they could obligeShiza, since they mechanisms had been disabled in the attack. Evenafterward, the door would only come halfway open before it jammed.
Shizahunched under the vertically rising door and stood in his stiffbattle suit, his head still covered in a helmet. He nodded to LordAtarus and clasped forearms with Ryven. “Getting into troublewithout me, are you?”
Ryvenflashed him a grin. “What’s our status?”
Hisbridge crew hurried to their stations and got to work while Shizafilled them in.
“Thedistress call was a decoy. A small ship was attacked, but by the timewe got there, it was already destroyed and abandoned. I was alreadyconcerned when we got your message.”
Shiza’sbattleship had taken out the original alien craft and rescued theprisoner transport. He’d then engaged one of the remainingbattleships while the backup cruiser he’d summoned took out theother. He’d launched fighters as soon as he could to dock withRyven’s and stop the boarding process. They'd almost been too late.
Ryven’sship was heavily damaged. They had no shields left and no workingdefenses. The hull had been compromised in several places and wouldnot stand a jump to hyperdrive. The engines had not been harmed,though. The ship would have to fly straight back home as they maderepairs, a lengthy and dangerous proposition with Khun’tat poppingin at will.
Itwas Ryven’s ship and he wouldn’t abandon it or his crew, but herefused to permit his family to remain in danger. Shiza was tapped totake them home, along with the survivors of the space station and anywounded. More ships would be arriving within the hour to escort allof them.
Whileeveryone else was working on logistics, Xera happened to glanceShiza’s way. He’d removed his helmet and was caught in anunguarded moment, his gaze on Namae. Quick, piercing and quiterevealing; he wouldn’t have wished anyone to witness that glance,she was certain. Xera let her eyes slide away, pretending not tonotice his secret heart. Perhaps she pretended too hard. He sent hera warning glance then looked away.
Xerafelt in the way on the bridge. Namae looked strained. Xera didn’twant to divert necessary manpower, but she wanted to get herself andNamae a chance to recoup. Namae particularly needed it. She lightlytouched Ryven’s sleeve.
Heglanced at her, alert. “Yes?’
“We’reunderfoot here. Is it safe to go and pack? We’ll need a few things,and it will hurry us along.”
Hefollowed her gaze to his sister’s strained face. “I see. Let mecheck the security scans.” He looked over the surveillance data andsweeper reports. “You may go. Your bodyguards will go with you.And, Shiza...?” He looked inquiringly at his friend.
“Ofcourse. I’ll stay in contact as I transport them.” Shiza touchedhis communicator as a gesture.
Ryvenlooked subtly relieved. “Thank you.” He brushed Xera’s hand.“I’ll say goodbye before you leave.”
Shenodded, eyes downcast as she pressed his hand. She longed to hug him,but understood his feelings of reserve. He would hold her when theywere alone.
Itwas nerve-wracking, traveling the hallways where Khun’tat hadrecently roamed. Not all the corpses had been removed. The bodiesmade grizzly mile markers for the journey.
Sheand Namae packed lightly. The docking vessels didn't need any extraweight, not with the need to quickly haul the wounded, and theydidn't want to linger. Xera was done before Namae and went to checkon her. She was pleased to see Namae subtly relying on Shiza,allowing him to help her pack a travel case. She was doing her bestto seem serene, but it was obvious the shocks of the day had takentheir toll.
Hewas subtle in his concern and matter-of-fact in its exercise. Hispracticality was a good mask for the glint of worry in his eye.
Ryvenentered the room just as Shiza was sealing Namae’s travel case. Hehugged his sister and murmured assurances, then took Xera in hisarms. He didn’t say anything. Fiercely, she returned the hug. "I'llmiss you. I'm glad we're alive." She breathed in his scent."Hurry home."
Hebreathed deeply, his nose in her hair. "Woman..." He shookhis head. "Shiza will keep you safe. Hurry home yourself; I wantto know you're away from harm." He would never say, “I loveyou” while others looked on.
Hereleased her. “It’s time.”
He,Shiza and an armed escort took them down the grim corridors to acrowded transport ship. Xera solemnly clasped hands with Ryven andwatched as his father and sister said goodbye. Their bags were stowedin the webbing, and they settled into their seats. Their ship wassealed, the docking clamps disengaged. A glance out the portholeshowed Ryven’s battleship getting smaller.
Xeralooked away, unable to dwell on it. Already she missed him. It wasdepressing, the thought of leaving him behind, but she alsounderstood the need: he didn't dare to be worrying about his familyat a time like this. She wasn’t wild about staying exposed out hereanyway, not when there was nothing she could do. Insisting on stayingwith him now would be childish, even if she felt lost and adrift inhis world without him as an anchor.
Funny,she hadn’t realized how dependent upon him she’d become.