Random Convergences

By Stein Willard

© 2018

Random Convergences © Stein Willard 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author or publisher.

Please note that piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s right and is illegal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Editor: W.H

Cover Design: DEPE

BACK OF THE BOOK:

Travelling through space believing that a cure to securing the preservation of her species was out there, among the many alien civilizations, Yonne never expected to be subjected the most sensory awakening, her cold and distant culture had not prepared her for.

Realizing that she was not ready to settle for less than everything, Noor steals away on an escape pod only to be stopped in her tracks when her pod literally dumps her into the arms of a woman that was as unattainable as she was beautiful.

How much compromising should be done to ensure that they both walk away with everything they each desire?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To all my readers, as always, guys,

thank you for your support. I still think you rock!

To Michelle and W.H, thank you for making my mad ramblings reader-friendly.

PROLOGUE

The dirt tasted like humiliation probably should taste like, Yonne thought as she tried to rid her mouth of the gritty substance. She didn’t have to look up to know that her tormentors had formed a circle around her, waiting…no…taunting her to retaliate. A smarter person would’ve stayed down, taking the disgrace for what it was. But not her. She was skinny, but at least she had a few inches on most of them, thanks to her father’s genes. Apart from that, they were evenly matched. They were all Borquois. They, too, possessed the preternatural speed of their species. But that didn’t deter her from surging to her feet and ploughing into the nearest body. A small smile tuck at her lips when she felt a few ribs shift followed by a loud exhalation. She wasn’t going down without taking one of them with her. Her mother would be so proud of her.

Or not.

“What were you thinking taking on Director Vivon’s daughter?” Elina hissed as she poked at a particular sore spot on Yonne’s hip, causing the teenager to screech in pain. How could she have been so stupid as to think her mother would applaud her bravery and tenacity? She winced again when her mother rubbed a foul-smelling ointment on the growing bump on her hip. “What did you say to her anyway?”

Yonne frowned and looked away. If her mother’s reaction to her act of bravery was anything to judge by, she doubted very much her mother would appreciate the reason she had thumped Osnol.

A surprisingly gentle hand touched her chin and lifted it until she made eye contact with her mother. “Tell me.” When she hesitated, her mother’s eyes turned sad. “Please.”

Yonne inhaled deeply. “We were talking about our future.”

Elina’s eyebrows rose slowly. “I doubt that was all.”

For a brief moment, Yonne relived that instant when she’d spoken her mind and her heart’s desire. The group of girls she was with had stopped dead in their tracks and turned to gape at her. Then the laughter and taunting had followed, spurning her into a rash, violent decision. Feeling anger and helplessness surging in her, her mouth pulled into a sneer.

“I told them that one day, I would find happiness.”

A soft gasp sounded from her mother as she pulled away and stared at Yonne. “You didn’t!”

“I did, mother, and I meant it.”

“Oh, you silly, silly girl. The stories I’ve told you were just that, stories. Do you realize that if this comes out you might be branded a rebel by the Council?”

Yonne stubbornly pushed out her chin.

“Then so be it, mother.”

“No, Yonne. With talk like this, you could jeopardize our life here on the planet. We could both be exiled to the Astro-belt and I know you wouldn’t want that.” Ice blue eyes filled with tears. “We only have each other and we only have each other to protect. Please.”

A sense of profound shame engulfed Yonne for being the cause of her mother’s distress. She leaned forward and leaned her head against her mother’s chest. “I’m sorry, mother. I wasn’t thinking. Tomorrow I’ll visit the Director’s home and apologize.” She sighed softly as her mother’s arms surrounded her.  But this time, she didn’t feel the warmth and security she always experienced in the familiar embrace.

She felt betrayed.

CHAPTER 1

Yonne simply loved the feeling of triumph as she watched her opponent trying to rise, but finally giving up and falling back down on the mat. She slowly lowered her bellaçs, as she slowly released the tension in her shoulders until she assumed a more relaxed posture.  The room burst into applause and she gracefully bowed to the audience before she walked over to help the fallen soldier to her feet. She grinned when she noted the exasperated look her friend threw at her.

“Would it hurt to hand me a victory now and then?” Cilla muttered as she rolled her shoulders to ease the stiffness caused by a well-placed strike.

Yonne shrugged. “You need to earn it, my friend, and until then, you’ll have to get used to defeat.” A group of young women shyly stepped forward to congratulate Yonne on yet another victory and she gracefully accepted their praise. When they were alone again, she turned back to her friend. “Do you need me to accompany you to the medical bay?”

Cilla gave her a murderous look. “And suffer more humiliation. No, thanks. I think a warm bath and a large drink will fix me up.”

Chuckling, Yonne walked away, feeling Cilla’s eyes on her as she left the training hall. As she made her way through the ship’s hallways to her room, she was met with respectful nods and a muttered ‘Director’. It was only once she was in her room that the smile fell from her face. She glanced around her quarters. The two-bedroom quarters was the biggest and the most luxurious on the Mercer, but its size did little to make her feel appreciative at the moment. She hated being here, on this ship. Had her mission been less of an exile, she probably would’ve enjoyed the chance to leave Barques. After spending most her seventy years planet-side, she would admit that a chance to venture beyond the stifling atmosphere of her homeland couldn’t have come soon enough. If only there hadn’t been a hidden agenda behind her fortune.

She threw her bellaçs on a nearby lounger and made her way to the bigger of the two bedrooms. The room was opulent, just like the rest of the quarters, with an enormous bed to accommodate her size. She shrugged out of her tunic and unzipped her leather pants on her way to the bathing room. A small smile touched her lips at the sight of the large sunken bath. This was one of the few things she loved about her quarters. Absolutely nothing compared to the relief she found when submerged in the warm fragrant depths of the bath. Not wasting time, she opened the taps and returned to the lounge to where the food processor was located. Her fingers flitted over the keys and she sighed with satisfaction when a large glass with a wicked looking green liquid materialized. She took a long pull from the drink and smacked her lips in pleasure. Due to her size, she was one of very few Borquois would could handle the strong mead. She took another drink and was about the return to the bathing room, when she caught her reflection in the gleaming surface of the food processor. With almost detached indifference, she studied the image. She was tall, towering over almost seventy percent of the Borquois. Her father must’ve been huge.  Except for his size, be also imparted a strong squared-jawed face which held a sharp, narrow nose and icy blue eyes. The latter, complete with a startlingly pale complexion, was the only other features he inherited from her Borquois heritage. A soft ping sounded and she hastily made her way to the bathing room, just in time to prevent flooding the room. She lowered her body into the tub and sighed as the water accepted her bulk into its liquid embrace. She reached for her glass and took a sip.

This was probably the closest to happiness she’d experienced thus far.

oOo

“Adjutant?”

Cilla grimaced as she heard the musical tones of the doctor even before she had spotted her. She bit down hard on her teeth, an act that made her look hard and cold. But she had no choice. For whatever reason, she simply became guarded around the woman. She gave the woman a curt nod and walked over to a bed and took a seat. The doctor, a petite woman with the same pale complexion and icy blue eyes like herself, came to stand before her. The blue eyes were uncertain as they studied her and Cilla inhaled deeply. She was well-aware of the fact that she scared the woman, and she wanted to keep it that way. The doctor had transferred from the north-eastern region of Barques a scant two days before they had to ship out. Not much was known about her and until she had her security interview which was scheduled in three days’ time, Cilla wanted to steer clear of her as much as she could. The population of the north-eastern hemisphere were renowned for their mysterious and sheer hedonistic customs, alienating them from the rest of the Borquois. If only the pain in her shoulder hadn’t intensified once she’d entered her quarters, she wouldn’t have had to see the woman.

“I think I’ve injured my shoulder,” she said curtly.

The doctor nodded, her bearing suddenly less fearful and very professional. “I’ll have a quick look.” She stepped closer, entering Cilla’s personal space and the security officer stiffened slightly. “To examine your shoulder, I’ll be expected to touch you. Could you remove your tunic, please?”

Cilla stared at the woman for a long moment before she nodded. “Do what you must.” Removing her tunic, she was only dressed in a short-sleeved vest and inwardly, she steeled herself in anticipation of the touch. When it came, however, she had to suppress a gasp as the feather light touch made her insides quiver. Knowing that she would not be able to sit through another minute with the woman’s hands on her body, she surged to her feet, causing the doctor to retreat with a shriek. Startled, they stared at each other, the doctor’s hand across her chest and Cilla caught between apologising and cursing.

“If you could get me something for the pain, I’ll be out of your hair so you can get to your real patients,” she snapped.

The doctor nodded quickly, her gaze darting nervously to the medication tray behind Cilla. Following the woman’s gaze, Cilla grinded her teeth. To get to the tray, the doctor will have to brush past her. She purposefully took a step away from the bed and watched almost dispassionately as the doctor moved cautiously to the tray and retrieved a medijector. She held it up and Cilla could see her hands shaking.

“If you would sit on the cot, I’ll administer the pain reliever.” Her voice was thin with distress. When Cilla hesitated, she added quickly.  “It’ll only take a second.”

Cilla moved closer, noticing how she towered over the petite woman, before she took a seat. She bared her throat and closed her eyes, not wanting see the woman stepping into her personal space. She felt the soft pressure of the tool against her neck and heard the soft hiss as the medication was injected. She inhaled deeply as she felt the mediation entering her blood stream. She knew it’ll take a few moments before it would work, but it was more the soft breathing of the woman so close by that made her antsy. She heard the doctor step away and, when she opened her eyes, it was to find the other woman looking at her with a peculiar look in her eyes.

“I believe the pain should dissipate in a few moments, Adjutant. Since I couldn’t determine the origins of the pain, I would suggest you take a medijector with you in case the current dosage is not enough to relief the pain.” She tried to smile, but it came out as a grimace and she quickly turned away. “The nurse should be back on duty tomorrow morning; maybe you could stop by and have her examine your shoulder.”

Cilla studied the woman as she walked over to a cabinet and began to prepare what she assumed was the medijector. What was it about the woman that put her in such a state? Over the past three months she had deducted from the ship records that the woman was well-respected and was even better at her job than she’d expected from a ‘heathen’ from the north-eastern hemisphere. Her eyes trailed down the doctor’s slender back and lower.

“Adjutant.”

Cilla almost fell from the cot at the sudden intrusion. Her eyes jerked to the newcomer and she frowned at the operations officer. “Yes.”

“We’ve been trying to hail you. We have a situation.”

Without a backward glance at the doctor she jumped from the cot. At that exact moment the klaxon sounded. She’d forgotten her earpiece in her quarters. A rookie mistake and one she hoped wasn’t going to cost the ship. She would have to write herself up for misconduct. That is if they survived whatever it was that awaited her on the bridge.

“The Director?” she asked curtly.

“She’s already on the bridge, Adjutant.”

Cilla cursed under her breath. Yonne will have her hide for this. “If you knew where I was, why didn’t you hail me on the doctor’s earpiece?”

The female officer looked at her quizzically. “As per your orders, the doctor has not been cleared yet to receive ship wide communications, sir.”

How could she have forgotten that, Cilla thought. The doctor had an interview scheduled later in the week and only then, depending on the outcome, would she receive clearance to access other parts of the ship and be issued with a communications and security package.

CHAPTER 2

The bridge was bathed in a haze of red with the bridge crew tapping away furiously at the work stations. Yonne turned her attention back to the view screen and the small cylindrical object floating a few hundred metres off starboard. She inhaled deeply before she turned to the operations officer.

“I doubt this warrants a red alert, Officer Peels. I would say a yellow alert, at most.”

The woman blushed under her pale complexion. “My apologies, Director.” The next moment the red haze gave way to a yellow hue.

“Report.”

Officer Peels didn’t look up from her console when she spoke. “A foreign object was expelled through a wormhole before it closed up again, Director.”

Yonne nodded as she stepped closer to the large view screen. “What do we know about it? Any contact made?”

“No, Director. It all happened so fast. We are scanning the pod as we speak.”

The lift opened and Yonne frowned when Cilla rushed through to join her. Her second in command didn’t meet her eyes as she too studied the pod.

“Good of you to join us, Adjutant,” Yonne noted dryly. “Get a security team ready to incept the pod in Landing Bay 1. After a thorough scan, beam the pod to the quarantine section of the brig.”

“Yes, Director.” Cilla left the bridge briskly.

“Do we know anything else, Officer Peels?”

“There is one life signature, but the bio-readings are very weak, Director. I detect no weapons.”

“Initiate the tractor beam.” They were on an humanitarian mission, so to speak. Meeting new races and cultures falls directly under their mission goals. After a lull in their journey so far, she was excited to see what this new development could bring. She watched as the light blue coloured beam enveloped the pod and slowly pulled it towards their ship.

“The pod is on board, Director.”

“Good. I’ll be in the brig. Officer Peels, you have the bridge.” She briskly made her way over to the lift.

oOo

Cilla frowned as she studied the pod. It was quite big. Bigger than the ones they have on board. She used her hand scanner and slowly walked around the pod. The readings were insignificant. One life signature, weak. An on-board processor seemed to regulate all the functions of the pod, including life support. The air inside seemed to be breathable, which meant that the origins of the alien could be M-class specified. She stepped back. “Beam it to the brig. Ask the doctor to meet us there.” Just the thought of having to be in the same space as the mysterious doctor made Cilla want to scream. She hated the fact that she couldn’t read the woman. At least she didn’t have to work closely with the woman. To make sure that their working relationship stays as is, Cilla promised herself to practice caution at all times so she didn’t end up in the medical bay again.

oOo

Closing her medical bag with a soft click, Espert sighed deeply. She was a healer and it was her obligation to go where she was needed. At that very moment she was expected in the brig, where, if her presence was requested, an injured party awaited her help. But she would be there too. Not once in her 126 years of existence had she been this affected by another being. And such and infuriating one, at that. She knew that not many people on this ship trusted her and that it had to do with her more liberal upbringing. But to have it thrown in her face so blatantly, as was the case with the adjutant, grated on her nerves. It wasn’t her fault that her ancestors migrated to the far north-eastern hemisphere as soon they landed on the M-class planet which would become their safe haven. Nor was she at fault that after the First Rebellion, that the self-proclaimed Basques broke away and discarded the rigid doctrines imposed by the Director’s Council.  How was it even possible that twelve people could dictate the existence of a whole population?

The doors to the medical centre slid open and an officer appeared. “I am to accompany you to the brig, doctor,” she said curtly.

She produced a small smile. “Of course. I’m ready.” Since she wasn’t issued with a ship wide clearance, she was limited to her quarters and the medical centre. Any other places she wanted to visit, she had to make due with a guard. Why the adjutant didn’t just lock her up in the brig until she’d been issued her clearance, was surprising. The woman would surely sleep better at night, knowing that the hedonistic Basque was safely in the brig behind a type 7 force field.

Espert didn’t pay attention as the officer led her down the long gleaming hallways, one lift ride and another stretch of hallways. They would probably be back on Basques before she received her clearance, so there was no reason for her to get to know the layout of the ship. If the gods willed, and she eventually got her clearance, she’ll have to ask for a ship wide orientation session. But if the adjutant’s reaction to her was anything to go by, that possibility was incredibly slim. They reached a door and the officer held her palm against the panel to admit them into a large, rather depressing looking space. A long narrow corridor divided rows of white, sterile cells and, looking at the cold cells, Espert suppressed a shudder. She was a free spirit and the idea of being locked up in such a small depressing space frightened her. She decided then and there that she would not give anyone, especially the adjutant, any reason to want to lock her up here. Dragging her eyes away from the cells, she had to rush to catch up to the officer who was a few paces ahead of her and almost having reached the door at the end of the corridor. The door needed another palm reading before it allowed them entry.

Espert swallowed when she took in the room. This part of the brig looked even gloomier than the first part. It had a small medical bay attached to it and large glass cubicles made up the rest of the cavernous room. It was in one such cubicle that she noticed the adjutant and what she assumed to be the director. They were easy to spot because of their great height. Not many Bourgeois grew to that height. Both women turned when Espert and her guard entered and Espert blinked in surprise. She’d never met the director face to face, having been transferred last minute to the ship. Nor had she seen the woman in the past three months of their journey. What she saw caused a slight fluttering in her stomach as intense blue eyes studied her approach from across the room. The woman was exquisite, a prime specimen of womanhood. Had she been based in Basque, Espert was sure that the woman would have started a civil war amongst the women there. She smiled at the director and was surprised when the woman smiled back, holding out her hand.

“Doctor, my apologies that we’re only meeting now.”

Espert swallowed at the sound of the husky notes. The woman was becoming more interesting as the seconds passed. She clamped her jaw when she felt the large hand envelope hers and squeeze gently. She hadn’t had sex in almost six months and this woman was wreaking havoc on her libido. She reluctantly let the director’s hand go when she realized that she was only courting heartache by having such thoughts about the other woman. The Borquois were a highly moral and principled race. They treated sex like an affliction and considered sex with the same sex the worse of atrocities. That was one of many reasons why the Basque separated from the Borquois all those years ago.

“The pleasure is mine, Director,” she managed to say in a controlled voice and turned her attention to the silent presence next to the director. The adjutant was staring at her, her distrust, or was that disdain, evident on her pale face.

“Adjutant”, she greeted the woman coolly and received a curt nod in return.

When she looked at the director, it was to find the woman looking at her second in command with a slight frown. The look was gone almost immediately as the director pointed at the pod.

“We’ve decided to wait for you before we opened the pod. Our readings detect one life signature, but very weak.” She stepped back and the adjutant reached over and pressing a few buttons.  A, a loud hissing sound filled the room as the air inside the pod was violently expelled. The adjutant stepped back to allow the air and gas to escape, her hand already on her laser gun. When the hissing stopped and the cloud of gas evaporated, they all stepped forward to peer into the pod.

oOo

Yonne blinked at the sight before her.

Three months of travelling had brought them far from Basque space. It would take another month or two before they reached the outer rim of known space and made the jump into another quadrant.  What she was looking at now, was a clear indication of what they could expect once they left their quadrant. A mixture of fear and excitement stirred as she stared at the interior of the pod. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was looking at nor what she expected. Except for a small, but efficient looking processor, the pod was filled with a rather dull brown mass, which resembled feathers. The only other impressive discovery was the size of the brown mass. It filled out the large space of the pod, leaving very little room for anything else. It would almost seem as if the pod was custom-made for the alien.

“Director?” She looked up to find Cilla looking at her, the security officer looking thoroughly spooked. “We might have to consider placing the alien in a bigger enclosure.”

Yonne nodded, her eyes immediately drawn back the pod. “Do that. Once you’ve transferred the alien, get the science division to examine the pod.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Cilla move away, leaving her standing at the pod with the doctor. “What do you make of this, Doctor?” When a few heartbeats passed without any response from the doctor, she looked up to find the woman also staring at the pod. She had a strange look on her face. “Doctor?”

The woman’s head snapped up and she blushed lightly under her skin. “I... My apologies, Director. I’m aware of the fact that our mission would take us to a new quadrant and foreign galaxies, but this…” She swallowed. “This is almost unbelievable.” She looked at the pod again. “I’m not sure if I should be scared of excited.”

Yonne grinned at hearing that. “I’d suggest you settle for both…for now. We still know so little about this alien and their technology.” She heard footsteps approaching and watched as Cilla leaned into the pod and placed a silver medallion on feathery mass they assumed was the alien. Within seconds, the alien’s body was engulfed in bright sparkles. They followed Cilla to the back to the room where, stretched out on a cot, Yonne was again struck by the size of the alien. It was difficult to make out anything else as the alien was wrapped tightly in some kind of a feathery cocoon.

“I need to regulate the alien’s life signs, in case it’s not compatible with the ship’s atmosphere,” the doctor said next to her and moved towards the bed. To Yonne’s surprise, Cilla reached out quickly and placed a heavy hand on the petite woman’s shoulder. She found that she was not the only surprised party when the doctor turned slowly to look at Cilla, her face a mask of utter astonishment.

Noticing the reactions her action generated, Cilla quickly dropped her hand.

“Be careful,” she said quietly. “It would be unfortunate for us to lose our Chief Medical Officer so early on in the mission.”

Yonne agreed. It made sense, but what didn’t make sense was the almost tangible tension between the two women. She could swear that earlier when the doctor joined them, Cilla had not seemed happy with the woman’s presence. She’ll have to ask Cilla about that.

“I will practice the utmost caution, Adjutant,” the doctor said in a slightly strangled tone.

Yonne looked at Cilla and found her friend staring at the woman with an almost resentful look on her face. Before she could react to this uncharacteristic behaviour from her friend, the doors slid open to reveal two officers from the science division. She waved them over. She was extremely curious about this alien and the only answers they would find were inside that pod.

“Download everything you can from the on-board processor and disperse copies to my work station as well as the doctor’s and the adjutant’s.” She turned to Cilla. “Call me the minute the alien is conscious. In the meantime, I’ll be on the bridge. I want to know where that wormhole moved to and where it leads to.”

oOo

Cilla felt like kicking herself.

Yonne was not a fool and she was sure that her friend noticed something. She muttered a soft curse and inhaled deeply. There had been a moment earlier when she could swear the doctor was looking at the director too intently. She also held onto the director’s hand a few moments longer than was necessary. That moment had confirmed her mistrust of the woman. The Basques were immoral and allowed their physical needs to rule common sense. She didn’t buy their lame pretexts that three hundred men for a whole female populated planet was not a good enough ratio, and thus making them turn to their own gender to satisfy their needs. That excuse is almost five hundred years old and it sounds just as farfetched now as it did back then.  The Borquois have made do with what was on offer and were still thriving. The doctor being on this ship was evidence enough of the Borquois ingenuity. They were the ones who developed space travel two hundred years ago and were the custodians of almost all of the technology that the planet enjoyed. The Basques, on the other hand, were renowned for their love for entertainment, which primarily included sex and other indulgences.  She frowned as she looked at the doctor where she was bent over the alien.

If the doctor thought she could turn this ship into her personal harem, she was completely mistaken.

She would see the heathen locked up in the brig first before she’d allow that to…

A sharp cry pulled Cilla from her morose thoughts and she only had enough time to draw her laser before a small bundle ploughed into her.

CHAPTER 3

Yonne’s heart was thundering in her chest as she made her way down the corridors to the brig. Behind her were her own personal bodyguards. The ship has been put on lockdown and force fields were erected around all the prominent ship areas such as the engine room, bridge, both landing bays and the crew quarters. The alien would not be able to escape nor access their database. She took a shuddering breath as she placed her hand on the door panel.

Cilla had sounded out of breath when she hailed the bridge. Yonne prayed that her friend was… She swallowed hard. No time to think about that right now. The ship’s survival depended on her and how she neutralizes this threat. For a split second she wondered if bringing the pod on board had been a sound idea, but the thought was fleeting. They had a long way to go and she wasn’t going to second guess her decisions so early on in the mission. All they could do was to learn from such situations and to consider mitigating measures in case they found themselves in similar circumstances.

“Director?”  Yonne snapped her head in the direction of the voice. The officer swallowed hard under her sharp gaze. “Would you want us to continue without you?”

Yonne realized that her thoughts had literally brought her to a stop. She inhaled deeply.

“No, I’m leading.” She began to walk down the outer room of the brig to the door at the end of the corridor. As she neared the door, she reached for her laser gun. Her heartbeat had slowed somehow, leaving a slow burning in her blood that she recognized as bloodlust. When the door slid open she entered, her eyes sharp as they flitted over the room.

She blinked in confusion, when she found the science technicians working on the pod, undisturbed. Security personnel stood in each of the corners of the medical bay. Her eyes widened slightly, even as relief flooded her body, when she spotted the hulking figure of Cilla standing with her arm around the petite doctor’s slender shoulders. They were both staring down at the bed.

Realizing that there was no immediate danger, she sheathed her laser gun. Cilla’s head turned and Yonne almost grinned when her friend quickly dropped her arm from around the doctor’s shoulders and stood straighter.

“Report,” she barked as approached them.

“You really need to see this for yourself, Director,” Cilla said quickly and stepped to the side.

Curious, Yonne stepped closer to the bed. Her jaw dropped at the sight that greeted her and for a long moment she could only stare. Whereas she had left a dull looking husk earlier, nothing but nothing prepared her for the sight before her. The feathery shell seemed to have disappeared into thin air. Lying before her stunned eyes was the most striking being she had ever seen. Hair the color of deep rich copper framed a face so fine and astonishingly beautiful. Yonne had to mentally restrain herself from reaching out to touch the rich copper strands and run her finger down the soft looking skin of the alien’s cheek. Instead her eyes flitted wildly over the unconscious alien’s face. Finally, when looking at the alien was almost too painful to bear, she slowly looked up to meet the doctor’s flustered face.

“What happened?”

The doctor shrugged. “One moment I was examining it…her…when the husk cracked and retracted into her body.” The doctor reached out and took a strand of hair between her fingers. “She’s quite beautiful. I never would’ve imagined that a being such as her existed.”

For some reason, Yonne couldn’t phantom why she felt like slapping the doctor’s hand away from the alien. Nor did she like the husky timber in the doctor’s voice as she spoke of the alien’s beauty. Instead she quickly turned away from the sight of the doctor caressing the copper strands. She found Cilla looking at the doctor with an almost murderous look on her face, when she realized that Yonne was looking at her she quickly schooled her features into one of cold indifference.

“I want a report on what happened on my desk within the next hour,” Yonne ordered curtly before moving over to where the technicians were working on the pod. If ever she’d been curious about the alien, now she was almost feverish about knowing more about her.

“How long before you have downloaded the data from the processor,” she asked the technician with a lieutenant insignia.

The woman looked from Yonne to the pod. “The processor is small, but we found that it holds almost 750 000 terabyte of data.” Yonne could hear the excitement in the woman’s voice as she relayed the information. At least the science department will be kept busy for part, if not, the whole journey. “We are going through each of the partitions and downloading it to our mainframe. We should have a copy of the first partition done in an hour. We’ll make sure to send a copy to your desk reader as she soon as possible, Director.”

Yonne nodded and without a backward look left the brig’s medical bay.

oOo

Espert swallowed hard as she looked at the breathtakingly beautiful creature before her. Coming on this mission, with an all-female cast of beautiful uptight Borquois fleet officers had been a way to punish herself for allowing the love of her life to slip through her fingers. Marla had finally had enough of waiting up for her after almost seven years together. No words can explain the sense of abandonment she had experienced when she arrived home that first night to find Marla’s side of the clothing unit empty. It had gotten worse as the days dragged on until finally when a friend mentioned the pending Borquois mission and that they were in need of a senior medical officer. Without thinking twice, she had found the communique and sent her papers through for consideration. She had forgotten about the application only to be informed that she had to report for duty three days before takeoff.

She was willing to give up sex.

That was until today.

She had engaged with three women, one not conscious yet, but who proved that Espert’s self-imposed celibacy was not going to be as easy as she’d initially thought. The director, as fascinatingly gorgeous and affable as she was, was totally unattainable, seen as she would rather have Espert thrown from the closest airlock for having lecherous thoughts of her. The Director’s Council fiercely opposed same sex liaisons. Then there was the adjutant; mysterious and beautiful. The woman didn’t hide the fact that she didn’t want Espert on the ship.

The yield was good, but there was simply no way that she could see herself getting laid in the near future.

She felt a presence nearby and looked up to find the adjutant looking at her. The woman didn’t even try to hide the disdain she felt. It showed in the sneer on her face and hung heavy in the air separating them.

“What’s the alien’s status?”

She mentally shook herself, remembering whom she was addressing. “My scans didn’t show any physical damage, nor are there any internal injuries.” She looked down at the unconscious alien. “I suggest we wait and see if she wakes up by herself. Only then can I conduct a more thorough exam. I will activate the force field before I leave for the night.”

“Good. Have a good evening, Doctor.”

Espert nodded and followed the woman with her eyes as she briskly walked over to talk to her security team. She turned back to the sleeping alien.

oOo

The drink didn’t help to settle her frazzled nerves. She took another long drink and grimaced when instead of the usual powerful kick, all she got was a mild buzz on her tongue. With a look of disgust, she put the drink aside and leaned back in the chair. What was all this about? Her gaze moved to the black star-stripped sight outside her window, but not even the stark image could erase the memory of the alien. The Basque were a beautiful race, but the alien was breathtakingly beautiful. It was the color of her hair which stood out in Yonne’s mind’s eye. She took another sip from her drink. It took all her willpower not to return to the brig and to gape at the beautiful alien. As it stands, she really had no reason to be down there, not even director’s privilege would serve as a plausible excuse. Sighing deeply, she drained the glass.

It wouldn’t serve any purpose to fret over her inability to see the alien again. Tomorrow, however, is another day. She could turn in early and be up earlier to check in on the alien. Just as she was done recycling the empty glass, a sharp beep sounded. She walked over to her desktop reader. The first downloads from the alien pod were available. Yonne immediately discarded her earlier decision of going to bed early and settle in behind her desk.

oOo

Something wasn’t right.

She didn’t know exactly what it was, but she could sense it. Without opening her eyes, she lay as still as a corpse and opened her senses to take in her surroundings. There wasn’t much noise, except for a heartbeat in close proximity.

Noor slowly cracked her eyes open to a sliver and studied the room. She had to stop herself from blinking in surprise and giving away her advantage, when an exquisitely beautiful, pale being stepped into view. Where the hell was she? She had travelled extensively and knew almost every race in the Theta quadrant. This was the first time she had encountered this species. They were too memorable to forget. The soft droning of conversation sounded out of sight and she tuned her senses to determine at least how many other people were in the room.

The pale alien leaned over her again. Noor grimaced when a sharp light was shown in her face and she saw the woman jump away from the bed with a soft squeak.

“Hail the Director. Our guest is gaining consciousness.”

Noor couldn’t make out what was said, but by the way that the woman stepped away from the bed and the sudden woozing sound as a force field came up, she knew that her charade has been detected. She decided to give up the farce and slowly sat up, only to moan as a sharp pain lanced through her head. When the worst of the pain had subsided, she slowly climbed to her feet. The faint vibration under her feet proved that she was in fact on a space ship. Her gaze took in the room around her. There were at least ten aliens in the room with her. All pale-looking and all staring at her. She slowly looked down her body and sighed. Of course. She was dressed in all black. These people, on the other hand, were all dressed in either white of pale pastels. She cocked her head to the side. More aliens were on their way. She needed to find a way out of this place, if she wanted to defend herself. She reached out toward the force field and gasped when a sharp sliver of electricity zapped through her fingers. The alien, whom she presumed was the ship’s healer, shook her head slowly.

“You won’t be able to walk pass through it.”

Noor blinked at the woman. Why couldn’t she understand her? She had a universal translator built into her as a child. Their race were largely traders and explorers, causing them to get into contact with many different species, thus the need for universal translators. She reached behind her ear and felt around for the small cylindrical shape just under the skin. She sighed with relief when she found it, right where it was supposed to be. Yet, why wasn’t it working. She rubbed over it a few times. The only reason she could think of f was that her pod might’ve short-circuited somehow passing through an ion storm and the surge fried her translator. Her eyes slowly roved over the healer. The tone of her voice hadn’t been threatening in anyway.

Maybe these aliens were not out to harm her after all.

She turned to look around her ‘prison’ and found that it was sterile, in color, no surprise there, and in contents. There was a bed and that was all. Or not. She noticed the healer’s tray of tools. In her haste to put up the force field she had forgotten to take it with her. She was in luck. If she was to win the trust or garner these aliens’ assistance, it would be a bonus if she could understand and converse with them.

As she pulled the anti-gravitational tray closer, she threw a quick glance at the healer. The woman’s eyes were wide, showing something akin to horror. She realized her mistake, Noor thought as she turned back to the task at hand. She reached for a long scalpel-looking tool and taking a deep breath, lifted it.

“No…”

The unexpected cry from the healer made her drop the tool. She turned to the woman to find her shaking her head. Noor ignored her and picked up the tool. This time she heard the sharp woozing sound of the force field being deactivated and she frowned at the woman.

A very beautiful, but gullible race, it seems. It would be so easy to take her hostage, but something in those pale blue eyes made her discard the thought immediately. The woman looked genuinely concerned for her.

Noor slowly lowered the tool and waited to see what the woman would do next. When after a while the woman was only staring back at her, she raised the tool again. This time the woman moved closer with breathtaking speed and snatched the tool out of her hand. Noor gaped at the woman and at her now empty hand. They were quick. She filed away that titbit of information as she held up her hand. Maybe there was more to this race than she originally thought. They were not overly tall. She topped everyone in the room by at least a head. She knew now that they possessed super speed and even better reflexes, if the woman could snatch the tool without cutting herself in the process. They seem to be a compassionate people, too. Who else would bring a stranger on board and show genuine concern for their safety.

She needed to get her translator fixed. Not only to because she wanted to be able to communicate with the aliens, but it was also the only way she could be located in the event should she needed to be rescued.

She slowly lifted her hair and pointed at the back of her ear. She had missed, probably the only chance to fix it. That leaves the healer. She’ll have to do it. She looked at the woman over her shoulder and from the perplexed look on the woman’s face realized her mistake. She was dwarfing the poor woman. Even if she wanted to help, there was no way that the pint-sized woman would reach so high. With wry grin, Noor went to lie on the bed.

She waited for the woman to react, but before she could, the door slid open and two aliens entered the room. Noor blinked in shock. They were tall and powerfully built and she could tell that they would equal her in height. She just lost the height advantage over the aliens.

The healer quickly stepped away and put up the force field. Noor sat up slowly, fascinated by the fact that both newcomers were women. She also didn’t miss the way the healer was responding to one of the big aliens. The alien in question had a dour countenance and spoke in short, curt sentences as she addressed the healer. The other alien, Noor was surprised to find, seemed to listen to the conversation between the two other women, but her strange light eyes were studying Noor intently.

Noor was no stranger to other people’s curiosity. People had stared at her all her life, but this was different. The alien’s face gave nothing away as she simply looked at her. She swallowed hard at the effect those colorless eyes had on her as they slowly trailed down her body.

CHAPTER 4

Yonne couldn’t stop herself.

The alien female was like a kaleidoscope. There were simply too many beautiful features to take in at once. And so she did. She knew she was openly staring at the woman, but she couldn’t help herself. Next to her she was aware of Cilla giving the doctor a tongue-lashing for having entered the enclosure with the now fully-conscious alien without waiting for them first. She totally agreed with Cilla, and wanted to take part in the conversation, if only to soften the impact of Cilla’s words, but she couldn’t stop staring at the alien.

And the alien was staring back at her with the most beguiling green eyes. A soft clearing of the throat reluctantly drew her attention back to Cilla and the doctor.

The doctor looked flushed and Yonne regretted not coming to the doctor’s aid. She softened her gaze slightly as she looked at the doctor.

“Fill me in, doctor.”

The doctor nodded. Instantly the consummate professional, she ran Yonne through what had happened since they last left the brig. Yonne listened attentively to the doctor, but she was also very much aware of the alien female’s scrutiny of her. She could almost feel the green eyes tracking down her body and she speculated about her reaction to the alien. She wasn’t Basque and nor had she ever had any interest in soliciting the company of the same sex. She had mated before and those times had all been with males. The fact that she didn’t enjoy those encounters didn’t mean that she had wanted to be with a female.

She was a Bourgeois Director now. One of a handful chosen to lead their people and rule the planet. She wouldn’t have come this far, had she been hiding deviant sexual predilections. The woman was fascinating and that’s all. Everyone was staring at her too and, with the exception of the doctor, perhaps, she doubted all the others were harbouring sexual thoughts about the alien.

“How do you suggest we continue from here, Director?”

Knowing that she had missed quite a lot of the conversation, Yonne turned to Cilla. The security chief was staring back at her with an expectant look on her face. She wasn’t going to get any help from that side, it seemed. Instead she turned back to the doctor.

“Has she tried to communicate in any form?”

The doctor shrugged. “Except for trying to cut her throat, no.”

Cut her throat? Yonne blinked in surprise. She really missed quite a lot. She turned her gaze to the alien and found her sitting on the bed, her eyes still focussed solely on Yonne. That didn’t look like someone who wanted to die. She looked back at the doctor.

“I might be wrong, but she doesn’t strike me as being suicidal.”

The doctor frowned. “After I took the scalpel from her, she did point to a spot behind her ear as if she wanted to show me something.” The doctor shrugged. “She even went to sit on the bed as if ready for…I don’t know what.”

“Lower the force field. We’ll find out together.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Director,” Cilla said sharply.

“Then how else do you suggest we find out what she wants, Adjutant?” Yonne said quietly, aware of the doctor’s intent scrutiny of them both. “We can’t keep her in the brig indefinitely. It would require reassigning guards from other areas to guard her for the duration of the mission.”

For a moment the two women stared at each other. Yonne recalled her earlier anxiety when she had thought that the alien might have attacked Cilla. She was sure that Cilla was harbouring the same fear right now. They had been looking out for each other for over fifty years and the fact that Yonne was putting herself in a potentially harmful situation must be grating on her friend’s nerves.

“Then I should do it,” Cilla said after a while. “I will accompany the doctor.”

Yonne was violently opposed to the idea, but she knew that pressing the issue, could raise questions she knew she couldn’t answer. She nodded curtly. “Good. Get on with it.”

oOo

Noor couldn’t make out what they were saying, but she knew she was the topic of discussion from the quick glances the big alien was throwing her way. Instead she listened carefully to the sound and tone of the alien’s voice. For her impressive size her tone was astonishingly gentle. She had experienced that large people had a way of sounding harsh and arrogant to further intimidate. But not this alien. Noor sighed softly. The longer she stared, the more fascinated she was by the woman. If only her translator hadn’t died on her. She was eager to know what they were talking about.

She sat up straighter when the force field was deactivated. What now? Her shoulders tensed slightly when the other big, scowling alien stepped into the enclosure, followed by the healer. She slowly looked from the alien to the doctor and back. When the doctor held up the scalpel, Noor sighed in relief and reached up for her hair. She watched as the alien stiffened at her movement and held up her hands slowly before she lifted her hair to expose her ear. The doctor gave her a small smile and stepped closer. Noor decided then and there that she liked the healer. She was much braver than she looked. When the doctor was close enough, Noor turned her head to allow her access to the spot behind her ear. The move offered her a clear view of the other alien outside the enclosure. The woman looked imposing with her arms folded over her chest. Her light eyes were looking at Noor unblinkingly.

The healer’s fingertip ran over the skin behind her ear. She must’ve felt the small knob, because she stepped back and addressed the silent alien outside the enclosure.

“There seems to be a foreign object implanted under skin behind her ear. How shall we proceed, Director?”

Noor realized then that for all her bluster and scowling, the other alien wasn’t in fact the one in charge. She looked at the other alien with new eyes. She sure looked like a leader, but everything else didn’t seem to add up. Her gentleness, for one, was confusing.

“She seemed to want to have it cut out,” the alien in charge answered in her deep voice.

The healer looked back at Noor and then back at her leader. “I don’t know their physiology that well. I might nick an artery and kill her in the process.”

The big alien suddenly seemed distressed as she took a small step closer, only to stop when the scowling alien threw her a hard look.

“That is not an option, doctor.” This time her tone as sharp and authoritative.

The healer nodded nervously and leaned closer. She gave Noor a warm look and Noor nodded her consent. She didn’t know what was in store for her after this, but she could see herself befriending the healer. She felt a slight twinge as the healer made a small cut. Next she turned to the stoic alien.

“I need a small container. There is one on the tray. If you could bring the tray closer, please.”

The big alien scowled at the healer before she walked over and retrieved a small silver bowl. A soft chip sounded as the healer dropped the translator chip into the bowl. Next she continued to clean the wound and used a small cylindrical tool to repair the small cut. When the healer stepped away, Noor touched the spot behind her ear and smiled. These aliens are obviously much more advanced than most of the races she had encountered. She held out her hand for her chip and grimaced when the scowling alien shook her head and held out her hand. Meekly, the healer handed the bowl to the alien.

Seeing her only chance of rescue and communication change hands, Noor surged to her feet. The healer moved away with a loud shriek as Noor reached for the big alien.

oOo

Cilla was looking at the tiny cylindrical shape in the bowl when the doctor shrieked. Knowing now that the woman was not easily spooked unless there was real danger, she dropped the bowl and reached for her laser. From behind her she could hear her security team approaching. As per security protocols, they needed to protect the director. Using supernatural speed, she unsheathed her laser. The next moment she felt a vicelike grip on her wrist and she looked up, shocked by the immense strength of the woman. They were evenly matched in height and were staring straight into each other’s eyes. Cilla clamped her other hand over the alien’s slender one to pry it away so she could fire her laser, but the woman was simply too strong. Time stood still as they quietly wrestled for control. She felt one of the woman’s fingers give, but that still left four more to dislodge. The alien’s grip increased and Cilla felt the bones in her hand giving under the extreme pressure. Just when she was sure that the alien would snap her wrist, the woman went slack and crumbled to the floor.

Surprised, Cilla looked up from the unconscious alien to find the doctor with a medijector in her hand, her eyes wide as she looked back at Cilla.

Cilla cradled her aching hand against her chest. She would rather snap her own wrist than acknowledge in public that the good doctor had saved her wrist from being pulverized by the alien. She looked down at the woman and shook her head. She looked like a sleeping seraph, the ones her mother had told her about at bedtime. Who would’ve thought that the woman was so strong?

“You need to have the doctor take a look at that,” Yonne said next to her and pushed her in direction of the bed. “Good job, Doctor. What did you give her?”

“A sedative. She should be out for the next ten hours,” the doctor answered quickly as she looked from Yonne to Cilla. “Please take a seat, Adjutant.”

“That gives us time to study the chip. Lieutenant Mino, you have an hour to find out what this is. If she was willing to fight for it, I want to know why.”

Cilla did as she was told and steeled herself for what was to come. A few hours ago, the mere touch of the doctor almost made her act like a fool. This time they were not alone and the doctor was under orders from the director to treat her. Cilla closed her eyes and mentally zeroed on the pain, blocking out any other feeling. The doctor reached out and held the aching limb in a gently hold as she prodded the rapidly darkening area with her fingers. She looked up, her eyes even wider this time.

“She must be extremely strong. She almost broke your wrist,” her voice sounded concerned. “I’ll have to set the bones before I knit them. It will be a painful exercise. Would you like me to administer a pain reliever first?”

There was no way she would dull her senses while the alien was still on board. Who knows how long the sedative would last before her alien physiology expels the drug?

“No, Doctor. Proceed.”

CHAPTER 5

Espert rolled onto her back and sighed again. Sleep eluded her tonight. Too much had happened today for her brain to shut down. First, there was her early encounter with the adjutant in the medical bay and then there was the beautiful alien. She closed her eyes. As exciting as all the aforementioned incidences were, Espert knew they weren’t the real reason why sleep evaded her.

She covered her face with her hands when the image of the adjutant’s pain-filled eyes flashed through her mind’s eye. She had been a doctor long enough to know that the injury the adjutant sustained today was one of the most painful wounds known. Yet, the woman had sat there, her body stiff as a board as Espert painstakingly reset the many small bones in her wrist. It had hurt Espert more than she would admit to be causing the woman more pain. Yes, the woman was infuriating and she hated Espert, but there was something about her that made Espert’s breath hitch and her legs turn to jelly every time she was in the vicinity. Her cold eyes caused an achingly familiar heat to race through her body.

If only…

Espert felt a tear roll down her cheek and she left it as it was absorbed by her pillow. She had signed up for the mission, not knowing how long they would be away from home, but now she wished she knew how long she would have to endure this torture. In a single day, she seemed to have lost her heart to the most unattainable person in the known universe. A woman who detested her fiercely and one who would rejoice at the chance to maroon her on a desolate planet. More tears followed where the first one had led and, after a while, the sounds of her sobs filled the small cabin.

oOo

Three floors up, the cause of Espert’s distress, sat on the edge of her bed, staring blindly out before her. She was tired and wished to sleep, but the pulsing pain in her wrist was too much to ignore. It had taken all her determination not to scream in pain ever time the doctor had to slot a bone into position. Truth be told, she had wanted to, but she chose not to. Not only where her subordinates in attendance, there was Yonne too and finally the doctor. She hated the fact that that woman had seen her in such a vulnerable state. For some strange reason she was always on her guard around the doctor.

It went deeper than the doctor’s Basque origins. The woman unsettled her and Cilla didn’t like the feeling.

But she had no other choice.

She had to do it.

She pressed her earpiece. “Adjutant Cilla to Doctor Espert.”

The director insisted that, considering the alien’s presence, the doctor’s clearance be expedited. The doctor was issued her clearance when her shift ended. Cilla sighed. She could call the nurse on duty, but she didn’t want more than they already growing number of people of the ship to see her in this vulnerable state.

“Yes, Adjutant,” came the halting reply after a few moments.

“Doctor, I need you in my quarters. I will authorise a site to site transport.”

“Give me a few minutes, Adjutant.”

Three minutes later, the doctor communicated that she was ready and Cilla asked the computer to initialize a site to site transfer. She didn’t try to get up when the doctor appeared in her bedroom. Instead she just pointed to her bandaged arm.

“I need a pain reliever.”

“Of course.” No questions. No attitude. Just immediate acquiescence. Cilla liked that. She watched as the doctor opened her bag and took out a medijector. “I’m giving you a slightly higher dose to aid with sleeping too.”

“It’s fine,” she said curtly, angry at herself for noticing how different the doctor looked with her pale hair loose and framing her beautiful face.

The doctor stepped closer and injected the medication. Cilla exhaled softly when she felt the pain beginning to dissipate almost immediately. She looked up at the doctor, conveying her gratitude with a quick glance. With the doctor so close she noticed the red rimmed eyes.

“You were crying. Why?” She found herself asking the question before she could stop herself.

The doctor looked surprised but her expression quickly morphed in embarrassment.

“I feel a little homesick today,” she said softly as she walked over to her bag to put away the medical tool.

“What’s there to miss,” Cilla snorted. “The whoring perhaps?”  The doctor’s back was to her so she couldn’t see the woman’s reaction, but there was a slight stiffing of the doctor’s back at Cilla’s words.

For a moment the room was quiet as the doctor resumed storing away her medijector. When she turned, her face was expressionless.

“You should keep the hand immobile for a few days. The drowsiness will kick in soon. If you like…”

Cilla blinked. What was she talking about ‘kicking in soon’? The next moment she felt herself slid forward, but strong hands quickly held her up. She smiled. “You smell like sunshine,” she slurred.

Then the world went dark.

oOo

Noor slowly opened her eyes and grimaced at the dry sensation in mouth. She lay still trying to determine whether she was alone or not. When there were no immediate sounds, she turned her head.

She blinked in shock when she met the cool, penetrating gaze of the alien leader.

What was she still doing here? Even the healer had left already. She slowly sat up. She would offer her arm for a drink of water. As if reading her mind, the leader walked over to a large unit in the corner of the room and came back with a glass of water. She deactivated the force field and walked up to the bed.

Noor looked at her for a moment before she reached out for the glass. The woman must know by now that Noor didn’t really need a weapon to defend herself, yet she still came into the enclosure unarmed and unaccompanied. She watched the woman over the rim of the glass as she sipped the cool water.

The alien reached into her pocket and held her hand out to Noor. Noor immediately recognized her translator chip. She looked up at the alien and found her smiling. Noor stared blatantly at how the smile changed the woman’s serious countenance. It lit up her eyes making them a shade lighter.

“You should smile more often,” she muttered and saw the woman’s smile falter. Oops, did she say something offensive? With alien cultures it was hard to tell.

“We’ve tried to fix it, but it was completely fried.”

Noor almost dropped the glass in shock. How was it possible that she could understand the woman? She reached behind her ear and felt a slight bump there.

“What did you do?”

“Using your chip as a prototype, our engineers built you another one. The doctor made the implant while you were unconscious.”

Noor held the glass out to the alien. “Thank you.”

“You must be hungry. Is there anything I can get you?”

Her stomach growled at the mention of food. “That depends. You don’t eat bugs and rocks, do you?”

The alien shook her head slowly. “I’m sorry to disappoint, but our tastes are not that exotic.”

Noor smiled. A sense of humor was an irresistible trait in a woman. “In that case, why don’t you surprise me?”

The alien walked over to the unit again. After a minute and a half, she returned with a tray filled with an aromatic, steaming plate. She held the tray out to Noor. “We’ll start with something simple for now. This is a vegetable broth. Nutritious and filling.”

Noor reached for the spoon and looked up at the woman. She was looking back at her with a slight air of expectation. Noor dipped the spoon in the broth and scooped a little of the soup into her mouth. Her eyes shot wide as she lifted them to the alien. It was really good. A faint smile formed on the alien’s face.

“I like it. It’s very flavorful.”

“Yes, and it’s the best choice for when you want to settle your stomach after a traumatic experience, say like getting stranded in space in an escape pod.” The light eyes were sharp as they studied her.

“Information in exchange for food,” Noor sneered. Deeply disappointed that all this was simply a fishing expedition for the alien, she dropped the spoon in the bowl.  What else did you expect, her inner voice goaded her cruelly.

“I’m sorry that you’re seeing it that way. But, you’re right. I’ll let you finish your supper and we can talk tomorrow. If we hope to help you then we’ll need your participation.”

The woman stepped out of the enclosure and activated the force field. “There will be a guard on duty to remove the tray once you’re done.”

Noor nodded. She doubted if the guard was stationed there to remove used crockery, but she held her tongue. It didn’t feel right to provoke the woman after she’d been so accommodating. The woman turned and made for the door. For some strange reason, Noor really didn’t want the woman to leave. Not yet, that is.

“Wait!”

The alien turned to face her, a pale brow arched. “Yes?”

“What is your name?”

Surprise flitted over the alien’s face. “Yonne.”

“Yonne,” Noor tasted the name on her tongue. “It’s sounds beautiful.”

The alien cocked her head to the side. “What is yours?”

“Noor. It means ‘moon’ in my language.”

The alien’s mouth opened and closed again. Noor wondered what the woman had wanted to say. Instead the alien bowed deeply. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Noor.” With that she turned on her heels and walked out of the room.

Noor returned her attention to the broth and resumed her eating. Yonne. She wondered what it means.

oOo

Yonne held up her hands and found them to be shaking slightly. She quickly balled them into fists and sighed. She was lucky that she was the only one in the lift, for she didn’t know how she would’ve explained her ragged breathing and shaking hands.

The lift stopped on the uppermost lodging floor, which housed the top cadre of the ship, and she briskly walked to her quarters. A door slid open down the hall and she glance over to see who it was. She blinked when the doctor stepped out of Cilla’s room. Their gazes locked and for a moment they simply stared at each other. Yonne’s eyes fell on the bag in the doctor’s hand and she sighed softly. Cilla would have her head if she were to find out what Yonne first thought had been when the doctor came out of her quarters at this time of the night.

“Doctor,” she greeted, hoping her voice sounded calm, considering her inner turmoil.

“Director.” She gestured to the door she had just exited. “The adjutant called me. I had to administer a pain reliever.”

Worried, Yonne stepped closer. Wondering if she should check in on Cilla. “How’s she doing?”

The doctor smiled. “She’s sleeping now. I’ve given her a stronger dose than normal as well as mild sedative to help her sleep. The wrist is set and healing, but the pain will prevail for another day or two.”

Yonne smiled. “Thank you for the update, doctor. I’ll see how we can reduce her duties until she has fully recovered. Goodnight, doctor.”

“Goodnight, Director.”

She entered her quarters and went straight to the food processor. This time, she settled for Cleona tea. With all the chaos in her mind and body, the mildly soporific tea would help her to sleep. The short conversation with the doctor had been distracting, returning a little bit more of Yonne’s balance.

Maybe she should have the doctor run some more tests on the alien…Noor. It was unthinkable that the woman should affect her so.

CHAPTER 6

The doors to the medical bay flew open, admitting a fuming Cilla. Her eyes scanned the room until they fell on the petite shape of the doctor where she was standing at a desk reader punching in data. In another corner of medical bay two paramedics and a nurse were leaning over a patient. Assured that the others won’t be able to overhear the pending conversation between the doctor and herself, Cilla approached the doctor. She was just about to make her presence known, when the woman turned and gasped. In that nano-second a myriad of emotions flitted over the doctor’s face. Shock morphed into pleasure, then desire and finally fear. Stunned by what the doctor had given away without her even knowing, Cilla swallowed hard.

“Adjutant,” the doctor said coolly, having pulled herself together admirably. “Is your wrist bothering you? Do you need another pain reliever?”

Cilla looked around to check if they were still out of earshot. She took a small step closer to the doctor and saw raw panic on the woman’s face.

“Listen carefully, for I will never repeat myself again,” she began coldly. “If you ever, without my explicit consent, touch me again, I will make sure that you rue the day you decided to come on this mission. Am I making myself clear?”

The doctor threw a quick glance at her colleagues before she spoke. “I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

“Don’t try and play the fool now. I’ve called you to my quarters to tend to my injury. Instead, you drugged me and slaked your vile, depraved lust on my unconscious person,” Cilla hissed. “I should throw you in the brig for this.”

That had been her first thought when she woke this morning and found herself in only a vest and her underwear. As the grogginess of the drug wore off, only then did the events of the previous night filtered through. Her brain felt like exploding when she realized that the last person who had been in her quarters with her was Espert. The realization of what must’ve transpired was so disturbing that it had sent her to the bathing room where she had expelled everything that was in her stomach. She glared at the smaller woman, her hands itching to clamp around her neck and squeeze until…

She needed to get out here and away from this woman before she did something that would see her ending up in the brig. She spun on heel and had only taken a few steps when the doctor spoke.

“Adjutant.”

Turning to face the woman, Cilla barked. “What?”

Her eyes widened slightly when the doctor approached her. She came to a stop so close to Cilla that she had to tip her head all the way back.

“Believe me when I tell you that had I been slacking my vile lust on you, you would’ve known. Your body would burn at the mere sight of me.”

Too shocked by the woman’s gall to find a suitable retort, Cilla’s hand shot out.

“Adjutant,” a crisp voice sounded over her earpiece. “You are needed on the bridge.”

Cilla felt the red haze lift from behind her eyes and she cringed inwardly when she found her large hand around the woman’s delicate neck. She quickly dropped her hand and took a quick step back. What the hell was happening to her? The doctor was massaging her neck, her eyes wide with fear and hurt as they stared at her.

“Adjutant Cilla respond?”

“Yes,” she croaked. “I’m on my way.”

With one final look at the other woman, she stalked out of the medical bay.

oOo

Espert was badly shaken by her encounter with the adjutant, but she was the picture of calm when she turned to her gaping colleagues.

“I appeal to you not to mention anything that happened here. To do so would be tantamount to rumor-mongering and incitement and I believe the director would not condone such behaviour on her ship.” The other three nodded quickly. “Now let’s finish up here before we break for lunch.”

She watched as they resumed their duties before she returned to the desk reader. She read through the prescriptions she was analysing and when she wanted to type in another formula, she found that her hands were shaking so hard that she couldn’t press the correct keys. She quickly shook her hands hoping to subdue the shaking, but to no avail. With a soft sigh she lowered her head and felt a tear rolling down her cheek to splash onto the screen of the desk reader.

She was hurting so much at that moment and there was no one on the ship she could tell.

They probably wouldn’t care either. She was Basque and they were all Bourgeois.

oOo

The desk reader’s screen flickered and Yonne smiled at the familiar face. “Minister Bredo, it is good to see you again.”

The man smiled showing a neat row of sharp teeth. “Likewise, Director Yonne. Imagine my delight when I heard that your ship was spotted in our part of space.” The man’s face sobered up quickly. “Your timing is impeccable.”

Yonne frowned. “What do you mean?”

“We need your help, Director Yonne. I would love to meet with you so we could discuss this.”

Yonne nodded. “Of course.”

The alien looked relieved. “Thank you, Director. We will send you the coordinates of our headquarters.”

The view screen went blank and Yonne turned to find Cilla standing behind her. “What do you make of that?”

Cilla pursed her lips. “I’m not sure if meeting on the surface is a good idea.”

Yonne rolled her eyes. What did she expect? Cilla was always thinking of the safety issue first, which in fact was her job. “We were on Pando two decades ago. Why would he send us the coordinates of their headquarters again?”

“Maybe they’ve decided to relocate their headquarters.”

Yonne frowned. “Could be. Once we have the coordinates, let’s run a scan of the area first before we beam down. In the meantime, arrange for a team to accompany me.” She moved towards her dayroom. “I want Espert to accompany me.” When there was no answer from Cilla, she turned. Cilla had a strange look on her face. “Adjutant?”

“Do you have a minute, Director?”

Yonne felt her heart sink. She had hoped for a quick visit with Noor, but she knew Cilla long enough to know that the other woman had something pressing to discuss.

“I can give you five,” she said as she walked to her day room. She waited until the door hissed closed behind Cilla to turn. She studied Cilla closely. During their years of friendship, Yonne had learned where to look for the signs to read her friend’s mood. There was a slight strain around Cilla’s face and her eyes were a darker shade than usual.

“Director,” Cilla began and the formal address worried Yonne further. “I need to put myself on report for assault.”

Yonne blinked. Assault? If she hadn’t known Cilla so well, she would’ve thought the woman was pulling her leg. The troubled eyes pleaded with her and Yonne acquiesced. Cilla needed her to be her superior officer and not a friend.

“I need more.”

Cilla’s eyes found the floor and when she looked up again, there was something akin to shame in her gaze. “I called Dr. Espert to my quarters last night to administer a pain reliever. When I woke this morning, I…” Cilla quickly lowered her gaze again. “… I found myself half-naked.”

Yonne swallowed hard. This was not good. Not good at all. “I take it you confronted the doctor?”

Cilla nodded. “I did…more.”

“More?” Yonne prompted, her concern increasing. There was something really strange going on between Cilla and the doctor. They were both extremely skittish around each other, or rather the doctor was. Cilla became hard and distant in the presence of the woman. She was like a stranger when she was around the woman. “Did you hurt her?”

“I strangled her.”

Yonne swore under her breath and walked over to the processor. She was still on duty, but she craved something really strong at that moment. Instead she programmed it for water. She took a long and deep draught before she turned back to Cilla. The woman still stood with her eyes lowered. Yonne shook her head slowly. She was disturbed by the thought of her big, strong friend, strangling a smaller, more delicate Espert. It was just wrong on so many levels. She skirted her desk and booted her desk reader.

“I want to show you something,” she said quietly and quickly punched in a few commands, gesturing for Cilla to come closer. She pressed play and leaned back in her chair observing Cilla quietly as the security chief watched the recording. She knew when Cilla had seen enough, for the woman closed her eyes tightly. Yonne wished she could do something…anything, but her hands were tied. At this stage, protocol dictates that Cilla get a write-up in her file. As Cilla’s friend, she was stunned by how completely out of character her friend’s behavior had been.

“It was you,” Cilla stated quietly after a while.

“Yes.” Yonne reached for the glass and drained it. “I met the Espert coming out of your room and she informed me that you called her for a pain reliever. After she had left, I went back an hour later to check up on you.” Yonne sighed. “You were still dressed in your uniform. I wanted you to be comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Cilla said as she met Yonne’s eyes. “I will write a report and send it to you for review, Director. In the meantime,” Cilla looked away again, but this time not before Yonne had seen the flash of pain in her eyes. “I need to apologize to the doctor.”

Yonne rose and walked around the desk to stand before her friend. “It’s none of my business, unless it affects, like it has today, the well-being of the ship, but what is it with you and the doctor?”

Cilla’s eyes hardened slightly. “Her…kind…type, doesn’t belong on the ship.”

“Her type, kind…?” Yonne eyes narrowed to slits. She didn’t care much for the Basque culture, but she abhorred intolerant behavior. Cilla knew that well. “That is not for you to decide,” she snapped.

Cilla nodded. “My apologies, Director. I misspoke. What I meant to say was that the possibility of her corrupting the younger officers is a cause for concern. Until we find what we’re looking for, we have no idea how long our mission will be.” Cilla caressed the arm of her injured wrist. “We have so much to deal with already to have to worry about the woman enticing vulnerable young women into her depravity.”

Yonne knows that what Cilla said was true, but for some inexplicable reason, she felt that she needed to defend the Basque woman. She cocked her head to the side as she studied her friend. She has been doing this for a while now. Funny, but all this started since the Basque doctor arrived on the ship. It was as if there were a small insect colony living under Cilla’s skin.

“She is a member of my crew, Cilla. Just like you and anyone else on this ship, she has the same right to be here. Whatever happens on this mission is my responsibility. I’ll be the one reporting and justifying any transgressions to the Director’s Council in the end.” She rubbed over her eyes. This was not easy, but it needed to be done. “You will put yourself on report for assault and will appear before a disciplinary hearing within a week’s time. Until that time, you will be confined to your quarters. Dismissed.”

Cilla nodded and left the day room briskly.

With a deep sigh Yonne threw herself into her chair. If this was what she had to endure for the rest of the mission, she had her work cut out for her.

CHAPTER 7

Noor was sipping a sweet warm brew that one of the guards suggested when they brought her breakfast. Her eyes carefully studied the room. She wasn’t sure where exactly in the ship she was being held, but if this was the brig then she was surely happy that these aliens had been the ones coming across her pod. Her mood shifted subtly and she felt anger and despair pouring through her.

She missed home.

If only things had worked out differently, she wouldn’t have to be here, wherever here was. She placed the cup back on the tray as her appreciation for the drink fled with her change of mood.

How long had she been drifting in space? What had happened on Avian? She swallowed hard at the thought of her parents. Her mother? She recalled the sadness and dejection in her mother’s green eyes when…

The door hissed open admitting the slight figure of the healer. Noor found her mood lifting slightly at the sight of the woman. When the woman came over but not make eye contact immediately, Noor frowned. She didn’t know the woman long, but she could tell that something wasn’t right with her. The healer prepared a few tools on a tray.

“Are you well?”

The ash blonde head lifted and Noor inhaled softly at the sight of the unhappy eyes. The woman was hurting and was doing a really bad job of hiding it.

“I’m well, thank you.” She deactivated the force field and came to stand by the bed. “I need to monitor your vitals to see how your system is handling our ship’s environment.”

Noor studied the woman intensely. “You don’t seem like yourself.”

A small smile tugged at the woman’s lips. “I’m as well as can be. Would you mind lying back, please?”

Noor shrugged and complied. She lay still as the woman worked around her. It was only when the doctor was done that she made eye contact again.

“Your vitals are getting stronger. I’m happy to see that you are eating as well. I was going to have to feed you intravenously if you’re system rejected solid food.”

Smiling, Noor rubbed over her belly. “You have good food on this ship. If I keep on eating this well, I might not fit in my clothes.” She noticed the doctor’s eyes trailing over her body with ill-disguised interest. “You have a place where I can train, in case that happens?”

“Yes. We can arrange for you to get some exercise.” She moved away from the bed allowing Noor to sit up. Noor watched as the doctor rearranged some tools on the tray. Looking closely, she found the woman’s hands shaking slightly. Without thinking it through, she reached out. The woman squeaked in surprise, or fright, Noor couldn’t tell. Ignoring the guards who were rapidly approaching, she pulled the smaller woman in a gentle embrace. For a few moments the healer’s body was stiff in her arms, but when Noor began to rub soothing circles on her back, she felt the stiffness dissipate and the woman began to lean into her body. The guards stopped in the tracks, confused.

“I’m sorry that you’re hurting,” she murmured softly and felt a tremor run through the slight body. She held the woman for a few moments longer, before she disengaged to hold her at arm’s length. The blue eyes swam in tears and the beautiful face was tight with emotion. Seeing this, Noor felt anger rush through her. “Who hurt you?”

The woman shook her head and moved out of the embrace. “It was a misunderstanding.”

Noor nodded as she reached out to cup the delicate cheek with her palm. “But still a painful one, little one.” They stood, looking at each other when there was soft clearing of the throat.

They both turned to the newcomer. Noor felt a rush of joy at the sight of the woman. Her smile faltered a little when she noticed the cool look on the woman’s face. She carefully took a step back and held up her hands. The healer or the doctor as she had heard her being called, quickly moved over to Yonne.

“I’ve examined the alien…”

“Noor.” Yonne’s eyes slowly tracked from the doctor to meet Noor’s. “Her name is Noor.”

The doctor blinked. “That’s…” She nodded. “Noor seems to adapt well to the environment and the fact that she’s consuming solid food…”

“Why don’t you address me directly, Yonne?” Noor asked softly. She noticed the startled look the doctor gave her, but she ignored it. Yonne’s indifference demeanor was affecting Noor tremendously. She missed the gentle rapport she had established with the woman the last time they’d interacted. Yonne slowly turned to her and Noor felt a tiny frisson run down her spine at having the woman’s full attention. “I believe I can give you a detailed, personal account.” The colorless eyes narrowed slightly and Noor slowly moved closer, only stopping right before she crossed force field barrier. “Or is it against the rules to interact with your prisoners?”

She didn’t know what reaction to expect from her taunt. Thus, she was greatly surprised when Yonne sighed and skirted the doctor to come stand before her. Noor noticed that the woman topped her by a few centimeters.

“You’re not a prisoner, Noor,” Yonne said softly and held out her hand. Noor hesitated. The woman stirred strange feelings within her. She wasn’t sure it touching her would be such a good idea. Yonne seemed to have misunderstood her hesitation and withdrew her hand, her light eyes turned cool. Noor felt instant regret at giving the woman the impression that she didn’t trust her. “Unless you tell us more about how you’ve ended up drifting in space, we can’t help but think that you’ve something to hide.”

Noor cocked her head to the side as she held the woman’s eyes. “Why are you so eager to know more about me? You were the ones who brought me on board, if I remember correctly.”

That seemed to have been the wrong thing to say, for Yonne turned away and activated the force field. Her tone was harsh when she spoke again. “We’re orbiting the Pando world and are meeting with the ruling council in an hour. You will accompany us and we’ll transfer you and your pod somewhere safe.”

oOo

Espert had watched the peculiar interaction between Noor and the director. She didn’t know the director well, but she could almost swear that woman acted like a spurned                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  paramour. Before she could truly analyze the situation, the director came over to her.

“Ensure that our guest is inoculated for her trip planet-side,” she said calmly although her face looked like it was cut out of marble. At that moment she looked the part of the fierce director.

“Yes, Director. I’ll see to it immediately.” She turned to comply, only to come to an abrupt stop at the feeling of the heavy hand on her shoulder.

“Adjutant Cilla came to see me earlier.” Gone was the stoic, cold woman and in her place was a concerned leader. “She’ll be confined to her quarters for the time being.”

Espert closed her eyes as she relived the earlier pain. She felt tears burning behind her eyelids and she blinked quickly. She had hoped to keep the incident from reaching the director’s ears, but it seemed the adjutant had other ideas. She was indeed as noble as the crew professed her to be.

“It was a simple misunderstanding, Director.”

“One I do not condone, nor hope to see repeated,” the Director said firmly. “For as long as you are on this ship, you are part of my crew and you’ll be treated with the respect as all the other crew members. I don’t want you to ever doubt that.”

The tears she had tried so hard to suppressed, rolled freely at the director’s words. It meant a lot to know that there was at least one person on the ship, who was in her corner. She felt the director move closer. The woman didn’t touch her, but her gaze was warm and powerful. It engulfed her, like an embrace.

“Anyone who treats you otherwise will have to answer to me.” The director squeezed Espert’s shoulder. “I’m sorry that I failed to step in before it reached this level.”

Espert nodded as she wiped her eyes. “Thank you, Director.”

The director gave her a small smile before she walked to the exit.

“She’s a strange one.”

Espert smiled as she turned to Noor. “In a good way.”

The alien’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I thought you were interested in the other one.”

Without looking at Noor, Espert spoke. “I’m not so sure anymore.”

When silence met her remark, she turned to find Noor looking at her, her eyes had a hard glint to them. Espert blinked in surprise. She quickly looked away, swallowing uncomfortably.

oOo

Noor exhaled slowly. The action allowing her to release the heaviness in her chest. Her eyes strayed from the doctor’s back to the door. This was complicating everything. She wished her mother was here to help her make sense of all this. She swung her legs on the bed and stretched out. It was indeed time for her to literally ‘jump ship’ before things get more problematical. She absently rubbed over her chest, as if to alleviate the pressure there.

She heard the doctor moving over the bed and Noor exposed her neck. When the doctor hesitated, she turned her head to look at the woman. “Problem?”

A faint smile formed on the woman’s exquisite face. Noor was immediately reminded of the woman’s interest in Yonne and she quickly looked away. She wasn’t going to alienate the only person she could call a friend.

“Why don’t you want us to assist you?”

Noor smiled as she turned to look at the doctor. “You people seem to communicate largely through asking questions.”

Espert shrugged. “We are on an exploratory mission, after all.” She held up the medijector. “This will prevent you from catching any contagions on the Pando world. Since I’m not sure how long you would be stationed in this sector, I’ve administered a stronger dosage to last you about a year.”

Noor nodded. She felt the cold press of the medijector against her neck, followed by a soft hiss. “Thank you.” She swung her feet off the bed, eyeing the doctor closely. “Why don’t you come with me?”

The doctor swung around from where she was doing whatever she was doing, her back turned to Noor. Her ice blue eyes were wide with surprise. “Why…? What makes you think that I would want to leave the ship?”

“Maybe because of the fingerprint marks around your neck. Or maybe because I’ve noted how everyone, except Yonne, treats you.”

Pain flashed through the doctor’s eyes. She turned away, slowly. “I told you it was a misunderstanding. The director made sure that it’ll never happen again.”

Noor rose from the bed and walked over to stand behind the woman. She was so delicate. Fresh anger rose at the thought of someone placing their hands on the doctor. From the smudges around her neck, whoever did that to the doctor had to be big. Noor wanted to hold the doctor again, like she did earlier. But she held back. “The director can’t be everywhere, all the time.” The small frame jerked in surprise at her unexpected proximity. “We could explore the galaxy together. Who knows, you might find someone you like and settle down, have offspring and live openly.”

The doctor turned slowly. “I…”

“You’ll do no such thing,” a harsh voice cut in.

Both Noor and the doctor turned to find Adjutant Cilla glaring at them.

CHAPTER 8

Yonne was angry.

Furious.

Helpless.

She undressed; her actions jerky and awkward. There was no way that she could take back her impetuous decision. Too many witnesses. She stepped under the warm spray. The jets pricked her face as she wished it could penetrate her brain and wash the last fifteen minutes away.

Noor would be gone in the next thirty minutes.  And she could not do anything about that. Because she started it. Yonne leaned her forehead against the tiles, letting the water run down her shoulders and back.

She was terrified to name the emotion churning in her stomach. The one that made her lash out when she saw Noor cradling Espert in her arms. What was happening to her? Why should it bother her if Espert and Noor wanted to explore their…? She shook her head. She could not finish the thought. Just thinking about…

A loud ping from the bedroom interrupted her morose thoughts. It was time to get ready. The away team would be meeting in the transporter chamber soon.

She dressed as if on autopilot, her mind carefully blank.

oOo

Espert took a small step back, bumping into the rigid body of Noor. She hasn’t seen Cilla since the incident this morning. Wasn’t she supposed to be confined to her cabin? Cilla looked slightly unkempt. Her tunic was not tucked in and her hair looked like she had tunnelled her fingers through it multiple time. Espert noticed that Cilla was cradling her hand against her chest with her other hand. A closer look proved her suspicions right. The adjutant was in pain. She jumped when she felt a soft touch on her arm.

“Was she the one who left those marks on you?” Noor’s voice was low, deadly.

Espert froze at the menace in the female alien’s voice. Cilla was in no state to defend herself should Noor decide to attack her. Keeping her expression neutral, she slowly inched closer to the irate officer. “I believe it’s time for another check-up, Adjutant. Would you like me to get one of our nurses to look at your hand?”

She shivered when the adjutant’s eyes moved from Noor to meet hers. They were dark with disgust. Espert waited patiently as those ice cold eyes trailed over her, lingering on her neck. When they met hers again, disgust and some unknown emotion warred in her eyes.

“Do what needs to be done.”

Espert exhaled slowly, not at all aware that she had held her breath under the cold scrutiny. She quickly loaded a medijector. When she turned back to Cilla, it was to find her staring at Noor. A quick look at Noor, showed that the alien was not in the least intimidated. Instead, she had a slight smile playing on her lips. Knowing that she needed to diffuse the tension, and quickly, Espert activated the force field to Noor’s cubicle, earning herself a taunting look from the alien. “If you’ll follow me, Adjutant, please.” She walked over to one of the vacant glass cubicles. She waited until Cilla had settled on the bed before she approached her. “It’s a lower dosage and shouldn’t knock you out.” Cilla nodded absently, but Espert noticed that Cilla’s eyes never strayed from the cubicle where an attentive Noor was watching them. The alien still had that infuriating smile on her face.

Taking a steadying breath, she crossed into Cilla’s personal space. Her senses were immediately assaulted by the woman’s proximity. Her heart rate picked up and her slight tremor stirred her hand. After administering the painkiller, she hastily moved away. She put as much distance between them as the cubicle allowed. Cilla rolled her neck, her eyes expressionless as they studied her.

“I believe this dosage will tide you over until the evening. I’ll have the night staff prepare another for you.” Espert turned to leave. The temptation to reach out and brush away the errand lock falling over the broad forehead was almost too much to resist.

“I’m sorry.”

The words were uttered softly. So softly that she probably wouldn’t have heard them if she hadn’t been so aware of the woman. She turned slowly, her face carefully impassive. Cilla was looking at her, but not making eye contact. Instead they were focused somewhere below her face. Espert reached up to touch her neck. A dark flush crawled up Cilla’s neck and she looked away.

“Don’t leave because of me.”

Espert’s mouth fell open and closed again. Cilla probably wasn’t aware of it, but her voice sounded so lost and broken, that Espert’s heart was shattering at the sound. She took a small step closer to the other woman. Before she could react, the doors slid open and the director stepped in. She was accompanied by two security officers. Espert gave Cilla a quick look, before she walked over to intercept the director. She was aware of Cilla’s eyes on her, but she knew she couldn’t afford to be distracted now. Cilla was their best security officer, and with her sitting out on this away mission, they’ll all have to be on their guard.

oOo

Yonne noticed Cilla and quickly made her way over to her. Her eyes burned with anger as she stared at the woman. Friendship doesn’t afford Cilla the right to disobey her orders

“What are you doing here?” Her voice was low, but loaded with menace.

Cilla averted her eyes. “I had to apologise to her.”

“Leave now, before I confine you to the brig, Adjutant,” Yonne snapped.

Cilla rose and quietly left the brig. Only then, did Yonne turned her attention to the others in the room. She was in a foul mood and she wasn’t going to hide it from them. Without acknowledging the presence of Noor, she allowed Espert to administer the medicine. She had hoped not the see Noor again until they beamed down to the planet. Since Espert spent more time in brig medical bay to monitor the alien woman, her office had been temporarily moved from Deck 6 to here.

Yonne slid from the cot and walked over to Noor’s cubicle. She waited until she felt the presence of her security officer’s behind her. “Please escort our guest to the transporter room.” She turned to Espert. “Whenever you’re ready, doctor.”

“Aye, Director.”

She watched as Noor was led away and turned to Espert. “Adjutant Cilla…”

“She came for a medical issue, Director, and to apologize.”

Yonne nodded. “Shall we?”

She needed to get this over with before she caved in and stop Noor’s transfer to the planet. When they entered the transport room, Noor was standing on the dais with six security officers aiming their laser guns at her. The tension in the room was almost suffocating. Yonne quickly walked over to the security team.

“What’s going on here Officer Frendi?” The security officer reluctantly lowered her weapon.

“The alien disarmed Officer Packt and we responded to their threat.”

“And the weapon?” Yonne’s eyes scanned over Noor’s person. “What did she do with the weapon?”

Officer Packt stepped forward, her face a slightly ruddy. “She handed it back to me, Director.”

Yonne turned to fix her gaze on Noor. The other woman stared back, not looking in anyway as if she’d moved from that spot. Their eyes held for a long moment. Yonne motioned to the security team.

“Let’s get going. We’re running late.”

oOo

Noor didn’t really know why she attacked the officer, but she simply did. There was no reason for her to have done so. She wasn’t threatened or mistreated by any of the officers. On the contrary, they all seemed a little in awe by her. She glanced in the direction of Officer Packt and noted the slight stiffening as she the woman tightened her hold on her laser gun. Noor smiled. Her smile widened even further when the woman blinked back at her. She felt eyes on her and knew instinctively who was looking at her. Just as she was about to make eye contact the transport beam shimmered, obscured her view of the Yonne, where she stood next to the transporter dais, looking up at Noor. All she could make out to the woman was the stony expression on the director’s face. That was to be her last memory of the woman.

A few moments later they materialized in an overgrown valley. Looking around, she spotted her pod a few feet away. One of the officers approached the pod and waited for Noor to join her.

“We have outfitted the pod with a small standardized food processor and a solar system which should function adequately as long as you have clear and unobstructed access to sunlight.” She looked up at the sky. Noor followed her gaze. The day was bright with sunlight. A few clouds were scattered around. It was still far off, but she could sense a storm brewing somewhere. There might be a spillover later in the day. She glanced at the officer.

“Thank you.”

A curt nod was the only response before the officers grouped together. She watched dispassionately as they were beamed up.

So that was it.

Her final link with the fascinating Director has been severed. She turned to her pod. Hopefully the beacon was still functioning.

oOo

After three months in space, Yonne was relieved to feel solid earth beneath her feet. The town of Pandi, the Pando planet’s capitol, was a bustling trading city. Aliens of all shapes and sizes were working their way through the narrow streets. Not much has changed since their last visit thirty years ago.

Except for the fact that the capitol was not where it had been three decades ago. And that there was an oddness about the whole market scene. Everyone seems busy and going about their own way, but there was a lack of spontaneity about the activity. It was subtle, but Yonne knew something was off. She moved closer to the petite form of the doctor, where she was staring in awe at the activity around her.

“Stay close to me, doctor, and keep your eyes open.” And your hand close to your weapon, she added silently. It wouldn’t serve any purpose to alarm the doctor too much. She caught the eye of the head of her security detail. Officer Frendi seemed to be tuned in on the subtle tension too. They were a few meters from the Congregational Hall, where they would meet up with Ambassador Bredo, but it seemed that Officer Frendi was not taking chances. With a short nod to her team, they boxed in Yonne and the doctor. Yonne, whose eyes had continuously swept the bustling mass, noticed that the subtle maneuver had not gone completely unnoticed. She had caught a few covert glances thrown their way.

The street suddenly cleared before them and Yonne recognized Ambassador Bredo. He was accompanied by a heavily armed detail. Without breaking stride, she took a moment to study the man carefully. They haven’t seen each other in three decades, but the time they had spent together thirty years ago, was enough for her to have come to know and read the man well.

The Pandonians were humanoid, with a tall, slender built. Whereas the Basques were pale, the Pandonians had a rich, mahogany skin tone, which offset their light green eyes. Eyes that were very expressive and Ambassador Bredo probably had the most expressive eyes Yonne had ever seen.

At that very moment they were filled with dread even as the Ambassador was smiling broadly in welcome.

CHAPTER 9

Noor rolled her shoulders and inhaled deeply as she stepped away from the pod. She had been drifting in space for almost six months. Daily log entries ceased three months ago, which means she had been unconscious for three months. This must be the reason why she had drifted so far off course. She looked around her. After the sterile interior of an escape pod and then that of a spaceship, it should be liberating to see the lush greenery and feel the sun on her skin. But the heaviness in her chest refused to ease. She shook her head slowly. She needed to find a way back to Avian and quickly. A soft ping drew her attention back to the pod. She activated a scan of the area. What she saw made take a quick step back from the pod.

Hencrons.

The Hencrons were a nomadic group, greedy and brutal in their quest to gain riches and power. Luckily, their technology wasn’t as sophisticated as hers. Her fingers flew over the console and with a faint flicker, the pod was rendered invisible, its signal masked. She scanned the area and when her eyes fell on a sturdy tree a few feet away, she quickly scaled the gnarled limbs. She hid behind the lush green leaves and waited.

A few minutes later, she heard the soft whining sound of an approaching aircraft. Through an opening in the leave cover, she easily recognized the octagonal shuttle of the Hencrons. Her face pulled in distaste. Everything about the space rovers were crude and build to intimidate. She watched as the shuttle hovered above her, obviously having pinpointed the location of her beacon before she had masked the signal. There was a soft whooshing sound and two Hencrons appeared under the tree she was hiding in.

“The signal originated from this spot,” one of the rover’s said.

“It did, but as you can see, there is nothing here,” another snapped.

The two stepped out from under the tree. Noor frowned. They should not approach the pod. The fact that the pod was not visible, doesn’t mean that it wasn’t there. She looked around frantically. She needed to divert their course. Her eyes fell on some oval-shaped fleshy fruit and reaching for it, she took care not to rustle the leaves.  She carefully parted the leaves and tossed the fruit in the opposite direction the rovers were going. The two froze a few feet from the pod and turned.

“You know what this means?” one of the rover’s whispered, his voice tight with excitement.

“Uh…should I?”

There was a disgusted snort. “The signal was Avian and whoever it was, is still here. If we capture an Avian, just think of the credits we could get for it.”

“And what of Lord Concalle?”

There was a short silence. “He doesn’t have to know. Now, let’s split up and find whoever it is.”

Noor sighed with relief when the two set off the opposite direction. The shuttle had moved on, following the rovers, but she would rather not take the chance of being spotted as she was trying to slip away. Instead she made herself comfortable in the nook, her thoughts dark.

Concalle was here.

oOo

Yonne smiled over the rim of her goblet at something Ambassador Bredo was saying, but all her senses were stimulated. She could hear from the pitched tone of the Ambassador’s voice that he was tense. There was fine sheen of sweat on his upper lip and he reeked of fear. She also noticed that his eyes kept straying to the small oval shaped camera in the corner.

They were being watched and whoever was doing the watching seemed to be a great threat, if the ambassador’s reaction were anything to go by. Yonne slowly got to her feet and walked over to the large windows. At her first move, she had noticed that the ambassador had stiffened and had immediately glanced at the camera. The armed guards also shifted their positions so that they covered Yonne at her new position. Yonne filed the information away. Whoever was watching, wanted them in sight at all times, surrounded by the armed guards.

“I like the new view from the Congressional Hall,” Yonne said pleasantly and turned back to look at their host. Ambassador Bredo smiled, but the action looked strained.

“We’ve experienced some tectonic activities over the last decades and decided to move the city before it crumbled around us.” The ambassador came to his feet as one of the armed guards approached him. After a hushed discussion, the ambassador turned to Yonne. “I believe our meal is ready.”

Yonne grinned. “And not too soon. I’ve been craving some Limat for three decades now.” She quickly made her way over to their host, obviously impatient to for the fabled Limat. As expected her team of seven just as quickly followed her. When they reached the Ambassador, Yonne placed her hand on his shoulder, holding him up and effectively obstructing the passage of the others down the hallway.

“Now!”

She shook her wrist and a small device fell into her hand. She felt for the button and pressed it hard. As they dematerialized, the guards lifted their rifles and fired.

oOo

“Adjutant.”

Cilla sat up and in one motion reached for her earpiece. “Yes.”

“Adjutant, we’re getting strange readings from the surface.”

Cilla swung her feet off the bed. Yonne was on the surface, as well as …. She swallowed hard. “What type of readings?” She was already shrugging into her uniform. Confinement be damned. If Yonne was in danger, her job as Security Head, overruled all prior orders.

“The away team’s signal went offline for a moment, before it became online again in another location.”

“They teleported?”

“It would seem so, Adjutant.”

“I’ll be right there.”

One other thing, Adjutant. We placed a tracker on our alien guest’s pod, but it also seemed to have gone offline.”

Cilla frowned. What the hell was going on down there?

“Thank you, Officer Peele.”

She strode onto the bridge five minutes later, in full Security Head mode. She immediately approached the tactical console. “Keep repeating the long range scans. As soon as we get a lock on the away team, we’ll beam them up.”

“Aye, Adjutant.”

She turned to the pilot. “Officer Ank, find us some cover in the meantime.”

“Aye, Adjutant.”

She activated her earpiece. “This is Mercer. Director, respond.”

oOo

Noor watched as the ugly shuttle sped off, before she jumped out of the tree. She made her way over to the pod to deactivate the beacon. She began to arm herself. She could activate it again once she had taken care of the cur, Concalle. The universe would be so much better off without that monster.

But first things first. She needed to find the Mercer crew. They were in big danger and they’re not aware of it. She initiated her mobile GeoTracker. The biggest city lies about four hours from where she found herself. She attached the device to her weapon’s belt and looked around. She could cover the distance in much shorter time. Noor rolled her neck slowly, listening to the pops as her vertebrae aligned themselves. She spread her arms out to the sides and thick, powerful wings shot out. She smiled as she craned her neck to look at them.

“Hello, guys. It’s been a while,” she crooned as she wrapped the wings around herself in a cocoon. “Now let’s take you for a test drive.”

She shot into the air, going higher and higher until the trees looked like little green specks, before she spread her wings. With dizzying speed and a wide smile, she took a downward dive, rustling the leaves of the highest trees as she flew low over them.

oOo

The door opened, admitting a hairy bear of a man. The guards immediately snapped into attention. Concalle, or Lord Concalle as he was known to his underlings and those whom he had conquered, carried himself with confidence and arrogance. He’s cold eyes swept over his soldiers until it fell on the two he was looking for.

“Tell me again.” They had reported news that was important enough to hear twice. Not even the escape of that lily-livered Ambassador could spoil it. The men looked at each other prompting the other speak. “TELL ME AGAIN!”

Just like that, the air was filled with menace, causing the guards to take a cautious step away from the two men who had raised their leader’s ire.

“The readings were Avian, milord.” The man’s voice was low, shaky. “We searched the area, but couldn’t find anything.”

Concalle nodded as his cold eyes skewered the man. He didn’t miss the way the man’s throat worked up and down, as if he was trying to regurgitate a prior meal. Fear was a great motivator and he knew how to keep his men motivated. He slowly approached the two men, towering over them.

“Why didn’t you radio in your position for backup?”

The men glanced at each other again. Make a sound of pure disgust, Concalle’s hand shot out. The men’s heads connected, the sound loud and sickening in the room. He watched dispassionately as the men slid to the floor. He turned away to meet the horror-filled eyes of the other guards.

“Find out who piloted the shuttle and sent them to me.” He walked to the door and spoke just as the door was opened for him. “Clean up that mess.”

He was furious, but at a very young age he was taught that showing anger was a weakness. Anger equals failure. His father’s words still echoed in his mind after all these years. Concalle snorted. His father died much too young to realize the value of an Avian. Had he been alive right now, he’d known that a single member of the elusive, winged species could make a man rich beyond his wildest dreams. Avians were valuable commodities. The rich and powerful kept them as pets. Some even killed and stuffed them to display as life-like statues. Brothel owners were his biggest is customers., f. For Avian blood contained the single most potent substance to stimulate the libido. A few drops in a customer’s drink and the brothel owner smiles all the way to the money dispensary to cash in his credits.

Concalle’s breakthrough came when, as a young man, he accidentally stumbled upon an injured Avian. Having heard the rumors about instant riches, he had sold the alien to the first trader he could find. Due to the physical state of the captive, he couldn’t get much, but he got enough to start a small band of armed mercenaries for hire.

“Milord.”

He looked up, surprised to find himself on the balcony of the Congressional Hall. “Yes.”

“We’ve pinpointed the location of the Ambassador and the aliens.”

Concalle smiled. It was his first encounter with the Borquois but he could tell that, although not as valuable as Avians, they definitely would fetch a pretty penny on the flesh market. They were a healthy and good-looking species. He rubbed his hands of his beard, his pointy teeth showing. Things were looking up for him.

“Take as many men as you can gather and bring them back here.” He listened as the men turned to leave. “Make sure they are unhurt.”

“The Ambassador?”

“He’s served his purpose.”

oOo

“Hold him steady,” Espert snapped. The Ambassador was quite strong, and injured, he was almost difficult to contain. She leaned closer to peer at the wound. She was no expert on Pandonian physiology, but from close inspection, it seems as if none of the vital organs had been hit. She’ll have to give him a pain reliever and a sedative if she wanted to treat him. The only problem was that she wasn’t sure if both would work on the alien. She glanced at the director to voice her concern, only to surge to her feet. The director was leaning against a wall, a large spot of red blossoming alarmingly on her side.

“You’ve been hit,” she barked, almost accusingly, as she approached their leader.

“No, please see to the Ambassador first.” The words sounded strained and slightly breathless.

“The Ambassador is hit in the shoulder. One of the officer can treat him from here.” She nodded at a security officer who was hovering protectively near the director. “Help her lie down.” The director looked even paler, if that was even possible, considering her already light skin tone. Espert unbuttoned the bloodstained tunic. The laser beam had slashed through her side, opening a long, deep gash. She ran the sterilizer over the wound and cleaned away the blood. She sighed in relief. “Your kidney has been nicked, but I can fix that.” Finally, she activated her surgical-stitcher and closed the wound. She sat back to inspect her work and smiled. She was happy that she had asked the engineering division to build her a pocket-sized version of most of her surgical equipment. It had saved the life of their director. “Here,” she held out a small sachet “This will replenish all the iron you’ve lost.”

The director grimaced as she took the sachet. “You seemed to have come prepared. Have you foreseen any of this happening?”

Espert came to her feet. “I’ve learned to always be prepared, Director.”

CHAPTER 10

Pulling the cloak, she had nicked from a stall, tighter around her, Noor effortlessly made her way through the throng of aliens. Her green eyes flitted around, not missing anything. If Concalle was here, then his men would be posted everywhere. She scanned the area carefully. A few feet away a group of men were playing a drinking game. It wouldn’t have raised her suspicions, if not for the way their gazes kept sweeping the marketplace on intervals. She ducked into a narrow alley. A deep humming sound penetrated the marketplace noise and she looked around for its origins. When she found more than one gaze lifted to the sky, she followed suit. A slight frown formed when she saw four shuttles zoomed off in quick succession.

Her stomach did a flip and she swallowed hard. She needed to get out of the city and quickly. She stepped deeper into the alley.

oOo

“Is the Ambassador strong enough to walk? We need to keep moving.” She looked around them. The ruins of the previous capitol offered protection, but it was too much of an obvious hiding spot.

“We’ll carry him if we have too, Director,” one of the security officer responded.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t get to that. I need you to focus on defending the doctor and the Ambassador.” Yonne pushed to her feet, but slid back against the wall almost immediately. She waved the security officer away and tried again. This time her head spun wildly when she stood upright. She looked up to find the doctor looking at her, concerned. “I’m fine, doctor. I just need to walk off the stiffness a little.” The look on the doctor’s face said that she didn’t believe a word, but she also didn’t contradict Yonne. “They will expect us to use the ruins as a hiding place. We need to move now.”

She gently pushed away from the wall and felt her knees buckle. She felt a strong arm holding her up and she turned her head to meet the doctor’s eyes.

“You’ve lost too much blood and it has weakened you.”

“The Ambassador?” Let them take him to safety first.”

Espert nodded. “Officer Frendi, you heard the director.”

The officer stepped closer, her face grim as she looked at Yonne. “I’m not leaving the director’s side.”

Espert turned to Yonne as if to ask what now. Yonne shrugged. “Thank you, Officer Frendi.”

“I’ll see to it that the others take the Ambassador somewhere safe.” She leaves to talk to her team.

“I have to take another look at your wound,” Espert muttered as she gently helped Yonne into a sitting position. She opened Yonne’s tunic. Everything looked fine. “Your kidney is fixed and the stitcher has closed the wound.” Espert sat back after studying the area. “I have one prognosis. It would seem that the antidote we took before we beamed down might have contained blood thinning properties. That could be the reason you have bled out so quickly.” She removed two more sachets from her uniform. “I thought one would be enough, but I misjudged your size. Here,” she held out two more sachets. “This oral rehydration mix should get you on your feet in no time.”

Yonne took the sachets and after drinking them, leaned back against the wall. “This could’ve ended badly had you not come prepared, doctor.”

Espert grimaced. “I should’ve been able to pick up on the properties of the antidote and warned you.”

Before Yonne could respond, Officer Frendi came running. “We need to move. NOW! There are four shuttles coming right at us.”

“Are the others safe?” Yonne asked as she pushed to her feet. They can’t afford to lose the Ambassador.

“We found a place not far from here. They will be safe there, but we won’t be able to make it in time.”

“Then we need…” An explosion rocked the ruins, causing them to lose their footing. Yonne moaned when her head hit the wall. She slowly sat up to find both Frendi and Espert sprawled out before her. She needed to get them away from the ruins, which would surely not withstand another bombing. Biting down hard, to stop her head from spinning, she crawled over to them.

oOo

“There is an exchange of weapon fire on the planet surface, Adjutant.”

Cilla’s head jerked up at the news. “Do we have a lock on the away team, Officer Peele?”

“Negative, Adjutant. Their signals are scattered.” The officer looked up, her eyes dark with concern. “It would seem they have been separated. The director is not with the large group.”

Cilla cursed under her breath. Yonne would surely kill her if she were to beam her up and leave the rest of the team to fend for themselves. It’s all of them together or nothing. She was hallway across the bridge to the elevator, when she spoke. “I’ll need the Frontliner ready for takeoff as soon as I reach Hangar 1. Have two medical technicians meet me there. Officer Ank, I need you to position the Mercer so it can provide backup, but still be out of reach from a surface attack.  Officer Peele, keep the weapons bank activated and engage on my mark. The moment the group’s united, beam them all to ship.”

“Aye, Adjutant.”

In her quarters she quickly armed herself. She grimaced when she jarred her hand and felt the pain radiating through her arm. Her hand was still healing, but it was strong enough to operate a shuttle.

Five minutes later, Cilla was behind the controls of the Frontliner, the two medics strapped in behind her. She bit down on her teeth as she studied the radar. Whoever was being shot at were taking a lot of fire. Please don’t let me be too late. She would never forgive herself if her juvenile reaction to the doctor led to the demise of their director and crew. They have not been detected yet and she was going to make that advantage count.

“Making us disappear,” she muttered as she keyed in the code to cloak the shuttle. With their approached cloaked they could fly right into the action without pinging on their enemies’ radars. “Hold on, Yonne. I’ll be there soon.”

Now all she needed was to keep a cool head for the next two hours until they reach the surface.

oOo

Espert coughed and moaned at the pain slashing through her head. What the hell happened? Her first instinct was to shake her head to dissipate the ringing in her ears, instead she tried to pull herself up into a sitting position.

“Are you ok?”

The voice came from her side, but it sounded far away, muffled. She turned to find the director staring at her, her face covered in dust. All at once everything fell in place. She blinked as she looked around. They were attacked and they needed to move before they were hit again. Her eyes moved to the security officer who lay still not far from them.

“Yes, I can move. Officer Frendi?” She been a healer for over eighty years now, but she would never get used to death.

“She’s unconscious. I’ll carry her.”

Espert shook her head and instantly regretted it. Pain lanced through her temple, causing her to swallow at the rising bile. “You are not fully recovered. I’ll do it.” The director glanced at the six foot, heavily muscled security officer and back to her. Espert grinned weakly. “I’m sure I can drag her to safer place.”

“Then we need to move now. It took me a while to rouse you and they will be back on foot to find us.” The director slowly came to her feet. Espert noticed that she swayed heavily before she managed to find her bearings. She won’t say it out loud, but the director looked bad. With her tunic covered in blood and her face and hair covered in dust, the dark circles around her eyes stood out.  “You can be the lookout and I’ll take care of Officer Frendi.”

Espert wanted to protest, knowing that the director was not ready for such a strenuous task, but she knew she would be wasting her breath and valuable time. She walked to the end of the block of ruins, peering around the corner. Her heart sank when she saw a heavily armed group of men coming their way. She turned back to the director, to find the woman right behind her, Officer Frendi slung over her shoulder like a used towel.

“They’re coming this way.”

“Then we go the other way,” the director said calmly, as if they were faced with the dilemma of finding the right tree to have a picnic instead of running for their lives.

“Yes. Let’s do that,” she added lamely. Just as she was about the move, laser fire sounded. She looked at Yonne.

“It’s the security team. They’re creating a diversion. Let’s not waste the opportunity, doctor.”

The words, uttered urgently this time, spurned her into action. “This way.” They managed to put as much distance between them and the battle by zigzagging between buildings until the found themselves covered by foliage. She heard Yonne groan and turned see her gently rolling Officer Frendi from her shoulder to the soft grass. She watched, concerned, as Yonne rolled her shoulder. She looked even paler now.

“How do you feel?”

“Like I’ve run a marathon carrying a crewmember over my shoulder.” The director tried to smile, but she seemed too exhausted to even do that. Espert stepped closer and looked up at the woman. Even in her state, Espert still found the woman incredibly fascinating. She was so brave and strong.

“Sit down for a while before you keel over. I want to take a look at the gash on the side of your head. Do you feel dizzy?”

“I thought it was normal to feel like that,” the director muttered, as she lowered herself next to the unconscious officer. “First see what you can do for Frendi.”

“You’ve lost a lot of blood and on top of that you had to hit your head.”  Yonne waved her away from her and with a sigh, Espert moved over to Officer Frendi. A quick exam revealed an egg-sized bump at the back of her head. She was breathing steadily, which was a good sign.  All she could do now was to make her as comfortable as possible until she regained consciousness. She loosened the officer’s tunic and went for her trousers when she stopped. Without looking at the director, she spoke. “I need to loosen all restrictive clothing to …”

“I know, Espert.” It was the first time the director addressed her by her name. “I would never judge you.” Espert nodded and quickly loosened the tight belt before she turned to face the director. “Oh, no you don’t,” she snapped. “You can’t afford to doze off with that knock to your head. Let me clean that gash.” She knelt before the director. “Look at me. I need to ascertain whether or not you have a concussion. If so, you should try to stay awake until we can get out of this.”

The pale eyes opened and Espert studied them intently. “You definitely have a concussion. Now let me stop the bleeding first and then we take it from there.”

oOo

Noor cocked her head slightly. Her sharp hearing easily picked up the sounds around her, in particular the discordant exchange of gunfire. She couldn’t get close enough to the battle to see what was happening, but she was close enough to see that one faction was simply laying down fire, not aiming at anything in particular. That meant only one thing. The director was quite ingenious. She wouldn’t waste firepower like that unless… Noor took a deep breath. Unless she was incapacitated and her security detail was trying to keep the Hencrons at bay until help arrives. She leaned back against the crumbling wall.

If they could beam to the surface, then they should be able to beam back to ship. Why haven’t they? Think, Noor! Think! They had a fast and powerful ship and once they beamed onboard, could be out of this star system even before Concalle could clear Pandi space. Then why…? Her eyes narrowed slightly.

They were separated.

Her heart rate picked up. If that was the only reason, then it means that the director was still alive. Using an old meditation trick, she focused on the sound of the gunfire and listened hard. Concalle’s men were pinning down the Mercer crew towards the western side of the ruins. If they wanted to distract Concalle’s men by drawing attention to themselves, it would mean that the other group of the Mercer were either moving east or north. She needed to find them.

Noor needed to be sure that she was safe.

oOo

Yonne was bone tired. All she wanted to do was close her eyes and sleep until all the aches in her body were distant memories.

“You need to stay awake, Director.”

“Yonne,” she slurred softly as he opened her eyes. “My friends call me Yonne.” She saw the shock on the doctor’s face.

“Friends?”

“Yes, friends. Unless of course you don’t want to…” Espert’s face swam a bit, before it sharped a little. “I’m so tired.”

Espert’s face was tight with concern. “I know, but you can’t take a chance of dozing off now. We are in the middle of a battle and I don’t have the right tools to determine whether or not you have swelling on the brain.”

Swelling on the brain. Yonne chuckled. She could see that her ill-placed humor was upsetting the doctor. “Adjutant Cilla always says that I have a big head.” She felt a deep sadness at the realization that she might not see her friend again. Nor will she have the chance to apologize to her for her foul temper the last time they spoke. Most important of all, she would’ve liked to have known what it was about the good doctor that made her friend act so mad lately. Now she’ll never know. She felt her eyelids drop and didn’t even try to stop them.

“Don’t. You. Dare. Fall. Asleep.” Espert’s voice cut through the haziness and jarred her awake. She blinked at the smaller woman. “I’m terrified enough as it is at the thought of having to report to the adjutant that you got injured and that I couldn’t treat you. If you die, I’m sure she’ll skin me alive.”

Yonne smiled as Espert’s words registered. “She’s hotheaded enough to want to try something like that.” A sorrowful moan came from Espert’s direction. “But I won’t let her.” Suddenly everything went black. As if from a muffled tunnel, she heard Espert’s voice calling to her, but she was too tired. Why couldn’t the woman just let her sleep for a moment? They could talk some more when she was more rested.

As sudden as the darkness fell upon her, just as suddenly her eyes jerked open again. She stared, stunned. Two piercing green eyes looked back at her. Moving slowly, Yonne lifted a hand to her stinging cheek. “Owwwww.”

The green eyes blinked. “It wasn’t my intention to hit you so hard. I was…”

“It worked,” Espert cut in before she moved out of Yonne’s sight, leaving Yonne to stare into those enthralling green eyes.

“My pod is not far from here. Espert can use my MediPak to treat you.”

Yonne nodded dumbly. Her synapses were all firing on all cylinders. If only she knew what could be the cause. The slap, perhaps? Or was it the fact that Noor was so close to her that her eyes were like large pools of green, begging Yonne to drown in them.

Noor was back.

Suddenly the universe was making sense again.

CHAPTER 11

Noor stood a distance away from the pod as she watched the doctor treating Yonne. The security officer was laid in the large pod and the life support activated to assist her breathing. Yonne, on the other hand, looked terrible. Standing with her hands folded behind her back, Noor wrung her fingers.

Neither the doctor nor Yonne would believe the restraint it cost her not to fall apart right now. The sight that greeted her when she had stumbled upon the doctor and Yonne would be engraved on her mind forever. The urgency and concern in the doctor’s voice as she was calling out to an unresponsive Yonne, had rocked her to the core. Without thinking, she had rushed to the doctor’s side, startling a soft squeak out of her. All she saw as she looked at Yonne was the blood stained tunic and the blood streaks on face. The handsome face was slack in repose, frighteningly still. At that moment, she simply couldn’t envision living in a place or time where Yonne wasn’t alive. The slap, when it happened, was more an action build out of fear than anything else.

And then those strange pale eyes were staring into hers.

She closed her eyes for an instant, savoring the emotions that had coursed through her at the exact moment. After the initial fear and pain, the relief, when it came was so beautiful, so tender, it filled her eyes with tears.

On the way over when she had first carried the unconscious officer in her arms and piggybacked Yonne, she was acutely aware of the feel and scent of the other woman. This was probably the closest she was ever going to get to the woman, but for now it was more than enough.

“Noor?”

She was startled out of her thoughts. “Yes?” She immediately stepped closer, suppressing the instant concern that welled up in her. Yonne looked less pale, but her eyes were closed. “Is…is she…”

“I’m fine,” came the soft reply, before Yonne’s eyes flickered open, staring at her intently. A frisson chased down Noor spine. She prayed that Yonne never finds out what impact her eyes had on Noor. “Thank you.”

Noor nodded and before she could stop herself, she gently pushed a tendril of hair out of Yonne’s eyes. She saw the shock in Yonne’s eyes and felt the stilted silence coming from the doctor. She knew immediately that she had violated a cultural boundary of some sort, but she wasn’t ready to deal with that right now. “You did the same for me.” She rose to her feet, looking at the doctor, who was trying hard not to make eye contact. “Will you be okay here? I need to go help the others.”

The doctor nodded, her eyes churning with an unnamed emotion when they finally met hers. “Yes. I will activate the cloaking feature until you return.”

With one final look at Yonne, who had her face turned away from her, Noor disappeared into the dense foliage.

oOo

Espert quietly sat next to Yonne, studying the woman’s face as Yonne lay with her eyes closed. She was almost too scared to let her thoughts return to what had happened between the director and Noor. It was a gross violation to even think of a member of the highest authority of the Bourgeois in a romantic liaison with another female. But she couldn’t stop herself. Their race was inherently telepathic, but only a small fraction of the Basque/Bourgeois had honed the skill fully. She prayed Yonne wasn’t one of them for Espert was eager to explore those thoughts some more. How could she, a healthy Basque woman in her sexual prime, not be affected by the thought of the two most sexually alluring women together? There was a slow pull between her legs and she swallowed to wet her suddenly dry throat.

What she had thought to have been animosity between the two women, or at least from one of them, had in fact been artless attraction. She immediately felt a deep sadness for Noor. The alien didn’t know about the Bourgeois’ condemnation of same-sex liaisons. And to fall for the most unattainable of them all.

Espert grimaced. She wasn’t faring well in that department herself.

She slowly came to her feet to activate the cloaking device.

oOo

Yonne lay motionless, acutely aware of Espert’s gaze, but refusing to acknowledge the frank regard. She sighed softly when she heard the woman moving away from her side. Her mind was overrun with thoughts; some confusing and some downright uncomfortable. Worse even, was the memory of the gentle touch which still lingered on her brow. Knowing that she was alone now, her eyes flickered open. Through slitted eyes she studied the area around her, not wanting to draw attention to herself and have Espert fawn over her. What had she expected? Did she really think that because she felt different after her interaction with Noor that the world around her would look and feel different too? Everything was the same, expect that the all greenery around her now reminded her more of Noor. Her eyes, to be specific.

What was happening to her? Or maybe she should ask what was she allowing to happen? There was no way that anything good, if there was anything, could come from this. They were both female and her position as Director would deter anything of the kind to develop between them. She had witnessed enough banishments to know that her peers would never allow her back in the fold if she were to let something happen. The Borquois were rigid when it came to enforcing control. She had firsthand experience of that at a very young age. She was but twenty-one when her mother was exiled to the Astro-belt. Almost sixty years later, she still remembered that day like it was yesterday.

They were having the noon meal when uniformed guards burst into their home. Not sure whom they were after, she had valiantly put herself between her mother and the perceived threat. She was pushed out to the way and her mother was wrestled to the floor. The sight of her mother being manhandled like that and the humiliation she had to endure was unbearable. It spurned Yonne into action. She had fought like a madwoman to free her mother.

She failed.

Her mother was charted away. Three guards were beamed directly to the Head Medical facility and Yonne was ordered to a halfway house for delinquents. It took her two years to find out why her mother was taken from her. It seemed that her biological father, refused to breed with other women, including Director Vivon’s daughter, Osnol. Tall and powerfully built, her father was immediately pecked as one of the prime breeders of the three hundred breeders on Basque. He was still in quarantine after his ship had been raided to inoculate him and his men, when he met her mother. As one of the workers at the Isolation quarters, Elina met and quickly fell in love with him. Yonne was conceived the day that the facility reported a rare power outage. To this day, some believed that Elina was the one who sabotaged the power relay to gain access to her lover’s quarters. Yonne didn’t know whom to believe, nor did she find it pleasant to question her mother about her copulating history. It would seem the two lovers were still meeting on the sly after her conception and birth. Because of his refusal to allow other women in his bed, her father was kept incarcerated in the isolation area.

His genes seemed to have been her saving grace. He imparted his species’ strength and warrior spirit on her. As a result of her large built and unique fighting abilities, she was transferred to the fighting corps where she quickly moved up the ranks. Before long she was offered her own ship and she began to make a name for herself as the best commander in the Space Corps. Her notoriety had garnered substantial support and admiration on Basque and at the next Authority Selections, she successfully won a seat on the Director’s Board.

But not even her newfound power and status could lift her mother’s banishment. In the meantime, her father and half of his men had managed to escape from the Isolation quarters. She knew the news would eventually reach her mother in the small colony in the Astro-belt.

Espert returned to her side and Yonne quickly blinked at the tears she only now discovered, filled her eyes. The doctor gently touched her injured head. “I could give you something for the pain.”

Yonne carefully shook her head so as not to jar her injury. After that unexpected trip down memory lane, she welcomed the pain, both physically and mentally. It’s been years since she really thought of her mother again. They haven’t seen or heard from each other for over fifty years. A request by her to do so, recently, had resulted in her being sent on a mission, which any of the other Space Cops commanders could have undertaken. Something was amiss and the Council was doing a terrible job of hiding it from her. Yonne was going to complete this mission and once back on Basque, demand to see her mother.

“You will need to eat to build up your strength, Director. The pod has been fitted with a small food processor. I could get you a vitamin-infused extract to drink.”

Yonne looked up into the warm, concerned eyes of Espert. Since meeting the woman had been stunned by the vast difference between the Basque and the Borquois. The Basque seem so much warmer and caring. She can’t remember having met anyone like that … Yonne swallowed. Elina. Her mother was like Espert, warm and caring. Strong and brave. With a soft sigh, Yonne looked away from Espert. Everything it seems was reminding her of her mother. Why thoughts of Elina would haunt her now, she didn’t comprehend. Maybe it was a result of the near death experience she’d had that still lingered. She’ll never know. She needed to shake these melancholic thoughts. They still weren’t out of danger, after all. Until the Mercer responded to their hails, she needed to clear her head. She found and held Espert’s warm gaze.

“Tell me about Basque.”

Espert blinked, her jaw dropping. “Basque? You want to know about Basque?”

“Yes, tell me everything.”

oOo

“Adjutant, we have a lock on the away team.”

“All of them?” Cilla asked as she maneuvered the sleek shuttle just above the tops of the trees. They were still in cloaking mode, but she would hate to clip a tree top and give away their position.

“Not all of them, yet.”

Frowning at the strange phrase, Cilla turned back to her radar. She was almost on top of their alien guest’s pod’s signal. “What does that mean, Officer?”

“One of them seems to be airborne somehow and moving towards the alien pod?”

Cilla blinked. Airborne? Were they too late? She had just enough time check the sensor readings to confirm, when a large flying object dove from the sky right in front of them. Whatever it was, moved with incredible speed and quickly disappeared between the tree tops.

“What the hell was that?”

“Not sure, Adjutant, but it landed right on top of where the pod’s signal is originating.”

A soft ping from the console drew Cilla attention. “Fire up our weapons bank, Officer. It seems the fight’s coming our way. “Fire on my mark.”

oOo

Noor was slightly winded when she landed. She gently laid the injured Mercer officer next to the pod. The doctor and Yonne were blinking at her in shock.

Noor shrugged. “Surprise!” She flapped her wings, twirling the leaves around her.

Yonne and Espert still gaped and with a soft sigh, she tucked her wings in, until there was no trace of them.

“How…?”

“Not now, doctor.” She pointedly looked at the injured officer. The doctor was hastily making her way over to Noor from where she was tending to a Yonne. The director still looked a little pale, but she seemed a whole better than when Noor happened upon them earlier. She made way so the doctor could get to her patient.

“We need to get you all closer to the pod. I believe I might have led them to you.” She looked at the wounded officer. It was snap decision to bring her here, but she knew instinctively when the officer fell under a straight laser blast, that Yonne would not want her crew member to die. So she made a decision to be bring her to safety. She walked over to Yonne and for a moment looked down at the other woman. Even in repose, the woman radiated power. “I’ll have to carry you over to the pod and activate the force field before they get here.”

She waited with bated breath for the woman’s response. When it finally came, in the form of a curt nod, she exhaled softly. This would be the first time the woman would allow her so close to her; allow Noor to touch her. She leaned closer and gently lifted the woman in her arms, all the while trying to steady her wildly beating heart as her senses were assailed with the citrusy, warm scent of the other woman.

For a brief moment, half a heartbeat, she pressed the woman against her chest. Her avian senses peaked, screamed at her to inhale her scent, even to push out her chest and set off a few whistles and chortles. But she fought down those urges. That brief moment of utter closeness will have to suffice for now. She didn’t know nearly enough about Yonne and her race to make herself completely vulnerable before the other woman.

Only a fool would gamble with their sanity like that.

When she finally dared to make eye contact, it was to find the pale blue orbs dark with an unidentified emotion.

CHAPTER 12

“Fire!”

Straightaway a volley of projectiles spat forth and Cilla looked on with cold satisfaction as the shots hit their target. She was doing whoever this was, a big service. There is simply no way that anything so ugly such as that craft should be allowed to pollute the air space. The vessel was all sharp edges and rounded off a large dose of crudeness. It was the ugliest sip she’s ever seen.

“We’ve immobilized their weapon array, Adjutant.”

“Good shot, Officer Knowds. Another craft is approaching. This time, let’s send a much louder warning. Aim for their engines.” She glanced at the radar. “We seem to be right over the pod, but it is protected by some sort of a force field. Can you get a lock on our people down there, Officer Hendra?”

“Negative, Adjutant, the force field is impenetrable.”

“In that case, that means that they are protected. We’ll move on to where the rest of our team is located and come back for the others once we’ve run off these bullies. Maintaining cloaking status for now.”

oOo

Yonne looked up at the sky and smiled when she saw an enemy vessel slinking away, trailing smoke. The Calvary has arrived. Although cloaked she could almost image the sight of the large shuttle hovering protectively over them. She looked at Noor, her pride at her crew, burning brightly in her eyes. Noor smiled wryly where she leaned against the pod, a laser rifle held loosely in her hands.

“Did you doubt them? You’re their leader. They would never desert you.”

Yonne shrugged. “Our Space Corps policy states clearly that if the leader is incapacitated, or there is a choice to be made between the ship and its leader, the ship should enjoy top priority.”

They both looked up when a much louder explosion sounded. “I believe your crew completely missed the brief on that one. I’ll go and assist them.” The wry smile was on her lips again when she looked at Yonne. “I, too, wouldn’t have left you behind.” With that said, she deactivated the force field. In a spectacular show of large wings, she took to the sky, leaving both Yonne and Espert staring after her in mute shock. When Noor was only a tiny speck in the sky, she turned to Espert.

“Did you know she could do that?”

Espert shook her head as she returned her attention to the officer. “Remember when we opened the pod that first time?”

“So that’s what all that brown feathery mass was about?”

“It would seem.” Espert looked up from where she was tending to her patient, her eyes glittering brightly. “As a child, I’ve always wanted to fly. Must be absolutely liberating to fly amongst the birds...” She administered a pain reliever on her patient. “…and hop from cloud to cloud.”

Yonne chuckled at that and watched as Espert blushed prettily. “I think all children have dreams of flying.”

“I guess,” Espert acknowledged as she shrugged out of her tunic and placed it under the officer’s head. She sat back and fixed Yonne with a sad look. “But for many Basque children that is all it will be…a dream.”

It was clear to Yonne. Whereas the Bourgeois were a spacefaring, the Basque were kept from accessing the technology. Except for limited hovercraft technology, the Basque were kept in the dark about emerging technologies. The less they knew; the better the Bourgeois could contain their depravities from spreading. Only a selected few amongst the Basque, such as Espert, who are willing to sacrifice and suppress their true nature, got the chance to enjoy the benefits that came freely to the ordinary Bourgeois.  Yonne never shared the sentiments of her fellow Council members, but she never spoke against it either. But after what Espert had told her earlier about Basque, it would seem that Bourgeois children were in fact much worse off than their Basque counterparts.

As a young Space Corps cadet, she and her squad were placed on border patrol duties for two years. The one day, while she was fixing their antenna at their small base, she accidently picked up a Basque channel. Curiosity won over and while her colleagues were braving the frigid temperatures outside, Yonne had basked in the warm, fun-filled imagery of Basque culture. She shook her head as if to dislodge the memories.

“I believe the same could be said of Bourgeois children.”  She saw the expression on Espert’s face morphed from melancholy to surprise and held the doctor’s gaze for a moment longer. She knew when Espert finally grasped the meaning behind her words, because her eyes grew wider as she blinked at Yonne. “We can’t all have everything; all the time.”

Yonne leaned back against the pod and closed her eyes. That will keep the good doctor busy for quite a while.

oOo

Noor studied the quarters dispassionately. So, this was what she got for saving the lives of the Mercer crew. Airy, furnished visitor’s quarters. Compared to the see-through glass box which had been her first accommodations, this was a great improvement. She stepped deeper into the room. On her left was a door and as peered into it, her eyes fell on the large bed. She immediately walked through and stood staring at the bed. It was big for one person.

“Would this suffice?” a cool, modulated voice said behind her and Noor felt a shiver run down her spine. She hadn’t even heard Yonne coming up behind her. She turned to look at the director. What a difference a few hours back on the ship had made. Whereas the woman looked powerful, even her weakened state, she now looked invincible. Dressed in her uniform, her hair combed back from her face and resting lightly on her shoulder, director Yonne was simply magnificent. She reluctantly dragged her eyes from the woman’s body, pointedly avoiding eye contact. In their current setting, looking into those ice blue eyes would be her undoing. Just the fact that the woman was standing in what would be Noor’s sleeping chamber for the foreseeable future, would keep Noor up for many nights to come.

“I like it,” she threw over her shoulder as she exited the chambers to stand in the spacious lounge. She felt a soft rustling of air behind her and inhaled deeply.

“Good.” Yonne came to stand before her, her eyes sharp as they roved over Noor’s face. “If you don’t have any questions, I’ll leave you to settle in.”

For a breathless moment, their eyes met and held before Yonne nodded and stepped away.

“I have a question,” Noor blurted out, not ready to miss the other woman yet. If saving your crew afforded me these quarters; what should I do get you to share that big bed with me? At the slow rising of Yonne’s eyebrow, Noor dragged her mind back from the scorching thoughts. “What are we doing about Concalle?”

Yonne blinked. “For now, we regroup and rest. Ambassador Bredo could supply us with valuable information pertaining to Concalle’s tactical plans and his forces.”

“In case you’re interested, I’ve heard of someone who wants Concalle more that we do.” She smiled thinly. “They would make formidable allies.”

Yonne smiled too, showing her dimples and rendering Noor almost completely paralyzed from the waist down.

“I like how you think. Let’s hear what the Ambassador has to say about that.” She walked to the door, but turned around again. “Thank you for coming to our rescue.”

Noor fell into the soft chair as soon as the door hissed closed behind Yonne.

By the name of the Goddess Avi!

Yonne will drive her mad if she wasn’t careful.

oOo

The room was silent as a tomb.

“Twice in one day,” Lord Concalle’s voice dripped with menace. “…you’ve been outmaneuvered. Twice today, you have failed to capture the Avian. Do you know what that means?” The men shifted nervously as they studied their leader.  Concalle reached for his laser. “It means that Lord Concalle is incompetent. Weak! Is that what you think of me? Could that maybe be the reason why you…” He waved his hand over the group. “…imbeciles thought I would let this go unpunished.”

A soldier stepped forward, drawing Concalle’s gaze and fury. “Yes?”

“They had help, milord. So sort of a cloaked vessel took out ours.”

“Cloaked?” Concalle cocked his head. “That kind of technology is not known in this part of space. Are you sure?” Before the soldier could reply, a laser beam caught him high in the chest. The tension in the room jumped a notch or two. “Can anyone corroborate his story?” When no one responded immediately, Concalle smiled. “I’m not sure if you’ll believe me, but shooting him was actually a mistake. This…” He held up the laser pistol. “…thing has a hair trigger.” He flung the weapon across the room.  “So, anyone?”

A burly guard stepped forward, his eyes flickering nervously from Concalle to his colleagues. “I saw it too, milord.”

Concalle nodded. This might just be the break he’d been looking for. He was steadily growing tired of travelling and conquering. If the kind of technology that his men spoke about really exists, then maybe he could pick a plane of his choosing, conquer it and settle down with his harem. His men could wage wars and uphold his legacy.

“Then let’s talk. Get the kitchen to bring some food and drinks in here.” He looked at the body of the guard. “Also get them to clean up the mess.”

oOo

The Medical Bay was quiet as Espert stood before the console finalizing the report about the injuries to the ambassador and the director. The ambassador was placed in a cot in the corner of the medical bay, sleeping deeply after their ordeal and with the help of a strong sedative. Espert signed off the report, encrypted it for the director’s eyes only and sent it off to be queued for a delivery to the director’s desk reader. With that out of the way, she sighed and stretched. This was the most action she had seen in almost 50 years. If there were more days like these to come, she will have to stop walking past the fitness center on her way to her quarters.

The doors to the medical bay hissed opened and one of the guards entered. Espert glanced at the time piece. It was almost 2000 hours, which meant that she was off the clock. “The nightshift staff will be with you shortly, officer.”

The woman threw a quick glance to where two medics were busy behind a glass cubicle before she turned back to Espert. Espert lifted an inquisitive brow at the woman’s hesitation. “Can I help you with anything else, Officer?”

“Yes.” The guard stepped closer, although not as tall as Cilla and the director, she still towered over Espert. “I heard about what you did on the surface today.”

Espert frowned. “I don’t know what you refer to, Officer.”

A small smile pulled at the corner of the woman’s mouth. “I heard that you didn’t cower when trouble started.”

“And why would I do that?” Espert felt her anger spark. First, she was a pervert and now it seems that they were thinking her a coward too.

The guard’s gaze slipped away. “I’ve never been in contact with a Basque before. I only know what others told me about them.” This time when she looked at Espert, her eyes held admiration. “You are proof that not everything that is said about the Basque is true.”

Before Espert could think of anything to say to that, the guard gave her a curt nod and left, leaving her staring at the closed doors. She shook her head slowly and locked off for the day. As she made her way down the corridors to her quarters, she couldn’t help but replay all the events of the day. Everything about the day had been strange. Her life had been threatened twice in one day. First, by Adjutant Cilla, who strangled her and then by those bloodthirsty mercenaries. Then the director almost died, the Ambassador was shot and it came to light that Noor could fly. All in all, she had had way too much excitement for one day and she was happy that this mad day was coming to an end. She doubted she could handle any more excitement.

She let herself into her quarters and immediately made her way over to the bathing room. Her body felt gritty and ached all over from where she was thrown to the ground after the first explosion at the ruins. The water was warm and soothing and Espert sighed as she felt her muscles relaxing under the liquid massage. After a few minutes, her eyes began to flutter and Espert shut off the spray. She was exhausted and the shower had relaxed her enough to ensure that she would fall asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

She had just dimmed the lights and was about to crawl into bed, when the doors to her quarters hissed open and close. She blinked in shock. No one had the entry code to her quarters. Nor is there a chance that her doors could be malfunctioning. Not being the popular person on the ship, her paranoia made her run a daily diagnostic on her security system.

She waited, listening. When there was no sound coming from the lounge, she reached for her dressing gown to cover her nakedness. She leaned over and armed with her laser pistol, she left the lights on dim mode and quietly made her way to the lounge. The lounge was shrouded in darkness, except for the light coming through the large windows. Silhouetted against the light from windows, Espert could make out the outline of someone. A very large someone. She held up her weapon.

“Identify yourself.”

There was a soft rustling of material and Espert tightened her grip on the weapon. She was surrounded by Bourgeois and they were fast, just like the Basque. Whoever it was could very easily disarm her, if they wanted to. The only advantage she had was to get the lights up.

“Lights to full brightness,” she ordered sharply and the lounge was immediately engulfed in bright light. The sudden change from darkness to light, blinded her momentarily and Espert blinked a few times until she could make out the face of the intruder.

Fear and desire struck simultaneously.

Her body, naked under the flimsy silk garment, responded almost violently to the sight of Cilla.

Unexpectedly, the shrill sound of a klaxon pierced the tension.

CHAPTER 13

Noor sat up and in one smooth action was across the room to dress. They were under attack! She left her quarters and immediately became part of the chaos in the corridors as officers rushed to man their positions. When she stepped onto the bridge Yonne was already there, dressed in a tight black bodysuit. For a moment, all Noor could do was stare at the sight. The material clung to the muscled thighs and cupped her tight derriere intimately to stretch over her wide shoulders. She felt that subtle shift inside. Noor grimaced. She was cutting it too close and she knew that.

“Hail them one last time, Officer Ank and then I want you to activate our weapons,” Yonne ordered in an eerily calm voice which caused a pleasant thrill to chase down Noor’s spine. She inhaled deeply to steady her quivering insides before she dragged her eyes from Yonne to the view screen.

“STOP!”

Everyone turned to look at her. Yonne slowly walked over to stand before Noor.

“Do you know them?”

Noor nodded. “Let me talk to them.”

Yonne frowned. “Not unless you tell us who they are and why they have their weapons locked on us?”

“I assure you that once I’ve spoken to them, they will stand down.” Her eyes flitted over Yonne face. Under the flickering red of the alert light, Yonne’s features looked hard and dangerous. The fact that she’s dressed in all black added dramatically to her menacing posture. “I ask you to trust me.”

Yonne’s face hardened even further. “Why should…”

“Because I’m asking you to trust me,” Noor interrupted softly. “I can assure you that they are not our enemy. You need to allow me to talk to them. You have a universal translator, don’t you?” At Yonne’s nod, she continued. “Then you will be able to follow our conversation.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, before Yonne stepped aside allowing Noor to brush passed her.

“De-cloak our weapons array, Officer Peele.”

“Yonne…” Noor began, but Yonne held up her hand.

“If they do not respond to our hails, maybe they will once they see that we are a bigger threat to them then they think.”

Noor nodded, hoping that Yonne’s bluff will not backfire. They waited with bated breath, giving the other ship enough time to scan and evaluate the Mercer’s firepower.

“They are hailing us, Director.”

Yonne nodded. “Put them on screen.”

The screen flickered and the face of a handsome dark-eyed man filled the screen. Noor smiled as she stepped closer.

“You’re growing uglier every time I see you, Roleed.”

The man looked stunned for a moment. “Princess?”

Noor felt all eyes on her again, Yonne’s lingering longer than the others. She looked at Yonne and found the woman glaring at her.

“Yes, it’s me. Is Bolden onboard?”

The man looked behind him and said something that they couldn’t make out, the next moment, another man joined him. This one was blonde with twinkling blue eyes.

“Good to see you, princess. We picked up your distress signal a few hours ago, but before we could lock onto it, it disappeared.” His eyes grew serious as they studied her. “Are you well? Who are those people?”

Yonne stepped forward. “My name is Director Yonne and this is my ship, the Mercer. Please identify yourself.” The blond alien looked at Noor, causing Yonne to look at Noor too. “A big part of building trust includes honesty, Princess,” Yonne sneered, her emphasis heavy on Noor’s title.

“As you can see there is a lot I have to explain to the director, Bolden. I will be in contact again soon.”

“Until later, Princess.”

The screen went back to black and Noor turned to Yonne. “Shall we talk in your Day Room?”

Yonne’s reply was to walk in the direction of the Day Room, her strides long and angry.

oOo

Yonne walked over her desk and sat down, watching Noor through hooded eyes as the other woman scanned the interior of the room. She swallowed hard. Something inside her wanted to come out, violently. Something she couldn’t name. When Noor turned to her and their eyes met, the feeling intensified.

“You were lying to us,” she said with calm she didn’t feel at that moment.

Noor shrugged. “By omission, perhaps, but I never offered a lie.”

Yonne conceded. Noor was uncooperative from day one, never offering any information about herself or her race.

“Are you willing to be truthful now if I ask you a few questions?”

There was a short silence, as their eyes met and held. Will you tell me was is happening to me every time I look into your eyes?

“I will.”

Yonne let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. There were so many things she needed to know, but first there was something so much more important she needed clarified.

“What are these men to you?”

Noor blinked. “Bolden and Roleed?”

“Yes.”

She smiled suddenly, her eyes softening, and Yonne felt those angry ants running under her skin again. “They’re not important. What is it you really want to know?”

Forcing herself not to react to the blatant lie, Yonne rose to feet and walked over to the process where she keyed in a glass of water. “Who are you?” She took a long draught from her drink, concentrating hard on swallowing to get the liquid past the tight rings of her throat brought on by that same strange emotion.

“My name is Noor Umna, Crown Princess of Avion.”

Yonne slowly removed the glass from her lips as she turned to look at Noor. The alien stood straight, her bearing suddenly authoritative. Her magnificent eyes were sharp, as they focused on Yonne. At that moment, Yonne realized she was in the presence of royalty. The nonchalant mantle Noor had donned earlier seemed to have slipped, revealing the true confidence and regal presence of the woman.

She bowed deeply. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Highness.” The green eyes faltered for a moment, before they sharpened even further.

“No need to use my title, Director. I hold no power in this quadrant.”

“Even then, it doesn’t make you less royal,” Yonne said quietly. Looking closely, she wondered how she could’ve missed all the signs. It was all there suddenly. Slightly, but still present. Even the woman’s aura screamed that she was of great importance and power. Could it be that Yonne’s fascination with her appearance was the cause for her lack in concentration? “How did you end up in an escape pod in this quadrant?”

Noor’s eyes darkened, her mask of indifference slipping just enough for Yonne to read the fear that Noor had been hiding so well. Uncharacteristically, she felt a fresh bout of anger surging through her. Noor better be honest with her or she didn’t know what she would do to the woman. Yonne’s mental state had been put through so much lately when it came to this woman. The way Noor looked, how she responds to Yonne, all those little things had caused Yonne to silently question her own sanity. Now, just when she about to somewhat accept her strange reactions to the woman, she finds out that the woman is in danger. She wouldn’t, couldn’t rest until she was sure that Noor was safe. In hindsight, the other two men had been shocked to find out that Noor was alive.

“Whom are you running away from? Who’s trying to harm you?”

oOo

Cilla stretched to her full height as she rose from the command chair. Thankfully, the standoff had not escalated into something violent and that was a relief. She was so tired. She wondered if she would make it to her quarters before she collapsed. With her exhaustion came the slight dull pain of her hand. It wasn’t as bad as it was yesterday, but she wasn’t going to take the change of skipping her daily dosage. The pain medication she used for hand had a slight sedative to them, it could actually serve a dull purpose. She would stop by the medical center on her way to her quarters. But first she needed to see for herself that Yonne was fine.

She had watched her friend surreptitiously during the standoff and there was something off with Yonne. It frustrated Cilla to think that she couldn’t read her friend so well anymore. Nothing has changed between them, physically, but Cilla could stake her life on it that they both are not the same people they have been a week ago. Their mission had been simple, albeit ill-timed. Cilla knew of Yonne’s disagreement with the Council about her mother’s exile. Her friend had been on the verge of issuing an ultimatum to the Council to have her mother’s banishment revoked when they were sent on this mission. What a better way than to send their most celebrated warrior on an indefinite deep-space mission, than have her questioning the establishment? Yonne had amassed a lot of support and admiration from the Borquois. Her rise to power from her common background, had gained the respect and trust of the masses. Cilla smiled thinly. There was popular saying in the barracks; Borquois as Director Yonne goes.

Cilla prayed that that would not be the case when they conclude their mission. Yonne was different; unpredictable and brooding.  She prayed the Council reached a decision when they return.

“A wormhole is opening, Adjutant.”

“Go to Yellow Alert. Director, you’re needed on the bridge.”

She watched as two more ships exited the wormhole to join the first alien ship. It would seem the alien ship had called for reinforcements. She did a quick scan of the new arrivals. Same type of vessel. They were still not a match for the Mercer even in numbers.

“Report.”

Cilla surged to her feet as Yonne strode onto the bridge. If possible, the director looked even angrier then when she left for her Day Room.

“Two more ships appeared from a wormhole. It seems they have called for assistance.”

“They are hailing us.”

“On screen, Officer Ank.”

The screen flickered on and a soft gasp sounded from where Noor stood behind Yonne.

oOo

The woman was beautiful. Her dark hair framing an exquisite heart-shaped face. Yonne slowly turned to look at Noor. The woman had a revered look on her face as she stared at the woman on the screen. Another secret, it seemed. She turned back to the screen.

“My name is Director Yonne and this is my ship, the Mercer. What can I do for you?”

The woman’s eyes track from Noor to Yonne. Her gaze was steady and intense.

“Are you mated?” Her tone was almost disbelieving.

Yonne blinked. Behind her Noor expressed a pained moan.

“Excuse me,” Yonne snapped after a stunned moment. “Who are you?”

The woman rudely ignored the question as her eyes swung back to Noor. “Is this what all this is about? You wanted a woman?” The bridge was a silent as a grave. Yonne could feel her crew’s eyes on her. “We could’ve talked about it instead of you throwing a tantrum and push us into a war can’t afford to have now.”

All the puzzles suddenly fell into place. Yonne turned to Noor. It didn’t take a genius to know the identity of the woman on the screen. Noor’s face was beet red as she glared at the woman on the screen. The air around her was practically vibrating with her anger. Instead of the explosion she had expected, Noor just shook her head and stalked from the bridge.

“I want you to transport my daughter to my ship this moment.”

Yonne’s eye narrowed slightly as she turned back to face the woman. “She is a guest on my ship.”

The woman’s dark eyes narrowed dangerously. “I don’t think you understand how perilous it would be for you not to do as I say.”

“I rarely, if ever, indulge in petty threats and posturing, but I think this moment is deserving of one.” She took a step closer to screen so that her eyes are almost level with the irate woman’s. “I’m sure you’ve studied the features of my ship. Try and board my ship without my permission and I will not hesitate to blow your ships to pieces.” After her clipped threat, she stared at the woman, allowing the message to sink in. “Cut link, Officer Ank.”

When the screen showed the three ships hanging of starboard, she walked over to her chair. “Maintain station and continue yellow alert.”

She slowly exhaled, hoping to expunge the anger that churned just below the surface. Noor’s mother was infuriating to say the least, but that was not the cause of the bitter aftertaste in her mouth.

Noor was leaving.

CHAPTER 14

Espert was not one for gossip, but she couldn’t help but overhear the news of what had transpired on the bridge earlier.  She smiled. Noor was a princess. She wondered how the director took the news. She recalled the fallout between the two before they left for the Pando world. It was clear that Yonne hated deceptions. Espert liked Noor, even considered her a friend. She would hate to see the woman take the brunt of the director’s anger.

The incessant whispering suddenly was too much for her and she turned to the two medics ready to caution them, when the door slid open, allowing Noor to step through. For a moment the medical bay was dumped in complete silence. The two medics gaped at Noor. Speaking of the devil, it seems. She approached Noor.

“How can I help you?”

The green eyes were dark with distress when they met Espert’s gaze. “I was looking for a friendly face.”

Espert smiled warmly at that. Yes, they were friends after all. She held out her hand and pulled Noor over to a nearby cubicle. “It’s not the most sociable place on the ship, but I promise you that you can blow off steam here.”

Noor attempted a small smile before she took a seat on the bed. “I know how fast news can travel on a ship. Shall I assume that you’ve heard what transpired?”

Espert nodded.

“Well, it just got worse. My mother is here.”

“You…you’re…” Espert sputtered. “Is that not a good thing?”

“I don’t know.” Noor closed her eyes. “She implied that there is some kind of a romantic liaison between me and Yonne.” Espert blinked hard. The green eyes pop open abruptly. “She said so right in front of Yonne; on the bridge.”

Espert’s head was spinning with all the thoughts rushing through her mind. Yonne and Noor. She thought back to the incident on the planet that could only be termed as a ‘tender, intimate moment’. Then there was the strange edgy energy in the air when the two of them were together. Maybe the Queen wasn’t far off in her inference, but maybe she could’ve chosen a more private setting to blurt that out. She bit down hard on her lip. This was in ideal opportunity to put all her doubts to bed too.

“And is there a liaison between you and…uh… the director?”

The green eyes grew even darker with emotion as they looked at Espert. “She…No.”

Liar. Espert shrugged. It’s not always what is being said, but what is not said. She placed a gentle hand on Noor shoulder. “The Borquois condemn same sex relations. And the director is a member of the Borquois governing council. She would be the last one to break such a sacred edict.”

If she hadn’t been studying Noor closely, she would’ve missed the flash of shocked hurt that crossed over her face. There was something there, at least from Noor side. If she was to be a good friend to Noor; and hoped to help her through this, she needed more information. The only way to get that, was to ask for it.

“You…you like her, don’t you?”

“It doesn’t really matter,” Noor sighed as she came to her feet. “I will leave with my parents soon anyway.” She gave Espert a small smile, “Thank you for listening.”

Noor looked utterly dejected as she made her way to the exit. At least Noor will go home some and with distance, her infatuation with Yonne will dissipate and finally disappear. Espert wasn’t that lucky. Cilla haunted her day and night. And she will continue to do so for an unspecified period of time. Running footsteps brought her out of her musings to see the two medics kneeling at the body of Noor.

She rushed over and even before she touched the other woman, she could feel the heat radiating off her.

“Get her on a cot. Quickly.”

As the medics transferred Noor’s body to the closest bed, Espert debated on whether she should inform the director now or only after she had examined Noor. After a brief reflection, she pressed her ear piece.

“Director Yonne, could you please join me in the medical bay. We have an emergency.”

oOo

Yonne stared down at the unconscious woman, her heart still thumbing loudly in her chest. She swore her heart skipped a few beats when she walked into the medical bay and caught sight of Noor’s motionless body on the bed. She had rushed over to the bed, only to have Espert block her path and give her a quick update of what had happened. She waited patiently as Espert examined Noor. Espert stood back from the bed and shook her head.

“Nothing.” She looked perplexed. “I can’t find anything wrong with her. She’s in peak condition, except for the fever.”

“Is it not dangerous to run such a high fever,” Yonne asked carefully, her tone clipped to hide the slight tremble.

“Yes, but it doesn’t seem to affect her in any way. There are no strange unexplained symptoms to make a diagnosis.” She walked over to the console and punched in a few searches. “I’ve ran every possible test. Nothing stands out.”

Yonne pushed a hand through her hair. “Can’t you break the fever?”

“Nothing works. I’m still unacquainted with her physiology so I didn’t want flood her system with unfamiliar substances.”

Yonne looks down at Noor. She looked so pale, it was frightening. She took a deep breath. There was only one other thing to do. She touched her earpiece.

“Adjutant. Please hail the Queen and patch her through to the medical bay.”

“Aye, Director.”

A few minutes later the console peep. Yonne connected the link.

“Did you have a change of heart, Director Yonne,” the Queen asked coolly.

“Depends on how you look at it. Your daughter is not well and…”

“Where is she? What did you do to her?” The Queen’s face was pressed closer to the screen. “I’m coming over right now.”

Yonne held up her hand. “Since you’re coming over, maybe you could bring your healer along.”

She disconnected the link. “Adjutant, please welcome the Queen in the transport room and escort her to the medical bay.”

“Yes, Director.”

When she returned to the bed, Espert was standing there, looking at her patient. “I regret not reading through all the data we’ve downloaded from Noor’s pod.” She looked at Yonne. “I’m sorry, Director.”

“A lot has happened in the past week. None of us had to the time to do so. Let’s just hope it’s not life-threatening.” Her hand curled into a fist. She hated feeling so helpless. She hadn’t felt like that in decades. Maybe even longer. Her keen hearing picked up rushing footsteps in the hallway. It seemed the woman didn’t waste any time beaming over to the Mercer. She mentally steeled herself for the showdown with Noor’s mother. When the doors slid open, Yonne was stunned by what she saw.

For all her bluster and bravado, the Queen was petite in stature. As she brushed passed Yonne to get to the bed holding her child, Yonne could actually see the top of the woman’s head. Not one to underestimate potential threats, it was the Queen’s companion, Yonne felt uneasy about. He was huge, at least a head taller than Yonne herself and heavily muscled. She doubted that he was the healer Yonne has requested the Queen brought along. Before she could study the man further, the Queen made soft scoffing sounds as she ran her hands over her daughter’s body.

“We have tried everything, but the fever refuses to break,” Espert addressed the Queen. The woman seemed to ignore Espert as she gently stroked her daughter’s hair. She finally looked up.

“No medicine will help her with this ailment,” the Queen said softly, her eyes, usually so sharp and intense, were gentle. She reached out a hand and the giant and the man quickly stepped closer, towering over the petite sovereign. “It’s time.”

The man smiled widely. “It would seem like it, my love.”

My love? It couldn’t be. She studied the man closer and swallowed. The copper colored locks and the sharp green eyes. How could she have missed that.

She was looking at Noor’s father.

As shocking as the discovery was, Yonne was more intrigued by their strange behavior. She cleared her throat softly, drawing the royal couple’s attention to her. And how? The expressions on their faces changed slowly the longer they looked at her. The man bowed her head.

“My name is Londo, consort to Queen Asmara and father to the Princess.”

Yonne returned the greeting with a deep bow of her own. “Director Yonne.” She waved at the bed. “You don’t seem too worried by your daughter’s illness.” Whereas Yonne’s nerves were frayed at the edges, the couple seemed locked in a cocoon of serenity.

“We need to let nature run its course,” the Queen said softly, her hand cupping her daughter’s cheek. “It will all work out in the end.”

Tired of the Queen’s riddles, Yonne struggled hard not to show her impatience. Instead she directed the next question to Noor’s father.

“Is she at least comfortable?”

The man smiled. “I doubt it, but it will pass soon.”

Yonne threw diplomacy and courtesy to the wind at the vague answer. “Could you stop speaking in riddles and just tell us what is wrong with your daughter. There must be way that we can help her.”

Londo and the Queen blinked at her in surprise before they glanced at each other. It was the Queen who spoke up, her eyes once again sharp and intense as she looked at Yonne.

“She needs to mate. And very soon.”

oOo

Cilla walked over to the processor and keyed in an ale for both of them. She carried the drinks over to the couch where Yonne sat, still dazed.

“Here, drink this.” She held out the mug to Yonne and watched as the other woman took it with an absentminded smile. They sat in silence, sipping from their drinks. Over the years she has learned to listen instead of seeming unknowledgeable by asking. She’s learned very early on in their friendship, that that tactic wouldn’t work with Yonne. Yonne brooded instead of talking. Thus, the straightforward approach always worked with her friend.

“What’s going to happen now, Yonne?”

The other woman’s shoulders stiffened slightly where she sat staring into her ale. “Since she can’t be beamed over to her parents’ ship, due to her delicate state, I guess we’ll be playing host for a while longer.”

The last part was said with a small bite in her tone. After Noor’s heroics on Pando, there were few people on the ship who didn’t hold admiration for the alien. Yonne wasn’t one of them. She had gone out of her way to make Noor feel comfortable since their return. The fact that Noor will be staying on longer, wasn’t the cause of Yonne disapproval. What was going to happen while Noor was on the ship in her condition, was what fueled Yonne’s displeasure. Cilla thought Yonne would have a seizure earlier, when Queen Asmara suggested that a group of eligible candidates will be sent over to the Mercer for Noor to choose a mating partner from. She didn’t know who else noticed, but Yonne’s fingers left a slight dent in the console casing of the medical bay at the suggestion. After a long look at Noor, Yonne had agreed that that was probably for the best. The royal couple had left soon afterwards with the promise to conduct a thorough screening and selection of the first group to be sent over tomorrow. Yonne hasn’t spoken another word since, until now.

“I will beef up security to ensure that our guests do not wander off,” Cilla added calmly, hoping the change in topic might divert her friend’s morose thoughts from Noor. She jerked in shock when Yonne surged to her feet unexpectedly.

“I doubt they would want to indulge in a bit of espionage while the principal price was there for the taking.” Then Yonne did something so contrasting to her usual controlled demeanor. She flung the mug against the bulkhead, watching dispassionately as it shattered dramatically splashing foam everywhere.

Suddenly everything made sense to Cilla.

And it scared her.

CHAPTER 15

Espert gently pushed a coppery lock behind Noor’s ears. The woman has been unconscious for more than two hours. She didn’t know anything about the Avian physiology, but she didn’t feel comfortable with Noor’s prolonged unconscious state. In the meantime, she had read as much as she could of the information they had downloaded from Noor’s pod. Had she been proactive, she could’ve detected the signs and could’ve diagnosed Noor much earlier. She sighed softly. She hoped the director wouldn’t hold this against her in their future dealings.

The door opened behind her and she stepped away from the bed. It was time for her to log off duty. She turned towards the console, only to freeze in her tracks. Cilla stood a few feet away from her. Espert swallowed hard. They haven’t seen each other again after their awkward meeting, if she could call it that, in her quarters. She was literally saved by the bell, when the Mercer had gone to red alert. Cilla had stormed out her Espert’s quarters at the first sound of the klaxon, without a word. Espert cleared her throat softly.

“How can I assist you, Adjutant?” For a long moment, they only stared at each other before Cilla’s unblinking stare moved from Espert to the unconscious Noor.

“How’s she doing?”

Espert blinked. Anyone with eyes in the head could see that there was no love lost between Cilla and Noor. Therefore, it was strange to hear Cilla ask after Noor. Stranger, yet, to hear a sliver of concern in the adjutant’s voice.

“She hasn’t regained consciousness,” Espert said softly, stating the obvious.

“Is she comfortable?”

Espert cocked her head a little to the side. The adjutant had been present when the Queen spoke about her daughter’s condition. “The Queen had her healer send over a herbal mixture to aid the process. With her indisposed state, it’s difficult to assess its effectiveness.”

Cilla’s eyes tracked back to her and Espert felt her body respond immediately to the cool gaze. She folded her hands behind her back to hide their slight trembling. Unfortunately, she couldn’t do anything about the mad flutter of butterflies in her stomach.

“You’re close, the two of you.”

It wasn’t a question and Espert understood it as such. If only she knew why the adjutant would be interested in her association with Noor. Could it be…? No, not even Cilla, as callous as she comes across would dare to abuse this situation. But then, Cilla was the second most powerful person on the Mercer. She could do anything. Espert felt her pulse surge in terror as she looked at the foreboding woman. It all made sense now. The late inspection of her quarters, earlier.

The adjutant was spying on her. She wanted to see if she wasn’t alone. If she was corrupting the young Mercer crew. She had, after all, threatened to throw Espert in the brig for her disgusting proclivities. And now she had caught her in an intimate moment with Noor. Taking a deep breath to suppress her anger, disappointment and fear, she stared back at Cilla.

“Is this part of my security interview, Adjutant? Checking to see if I’m corrupting your crew?”

oOo

Cilla’s jaw clenched as she looked at the woman. It was evident that the woman was not comfortable in her presence. Even feared her. The last made Cilla’s stomach turn. She had no one else to blame for that but herself. Her eyes slowly tracked to the other woman’s slender throat. She could still feel Espert’s uneven pulse under her fingers. She recalled the fear and pain Espert’s eyes.

She swallowed to stop the growing nausea at the memories. Blinking slowly, she turned on her heel, ready to flee those detestable memories and the shame. It’s also clear that the woman misunderstood Cilla’s attempt at small talk.

“We are friends.” The softly spoken words brought her to a stop. “We are both outcasts on the Mercer. It would make sense for us to stick together.”

Cilla turned to face Espert. The smaller woman stood with her shoulders straight and pulled back. But her posture was in total contrast with the anxious look in her eyes. At least something good came from this misunderstanding.

She now had an explanation for her unpremeditated visit to the doctor’s quarters, if anyone were to ask. She nodded curtly.

“Get her ready for a transfer to her guest quarters in the next hour.” She saw Espert’s eyes widening in mute protest. “Director’s orders.” She strode out of the medical bay, stopping outside to take a deep, calming breath. After a moment, when she became aware of the curious looks from passing crew members, she straightened her shoulders. She needed to keep her distance from the doctor. With that thought, she stomped away.

oOo

“You like her.”

Espert spun around at the softly uttered words. Noor sat up in the bed, her eyes way too clear for someone who had been unconscious just a few minutes ago.

“You…you were listening?”

Noor shrugged. “I woke up while you were talking. I didn’t want to interrupt your...” She waved her hand in the air. “…little interplay.”

Espert felt her face heating up. With her pale skin, blushing was like a red alert light. Noor noticed too, if the small smile she gave her was any indication. Noor was grossly mistaken. Cilla could barely tolerate Espert’s presence. Look how quickly she had rushed from the medical bay just now.

“Adjutant Cilla is not in the least interested, Noor.” She reached for her medical scanner and ran a quick exam of Noor. “Your temperature is still elevated.”

“And it will remain so until I’ve…” The green eyes were suddenly infinitely sad. “It will pass soon.”

Espert nodded. “I read the logs we downloaded from your escape pod.”

Noor swung her legs off the cot. “You heard the adjutant. We better get ready for my transfer.”

Espert placed her hand on Noor’s shoulder, stilling the other woman. “I consider you to be a friend; my only friend.” She watched as Noor’s eyes brightened slightly. “On this ship, I have none, but you. We need to look out for each other and to do that, we need to trust each other.” She smiled into the green eyes. “I trust you completely. Do you trust me?”

Noor nodded. “I believe I do.”

“Good. Then tell me what you’re going through now.” Espert squeezed the strong shoulder. It was rather unsettling to see the normally strong, unflappable Noor appear so fragile. “I want to help.”

There a deep silence as they stared at each; Espert begging with her eyes for Noor to trust her. Noor looked away abruptly, but not before Espert had seen the sheen of tears in her eyes.

“I was to be mated to this man,” Noor began in a voice thick with emotion. “According to an alliance made decades ago, my union with Holfer, would seal the deal. Free trade, open borders, protection…” Noor exhaled loudly. “Avion couldn’t have done better than that. We needed all those things for our survival.” Noor rose to her feet, towering over Espert and causing the other woman to tilt her head way back so she could see Noor’s face.

“And what about you, Noor? What of your feelings?” Espert gently urged. She ached for her friend. That was too much responsibility for one person.

Noor gave a bitter laugh. “What feelings? When the existence of your race depends on you, you don’t bother with something as trivial as emotions.” She lowered her head, her hair falling over her face, hiding her expression from Espert. “But I did. I wanted more that to be a peon in a political alliance. I wanted more than being the sex slave of another.”

Espert closed her eyes. She had read about the sexual prowess of Avians. She knew that they were hunted almost to extinction because of that. Some were used as sex slaves in brothels and in some cases for personal use; others were killed and their organs sold for the production of aphrodisiacs. She swallowed at the nausea that threatened to rise. She couldn’t think of Noor being used like that.

“You ran away?”

“On my way, to what would’ve been my union ceremony, I stole an escaped pod.” She turned back to face Espert. “I know it was selfish to place my family name and my people in such a disgraceful position, but…” Noor swallowed hard, her eyes tearing up. “I wanted to be like my parents. I wanted to be happy. Why couldn’t I have that?”

Espert’s heart broke at Noor’s shattered plea. She stepped closer and engulfed Noor in an embrace. She felt her own tears streaming down her cheeks.

oOo

The silence in the Day Room was heavy with tension. Yonne’s knuckles were white where they clutched the arms of her chair. Her eyes were glittering as they stared at the small screen.

“I’ll inform my security team to make arrangements immediately, your Highness.”

“Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Director Yonne.”

The image on the screen flickered before it disappeared. Yonne surged to her feet, putting as much distance between her and her desk. She needed to keep her cool and execute her duty as the Commander of the Mercer to the best of her ability. Even when she felt like breaking something, anything, everything. She had spent the previous night tossing and turning until, after a few hours, she’d given up the fight. Donning her workout suit and grabbing her bellaçs, intending to work off some of her frustrations, her treacherous feet had other ideas. Instead she found herself outside the guest quarters, two doors down from hers. Like an automaton, she stood there, her body and mind assaulted by a myriad of alien emotions. Too many of them, she was terrified to identify. She didn’t know how long she remained there. In the quiet hallway, with the most alluring being, she had ever met, the most alarming scenes had played through her mind.

Wicked.

Exhilarating.

Liberating.

They flooded her senses. Leaving her short of breath. Torching her body. Making her knees tremble. Reluctantly, she had dragged herself away from the bittersweet temptation. The rest of the night was spent sitting ramrod straight on her couch, her body aching for something she feared more than anything.

Passion.

She had left her quarters a few hours later to log on for duty. Strange enough, except for the dull ache in the lower extremities, she didn’t feel the effects of the lack of sleep. That was until Queen Asmara’s transmission.

The Queen had made her selection. Twelve potential mates will be beamed over to the Mercer in an hour.

Suddenly feeling bone tired, Yonne pinched the bridge of her nose. It was going to be a very long and trying day for her. She touched her earpiece.

“Adjutant. Come in.”

“I’m here, Director.”

“The Queen is sending over twelve crew members. I believe you’ve mentioned earlier that you would like to review your security measures.”

“Yes, Director. We’re almost down with our assessment. You should receive a report with our proposed setup within the next ten minutes.”

“Good.”

Avoiding her desk, she walked over to the processor. She’ll need something strong to help her through the day. She opted for a strong non-alcoholic beverage with a high energy content.

She was sipping on the drink when the report from Cilla came through. Happy with the suggested security setup. She decided to review the reports of the other departments. She hadn’t had the time to call for a division meeting in the past week. Too keep her in the loop, she had asked for daily reports to be sent to her for evaluation at the end of the day. Considering the previous night’s emotional strain, she had failed to read the reports, thus giving her something to do now to keep her mind off what was happening a two decks below her Day Room.

CHAPTER 16

Noor sighed softly as she heard the doorbell chime, inwardly steeling herself. She had been informed of what to expect. Her mother, in her infinite albeit illogical wisdom, had sent over a group of potential mates for her to choose from.

What was her mother thinking? She had never thought her mother capable of such unsound reasoning. She wondered what her father’s reaction had been to this. If there had been any. Her father was not Avian, nor did he seem to be overly interested in the sexual affairs of his only child and daughter. He probably just ducked and hid when her mother came up with this ridiculous plan.

The chime sounded again. Turning away from the window, she called out an invitation. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw who her visitor was.

“Adjutant Cilla. To what do I owe the pleasure?” They hadn’t interacted much since their little misunderstanding on that first day. The other woman nodded curtly.

“I’m here to inform you that the entourage has arrived.” Noor could hear the discomfort in the woman’s tone. She wouldn’t put it past her mother not to have included a few females. That was probably what had the woman so ruffled. She was Borquois after all and they abhorred same-sex relations.

What a waste, she thought as she studied the other woman.  The Borquois were gorgeous and strong. They would make excellent mates. In her case, one specific Borquois would make the perfect partner for her. The Adjutant reminded her too much of Yonne. With a soft sigh she turned away from the other woman.

“How are we going to go about this?”

There was an awkward silence and she threw a glance over her shoulder. The woman looked delightfully embarrassed.

“I’m not familiar with mating rituals,” came the quiet response.

Noor kept herself from reacting to the news. It would seem the Borquois were also sexually repressed. Espert was going to have so much fun with this one. Her body throbbed to life as another person crossed her mind.

Yonne.

Would the woman also suffer from the same naivety about sex? She slowly blew out a hot breath. How she would dream to be the first one to unlock Yonne’s passion. There was a soft clearing of the throat and Noor quickly suppressed her rising desire, knowing that she was unconsciously pumping the air in the quarters with pheromones. Turning back at Cilla, she saw that the woman’s eyes were dilated and her chest was rising faster as she stared intently at Noor.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered softly as she clamped down even harder on her desire. Cilla was still staring at her with a deeply focused gaze. Noor walked over to the small cabinet on her right and took out a small ampule. “Here, this will help.”

Cilla blinked at her, suddenly suspicious. “What is it?”

“It will neutralize the effects.” She uncorked the bottle and dripped some of the contents in the palm of her hand. “It’s not poisonous, see. Now take some. I can’t have you leave my quarters in this state.” She held the bottle out to Cilla, slightly tilted. She smiled encouragingly when Cilla stepped closer. “I promise it’s safe.” It was an irresponsible thought, but for a brief moment, she considered sending the woman away without the antidote. Espert would be eternally grateful for such a passionate gift. Cilla held out her hand and Noor placed a drop in her palm. She watched as the woman licked it up, the action so innocently sensual. Noor swallowed hard. Wrong Borquois, she reminded herself.

It took a few moments for Cilla’s pupils to shrink and her breathing to return to normal. She gave the woman an apologetic smile. “It was totally unintentional.”

Cilla blinked at her. “Was that you? How?”

“During my heat stage, I emit strong pheromones. Especially when I become aroused and…” She saw the panic in the blue eyes. “No…oh…no need to be alarmed. I was thinking of someone else,” she hastily reassured the other woman.

A sudden silence followed. They both avoided looking at each other. It was only when Cilla spoke again that Noor looked at her.

Cilla looked shell-shocked. She turned on her heel and walked to the door. “We will be stationed outside your door.” The door closed behind her.

Noor exhaled loudly.

oOo

Cilla pushed pass the row of suitors, not making eye contact, until she was safely inside her quarters. She leaned against the door, her mind racing, trying to process what had just transpired.

Desire.

That was what that strong, paralyzing emotion was. She lifted her hands. They were shaking. The only time she had felt anything close to this, was when she let herself into Espert’s quarters. That night she had feared for the doctor because she didn’t know what it was that had prompted her override the Espert’s security codes and enter her quarters. All she knew was that her body had felt like it was being incinerated from the inside out. Her hands aching to touch.

She had the red alert to thank for stopping her from…from…what? What would have happened? Cilla pushed away from the door and made her way over to the processor. She ordered a tall glass of water, downing it in one swallow. She didn’t have time to analyze her emotions right now, but she’ll surely make time for it later.

She was needed out there.

Yonne needed her.

oOo

“Come in!”

Yonne sat back, relieved for the break. She had been engrossed in the departmental reports. Amidst all this upheaval thanks to Queen Asmara, the Engineering division had managed to enhance their long range scanning competences, ensuring the Mercer will be able to detect vessels far quicker and over farther distances than before. With its cloaking ability and now with the skill to detect the presence of other ships over long distances, the Mercer is probably the stealthiest ship Yonne knew.

The door slid open, admitting Espert. Since their ordeal on Pandi, she had grown quite fond of the petite woman. Nothing like a near death experience to bring people closer. She smiled warmly when the woman came to stop at her desk.

“How can I be of assistance, Doctor?”

“I’m sorry to barge in on you like this, Director, but even at the risk of damaging a friendship beyond repair, I…” Espert wrung her hands, causing Yonne to sit up straighter.

“Yes,” she urged softly. She wasn’t entirely sure, but she had a strong suspicion that whatever was weighing on Espert’s heart, concerned Noor.

“She doesn’t want this.”

Yonne refused to play dumb and asked who the ‘she’ was. “How did you come to that conclusion, Doctor?”

“Because she told me so herself.” Espert’s eyes were dark with anguish. “I know we probably have no right to tell you all this, but in doing so I am hoping that we…you…could find a way to help her.”

Nodding slowly, Yonne rose and skirted her desk. She waved at the round table. “I can’t promise anything right now, but I’m willing to hear you out. Would you like something to drink?”

oOo

Espert sighed deeply when the door hissed closed behind her. She was exhausted, more so emotionally than physically. With slightly drooping shoulders she made it over to processor. She didn’t favor alcohol much, but after a day like today, she could make an exception. For a moment she studied the list of options. The berry wine sounds good. She keyed in her order and wait for it to materialize, before carrying it with her through to her bedroom. She took a sip as she used her other hand to loosen the buttons on her tunic. If only she could discard the happening of the day like a used tunic. She took an even longer sip. Her visit with the director had left her quite raw in the end.

Yonne was the consummate professional and had listened with experienced detachment to Espert. There were minute responses. A slight tick around the eye, the jump of a muscle in the jaw, the hard sheen that came in her eyes…

The director, it seems, was not completely unaffected where Noor was concerned. Even then, the director didn’t strike her as someone who would sacrifice prestige and position for an uncertain attraction. It was there in her profile in the database, in the spaces between the words. Yonne, daughter of Elina, had clawed her way from the lowest dregs to the status of Director 1st Level. The youngest Borquois to ever assume such a position.

Espert drained the glass. She will need at least one more to put this wretched day to rest. But first, a bath.

oOo

She knew him, quite well, in fact. As kids they used to swim together in the heated pools of her mother’s palace. She had always liked him. Found him to be gentle and witty. But not today.

Today, however, her hormones were not so kind to his gentleness and wittiness.

Frankly, it was humiliating having all these men and women slavering over her. She knew it was the natural pheromones she was discharging that had them staring at her hazy eyed, barely able to keep their hands to themselves. She already had to toss a few touch-feely ones out of her quarters. She should remember not to tell her father of the liberties they’ve tried to take. Londo would slaughter them all without a second thought. She inhaled deeply. She didn’t want to think about her father right now. If he was so concerned about her wellbeing, he wouldn’t have allowed her mother to go through with this madness. It was her first heating, but everyone, even the younglings on Avion, know that for an unattached female, the attraction needs to be mutual and the timing perfect. Parading would-be suitors through her quarters was fruitless. She heard a shuddering breath and turned back to her guest.

“Please, leave, Poron.”

She watched as he left the quarters with drooping shoulders. As the door glided closed behind him, her own shoulders sagged. Why was she doing this? Why was she allowing this?

The door chime sounded again, the sound grating on her nerves. She wasn’t in the mood for anyone, but she probably still had a few suitors awaiting an audience with her. Better get it done with.

“Come.”

The door closed behind her and she took a few moments to compose herself.

“I wanted to see how you’re faring?”

Noor spun around, her eyes wide as they took in her visitor. “Yonne.” She found herself crossing the distance between them. Her hands ached to touch the other woman, grab her close and hold on. Instead, she locked her shaking hands behind her back. “It is not a good time for you to be here.”

The ice blue eyes hardened fractionally. “It is my ship. I go where I want.”

Noor smiled. “I meant to say, that it is not advisable to be around me when I’m like this.” Even as she said it, she felt her body growing hot with desire as her eyes hungrily took in the powerful Borquois. “Thank you for checking in on me, but you are not…” She swallowed hard. It was already too late. She could see the telltale signs of want taking effect on Yonne. “You should leave, Yonne.” She walked over to the cabinet to retrieve the suppressant, only to find a hand shackling her wrist. She turned wide eyes on Yonne. The other woman’s pupils were dilated and a fine sheen of sweat was forming on her upper lip. Yonne was fighting back valiantly.

“Before I leave,” Yonne shut her eyes tightly and when she opened them again, they burned hotly. A corresponding heat flickered to life between Noor’s legs, causing her to gasp softly. “No one tried to take any liberties?”

“No one dared try,” she said softly and reached inside the drawer for the suppressant. When she turned back to Yonne, it was to find the light eyes roaming hungrily on her chest. The gaze, like a physical touch, she could feel searing through her clothing. She needed to get Yonne out of here. She gently cupped Yonne chin, her fingers feeling the heat of her skin as she gently stroked the beautiful face, her thumb crazing over the full lower lip. She needed the woman more than air at that moment. She wanted to drag her down to the deck with her and drown her with her passion. She shuddered. A slight pressure of her fingertips and Yonne’s lips parted. Noor tipped the bottle and placed a few drops on Yonne’s tongue. “This will make you feel better.” She didn’t wait to see if the antidote had taken effect, but pushed Yonne toward the door. “Good night, Yonne.”

When the door closed behind Yonne, Noor leaned against it. After a moment, she calmly walked over to the bedroom and close the door behind her.

CHAPTER 17

Flushed from her bath and with her damp hair hanging loose, Espert felt more like herself as she patted barefoot into the lounge. She made directly for the processor and keyed in another glass of berry wine. On second thought, she decided to study the selections for a light supper. She took a sip from the sweet, fruity wine. The hair in her nape bristled.

“Are all the crew members subjected to such close scrutiny or is it just me?”

When no answer was forthcoming, she turned slowly. Still, as a statue, Cilla stood at the door. Even from that distance, Espert could feel the force of Cilla’s stare. She suddenly felt naked, even covered in her dressing gown.

“I can assure you that I have no intention of corrupting any of the crew, if it’ll stop you from dropping by announced.” She took a long fortifying sip from her glass. She couldn’t help herself. “If the need strikes, I have found that our Avian travel companions are more than willing to meet my needs.”

A deep growl filled the silence following her snide remark. There was sudden blur of movement and Espert squeaked when Cilla jerked to a stop a hairsbreadth from her. The glass slipped out of nerveless hands as she brought her hands up defensively. She felt the cool splash of liquid on her bare toes. The air around Cilla bristled with emotion, as the other woman glared down at her. She was so close that Espert could feel Cilla’s breath on her face.

When Cilla finally spoke, her voice was thin with rage and her eyes glittered in her pale face. “When you signed on to this ship, you agreed to adhere to the rules and regulations assigned to govern the conduct of all crew members of Mercer.” She slowly leaned back from Espert as her eyes roved almost disdainfully over Espert’s face. “I will write your indecent statement off as a result of over-imbibing.”

Maybe the wine was stronger that she initially thought, thus allowing her to throw caution to the wind, Espert felt her anger rise and bubble to the surface.

“It pains me to be the one to inform you, Adjutant, that it seems that quite a lot of your precious, incorruptible crew members have not received the memo on intergalactic fraternization.” She bit down hard on her lower lip. She absolutely hated telling on the others, but she was so tired of being singled out all the time. Being constantly vilified was becoming tedious.

The blue eyes flashed with something dangerous before Cilla took a careful step back. Her movements were jerky as if she was mentally forcing her body to go against its own will. Espert swallowed hard. Cilla probably wanted to strangle her again. A shudder coursed through her body. If Cilla were to do just that, there were no witnesses this time. It would be her word against the respected adjutant’s.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

Espert stiffened. She wasn’t aware that she was looking at the other woman in a particular way. “Like what?” She almost clasped her hand over her mouth. Where that ill-timed bravado came from she didn’t know. She took a small step backwards when Cilla looked like she was about to lunge for her. Instead, the other woman’s voice almost sounded sad when she spoke again.

“Like I would hurt you.” The blue eyes were dark now and the handsome face hard. “I won’t hurt you…” Cilla looked away sharply. “…again…ever.” The last words were uttered in such a low tone, that Espert almost didn’t catch them. When they finally registered, she could only stare at the powerful woman. Did she hear correctly? With Cilla’s head turned away, Espert couldn’t read her expression to confirm that she had indeed heard correctly. At that moment she wanted, no, needed to see Cilla’s face. She took a step closer, but stop when the blonde head swung her way. An intense gaze fixed her to the spot. Their eyes held, searching, revealing. She didn’t know when it happened; when something so aching familiar sizzled to life, captivated her, and called to her. It was only when Cilla took a step closer, that the spell was broken. With a soft gasp, Espert stumbled backward, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Her eyes slammed shut. It can’t be! She must be dreaming. No, she was sure she was dreaming. Cilla was probably not even here. Her sex-starved brain probably conjured her up.  When she opened her eyes, she squeaked in surprise. Cilla was real and at that very moment stood so close to Espert that she could feel the heat coming off the large body. She lifted her eyes slowly, scared to meet the icy blue eyes. When their eyes met again, Espert couldn’t look away. It was there. The hunger. Exposed and plain to see. She didn’t know how long they’ve been staring in each other’s eyes, she only looked away when Cilla’s face dissolved in a liquid haze.

She let the tears fall shamelessly. Her heart breaking inside her.

“Doctor?” The concern in Cilla’s voice was distinctive. When she reached for Espert, Espert flung herself away. She felt the corner of the table cut into her side, but the pain in her heart outweighed the pain in her side. “Espert.”

Her name had never sounded so beautiful. She lifted a wet face to look at an obviously anxious Cilla. She held up her hand when it seemed as if the other woman were about to bridge the space between the two of them.

“You need to leave.” She sank down to the floor, still holding a shaking hand out to keep Cilla at bay. “I can’t have you hate me more that you already do. It…it will kill me.”

She lowered her head, pressing her face against her knees. She had dreamt about this moment. But that was exactly what it was; a dream. There was no way that Cilla could ever want her and still be who she was. She was Borquois. In fact, Cilla was more Borquois than all the Borquois she knew, together.

Silence reigned for a while, a very long while, before she heard the doors to her quarters open and close. Alone, with her pain, she allowed a sob to escape her lips.

oOo

The hallway was quiet, deserted at this hour. Moving slowly, like an injured animal, Cilla made her way to her quarters. Like an automaton, she hailed the lift and stood silently, like a marble statue for the car to deposit her on the management floor. Just as she stepped off the lift, she was hailed.

“Come in, Adjutant Cilla.”

“Adjutant Cilla here. Continue Officer Knewn.”

“The director has been logged off duty for the evening. Our long range scanners have picked up an armada bearing Hencron signature, 20 000 km away coming towards us. Contact estimated in 5 hours.”

Everything else fled from her mind, as she settled into her Adjutant persona. “I’ll be on the bridge in two minutes.”

She stepped back onto the lift, relieved that she didn’t have to spend the night alone in her quarters. She touched her earpiece. “Director Yonne.” Yonne always leaves her earpiece on for emergencies.

“Yes.” Yonne’s voice sounded croaky over the speaker.

“We have an armada coming towards us. They’re still 20 000 kilometers out, but gaining.”

There was short silence. “Give me a few minutes. Go to a yellow alert and inform our travel companions immediately. I’ll be with you soon, but I first need to make a stop somewhere.”

“Aye, Director.”

They’re in for a long night. It seemed every time she came in close proximity of Espert, the universe conspires to keep them apart. She hoped it didn’t mean more than it was.

oOo

“Milord, we picked up the ion trails of more than two vessels on a course for Monolith.”

Concalle stiffened. He turned away slowly from where he’d been staring out of the window of his day room. “Monolith?”

“Monolith is about a week’s travel at warp 8 from here, milord. I would be a good guess to assume that that is where they are heading.”

A chill chased down Concalle’s spine. Monolith. Where it all began and ended for him. He had vowed never to set foot on that wretched planet again. And now his only chance at rising above that blubbering oaf was leading him back there. For a nano-second he considered turning around and go the complete opposite way. But only for a nano-second. Weighing up his options, he found himself not liking his odds much, but the danger could be worthwhile. It would seem that the aliens were not aware of them yet. He could use that to creep up on them. He was a master tactician. He would find a way to intercept them before they made it to Monolith.

“Ask all the other captains to join me in my Day Room,” he barked at the officer. He had five ships and he was going to use that to his advantage. If he wanted to rule the quadrant, sacrifices were to be made.

oOo

The door slid open almost immediately. “You shouldn’t be here,” came to the terse greeting of sorts.

Yonne brushed passed Noor and entered her cabin. She blinked at seeing the state the room was in. The couches had been overturned. Shards of porcelain littered the floor amidst puddles of red liquid. Red liquid. Yonne quickly turned to Noor. The other woman looked agitated by Yonne’s presence as was evident at the severe frown she directed at Yonne.

“Are you injured?”

Noor’s frown deepened further, if it was even possible. With somewhat jerky movements, she stepped away from the door, her gaze deeply intense as she watched Yonne. “Is that why you came to my quarters at this hour? To enquire about my state of health?” She snorted. “You could’ve saved yourself the trouble by asking the doctor to fill you in.”

Yonne’s keen sense of hearing picked up on the pace of Noor’s heartbeat, realizing that the woman was becoming more agitated by the second. Yonne, herself, was starting to feel the impact of the pheromones. There was that slight prickle in her nether region. Her heart rate was marginally elevated. She was struggling to keep her eyes off Noor, too. The image of the woman prowling the length of the living room with her catlike gaits and wild flowing coppery locks, were sparking flashes tiny sparks of heat in the pit of her stomach. The verdant gaze met and held hers. Yonne clenched her jaw. In her present state, Noor, it seems, was susceptible to any reaction people had around her.

“Concalle is a couple days behind us, but is gaining.” She watched as Noor’s face pulled into a distasteful sneer. “You were vague about where you were leading us. You said something about the ‘enemy of your enemy; being your friend.’” Yonne smiled gently. “I hate to bother you with this now, but we need all the help we can get at this moment.”

Noor stopped her pacing. For an instant the frown left her face, replaced by alarm. It was gone just as quickly, but its appearance left a cold clench around Yonne’s heart.

“We’re going to Monolith. Concalle has a lot of enemies there.” Noor turned away. “My father is from Monolith. He’ll be able to lead you there.” She walked to the bedroom, leaving Yonne alone in the wrecked living room space. With a deep sigh and a long look around her, she left the quarters and made her way to the bridge.

When she stepped onto the bridge she was surprised to find the irate image of Queen Asmara on the view screen. Yonne threw a questioning look at Cilla. “I followed your orders, Director, and informed the Queen about the Concalle’s advance on our position.” Cilla’s calm words didn’t seem as at all to have been the cause for the Queen’s obvious distress.

“Your Highness, I though it prudent to inform you promptly. I understand the hour is late and ….”

Queen Asmara shook her head quickly. “It has nothing to do with the lateness of the hour, but with timing.”

“I don’t understand, Your Highness.”

“We’ll need to discuss this in person, Director Yonne. Are you available now?”

“I’ll beam over immediately.”

Ten minutes later, Yonne found herself in the opulent living room space of the Queen. She had been over to the Royal flagship once before, and then, she had only gotten as far as the Queen’s official boardroom. A quick glance of the room, showed that the area was lived in. It was decorated with love and attention. There were landscape paintings on the walls and a few portable holo-pics on the cabinets. She was immediately drawn to them. There were a lot of pictures of the Queen and her Consort. Some candid moments of them in beautiful intimate settings. They were holding hands in the one; even kissing tenderly in the other. There was one specific one that made Yonne swallow hard. It was taken in some sort of a garden. The Queen was wrapped in her Consort’s arms, both of them looking down at the copper headed child cradled in the Queen’s arms. The look of love on both parents’ faces was so raw and beautiful. The child on the other hand, looked at her parents with infinite trust and happiness.

“She was only two years old, but already a handful.” Yonne spun around to find the Queen, dressed in an elaborate dressing gown, standing behind her. “She got worse as she grew older.” Queen Asmara gestured to the couch. “I won’t keep you long, Director.”

Yonne quickly took a seat, looking at the Queen expectantly. She knew instinctively that was she was about to hear would change her life significantly.

“Before we happened…” The Queen shrugged. “…caught up with you, Noor was leading you to Monolith.”

“She told me earlier tonight that Concalle has enemies there.”

Queen Asmara shook her head. “Concalle was born on Monolith. He was banned from returning almost a decade ago. But that is not why I called you here. I called you here to tell you that we can’t go to Monolith.”

“Why not? Your husband is from Monolith.”

“That doesn’t mean anything right now. Relations between Monolith and Avion are strained. My Consort’s been trying to smoothen dealings for the past six months, but to no avail. We’ve dishonored a pact.”

It all suddenly made sense to Yonne. “Noor was to mate with a Monolith.”

Surprise flickered in the Queen’s green eyes. “You know about that?” When Yonne nodded, she continued. “Not any Monolith, but the ruler of Monolith’s only heir. In her current state, he could mate with her by force and there is nothing we could do to stop him. As her betrothed, it is his right.”

CHAPTER 18

Cilla heard the lift door slid open behind her. She slowly sat up from where she was lying on the bio-bed. She was exhausted. When Yonne returned from her meeting with Queen Asmara, she was in quite a state. To the others the director had probably only looked stressed, but to Cilla, who has known Yonne for decades, it was obvious that the Yonne was seething. Whatever the Queen had said, had upset Yonne so much that the other woman had ordered them to do an inventory of their weapons. Cilla was tasked with a full review of their battle training programs. The most baffling, was when she plotted a new course and ordered their pilot to increase their speed to Warp 12. It was as if she was suddenly very eager to reach Monolith. For what reason, she could only speculate, considering the tasks she had them perform throughout the night and half of the morning hours. If there was going to be action soon, she wanted in on it. She knew that is she skipped the last check-up, she could easily be kept from active duty for another week as a form of punishment.

“I’m here for my last checkup,” she mumbled as she held out her hand. It was only when the medic stepped closer, that Cilla’s nostrils were assaulted by a familiar scent. Her head jerked up to meet Espert’s calm gaze. She had purposefully chosen this hour to visit the medical bay, to avoid Espert.

Their eyes held for a moment, before Espert reached for Cilla’s hand. Cilla bit down hard to steel herself for the spark, she knew would chase through her body at Espert’s touch. In silence, Espert inspected the hand. After a few minutes, each of them agonizingly slow to Cilla, she gently dropped Cilla’s hand.

“The bones have all set well. I will prescribe an exercise routine to strengthen the muscles after the past four weeks of restricted movement.” Espert turned away to retrieve her palm reader and Cilla couldn’t help but allow her eyes to travel down the small shoulders until it settled on the rounded derriere of the doctor. She reluctantly pulled her gaze away when Espert turned back to her, still typing on her palm reader. All the while Cilla kept her gaze averted, knowing that she would be staring if she didn’t look away.

I can’t have you hate me more than you already do. Cilla’s heart constricted. If only Espert knew how Cilla had been fighting against herself not to cave in. All the classic symptoms were present. Distance. Denial. Surrender. She had kept Espert at a distance since the first time she saw her seated in the boardroom of the Mercer, waiting for her orientation. When ignoring and distance didn’t alleviate the issue, she had stepped up her efforts to alienate the woman from her. If she couldn’t get herself to keep away from the woman, she was going to do everything in her power to get Espert to alienate herself from Cilla. Who would’ve thought that having the woman ignoring her, could spur Cilla into wanting to be with her more.

Espert finished typing and held the palm reader out to Cilla. “Everything you need is on there. A diet plan, to speed up recovery and a gentle exercise regime to strengthen the muscles and your grip.”

Cilla nodded her thanks and rose, towering over Espert. She reached for the palm reader just as her ear piece cracked. The unexpected sound in the tense silence, made her drop the device. She bent quickly to retrieve it, only to find that Espert had the same idea. Their heads collided painfully, the impact leaving Espert sprawled on the floor.

All thoughts of the palm reader fled Cilla’s mind as she reached out and lifted Espert in her arms. Her intention was to put the doctor on the bio-bed, but finding the woman’s warm body pressed against her chest, made it difficult for her to let go. She stood, confused, her eyes wide as they looked down into Espert’s own wide gaze.

“Adjutant Cilla, come in.” The sound of Yonne’s crisp tone, snapped her out of her stupor. She felt her face heating up as she carefully laid Espert down on the bio-bed.

“Adjutant Cilla, Director. Please continue.”

“I need to see you and the doctor in my quarters immediately.”

Cilla blinked at that. Yonne rarely ordered her crew members around. Stranger, even is that she wanted to see both Cilla and Espert. The last time Yonne had made a mention of the two of them, Cilla was confined to her quarters.  She turned to Espert, who also heard the order, to find her looking alarmed.

“We’re on our way, Director.”

oOo

Yonne drained her ale just as the door chime sounded. She rose, surprised that after three mugs of ale that she wasn’t feeling the effects.

“Come.” The door slid open admitting the doctor and Cilla. Her eyebrow lifted slightly. Her last recollection of the two was that they were not on good terms. Now, standing together in her living room, they both looked slightly guilty, but there was also a vague sense of camaraderie between the two. Yonne decided to leave it there. She had her own problems without taking on other people’s problems too. She waved in the direction of the couch.

“Thank you for coming.” They acknowledge her gratitude with a curt nod. “With the new course the Queen’s Consort had sent over, we should reach Monolith in three days. We are running from one enemy, into the arms of another potential enemy.”

“Why would we assume that the Monoliths might be potential enemies, Director? We’ve never had any contact with them. What could we have done to offend them?”

Yonne inhaled deeply. “We have Noor.” She saw how the pieces fell into place for Espert as the doctor’s eyes widened. “She was…is betrothed to the heir of the Monolith Royal House. When she escaped from the convoy escorting her to Monolith, she reneged on the pact and now Avion is finding itself on the brink of a war with them.”

Cilla shrugged. “Isn’t it simple? We hand her over to them; save Avion and get rid of Concalle.” Both Yonne and Espert glared at her. “What?”

“She ran away because she didn’t want to be mated to that man,” Espert snapped. “She doesn’t love him.”

“What does love have to do with this?”

Yonne gaped at Cilla. Was the woman being purposely obtuse or did she simply not get it? Before she could respond to that, the petite doctor surged to her feet.

“Everything! It has everything to do with love!” The woman’s eyes were blazing fire and her chest was heaving with emotion. “She’s in love with someone else.”

“She is?” Yonne snapped. Her hands curled into fists. “Who?”

Espert swung wide eyes at Yonne. “She didn’t say.”

If she’d been angry when Queen Asmara told her about Noor betrothed and his right to her, she was boiling with rage at the idea of someone out there being Noor’s heart’s desire. Someone who could touch her whenever they want. She slammed her eyes shut, hoping to get the image of large hands roaming over Noor’s milk white skin out of her mind. When, after a few moments, she opened them again, her mind’s been made up.

“It doesn’t really matter anyway,” she bit out. Both Espert and Cilla blinked at her in confusion. “If Noor was to meet her betrothed in her current state, he has the right to take her and she won’t be able to stop him. No one will be able to stop him.”

“Then why are we going to Monolith, if that’s what going to happen, Director?” Espert’s eyes were swimming in tears. “Are we going to deliver her to such a fate?”

“No.”

Cilla leaned forward. “No, we are not delivering her to such a fate…or … no, we’re not going to Monolith anymore?”

Yonne pushed her hands through her hair. “We are going to Monolith. We don’t have a choice. We’re outnumbered by Concalle, even though our technology is more advanced than his.”

“Then why did we prepare out weapons array and fleet, if we’re not going to make a stand against Concalle,” Cilla asked carefully. Her eyes were pensive as she looked at Yonne, making Yonne realize that Cilla probably already knew the answer to the question.

She included Espert in her gaze when she spoke again. “I’m going to war with Monolith, because I’m claiming Noor. And you two are going to help me.”

oOo

Espert felt like she’d just fell into a deep dark hole. The sound was sucked from the room, leaving a high pitched ringing behind. In her silent world, she looked from Cilla to Yonne. Cilla, like herself, seemed to be utterly stunned. It was evident from her sagging jaw and blinking. Yonne on the other hand, looked calm as she watched them.

Over the decades, there had been a number of Borquois who had defected to the Basque side of the planet. Freedom of will and excitement ranked top of their motivations for fleeing the rigid, bleak rule of Borquois’ society.

Never had it been recorded that anyone close to Yonne’s stature had defected. Nor, were there any reasons to ever expect a powerful and respected Director to do so. Espert swallowed hard. She was witnessing history unfolding, first hand.

But most importantly, she found herself in a position to help her friend escape a loveless union and instead find an opportunity with the person she loved passionately. Noor didn’t have to prove her love for Yonne, not to Espert. It was there in her voice when she spoke the director’s name. It filled her eyes when she was in close proximity of the Borquois leader. It was there when she thought she would have to leave Yonne behind one day.

Espert cleared her voice, drawing the director’s full attention.

“What can I do to help?”

oOo

Cilla looked around her helplessly. Besides Espert and Yonne, there was no one else to help her make sense of this. She was going to have to ask hard questions to make sense of this situation. She slowly rose.

“As your friend, I need to ask you if you’ve thought this through, Yonne.” Silently, she pleaded that this would not be the one thing that would destroy their friendship. But she had to be sure. Yonne was a well-respected and powerful. If she was going to throw away all that for…she didn’t even know what to call it…then Cilla want to be certain that she had supported her best friend in making a decision she could live with for the rest of her life. She watched Yonne closely as the other woman took her time to form a response.

“I thought about it, but I can’t say I’m certain that this is a good idea.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Espert take a hasty step closer to Yonne. “If you want to make this work, Director, I would suggest you keep comments like that to yourself. I’m almost sure that Noor wouldn’t appreciate being relegated to an experiment of some sort.”

Yonne shrugged. “I’m not going to start a union based on lies.” She looked at Cilla. “I know you’re only looking out for me, my friend. Don’t ask me how, but I feel that this is what I should do.”

“You do realize what you’re giving up for this,” Cilla added lamely. She wasn’t getting the answers she needed, but at least she was getting the truth. Yonne nodded curtly. “In that case, what do you want me to do?”

For a moment a look of discomfiture flash over Yonne’s face. She inhaled deeply before she fixed her gaze on Espert.

“I need you to help me prepare myself.”

Not sure what it meant, Cilla frowned at Yonne. When Yonne refused to meet her eyes, Cilla shifted her gaze to Espert. The other woman was staring back at Yonne, the color in her cheeks high. Frustrated, Cilla threw up her hands. It would seem the earlier knock to her head had left her a bit dim-witted, for Espert seems to have grasped the meaning of the confusing request quite quickly.

“Would anyone care to fill me in on what you’re talking about? Prepare you for what?”

This time Yonne fixed her with a level gaze. “I have to copulate with Noor before we reach Monolith.”

CHAPTER 19

Noor stepped under the cool spray, mentally begging that the water will not only douse the heat that was her constant companion for the past four days, but maybe also clear her mind and wash away the image of a tall, powerful blonde with ice blue eyes. Her eyes shot full of tears when at the mere thought of Yonne, her body temperature shot up a notch. Why of all the people in the universe did she have to choose the most unattainable of them all? A sob burst forth and she slowly sank down the cool tiles until she sat flat on the floor, the spray beating down on her.

It won’t be long before they reached Monolith and her betrothed. She clamped her hands over her mouth to smother the sobs which had intensified at the thought of some stranger pawing at her body. Breaking her. Using her.

She didn’t know how long she sat there, her heart having broken so many times over that she couldn’t even feel it any more. She reluctantly dragged herself to her feet. Her stomach roiling at what she knew waited for her today. Her mother was sending over another batch of suitors. They were probably already waiting for her outside her quarters. Not bothering with covering her nakedness, she walked through to her bedroom. She was halfway to her closet, when she realized she wasn’t alone. Adrenaline surged as she turned ready to defend herself against the intruder.

Noor gasped when saw who her unexpected guest was. For a few moments she could only stare, until she remembered she was naked. She reached into the closet for her gown and with frantic movements dressed herself. She then stood, with her back to the door, looking at her shaking hands. After taking a deep breath, she slowly turned.

“You shouldn’t be here.”  Even as she said it, her eyes hungrily took in Yonne. The other woman stood silently inside the door leading to the bedroom, her eyes hooded as she looked at Noor.

“I was waiting in the living room, but I heard something…” The blue eyes flitted away for a moment. Yonne must’ve heard her crying. “I thought you had injured yourself.”

Noor stared at Yonne for a long moment, feeling the familiar tingling between her legs. Her eyes strayed to the bed. When she returned her gaze to Yonne, it was to find the other woman also looking at the bed, a strained look on her face. An intense heat wave flooded her body and she took a ragged breath. She needed to get Yonne out of the room and quickly.

“Thank you for your concern.” She waved at her gown. “As you can see I need to prepare myself for…” She pursed her lips in distaste. “…my guests.”

“There is no one.”

“No one. What do you mean? Did my mother…”

Yonne stepped into the room. “I was hoping you would consider me.”

The air was sucked from her lungs and for a moment she felt like she would faint. As a precaution, she leaned a hand against the closet. Yonne, noticing, took a quick step closer. Noor held up a hand.

“No, don’t come any closer,” she rasped. “Do you know what you’re saying?”

The expression on Yonne’s face faltered. “I know that I’m alien to your customs nor am I from a royal bloodline. If you would rather…”

“It’s not that.” This time she was the one closing the distance between them. “You realize you’ll have to make love to me.”

Yonne looked confused. “Make love?”

Noor couldn’t help but smile at that. Yonne’s innocence was so endearing at that moment. “Yes. We need to have sex.”

“Ok.”

Noor eyebrows shot up. “OK? I thought your culture forbids same sex relations.”

“It does.”

When nothing else was forthcoming, Noor threw her hands up. “Then why are you doing this?”

“Because I don’t want you to be unhappy.”

Noor gaped at Yonne. She didn’t want her to be unhappy. An unexpected tear rolled down her cheek and she blinked rapidly to stop more from following. The burden of the sacrifice Yonne was willing to make, humbled and delighted her at the same time. She was not going to offend the other woman by refusing her offer. She doubted that she could even turn her away now.

“Thank you, Yonne.”

oOo

Cilla was staring at the division reports not having the foggiest as to what they were about. Her mind was overwhelmed by what had transpired the night before. She had trouble sleeping the previous night, because it was simply too much to take in. The universe seemed tilted somehow. Cilla will probably not admit it out loud, but she was scared of what this would mean for all of them. But mostly for Yonne. The day Yonne was sworn in many of the Borquois heaved a sigh of relief.  Yonne was not overbearing like the other directors. Very early on in her first term as Director, she had proved herself to be just and fair. She had even voted for the banishment of a number of laws she felt was too stringent and stifling. It was, thanks to her, that the Borquois populace could now air their views in governmental matters through the monthly invites to sit in on Directors’ conferences. It was a slight change, but where they had no say at all, at least now they could sit in on these assemblies and follow the process that finally resulted in laws which pertained to them.

The Borquois would, no doubt, be the biggest sufferers.

The low ping of her ear piece, jarred her from her thoughts. “Yes.”

“Her Royal Highness, Queen Asmara is on hold for the director. Shall I patch her through to you, Adjutant?”

Cilla groaned inwardly. She had been expecting this. “Yes. Thank you.” Her desk reader flickered to life, revealing the Queen’s irate features. “Greetings, your Highness.”

“Adjutant,” came the curt response.

“How can I be of service, Your Highness?”

“My people have been denied access to the Mercer. Are you reneging on our agreement?”

“No, we are not reneging on our agreement at all, Your Highness. They are not needed anymore?”

The Queen blinked in surprise. “I don’t understand.”

“We believe the Princess has found a suitable mate already.”

This time the Queen’s jaw dropped. She tried to form words, but her mouth snapped shut again. “If the suitor is not Avian, then who else can it be?”

Cilla hesitated slightly. “It’s the director, Your Highness.”

The Queen’s face froze in shock. “The…the director?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The Queen suddenly let out a loud squeal causing Cilla to jerk back from the desk reader. She gaped as the usually severe looking woman, clapped her hands in glee.

“It worked then,” the woman said after a while, her face beaming.

Suddenly suspicious, Cilla leaned forward. “What do you mean, Your Highness?”

The Queen chuckled. “We knew they were a match. They were both unaware, of course. All we needed to do was add a little push and there you have it.”

“You…you set them up?”

The Queen shrugged. “Of course. How else were they going to get together?”

Cilla dropped her head on the desk with a thud. Yonne would not like this. All this time her ultimate sacrifice had been an orchestrated ploy by the Queen. She lifted her head slowly.

“The director will not appreciate this,” she said softly.

The Queen’s eyebrow curled up suggestively. “I doubt it very much, Adjutant.”

Cilla blushed at the woman’s remark. She’s heard of the Avians’ renowned sexual prowess.

The screen went black.

oOo

Espert leaned closer to the screen, frowning at the readings. Impossible! She turned back to look at her patient. The woman looked worse for wear.

“When did you say your…uh…liaison occurred?”

“Three days ago.”

Espert exhaled softly. “It would seem that you are pregnant.”

The officer sat up slowly, her eyes wide. “Pregnant? Are you sure? I…I mean it’s only been three days.”

Espert glanced at her readings again. “I know.” She really felt like kicking herself again for not having studied the data feed from Noor’s escape pod. To her knowledge almost half of the officers on the Mercer had been entertaining Avian crew members over the past three days.

“What am I going to do?”

What, indeed? Had she just single-handedly turned the Mercer into a giant floating incubator as a result of not being proactive enough? Luckily the director was otherwise occupied, but that left the mercurial adjutant. She shuddered inwardly. She can’t postpone the inevitable.

“I’ll prescribe an anti-nausea agent for now. You should feel much better afterwards. I’ll have to consult with the director first to see what we can do about your situation.”

She turned away from the bed and heaved a heavy sigh. Just when they already had so much to deal with.

oOo

To say that she was nervous, was a gross understatement. From where she stood, Yonne was sure that Noor could hear her heartbeat. She knew too, that her accelerated heartbeat had not only to do with her nervous state. Her body was acting strange again. It burned from the inside out and her palms were sweating from keeping her hands fisted.

“You know that you don’t have to do this, Yonne.” Noor’s eyes were serious as she studied Yonne. “Just the thought that you were willing to help, is more than enough.”

“I’m fine,” Yonne lied.

Noor cocked her head to the side as she smiled at Yonne. “Are you sure?”

Not sure that she could speak again, Yonne nodded curtly. She had never liked any of the copulations she had had previously. It had left her feeling used and dirty, resulting in her vomiting violently afterwards. She prayed that she didn’t vomit all over Noor.

“You tell me to stop if I do something you don’t like, ok?”

Yonne nodded again. She inhaled deeply when Noor crossed the distance between them to stand very close to her. With Noor in such close proximity, Yonne’s body was pulsing with an odd sensation. She held Noor’s gaze as the other woman watched her closely. At least this was different, Yonne thought. During her previous copulations, there was no emotion. No concern for the other. Only a session that had been scheduled by the Health Board for her not to miss. She blinked when Noor leaned closer, her green eyes growing bigger, the smaller the distance became between the two of them. She felt Noor breath on her cheek and swallowed. She stiffened when Noor angled her head slightly, her mouth moving towards Yonne’s. Yonne exhaled explosively. Startled, Noor jerked back.

“Are you…?”

“It’s forbidden,” Yonne gasped.

“What? Kissing?” Noor looked horrified. “Why?”

“Intercourse was…is only to reproduce. There should be no bonding.”

Noor’s mouth fell open in surprise.

“I…I need to understand. Please tell me why you couldn’t bond? Why is bonding prohibited?”

The tension that had reigned between them a few minutes ago was suddenly less intense. Yonne knew that she couldn’t escape the inevitable, but if she could delay it by a few more minutes, she was happy to do so.

“The men on Borquois are only there for breeding purposes. They are scheduled to service a number of women as per instruction of the Health Board.” Noor eyes widened. “There is no time for them to bond, especially if you have to service ten women per day.” A soft gasp escaped Noor lips and she quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. “The men who tried to bond are kept in quarantine as punishment. The women…” Yonne saw her mother’s face floating before her mind’s eye and looked away. “…they are banished to the Astro-belt.”

A heavy silence hung in the room. Yonne kept her head turned away, not wanting Noor to see the pain in her eyes. After a while, she felt a soft hand cup her cheek. Her head was turned slowly until she met Noor warm eyes.

“You didn’t like it.”

“No.” Yonne swallowed. “Nor did I want you to experience that.”

Noor stared at her, long and hard. Her green eyes were brimming with tears. “For us, kissing is an essential part of love making. It’s a gift; a reward from the heart, if you like.” Noor inhaled deeply. “I beg you to allow me to kiss you, Yonne, because if there was ever someone who deserved a kiss, it’s you.”

Overwhelmed by the strangest of emotions, Yonne reached out and wiped the tears from Noor’s cheeks.

“I can’t remember the last time someone offered me with a gift.”

CHAPTER 20

“Pregnant!”

Cilla stared at Espert as if she’d just grown another head. The way her day was going, she wasn’t sure how much more she could take. Yonne was locked up in a quarter with a beautiful alien, breaking the most sacred rule on Borquois. Unbeknownst to her, The Queen fancied herself a heart-sprite and set them up. And now, she was confronted with this!

“How?” She sighed with Espert lifted a quizzical eyebrow. “I meant… Why didn’t she come to you for protection?”

“Maybe because it would’ve been useless. She administered a protection agent she had ordered from the processor.”

Cilla pushed her hands through her hair. What should she do now? Was there even something she could do? Her hands were tied until Yonne was available again. She almost jumped out of her skin when she felt a soft hand on her arm. Espert quickly stepped back, the act making Cilla frown thunderously. She detested the fear in the other woman’s eyes. Seeing that her countenance was not aiding the situation, Cilla carefully schooled her features into a neutral mask. Espert gave her a wary look before she deemed it safe to speak.

“There are other options.”

“Like what?”

Espert shrugged. “Termination, for one.”

“No, never,” Cilla said quickly. “That is not an option. Anything else?”

“We could retrieve the fetus after a month and let them mature in incubators. This way, Officer Monar can still attend to her duties.”

“What are the disadvantages of this method?”

“Well, the bond between mother and child might not be as strong as with a natural incubation. Due to the lack of bonding, the offspring might reach maturity a little slower.”

Cilla shook her head. “No to that too.” She saw an exasperated look flash over Espert’s face and she shook her head again for emphasis.

“Then I have no other ideas. I’ll try and see if there’s something we could use in the Avian data feeds.” Espert paused for a moment. “May I ask why termination is not an option?” The blue eyes searched Cilla’s intently. Since Yonne had put her trust in the other woman, and knowing that Yonne is a good judge of character, Cilla assumed that it would be safe to trust the woman with the truth. They were in Yonne’s day room, which was the safest place on the ship to talk.

“Our children are dying on Borquois. At first, we thought it was just due to term birth complications. It took our scientists four years and 75 fatalities to find the cause.”

“What was the cause?”

Cilla hesitated for a moment. “Inbreeding. The same genetic material is recycled and re-used since most of the men are old and have almost reached the end of their breeding cycle.” She walked over to the processor. “Would you like anything to drink?”

“No, thanks.”

After ordering herself a tea, Cilla turned back to face Espert. Espert was looking at her in expectation and Cilla sighed. She’ll have to tell her the truth. “The main aim of our voyage, is to find either a cure or to collect enough male genetic material to ensure the safe development of offspring in our laboratories.” She looked away at the expression of horror that came over Espert’s face.

“You…you mean that one of the alternatives is that you’ll grow your children in a laboratory? How…I mean…it sounds so…sterile.” Espert’s voice was heavy with shock. “Why didn’t you call in our help? We are, after all, all carrying the same genetic material and we have many males in the prime of their lives to provide suitable genetic material.”

Cilla sipped from her drink to hide the shudder that went through her. Asking the Basque Head Council for assistance, was the last thing the Director’s Council would’ve considered. The Borquois considered themselves more advanced than their neighbors. It would’ve massively dented their pride were they to crawl to their nemesis for assistance, which could have meant the survival of their race.

Her long silence must’ve queued Espert in on her thoughts. “Oh, I forgot that the great Borquois wouldn’t demean themselves to ask the help of the depraved Basque.” Cilla cringed inward at the taunt. Why was the woman taking the situation personally, anyway? Maybe it wasn’t such a good thing that the woman wasn’t scared of her anymore. Almost immediately she felt the bile rise at the thought of Espert cowering from her. She hastily discarded the thought.

“It shouldn’t be something new to you, doctor. Our people have not been on cordial terms for centuries,” Cilla snapped back, still reeling from the mental picture of a cowering Espert. She was bone-tired and the last thing she wanted to do was engaging in a verbal spar with Espert. All her energy had been purposefully focused on the smooth running of the ship. Not on the growing ache of longing she felt when she thought of Espert. And definitely not on what was happening two decks below in the guest quarters. A tiny spark ignited and she turned away from Espert, skirted the desk and settled heavily in the chair. Espert stood staring back at her, a pensive look on her face. “I need some time to think this through. I must admit that extracting the fetus after one month and incubating it, sounds not as bad as cultivating it in a laboratory. Even then, it’s not my decision to make.”

Espert nodded and walked to the door, granting Cilla an appreciative view of her derriere. It took her a while to realize that Espert had stopped at the door to look at her from over her shoulder. Refusing to show any discomfort at having been caught, she slowly raised her eyes to meet Espert’s cool gaze. She had expected…What had she expected? That Espert would welcome having her anatomy being inspected? Or perhaps even a bit of anger? But not that cold, distant mien.

“It would seem that you have needlessly wasted time and resources.”

Jarred from her thoughts, it took a while for Espert’s words to sink in. “And why would that be, doctor?”

Espert shrugged. “We were faced with the same dilemma a century ago and we’ve managed to solve it.”

Cilla blinked. Could it be true? Could the remedy have been so close? She slowly raised to her feet and made her way over to where Espert stood. “Are you saying you might have a cure?” At the sardonic lift of Espert’s brow, she quickly rearticulated her question. “Had one all this time? Are you sure?”

“Yes. I should know, since I led the biogenetical team who fashioned the antidote.”

oOo

The room was hot; the air heavy with nervous expectation. Noor was trembling slightly. Part of it from excitement at what was about to transpire. The other part was good old-fashioned performance anxiety. She had been with a few women before since she entered her teenaged years. However, that was in no way a comparison as to what she felt right now, looking at the other woman lying stiff as a board on the bed, looking back at her. Yonne was trying hard to hide her nervousness, but Noor had witness a minor tremble in the other woman’s hand earlier.

I don’t want you to be unhappy. Noor closed her eyes briefly as the words echoed through her mind. She slowly opened her eyes, finding Yonne resting on her elbows, her eyes dark with concern. With a smile, the most brilliant, she had ever felt worthy to direct to any other being, but her parents, she stretched out next to Yonne. This close to her, she could hear the woman’s heart beat almost frantically in her chest. It was now or never. She ran a soothing hand down Yonne’s arm as she leaned forward.

“Stop me if I do something you don’t like,” she searched the pale face intently. The last thing she would want, would be to scare off Yonne. “I’ll stop immediately.” Easier said; than done, she chastised herself. Her body has been close to boiling point since she’d found Yonne in her bedroom. But she will stop, even if it killed her. She studied Yonne’s eyes, wanting to make sure that her woman understood and believed her. When Yonne nodded, she smiled and leaned even closer. Their breath mingled and Noor heard Yonne’s heartbeat sped up even further. She gently brushed her lips against Yonne and they both gasped at the same time. She didn’t know what a profound effect the innocent kiss had on Yonne, but that simple touch, shot through her body and ignited all her senses. Her mother had once spoke of the spark that ignites when your true mate kissed you. She wanted…no…needed more. She waited for a moment, listening to Yonne’s wild heartbeat. “Are you…?” She never got to finish asking her question, for Yonne lifted her head off the pillow and pressed her lips against Noor’s. With a soft moan, Noor fell into the kiss. Craving a taste, she gently slid the tip of her tongue to Yonne’s lips. The other woman stiffened almost instantly, causing Yonne to pull back. But not too far, because Yonne pulled her closer again. This time, it was Noor who trembled when Yonne ran the tip of her tongue over Noor’s lips. They continued kissing with Noor introducing a new twist every time, which Yonne carefully copied and masterfully applied. By now, her body was so hot, she could barely breathe without quivering from want.  She reluctantly reared back from Yonne, breaking the kiss.

“I can’t wait anymore,” she whispered brokenly. “I need to have you.”

oOo

Yonne felt a slight panic settling over her. The kissing part, which she had dreaded, had turned out to be quite a revelation. She had never felt this close, this cherished with someone. That first moment their lips had met, it had felt as if a strong electrical current had been introduced to her body. It had made no sense at all, not at first. There were no open electrical sources nearby to have caused such a reaction. It had left only Noor. Noor, who had stared back at her with deep green eyes and reassuring smile. She had initiated the next kiss and with the same, if not slightly intensified, result. Yonne licked her lips, still feeling the dents of Noor teeth on her lower lip. It was an incredible feeling and she was sure it had nothing to do with the heavy pheromones in the air.

But could she go further than that? Flashes of a heaving male body and remembering taste of the bile that rose as her body was possessed, made her quickly turn her head away, hiding from Noor’s gaze. She felt a soft caress on her cheek.

“I’ll stop if you want me to.”

Yonne believed her; trusting her enough to know she would stop. But at what cost? She might not know exactly what Noor was feeling, but from what she had seen, when Noor was admitted to the medical bay, and what Queen Asmara had sketched, Yonne could not even begin to comprehend.

Yet, Noor vowed she would stop.

Yonne took a shaky breath and turned her head so she could meet Noor’s eyes. The other woman looked beautiful, rumpled and incredibly alluring. However, it was the expression in her eyes, which held Yonne transfixed. Her eyes were a lighter shade than their usual dark green, her pupils were almost fully dilated. It made her look different, feral almost. Except for the mixed look of affection and fear in her eyes.

“I will stop; I promise,” Noor whispered, her eyes roaming over Yonne’s face. She had done the same earlier, before she had kissed Yonne. It was almost as if she willed Yonne to believe her.

“You don’t have to stop.” Yonne knew that she meant it. No matter how unpleasant the act would be, she would not allow Noor to stop. Not when holding back for Yonne’s sake was causing her such discomfort. The relief in Noor’s eyes was plain to see; so was the hunger that slowly surfaced.

“Take a deep breath, arula, and relax. I’ll take good care of you.”

Yonne did as she was told and immediately felt her body relax, even heating up a little more. She knew it was the pheromones. It would seem as if Noor had been holding back for the past hour, but now she had cranked it up. Yonne laid there, allowing the heat to course through her body. Noor sat up and slowly undid the sash of her dressing gown. Yonne’s eyes were riveted on the sliver of flesh visible between the loose hanging sides. She left out a soft breath when Noor shrugged the gown off her shoulders, exposing full, dark-tipped breasts. An unexpected dampness formed in her nether region at the sight, but even in her discomfiture, she couldn’t get herself to look away. Noor lifted her arms, pushing her fingers through her tousled hair. Yonne swallowed. She was the one who had raked her hands through Noor’s hair. Her eyes slowly traveled down to stop at Noor’s chest. Her breasts were lifting and falling sensuously as Noor combed her fingers through her own hair. Yonne didn’t know what it was… Instinct, perhaps. But she found herself sitting up and her mouth latched onto one of the nipples. Her action drew a startled cry from Noor’s lips, but Yonne didn’t stop…couldn’t stop. The texture of the pebbled tip and the lush soft skin surrounding it, was intoxicating. She raked her teeth over the nipple, allowing it to pop free of her mouth, only for Yonne to move to the other nipple. She felt it then; the undulation against her navel. Noor was rolling her hips in a slow circle against Yonne’s stomach, leaving behind a smear of wetness. Intrigued, she let the nipple slip from her mouth to look down between their bodies. There was a large stain forming on her tunic. It would seem that the wetness was coming from Noor’s body.

“Please don’t stop,” Noor gasped and pulled Yonne’s head against her chest. Yonne was happy to continue where she left off, seen as it tore small moans from Noor’s lips. She vague remembered her uncomfortable consultation with Espert. They were both too self-conscious to talk too long, with Espert just leaving her with brusque advice.

She’ll know what she wants. If her body produces a wetness and she moans a lot, you are on the right track. Just keep doing what you were doing. Are we done here?

Noor was wet and she was moaning. Yonne smiled against Noor’s breast. Maybe copulation with a woman wasn’t as appalling as she’d thought. That had been Espert’s first remark. Yonne had not taken it to heart that much, since she hadn’t expected the Basque woman to say otherwise. But now she concurred. Feeling a little brazen, she ran her hands up Noor’s smooth back to rake her short nails down the bucking woman’s spine. Noor froze for a nano-second before she intensified her actions. It created more wetness on her stomach and Yonne’s curiosity had her slip her hand down between their bodies. She swallowed when she encountered the slick substance.

“Touch me.”

Noor’s hips stopped moving as she waited, expectantly. Yonne did as she was asked. She let her fingers brush over the slick, heated flesh, eliciting a long drawn out moan from Noor. Looking up, she found the other woman had thrown her head back. She continued her exploration. She hesitated for a moment, when she encountered a small hardness amongst all the slickness. Noor’s physiology wasn’t much different from her own, but Yonne had never felt herself like this; wet and swollen. She rubbed a finger over the hardness and was greatly startled when, with a loud keen, Noor grabbed her close; her body almost shaking apart in Yonne’s arms.

CHAPTER 21

Noor was scared to open her eyes. Scared of losing the image in her mind’s eye. Instead, she let her senses explore the world outside her closed eyes. She smelt the musky scent of spent sex, mixing with the slight spicy smell of pheromones. Her skin, where it was pressed tight against Yonne’s, was slick from sweat and other bodily fluids. She swallowed hard. This was unchartered territory, but she was curious. She cleared her mind and probed deeper behind the shimmering curtain of awareness. She found it, the small spark that was hidden in the corner of her mind.

Yonne.

She shuddered. She wondered how Yonne would react were she to know that their union had been consummated on both a physical and mental level. From this day forth, they will share a collective consciousness. If wanted, the other could read the other’s mind, feel the other’s emotions and they could communicate with each other telepathically. She was pulled from her thoughts by a loud thudding sound nearby. She cocked her head to the side.

Yonne.

She was scared.

Noor’s instinct, now stronger than ever, to protect her mate, flared fast and she pulled Yonne even closer.

“Are you okay?”

There was a short silence. Noor opened her eyes, waiting expectantly for the answer.

“I don’t know.”

Reluctant to break the contact with Yonne, Noor loosened her legs around Yonne’s middle. She blushed when she realized that the Yonne was still fully dressed. Her mortification grew when she noticed the large wet patch on Yonne’s tunic. She lifted her eyes to meet Yonne’s. The usually ice-blue eyes were a smoldering dark blue.

“Tell me what you’re feeling.” She could easily tap into Yonne’s consciousness now, but doing so without a partner’s consent, was considered the highest form of breach of trust. For the time being, she’ll have to make do with Yonne’s censored utterances.

Yonne held her gaze for long. “It’s as if I’m burning up inside.”

Noor smiled gently at the pure honesty of Yonne. It was so contradictory to the person who had just brought her to an earth-shattering climax almost effortlessly.

“I can help you with that.” She lowered her head and kissed Yonne deeply. She savored the taste of Yonne’s lips, reveling in the knowledge that she was the first person ever to kiss this magnificent woman. “Let me take care of you, arula.” The endearment slipped out and Noor exhaled softly. She couldn’t take it back; for it was true. Yonne might not be fully aware of it, but she was Noor’s ‘eternal love’. After Yonne, there could simply be no other. She kissed Yonne again before her hands dropped to the fastener on her tunic. Noor stalled for a moment, giving Yonne a chance to be protest, if she wanted to.  She gently slid the tunic from Yonne’s broad shoulders, brushing her fingertips over the pale skin. She felt a soft tremor under her fingertips. Theirs might have been a random convergence, but what she felt for Yonne was so right, destined. The universe wanted them together. Noor raked her fingers through Yonne’s white locks. She was so incredibly happy that of all the ships crisscrossing the space beyond the wormhole frequently, her pod had bumped into Yonne’s ship. She eyed Yonne’s breasts through the tight, flesh covered body shaper. They were small and perky. She brushed her hand over the nipple of the breast closest to her and Yonne let out a soft gasp. A flash of heat shot down Noor spine at the breathy sound. She locked eyes with Yonne. She wanted Yonne to realize that this was not going to be a sterile copulation. They were both going to be equal partners in the act and both will derive pleasure from this liaison.

“You’re so incredibly beautiful,” she whispered as her fingertips brushed over the high cheekbones and the deep cleft in the strong chin. She smiled faintly when she saw the doubt in the blue eyes. “Yes, you are. You take my breath away.” Their eyes held for a long moment, Noor willing Yonne to believe her. When, finally, she read acquiescence in Yonne’s eyes, she returned to undressing Yonne. She will go as slow as needed to convince Yonne. Her hand found the closure of the body shaper and she eagerly peeled the vest open, her eyes hungrily taking in the small breasts. Her mouth watered at the sight. To think that she would be the first one to ever touch them; kiss them, suck on them. But first things first. She deftly divested Yonne of all her clothing, almost swooning from lust when she pulled the tight pants from Yonne to encounter a slight larger than average clitoris. She hadn’t known what to expect, had not even thought about it, but she was elated by what she’d found.

Her woman was made for sex.

oOo

Yonne felt extremely vulnerable lying naked under Noor intense gaze. The other woman’s breathing was accelerated and her pupils were blown, leaving only a sliver of green circling the enlarged pupil. It was evident that Noor was highly aroused. But then what was she waiting for? Copulation didn’t last long. She had timed all her previous sessions and that was the only bright side to the act for her. She inhaled deeply. Though with Noor, it took a little longer. Maybe women… She gasped when she felt her nipple engulfed in a soft, warm cavern. Closing her eyes, she laid there, greedily absorbing every little sensation. Was this what Noor had felt when Yonne had sucked on her breasts earlier. She moaned when Noor’s tongue flicked over her nipple. The sensation was inexpressible. Nor could she explain the sudden feeling of heaviness between her legs. She reached a hand down, shocked when she encountered wetness. Not a little, but a copious amount.

“Shush, arula, don’t panic.”  She raised wide eyes to meet Noor tender look. “It’s normal. Your body is telling you that it likes what’ happening now.” To Yonne’s alarm, Noor reached for her hand, damp fingers and all, and brought it to her lips. Keeping eye contact she kissed the digits softly, before she slipped one into her mouth. Yonne’s hips shot up from the bed almost unseating Noor. “Yes, you like it,” Noor murmured as she unhurriedly slipped the finger from her mouth. Yonne could only stare at her finger, as if it was the first time she’d seen it. Noor chuckled softly, drawing Yonne’s gaze. “I find that you love having my mouth on you.”

Yonne swallowed hard. It was the truth. She liked the feel of Noor’s lips on hers, on her breasts and now, strangely, on her fingers.

“There is, however, one more place where you would love to feel my mouth.” Noor’s eyes grew even darker. She ran her hand lightly down Yonne’s body. Yonne’s mouth fell open in shock when Noor’s hand went even further, passed her navel and into the sparse curls covering her intimates. She quickly turned her head away, abruptly breaking eye contact with Noor. Noor’s hand stopped immediately. “Do you want me to stop?” Yonne kept her face turned away; not sure what to answer to that. She felt Noor pulling away from her and the gradual loss of contact, left Yonne screaming silently at the bleakness that threatened to engulf her. Her arms snaked out and curled around Noor and she turned to face the other woman.

“Don’t stop.”

Noor searched her face with a long, concerned look. “I want you to be sure about this, Yonne. It won’t be enjoyable for both of us if one of us doesn’t want this.”

“I don’t want you to stop.” Yonne hoped she sounded more convincing to Noor than she did to her own ears. They stared at each other for a few heartbeats longer, before Noor’s hand stirred where it lay over her intimate part. Noor leaned over Yonne’s breast and flicked her tongue casually over her nipple, just as her finger delved deeper, pushing between her lips to press down on her clitoris.

“Oh…” Before Yonne could utter anything else, Noor’s mouth slanted over Yonne’s and her fingers slid inside.

oOo

Espert looked up when the doors to the medical bay slid open. Her heart jerked at the sight of the adjutant as she walked in. She slowly came out of her chair as she waited for Cilla. As always, the room, any room, felt smaller when Cilla entered.

“Adjutant,” she greeted crisply. They had met earlier to discuss the pregnant crew member, but that had been almost six hours ago. She can’t think of any reason why Cilla would be seeking her out again. If there was any, a secure communication link would’ve saved the woman the long trip from the bridge to Deck 4.

“Doctor.” Curt. Formal.

“How can I assist you, Adjutant?”

Cilla exhaled explosively. “I’m worried.”

Espert kept her face carefully neutral. She knew where this going and to be honest, she really didn’t want to discuss this with Cilla. She held her tongue as she studied Cilla. Thoughts and images of whatever was happening in Noor’s quarters had been preying on her mind the whole day. Filling her mind with wild fantasies of sweaty bodies gliding over each other; mouths biting and sucking. In her little fantasies, the setting was her quarters. The characters, herself and the delectable adjutant.

“It’s been over three hours now and there has been no news.”

Espert bit down on her lip as she turned away from Cilla feigning an interest in a communique that just came through her desk reader.  She really didn’t want to discuss sex with Cilla. Instead she settled for an ambiguous remark.

“You seem to be correct, Adjutant.” When she turned back to Cilla, she found the woman’s eyes slowly raking over her body. It was the exact same look Cilla was giving her in fantasies. Their eyes met. And held. Espert couldn’t look away. She could evade the topic of sex somehow, but she couldn’t avoid Cilla’s penetrating gaze. For a novice to the seduction game; the woman seemed to be quite adept. Maybe it was her innocent, but prying looks that she gave Espert, which made the doctor’s knees go all wobbly. She felt her knees buckling already under the forceful look. She needed to divert attention from her and it was ironic that the only way to do this, was to talk about sex with the subject of her desire. “It has been three hours.”

Cilla seemed confused for a moment, before she nodded. “Why is it taking so long? It’s not supposed to be this long,”

Heat climbed up her neck as she looked away from Cilla. “It…uh…it’s not something you should rush.” She swore she heard a slight hitch in Cilla’s breathing. She chanced a quick look at Cilla. The other woman was staring at her through narrowed eyes.

“I don’t understand.”

Espert sighed inwardly. She wasn’t going to get away with dodging the topic. She walked around a baffled Cilla to shut her office door. She pointed to the chair and skirted her desk to stand beside her own chair. “We’ll probably have to discuss this. Are you needed elsewhere, Adjutant?”

Cilla looked from the chair to Espert. Her cheeks were slightly flushed. “I have ten minutes before I’m needed in the engine room.” She sunk into the chair and Espert did the same. For a moment there was an uncomfortable silence. “The other times were always quick.”

She balled her fists, where her hands were resting in her lap. She had heard of the mandatory copulation sessions that each of the Borquois were subjected to. A sterile, physical exercise that left both parties distraught and unfulfilled. The thought of Cilla having gone through that, angered her beyond measure. Her eyes took in the woman sitting before her. She was so strong and beautiful. It hurt that she had never known the gentle touch of a lover. But that was not what was up for discussion now. She cleared her voice softly.

“Making love is nowhere comparable to the sterile…uh…copulation for procreation.” She waited a moment, wanting the meaning to sink in. When Cilla’s eyes widened slightly, Espert continued. “It’s a meeting of strong emotions that manifests itself in the tender, selfless act of love making.”

Cilla stared at Espert, long and hard, making the other woman want to squirm under the unblinking gaze. “Selfless? Emotions?”

The cynicism in Cilla’s voice was difficult to ignore. Espert’s heart cracked a little at hearing that. Had she been granted such a rare wish to be that close to this magnificent woman, she wouldn’t have used her so carelessly. She would worship her body and claim her heart. “Yes. Making love involves emotions and trust. It is beautiful.”

Cilla rose from the chair, towering over a seated Espert. The expression on her face was unreadable. “I choose to believe you. In that case, then I need not worry about the director.” With a curt nod, she strode out the office.

Espert sat ramrod stiff, her eyes following Cilla as she walked across the wide expanse of the medical bay to the exit. Was she imagining it, or did the adjutant’s shoulders seem a little hunched. Almost as if she had been the recipient of bad news.

CHAPTER 22

Noor wanted to cry. In fact, she was sure her eyes were brimming with tears as she looked at the woman in her arms. Who would’ve thought that such a range of conflicting emotions could be found in one person at one given time? Amazement, delight, desire and alarm; Yonne’s face was a kaleidoscope of reactions. Noor wished she could stop and reassure the other woman, but she knew that Yonne was close to her first ever orgasm. It was long overdue and Noor would hate to have the woman wait any longer for that reward.

She gently stroked the slick folds apart so her thumb could rub over the swollen nub. It seemed to have been the right move, because almost immediately Yonne’s body began to vibrate as tiny tremors coursed through her. She raised anxious eyes to Noor and Noor smiled back at her with heart in her eyes. She wanted Yonne to always remember her first orgasm and especially that she was with a person who treasured her completely.

“It’s ok, my beautiful arula. Just let it go,” she whispered against Yonne’s gasping mouth. Noor brushed small, tender kisses on Yonne’s face as she listened to the other woman’s breathless moans. She added a little more pressure to the friction and Yonne howled as her climax hit.

Noor threw her leg over Yonne’s, pinning her bucking body down, whilst not breaking the pace of her strokes between Yonne’s legs. She felt her own hips beginning to roll against Yonne’s thigh. She quickly got caught up in the momentum and before long, she was coming too.

She lost count of how many times she had come or exactly how much of the fluid that covered Yonne was hers and how much was Yonne’s. She hooked an arm under and around Yonne’s neck as she held the, still trembling, woman in her arms. They laid like that for a long moment, before Yonne stirred. Noor, who’d been lulled into a small doze by Yonne’s strong heartbeat, lifted her head. She smiled when she met Yonne’s wide eyed stare.

“Hello there. How do you feel?”

Yonne licked her lips and let out a shuddering breath. “Is…is that normal?”

“Yes. It’s one of the most normal things that transpires between couples.” She studied Yonne as she waited for her reaction. They haven’t spoken much about them and what would happen after this. Thus, she steeled herself for what she knew would come next.

“Is it safe?” Yonne blushed when Noor blinked at her in surprise. “I’m sorry for the many questions.”

Noor quickly cupped Yonne’s cheek, looking deep into her eyes. “I want you to ask as many questions as you like.” She gave Yonne a small kiss, still too spent to do anything that would expect her to move from her current position. “And to answer your question; it is safe. But I’ve heard of a few people, usually people of advance age, perishing during an orgasm. You, on the other hand, have nothing to worry about.” She pressed her lips to Yonne’s chin. “Were you scared?”

Yonne nodded. “A little. Especially when it didn’t look like it would stop.”

Multiple orgasms. Noor smiled at Yonne. “It happens that you could have more than one orgasm, but you need not be concerned about it.” All toasty and warm after her magnificent orgasm, Noor allowed herself a bit of a boon. “Do you recall how many times you’ve reached an orgasm?”

“I lost count after four.”

“Oh my…” Noor murmured. It took all her willpower not to allow her smugness to show. Instead she held Yonne closer. What would happen if she cranked it up a little more? Maybe Yonne really did have reason to fear ‘death by orgasm’. And there was still so many things she wanted to try out with Yonne. But she needed to take it easy with Yonne. After such an intense experience, she was sure that Yonne would want to have a little space before she jumped into another bout of love making.

“When can we try again?”

Noor’s mouth fell open in shock. So much for thinking that she could read the other woman! If they were going to go again, then maybe she should feed them first.

“Let’s eat first. We’ll need a lot of energy, if we want to go again,” she licked her lips, “…and again.”

oOo

When Cilla had finished her meeting in the engine room, it was already way past her shift time. She used the closest communications terminal to log off duty and decided to go straight to her quarters. In all the excitement of the day, she had forgotten to eat lunch. She would get something from the processor for dinner and, after a quick shower, will continue where she left off with the quarterly division reports. She was too unsettled to do anything remotely relaxing. Work keeps her focused and the division reports will not allow her mind to stray…much.

When she got off the lift on her floor, she came to an abrupt halt. Espert was waiting in the hallway outside Cilla’s quarters. Not able to come up with any reason to justify Espert’s presence after hours outside her quarters, Cilla could only think of Yonne. She stretched her strides to get to doctor. Espert looked a touch uncomfortable as she waited for Cilla, making the other woman more worried.

“Doctor? Is anything the matter? Is it Yonne?”

Espert shook her head quickly. “I haven’t heard back from the director yet. I’m here for something entirely different…personal.” She added the last word timidly.

Cilla blinked at Espert.  Personal. What issue of a personal nature could the woman possibly want to discuss with her? She pointed at her quarters. “Would you like to come inside?” She saw Espert hesitate, but waited out the answer.

“Yes. I promise not to take up too much of your time, Adjutant.”

Cilla entered her quarters with Espert following behind her. When the door closed behind Espert, she turned to face the other woman. Espert was looking around the quarters, no doubt comparing Cilla’s spartan living space with her warm lived-in space. She waited patiently for the doctor to take in the area. Espert must’ve realized that the silence was spreading to long, because she turned to Cilla, a guilty blush on her face. “I’m sorry.”

“No need, doctor. I haven’t had lunch and am starving. Would you care to join me for dinner while we talk?”

Espert stared back in surprise. “I…I really don’t want to intrude on your evening.”

Shrugging, Cilla walked over to the processor. “Well, you need to talk to me and I need to eat before I collapse. We could kill two birds with one feather.” She keyed in a soup and sandwich and turned to Espert. “What would you like to eat, doctor?”

Coming to stand at the processor, Espert read the menu. “What are you having, Adjutant?”

“Soup and bread.” Espert frowned in her direction. “I have very simple tastes and I’m not that adventurous when it comes to new things.” She saw the dismay on Espert’s face and hid the smile that threatened to break over her face. The woman’s face was quite expressive.

“That’s unfortunate. Have you ever tried any of the Basque dishes in the databank?”

Cilla peered at the menu. “I didn’t even know we had Basque selections.”

“You didn’t. I programmed them in.” She threw a quick glance at Cilla before she continued to key in a few codes in rapid succession. “Since I’m taking up your time, I would like to for you to try something truly delicious. That’s if you’re not averse to Basque food.”

Smiling faintly, Cilla shrugged. “I’m not opposed to trying out one dish.” Espert smiled brightly and Cilla drew in a shaky breath.

“Great. If you could set the table, I’ll have the food ready in no time.”

Cilla was rooted to the spot, staring at Espert. She had never thought to ever see the Basque woman in her quarters. Never. Not even in the feverish dreams she sometimes…most times…had of the woman. But here she was, in her quarters and preparing supper for them. This was something Cilla could get used to. She realized that Espert was staring at her with a shy smile.

“I didn’t assume that it was my place to order you about, Adjutant. If you could show me where everything is, I can set the table for us.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll do it. You concentrate on the food. Would you mind if I get rid of my weapons first?” She patted her laser. “I’ll only be a minute.”

“It will be a few more minutes before supper is ready.”

The moment Cilla was in her bedroom, away from Espert’s intoxicating presence, she let out a shaky breath. How was she going to survive sitting through supper with the woman, without making a fool of herself? Espert had already turned her down and she wasn’t going to hold her breath hoping that Espert has changed her mind about her. She was going to get through tonight and starting tomorrow would find a way to exorcize the woman from her thoughts and dreams. She rushed to divest herself of her laser and the hidden rapier.  When Cilla returned to the living area, Espert was removing a steaming dish from the processor. For a moment, she stopped and enjoyed the sight, knowing that it will be the only time that she would ever be privy to such a domesticated moment.

“Let me help you with that.” She rushed over and took the dish from Espert’s hands. “I don’t have guests over, except for the director, but I think I should have a wine that could go with this.” She placed the dish on the table and deftly set the table before she rummaged through her cupboards for the selection. She held it up when she found it. “It had been a parting gift from a diplomatic envoy we accommodated on the Mercer a few months ago. I’m not much of a wine drinker.” She smiled at Espert.” We could try it out together, if you don’t mind. But food first, for me.”

The dish was made of pasta, vegetables and chunks of meat. Cilla fell in love at first bite. She blinked at Espert. “You were right; it’s delicious. What is it called?”

Espert beamed at her. “It’s called Capon. Every Basque girl is taught to make this dish. It’s sort of a signature Basque dish.”

Cilla took another few bites. “It’s wonderful. I love it. Maybe you could tell me how you’ve programmed it, so I could impress Yonne the next time she comes over for supper.”

“I will do that before I leave.”

oOo

Espert had never expected to have this much fun in the company of the adjutant. Whereas the woman came across as severe and overbearing, she was a great hostess. Their conversation ranged from biogenetics to something as common as attire. Espert was especially astounded to find that the other woman was extremely well-read. Although the Basque and Borquois didn’t mingle much, they shared some common authors and accounts. She would never have guessed in her wildest dreams that she would one day sit around a table with Adjutant Cilla, quoting Rogmach and Martano.

It was during a lull in the conversation that Cilla brought up the reason for her visit. Espert carefully put her fork down and took a deep breath. She could already feel Cilla’s penetrating gaze on her.

“I wanted to ask you about earlier. You left so abruptly and I was concerned that I might have insulted you unintentionally.” When she looked up, it was to see a cold look flash over the previously jovial features.

“No, you didn’t insult me, doctor.” The warmth had left Cilla’s tone, rendering her denial ridiculously false. Something happened, of that she was sure. Cilla’s change in attitude right now, proved that something was wrong.

Espert sat back, fixing Cilla with a level stare. “You’re not telling me the truth.” Cilla lifted her eyes from her plate and skewered Espert with an ice cold glare. “If I’ve done or said something to offend you, I beg you to give me a chance to make it right.” She watched as Cilla went back to her supper, ignoring her completely. Realizing that she wouldn’t get anywhere with Cilla tonight, she rose from her chair. Cilla’s eyes snapped up to her.

“I just want to make it clear, that I didn’t mean to insult or hurt you, Adjutant. We might not have always seen eye to eye, but I’ve always respected you. Thank you for supper and for your time.” She hastily walked to the door, her heart aching at the realization that this had been a once off and that she would never again get the chance to see Cilla in such a relaxed and spirited mood again. Just as the door slid open to let her out, Cilla spoke. Espert came to an abrupt halt.

“It became clear why you turned me down.”

Espert swallowed hard. She slowly turned to face Cilla. Behind her she heard the door slid closed. The woman had rose too and was leaning with her hands on the table, her face a mask of hurt pride. Espert could only stare. Why would Cilla bring up that night? The night that Espert had made the biggest sacrifice ever in her life. Cilla came around the table. Espert was again reminded of how tall the woman was.

“You spoke of love making, trust and emotions. You’ve convinced me that it was possible that someone could feel that way about another person.” Cilla was close now, dwarfing Espert and holding her in place with a lethal gaze. “The way you spoke about it, proved that you knew what it was like to feel that way about someone else; maybe even having someone feel that way about you.” She shook her head. “I never stood a chance.”

Espert took a shuddering breath, her eyes shooting full of tears. “It’s…it’s not true.”

“What is not true, Espert?”

“Almost everything.” She felt a tear run down her cheek. “I have to go.”

Cilla threw herself at the door, blocking Espert’s path. “Tell me, Espert,” she said urgently, her eyes dark with emotion.

“Please let me go,” she begged in a broken whisper. Through a mist of tears, she saw Cilla’s shoulders droop before the other woman stood to the side. When the door slid open, she found herself rooted to the spot. It was as if her heart, the traitorous organ, had colluded with the rest of her body. She lifted desperate eyes to Cilla. The other woman was staring back at her with such rage in her eyes. Espert knew at that very moment, that she stood a very good chance of alienating the other woman forever, if she left her alone in that state. She held out a shaky hand. Cilla stared at it as if it was some poisonous creature. Take it, please, she begged silently. Her heart missed a beat when Cilla turned and walked away, leaving standing there, mourning the loss of an opportunity.

CHAPTER 23

Cilla sat on the bed, her chin touching her chest.

She never cried.

Not even when she found out that her mother had rejected her soon after her birth. In a society where boys were shunned and raised like contaminated creatures in quarantine. Once they reached sixteen, they were transported to the Basque border. The Basque were always eager to accept these rejects with open arms and raise them like their own.

She was born asexual.

Neither girl nor boy, but both. Her mother had left her in the medical suite after her birth and disappeared. She was raised by the Council. At age ten, they chose a gender for her. The first choice Cilla had ever made in her life, was to join the security forces as soon as she was eligible to do so. It was there, that she had met Yonne. She had followed Yonne everywhere since. Yonne always made the difficult choices and Cilla followed her blindly.

For the first time in a very long time, Cilla had made another choice, a difficult one. Her heart had chosen a mate and Cilla was going to follow her heart. Only for her to end up where she was now.

Rejected … again!

The hair on the back of her neck prickled, alerting her that she wasn’t alone.

“Why are you still here?” The same impotent rage surfaced. She was so angry and yet she couldn’t do anything about it. She was never ever going to lift her hand to Espert. It hurt her too much to see the other woman wounded. Her acute hearing picked up the soft, hesitant treads as the woman came towards her. She was surprised when she saw the small feet coming to stand right before her. Cilla slowly lifted her head. Espert’s face was wet with tears.  Cilla was baffled by the pain in Espert’s eyes. Wasn’t she supposed to be the one hurting?  Her eyes widened slightly when Espert stepped even closer, levelling Cilla’s gaze with her chest. Then, to Cilla’s shock, Espert pushed her fingers into her hair and pulled Cilla’s face against her chest. Cilla sat quietly, hyper aware that her face was pressed against Espert soft bosom. She inhaled deeply, catching the subtle spicy smell that was such a familiar part of Espert.

“I want you more than anything in the universe.” Espert’s voice broke “But I’m scared of what this will mean for you.” Cilla tried to lift her head from its cushioned resting place, but Espert held her even closer. “You are more Borquois than anyone on this ship, the director included. You can’t be mine and still be a Borquois.”

Mine. Cilla swallowed hard at the sound and the ensuing heat the possessive noun spread through her body. Is it possible that she could finally belong somewhere? Or even to someone?  She lifted her head and stared up in Espert’s haunted eyes.

“Will you allow me to choose?”

Espert blinked. “Is there even a choice to be made?”

oOo

She wanted a choice.

Espert waited, with bated breath. When Cilla only stared at her, she wondered if, perhaps, she had heard wrong.

“Yes, there is a choice.” Cilla’s eyes turned a shade lighter. “You.”

For a moment, Espert could only stare at Cilla. “I don’t understand.”

Cilla rose slowly, her body brushing against Espert’s until she was at her full height, towering over Espert. “I choose you.”

She had heard right! Espert swallowed. “Do you know what this means?”

Cilla smiled faintly. “I…”

The sharp whine interrupted Cilla, just as the room was suddenly engulfed in a bright red haze.

“Adjutant Cilla.”

Cilla touched her earpiece, immediately in Adjutant mode. “I’m here?”

“The armada caught up with us. The Avion fleet are engaging them as we speak.”

“Ready our fliers. I’ll meet them in the main hangar.”

Espert turned and rushed out of the bedroom, only to be stopped before she reached the door. Cilla’s eyes were flinty. “We’ll talk afterwards.”

“That’s if we survive this…” She couldn’t get herself to finish the sentence. Cilla was planning on going out there. She might not return.

“I will come back.” Cilla’s voice was sharp and confident. “I’m coming back to you. Wait for me.”

Espert felt fresh tears burning behind her eyelids. She’s coming back to her. “I’ll be waiting.”

Cilla nodded curtly. “Be safe.” Cilla was blur as she left the quarters. Espert made her way to the medical bay. She couldn’t help but think how strange it was that every time she found herself alone with Cilla, some kind of an emergency came up.

The universe seems to be conspiring against the two of them. But it should try much harder to keep her from meeting up with Cilla later.

oOo

Yonne was almost halfway dressed when Noor sat up in bed. Her body was still quaking from her latest orgasm. The state of the bed was undisputable proof of the torrent passion that had been spent in the past two hours. Yonne had been feasting her body, never letting up. Who would’ve thought that a novice could so effortlessly top their master? She shivered slightly as her mind replayed a particularly heated moment. A soft groan stole from her lips. Yonne’s head turned to her. Their eyes held for a moment, before Yonne looked away.

“I need to go. The ship needs me.”

Noor nodded. “I understand.” She watched as Yonne jerked on her boots and wondered if this interruption would forever sever the fragile link that they had established over the past few hours. Yonne, having finished zipping up her tunic, turned back to the bed. For a moment, she simply looked at Noor. Then after a moment of hesitation, and to Noor’s surprise, she leaned over and planted a soft, lingering kiss on Noor’s lips.

“I’ll return once this emergency has been dealt with.”  She was out of the bedroom and a few seconds later, the main door the slid open and close. With a soft sigh and a wide smile, Noor fell back on the bed, her arms spread wide. Well, it would seem that all wasn’t lost. After reveling in the warmth of the moment, she swung her legs off the bed and began hunting down her scattered clothing.

This has become her ship now. Her family. She had heard over the comms that the fliers were being prepared. She had trained as a pilot, at the insistence of her father, and had liked it. She glanced in the mirror. She looked well-loved and strange enough, happy. Her cheeks had a glow to them and her eyes were darker and smoky. A giggle burst from her lips and she quickly stifled it with her palm, her eyes wide in wonder. She simply can’t remember the last time she had giggled. Before she could delve deeper into her elation, the ship rocked.

Time to earn her keep.

When she entered the hangar, she blinked in surprise. She had never been to this side of the ship, and even if she had before, she believed she would’ve felt the same awe. More than fifty gleaming fighter flyers were lined up, ready for takeoff. Cilla stood in the center of it all, strong and confident. Her entrance drew the attention of some of the pilots and Cilla turned to face her. For a split second, her face went slack with surprise. Noor nodded at her and walked over to fall into line with the other pilots.

“Once the hangar doors open, the first squadron will emerge, fully visible. The rest will follow cloaked. One squad will provide protection for the ship carrying the Avion royal couple and the rest will flank the Mercer.” Cilla’s eyes sharped. “Remember, that we have the element of surprise on our hands. They will be able to detect our ion trails as soon as you start to engage. Make it count.”

A resounding ‘aye’ sounded before the pilots rushed for their respective flyers. Cilla came over to Noor.

“Does the director know of your intention to join the flyers?” Even though her face was expressionless, her eyes held a gleam of admiration.

“No.”

“Would she approve?”

“I don’t think she would approve of us wasting valuable time discussing a moot issue, Adjutant,” Noor responded calmly. “I’m a trained pilot and I want to be here.”

Cilla held her gaze for a moment longer before she nodded. “Fair enough. You’re with me.”

oOo

“We have them pinned down, milord.”

Concalle almost smiled at the news. He’d been in enough battles to know never to underestimate the enemy. They may outnumber their opponents, but he knew they were more technologically advanced than them. One misstep and they would be blown to pieces.

“How long before we reach them?”

“Approximately one hour, milord.”

One hour! A lot can happen in an hour. He only prayed his scouting ships could hold up the aliens until his arrival. If all goes well for them, they could all retire from space piracy at the end of this day. All they had to do was prevent the Avians from entering Monolith space. He’ll be doomed if he was caught by any of the Monolith patrolling cruisers. An involuntary shudder skittered down his spine.

“Maintain course.”

oOo

Yonne stared at the screen, her eyes never leaving the small blinking dots which represented her fliers.  If only she had been there to… She quickly cut of her off her own thought. She was not going to undermine Cilla. Cilla was a good commander and a superb strategist.

And there was no way that she was going to regret the time spent with Noor. No one could foresee Concalle’s men sneaking up on them. A thought crossed her mind. Sneaking up? How? Concalle was still behind them with his armada. The Mercer were only a few thousand kilometers from the Monolith wormhole.

This was a stalling tactic. She inhaled deeply. They were held up until the armada joined the battle.

“Hail the Royal vessel.”

“Aye, Director.”

She turned back to the screen. There were a squadron for Mercer pilots flanking the Queen’s ship, firing furiously at one of the three freighters. She grimaced in delight when a torpedo found its target and the freighter limped away, a large gas cloud left in its wake. She scanned the screen, taking in the pilots flanking the Mercer. In the corner of the screen a solitary blinking dot got her attention.

“Officer Packt, what is that flyer doing way over there?” Being separated from the rest of the group left them vulnerable, especially when the armada arrives.

“It is Flyer 243.”

Cilla’s flyer! What the hell was the woman thinking? “Please hail the adjutant.”

“The Queen is on hold, Director.”

“On screen.” The Queen’s face appeared immediately. “Your Highness, this seems to be a stalling tactic from Concalle. I’ll order my pilots to shoot a way thought to the wormhole. We’ll be following shortly.”

The Queen shook her head slowly. “We are in this together. I’ve already called for assistance. They should be here shortly.”

Without asking she knew whom the queen was referring to and she didn’t like it one bit. Having Monoliths crowding the space, not knowing if they joined as friends of foes, could make their odds much worse that they were already.

“Do you think it’s wise to involve the Monoliths, Your majesty? We are not sure if we can count on them not to fire on our ships?”

The Queen’s face was expressionless. “They are the lesser evil in this situation. Besides, they would be grateful to have a chance to capture Concalle.”

“Even then. Should we not…”

“Director,” Officer Packt called softly. “We have the Flyer 243 on the line. The armada’s ETA is in ten minutes.”

Yonne nodded at the Queen. “I suggest you move closer to the wormhole while we distract them.”

With a curt nod from the Queen, the screen flickered to show Cilla’s face. Yonne’s heart stuttered at the sight of Noor at the helm of the flyer. Just as quickly her anger sparked.

“Adjutant, I request that you return to the ship immediately.”

“I wish we could, Director, but we can’t leave the wormhole unguarded. In stealth mode, we could at least stage an ambush. Fire a few torpedoes at the wormhole to destabilize the conduit and temporarily close the wormhole.”

“Negative, Adjutant.” Yonne’s eyes moved to Noor. “You have the Crown Princess of Avion with you and that is in breach of our agreement with Queen Asmara.” Yonne felt bad for putting Cilla on the spot, but Yonne couldn’t very well show her panic at finding out that instead of being safe in her quarters, Noor was on a flyer ready to be blown to pieces by an armada of hostile space pirates.

“I’m my own person, Director,” Noor responded, her voice cool and curt, but her eyes were warm. “But thank you for your concern.”

Yonne inhaled deeply. She hated the fact that she couldn’t pull rank over Noor, especially now. She could pressure Cilla into returning to the ship, but knew it wasn’t fair to use her friend that way. She pinched the bridge of her nose. She inhaled deeply. She trusted Cilla, as a soldier, maybe she should extend the trust to include Noor. She opened her eyes slowly.

“You won’t have much time to get away afterward.”

“We would, if we had the fire power of the Mercer,” Cilla said curtly.

Yonne nodded. “You’ll have it.” Her eyes flitted to Noor and she swallowed when she found the green eyes already looking at her. Not sure what to say, she simply nodded.

CHAPTER 24

The moment they exited the wormhole, Concalle knew that he’d made a mistake. The sight that greeted him was one that woke him more nights that he counts to remember, soaked and with fear choking him. His eyes were riveted on the great hammer-like shapes hanging in the air like silent sentinels, even as an epic battle were fought around them.

The Monolith patrol.

They’ve finally caught up to him. A terror unlike any other, kept him staring, frozen at the large ships.

“Milord, they are powering their weapons.”

That seemed to jerk him from his frozen nightmare. “To the wormhole! Now!” He had barely uttered the order when the alien ship he’d been chasing, fired. He held on as the ship rocked. He didn’t need to ask, for he knew that that had been a very calculated hit.

“Direct hit to our thrusters, milord.”

Not acknowledging his officer, Concalle left the bridge. There was no way that he was going to let them capture him. With their thrusters gone, they were sitting ducks. He ran down the hallways, pushing his way past his panicky men to the hangar. He still had too much to do and dying wasn’t in his immediate future. He aimed a volley of shots at the hangar doors, not caring that the sudden change in air pressure might suck out the men working the hangar bay. As soon as the door gave in, he shot out into the inky obscurity of space. With the battle continuing on the other side of the ship, no one would think of covering the area between his ship and the wormhole. With a wide smile, he shifted the small shuttle into a higher speed, as soon as he cleared the wormhole, he’ll fire off a torpedo to destabilize it, giving him enough time to make his getaway. The next moment, he was thrown from his seat and landed between the two pilot seats. Shocked, he climbed to his feet to and looked through the viewer to find a ship hovering in the air, effectively blocking his way to the wormhole. Where did they come from? Suddenly the answer was obvious. The only other ship with such advanced cloaking technology, was the Mercer. He slammed his hand on the control panel.

He’d been so close.

oOo

Cilla strode through the doors leading to the medical bay. Her eyes immediately found the smaller woman in her office, completely engrossed in studying something on her desk reader. For a moment, she simply watched the woman. Was it possible that such a gorgeous creature would want her. Maybe even have feelings for her? Stationed at the mouth of the wormhole, they were not really in as much risk as the flyers who were engaging the Hencrons ships, but she had prayed that she could return to the ship and see Espert again. Espert suddenly looked up, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Cilla. With a quick look around her, Cilla noted that there were at least ten other people in the medical bay with them. Hiding her disappointment, she made her way over to Espert office. Espert rose from behind her desk and was staring at Cilla intently.

“You’re not hurt, are you?” Her voice was tight with alarm.

Cilla shook her head. “No.”

For a moment they could only stare at each other. Cilla rejoiced in the beauty of the other woman. She was aching to touch Espert, but knew that it would not be advisable while they were both on duty and also when they had an audience.

“I wanted to see for myself that you were unharmed,” Cilla said softly and turned to leave. She needed to find Yonne, but instead had come to the medical bay first. She couldn’t stop herself.  As soon as their flyer docked, she had rushed through the safety protocols, overwhelmed by her need to see Espert. Now that she had seen her, although she would’ve liked a more physical link, she could get back to her duties.

“Don’t go … yet.”

She turned at the softly spoken request. Espert was wringing her hands as she stared at Cilla, her eyes roaming over Cilla’s face. Cilla stepped closer, until only a few feet separated them. She watched as Espert pressed something on her desk reader and the next moment, the glass cubicle, that served as Espert’s office, became closed off completely as the glass panels darkened. Surprised, she turned to Espert.

“Sometimes, I have to conduct private consultations and without interrupting the operations of the medical bay, I can at least afford my patients some privacy.” She closed the distance between them, her eyes scanning over Cilla’s body with a practiced eye.

“I told you I was unhurt.”

“I know,” Espert murmured. “but I’m the doctor, not you.”

Cilla smiled at that. She swallowed when Espert placed her hands on her chest and looked up into Cilla’s eyes. It felt incredible to be touched by Espert, and know that she could touch her back.

“I meant what I said earlier.”

“You said a lot of things, doctor.”

Espert’s hands slid around Cilla until she was hugging her. “I want you more than anything.”

Cilla felt her knees buckle slightly at hearing that. She wondered if she’ll ever get used to the feeling of someone wanting her. Really, really wanting her. She slid her arms around Espert and hugged her close.

“I love hearing you say that,” she whispered into Espert’s hair. They stood like that holding each other for a long moment, before Espert pulled away.

“I’m sure you are needed elsewhere.” Her eyes were dark as they looked at Cilla. “If you have time, would you like to come for dinner tonight?”

“I would like that.” She brought Espert’s hand to her lips. “I will know for sure after my meeting with the director.”

“Good.” Espert gave her a small smile, which made the blood in her veins thicken. She might not be as experienced as Espert, but she knew what the dark, smoky look in her eyes signified.

oOo

Just like the first time, Yonne found herself drawn to the holo-image of the Queen, her consort and their copper headed toddler. The last time she stood before this holo image, she was again struck by the love and happiness she could sense between the couple and between the couple and their child. Now, staring at it, she felt a sense of regret. A mischievous copper headed child was not in their future.

With a sigh, she turned away from the image. Parenthood never used to interest her, not with her career and especially not with the type of assignments she usually picked. It was only as she was getting older, and maybe wiser, that she realized the importance of one’s legacy. Suddenly, she could see herself birthing an heir, a warrior who would continue to lead the Borquois into the new millennia.

She never expected herself to mate with a woman.

The door slid open and an irate-looking Queen Asmara was followed by her consort. Yonne respectfully held her tongue, waiting for the Queen to address her first.

“They have finally found a way to settle this,” Queen Asmara said as she turned to Yonne. The Queen’s face was pulled into a look of utter distaste. “They want you to fight their champion.”

Yonne shrugged. “It’s much better than we expected.”

“Maybe,” Londo said quietly. He was man of very few words and Yonne can count of her one hand the times the man had spoken in her presence. “You are fighting their best warrior. He also happens to be Noor’s betrothed.”

Yonne pursed her lips. “Then so be it.” She was to face the man who would’ve violated Noor, had she not escaped in her pod. Karma seemed to be active and alive, no matter which quadrant you found yourself in, it seems.

The Queen shook her head. “It will not be so easy. Prince Holfer’s prowess as a fighter is quite renowned. No one has ever been able to best him in combat.”

“What would it mean for Noor if I were to lose?”

The Queen walked over to her consort and burrowed into his arms. “A forced marriage, surely.”

Yonne felt the blood in her veins turn cold. Forced marriage. In her mind’s eye she saw Noor’s vibrant green eyes, staring back at her, devoid of passion. If ever there was an incentive to not to lose this battle, she had one now.

“Then I will not lose,” she said curtly, causing the Queen to turn from where she was buried in her mate’s arms, to look at Yonne.

“I would be eternally grateful to you if you could save my daughter, Director Yonne.”

Yonne nodded.

oOo

Noor closed her eyes, trying to block out the sight of the gleaming city. She’d only been to Lithen a few times. She was still a teenager then and had accompanied her father on a few of his trading missions. Back then, she had reveled at the sight of the city with its gleaming domes and the crystal blue rivers crisscrossing through the city. Now, all she felt was dread. The Monoliths were not a forgiving race, especially not when their illustrious Crown Prince had been humiliated by his betrothed.

With a sigh, she turned away from the window. She couldn’t hide in her quarters forever and let her parents take the brunt of King Homm’s wrath. It was her choice to abandon her betrothed. She needed to fix this.

She left her quarters and on her way to the transporter room, was surprised to find that, quite a few of the Mercer’s crew were nodding at her in greeting. She returned the salutations with a curt nod, not wanting to dwell on more than what she was about to face. When she materialized on the Royal vessel, she found her parents, in their full official regalia waiting for her in the living room of their quarters. She hadn’t seen her parents in a few days. The usually robust couple looked drained and worried. She went to kiss her mother’s cheek and embrace her father before she settled in a couch opposite from them.

“I want you to know that I take full responsibility for my actions.” She took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry that I dragged you into this mess with me, but I swear I’ll find a way to diffuse the situation.”

Her mother shook her head. “No need for that.”

Noor looked from her mother to her father. “No need? Why?” She clenched her jaw at what it could mean. “Did you already meet with King Homm? What did he ask of you?”

“Like your mother said, the situation has been taken care of,” her father said gently as he got to his feet. “No need to worry yourself over this anymore.”

“No, I need to know what has been decided upon,” she snapped, as she too came to her feet. “What have you promised them?”

Londo sighed. “Nothing. They proposed a mortal combat and…”

Noor didn’t want to hear anymore. She didn’t need to. She spun her heel and made for the exit.

“Noor.” She turned at the door to face her mother. There were tears in the Queen’s eyes. “Director Yonne already accepted.”

“She can’t,” Noor rasped. This time it was her eyes that filled up with tears. “I haven’t even told her yet.”

The Queen came over to draw her into her arms, her embrace desperate. The tears spilled over and Noor didn’t even stop them. There wasn’t much that fazed her mother, but this obviously did and it didn’t bode well for Yonne.

“Then you need to tell her.”

CHAPTER 25

Yonne scanned the room through the slits in her helmet that covered the upper half of her face. Beaming down from the Mercer, she hadn’t seen much of the city, but the room she found herself in spoke of great opulence and power. From the gleaming tiles to the ornate thrones, it was obvious that the Monoliths had a lot of clout in this quadrant. She can’t remember ever having seen such riches in her many travels. Not even Borquois, for all its technological advances, could compare to Monolith.  Her gaze moved to the people in attendance, and for a moment, she felt a feeling of unease skittered down her spine. They were all quite tall. She had hoped her size would be an advantage, as was the case on many of the worlds she had visited over the years. A soft murmur sounded as a door opened. A large masked man entered the room, his impressive size made his tower over most of the people in attendance, as he made his way to the throne. He didn’t take a seat, immediately, but instead studied her with sharp dark eyes.

Dressed in battle gear from head to toe, the thick leather breastplate added to her size and for a moment, she could swear she saw doubt in the king’s eyes. That brief wavering, made her relax slightly. It was good to know that she wasn’t a complete underdog in this battle. The man’s gaze shifted from her to something behind her and Yonne felt her senses prickle.

Noor.

Next to Yonne, Cilla swore softly under her breath. “What’s she doing here. You could do without further distractions.”

Before Yonne could respond, she felt a soft hand slip into hers. With that first touch, all the tension magically seeped out her body and Yonne turned her head to the side to blink at Noor. Noor smiled at her, her green eyes teary.

“They wanted to tell you that they love you too.”

“They?” Yonne threw a glance over her shoulder to find Queen Asmara and Londo standing behind them. She nodded curtly at them before she turned her attention back to Noor. “Remind me to thank them for their support.”

“I wasn’t talking about them.”

Yonne frowned. “Then I don’t understand what you’re trying to tell me.”

Noor pressed closer to her and Yonne could feel the weight of the gazes of everyone in the room. The green eyes were penetrating as they stared deep into hers. “I’m expecting.”

Yonne could only stare at Noor. Noor squeezed her hand slightly and Yonne felt it again. A warm sensation spread from where their hands were joined to her chest, leaving her body infused with the most tender of emotions. She blinked once, twice.

“I…I don’t understand. But we are both…”

Noor cradled Yonne’s chin in her palm. “We’ll talk some more later. Just know that we are waiting for you to come back to us.”

A murmur sounded again and the crowd parted, this time to allow a heavily armored warrior into the hall.

“I adore you.” With another squeeze of her hand, Noor was gone. Yonne savored the feeling in her chest for a moment longer, before she turned her attention to her opponent. He was tall and powerful and from where she stood, she noticed that they were physically evenly matched. Unfortunately for him, however, she had a mate and unborn babies, whom she had no idea how they came about, and that put him at a great disadvantage. For she had no intention to die today or anytime soon.

A small smile played over her lips. She didn’t know how it was possible, but she was to become a mother. Her legacy will not die with her, it seems.  She turned to look at Noor and her smile widened as her gaze slid down to rest on Noor’s abdomen.

She was happy.

For the first time in almost forever, she was truly happy.

oOo

Noor allowed her love to show as she smiled at her striking Borquois. She will kill Holfer with her bare hands if he destroyed her mate today. Nothing, not even the bond they formed as kids playing hide and seek in this very palace, while their father discussed trading matters, would safe him from her. She was strong and a good fighter and she would make sure that the Crown Prince did not leave this room unscathed.

Her heart almost flipped, when without a warning, Holfer launch his attack. He was a terrifying sight, large and blindingly fast. Her eyes slid to her mate and she covered her mouth to stifle the scream that threatened to escape.

Yonne stood there, not looking at the least bothered by the human torpedo charging her. At the last moment before contact, Yonne moved sideways. The move was so incredibly quick, that for a moment, it looked as if Yonne was in two places at once. There was a slight hesitation from Holfer, and Yonne, seeing an opportunity, exploited it. She stuck out her foot and her opponent crashed to the floor.

A collective gasp sounded from the onlookers as they looked at their champion sprawled on the floor. Even the king had slightly lifted his bulk out of his throne. An air of incredulity hung heavy in the air.

“What an introduction,” Noor heard her father mutter next to her. Holfer was climbing to his feet. Even under the heavy armor, it was easy to see by the set of his shoulders that he was furious.

oOo

Yonne waited patiently for her opponent to pull himself off the floor. The fight was nowhere near the end, but for a warrior of such celebrated skill, she had expected him to be above the amateurish acts of brutal intimidation. His attack was fueled by overconfidence and anger. And it costed him his pride in the end.

The next attack was more calculated and Yonne could immediately see why the Crown Prince was considered a great fighter. His movements, even with the broadsword, were smooth and economical. He never overstretched himself, but his long arms aided him well in his reach. From his earlier attack, she remembered that he had immense speed, and she kept that in mind, not wanting to be caught off-guard.

They were already parring for close to twenty minutes, her opponent’s broadsword, hammering on her much thinner rapier. Yonne had memorized all the Crown Prince’s moves he had already executed. When she caught him in the process of effecting another one, she changed her stance of keeping a sword’s length between them. With dizzying speed, she invaded his personal space. His sword was lifted upwards in preparation for a powerful downswing, leaving his body unprotected. She used her body as a battering ram and slammed into him, the power and speed behind her move caused her opponent to fly through the air and slam into the steps leading to the king’s throne. This time the Crown Prince laid there, unmoving.

“NO!” a loud wail sounded and a petite figure, burst through the crowd to kneel at the fallen warrior’s side. The King was also out of his throne and knelt as his son’s body. The woman, who was shrouded in a dark cape, hiding her face, cradled the head of the warrior in her lap. With deft movements, she checked his pulse, before she sat back in obvious relief. The king helped the woman to her feet and from the tender way he looked down at her as he held her to his chest, the identity of the woman was immediately clear. She was looking at the Queen of Monolith. The king turned to look at Yonne. Behind his mask, his eyes glittered with anger.

“Warrior, you have defeated our champion. Now, show us your face.” The King’s baritone boomed through the large room.

Yonne felt Cilla stepping up next to her and taking her weapon. “You took your time wrapping it up.”

With a hand, shaking slightly from the strain of blocking the powerful strikes of her opponent, Yonne removed her helmet.

For a moment the silence in the room was deafening.

“Yonne?”

The voice so achingly familiar and so sorely missed, brought unexpected tears to Yonne’s eyes. Her gaze searched the room for the voice. It was only when the Queen threw off the hood of her cape, that their eyes met.

“Mother?”

oOo

A pain, too deep to explain, cleaved through Noor, almost paralyzing her. Through eyes filled with tears, she found her way to Yonne’s side. She swallowed hard when Yonne blindly grabbed for her hand, her gaze fixed on the petite woman slowly making her way to Yonne.

The woman was Borquois. Her flowing ash blonde locks, pale skin and ice blue eyes attest to her heritage. Her eyes were wide as they stared, tears streaming freely down her face. They both dwarfed the woman when she came to stand before them.

It struck Noor then, that all the times she’d been to Lithen with her father, she’d never met the Queen before. If she had, would she have somehow known that her destiny was irrevocable linked with the woman’s?

She bowed her head, acknowledging the shorter woman. The action went unnoticed, for the Queen was staring up Yonne with a look of such longing. Feeling like she was intruding on a very private moment, Noor tried to move away. The grip on her hand tightened immediately. Noor’s heart almost exploded with joy. Yonne wanted her there. She stood silently, watching mother and daughter reconnecting, albeit cautiously.

oOo

Yonne inhaled deeply. Elina looked the same, just like she had four decades ago. But how did she get here?

“You are so beautiful.”

A warm heat climbed her face at the words. The only other person who said that was Noor. She felt a soft nudge from the side. Noor. Her mate had taught her that it was customary to thank a person when given a compliment.

“Thank you,” she croaked.

Elina’s hands were shaking as she cupped Yonne’s face, standing on tiptoes. “I’ve missed you so much, my child.”

“And I you, mother.”

Their stared at each other for a moment longer, before Elina turned and held out her hand. Yonne was surprised to find the king standing behind Elina. The man had moved closer, unnoticed. He took Elina’s hand and allowed her to pull him closer. He removed his helmet and Yonne blinked in shock. The king’s features favored hers strongly, complete with the deep cleft in his chin. So this was the man she had to thank for her powerful physique. His dark eyes were wide as he stared back at her.

“I want you to meet your father, King Hommred.” She beamed at her husband. “Hommred, our daughter, Yonne.”

The king swallowed audibly, his dark eyes damp, as he stepped closer to Yonne. “Not a day has gone by that your mother has not spoken about you. I’m honored to meet you, my child.”

A lone tear trickled unchecked down her cheek. She nodded at him and was startled when he moved closer to press his forehead against hers.

“Welcome home, my daughter.”

Suddenly overwhelmed by a now familiar warmth, Yonne looked at Noor. Her family. She tightened her hold on Noor’s hand, praying that her desperate hold wasn’t hurting the other woman.

“This is Princess Noor Umna of Avion, my mate.” It was the first time that she introduced Noor as her mate, but she liked the way the title rolled off her tongue.

Both Elina and Hommred blinked at Noor. “You’re mated?” Elina asked carefully.

Yonne felt her face heating up at the soft query. “Yes.”

After a very brief moment of hesitation, Elina stepped closer and pressed her forehead to Noor’s. “How are my grandchildren faring?”

Yonne gaped at her mother. “How…?” Was she the only one who didn’t know that two females could procreate?

“We’re quite well aware of the Avian physiology, my child. If you’ve mated, then she conceived the first time you’ve been together.”

A beaming Hommred, leaned closer and pressed his forehead to Noor’s. “I’ve gained two daughters and the promise of grandchildren, in one day.” He turned to the crowd. “Tonight we celebrate the return of my firstborn and her mate.” He walked over to where Queen Asmara and Londo waited. “We are family now. Is there a chance that we can bury the past and look to the future, Your Highness?”

Noor’s parents acquiesced.

Heavy footsteps sounded and Yonne saw her opponent coming over to where they stood. He had removed his helmet and eyes identical to hers stared at her from an impossibly handsome face. Elina curled an arm around the man’s waist as she beamed up at him.

“This is your sister, Yonne, I’ve told you about. Yonne, this is your brother, Holfer.”

Yonne watched as a number of emotions flash over Holfer’s face as he looked at her. He finally looked at Noor.

“Hello, Noor.”

“Holfer,” Noor said stiffly.

“You grew up to be quite beautiful.”

“I’m sorry I can’t say the same about you.”

Holfer threw his head back, guffawing. “Still as feisty, I see. Thank the gods, you’re my sister’s burden to carry.” Noor took a step closer, her eyes a threatening dark green, but Yonne held her back gently.

Holfer looked back at Yonne and winked. “Good luck, sister.” Yonne watched him limp away, not sure what to make of the man she now knew was her brother.

CHAPTER 26

Cilla and Noor followed the servants as they were escorted to their sleeping quarters. At the request of the King and Queen of Monolith, the management teams of the Royal Avion vessel and the Mercer were invited to the festivities taking place in the evening. The top tier of each of the vessels have been assigned quarters in the palace. Cilla was itching for some alone time with Yonne, but Yonne was whisked away by her mother soon after Queen Asmara and Londo had been invited for a sitting with King Hommred.

As they made their way down long gleaming hallways, Cilla was impressed by the opulence. She had seen very few races able to obtain and preserve such wealth. Unless of course they have no enemies, which would mean that they were the dominant force in this quadrant. She glanced at the pictures lining the hallways. It depicted a long and prosperous history. Whatever happens, the Monoliths came a long way and was not going anywhere soon.

The servant girl bowed deeply in front of a closed door and looked at Cilla. So, this was to be her abode for the time being. She glanced at Noor. “Will you be fine on your own?”

Noor smiled. “I doubt my in-laws would want anything to happen to me now that I carry their grandchildren.”

Cilla shook her head slowly. That was the exact same reason she was so eager to meet with Yonne. The thought of Yonne as a parent, was mindboggling. To her, Yonne was the ultimate warrior and respected leader. It would take a long while for her to see her in the role of a parent. But she was eager to be an aunt to her friend’s offspring. She smiled at Noor. Considering their first meeting, Cilla realized that they had come a long way since. She actually liked the alien. Not only was she strong and dependable in a battle, she was also loyal. She recalled Noor’s support of Yonne when Yonne was confronted with the truth of her parentage. Noor had stood next to Yonne, strong and sure. She bowed at Noor and watched as the tall alien followed the servant down the hallway.

When she pushed open the door to her sleeping quarters, she gaped at the sight that greeted her.

The doctor was reclined, on a large four poster bed, a warm smile on her lips. “I hope you don’t mind I told them that we were to be put in the same quarters.”

Cilla’s eyes roved over the other woman, her eyes lingering a moment longer on Espert’s chest area. Since after that night that Espert had held Cilla’s face pressed to her bosom, Cilla couldn’t forget the softness and warmth of Espert’s bosom.

“Adjutant?” Espert asked hesitantly, startling Cilla from her rude staring.

Blushing, she quickly took a step towards the bed. “I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Espert grinned. “You’re such a charmer, warrior.” She beckoned Cilla over. “This bed is ridiculously comfortable. Come and see for yourself.”

oOo

Yonne kept her hands folded behind her back lest she forget herself and wrapped the smaller woman up in her arms. But first there were so many questions that she needed answers for. She watched as her mother served them from a pitcher nearby and held out the goblet.

“It’s called Estryn.” Elina took a sip, her eyes studying Yonne over the rim of the glass. “You can ask me anything you want and I promise to answer all your questions.”

Yonne took a sip of the drink and blinked. It tasted minty, but burned down her throat and settled warmly in her stomach. “What…what is in here?”

Elina grinned. “Not the first question I expected.” She held up the goblet. “It’s a herbal wine. Most Monoliths drink it to toast victory, but I simply like it because I find it refreshing.”

For a few moments they were quiet, just staring at each other as they sipped their wine. Elina sighed deeply and placed her goblet on a nearby table. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions. Such as why I didn’t come for you? How I got to Monolith?”

Yonne shrugged. “I do.”

Elina smiled. “Still the same Yonne. Getting you to open up, was like extracting a tooth.” She stepped closer and had to stand on her tiptoes to cup Yonne’s face. “I’m so proud of you. Who would’ve thought that my daughter would one day become a member of Borquois’ ruling elite.” Yonne watched as her mother’s eyes welled up. “I missed you so much and it hurt every day.” They studied each other in silence before Elina spoke again. “You should know that I didn’t abandon you.”

Yonne took a small step backwards, leaving her mother’s hand hang in the air. She had thought of a lot of things she would say to her mother when they were reunited, but none of those practiced speeches came to mind now. Instead she settled for what she was feeling at that very moment.

“From where I stand, it appears that way, Mother.” Yonne was surprised to find that she was getting angry. “It has been decades, Mother. Decades with no news from you.” She felt her hand shake and slowly put the goblet on a nearby surface. “This was going to be my last expedition for the Director’s Council before I asked them for your release. In the meantime, …” Yonne took a deep breath, suddenly missing Noor fiercely. “In the meantime you were living the life of a queen.”

A single tear rolled down Elina’s cheeks, but even that couldn’t quell the bitterness that had welled up in Yonne and was threatening to choke her.

“There was not a day, that I wasn’t thinking about you. When I told Hommred about you, he wanted to return immediately and bring you back to me.” She rubbed at her wet cheek.

“And why didn’t he?” Yonne cringed inwardly at the question. It made her sound like a whining child. Had she not proven herself competent enough to have survived her stormy younger years and reached the highest position in Borquois society? She had done that all by herself. She pulled herself to her impressive height and inhaled deeply. “You don’t have to answer that for it doesn’t matter anymore.”

Elina smiled sadly. “He was betrayed by someone he trusted like a brother. It left Monolith tethering on the brink of war for almost three decades.”

Yonne conceded that as far as excuses go, that one was quite strong and valid. But why didn’t it make her feel better? She ached for Noor. Instead, she nodded curtly. “I’m sorry to hear that, Mother. I need to see how my mate is faring, maybe we could continue with our discussion some other time.” She could see that her curt dismissal of what should’ve been a joyous reunion, was cutting Elina deep. The other woman quickly looked away, but not before Yonne saw the flash of pain in her eyes. She wished she could take away the pain, but she wasn’t even sure how to heal herself, least of all ease her mother’s pain. They both needed more time.

“Yes, you’re right. You need to rest before the feast.” Elina placed her hand over Yonne’s heart. “Your father loves feasting and he doesn’t always know when to stop.”

Aware of her mother’s heartache, Yonne steeled herself to walk away and not cave in at that moment.

oOo

It was disheartening to find himself right back where he had started off. The dungeons haven’t changed much since the time he started out as a young guard. Concalle grimaced. He never believed in karma, but it seems that was a lesson he should’ve paid more attention to. He would be the first to admit that he had grown too lax in his old age. His sons were still young enough to be taught not to repeat his mistakes.

He had run out of time.

Winding up on Monolith was the end for him. He heard a soft footfall and looked up. The time of reckoning was upon him.

“I’ve been waiting for this for so long.” The voice was low and deadly. “Strangely, I’m struggling to remember the well-rehearsed speech I’ve saved for this particular moment.”

Concalle inhaled deeply. “You’re looking good, Hommred.”

The Monolith king snorted as she shifted his bulk to rest against the wall. “Wish I could say the same for you, Concalle.”

The pirate smiled, the action hurting his bruised lip. “In my days, the guards were respected for their honor. They would never beat up on defenseless prisoners.”

“I thought you would appreciate the robust welcoming. It has been…” Hommred’s handsome face turned pensive. “Let me see. Yes. It’s been three decades, seven months, four days and seventeen hours since you last set foot on Monolith.”

“You’ve obviously been keeping count.” Concalle was tired of talking. If he was to be executed, he wanted them to get on with it. “I thought such pettiness was beneath you.”

Instead of the rise he’d hoped to get out of his erstwhile friend, the soft chuckle was unexpected. The Hommred he’d known as a young man, had been a hothead. The two of them had found themselves in quite a lot of tense situations because of the young prince’s temper. Seems like time, marriage and fatherhood had mellowed the man.

“Your betrayal of me, I can deal with, Concalle.” Hommred leaned closer to the force field. Concalle could see his dark eyes glitter with bloodlust. “The betrayal of your race, now that, deserves to be recompensed in full, old friend.”

Concalle swallowed hard. The Monoliths don’t have many natural enemies. That was because they were renowned for their savagery. As urbane as they appear with their gleaming, soaring cities, sleek ships and expensive attire, the Monoliths still employ centuries old brutal tactics to eliminate threats to their welfare. And the most brutal of them all was Hommred the Great.

“You have a steep price to pay, Concalle,” Hommred continued. “The blood of thousands of innocent Monoliths is on your hands and their deaths will be avenged.” He straightened to his full height and pulled at his expensive tunic. “But not tonight. Your long awaited appearance is eclipsed by something far more significant to me.” A warm smile lit up the handsome face. “My daughter, my firstborn, has been returned to me. Tonight I will celebrate my good fortune and tomorrow, we will skin you alive.”

Concalle watched as Hommred walked away. At least now he knew what his fate would be. It was the cruelest of deaths.

oOo

Espert took a deep breath as she watched Cilla carefully make her way over to the bed. She marveled at the heady mix of innocence and danger that clung to the other woman. Cilla came to sit stiffly next to her on the bed, making sure that there was a respectable distance between them. Smiling gently, Espert rose to her knees so she was level with the larger woman. She ached to touch Cilla, but she didn’t want startle the already skittish-looking woman.

“What did I tell you? It’s so soft and fluffy.” She ran her hand over the fleece comforter.

Cilla cleared her throat softly and gave her a strained smile. “It is quite comfortable.” For a moment their eyes locked and held. Espert’s smile grew wider at the look of gentle affection in the ice blue eyes.

“I want to kiss you so bad, it hurts.” The affection in Cilla’s eyes quickly morphed to panic. She silently cursed the Borquois leaders for their rigid, inhuman laws as she prayed that she could get Cilla to accept her kiss. She gently cupped Cilla’s cheek, not breaking eye contact with the other woman. “I promise you will like it, surga. I’ll make sure that you like it.”

If Espert wasn’t already on her knees, the look of absolute trust that came into Cilla’s eyes would’ve brought her to her knees. She blinked back at the tears that threatened to spill over. Her finger trailed down a pale cheek to the soft, chiseled lips. Taking a deep breath, she leaned closer and brushed her lips over the Cilla’s. Her teeth delicately raked over the plump lower lip and her tongue flicked out to taste the unexplored contours of Cilla’s mouth before it licked over the full lips.

And then she waited.

It took Cilla only a nano-second to realize that she liked the kiss and with a surprised squeal, Espert found herself flat on her back. Cilla was trembling as she hovered over Espert.

“Remember what you told me once about us being together like this?” Cilla’s eyes were intense, almost glowing with desire. Espert reached up and cupped the strong jaw.

“You’ll have to refresh my memory.”

You told me once that I’ll know for sure when you’ve taken my body.” A slight red haze climbed up Cilla’s cheeks. “I already feel like that. Will it get stronger?”

“No, my heart. It’ll just keep getting better.” She pulled the blonde head down for a deep, long kiss that left them both gasping afterwards. “We have the banquet in a few hours, I’ll need more than a few hours to be with you.”

Cilla nodded. “After the banquet?”

“Yes, but we could fool around for a while before then,” Espert added in a hopeful tone.

“Will you teach me how to kiss you?” Cilla’s thumb brushed over Espert’s lips. “I want to show you how you make me feel when you kiss me.”

“Not that you have much more to learn, surga, but it’ll be an absolute pleasure.”

CHAPTER 27

A servant led Noor down a long hallway to her sleeping chamber. The room was beautiful and richly decorated, but it was the sight of Noor, sleeping in the four-poster bed, that eased her frazzled state. Tempted to join her on the bed, Yonne decided against it. Noor needed her rest. Not only had they not slept during their coupling, the battle with Concalle…

Yonne froze.

Noor had already been pregnant when she confronted Concalle. She could’ve lost them all even before she’d know about her offspring. The same helpless anger that had crept up during her meeting with her mother, surfaced, as she looked down at the sleeping woman.

“What’s done, is done, arula.”

Yonne blinked at Noor, who still lay with her eyes closed. “What do you mean?”

“It’s counterproductive to get angry over something you can’t change.” Noor’s eyes fluttered and opened. Yonne was immediately drawn into the verdant depths as Noor appraised her quietly. Noor held out her hand in invitation. “Come, let me hold you for a moment.” When Yonne hesitated, she smiled, causing her dimples to show. “I promise not to distract you from your anger. We can still talk.”

Yonne sighed and shrugged out of her tunic. Cilla had helped her earlier to remove her armor and return it to her quarters on the Mercer. She flexed the muscles in her shoulders to ease the stiffness caused from blocking Holfer’s blows. Noor eagerly rolled onto her side to accommodate Yonne. The moment she lay next to Noor, she felt the now-familiar warmth spreading through her. Noor hoisted herself on her elbow and gazed down at Yonne, combing her fingers through Yonne’s hair. They studied each other in silence. Yonne reached out and gently curled a copper lock around her finger.

“There is a lot we still need to talk about,” she said quietly.

Noor nodded. “Yes, we do. What do you want to know, arula?”

Yonne smiled at hearing the endearment. “What does ‘arula’ mean?”

The green eyes softened as Noor cupped Yonne’s cheek. “It means ‘beloved’.” She ran a finger through the deep cleft in Yonne’s chin. “Our kind mate for life. That makes you my ‘only and forever beloved’.” When Noor leaned forward for a kiss, Yonne was surprised how easy it was now for her to meet the soft lips halfway. The kiss was soft and sweet, nowhere near the hungry kisses they had shared earlier. So much has changed in the past two days and she was sure many more changes were coming her way. Strangely, though, she loved that she had Noor in her life and grew weak in the knees every time she thought of her impending parenthood. Everything else will have to stay on the fringes for now.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier about our offspring? Better yet, that two women could procreate?”

“Well, like some of our smaller avian brothers and sisters’ species, we can reproduce without males. It’s called parthenogenesis. It’s a survival mechanism to counteract extinction of the race. It’s actually quite common in some species.” Noor stole another kiss. “And I was going to tell you about the babies, but before I could pluck up the courage to do so, Concalle attacked.”

“Why did you feel you had to ‘pluck up’ the courage to tell me?”

Noor’s hand slid down until it rest over Yonne’s heart. “I didn’t want to overwhelm you.” The green eyes were tender as they roved over Yonne’s face. “You have gone through so many new experiences at that time, I wasn’t sure telling you that we’ve just conceived, would be welcomed.”

Yonne pushed her upper body off the bed, causing Noor to roll onto her back, looking up at Yonne. “I don’t know how I would’ve reacted back then, but I want you to know that as much as it scares me, I love the idea of being a parent.” She kissed Noor then, a deep kiss that left the Avian gasping for breath afterward. It was intoxicating, knowing that she had this kind of power over the princess. She only hoped that Noor never finds out how she herself affected Yonne. She gently brushed a few coppery tresses out of a dazed Noor’s face. “Is there anything else you wanted to tell me?”

Noor nodded slowly as she licked her lips, her eyes fixed on Yonne’s mouth “From the moment I conceived, we were telepathically linked.”

Yonne blinked hard, but before she could pull back, Noor grabbed her close and wound her long legs around Yonne’s middle.

“I could demonstrate it better than telling you.”

oOo

Yonne studied the noisy banquet hall with avid interest. The Monolith were a beautiful race. They were also extremely sexual, if the slight scent of pheromones in the air was anything to go by. The women, tall and graceful, danced languorously, enticing the burly warriors from where they were huddled at the ale dispensers. She reached for her goblet and found it refilled. Flanked by her mother and Noor, she was being well taken care of. Elina was a little hesitant in her approach of Yonne earlier, no doubt still reeling from Yonne’s put-down. Noor on the other hand was quite ‘handsy’, to say the least. It was evident that the faint hint of pheromones was taking effect of her mate. To think that only a few hours ago they had been hungrily exploring each other’s bodies. The outcome of their lusty rendezvous proved that it was quite handy to be mentally linked to one’s mate. Yonne felt a slow tremor chase down her spine as she recalled the risqué suggestions that Noor had made her respond to. She looked at Noor and found the other woman smiling at her.

The din in the hall suddenly died down.

A gorgeous woman dressed in a tight shimmering gown, made her way over to the main table and bowed before the King, before her gaze sought out Yonne’s. “Greetings, your majesty,” she said in a husky voice, her dark eyes shining bright with interest. “Would you honor me with a dance?”

Before Yonne could respond, she threw a quick glance to her left, to meet Noor’s glance. Noor’s gaze shifted to rest coolly on the other woman. The woman, her eyes flashing with challenge, bowed low in Noor’s direction.

“My apologies, your highness. The invitation was not intended to offend.” She moved away, her hips swaying sensually as she crossed the wide hall. She felt Noor’s eyes on her and gave her a sheepish smile. Must be the pheromones, she thought. Noor leaned closer and her signature citrusy scent enveloped Yonne, making her moan softly.

“The Monolith are by nature polygamous,” she muttered. “The women, especially, are notoriously aggressive in their pursuits and would not think twice about challenging a rival for the affection of their target.”

Yonne blinked at Noor, before she sought out the woman who was now dancing sensuously with another woman. She swallowed when she found the dark eyes resting on her with lethal intent. She felt a soft touch on her thigh and almost jumped out her skin. Noor smiled coolly at her.

“I would be remiss not to remind you that the Avion are the complete opposite. We are monogamous and mate for life.” Noor calmly took a sip from her goblet. “Now that she’s issued a challenge, I’ll have to stake my claim.”

“What?!” She gaped at Noor.  Her first thought was for their offspring. “You’re pregnant.”

Noor’s hand moved to her stomach. “By approaching you in public, she expressed her interest in becoming yours. I, as your mate, will have to make a decision now. Either I allow her one night with you or I stake my claim and dissuade any potential challengers by fighting her.”

“It is considered a great honor to be approached in public by a Monolith woman,” Elina added softly from Noor right. “Especially from a woman like Intra. She comes from a long line of warriors and has never showed an active interest in a mate, until you.”

Yonne stared at the mother, long and hard. “Unfortunately for her, I am already spoken for.”

“That remains to be seen, my child. Intra has issued a challenge. If she bests your mate, you’ll have to spend a night with her or even marry her, depends on the terms of the battle.” Elina squeezed her hand. “Intra’s family has been looking for a way into the Royal House for a long while now.”

“She’ll be deeply disappointed.” Noor’s eyes were dark with annoyance. She drained her goblet and rose to her full majestic height.

“Is there nothing I can do to stop this, mother?” Yonne asked, her eyes never leaving Noor who was staring straight at Intra. “There must be something I can do.”

The hall was growing quiet again. All eyes were on Noor.

“You could reject Intra, but many more will follow. But if Princess Noor accepts the challenge and wins, no one will think of approaching you again.”

Noor’s head turned in her direction. For a moment they only looked at each other. “I’m sorry about this, Noor.”

Noor’s face lit up with a gorgeous dimpled smile. “It’s not your fault. Nor can I blame that woman. I wanted you from the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

Yonne blushed and quickly looked around to see who else had heard Noor, only to find that the whole table was staring at them. King Hommred’s eyes shone bright with amusement and Holfer was grinning widely. She sighed. A few months ago, she was an asexual, boring legislator. Now, she finds herself mated, with offspring on the way and another woman, who was not her mate, fighting for her attention. She rose and took Noor in her arms.

“Defeat is not an option, for I have no wish to copulate with any other woman, but you,” she muttered. “I wish I could do something about this.”

“What you can do for me, is to prepare yourself; for I’ll be claiming my price later.” Yonne felt a shiver rush down her spine at Noor’s words. She pulled away to look into Noor’s eyes. They were burning with grim determination.

“I’ll be ready for you.”

“Good.”

oOo

Espert looked around her and then back at Cilla. She swallowed hard. Did the woman have to look so beautiful today? Dressed in formal attire of leather pants and a sleeveless vest, her powerful arms were an invitation for every woman in the hall to fall into them. Standing tall and imposing, her chiseled face cast in stone as she listened attentively to what Noor was saying, Cilla was a flashing beacon in the hall filled with gorgeous women. She inhaled deeply as her gaze took in the hall. More than half of the people in attendance were taller than her. In fact, they rivaled Yonne and Cilla’s height, which made them quite tall. She prayed none of the women set their sights on Cilla. There was simply no way that she would be able to fight for Cilla’s hand and win.

She felt eyes on her and turning she blinked at the tall woman who was giving her a slow once-over. She quickly looked away and smiled in relief when she saw Cilla coming toward her. With a hard, warning look at the Monolith woman, she placed a possessive hand on the small of Espert’s back. A warm glow settled in Espert’s chest at being claimed so publicly and confidently by the powerful warrior. She smiled up into Cilla’s face and saw the cold look melt a little although no smile was forthcoming. She was in warrior mode. They joined Noor, who was looking between the two of them curiously. When their eyes met, Espert gave Noor a small wink. The other woman cocked her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“The duel shall take place in the courtyard,” Noor said calmly. Espert looked around, noticing that the Monolith were already making their way to the large double doors leading from the hall. “I’ll meet you there soon.” She briskly walked away and Espert turned to face Cilla.

“Please don’t draw attention to yourself. I doubt I’ll be able to win you back.”

Cilla grinned, making her look even more devastating. Espert looked around worriedly. She was NOT going to share this woman with anyone.

“I wasn’t the one being ogled earlier, now was I?” Cilla took her hand and led her to doors. “Come, as Noor’s second I need to inspect the location.”

Espert allowed Cilla to lead her out to the courtyard. She blinked when she saw that the area had already been set up with seating and that a few servants were moving through the guests with tray laden with food and drink. The challenge was only issued a few moments ago. “Is it just me, or does it look as if the whole event was foreseen?”

Cilla frowned as she took in the courtyard. When she looked at Espert, she saw the suspicion in Cilla’s eyes. “It does seem rehearsed. I need to find Yonne.”

“There’s no way I’m letting you out of my sight. I’m coming with you.”

Cilla snorted. “I wasn’t planning on letting you out of my sight either.”

oOo

Yonne took a long drink from her goblet and sat back. Her mother placed a gentle hand on hers.

“This is…All this doesn’t make sense.” She slammed her goblet down on the table. As part of the custom, she wasn’t allowed to be present at the duel. Some ridiculous idea about sweetening the spoils for the victor. She felt her mother’s gaze on her and turned to face her. “She’s expecting our offspring.”

Elina nodded. “I know and I wish there was something I could do about this.” She took a sip from her own glass. “The Monolith put a lot of value on gender equality. A woman has as much the right of choosing a potential mate as her male counterpart. This practice guarantees happy marriages.”

“All I want is simply to have my mate at my side and my offspring out of harm’s way.” She inhaled deeply. “There must be a way to end this.”

The bulk of Hommred came up from behind her mother. “There is one way, but very few people take that option. The challenge can be converted.”

“I will,” Yonne said quickly. Anything to not have Noor or their offspring injured. “What should I do?”

Elina shook her head. “It’s not always safe. It has caused a few fatalities in the past.” Yonne saw the fear in her mother’s eyes as she looked up at Hommred. “Do something.”

Yonne watched as her father gently cradled her mother’s shoulders. “It involves a quest. In most cases, a deadly one. Most prefer to take the challenge and have done with it.”

“And what happens if my offspring perish in the challenge. Do I reserve the right to take my revenge?” She watched as her parents shared a look. “For I promise you that if that were to happen, I will stop at nothing to make that woman pay.” She reached for her goblet and drained it. “Convert the challenge.”

A knock on the door broke the tension and a servant opened the door, allowing Cilla and Espert into the room. Yonne quickly gestured them closer. “Why are you here?”

Espert glanced at the royal couple and then back at Yonne. “This whole situation seems to be staged, Director.”

“I have a bad feeling about this, Yonne,” Cilla added.

Yonne turned to her father, his eyes were hard as he stared at Espert. “What do you mean with ‘it seems staged’. We all heard the challenge issued.”

“But the area was already set up, almost as if everyone knew that there would be a duel. It is common practice that guests to Monolith are challenged to a duel, Your Highness?”

Hommred and Elina looked at each other, before Elina spoke up. “It not a common practice, no. But with the hand of the royal princess on the line, and the background of the challenger, we didn’t find it strange. Intra has been trying to elevate her station for decades now.” She turned to look at her husband. “Maybe we should…”

An explosion rang out, shaking the foundation of the palace.

Noor.

Yonne sprinted for the balcony, hesitated for a nanosecond and flung herself over.

CHAPTER 28

“Your return surely made for an interesting day.”

Noor turned to find Holfer grinning at her. She took a deep breath as she looked at him.

“I pray you had nothing to do with this, bug-face, for I can tell you now that your dear big sister is not known for her sense of humor.” If only he really resembled a bug. The man was absolutely gorgeous and well-aware of it.

Holfer took a sip from his goblet. “I don’t know why you would think me capable of something so nefarious. But like any red-blooded, in my case, blue-blooded male, I love a good fight between two gorgeous women.”

Noor turned away with a sigh and pointedly ignored him as she studied her knives. She had decided on weapons to avoid close contact. Her aim was to incapacitate her opponent quickly to minimize any harm to her children.

“Noor, you have to believe me that I would never...”

She turned quickly ready to tell the playboy prince to find someone else to harass when she saw the man bearing down on him. Before she could call out a warning, the earth shook mightily under her feet and she was engulfed by darkness.

oOo

Concalle sat up slowly. Sadness filled him as he listened to the unmistaken sounds of chaos that filtered through to his cell. Men shouting. Running feet. He had caught a glimpse of Lithen when they transferred him from the brig to the dungeon. The city had grown more beautiful than when he last saw it. Not the decrepit city he had left behind all those decades ago.  It was the purest example of a prospering race.

He knew they would come for him. His sons. Gnut and Valdo.  Of all his seven sons, those two were the stubbornest. But he hated to think he was the reason they would ruin such a beautiful city in their attempt to rescue him.

“I will make sure that your suffering is prolonged for your role in this.” Hommred stepped from the shadow, his face a cold mask of hatred. “We’ve known peace since vermin like you have been vanquished from here, only to have death and destruction return with you.”

Concalle shrugged. “I can’t be held accountable for the actions of my sons.”

“You have sired them, haven’t you? Your violent, deceitful blood flows through their veins.” Hommred melted back into the shadows. “I will bring you their heads for this.”

Swallowing hard, Concalle climbed to his feet. He’s earlier thought that marriage and fatherhood had mellowed Hommred, was erroneous. The man who visited him just now, was Hommred the Great. Maybe even a more menacing version of the one he had known.

He prayed his sons reconsidered their rescue plot and get as far away from this planet as possible.

oOo

Cilla peered down the hallway and sighed her relief when she saw the hulking figure of the king coming towards her. When he was close enough, she blinked at the transformation. The man had a malevolent energy around him and his eyes brimmed with violence. She was fortunate to be on the same side as him. He looked around him, his gaze flushed with panic and she spoke up quickly.

“The Queen is safely ensconced in the bunker, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Adjutant. Now let’s go find the others.”

Soon after the explosion, the royal guard had locked down the palace, sealing both friend and foe inside. A rundown from the guards brought to light that a few of Concalle’s sympathizers had infiltrated the palace staff. A quick head count revealed that both the prince and Noor were unaccounted for. There had also not been any word from Yonne. Cilla’s heart had frozen in her chest when Yonne had catapulted over the balcony. It was at least a hundred-foot drop to the ground. As soon as she was on ground level, she was going in search of Yonne. She prayed she wasn’t lying somewhere with a broken neck. She shook her head at the thought. She changed a glance at the powerful monarch and found him staring straight ahead, steely-eyed. The General of the Palace Guard met them as they entered the hall where it all started. “We need to track down Intra. I want to know if she was part of this.”

“Yes, milord.”

Cilla accepted the phasor one of the guards handed her. She immediately changed to setting from stun to terminate. Looking up, she caught the King’s eye. “I’m not taking chances with the lives of my friends.”

“Good to know.” He turned to his guards. “I’ve double the guards at the dungeons. Adjutant Cilla and I will find my children. The rest of you should find the traitors and capture them alive, if possible.”

“Yes, milord.”

“Follow me, Adjutant. We’ll start where they were last seen.”

oOo

Yonne’s teeth rattled slightly when she landed and she looked up to the three stories high balcony and then at the torn tapestry. She had used her knife to slide her closer to the ground. It hadn’t helped much. She had run out of tapestry about ten feet from the ground, thus the rattling teeth. She sheathed her knife. A quick glance revealed that her arrival had not been detected by the dark clad, heavily armed men scouring the courtyard. Hencrons. They must be here for Concalle. She slipped deeper into the shadows. If they were still roaming around it must mean only one thing. They haven’t gotten what they came here for. She didn’t know where to start her search, when one of the Hencrons moved into the shadows a few feet away from her. Maybe she could just ask him.

She began to stalk the man as he moved in and out of the shadows obviously searching for something or someone. She prayed that meant they haven’t captured Noor yet. She unsheathed her knife slowly. She wished she had her rapiers with her, but the knife was the only weapon she could smuggle into the hall, without raising eyebrows amongst her hosts. The man was about five feet in front of her, when he was suddenly yanked into the shadows and a brief scuffle sounded. Startled, she moved deeper into the shadows, her heart racing. The next moment, two strong arms curled around her and her mouth was taken in a bruising kiss.

“They should thank the stars you’re unharmed,” Noor whispered as she clung to Yonne. She pulled away to look into Yonne’s eyes. “They would have rued the day they were born, if they had harmed you.” The dim lighting couldn’t hide the menacing gleam in her eyes as she issued the threat.

Yonne inhaled deeply, steadying herself mentally after the unexpected kiss and the heat that infused her at hearing Noor’s threat. The feeling that someone cared about her well-being was not new. Cilla cared. But the knowledge that Noor was willing to take on a group of mercenaries for her, made her flush with a pleasure. My mate. She threw her arms around Noor and felt the fear and tension slowly seep out of her body. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Noor’s hold on her tightened slightly before she broke the embrace, but still keep her hands on Yonne’s hips. “They took Holfer.”

Yonne frowned. She barely knew the infuriating man, nor was she even sure if she liked him, but the news of his capture didn’t sit well with her. She glanced a crumpled man a few feet away. “Shall we ask him? They’re obviously going to use him as leverage to free Concalle.” Yonne looked at the remaining Hencrons who were still searching the debris of the explosion. It would seem they had planned on taking Noor, too.

“Yes. I know a place where we can question him.” She bent down and lifted the man effortlessly over her shoulder. Yonne smiled faintly. Noor was such a contradiction. Tall and slender, no one would believe the strength the wiry frame concealed. She followed Noor as she led them down small dark alleys until she came to stand before a door she unceremoniously kicked open. It was dark inside, but with her avian night vision, Noor seemed to find her way. She dumped the man on the floor and reached for a lantern. When light flooded the room, Yonne walked closer to cradle Noor’s face. She had a few scrapes, but there was large brush on her chin. Without knowing why, Yonne brushed her lips over the bruise. When she pulled back, Noor pupils were dilated as she stared back at her. Yonne blushed.

“The explosion threw me against a wall,” Noor explained breathily. When Yonne’s eyes traveled to her belly, Noor cradled it gently. “They’re fine. A bit shaken, but otherwise unharmed.” She kissed Yonne gently. “We’re all fine. Now let’s find out where they’ve taken Holfer.”

oOo

The silence was unsettling and the only way to deal with the tension was to move. Espert inhaled shakily. Cilla was out there. Being shot at or maybe already… She shook her head. She would die if something were to happen to Cilla. Her eyes shot full of tears. She had never felt this way about anyone. Not even for Marla, whose breakup with her had resulted in her enlisting for the position on the Mercer. Cilla looked hard and aloof, but Espert had been privy to the true nature of the woman. No one, except perhaps for the director, knew how gentle, funny and loving the other woman was. She remembered the kisses they had shared earlier and she couldn’t stop the heat travelling from her stomach to settle between her legs. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with Cilla and she wasn’t going to settle for less. She walked over to the door, but the guards gave her a sharp look.

“The adjutant warned us that you might try to get out, Doctor.”

Espert sighed and turned away to look around the room. For an underground bunker, the room was quite luxurious. Numerous lanterns lit up the room. A big four poster bed stood a raised platform and a few feet away was a small seating area. The Queen was seated there, sipping from a goblet. Her light eyes pensive as they studied Espert.

“I’ve been away from Basque for a long time now, but I still remember clearly that the Borquois and Basque were not very cordial with each other.”

Espert blushed. Cilla had kissed her deeply before she had left her to be locked in here with the Queen.

“They are still not on good footing, your Highness.”

“And what of the Borquois’ policy against same sex associations?”

“It’s still very much in effect, milady.” Espert took the chair opposite the Queen. “Away from the planet and its restrictions, some…things…seem less impossible.”

The queen took a sip from her goblet, her blue eyes intense as they studied her from over the rim of the goblet. “Like that kiss between you and Adjutant Cilla?”

Espert grinned and the queen returned it. It made the older woman look so much like her daughter. Compared with Queen Asmara, Queen Elina didn’t carry her station with the same poise of the Avian queen, but she had a subtle authority than radiated in waves of comfort and warmth. It was evident from where Yonne got her laidback style of command. It would be easy to like the woman.

“Yes, like the kiss, Your Highness.”

The queen placed her goblet on the table. “Will you tell me about Basque?” A faint blush colored her cheeks. “A lot of Borquois have dreamt of what it would be like to spent one day on Basque.”

Espert smiled warmly. She already liked the woman. Talking about her home was a great way of keeping sane and not fretting about Cilla and their friends getting shot at.

“What would you like to know, your highness.”

CHAPTER 29

King Hommred shook his head as he came to stand next to Cilla and looked up at the torn tapestry. “There is no doubt that she is my child.” He glanced at Cilla. “Both my children possess a fearlessness about them that will age their mother and myself way before our time.”

Cilla grinned at the man, hearing the pride in his voice. “Fearless, she is, milord, but never reckless. She is too disciplined to abandon caution.” She studied the earth around their feet. “It would seem that she moved over to the shadows.”

The King nodded. “She seems to be doing quite well for someone who flung herself over a balcony.”

“I concur, Your Majesty.”

King Hommred gave her a fleeting smile before he was all business again. “With the city on shutdown, the Hencrons will need to find a place to hold up until they can move their hostages or find an alternative way of transport out of the city.”

“What other alternatives are there?” When the King frowned at her, she shrugged. “I’ve learned that were there’s a will, there’s always a way, milord. I’m sure there must be underground transport alternatives available that even you might not be aware of, but your men might know of.”

The King looked appalled by the idea, but after a few seconds of hesitation, he nodded. “Then we should ask them.” Cilla followed the king as they made their way back the way they came. As they made their way across the courtyard, they were held up by a short fire exchange with a pocket of Hencrons, before they slipped back into the palace. One of the guards escorted them to the guard tower. Intra was seated before the general when they entered. She looked up at them and from the malevolent look in her eyes, it was evident that the night’s proceedings had been carefully choreographed with the help of this woman. King Hommred sighed deeply as he looked at her.

“I must admit that I had hoped you were not involved in this.” He went to stand before the seated woman. “Your family had been amongst the noblest of warriors that Monolith had ever known. What a shame that with one misguided ideal, you have wiped their legacies from history.”

Intra’s eye blazed with hatred. “What does it help to be noble, if you are expected to follow orders like a commoner?” She spat out the words. “There was a time when my family was a strong contender for the throne, a plot thwarted by your ancestor.”

Tense silence reigned as the king and the woman were locked in a stare down. Hommred suddenly smiled and Cilla felt a frisson of dread chase down her spine. Even Intra looked a little alarmed at the change in the King’s demeanor.

“A true leader doesn’t plot and steal his throne, he earns it, my dear child.” He threw up his hands. “With all the excitement of getting my daughter back and the promise of grandchildren, I have completely forgotten to feed my pets.” He nodded at the General. “I think a change of scenery might make the lady more agreeable.”

A look of horror flashed across Intra’s face. Cilla wondered if she really wanted to be around to witness anything that could make this haughty woman cringe in horror. Maybe it was a good time to slip away and try to find Yonne.

“I think I’ll use the time to try and track down the director,” she said curtly and turned to leave the room.

“Not yet, Adjutant,” the king said and turned to the General. “I believe that, even with a complete shutdown of the city, there might be ways to slip in and out of the city.”

The General blinked. “I would like to think that our security is impossible to breach, milord. But if there is indeed a chance to slip in and out of the city at will, I’ll find out.”

The king nodded. “We’ll wait for you here.” He glanced at Intra. “In the meantime, I’ll keep Intra company.”

The General nodded and left the room. The King walked over to stand at the window, leaving Cilla and the other two guards in the room to stare at their captive for lack of anything better to do.

“The one thing I found most fascinating about the Borquois, was their ability to resolve issues without bloodshed.” The King turned to look at Cilla. “How can you maintain order without a show of force?”

Cilla blinked as she looked at the monarch. There was still an aura of menace clinging to him, but he seemed curiously dejected at the same time. Like a man who was tired of violence. She wondered what had put him in such a mood. But for now, the king needed an answer.

“The fact that it’s not seen, doesn’t mean that it’s not there, milord.”

The king arched a brow. “That sounds truly ominous.” He studied her for a long moment. “I used to think of my culture as too brutal and had entertained notions of introducing leaner punishments. And look at what’s happening now.” His dark eyes trailed to Intra. The woman was glaring back at him. “I’ll once and for all rid Monolith of any Concalle sympathizers. Even if I die in the process.” When he looked at her, Cilla felt another chill run down her spine. A few times in their long friendship, Yonne had managed to frighten her, and now it was known where she got it from.

oOo

Noor wiped her bloodstained hands on the man’s torn tunic before turning to face Yonne. She swallowed at the look on her beloved face. Getting information from the man hadn’t been an easy nor beautiful sight. She sheathed her claws, which had been handy tools in getting the man to finally tell them what they needed to know.

“We need to get to the stables before they do,” she said quietly and quickly turned away from Yonne. She wondered if she would ever be able to look Yonne in the eyes after this. She made for the door, only to have Yonne’s hand fall on her shoulder.

“Don’t hide from me.”

She nodded, but still didn’t look at Yonne. “We need to hurry. If they get Holfer out of the city, we…”

Yonne stepped around her so Noor was forced to look up at her. Yonne looked clean and crisp. Her pale skin and pale hair suddenly so symbolic of her puritan values. Noor on the other hand could still feel the man’s blood staining her hands. She hadn’t wanted Yonne to take charge of the interrogation. She was captivated by Yonne’s purity and she would hate to see her mate lose that part of her. Just like her, she knew that their children would adore that trait in their big, strong mother. Until then, she’ll do what needs to be done.

“Don’t hide from me, Noor. There is a lot about me that you still have to learn, mate.” Yonne’s hand reached out to cup her face. Noor searched the light blue gaze and found it to be warm and affectionate. She inhaled in relief. Yonne understood somehow. “Can we talk more about this later?” At Noor’s quick nod, Yonne pulled her in for a soft kiss. “Now let’s go find Holfer.”

As children, the stables had been a favorite hiding place of Noor and Holfer and Noor used decades old memories to lead them to the royal stables. The stables were dark and looked deserted, but Noor’s powerful avian eyesight detected subtle motions in the shadows surrounding the stables. According to their captive, Intra’s challenge was to serve as a distraction to get everyone, especially the royal family, in the courtyard and disable their guards with an explosive device. The royal family was to be used as leverage to free Concalle and then executed afterwards. But first they had to smuggle them out via a tunnel which ran underneath the city and exited in the rugged terrain surrounding Lithen.

“They are still guarding the stables. It would seem that they still haven’t managed to get Holfer to the tunnel.” They needed a diversion. “We need to get inside.”

In the dim light, Yonne’s eyes glittered. “No problem.”

oOo

Yonne’s keen eyesight had also picked up on the slight movements in the shadows. If Holfer was still somewhere in the city, ambushing his captors at the mouth of the tunnel would end this whole saga. That’s if they can pull it off without any of them getting injured in the process. Her gaze turned to Noor. On Pando, Noor had demonstrated that she was a fearless and reliable fighter. Tonight, she had proven that she was a true warrior. One who is willing to do what it takes to get results. She had felt Noor pulling away emotionally from her as she had interrogated the pirate. And Noor had hoped to hid her shame from Yonne, forgetting that thanks to their offspring, they were subconsciously linked.

She was telling the truth earlier. There was still so much that Noor didn’t know about her. In the forty decades as a Borquois armed forces officer, she had lived true to the directive of peaceful and diplomatic resolution. But when all failed, force was always an option.

And she had to use that option more times than she cared to remember.

“Yonne?”

She blinked. “Yes?”

“What is your plan?”

Yonne smiled. “This.” In the blink of an eye she materialized inside the stables. Looking around, she realized her mistake.

oOo

Cilla shot to her feet from where she was crouched behind a large barrel of some sort. She had left as soon as the general had reported back that a defunct tunnel running under the city could be the only other route out. She had gracefully declined the King’s offer to send a few of his guards with her, knowing that they would only slow them down. If the tunnel was the way out, she knew that somehow Yonne would also figure that out.

And she was right.

She had been sitting in wait for a few moments, studying the shadows in and around the stables, when she’s seen the blurred movement.

Yonne.

A few moments later, she noticed four shapes peeling away from the shadows and slipping into the stables. Yonne had walked into an ambush. The Hencrons suspected that their exit would be compromised and had prepared for it.

But they hadn’t prepared for two of them. Her muscles contracted as she readied her body for the imminent energy surge.

oOo

Noor’s heart jerked in her chest when she saw the four shapes break away from the shadows. They’d been expecting them. And Yonne was alone in there. With the lookouts having abandoned their stations, Noor sprinted across the small clearing. She pressed up against the side of the building and listened. She made out the mistakable sounds of a scuffle and muffled moans.

Yonne.

She needed a weapon. Her immediate surroundings offered nothing in the form of a weapon. That left only one other option. She peered into the dark interior. She could make out a scuffle, but with the dust caused by the fray, it was impossible to make out who had the upper hand. There were two men standing to the side pointing phasors at the brawling mass. Using their distraction and the shadows, she slid into the stables and came up behind them. A light tap on the shoulder had the man swing around to meet her fist. She turned to the second man and found herself staring into the barrel of his phasor.

All of a sudden she felt herself flying through the air just as the phasor discharged. She landed on her back with a heavy weight sprawled on top of her.

“Are you okay?” Yonne asked softly in her ear and instinctively Noor’s arms slid around Yonne.

“Yes. And you?” When there was no answer. She turned to look at Yonne.

She was blinking down at Noor, but it was the sticky warm liquid that soaked through Noor’s clothes that alarmed her.

“Yonne!”

oOo

Espert was making her way through the corridors on shaky legs. The message had been vague. It only said for her to report to the medical bay urgently. Her heart was thumbing loudly in her ears as she strode through the doors and into the sterile interior of the medical bay. Her arrival was acknowledged by three pairs of eyes. One of those, to her immense relief was Cilla’s. She curtly pushed a way between King Hommred and Noor.

Yonne looked even paler against the blood-soaked linen. Oh, Yonne! She refused to look at Noor, knowing that if the sight of Yonne affected her like this, she didn’t want to know what it was doing to her friend.

“You need to leave now,” she ordered the group out. Only the king and Cilla moved away. Espert had no choice but to look at Noor. Just as expected, Noor looked absolutely shattered. Noor’s hand was trembling as she ran them through Yonne’s hair. “Every moment counts, Noor. You need to let me save her.” Noor slowly moved away, her eyes not leaving Yonne’s face.

“She can’t die, Espert.”

Espert nodded and turned away as one of the medics rambled off the vitals. She looked at the gaping wound among other smaller cuts and bruises and inhaled deeply. You’ll need to help me out here, Yonne.

oOo

“Drink this, Your Highness.”

Noor looked up at the medic who was holding out a small glass to her. She reached out for the glass, but her hand was shaking so hard that almost half of the contents of the glass ended up on her. A large hand took the glass from her and held it to her lips. Her eyes met the somber ones of King Hommred over the rim of the glass. The king looked so much like Yonne at that moment that her heart ache for her lover. She lowered her gaze as warm tears slid down her cheeks. The glass was moved and the large hand cupped her cheek.

“Everything will be fine, daughter.”

Noor shook her head slowly. “I don’t want everything to be fine. I only want…need Yonne to be fine.”

The king smiled faintly. “In that case, I believe you’ll get your wish. She’ll fight for you and your children.”

She smiled weakly at that. “She better. I wouldn’t know how to start raising her children without her.” She closed her eyes tightly, but opened them again quickly when the shooting incident played off in her head. Oh, Yonne! “She saved our lives.”

The door to the medical bay slid open, admitting her parents followed by a wobbly-looking Holfer and Queen Elina. Her mother rushed to her side to enfold her in a warm embrace. Her father gently cradled them both against his chest as her mother cooed softly to her. It was then, blanketed in the warmth and love of her parents, that she realized how difficult this must be for Hommred and Elina. They had only found their daughter after such a long time, only to maybe lose her again forever. She pulled away from her parents and walked over to where Hommred stood with Elina in his arms.

The Queen looked devastated. She immediately reached out for Noor, her teary blue eyes wide with fear. They touched foreheads as their arms slid around each other. They stood like that in total silence.

“She got in a fight once.” Elina chuckled. “She got in a lot of fights actually. But this one was started because she told the other girl that she was going to be happy one day.” Elina pulled away to look up into Noor’s eyes. The medical bay was quiet and Noor knew everyone could hear what the queen was saying. “Being happy in my culture is the most elusive emotion ever. But Yonne was sure that she would be happy one day and the others ridiculed her. No matter what happens today, I can say with utter conviction that my daughter had known happiness, thanks to you.”

Noor’s eyes welled with tears. That sounded like Yonne. She didn’t do anything small. And it would seem that she didn’t dream small either. She smiled at the Queen. “Then I doubt she would give up on it so easily.”

Elina smiled. “She’s a stubborn one, just like a father and brother. She won’t give up without a fight.”

CHAPTER 30

Cilla was startled awake by a soft hand on her shoulder. She automatically braced herself for attack, only to have the hand move to cup her cheek. She blinked rapidly.

“Shush.” Espert’s face swam into focus. “It’s me.”

She sat up straight. “Yonne?”

Espert looked tired as she looked down at Cilla. “We have to wait and see now. She lost a lot of blood and we had to remove a damaged kidney.” She stifled a yawn. “If there is no sign of infection by tomorrow, it’ll be all up to her.”

Cilla looked around the medical bay. Except for the skeleton nightshift crew, the medical bay was almost deserted. “Where is everybody?”

“I sent them to bed. Yonne will be out for at least the next couple of days.”

“And what about you? You look exhausted.”

“I am, but I can’t leave just yet. I need to check her vitals every two hours for any traces of infection.” She cradled Cilla’s face in her hands. “But you need to rest.”

Cilla shook her head slowly. “I can’t.”

“There’s nothing more you can do right now, surga. She’s heavily sedated.” One of the medics wandered closer to where they were and Espert quickly dropped her hands and took a step away from Cilla. The feeling of loss was immediate. When the medic moved away again, Cilla looked up into Espert tired eyes. Of the two of them, Espert looked like she needed rest more than Cilla. “Come on, Adjutant. You’ll feel better after a few hours of rest.”

“Don’t send me away. Not tonight. I find I can’t breathe properly when I’m separated from you.” As soon as the words had left her lips, Cilla dropped her gaze. What was wrong with her? She sounded like a whining child. Espert’s silence made her nervous. But when it stretched even longer, she became scared. She carefully lifted her gaze and met Espert’s teary one. The smaller woman stood with her hand covering her mouth, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. Espert gave her shaky smile.

“Come with me.” She led the way to her office and once inside, darkened the glass panels. She pushed Cilla into a chair and slid into her lap and then pulled Cilla into a tight embrace as she rested her cheek on Cilla’s crown. Cilla sighed softly at the pleasure of having Espert in her arms again. The familiar warmth of Espert’s body against hers and the fact that she was in a space of complete contentment, caused her eyelids to drop slightly.

oOo

Espert felt Cilla’s body beginning to relax and she pulled away and cradled the handsome face in her palms. There will never be a better time to do this than now. She studied the sleepy eyes and her heart almost burst with emotion.

“Hey,” she brushed her lips over Cilla’s “You say the most beautiful things to me, surga. So beautiful that I’m left speechless and weak-kneed at times.” The ice blue eyes softened as they searched her face. “I love you more than I thought I could ever love another being. I don’t want you to ever have any doubts about that.” She kissed Cilla again, this time she poured every bit of feeling she could muster in her exhausted state into the kiss. When she broke the kiss a long while later, Cilla was breathing heavily against her chest. She slid of Cilla’s lap and pulled out the single couch she had sometimes used when the loneliness of her quarters was too much to bear. She pulled a near comatose Cilla over to the couch and helped her lie down. Cilla’s bulk took up all the space, but when Cilla opened her arms, Espert eagerly crawled over the powerful body and rested her head on the warrior’s chest. Cilla’s breathing evened out almost immediately.

Espert hooked her arms under Cilla’s shoulders and sighed deeply. “My brave, gentle warrior.” She closed her eyes as the scent and heat of Cilla’s body surrounded her.

She awoke later and reluctantly extracted herself from Cilla’s arms. For a few moments, she watched her warrior sleep before she left the office. She was halfway to Yonne’s cot when she noticed Noor. She was seated in a chair, but her head was resting on Yonne’s chest. For a moment she stood and looked at the sleeping couple. She hated that she would have to wake Noor, but even with the range of antibiotics she had administered, she didn’t want to take any chances. An infection could kill Yonne in the weak state that she was.

Come to think of it. It mustn’t be comfortable for Noor to be in that position for so long. She gently shook Noor’s shoulder and waited for the green eyes to blink open. As soon as she noticed where she was, Noor’s eyes widened in panic.

“No need to panic,” she hastily reassured Noor. “I need to check her wound.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“No need. I’ll get one of the hover cots for you. At least you won’t have to risk a stiff neck tomorrow. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to check on my patient.”

As she unwrapped and studied the wound closely, she was aware of Noor’s eyes on her. She redressed the wound, happy that there was no evident sign of infection. She checked her vitals. There was no elevation in body temperature.

“I knew you wouldn’t leave Yonne’s bedside, so I went looking for you in your office.”

Ah, so that was the reason for the close scrutiny. She blushed when she realized how it must’ve looked when Noor walked into the office. She recalled her wanton sprawl across Cilla’s body when she’d awakened earlier.

“Yes, she didn’t want to leave either.” What else was there to say? It wasn’t as if Noor had asked her a question that demanded an answer.

“I see.”

Espert walked over to detach a hover cot from where they were stacked against the deck. She programmed it for the right height and pulled up the one side. She smiled when she saw the skeptical look on Noor face as she studied the hovering bed.

“I believe this will be much more comfortable than the chair.” She pushed the bed closer to Yonne’s. “Now you can be closer to her and not risk injuring yourself.” She waved at the bed and Noor still hesitated. “Come now. It’s like any other bed, the only things missing are the legs.”

After a few more prods, she managed to get Noor on the bed. She covered Noor with a thin blanket and was about to order the lights lowered, when Noor spoke.

“You and Cilla make a stunning couple, by the way. You should take good care of her. They need a lot of love.”

Espert nodded as she ordered the lightning dimmed and made her way to the office. She didn’t waste time, crawling back into Cilla’s arms.

oOo

The beach was deserted, but he didn’t feel alone. Not when she was with him. He had stumbled upon her when he had delivered a new girl to a brothel owner on some godforsaken planet in another quadrant. As a sign of his gratitude for not only sourcing the girl but also for the swift delivery, the brothel owner had assigned her to him for the night. Halfway into the night, he was smitten. Her large almond shaped eyes with their fascinating purple irises had captivated him.

He had to own her.

And he finally did. She had born him three more sons and a daughter. Securing his legacy. She made sure that one day he would be avenged. He reached for her hand and basked in her smile.

Concalle opened his eyes and by doing so allowed the beach to fall away and the noise to seep in. He took in the churning mass of Monoliths before him. They were all baying for blood. His blood. He caught the eye of an elderly woman. Her face bore the signs of pain and sadness. Her eyes blazed her hatred and bloodlust. He was the cause of that. Whereas once he was a celebrated soldier destined for a life of reverence, he was now a disgraced villain, being bled like an animal to appease the very people who once had sung him praises. The lady moved closer and he noticed that her hand shook as she accepted the ceremonial blade.

With one last hateful glare, she sliced into his flesh, her punishment one of a hundred he had already endured.

Death by a thousand cuts.

Hommred had chosen the most painful and degrading punishment for him. He turned his head to look at his erstwhile friend. Standing proud and powerful in his ritualistic regalia, Hommred looked like a conqueror. A great hero.

Concalle wondered what he, himself, must look like. He had witnessed the same ceremony once, a long time ago. Hidden behind the skirts of his mother, he was horrified by the chilling spectacle. A blood-soaked caricature of what was once a being, was strung out for all to see.

He closed his eyes.

He was so sure he was doing the right thing when he tried to overthrow the old king’s rule. The people had wanted change and he thought he was that change. Young and ambitious, he would’ve made a great leader. The nobles thought so and he believed them. He believed it himself.

And when it all started crumbling, he had truly believed he we would get away with it.

CHAPTER 31

The laughter started off far away, but was getting closer as she slowly began to surface. It was happy laugher. Children’s laughter. She didn’t know how, but she recognized the laughter. In fact, it was the cheerfulness that had shook her free from the miserable darkness. She followed the laughter as it lured her towards the light.

She swallowed and regretted it instantly. The inside of her throat felt raw. Like swallowing glass. Her eyes creaked open and she blinked at the sight. If she could smile at the moment, the sight that greeted her would’ve been the perfect moment to crack one. With her head hoisted on her palm, her copper locks gleaming under the overhead light, Noor was smiling down at her.

“Welcome back, arula.” Her green eyes were warm with love. “I’ve missed you.”

Yonne could only blink at the sight. She tried lifting her hand to touch the stunning vision, but Noor shook her head quickly.

“No, don’t move. I’ll have to call Espert first. But I believe this can’t wait.” She leaned closer and Yonne cupped Yonne’s face in her palms. Her lips with soft and warm as they slid over hers. The kissed deepened almost immediately and Yonne eagerly opened her mouth to accept Noor’s insistent tongue. Yonne’s senses sparked to life as she lay there, accepting her mate’s affections. Noor smelled wonderfully familiar and the sensation of her silky copper tresses brushing across her cheek and neck, ignited another spark below her waist.

“I should’ve known,” Espert interrupted dryly and Noor hastily pulled away. For a moment, their gazes touched and held, before Noor moved away on her hover cot. Espert stepped closer. “There’s been no scientific studies done on the curative power of kissing, but in this case, I’d say that it worked wonders, Director. Your vitals are elevated, some more that others, but all within normal range.” She smiled. “It’s wonderful to have you back with us. Now, I’ll go study these readings and in the meantime Noor could get you something to drink.”

Noor was back with a small cup of water and she helped Yonne take a few sips. Yonne looked around her. “How long have I been here?”

“Little more than a week.” She ran her fingers through Yonne’s hair. “They had to cut your hair to treat a head injury you’ve sustained when you hit your head.” The green eyes met hers and Yonne’s eyebrows rose at the desire in Noor’s eyes. “I must say you look absolutely dashing with the new haircut.” Her nails scratched over her scalp and Yonne let out a soft moan.

“Please try and keep her vitals within the normal range, Noor,” Espert called from her office. They smiled at each other before Noor gently eased herself onto Yonne’s cot. With a little maneuvering and a few painful groans, they were entangled in each other’s arms.

“I heard them.”

“I know. They alerted me.”

“I’ll never understand all this.”

“Then don’t. Give yourself time to let it all sink it.”

“Yes, I think I’ll do that.” Yonne felt her eye lids drooping again. How as it possible that she had been asleep for almost a week and still feel sleepy. She also knew that she was fighting a losing battle.

“I heard you threw yourself off a balcony to get to me.”

Yonne smiled sleepily and slurred. “All malicious lies.”

“Four people confirmed it, but it’s fine. I have ways of getting the truth out of you.” Noor brushed a kiss over Yonne’s chin. “I would’ve done the same for you, my warrior.

oOo

Cilla hissed when her door chime went off. She hastily got out the shower and threw a tunic over her damp body. She had seen Yonne earlier and she had looked good. She just hoped she didn’t have a relapse. As soon as she was in the lounge, she barked for whoever it was to enter.

Her breath caught in her throat when Espert entered. The petite woman looked tired, but had a strange aura around her. She came to stand before Cilla and looked up at her. There was no way to describe the feelings that poured through her when Espert looked at her like that. The pale eyes slowly trailed down Cilla’s body before they met her gaze.

“Have you already had supper?”

“Yes.”

Espert closed the distance between them and curled her arms around Cilla’s waist. Her eyes burned with desire. “Good. You’ll need the energy for what I have planned.” She disentangled herself from Cilla and walked to the sleeping quarters.

Cilla stood rooted to the spot, her heart racing as the meaning of Espert’s visit sank in. She turned towards the sleeping quarters just in time to see Espert stepping out of her uniform. The sight of the pale skin was too much of a lure and Cilla found herself towering over Espert. Cilla exhaled shakily when Espert grabbed the collar of her tunic in her smaller hands and ripped it off Cilla. With wide eyes and her mouth half-opened, Cilla watched as the cloth fell to her feet. When she looked back at Espert, the other woman was smiling wickedly.

“It’s always been a fantasy, surga.” She placed her hands on Cilla’s stomach. “You’re so big and strong. I get wet just thinking of you between my legs.”

Cilla almost melted under the heated look. She recalled the day when she found out what it meant to be wet. Espert had told Yonne that when a woman got ‘wet’, it meant that she was pleased with her partner and ready for copulation. Hearing Espert saying that at that very moment, made her insides heat up.

“Here,” Espert reached for her hand and Cilla groaned when Espert brushed Cilla’s hand over her small, puckered nipples. “When they are hard like this, it means that I need you.” Cilla closed her hand over the full fleshy globe and felt a peculiar dampness gathering between her legs. It was quite a pleasant feeling. A soft tuck on her hand made her loosen her grip on Espert’s breast. She watched transfixed as her hand glided over the pale, soft skin. Cilla swallowed when Espert lifted a leg and hooked it around her hip. Accepting the invitation, her hand slid into the nook between Espert’s legs and Cilla stiffened at the copious amount of moisture she encountered. “Do you see what you do to me. You just have to walk into a room and this happens to me.” Espert singled out a finger on Cilla’s hand and looking deep into Cilla’s eyes, she pushed it into herself. Cilla almost fainted at the sensation of being sucked deeply into a heated tunnel. Espert’s face was a mask of bittersweet pain as her hips began to undulate. The act forced Cilla’s finger deeper. Long, guttural moans escaped from Espert as she closed her eyes and threw back her head her breasts jutting out proudly.

Cilla didn’t know what drove her to act the way she did, but she pulled Espert close with her free hand. Anchored tightly against her body, Cilla leaned over and sucked one of Espert’s nipples into her mouth.

“Oh, Cilla!” Espert exclaimed before her hips began to undulate faster. She was mumbling in-between her frantic movements and whimpers. Cilla moved to the other breast and gently bit into the nipple. Espert stiffened abruptly, her mouth falling open in a silent scream, before her body began to jerk.

Alarmed, Cilla held onto the quaking body, praying she hadn’t hurt Espert.

oOo

The lights were dimmed when Yonne opened her eyes again. She smiled when she found Noor nestled against her. Espert had glared at them long and hard when she first found them in the cot together. They had both ignored the doctor’s obvious displeasure. She brushed a kiss over the copper hair and inhaled the citrusy scent. Since waking from her induced coma earlier, Noor had never been far. Yonne loved knowing that she was treasured like that. The only time she recalled feeling like that was with her mother. Forty years later, the feeling was even more pleasant.

“She loves you very much.”

Yonne tensed at the sound of the voice. She turned her head to find her mother sitting in a chair beside her. Did she conjure up her mother with thoughts about her?

“Mother?”

“You have chosen well.” Elina’s eyes were tender as they studied her. “I thought about you over the years. Wondered if you had children. If you were happy.”

Yonne didn’t say anything, mostly because she didn’t know what to say and also because she felt her mother didn’t really expect a response. After their last attempt at reconnecting had failed, this could be a good time to try again.

“You’ll be a parent yourself soon and you’ll realize that being separated from them will be one of the most painful experiences you’ll ever endure.” The blue eyes shimmered with tears. “I didn’t choose to leave you, surga. If I didn’t believe I would see you again, I would’ve let death claim me a long time ago.”

Yonne felt her mother’s pain spear through her. She wished she could take back the harsh words she’d spat at her mother on that first day. Through the blurriness of her own eyes, she held out her hand to Elina. The older woman grasped it with desperate strength and brought it to her lips.

“I love you, my beautiful girl.”

“Forgive me for my wounding words, Mother.” Her throat ached with the effort to keep her tears away. “You were a wonderful parent and I had no right to imply otherwise.” She pulled their bound hand to her mouth and kissed her mother’s with warm affection. Elina pressed her forehead to Yonne’s.

“For the first time in a very long time I feel whole again, my child.” She sat back and smiled warmly. “As he grew older, I told Holfer about you. He began making up stories about you, mostly to help ease my longing for you.”

“And in turn, I steal his betrothed and beat him up on top of it,” Yonne teased. She made a note to be more civil with her brother.

“He doesn’t hold grudges. He’s a sweet boy.” Elina glanced at Noor. “If I’d known your destinies were entwined, I would’ve not tried to avoid her all those years ago.”

Yonne eyebrows shot up. “Avoid?”

“I couldn’t bear the sight of a girl child.” Elina shook her head. “I envied Asmara for having her daughter to dote on, while I had no idea where mine was.” She gently lay her hand on Noor’s hair. “She was a beautiful girl and had grown into a striking woman.”

Yonne tightened her hold on Noor. “I’m very lucky.”

“And happy.” Elina chuckled. “I wonder if the same can be said for Osnol.”

“She took over for her mother as head of the council.”

“Maybe that was all she wanted to be happy,” Elina said softly as she gazed adoringly at Noor. “I’ve blamed myself for so long for filling your head with stories of love and happiness, knowing that you might never experience it. How wrong I was.” She cupped Yonne’s cheek. “I’ll come by to see you tomorrow. I believe I’ll be able to sleep now.”

Yonne watched her mother as she left. When the door hissed shut behind her, she sighed deeply. She was startled by the sensation of a warm feathery mass covering her. Looking down, she saw Noor’s wing covering her.

“Are you happy?”

“Yes, very.”

Noor hoisted herself on her elbow. Her hair tumbled all over Yonne’s face. “That’s not enough. Let’s see if I can make you ecstatic.”

Yonne was overjoyed to accept the kiss from her mate as her hands wandered over familiar curves.

oOo

Espert choked back a cry as she felt her orgasm fired off tiny sparks through her body. She clutched Cilla’s heaving shoulders, as she hoarsely coaxed her lover to her own orgasm. It wasn’t long before the powerful body shuddered on top of her. She held Cilla closer when the other woman wanted to roll off her.

“Not yet, surga. Let me hold you for a moment.” They had been at it for almost the whole night, with a short nap in between before they reached for each other again. Espert sighed with pleasure as she caressed Cilla’s sweat-slicked back. She especially reveled at the muscles that bounced under her hands. After the first, rather unexpected incident, Cilla had proofed herself to be an enthusiastic student. Espert wondered how she was going to discreetly report her broken bed for a replacement.

Cilla rolled over and pulled Espert with her. They both lay quietly as they savored the moment. When she had regained her breath, Espert glanced up at Cilla.  With her mussed hair and dazed eyes, she looked absolutely divine. She had to remind herself that there was no way that she could go again. At least not so soon after the last time.

“Are you okay?”

“You were right, you know.”

“About?”

Cilla’s eyes were dark with an unnamed emotion as she looked at her. “This shouldn’t be rushed.”

Espert chuckled. “And now you understand why.”

Cilla’s gaze returned to the ceiling. “How could I have lived so long without having known this?” Her large hands squeezed Espert’s derriere. “I feel different.” She grinned at Espert, her eyes glinting mischievously. “You were right about another thing, too.”

“I seemed to have been a fountain of wisdom lately.”

She squealed when with astonishing speed Cilla rolled her onto her back and straddled her. “You said I would know if you’ve touched me.” Espert found herself thoroughly enjoying the sight of the strong warrior grinding her sex against her stomach. “You were right; I feel your touch deep inside. I won’t be able to live without it ever again.”

Espert licked suddenly dry lips brought on by the sensuous sight. “Did I mention that we would never get enough of each other?”

Cilla bit her bottom lip, sending a wave of heat to crash between Espert’s legs. “I sort off figured that out all by myself, surga.”

EPILOGUE

Yonne gaped at Espert and then back at Cilla. She pushed her fingers through her hair. She must admit that it felt wonderful to have shorter hair.

“With everything happening so fast, we couldn’t get the time to tell you.”

Yonne looked up at them. They didn’t even look contrite at all. Honestly, she wasn’t regretting it either. “All this time we had knowledge of a cure and we still traveled halfway across the universe to what?”

“We… I…” She glanced at Espert, who said quietly next to her. “… only found out two weeks ago. On the day that we arrived on Monolith, to be exact. By that time, twelve of our crew members were already expecting.”

Yonne shook her head. “This trip could very easily have been avoided, had we only consulted with our Basque counterparts?”

Cilla shrugged. “It would seem so, Director.”

Noor came to her feet and Yonne’s concentration slipped at the sight of her mate’s swollen belly. “Well, what’s done is done. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think this trip was a complete waste. What do you say, arula?”

Yonne smiled as she stood to embrace her mate. “You’re right. We’ve achieved more than what we’re set out to do.” She turned to Cilla and Espert. “I suggest we remain here until the babies have all been born then we consider a trip back to Basque.”

Everyone nodded. Yonne watched as Cilla and Espert walked to the door. There was something different about them, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. As soon as the door closed behind them, she turned to Noor. “Is it just me or is there something with the two of them.”

Noor grinned. “They’re together.”

“I can see that. They left here together.”

Noor rolled her eyes as she stepped around Yonne. “You’re still not paying attention, Director. I need to use the bathroom. I’m spending more time in the bathroom nowadays.” She walked to the door and turned back. “Your senior medical officer and your second-in-command are having sex with each other.”

Yonne blinked at Noor. “How…”

Noor smirked. “Come find me in our quarters after your shift and I’ll show you how.”

THE END

About the Author

Stein Willard

Stein started writing at the age of thirteen after feeling cheated by the ending of a novel she was reading. She took the novel and rewrote it from the ending back to the front, adding 200 more pages to it. Up until then she’s only written in her native language, Afrikaans, a derivation of the Dutch language.

In 2007 she decided to experiment by writing a few short stories in English. By accident, she came across platforms on the internet to publish her work and was encouraged by a friend to try and post some of her stories.

She has worked in the media industry for over twenty years as a journalist, TV producer, PR consultant and a media lecturer.

Stein resides in Windhoek.

Connect with Stein online:

Email: steinwillard80@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stein.willard

OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

The Guardian Series

Book 1:A Guardian’s Touch

Book 2:A Guardian’s Love

Book 3:A Guardian’s Passion

Book 4:A Guardian’s Salvation

Book 5:A Guardian’s Eternity

The Stone Warrior Series

Book 1: To Be Unbroken

Book 2:Carved in Stone

Other

Afterglow

Phantom of the Heart

Spoils of War