A

LEAP

OF FAITH

Stein Willard

@2022

© Stein Willard 2022

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 is illegal and violates the rights of the author.

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

Editor: DEPE

Editor/Proofing: Ramona Walker

Cover Design: DEPE

BACK OF THE BOOK

The Nouri made their intentions to stay clear by claiming the uninhabited Planet E-124 as their future home. However, efforts in making it habitable hit a snag early on in the terraforming process, forcing them to enlist the services of a human geophysicist. Robin Ford immediately caused a stir when she sets her own terms of engagement.

DEDICATION

For my readers.

You rock!

PS I’m not an expert and thus beg you not to take my scientific mumbo-jumbo for fact.

CHAPTER 1

THE MILKY WAY GALAXY

Xernos VIII

“Ambassador.”

Kuni looked up from the palmreader to fix her gaze on her assistant. “Yes.”

“I have the Empress for you.”

She nodded as she put the palmreader down and waited for the man to leave her onboard office before she activated the imager. A life-sized image of Solmiri appeared.

“Your Highness,” she greeted with a deep bow.

“Are we alone?” Kuni looked up to find her friend’s sapphire gaze sweeping the space. It took some getting used to seeing Solmiri with blue eyes, but it didn’t dim her joy for her friend. Finding one’s life mate was every Nouri’s ultimate dream.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then let’s dispense with the formalities. How did it go? Did you manage to track her down?”

“I did.” As to how it went, she wasn’t sure herself. Robin Ford was the single most infuriating being she had ever met and even as much as they needed the geophysicist’s assistance, she secretly prayed the woman wouldn’t accept the offer.

“And?”

“She asked for time to consider the offer.”

“How much time?”

“Twenty-four hours. I have to meet her at the designated time.”

Solmiri shrugged. “That doesn’t sound bad. Thank you for your patience and for offering to do this. Having a high-ranking Nouri representative approaching her sends a good message.” Solmiri smirked. “Though, from what I’ve heard of the woman, I expected it to go much differently.”

Kuni pursed her lips. “Care to share?”

“Well, for one, she lives a hard, fast life with very few, if any, rules.”

“I did get that from my interaction with her. Anything else?”

Solmiri chuckled. “She also appears to adore female attention.”

No secret there.

“I can attest to that,” she admitted quietly.

A soft laugh came from Solmiri. “I assume she made a move and was quickly put in her place.”

Kuni hesitated. She couldn’t lie to her friend; moreover, she wouldn’t dare lie to her empress.

“Kuni?” Solmiri was studying her intently now. “What are you not telling me?”

Steeling herself, she met her friend’s eyes. “She had one request.”

“What is it? Money? She should know that money is not an object.”

“It’s not money, Solmiri.”

“Then what is it she wants?”

“She wants to spend one night with me in exchange for her help.”

The office was quiet as they stared at each other. Solmiri's shock was clear, as was the cold anger that followed.

“I hope you told her that that was out of the question.” When the silence stretched a nanosecond too long, Solmiri frowned. “You did tell her that you were not going to prostitute yourself for this, Kuni?”

“We need her help. She’s the only one who knows how to survive on the planet. Even with our vast technological advantage, we seem to fail at making any progress, Solmiri.”

“Still, I wouldn’t expect you to do this. We can find other ways.”

Kuni swallowed hard. She had fought with herself on this for the past two hours since her meeting with the human captain. Just like every Nouri, she was willing to lay her life down for the survival of the race. She actually had it easier than most of the others who had perished during their long journey to find a new home so the rest of them could live. One night with a stranger would cost her nothing. She had no mate waiting to be reunited with her, nor was she seeing anyone exclusively. Her reason for volunteering to do this derived from seeing her best friend falling deeper in love with her mate every day. She knew for a fact that she was happy for her friend, but it still hurt knowing that the same was not meant for her. And then there was the niggling curiosity she had about Solmiri’s mate. She had caught her friend on a few occasions watching her unsuspecting mate with undisguised hunger. It had made her wonder about humans and their sexual prowess. They didn’t appear on any rankings of the most passionate species in the galaxy, but knowing Solmiri and her ferocious appetite, there was something there. Robin Ford, too, exuded something that made her very curious.

“Kuni?” Open concern filtered through Solmiri’s voice. “Did you hear what I said? We can find another way.”

“I know, but we don’t have to. I want to do this.”

The blue eyes widened slightly. “You…you want to do this?”

“It’s just one night. Others have paid a much steeper price for Nourima.”

A mixed look of sadness and understanding flashed across Solmiri's beautiful face. “Just know, that if you find you can’t go through with it. You are still a proud and valued Nouri. This is not what I or anyone would ever ask of you.”

Her heart warmed with affection for her friend. She knew Solmiri well enough to understand the woman’s position on this. The Nouri were a proud people. They always find a way, and if there was none, they made one. “I know. Thank you, Solmiri.”

A moment passed before Solmiri finally pulled herself together and her invisible cloak of authority was donned.

“Keep me posted.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The image disappeared and Kuni threw herself back in her chair and closed her eyes.

***

“I see you’re moving up in the world.”

The voice, familiar but unwanted, made Robin stiffen slightly before she plastered a broad smile on her face and turned around on the barstool.

“Aunt Mari. What a disaster to bump into you here,” she called out cheerfully, drawing snickers from the patrons nearby. The woman’s face pulled into a mask of sheer dislike as she glared at her. “You look…alive.” Two large guards stepped forward and Robin steeled herself for what was to come.

The older woman glanced at her bodyguards, dismissing them before she nodded at the bartender, completely ignoring the barb. To Robin’s disgust, a clean glass with purple contents was placed before her. Marigold must still hold some clout here for her to be served in a clean glass.

“I saw you talking to that Nouri. It’s quite the upgrade from the riffraff you usually mingle with.”

The older woman was feigning nonchalance, but Robin could sense genuine curiosity. Unless she came out directly and asked, Robin wasn’t volunteering any information. Especially not to Marigold, of all people. Once she had finished school and enrolled in a university in Europe, her mother had told her of her life as an assassin for a now disbanded syndicate. Except for her and her aunt Norma, Lily had mentioned some of the surviving members of the group, and Marigold’s name had been amongst them. It specifically came with a warning to run in the opposite direction whenever she saw Marigold come her way. Her aunt Norma was helpful in adding that the goldfish she had once gifted her had, in actual fact, belonged to Marigold who had reluctantly gifted them to Robin.

Soon after the completion of her doctorate in Geo- and Eco physics, Robin had set off into space, eager to see what it had to offer. Her first ever bar fight, the result of her winning the attentions of the gorgeous Hibren escort of her competitor, had been in a bar on some outlawed hellhole. To her shock, the owner had been none other than Marigold. Older, more bitter but just as dangerous. Yet, Robin hadn’t run away. Instead, she had introduced herself to the flabbergasted woman and thanked her for the goldfish. That had set the tone of their engagement with each other. Unless they happened upon each other, as was the case right now, they both preferred to keep their distance. Marigold, because she knew that her mother and her aunt would murder her in her sleep should anything happen to her. Robin simply kept her distance, because she didn’t want to get the woman killed. Although she had trained with her mother and was quite good at taking care of herself, Robin preferred diplomacy and humor over violence. The world needed a whole lot more lovers and fewer barbarians.

“Why are the Nouri after you?”

Curiosity finally won out. She took a sip of her drink and shrugged.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She bit back a smile as the older woman gave her a cold glare.

“She came looking for you, why?”

“She didn’t say. I think it was a matter of mistaken identity.”

Marigold blinked slowly but returned her attention to her drink. “You probably know already, but I should warn you that the Nouri are not to be messed with.”

“Duly noted,” she replied with a fake smile. “Now, who do I have to thank for the honor of your presence?” The woman pursed her lips in displeasure. Something else that kept them on a somewhat civil footing was their business association. Marigold was always looking for the next big client for her side-business as a protection procurer and, in most cases, her rich clients were always in the market for rare, expensive merchandise. Over the past ten years, Robin had made a name for herself as a dealer, seller and consumer of rarities. She traveled to the places no-one wanted to visit, mined the most exquisite gems and minerals, as well as bedded the most gorgeous females in the galaxy. Everyone knew who she was.

“My client’s daughter is getting married and he’s looking for something unusual to gift her for her nuptials.”

“Unusual costs a pretty penny.”

Marigold exhaled noisily. “Make a price and I’ll let you know if you’re being ridiculous.”

“Fine. Give me until tomorrow morning. I’ll send you three options to choose from including their prices.” The older woman chuckled as she studied her over the rim of her glass. “What?”

“You didn’t even ask what he had in mind?”

“His daughter is female, isn’t she?” She shrugged. “I don’t want to brag, but I know women. Quite well, in fact.”

“Ah, I forgot about that little detail,” Marigold offered dryly as she finished her drink and left.

Robin returned to her drink and it didn’t take long before she caught the gaze of a beautiful Rumee. Her bright blue hair was cropped and her light-blue gaze was direct and inviting. She adored Rumees. They were daring in bed and quite insatiable. Yet, Robin couldn’t get her body to react to the invitation in the beautiful alien’s eyes. It was another set of green eyes that kept her rooted in place.

***

Angela stepped out of the shower to find her mate sitting on the closed lid of the toilet, a pensive look on her face. Solmiri had resumed her rank of empress after their mating period had lapsed and Angela had quickly noticed that the playful, passionate woman she knew in the privacy of their suites, was vastly different from the empress. The woman was focused and shrewd when it came to matters of her rule. If she had found her appealing before, Angela was almost obsessed with the sexy, solemn side of her mate.

As was the case right now. Already dressed for bed and with her hair brushed out, Solmiri was a vision. She looked up at her and the sight of the brilliant blue gaze made her sex clench. Nothing affirmed her claim to Solmiri better than the blue shade of her eyes. Her and no one else. She reached for a towel, but her mate stood and took it from her before she slowly began to dab at the wet skin.

“How was your trip?” she asked as she pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “Did you see your grandmother?”

The construction of a Galactic Security Council space station was in its final stages and would soon be transferred to the Vimt sector. Since the sector fell under her supervision, Angela had to visit the Geo-Engineering manufacturing yard orbiting Earth to inspect the structure. The space station would be housing the administrative staff, agents and their families. It wasn’t overly big, but Angela was pleased to find that it was large enough to accommodate the basic and some essential extravagant needs. Schools, houses of worship, restaurants, and other entertainment options were incorporated into the build. The hope was that more people would eventually migrate to the station and therefore there were various avenues for expansion. As it grows bigger, the presence of the Alliance in the sector might not only encourage unaligned worlds to join, but could also suppress the growing illegal activities on the galaxy rim.

“Eti?”

She blinked and found Solmiri looking at her with concern. She smiled. “I was lost in thought for a moment. You asked if I’ve seen my grandmother. I went to see her so I could give her the crate of wine.” Her grandmother had been ecstatic with the gift after her first taste. The Nouri were very refined and almost everything about them reflected a quality of excellence. They wouldn’t embark on a venture unless they knew it would be a success. “She loved it and in return sent a recipe for a non-alcoholic sangria she wanted you to try.” Any mention of their unborn child brought tears to her grandmother’s eyes. Everyone was looking forward to the birth. Even Lord Bunq had shown a great interest in the child.

A warm look came over Solmiri’s face. “She loves you very much.”

“I love her, too.” She answered as she searched the bright blue eyes. “I can say with surety that she’s crazy about you too.”

“I do hope so,” Solmiri said as she tossed the towel aside.

“Hey, I’m not done with that yet,” she protested as she looked down at her front. She was still dripping wet. Her breath caught when Solmiri leaned forward and dragged her tongue across the droplets on her breasts. “Towels are so overrated anyway,” she croaked as she watched her nipple disappear between Solmiri’s lips. The sucking sensation made her clit jerk as she drew in a shaky breath.

“Spread your legs.”

She swallowed at the soft order and did as she was told. Solmiri’s hand gently cupped her sex as she began to grind the mound of her palm into her clit. When a slender finger tapped her entrance Angela threw her head back. How could she not have known before that she preferred the touch of a woman? It felt like a very long time ago since she had been with Howard, the memory having been pushed to the farthest recesses of her mind. Solmiri had made sure of that. She had effectively branded her with her touch, rendering Angela useless to anyone else.

“I’m going inside now.”

“Yes…please.” Angela barely recognized the breathless whimper as her own as she widened her stance further. The penetration, combined with the pressure on her clit, made her moan softly as she opened her eyes and sought out Solmiri’s. The sight of the blue eyes set her ablaze and Angela almost attacked her mate’s mouth in her eagerness to taste her. As they kissed hungrily, Angela pulled at the sash of Solmiri’s dressing gown and ran her hands possessively over the naked flesh underneath. As the other woman’s touch wreaked havoc on her senses, she rolled the stiff nipples between her fingers, feeling Solmiri’s legs buckle slightly under the assault. She was so responsive to her caresses, even something as light as touching her nipples.

“Oh,” she moaned when Solmiri added another finger to the fray. Her thrusts picked up pace and power and Angela knew that she wouldn’t last long. She never did. She slid her hand between Solmiri’s thighs reveling in the smooth skin she encountered and sought out the blonde’s straining clit. They must come together. She stroked through the slick lips and hardening nub as she fought hard to suppress her climax. Solmiri was panting loudly now as she neared her own end, her hips rolling sensually but miraculously, her hand didn’t break its rhythm. Angela held Solmiri’s gaze as her climax hit and she watched in fascination as the woman’s pupils dilated so far that it left only a sliver of blue when her own orgasm hit. They both shouted in exhilaration as their bodies strained and spasmed against each other.

Still a little dazed and on trembling legs, they stumbled over to the bed, giggling at their efforts to keep upright. Angela pulled Solmiri into her arms and closed her eyes as contentment switched to drowsiness.

“Kuni found your friend.”

“Robin?”

“Yes.”

“Did she accept the offer?”

“In a way, I think. She wanted twenty-four hours to think about it.”

“That’s not an outright ‘no’. I’m sure she asked for an exorbitant amount.” Robin was like a big sister, the two of them having grown up together, but she also knew her ‘big sister’ well. Robbie knew how to exploit a situation and her love for money was legendary. Yet, she was worth every penny she asked. “I’m not saying this because of her relation to me, but I can assure you that whatever she asked, she’s more than worth it. Robin never disappoints and she always leaves her clients satisfied.”

“Strange that you should say that.”

Angela opened her eyes to look at Solmiri. “Why?”

The blonde had a strange look in her eyes. “She asked to spend one night with Kuni as payment.”

Bloody hell! She sighed deeply. “I did warn you that she is a bit unconventional.”

“That you did, eti.”

***

“You cannot be considering it. I’m sure Solmiri will not…”

“She tried to talk me out of it, Mother.”

The older woman nodded. “Then you should listen to your Empress.”

Kuni sighed. Her mother was still very much set in the old traditions, as were more than half of the Nouri. They forget that with Solmiri at the helm, things were changing. Look at who their Empress Consort was. An off-worlder. They were pushing toward a new era of being and their empress was heading the drive for this radical change.

“She understands why I want to do this.”

Enora’s eyes shot wide. “She allows it?”

“Reluctantly, yes. And just for the record, she doesn’t allow it, she understands why I feel that I need to do this. If the human is as good as she is believed to be, then she can give us the one thing we’ve all craved for decades.”

“A habitable planet?” Enora sneered.

“No, Mother. A home. A new Nourima where our children can run free and we can breathe clean air once again.”

The look in the older woman’s eyes deepened and Kuni could see that she had her mother’s full attention. Everyone, every Nouri, dreamed of having solid earth beneath their feet again. Three generations have been born as nomads and the strain has affected the mental wellbeing of many.

“And what about you?”

“What about me, Mother? Really? Since when has the welfare of Nourima been outweighed by the needs of one person? You always told me that if duty calls, it echoes with the voices of each of the 150 million Nouri.” She smiled at her mother, trying to assure the woman. “I’ve been called to duty and I hear the echo of the Nouri.”

Her mother blinked at the tears in her eyes and nodded. “You are truly your father’s daughter. The two of you always had the same outlook on life.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

“Be well, my love. Call me if you need me.”

“I will. Be well, Mother.”

She cut the feed and leaned back with a sigh. It was late and if she hoped to be clear-headed tomorrow, she had better get some sleep. Logging out of her personal journals, she left her office and nodded at the guard on her way to her quarters. It was only after she had taken a shower that she remembered that she had skipped dinner earlier and walked to the kitchen. She had been too preoccupied with the captain and her proposal. Although she had been propositioned before—too many times to remember—yet, it was the unpolished approach of the human that intrigued her. Looking back, she wasn’t sure what fascinated her more; the proposal or the look of desire in the captain’s captivating grey eyes. She almost wished it had been a leer, so she could cut the woman down with a sharp rebuke. Instead, to her mortification, she had momentarily been flattered by the human’s decision to forgo money for a night spent with her. A soft ringing drew her attention to the food generator and she removed her meal. Enough of the captain. She was a fool to read more into an impulsive request. Kuni had studied the woman carefully as she entered the tavern. The captain’s eyes had scouted the female patrons first, before ordering her drink. At this very moment, she was probably already in the arms of another female.

***

Even before she even opened her eyes, Robin knew that she would need help to get rid of the hangover. She hadn’t planned on drinking so much last night, but after her chat with Marigold, she had returned to her ship, hoping for an early night.

Robin rolled over and finally opened her eyes.

But then she couldn’t fall asleep. Sharp green eyes had kept her up. The woman fascinated her. Maybe even more than she desired her. Even with her mask on, showing only her eyes and mouth, Robin could tell that she had shocked the woman with her proposal.

But not as much as she had shocked herself.

The galaxy had women aplenty, but not enough money. How she could give up landing the biggest score in history to instead barter for a night with a woman whose face she hadn’t even seen, was utter madness. Was she still struggling from the aftereffects of the Pinorion gas she had inhaled on that Astro-belt, where she had been mining for chiller bits a week ago? The gas that was used to loosen the ore that contained the precious gem, produced hallucinations and delayed brain synapses after prolonged exposure. Perhaps that was what had happened last night. She had given up a solid payday for a roll in the hay. A sharp chirp turned her attention to the monitor on her bedside table and she activated it. She grimaced when Marigold’s face filled the screen.

“It’s almost noon and I’m still waiting.”

Oh crap! She shot out of bed and raked her hand over her face. “I’m on my way. I’ll meet you at the Grub in a few minutes.”

“Don’t forget to put on some clothes first.”

She glanced down at herself and frowned as she deactivated the monitor. She rarely slept naked. No matter how drunk she was, she did her evening ablutions and put on her pajamas. Boarding school routines were not easily forgotten even fourteen years later. That left only one other explanation as she looked at her hand.

The ambassador was getting to her.

Ten minutes later, she entered the noisy restaurant to find Marigold already waiting for her. The blonde smirked at her from over the rim of her coffee mug and ignoring her, Robin signaled the server for a coffee.

“What do you have?”

She pushed the palmreader over to the older woman and sat back as she waited for her coffee. A glance outside the dusty window almost made her gasp as she saw the tall, slender form of the masked Nouri ambassador walk past. She had two others with her and they all moved with a purposeful, but also, deadly grace. Her eyes lingered on the slim hips and long legs of the woman as she walked with her head high, looking straight ahead.

“The Nouri don’t fraternize with other lowly species. I’m just saying.”

Her head snapped back to Marigold and found her watching her with interest. She nodded at the palmreader.

“Found something you like?”

A manicured nail tapped on the screen. “This here? What is it?”

She turned the screen so she could see what the woman was referring to.

“It’s called chiller bits. They look like gold, but in fact, have a more diamond-like quality to them. They are used for jewelry, but are also highly valued as a power source on the planets around the Rim.” Marigold looked skeptical and Robin reached for the palmreader. Pressing a few buttons, she held it out to the woman and watch her eyes grow large with wonder.

“How much?”

“A lot. A whole lot.”

“I know for a fact that you hold two doctorates in highly specialized fields, and are not as stupid as you look so, why don’t you convert ‘a lot’ into numbers for me.”

She reached for her palmreader again and typed out a number that she showed to the woman.

“That…that’s a lot,” Marigold sputtered as her blue eyes held genuine shock.

Robin grinned. “I told you so. Now, would you like to look at the other options or are we done here?” Maybe she could still catch up to the Nouri if she left now.

“Give me a minute.” She left the table, most probably to call her client. That meant that Robin wouldn’t be able to see the Nouri again until later that evening. At least there was another opportunity to see her.

***

“Three ships have crossed into Alliance space, Commander.”

“On screen, Lieutenant.”

Three red dots could be seen crossing into the shaded area that represented Alliance space. “What are their energy signatures, Lieutenant?”

“Not ours, Commander.”

“Hail them.”

Angela didn’t take her eyes off the dots as she waited for confirmation of contact.

“They’re not responding, Commander, but the lead ship is charging weapons.”

“Shields and load weapons. Lieutenant Procter, prepare for evasive maneuvers.”

Of late, there had been more reports of trespassing and raids along the edge of the Alliance space as an influx of refugees fleeing the violence on unaligned planets had crossed into their space. It was this knowledge that made her hesitant to fire on any unfamiliar ships. The Alliance was an oasis of hope and peace for these people and she would hate for their first encounter with the Alliance to be violent.

“Hail them again.”

She watched the screen intently, noting that the ships were fast and moving purposefully toward them.

“Still no response, Commander.”

As much as she wanted to be welcoming, she wasn’t naïve to think that an ambush wasn’t a possibility. They were outnumbered three to one and should things go sideways, she would have her work cut out for her to make it to safety. The Cascade and the Ophelia, both GSC patrol ships, were too far away to come to their rescue.

“Fire a warning shot across their bow to get their attention.”

“Aye, Commander.”

She watched on screen as their torpedo went wide, as expected, but was effective in halting the advancing ships. Scant astronomical units separated them now as they engaged in a silent standoff.

“Hail them again, Lieutenant.”

“The two other ships are loading weapons too.”

“Red Alert. Shields at maximum.” The screen showed a displacement of air and she pursed her lips.

“They’re firing on us, Commander.”

“Evasive maneuvers, Lieutenant Proctor.”

“Aye, Commander.”

“Brace for contact.” This wasn’t what she had hoped to encounter today when she had left her mate’s warm embrace. Before the pilot could make a move, the oncoming torpedoes exploded just before they made contact with her ship.

“Lieutenant Mercer, what’s happening?”

“The three ships powered down their weapons. Six ships appeared out of nowhere, Commander. They were the ones who neutralized the torpedoes.

“Friendly?”

“Yes, Commander. They carry Nouri signatures.”

Angela pursed her lips. Solmiri! She’d deal with her mate later. The three ships hung docile in space, obviously intimidated by the show of strength from the newcomers.

“Let’s see if they’ll answer our hail this time, Lieutenant.”

This time the screen flickered to show a frazzled-looking alien. He was sweating profusely.

“My name is Commander Angela Burkhouse. You are trespassing in Alliance space.”

“We mean you no harm, Commander.”

She frowned. “You have a strange way of showing that. Who do I have the honor of addressing?”

“Tetroc Van. We’re from Nespry. Our planet was invaded and we scattered in different directions to evade our attackers.” He looked behind him as if listening to something. “We have women and children onboard, Commander, and we hope to bring them to safety.”

“Considering the turmoil outside our space, we make it a point to inspect all ships to ensure that all refugees are healthy and not carrying any unidentified pathogens or dangerous stowaways aboard. Are you willing to allow us to board your vessels, Tetroc Van?”

“You are welcome to board our ships, Commander.”

“Thank you, Tetroc. We will bring medical personnel with us to assist with the injured if you require our services.”

“That would be greatly appreciated, Commander.”

“Prepare to be boarded.”

CHAPTER 2

“I won’t be long,” Kuni said to her security officers as she entered through the room marked Station Master. The man seated behind the desk rose and smiled broadly at her.

“Ambassador. Please, have a seat.”

She nodded at him as she took a seat. “I’m here to settle our docking fees and to thank you for your hospitality, Master Croll.”

“It was a pleasure hosting you, even for such a short time.”

Kuni held out three bars of solid dimeson, a cherished mineral that served as currency on the outpost. The man’s eyes lit up before he frowned. He was a smart one.

“This is more than you owe.”

“I know.” She leaned closer and saw him drag his eyes from the bars to her. “I was hoping that you could help me with some information.”

“Of course. What do you need, Ambassador?”

“Captain Robin Ford.”

The man’s face grew pinched. “What did Robin do this time?”

“Nothing, Master Croll. I was hoping to enlist her help, but I make it a habit to get to know as much as possible of potential associates.”

The man seemed to relax. His slender nose was flaring a little in his bony face. “I assume you want to have a character reference of Robin Ford?”

“Yes. How well do you know her?”

“Very well. I count her amongst my friends.”

“Can she be trusted, Master Croll?”

“Definitely. She is decent, smart and courageous. She adapts easily to any situation and has made a name for herself as a quality trader of precious and rare items.”

“Trader? An honest one?”

Master Croll chuckled. “She is very honest. Her family is Peacekeeping Corp royalty. She doesn’t believe in crime and cutting corners.”

She didn’t know how she knew it, but Kuni felt that what the man said was true. If she was close to the Burkhouses, then she must demonstrate some strongly principled behavior and ethics. Still, everyone has a dark side and she was very much interested in Captain Ford’s.

“Any vices?”

The man chuckled. “Women, alcohol and money.”

“Women?”

Master Croll shrugged. “I’ve heard that she’s incredibly charming and that combined with her affable nature and…uh…prowess…” He looked a little uncomfortable as he said the word. “Well, the ladies adore her. I can’t say I’ve heard any of them complain about her.”

Kuni had heard enough. The woman was honorable and she loved sex. She almost sounded like a Nouri. She stood and the Station Master did the same.

“Thank you for your time, Master Croll. I appreciate your candor in sharing your knowledge of Captain Robin Ford.”

“Doctor Ford. Only the ones who truly know her call her by her real title.”

She smiled. “I shall remember that.” Kuni bid the man farewell and met up with her team. Since they only had another six hours on the outpost, she thought to do some shopping for her parents and Solmiri.

***

Robin watched the numbers running on her palmreader as the credits loaded into the secure vault. Marigold’s client hadn’t even balked at the price, it seemed. The woman had barely been gone three minutes before she returned and made the payment.

“When can I collect it?”

She grinned as she opened her sling bag. “I have it here with me.”

Marigold frowned. “You were quite sure of yourself, you know. How did you know I would choose the chiller bit?

“You may be evil, but you’re not stupid.” She smiled when Marigold’s eyes flashed with annoyance. Robin simply couldn’t help baiting her. “You know quality when you see it. Anyway, the chiller bit was all I had shortlisted for you.” She could see the woman was unhappy at having been proven to be rather predictable. She handed the box over to Marigold and watched as she opened it. “Well?” When the blonde nodded, she stood. “It was nice doing business with you.”

She still had a few repairs to do to her space charger and she was eager to get to it before she started on her trip home. She dreadfully missed her family. Robin exited the restaurant and swore when she walked into a solid frame, causing her already pounding head to protest loudly.

“For heaven’s sake,” she muttered as she reached up to clutch her head. “Can’t you…?” The words died on her lips when she opened her eyes and encountered a level green gaze. Lust instantly flooded her system and settled heavily in her throbbing clit. “Ambassador Kuni?”

“Captain Ford,” came the cool reply. “I believe it’s customary to be aware of one’s surroundings when exiting structures that open up to a pedestrian walkway.”

Robin stared at the woman’s lips as she talked, catching fleeting flashes of tongue which added to her growing desire. What she would give to silence those lips by giving them something more productive to do. The lips stopped moving, forcing her to move her gaze to the woman’s face. The ambassador watched her with an unreadable look in her eyes.

“I usually don’t go around bumping into women,” she murmured as she gave the woman a slow once-over, prompting the woman’s guards to step closer. “But if they all happen to look like you, I wouldn’t mind making it a habit.”

She couldn’t say for sure what it was she read in the Nouri’s eyes, but she would like to think that it was amusement.

“I’ll see you at the designated hour, Captain.” The ambassador nodded briskly and gracefully sidestepped her. Robin watched her go, her earlier self-chastisement for picking the woman over money somehow making a lot of sense once again. She had made a killing on the chiller bit, maybe not as much as the Nouri would’ve been willing to pay, but it was more than she usually made per cargo.

She’d meet with the ambassador and find out what they wanted exactly and then take it from there. As a woman, she believed it was her prerogative to change her mind about things—such as the mode of payment. Perhaps all wasn’t lost.

***

“You must be joking? I replaced the transmitters a month ago. They didn’t need to be refitted.”

The man folded his arms over his massive chest as he gave Robin a narrow-eyed stare. Pali was a Lipon and her most trusted engineer when she was this far away from home. He was meticulous and a tad more expensive than the others, but he was definitely worth the extra expense.

“You did the refit yourself, didn’t you?”

Robin shrugged. “Well, I was the only one there to do it.”

“I see.” He leaned closer and fixed his solid dark eyes on her. “It wasn’t properly cleaned before the refit, which made it a shoddy job. Do you know what happens when your transmitters are faulty?” She grimaced. “You drop out of warp without warning and can break your neck in the process. Or worse, scar your pretty face.”

He was right. She had heard of many accidents that could have been prevented had the transmitters been checked and properly fitted.

“And with you dead or scarred who do you think will keep the galaxy’s women happy?”

She grinned as she slapped him on his massive shoulder. “You got a point there, meathead. Now, how much do I owe you?”

“Four bricks.”

She shook her head as she looked at him. “I think you’re only saving my butt because I single-handedly feed and clothe your family with the exorbitant fees you charge me.”

He snorted. “You’d like to think that, wouldn’t you? Are you joining us tonight at the tavern?”

“Not tonight, no. I’ve somewhere to be.”

He chuckled as he rolled the cigar in his mouth. “Is she pretty?”

Robin’s stomach did an abrupt flip-flop at the thought of the Nouri ambassador.

“I’ve not seen her face yet, so I don’t know,” she answered honestly.

“Well, good luck then. Just some advice from one lover of women to another. A woman who sees the need to hide her face is best avoided.”

“Hey Pali, come and see if this is how you wanted it?”

“Don’t run off with my money, you hear,” he threw over his shoulder as he walked over to where one of his workmen was studying an open panel under the wing of her ship. Robin sighed as she took the walkway up the ship to retrieve Pali’s money. He was right about avoiding a woman who hides her face, but for some reason, she was even more intrigued by that which she couldn’t see. Her whole fantasy about the woman was created around her eyes and her lips. Would the rest of her be just as enticing? Well, she could ask the ambassador tonight.

***

“You have a hail on your private line, Your Highness,” Ackert, her assistant, informed her. “It’s the Empress Consort.”

She waited until the door was closed behind him before she brought up the image. Angela had a frown on her face. Before the woman could speak, Solmiri held up her hand.

“I take it you want to talk about your special guard?”

“Is that what they are called?” Angela asked quietly as she studied her intently. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You would’ve said ‘no’.”

“With good reason. Your men interfered in a GSC mission, Solmiri.” Even though Angela was frustrated, she kept her voice calm and even.

“They are not my men, eti. They are your special guard. As a royal member of the Nouri, you are assigned a security team to ensure your safety.” She noticed the frown deepening and sighed. “I know I should’ve informed you, but I didn’t want to upset you.”

“Upset me? Believe me, finding out that all this time I’ve been shadowed by twelve security officers, without my knowledge, was what really upset me.”

Solmiri broke eye contact. Angela had said it herself; there were so many things left unsaid between them.

“Can we talk about it when you get home?”

This time Angela was the one looking away. “I’ve sent the guards back to Nourima. We’ve intercepted three ships of refugees and I will have to accompany them to the nearest Alliance-affiliated planet for temporary resettlement.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Was this their first fight? If it was the case, should she anticipate a separation every time they had a disagreement?

“Are you angry with me?”

“No. I’m frustrated that you didn’t tell me.” This time there was a hint of anger in her voice. “I hate that I was made to look bewildered in the presence of my crew.”

Solmiri nodded. She could relate to something like that. Situations like these could create gossip and in a worst-case scenario, even lead to insubordination.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.” She searched her mate’s eyes. “Can you forgive me?” She desperately wished Angela was there in person. The physical distance between them made the emotional chasm between them seem even wider. “I wish you were here.”

Angela’s face softened. “I will be home soon and we can talk.”

“Ok. Be safe. I love you.” She noticed Angela’s discomfort. Just because the brunette couldn’t say it, yet, wasn’t going to stop her from expressing her love for her mate.

“See you soon.”

The image disappeared and Solmiri dropped her chin on her chest. How could she have been so stupid to think that Angela wouldn’t find out? When the team leader of Angela’s protection unit told her what happened, she had known to expect some anger, but not the gaping emotional space that she had sensed between them a moment ago.

She needed to find a way to avoid such incidences from coming between them.

But how?

Angela was her world and she would do anything to keep her safe. Even if it meant angering her again.

***

Kuni looked down at her outfit. It wasn’t much of an upgrade from her uniform. The black leather suit was comfortable and it had many hidden pockets to stash weapons. Her security team was remaining onboard tonight and wouldn’t be accompanying her to see Captain Ford. They didn’t know of the unusual request and she wanted to keep it that way.

She combed her fingers through her long, auburn locks before she reached for her mask. With the mask donned, she checked her tracker to ensure it was working. She didn’t want to get stuck in an uncomfortable situation without a way out. As a diplomatic officer representing Nourima, she couldn’t get involved in violent altercations. Diplomacy was her strongest weapon, besides the hidden stiletto in her boots and the paralytic serum in the hidden compartment of her ring. She was cautious, not stupid. Traveling billions of lightyears over six decades, she had learned that diplomacy had its limits and that some species understood violence much more clearly.

Still, she wasn’t looking for a disagreement of any kind. She left her quarters and made her way to the transporter room where she found her security team waiting.

“I will not be needing you tonight,” she informed them as she went to stand on the podium.

“The empress ordered us not to let you out of our sight, Ambassador.”

That bit of news made her head snap to the officer. “When did she contact you?”

“This afternoon.”

She pursed her lips as she glared at the two security officers. She hated that Solmiri had gone behind her back, but as her monarch, she had all the right to decide on her safety. As for the guards, they couldn’t disobey a direct order from their empress. She nodded at them and they joined her on the podium.

The restaurant Captain Ford had suggested was on the outskirts of the popular, rowdier center of the outpost. She spotted the woman immediately when she entered. The captain was leaning against the bar, her tall, powerful frame and unruly dark hair making her stand out amongst the well-groomed clientele. Her face lit up and Kuni suppressed the thrill she felt as the smokey grey eyes gave her a lingering look.

“This is a far cry from where I met you yesterday,” she said when she joined her. Her security team had remained outside the restaurant.

“You can’t hold a conversation at the tavern. The noise and eavesdroppers would make it near impossible.”

She was right, Kuni thought as she reminded herself once again not to read too much into the woman’s actions. To the captain, she was just another potential conquest.

“Your table it ready, Captain,” a young server came to tell them and from the way she was smiling shyly at the human and the scathing look she gave Kuni, the redhead didn’t have to guess about their association.

“Thank you, Suome.” The captain glanced over at her and Kuni nodded. “Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Their table was set apart from the rest of the diners and beautifully decorated. She took in the table with a quiet look. If she hadn’t known better, she would think it was a little too intimate for a business meeting.

“I hope you’re hungry. The food is really good here.”

“I’ve already eaten, thank you.”

Captain Ford leaned forward and smiled, a slow twisting of her lips. “You’ll regret it, Ambassador.” When Kuni didn’t respond, she shrugged and muttered ‘Suit yourself’, before she gestured for the server. “Anything to drink?”

“Surprise me.” A gleam entered the woman’s eyes and she quickly added. “Non-alcoholic, preferably.”

“Of course. Can’t have you more relaxed than you already are, now can we.”

The woman was infuriating, but Kuni told herself that she wasn’t here to assess the woman on her genial traits, but on her skill as a geophysicist. With their orders placed, Captain Ford turned to her.

“Shall I tell you why I think you need my services, and you tell me if I’m wrong?”

“Fine.”

The grey eyes had lost their playfulness as she began to talk. It was surprising how fast news travels in this galaxy, she thought, as she listened to the woman. The captain was aware of the activities taking place on the Dark Planet. She knew of the exploration and mistakenly believed that the Nouri were planning on exploiting the rich mineral resources of the planet.

“Am I on the right track?”

Kuni steepled her hands as she nodded. “You largely have it right, except for one thing. We do not intend to conduct mining activities. The Nouri intend to settle on the planet.” The slack-jawed look of the woman was quite funny to witness.

***

Did she hear the woman correctly?

Planet E-124 was a lost case. Nothing could survive on that place. It was the graphic definition of hell. After every visit to the planet, she promised herself that it would be the last time that she set foot on it. That place wanted to kill you and with a tiny misstep, it could and would. But the minerals were in high demand and the money was good. That was the only reason she found herself back there again and again.

“You surely must be joking?” she finally said as she searched the woman’s eyes for a sign that she was pulling her leg. There was no humor in the green eyes. “There is no way you will be able to make that place habitable.”

“Your concern is noted, Captain, but we don’t expect you to do any of that.”

She frowned. “What does that mean?”

The ambassador looked past her and leaned back in her chair just as the server brought their drinks over. A glass with a bright red liquid was placed before the Nouri, who was eying it suspiciously.

“What is this?”

“Arami. It’s made from a locally sourced fruit.”

The green eyes were sharp as they rose to look at her. “What are the effects of the drink?”

“Besides the fact that it quenches the thirst; it’s also delicious and contains many healthy nutrients.” The Nouri needn’t know that the drink had a slight hallucinatory effect. Hopefully, it would make the woman smile a little tonight. The worst that could happen is that it had the opposite effect on the Nouri and she orders her security team to beat her into a coma. “Tell me what you meant with what you just said.”

The Nouri lifted her gaze from the glass. “We only need your expertise in helping us to make modifications to our current efforts to remain on the surface for longer than an hour at a time.”

An hour! That was impressive. Many of the other miners could barely make it to half that time per day.

“Is that all you want from me?” She was a little disappointed at the limited scope of her involvement. As mad and impossible as it sounded, she was very much intrigued with the project. Her wandering was mostly a result of her continual boredom. There wasn’t much that could hold her attention for long.

“Yes, Captain.”

She nodded and took a sip of her ale. Her curiosity was growing by the second. “How about I make a new deal with you?”

“You finally decided to change your method of payment?”

Robin blinked. “No!” She realized how her vehemence might come across and sighed. “I want you to tell me more about what you are planning before I make my decision.”

The Nouri’s eyes narrowed slowly. “That is not part of my orders.”

“That is part of my new deal or I walk away.” A flash of something crossed the woman’s eyes as she reached for the glass. For a brief moment, Robin feared that she would be wearing the Arami. Instead, the ambassador took a sip and Robin saw pleasant surprise in the green eyes. “I told you it was delicious.”

The ambassador gave a small smirk. “You also conveniently forgot to mention the slight hallucinatory properties of the Ara fruit.”

Robin gaped at the woman and this time she swore there was a flash of amusement in her eyes. “How did you…?”

“We are inoculated against any threats of external manipulations. Our bodies have been engineered to detect the slightest risk to our systems.”

“My intentions weren’t nefarious in nature.”

The woman waved her apology away. “The effect is minimal; it wouldn’t have had any impact on me anyway.” To prove her point, she took another sip as she held Robin’s gaze. The look in her eyes was both daring and teasing. It further cemented Robin’s resolve not to change her method of payment. She was going to have so much fun making this woman beg.

“I accept your offer.” She noticed the Nouri’s surprise. “On the condition, that you tell me more to appease my curiosity.”

***

Kuni wasn’t sure if she was supposed to feel elated at having secured the captain’s services, or whether she should be worried about what it meant for her. By accepting to work with them, the captain just confirmed that they were going to have sex in the near future. A strange fluttering in her stomach was her only outright reaction to the news as she watched the woman. The server was making her way over to their table again, a steaming plate on her tray. The moment the plate was placed before Robin, a delightful aroma filled the air around them. Kuni’s mouth began to water as she fixed her gaze on the dish. It was a mix of vegetables and some white balls bobbing in the thick stew.

“Enjoy your meal, Captain.”

“I will, thank you, Suome. Tell Redmor that it looks and smells delicious.” The captain looked at her with a broad smile. “Sure you don’t want to change your mind? Redmor is an excellent cook.”

Kuni wanted to change her mind, but for some reason, she didn’t want the human to know that.

“I am here as a representative of the Nouri empire, Captain Ford. I do not have time to waste sampling the cuisine of Xernos VIII.”

With a shrug, the brunette picked up a spoon and took a bite. A look of ecstasy followed that made Kuni clench her jaw. “Simply delicious. Like I said, I’ll accept if you tell me more.”

She had to make a decision fast. The project was kept secret for a multitude of reasons. One was that they didn’t want to invite any sabotage from pirates or disgruntled miners, who might want to claim ownership of the planet. They had taken readings around the planet and had picked up no borders or other stakes of ownership. The Dark Planet was deserted and there for the taking. If Captain Ford was going to work with them, she would eventually learn more about their work. Telling her ahead of what to expect, couldn’t do much harm.

“At this stage, I presume that you are already familiar with the planet’s composition. I’m not a scientist, but I can tell you what little I know and how I interpret it. You might need to ask for a more detailed and scientific analysis from our terraforming team.”

The captain nodded eagerly. “I understand.”

“Our pending settlement on the planet depends on our ability to successfully and safely, decontaminate the soil and the air.” The other woman shrugged as she ate. “At present, tests have shown that any organic matter perishes upon instant contact with the soil samples we’ve taken.”

“I made that discovery quite early on my first visit.”

“We are considering two methods on how to approach the issue. Abiotic generation of oxygen and it’s opposite, photosynthetic biota. The first is to force the planet out of orbit on purpose to move it at least a few parsecs closer to the sun.” Captain Ford had stopped eating and was now looking at her with sharp intelligence burning in her eyes. “Of course, this process comes with a multitude of risks, the most dominant being that we could exacerbate the situation and cause irreparable damage to the planet through radical weather changes or extreme radiation exposure.”

“Interesting.”

“The other, I am sure you already know of, but considering the terrain, is just as risky, due to its labor-intensive nature. A younger group of scientists believe that we can use the planet’s own power against it.” She took a sip of her drink and noticed that the captain had once again stopped eating. “They want to drill into the outer core of the planet and use the heat of the core to sterilize the soil. Once decontaminated, these patches of soil can be used to cultivate detoxifying plant matter that could leech off the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and release oxygen in return.”

The captain sat with her head bowed, staring at her plate, not saying a word. As the silence spread, Kuni couldn’t help but feel herself deflate. She had immense trust in their scientists. Why wouldn’t she, when they had time and again proven themselves over the decades? It’s thanks to them, and the engineers, that Nourima had thrived this long as a floating world. But Robin Ford was the only being who had spent hours on end on the planet that they hoped to call home one day. Her silence was unnerving and Kuni hated what it could mean for their plans.

“Any questions, Captain?”

The woman lifted her gaze. She had an almost dazed look on her face. She slowly shook her head and pushed her plate away as she leaned closer. Her eyes burned with a deep intensity. “There is simply no way that this will work, but we can’t say for sure unless we try it.”

Kuni blinked. “We?”

The woman sat back. “There is no way now that you can expect me not to be part of this, Ambassador. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard but I can’t think of anything more exciting.”

This wasn’t the reaction she had expected, and as much as it thrilled her to witness the woman’s excitement for the project, she wasn’t sure if she had the authority to invite her to join in on the confidential parts of the project.

“I’m sorry, Captain, but…”

“I know the planet, Ambassador. You need me, remember.” The grey eyes were serious.

CHAPTER 3

Robin’s whole body vibrated with excitement—not the kind she felt when she spotted a beautiful woman and was infused with the adrenaline of the chase.

No.

This exhilaration was closer to when she unearthed a truly special find; a gem that would fuel the next series of her articles and raise awareness of the unknown treasures of other worlds. The money she made off these gems didn’t hurt either.

But to be honest, this was even more intense than all her discoveries put together. Years of dreaming up scenarios of terraforming using thermodynamics were taking shape right before her eyes.

Only, the woman she was facing didn’t appear as eager as she was at the moment.

“I believe that wasn’t our agreement, Doctor Ford.”

This time the emphasis placed on her title made her smile. She hoped the Nouri diplomat didn’t expect that the use of her title would invoke some ethical sense of conduct. Robin wanted to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was willing to scheme and lie to get her way.

“All I did was broaden my scope of involvement, Ambassador.”

“And I do not have the authority to make a decision pertaining to that.” She leaned back in her chair. “You insinuated your acceptance of the offer, should I tell you about the project, which I did. Are you going back on your word?”

Robin hated being forced into a corner. It made her shed every grain of decency and she hated the person she became then. She held the woman’s eyes as she made her decision.

“What do you not want me to see, Ambassador?”

She blinked slowly. “The Nouri value their privacy and safety. Bringing in an off-worlder on a project that would shape our ecosphere and reveal its defenses is reason enough for our reluctance to expand your involvement.”

It made sense to Robin, but it did nothing to dim her determination. She was too close to her dream.

“What can I do to make you trust me enough to allow me to work with you?”

The woman shook her head slowly. “Nothing.”

No matter how much she twisted and turned to get herself to fit into the small crack that could see her do the one thing that had set her on her current career path, she was met by a brick wall. Frustrated, she reached for her beer and drained the contents.

“In that case, I want to change my terms of engagement.”

***

The data had been authenticated and fed into the mainframe under Angela’s watchful eyes. The information would be sent to all the Alliance member planets for recordkeeping purposes. Many refugees were pouring into the Alliance zone, swelling numbers and putting strain on resources. It was necessary to not disadvantage their own members in the bid to expand the Alliance. A more viable strategy would be to negotiate a treaty with the origin planets of the refugees to consider joining the Alliance and in so doing secure their livelihoods and protect their people from raiders.

Six hours had passed during which she had interviewed Tetroc Van extensively to ensure that they were who they said they were as well as taking an extensive tour of the three ships. The news that a Hibren armada was approaching their position to escort the refugees to their home world was met with relief. Her duty was important to her, but so was her commitment to her mate. Her quick chat with Solmiri had left her a little raw. Mostly, because she felt like there might be more things that her mate was keeping from her. Another reason was the fact that she could tell that Solmiri needed reassurance. She still recalled the fear her mate exhibited when Angela had been unsure about committing to their union. Angela hated knowing that she was the cause of that fear.

“The Hibren lead ship is hailing us, Commander.”

“I’ll take it in my office.”

The handover of the Nespren went about smoothly and the Nassau would remain stationary at the Alliance border to ensure that no other illegal crossings occur. The Ophelia, another Peacekeepers patrol ship, had joined them, and after a few moments of consideration, Angela accessed the service log to request an emergency leave of absence. An hour later, she boarded her personal Nouri charger for her journey home.

When she was a safe distance from the GSC vessel, she initiated the time folding drive. It still boggled her mind how easy it was to travel this way. It folded time and condensed days' travel into mere minutes. This technology was also what made it possible for her to rush back to see her mate right now.

Their earlier conversation made it obvious that something needed fixing between them and Angela knew that it couldn’t be fixed unless she was with Solmiri. The console beeped and she prepared herself for exiting the time wave.

The moment the image around her stabilized enough to make out her surroundings, a shaft of light infiltrated her cockpit. She squinted to see through the flare as she charged her weapons, only to feel her ship rock violently and she was sent head first into the console.

Darkness licked at her consciousness as she felt the sensation of being moved before it went completely dark.

***

“This is getting complicated,” Solmiri snapped as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Everything seemed to cave in on her at that moment. First, she had to deal with the fact that there was tension between the two groups of scientists, fueled by nothing but age and experience. At the same time, she was dealing with the unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach after her conversation with Angela. Her whole being called out for her mate. She had known that mating with a different race would have its complications. But the gains dwarfed the troubles. She loved Angela and would fight with everything she had to save their union. As if dealing with one human wasn’t enough, now she had another to contend with.

“I thought so too, Your Highness. What do you want me to do?”

She opened her eyes and saw the look of consternation on the holographic face of her friend. Kuni was one of the younger Ambassadors for a reason. She showed great aptitude for diplomacy and could adapt to any situation and person. Somehow this human seemed to have pushed her friend’s tolerance to the limit.

“What do you make of her?”

“I…As a scientist, Your Highness?”

She shook her head. “In her personal capacity.”

Kuni frowned and for a moment, broke eye contact. It was fleeting, but long enough for Solmiri to take notice. Something about this woman was affecting her friend. Was it perhaps time that she read more into Kuni’s statement about her ‘wanting’ to sacrifice herself for the sake of Nourima? How did she go about it without insulting her friend and a respected diplomat?

“Highly adaptable, sociable and well-liked.”

“Is that all?”

Solmiri’s eyebrows shot up and she spotted a faint shade of pink crawling up Kuni’s neck to stain her cheeks. Oh! There definitely was something more there.

“I know Angela has made mention of her as being the ‘closest thing to a big sister’ and I trust her judgment.” She cocked her head slightly. “I know you to be the most capable person when it comes to reading people and that’s why I’m asking you.” She smiled. “As your friend, what is this woman to you?”

Kuni shook her head. “I don’t know, Solmiri. She is well-liked by the people here and she appears kind and good-natured.”

“I can’t help but feel there is a ‘but’ coming.”

A look of discomfort, something very uncommon to her confident friend, came over the beautiful face. “I find her very confusing. The person she is with others and the person I am dealing with, are very contradictory.”

Oh!

“How so? Is she being hostile or…” Feeling threatened wouldn’t be something she needed to be worried about. As a Nouri, Kuni possessed immense strength. She could squash the human with one hand.

“No, she’s…”

The door to her office swung open after a brisk knock. It was Erman, her assistant. He looked anxious and Solmiri instantly felt her heartrate increase.

“What?”

“It’s the Empress Consort, Your Highness. She has been ambushed on her way back here. One of the guards had been tailing her in stealth mode, even after she had dismissed them.”

Rage, fear and a deadly calm, all washed over her, before she turned to Kuni.

“I have to go. Can we continue when…?”

“I’ll handle it, Your Highness. We are but a short hail away if you need us.”

“Thank you, Ambassador.” She disconnected the feed and turned to her assistant. “Walk with me and tell me everything you know.”

Someone was going to pay—and pay dearly for laying their hands on her mate.

***

Robin felt sick to her stomach as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Who was this person and why didn’t she know her? Did it even matter? Whoever this was, she didn’t think that she liked her very much at this moment. Without thinking, she slammed her hand into the mirror and cursed when it shattered. She deserved the proverbial seven years of bad luck she had just invoked with her smashing of the mirror.

What the hell was she thinking when she made that ridiculous and immoral request? Like a petty child, instead of the thirty-two-year-old woman she was, she had retaliated when the Ambassador had stressed their reluctance to involve a stranger in their project. Robin shuddered as she recalled the moment—definitely not her finest.

“In that case, I want to change my terms of engagement.”

The woman’s eyes remained unreadable as she nodded. “More money, I presume?”

“So to speak, yes.” She leaned back in her chair as her eyes swept over the dining room. “A deposit of sorts.”

“I’m listening, Captain Ford.”

At the cold, modulated tone of the woman, Robin turned to look at her, searching the verdant gaze.

“I want two nights with you.” Soon after uttering the words, Robin felt her stomach roil. What was wrong with her? She never had to blackmail a woman into her bed before. She had also thought that she never would find the need to do so. Yet, here she was doing exactly that. To her utter surprise, the Ambassador didn’t even blink as she watched her. There was no outward reaction to the indecent demand.

“I assume that the extra night would serve as a deposit?”

The coolness of the query, made her feel lower than the slimiest parasite she had encountered on Specto T-6, a waterlogged mining outpost on the galaxy’s rim. But her stupid pride didn’t want her to back down.

“Yes.”

“And when, may I ask, do you expect the deposit to be made, Captain?” The woman was the picture of professionalism; focused and composed. No one looking at them at the moment would think that they were discussing the terms of how and when the Nouri would prostitute herself.

“Tonight, at eight.” Again, no reaction. “Do you need to consult with your empress first? If so, I can push it back to ten.”

Shut up, Robbie! Her inner-voice sounded shrill with disbelief.

The ambassador gracefully climbed to her feet. “I will be in touch, Captain. Thank you for the drink.”

And just like that, she was gone and Robin remained seated, both stunned and disgusted by her own crudeness.

Her earlier request of one night with the ambassador had been made in the heat of the moment. She had been high on the completion of a successful trip and very much turned on by the tall, composed Nouri. The one-night request she could forgive and even pride herself for having had the guts to approach such an unattainable woman in the first place. It could’ve been delivered in a more polished fashion, though.

However, the latest request was cringy, petty, disgusting and even insulting to the ambassador. She was lucky the Nouri had more class in her pinky than she had in her whole body. A fresh wave of shame crashed over her and she lifted her hand to wipe over her face, only to gape at the blood dripping from it. A shard of the mirror had opened a gash and in her upset state, she hadn’t even felt a thing.

“Intruder alert!”

The tinny voice of her onboard computer jarred her from the stunned study of her hand and she spun around.

“What the hell!” she gasped. Standing in her quarters, a few feet from her, was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Gleaming copper locks framed an exquisite heart-shaped face and when she encountered now-familiar green eyes, she felt her knees buckle slightly. “Ambassador Kuni?”

“Captain,” came the calm reply.

Robin could only stare. Why, for heaven’s sake, if she looked like this, was the woman hiding behind a mask? This was making it incredibly hard for her to hate herself for having insulted the redhead with her proposal.

“You are injured, Captain. Please allow me to assist you.”

***

“She is not Nouri.”

“That is quite clear, Bruiser,” a voice snapped back. “Now, wake her up.”

Angela lay still, waiting. The moment she sensed a presence hovering over her, she struck. Her eyes jerked open and she could see that she had surprised the alien, for his small red eyes widened dramatically. With a hard kick, she sent him stumbling back to crash into two other men. She sat up, but the sharp tingle of an electric current instantly sapped her strength and she collapsed onto her back, trying to breathe through the pain.

“That, you idiot, is how you deal with an unruly captive.”

“Then why didn’t you try to wake her earlier?”

“Both of you, shut up!” a voice boomed and another alien stepped into her line of sight. Unlike the first alien, he was huge and his face was marred with large, meatball-sized pimples. She blinked at him. His eyes were propped on top of two of these meaty lumps.

“Who are you and why are you in possession of a Nouri charger?”

It took Angela a moment to realize what he was saying, for she couldn’t look away from his eyes. His pupils were rolling around in their sockets, making her wonder if he was even able to focus on her.

“I know you’re human and that you understand me. You are all fitted with universal translators. Now, I’ll ask you again. Who are you and what are you doing with a Nouri ship?”

“I’m a friend of the Nouri. They gave it to me as a gift.”

The alien she had attacked, laughed. “As if. Do you think we’re stupid?”

She shrugged. “You, especially, look as dumb as space dust.” She smiled when his eyes narrowed in anger. Pirates are big bullies, but once you prove yourself a bigger bully, they are taken off-guard. They usually prey on defenseless travelers and refugees who would give up their valuables without a fight.

“Who are you?” the one she assumed was the leader, asked again.

“A trader.”

“In a Peacekeeper’s uniform, please,” her nemesis snapped. “You’re lying, you meat sack.”

“I’m not lying. I’m a trader.” She smiled brightly. “I trade in people. You see, I catch criminals and trade them in to penal colonies for a paycheck. That, to my understanding, is the definition of a trader. Some might call it bounty-hunting.” She pulled her face in distaste. “I hate that term.”

“You’re a Peacekeeper, then?”

“Yes. And you just made a humungous mistake in ambushing me in GSC space.”

“No one knows you’re here,” the leader snapped. “We can dispose of you without anyone being any wiser.”

“You could,” she conceded. “But you forgot one thing.”

“And what’s that?”

“My tracker. Three peacekeeper ships are converging on our location as we speak.” She gave them a pained look as if sympathizing with them. “You probably don’t want to be here when they arrive.”

The leader’s features were tense—as tense as she thought a walking, talking meatball could be, had she any reference to the fact.

“Why should we believe you? It’s anyway not like we’re scared of the…” His sentence was abruptly cut off when the ship rocked dangerously. The room lit up with a red hue and the leader pushed his way to the door. “What the hell was that?” he bellowed as his footsteps rushed down a corridor.

Angela glanced at the two remaining aliens. “Shouldn’t you be helping or something?”

“And let you escape?” The first alien shook his head. “Not a chance. If you’re in any way linked to the Nouri, you’re worth a lot and we’re not going to let that opportunity slip through our fingers.”

“You do realize that credits won’t serve a purpose in a penal colony.” She noticed the two share a look before they looked at her. “Go on. I won’t tell anyone you left me alone.”

After a moment’s hesitation, they both dashed for the door. She waited until it slid shut behind them before she sat up and tested her limbs. She stood gingerly and noticed that the headache was still there, although weaker. Taking a moment to steel herself she cautiously made her way to the door. She needed to find out what happened to her charger since that was her only way off this ship.

The moment the door slid open, the sound of phaser fire and barked orders rang loudly.

***

She had hoped that her anger would’ve dissipated by now, but she was even more enraged as leaned against the hull, listening to the pandemonium her arrival had caused.

“Have you located her?”

“Yes, Your Highness. The Empress Consort is located in the brig. You are about fifty yards from there. There are twenty-two men onboard and more than half of them are between you and the brig.”

“Locate the charger and remotely activate the weapons bank. Have it ready to shoot its way out of the hanger when I return with the Commander.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Solmiri unsheathed her weapon to check that it was charged. After a moment’s hesitation, she reluctantly flicked the setting to the ‘stun’ function. Her personal preference would be to blast them into dust-sized particles, but many midnight talks with her mate had made it clear that Angela detested avoidable bloodshed. Slaughtering these pirates wouldn’t endear her to her mate.

With her lips pressed in a tight line, she activated her armored suit and stepped out from her hiding place into a hail of phaser fire. The laser shots bounced off her as she purposefully marched toward the panicky men, picking them off one by one.

“The brig is to your right, Your Highness,” came the voice through her helmet. She rounded the corner, only to duck and roll away when a heavy shower of fire greeted her. She cursed under her breath as the unexpected hard landing jarred her head.

“Who are you and why are you attacking us?” a voice called out.

“Surrender and I won’t kill you all,” she responded. If they didn’t know who Angela was then she was safe.

“You are the intruder. Why don’t you surrender?”

“Because I have the upper-hand. More than half of your men are lying dead and unless you want me to kill every last one of you, I would suggest you surrender and let’s talk.”

“Talk? Your actions are not that of someone who came to talk.”

Solmiri smirked. He had a point there. She was too angry to talk and until she saw that her mate was safe and unharmed, she wasn’t going to leave any of them standing.

“You are pirates. I doubt you attack ships with the idea of talking your victims into submission.”

“Uh, we do. We’ve never killed anyone and…”

“Shut your trap, Bruiser!” the first man, she assumed the leader, snapped.

“I don’t believe you, Bruiser,” she responded, speaking to the man who was being silenced. “Why do you have a Nouri ship in your hanger?”

“We came across…”

“For heaven’s sake, Bruiser, shut the hell up!”

“Why? She said she wanted to talk.”

“And you believe her? Really? If so, why kill all our friends?”

Solmiri rolled her eyes at that. Cowards! The lot of them. Space pirates had been an unavoidable menace for them over the six decades of their travel. They may have won every battle with them, but it had also left them with a few painful losses.

“We have the pilot in our brig and she can attest that we didn’t harm her.”

Angela was unharmed. She felt her anger ease a little at the news.

“Now why should I believe you, Bruiser?”

“The Empress Consort is moving toward you, Your Highness. She’s right behind the men.”

Solmiri leaned back against the hull as relief flooded her system. She understood that Angela’s work would occasionally put her in danger, but she didn’t have to like it one bit. They needed to talk about this and how to avoid outcomes such as these.

“Do you promise to leave the ship, if we give you the pilot and the ship?”

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Bruiser?”

“I want to make sure that…”

“It is not your job to…”

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. How these idiots were still alive and in the piracy business was astounding.

“I’ll wait until you ladies are done chatting,” she taunted.

“Hey, we’re not…”

“She knows, you bonehead.”

“But…”

Mission accomplished. Confident they were distracted, she silently climbed to her feet and mentally calculating how many steps it would take her to reach them, she burst into a powerful sprint. By the time, she rounded the corner, the men could only gape at her in surprise.

“How…? You’re fast,” the man she now knew as Bruiser stuttered as he stared crossed-eyed at her phaser which was pointed at his nose.

“Put your weapons down.” Five. There were five more unaccounted for. “Where are the other five?”

A man with a strange, pimpled face gave her a surly look. “We will never tell you.”

“They’ve been taken care of,” a voice said from behind the men and Solmiri’s heart melted at the sound of her mate’s voice. Solmiri met Angela’s gaze and noticed the woman taking in her full body suit with interest. She, in turn, inspected the brunette for any injuries. Bruiser hadn’t lied.

“Commander Burkhouse.”

Before Angela could respond, Bruiser rounded on her. “Burkhouse? Oh crap! You’re that Captain’s kid.” He flicked his finger in the air as if to jog his memory. “Burkhouse, yeah. That is one woman you don’t want to mess with. Nasty as a 99-degree ion storm.”

“Rumor has it that she was known as Vicious Violet before she…”

“It’s Violent Violet, you idiot!”

Solmiri blinked as her gaze flickered between the arguing aliens. How were they still alive? If not because of their incompetence, their constant bickering should’ve been reason enough for them to not be alive anymore.

“Who the hell are you calling an idiot? Do you know what you are? You’re a…”

“Shut up or I will shoot you all,” she said in a deadly whisper. Now that she had found Angela, she wanted to get off this stinking ship and take her mate as far away from here. “Turn and walk toward the brig.”

As she passed Angela, she wished she wasn’t wearing her suit, so she could touch her. She missed the woman’s touch. Craved the connection.

***

Kuni kept her eyes fixed on the task of tending to Captain Ford’s injury, ignoring the woman’s fixed stare. For the past four minutes, the woman hadn’t spoken a word to her, except to stare at her. A glance at the shattered mirror on the deck had explained the cause of the injury. Still, she was interested in why the woman felt the need to break the mirror.

“Do you make it a habit to engage in fights with inanimate objects, Captain Ford?” A quick glance at the woman’s face almost made her smile. The human shook her head slightly, as if coming out of a daze.

“I didn’t…” She stopped talking and blinked. “I didn’t like what I saw.”

Taken aback by the unexpected statement, she searched the woman’s eyes. There was an unusual vulnerability in them. “I can’t imagine you seeing anything in the mirror that would drive you to destroy it, Captain,” she said quietly.

“Call me Robin, please.” She waited until she saw Kuni nod. “To answer you, I saw something worse.” There was a tinge of shame in her voice. “I want to apologize for my disgusting proposal earlier tonight. I didn’t mean to insult you by making the offer. I understand your reservations about bringing in a stranger to work on such a sensitive project.”

Kuni was stunned into absolute silence as she listened to the Captai…No…She asked to be called Robin. Her conversation with Solmiri surfaced and she recalled her friend’s last question, which she never got to answer. Yes, there was a but to everything, she knew and experienced about Robin Ford. Kuni couldn’t help but sense that the woman was donning a fake persona when she was in her presence. Almost as if she wanted to repel Kuni. Why she didn’t know. She couldn’t even speculate about the reason.

“I’m truly sorry, Ambassador. You may not believe me, but that’s not who I am.”

She looked up and was caught in a stormy grey gaze. “Call me Kuni.” Satisfied that there were no glass splinters in the wound, she reached for the tissue generator “By the way, I know.”

“You know?” Robin closed her hand into a fist to hide the wound and in so doing, draw Kuni’s attention back to her. “How? This is the second time tonight that you’ve made the remark. You barely know me to make such an assessment.”

Kuni tapped the closed fist and Robin opened it. “You’re right. I don’t know you well enough to make any judgment about you. You’ve never asked how we came to know about you.”

A wary look entered Robin’s eyes. “Who?”

“Grand Admiral Burkhouse.”

The shock on the handsome face was almost comical. “The admiral told you about me?” She blinked rapidly. “How do you know the admiral?”

Kuni wasn’t sure if it was her place to tell Robin about Angela and Solmiri. Even though she felt that the woman could be trusted, royal Nouri business was still not her privilege to discuss.

“I met her on my visit to Earth.”

“Oh, man!” Robin groaned softly and dropped her chin on her chest. “She’ll kill me if she finds out. That’s if there is anything left for her after my mother has skinned me alive for my rudeness.”

“Shall we finish attending to your wound?” When Robin nodded, she continued with her task. “Why would your mother be angry with you?”

“If she finds out about this, she’ll definitely box my ears. I wasn’t raised that way.”

Kuni felt an unusual warmth settle in her chest at the woman’s obvious concern about her mother’s reaction. She had been right about her all along. With the wound cleaned and the skin repaired. Kuni ran her thumb over the smooth skin and felt a slight tremor under her touch.

“As good as new.” When she looked up, she found Robin looking at her with those stormy eyes of hers. Not sure what she was thinking, if she was even thinking, Kuni leaned across the table, effectively closing the space between them. The grey eyes grew wide with surprise, but slammed closed just moments later. She could feel Robin’s breath on her lips, but the touch she had anticipated never came. Surprised, she opened her eyes and pulled back. Robin’s eyes were oddly sad as she looked at her.

“As much as I want this, you should know that I’m withdrawing my earlier proposal, Kuni. I never should have manipulated you in that way.”

Relieved that the reason for aborting the kiss was not because it was unwanted, Kuni nodded as she stood. “I understand.”

A look of utter disappointment flashed in Robin’s eyes. “Are you leaving now?”

“No.”

“Oh, I thought…”

Kuni stood silently for a moment before she raised her hand to the fastening of her suit. She prayed that Robin didn’t see the faint trembling in her fingers.

CHAPTER 4

Robin jerkily stood; her hands on the table supporting her buckling knees as she gaped at the woman. What was happening? Was she hallucinating? She blinked repeatedly in the hope that if she was indeed hallucinating that it would wake her up. To no avail. Hypnotized, she watched as the sides of Kuni’s jacket fell open to reveal smooth, pale skin. Robin’s heart was racing as she drew her gaze from the exposed skin to the woman’s face.

“What are you doing?”

The redhead smirked faintly. “I understand you to be a very astute individual, Doctor Ford. I refuse to believe that I need to explain to you what is about to happen.” The jacket was shrugged off and Robin stifled a gasp. Now, she was sure she was hallucinating. No one could be this perfect. Her mouth went dry when Kuni moved on to her pants and without hesitation unfastened them.

“Wait!”

Wait? Really? What the hell, Robbie? Her inner-voice sounded both panicky and incredulous.

The Nouri’s hands stilled and she raised an inquisitive brow. “Yes?”

Robin had difficulty keeping her eyes on Kuni’s face and not letting it stray to the full globes with the rosy tips. She swallowed a few times to wet her dry mouth.

“Why are you doing this?”

“You said it quite well earlier, Robin.” The sound of her name on the woman’s lips made her clit twitch. “As a woman, it is my prerogative to change my mind.” She unfasted the clasp that held her impossibly tight pants together and with a slow, sensual twist of her hips, shimmied out of them. She wasn’t wearing anything underneath, and this time Robin didn’t resist the temptation. She looked and looked until her whole body hummed with lust. No matter how far back she went, she couldn’t remember ever wanting a woman as much as she wanted Kuni.

Then do something! Pleaaaase! The small voice almost screeched at her. Robin cautiously lifted her hand from the table to test her stability. She would hate to land on her face right at the woman’s feet. When she was sure that her legs wouldn’t give out from under her, she approached the naked woman. They were total opposites. Whereas Kuni was smooth, slender and pale, Robin knew she was a little rough around the edges. Her work saw her operating in hostile environments which, over time, had molded her body into a powerful, muscular frame. Drilling and lugging rocks and mineral samples around would do that and frankly, she wasn’t complaining. It did wonders for her endurance, as many of her lovers had attested to before. Her bronzed skin was the result of hours of working outdoors and it proudly bore more than a few scars from her expeditions and battles. She never before had any qualms about her body and how it was viewed, until this moment.

“Do you need help, Captain?”

It was rather stimulating how the woman used her titles interchangeably. She was doctor when she referred to her work and mental acuity, but captain when she was whatever else she perceived her to be.

“I…” She shook her head and reached for her long-sleeved shirt. Well, here goes nothing. With a quick flick of her wrists, she pulled it over her head and tossed it aside. Kuni’s eyes slowly moved from her face down to her chest where they lingered for a moment.

“And the pants?”

She didn’t wait to be asked again and pulled them down, underwear and all. The room was quiet as they both studied each other. She watched Kuni’s face closely, not wanting to miss anything. It was important for her to know what the woman thought of her.

“You have a beautiful physique.”

Robin exhaled deeply, unaware that she had been holding her breath. Kuni’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stepped closer, so close that Robin could smell faint traces of arousal on the woman’s skin.

“You were worried that I might not find you appealing?” Only for the second time since she had met the woman, did the Nouri exhibit surprise. “Why?”

Heat rose in her cheeks. She had no problem being vulnerable around people, but not that much with this woman. For some reason, she needed Kuni to see her as strong and invincible.

“You are perfect. I doubt you’ve ever had to worry about being seen as anything less.”

The woman cocked her head to the side. “There is nothing beyond perfection. Once achieved, it loses its allure.” She reached out and Robin shivered when her hand slid from her shoulder to her bicep. “Your body tells an intriguing story that begs to be heard. That, to me, is perfection.”

Wow! No one had ever said something so profoundly flattering to her or about her. She took Kuni’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Can we agree to disagree on that?”

A small smile pulled at the woman’s full mouth. “As you wish, Robin.” She cupped her face and this time Robin waited with bated breath for that first touch.

***

“I believe you’re going the wrong way.”

Angela looked at the coordinates flashing on the screen. They were going in the opposite direction of Nourima.

“This is the right way for where we are going,” Solmiri said calmly as she glanced over at her. The blonde hadn’t changed out of her armor suit, but had removed her helmet. Her pale face was a little strained and Angela felt the chasm between them gaping even wider. It scared her. This might not have been what she had envisioned for her life, nor what she believed she wanted, but the thought of losing Solmiri was causing a burning sensation in the pit of her stomach.

“I’m sorry.” She was surprised to hear the words coming from her mouth. Solmiri appeared surprised as well.

“Why? I don’t…” She pursed her lips and held up her hand. “General Jule? I’m disconnecting communication now. I’ll make contact as soon as we’ve reached our destination.” She put the charger on autopilot and turned to her. “You have nothing to apologize about. We said we’ll talk about things and find an agreeable solution for both of us.”

Yes, that they did. But did it entail the empress of a powerful empire dropping everything to come to the rescue of her mate? Solmiri’s presence on the pirate ship was very meaningful. Angela couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“Where are we going?”

“Earth.”

What? Why? Solmiri hadn’t mentioned a trip to Earth. Unless…She frowned.

“Are you angry?”

The blue eyes were wide when they met hers. “No. Are you?”

“No.” There was a short silence in which she could see them both trying to figure out whether they had missed anything. “Why…?”

“I thought…”

They both stopped talking and with a soft sigh, Solmiri stood. With the press of a button, her body armor peeled away with a sharp hiss to be condensed into a small rectangular shape at the back of her neck, leaving the blonde in a black and silver formfitting bodysuit. Impressed, Angela blinked at the woman. She doubted the admiral knew of this little gadget. Solmiri held out her hand and Angela allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. She closed her eyes in relief when Solmiri leaned in to kiss her. This was one of the things she loved about Solmiri. The woman always backed her words up with actions. She wasn’t angry, not when she was kissing her like that.

“I’m not angry.”

“I know now.” She cupped the beautiful face. “I never expected you to personally come for me. It made me think that you might be a little put out at me for getting captured.”

Solmiri shook her head. “I came because I’m the only person I trust to ensure your complete safety.” She grimaced slightly. “I’ll admit that I decided at the very last minute not to kill them all.”

Wow!

Angela leaned into the blonde’s arms, basking in the tranquility and security she always experienced in the woman’s presence. It was at that moment that she realized how truly exhausting it was to be strong all the time. It felt wonderful to be rescued and coddled by someone who valued her wellbeing possibly even more than she did. It was time she showed her mate how much she appreciated and welcomed that. She pulled back and searched the warm gaze.

“I love you.” Solmiri blinked. “I probably have from the beginning, but I just didn’t know what to expect it to be like.” The understanding she read in Solmiri’s eyes was encouraging. “My mother loves 20th-century films and growing up, I watched them with her. I guess I never took the time to discern between fantasy and real life.”

“What do you mean?” Solmiri asked as she curled her arm around Angela’s waist to hold her even closer.

“Fantasy just doesn’t do real life any justice.” She felt her eyes burn with unshed tears. Having said the words out loud, she found that her emotions were growing inside her, threatening to burst through her chest. “I thought that love came in like big, loud thunderstorms; impossible to miss. It would appear that as I was waiting for the storm, a soft breeze was rustling through the leaves, carrying bees from one flower petal to another. Before I knew it, I was standing in a flower garden that I wasn’t even aware I had been tending to.” Two long tears streaked down Solmiri’s cheeks. “I’m not sure if you completely understand the analogy…” She shrugged. “I was never good at expressing my feelings.”

The kiss, this time around, was breathtaking and Angela was a little dazed when it finally ended.

“I understood perfectly and you are exceptionally good at expressing your feelings.” She wiped at her cheek before she did the same to a stunned Angela, who hadn’t even been aware that she was crying. “I wanted to spend a day or two alone with you. We never got to be alone together after the mate bond was consummated. I’ve abdicated the throne for a few days and I was hoping I could get you to do the same.”

“I did so before I left my ship. I was hoping to spend some time with you too.”

They both smiled broadly as they looked at each other and Angela couldn’t help but noticed that there was a change in Solmiri’s bearing. She appeared more relaxed and even more confident now. The woman may not have pressurized her in any way, but it was evident that she had wanted to hear the words. Had needed the comfort they offered.

What a fool she had been for having kept her in suspense.

***

Kuni was caught in quiet rapture as she was being devoured slowly and methodically. There was no rush. Not what she had expected from the woman’s open lustful looks and reputation. She had expected a wild and rushed coupling, but Robin Ford was patient and breathtakingly tender. The human was warm and heavy as she used her whole body to make love to her. She rubbed it sensually over hers, their nipples pressed together and their tongues dueling as they kissed. A pleasant shiver ran through her when she felt the soft brush of a clitoris over hers. This slow build-up was exhilarating and she couldn’t believe that she’d never tried to do it this way. The calculating, slow pace and deliberate touches ignited her senses and opened all the pores on her skin as she greedily soaked up every sensation.

A rough palm moved along her side, its friction on her smooth, over-excited skin, made her moan softly. Kuni eagerly obeyed when Robin’s hand slid under her knee and hoisted her leg over the narrow waist. The contact was exquisite and she moaned again when Robin nestled inside her warm cradle. It was a perfect fit. The gentle rocking caused streaks of electric current to race from her clit to the rest of her body, creating goosebumps on her skin. Her hand trailed down the sleek back to the clenching mounds as Robin thrust against her. The dark head lifted and Kuni sighed when she looked into Robin’s eyes. She liked the woman’s eyes. They suited her wild looks perfectly. Robin might not have liked what she had seen in the mirror earlier, but Kuni appreciated the view before her thoroughly. She particularly loved the way she looked reflected in Robin’s stormy eyes. Before she could stop herself, she cupped the handsome face as she smiled tenderly. It was only when she recognized the surprise in Robin’s eyes that she realized what she was doing. It instantly jarred her from the uncharacteristically dazed moment. What was she doing? Had she finally lost her mind? Robin Ford was in her element right now. This was what the woman was all about. No strings attached liaisons. She was nothing but a conquest to the human and Robin Ford was simply a curiosity that she wanted to satisfy. Feeling strangely angry at herself, she reacted and heard Robin let out a sharp gasp when their positions were swiftly and effortlessly reversed.

She attacked the brunette’s mouth with renewed fervor as she shackled the woman’s wrists above her head. Her insides melted when the kiss was returned with equal passion after a slight hesitation.

The room echoed with their moans as they moved together. Sometime during their wild kissing, Robin had managed to free her hands and was pushing up into a seated position, reclaiming her dominance. She eagerly suckled one of Kuni’s nipples before she bit into it causing the redhead to let out a shaky moan. Her eyes shot wide when she felt the gentle probing between her legs and she sought out Robin’s eyes.

“Do you want me to stop?”

She shook her head, not sure if she could speak as she savored the slow penetration.

“I’ll be gentle,” Robin reassured her and this time Kuni spoke.

“Only if you have to.” The flare of unadulterated lust in the grey eyes made her shiver just as a powerful thrust made her hiss in surprised pleasure. She closed her eyes as she caught on to the strong rhythm and rolled her hips to increase the friction. When the familiar buzz began to spread through her, she panted softly as she quickened her pace in anticipation of her release. It was going to be big. She could tell by the way her whole body was trembling. Just as she was about the come, Robin stopped and horrified, Kuni’s eyes shot open.

“No, please!” She pumped her hips impatiently, her hands clawing at Robin’s shoulders. “Why did you stop?”

Robin’s response was to lay back and maneuver her so she was straddling her face. Knowing now that all wasn’t lost, Kuni didn’t need to be directed from there. She placed her hands against the wall as she rode toward the edge of that gaping cliff. Strong hands kneaded her derriere, urging her on and Kuni threw her head back and panted loudly as she set a furious pace. It didn’t take long before she was close again and this time, she was in a position to control the pace. When her climax slammed into her, she let out a piercing cry as she shook violently. When she fell forward, spent and weak, she sighed when strong arms accepted her.

***

Robin was stunned as she lay in silence, listening to the other woman’s ragged breathing. Something wasn’t right. But what? She felt Kuni begin to stir and the sensation grew even stronger. It couldn’t have been the lovemaking. Surely not. She had made love to many women before tonight.

Can we not do this now, please? The tiny voice sounded impatient. There’ll be plenty of time later to do some soul-searching. Just not now.

The desperation in the tiny voice resonated with the wetness between her legs and the clenching of her sex. She needed urgent release and then she wanted the redhead again. Once was simply not enough. How many times would it take before she had enough, she wondered and the shock of that thought reverberated through her. That was it! Robin could usually tell when and for how long her infatuation with a conquest would be. With Kuni, she didn’t know and that terrified her.

The redhead lifted her head and wary green eyes met hers. They stared at each other before Kuni leaned in to kiss her. It was a cautious kiss that added to Robin’s quiet distress. Maybe she should put an end to this before whatever this strangeness was, grew completely out of control.

A soft tongue flicked over her lower lip, requesting entrance. Robin’s lips parted and they both sighed when their tongues touched. She closed her eyes when Kuni deepened the kiss. The woman was an excellent kisser. By the time the kiss had ended, Robin’s desire had flared and her earlier reservations about Kuni had been pushed to the back of her mind. The redhead’s caresses were unhurried, but purposeful as she ran her hands over Robin’s body. Robin recalled the woman’s earlier statement about her body ‘having a story to tell’. Now that she was paying attention to the woman’s actions, Robin realized that Kuni was lingering over the many scars that marred her body. Touching them gently before she moved on to the next. It was strangely intimate and loving, considering that none of her other lovers ever cared to pay such tender homage to her imperfections. Maybe because Robin never really paid any attention to her scars until now.

Kuni’s caresses moved lower and she held her breath when the woman’s hand slipped between her legs. She was wet. Wetter than ever before. The smooth pad of a thumb brushed over her clit and she lifted her hips seeking out the touch. It had been ages since she had felt such an urgent need to be touched. When two fingers slid inside, she bit down on her lip to stop the groan that threatened to escape. Kuni gave her a knowing look as if she knew of her struggle to remain in control even as the rest of her trembled with need. Robin clutched the bedding, her resolve diminishing with every stroke. She swallowed with difficulty when Kuni slid lower, her hair trailing over her belly and pouring over her thighs. Her sex pulsed in eager anticipation as she waited for the touch.

When it came, she gasped as Kuni took her clit into her mouth and suckled it. Her body broke out in goosebumps as she lay with a wide stare, panting through the delicious sensations. She wasn’t going to last very long. Not when the Nouri was applying her tongue and teeth with such magnificent skill. This was unlike anything she had ever experienced and she already mourned the fact that it would be over too soon.

The fluttering in her stomach made her lock her hands into the tousled hair of her lover as she furiously pumped her hips.

Robin cried out in ecstasy when her climax hit, only to be shocked when another followed shortly, leaving her gasping and shaking. A soft touch on her face made her open her eyes to find Kuni looking at her.  The woman looked gorgeous with her tousled hair and kiss-swollen lips, a total contrast to the well-groomed, composed woman she had met yesterday. Could it only be one day since their first meeting? How could she explain the feeling that she had known the redhead for much longer than that?

Good sex does that to a person, so don’t be getting any fancy ideas now, came the helpful reply from her unwelcome inner voice. Robin sighed. It would serve her right to remember that. Everything about Kuni proved how unattainable she was. She was a far cry from the type of women Robin usually bedded. The redhead possessed a sophistication and self-confidence that spoke of someone who had achieved their true purpose in life. Robin was woefully out of her depth where Kuni was concerned.

This was a once-off and Robin almost hated herself for making herself taste something she would never have the opportunity to sample again.

“Are you alright?”

Robin thought of lying, but for some reason quickly discarded the notion. Instead, she shook her head.

“Shall I assume you didn’t get your money’s worth?”

“No.” She saw the woman flinch a little and quickly reached out to touch her face. “On the contrary.” Robin wasn’t used to this inexplicable vulnerability she was experiencing in Kuni’s presence. “You are worth way too much and now I seem to find myself in your debt.” She blinked when the Nouri unexpectedly sat up, her back turned to Robin.

“I have to go.”

Robin slowly moved away to put some distance between them as she watched Kuni slip on her clothes. What happened? Did she finally manage to insult the woman when her intention was clearly not to do so?

“When can we expect to hear from you, Captain Ford?”

It was back to Captain Ford. She had insulted her.

“I’ll be leaving for Earth tomorrow morning. We can rendezvous here in two days.”

Kuni’s face was a mask of professional detachment as she acknowledged the arrangement. “Have a safe journey, Captain Ford.” She touched her wrist and instantly disappeared before Robin’s eyes.

***

The door swung open and Angela entered.

“Lights.”

The room was immediately illuminated and after a cursory sweep to ensure that it was safe, she stepped aside to allow Solmiri to enter. She closed the door and turned to find the blonde taking in the space. The apartment was a mid-sized, open-plan design. It had been exactly what she had been looking for after she had graduated and moved out of her grandmother’s mansion. It gave her the space she needed and both she and her grandmother enjoyed going furniture shopping. The huge grey couch was the center-piece in the lounge, together with the large monitor. It was where she spent most of her time away from work. The kitchen had a basic setup, with a food processor, a small four-seat dining set, and a few cupboards. She wasn’t a social person and her bare kitchen showed just that.

Her gaze returned to Solmiri and found the woman staring back at her with a pensive look in her eyes.

“It’s a bit stuffy. I haven’t been back here in ages.”

“I know.” She turned away to look at the room again. “I forget how many things you had to give up to be with me.”

Oh no! That had not been the idea when she had thought to bring Solmiri here instead of her parents’ or her grandmother’s. She had hoped for complete privacy for the next couple of days. Her plan seemed to have backfired spectacularly.

Angela rushed to Solmiri’s side to kiss her, sensing the woman’s uncertainty through the kiss. She smiled into the blue eyes as she squeezed the hand she was holding.

“Things happened so fast, that I didn’t get the chance to wrap things up before I settled on Nourima.” She blinked. “The apartment will have to go and I’ll make sure to make arrangements before we return home.”

“Home?” The word sounded soft and wonderous as Solmiri whispered it. Even then the doubt was still present. “Is that what Nourima is to you?”

“No, you are my home now.” She felt her throat constrict with emotion. How come her emotions felt amplified now that she had finally declared her love? “Since Nourima is you, by association, it has become my home, too.”

The soft chirp of her communicator interrupted their quiet moment and Solmiri kissed her again before she gently pushed her in the direction of the blinking desk reader.

Her mother’s face filled the screen when she answered the hail. Norma could be seen in the background, frowning.

“Good afternoon, Mother. Mom.”

“Your arrival was reported to the office.” She blinked slowly. “Is the empress with you?”

Angela felt Solmiri come up behind her. “Greeting, Grand Admiral. Captain. Yes, we hoped to break away from our duties for a few days.”

“Like a honeymoon?” Norma offered, a jubilant expression on her face.

“Honeymoon? I’m not sure I’m familiar with the term.”

Angela reached for her mate’s hand. “It’s a time where newly-wedded couples take time away to be alone somewhere private.” She noticed the confusion in Solmiri’s eyes, and the questions as well. “I’ll explain more later.”

“In that case, Captain, I would like to think that we are on some type of honeymoon.”

Her mother smiled broadly. “In that case, I must inform you that you’ve skipped the wedding, Your Highness.”

Angela gave her mother a warning stare. “Was there anything else we could help you with?”

“No,” Margaret said quickly. “We only wanted to make sure you are both okay and hopefully we can meet for a meal while you’re here.”

“Of course,” Solmiri accepted quickly. “I was hoping to meet with Martha. Perhaps we can all get together soon.”

“I would like that,” Margaret said with a broad smile. “I wish you a wonderful afternoon and we’ll wait to hear from you on when we can meet.”

They said their goodbyes and Angela turned to Solmiri who stood looking down at her.

“Honeymoon?” She cocked her head to the side. “I must say that I’m embarrassed to say that I never thought to explore Earth traditions pertaining to unions.” She pulled Angela to her feet. “Will you tell me more?”

Angela wondered how much Solmiri would like to know and how far her mother had hoped to go with her line of conversation.

“Of course. Let me get us something to eat and drink first.”

***

She hesitated before she pressed the doorbell again.

What was she doing here? She had asked herself that same question three times in eleven minutes. Perhaps the lack of response was an indication that she should turn around and return to her own house and the silence she knew awaited her.

She was terrified of the silence, especially tonight. Her departure from Robin had been abrupt but it had been necessary for her to make the break before she changed her mind and stayed longer–calling in the debt the woman had mentioned. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so reluctant to leave a lover’s bed.

The door swung open to reveal a beautiful blonde. Her hair was mussed and she was dressed in a silk dressing gown.

“Kuni? Ambassador?” The woman appeared surprised. “I wasn’t expecting you?”

“I arrived a few minutes ago.”

The woman’s grey eyes grew darker as they raked over Kuni. “And you came straight here?”

Kuni nodded, even as she knew for a fact that she didn’t want to be here. It had something to do with the way the woman was looking at her. With blatant desire. It never used to bother her before. Until that moment, it had thrilled her to know that she was wanted. Losing one’s mate was a major psychological blow and the realization that she would never know the deep, fulfilling love of a mate, had thrown her into a deep depression that threatened her sanity. Had it not been for the unwavering support of Solmiri, who had pushed her to go out and make new acquaintances, she would most probably still be locked away from society.

She took in the blonde as if she was seeing her for the first time. Nera was unmated, beautiful, and a wonderful lover. She was an ideal bedmate and had been for the past decade.

“Do you want to come in?”

She hesitated. Did she? Should she? She gave a mental shrug and smiled. She was in desperate need of a distraction. For as long as her body still tingled from Robin Ford’s touch, she doubted she would ever be able to settle back into her life as it was before she had met the human.

The door closed behind her and she could hear the soft rustling of fabric as Nera approached her. Strong arms wrapped around her from behind.

“I’ve missed you.”

Kuni couldn’t attempt a comeback to that, at least not one that would be convincing enough. Instead, she turned around and lifted the woman in her arms to carry her through the quiet apartment to the bedroom.

***

“Welcome back, Doctor Ford.” The clerk said with a smile. “I take it your trip was successful.”

Robin didn’t turn around as she signed off on the form to log her arrival. She had decided to leave earlier instead of the following day as she had told Kuni. The quiet that came over her ship, especially her quarters, after the woman’s departure, had been too much to bear. It had also clashed almost violently with the noisy thoughts in her head. Before she could change her mind and set off after the redhead to enquire as to her abrupt departure, Robin had called the station master to change her departure time before turning her space charger toward Earth.

“I’m still in one piece,” she finally responded as she grinned at the woman. “So, yes, it was a success.”

“Shall I arrange for your ship to be placed on the overhaul list, Doctor?”

“No need for that, Veronica. Thank you. Will you see to it that my belongings are sent to my home?” At the woman’s acknowledgment, Robin gave her a big smile for her help. “See you in a couple of days.” She slung her bag over her shoulder and left the office, making her way amongst the masses at the moon base to the commercial freighters that would transport her to Earth. Seated in a corner, far from the loud and restless children, she closed her eyes and allowed the dejection that had been dogging her for the past thirty-six hours to surface. She had fought sleep and exhaustion to avoid closing her eyes and reliving those shattering moments in Kuni’s arms. She had never felt so raw after an encounter with a woman. Usually, she was sated and relieved that she had escaped without having had to compromise or commit to anything.

“We’re entering Earth’s atmosphere. Please ensure that you have your inoculation certificates ready for inspection.”

The announcement made her grimace as she sat up to retrieve her documentation. She had two days to settle her nerves and get the redhead out of her system before their next meeting.

The transport centers on Earth were bursting to capacity with the weekend crowd as everyone was on the move. Robin stepped off the transporter in the bustling square that accommodated the more expensive establishments and patrons. With eager footsteps, she walked toward a narrow alleyway to access the backdoor. It was unlocked as always and as she entered, she left her bag in the corner before entering the gleaming kitchen. Robin scanned the table tops for food and spotting some cheese, popped a piece in her mouth as she opened the series of coolers until she found what she was looking for.

Seerman 1977.

She found a corkscrew to open the wine and let it breathe while she went in search of a glass. Too impatient to wait for the required ‘breathing’ period, she poured a large serving and took a long drink. After four months of having imbibed some truly crappy beverages, the wine tasted heavenly.

“I probably should’ve gotten you something other than a brush for your last birthday,” a stern voice said behind her and she quickly lowered the glass to avoid spilling wine on herself. Quiet, deep blue eyes studied her as the woman came closer. With a sigh, she reached up, standing on tiptoe, and tried to smooth Robin’s wayward locks. “For all I know, it’s probably still in the packaging collecting dust in that barrel of nuts and bolts you call a ship.”

“Hi, Gram. I love you, too.”

Martha Burkhouse’s eyes softened instantly as she curled her arms around Robin’s waist to hug her. “Welcome back, honey.”

When the woman made to break the embrace, Robin held her back with her one arm, extending the embrace. She recalled, as an eight-year-old, being brought here by her mother to meet her Aunt Norma’s friends. The gray-haired Burkhouse matriarch had studied her closely with a broad smile and gentle eyes.

“How good is your hugging, child?” she had asked her.

Surprised, Robin had shrugged. What a strange question to ask. “I don’t know.”

“Well, a lot can be said by the way a person gives hugs, you know.”

She glanced over at her mother, who had sported a happy grin on her face. “Like what?”

“To test how old you are, silly. You look like you might be six years old,” the older woman had said with utter confidence to the horror of Robin.

“No, I’m not.”

“Well, since you can’t prove it, we’ll never know, now will we.”

A glance at her mother had encouraged her to move in and to give the nosy old lady the best hug her eight-year-old self could muster.

The sound of a glass breaking nearby, pulled her from her musing and she reluctantly let Martha go. The woman smiled up at her.

“You still give the best hugs, Robbie. Now, tell me, who is she?”

She blinked at the older woman. “What do you mean?”

“The woman who has you all broody?”

Robin took a sip from her wine, trying to buy herself some time. There was very little she could hide from Martha, but there was also no way her Gram could tell that her mood had been affected by a woman. She wasn’t that good.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Anyway, what makes you think that I’m thinking about a woman?”

Martha snorted as she moved away. “You’re using a glass.” She punched a few buttons on the processor and brought a sandwich over to her. “You only do that when you’re troubled.”

Robin was stunned as she stared at the glass. Dammit! A glass! Really! She put it down and caught Martha’s gaze.

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“And the hickey? I have never seen you with one in the twenty-four years that I’ve known you. Believe me, you sporting a hickey and drinking from a glass, is a big deal.” She waved at a chair. “Now eat! Your mother and Norma should arrive any moment now.”

Stumped, she reached for the sandwich and pointedly ignored the glass as she pulled the bottle closer.

CHAPTER 5

“What is going to happen now?”

Angela snorted as she glanced over at Solmiri. “Patience, my love. The idea is to sit back and relax as the story unfolds. It’s meant to entertain.”

Solmiri had a sour look on her face. “But she’s making such rash, impractical decisions. I can’t help but think that she is making a big mess of her life. I find it highly stressful.” She gave Angela a sharp look. “You don’t look entertained either. You look sleepy.”

Perhaps she should’ve chosen something a little more straightforward than Breakfast at Tiffany’s for Solmiri’s first foray into the world of 20th-century cinema.

“She would make a terrible Nouri.”

That made Angela chuckle. “Why? Because she acts outside the norms of what is considered acceptable for women?”

“No.” Solmiri sipped her tea, her third cup of the morning. The woman absolutely loved it. “She has no plan. Nouri women are well-organized. We set our sights on a goal and we usually achieve it. This Holly woman is floundering about, digging herself into an even bigger hole.”

“As a strong, independent woman, I thought you would appreciate the fact that she lives her life on her own terms—no one else’s. That said, there must be some things you want to do that you’ve never had the time to do before.”

Solmiri shrugged. “There is…one.”

Angela’s eyebrow shot up. “Only one?” She sat up and her dressing gown parted, drawing Solmiri’s brilliant gaze to her chest. They had talked and made love until late last night. The morning was spent on the couch, watching movies, but judging from the look in Solmiri’s eyes, they might return to bed again soon.

“Yes. I’ve lived a long life, so time hasn’t been something I’ve been short on.”

“Fair enough. Will you tell me what it is you would still like to do?”

“Marry you.”

Angela’s mouth fell open in surprise. They had spoken about Earth’s dating customs and expectations. However, she never expected this. Solmiri leaned closer, her eyes wide and very blue.

“I want to marry you and have a proper honeymoon.”

She searched the blonde’s face, trying to find any hidden shadows there. Did the Nouri feel coerced anyway? Just as quickly Angela reminded herself that Solmiri had never lied to her before. She said what she wanted to say and she always meant every word.

“Would it make any difference on Nourima if we were married?”

“I don’t know. Nor do I care. All that matters to me is that you should have a tangible token of my lifelong commitment to you.”

Angela inhaled deeply as she leaned into Solmiri to press her lips against a milky white neck. “I may not need it.”

“Then we’ll do it for your family and our children. They will need two names.” She cradled the back of Angela’s head in her hand. “Besides, I want to marry you.”

Kissing the fragrant skin, Angela smiled against it. “Then we shall get married.”

“Does the honeymoon always come after the wedding or …”

“Are you still watching the movie?”

“No.”

“Then I’ll answer your question in bed.”

***

Kuni stepped from the bathroom, toweling her hair only to come to a stop when she found Nera dressed and sitting on the edge of the rumpled bed. The blonde looked thoroughly ravished after their energetic lovemaking. She slowly lowered the towel.

“Nera?”

“I won’t be seeing you again, will I?”

This wasn’t a conversation she had hoped to have with the woman. Their ten-year-long liaison had been non-exclusive and easy. She had liked it that way and she thought Nera shared the same sentiment.

“Why do you say that?”

Nera combed her fingers through her hair, her eyes sharp as they held hers.

“You’re different.”

Kuni smiled. “That doesn’t say much, nor does it mean anything. I was gone for three days and being around aliens always makes me a little uneasy.”

The woman stood and approached her. Her beautiful face was tense. Without a word, she took the towel from Kuni’s hands and pushing her down to sit on the bed, began to dry her long red locks.

“I’ve sensed the change for a while now. Since the empress’ union with her mate, to be specific.” The woman’s hand stopped. “I know of your history with the empress.”

“That happened sixty years ago.”

Nera cocked her head so their eyes could meet. “I know. However, am I wrong to assume that you might be wanting to settle down yourself?”

What?! She blinked. Was Nera trying to tell her something? Or was she unconsciously exhibiting signals that she was ready to take a mate and settle down?

“In case you’ve been wondering, I have been ready to settle down for a while now.”

Slightly relieved, Kuni was happy to find that she wasn’t inadvertently broadcasting her willingness for a mate bond. Still, if Nera was ready, it didn’t bode well for their liaison, which had been built on mutual honesty about their individual needs. Kuni simply couldn’t string the woman along unless she was planning on making the final commitment to Nera.

“Nera, I…”

A finger on her lips stopped the words and she closed her eyes as she waited for the woman’s reaction. Nera was smart.

“You are perhaps one of, if not the, most unattainable woman on Nourima. I didn’t expect too much when you came calling, but I must admit that I didn’t expect it to have lasted this long either. We both knew what we wanted and I was content with having at least that.” She caressed Kuni’s cheek, a sad smile playing on her lips. “I’ve misread the signs and I apologize.”

She squeezed Nera’s hand and pulled her down to sit next to her. “You have nothing to apologize for. Nor can I, in all good conscience, hold you back if you are ready to find a mate.” They sat in silence for a few moments before Kuni leaned forwards to kiss Nera. “I want you to be happy.”

“I know you do. I was happy with you.”

They hugged tenderly before Kuni stood and got dressed. They shared a final kiss at the door before she left.

***

Robin’s eyes caressed the beautiful face, her heart overflowing with love for the woman.

“You look different. Prettier.”

Lily threw her head back as she laughed. “Thank you, darling. You look pretty good yourself.” Just like Martha earlier, she too, tried to straighten the mussed locks. “You look tired. How was the trip? Did you bring me something nice?”

She kissed the soft cheek. “Of course, Mommy. I always bring you something.” She walked over to where her bag lay and pulled out a small box. “Here, I think you’ll like it.” Her mother’s face lit up as she held the box to her chest.

“Is it what I think it is?”

“You’ll have to open it and see for yourself,” she said dryly as she encouraged her mother with a nod. The older woman opened the box and gasped loudly. Robin grinned when she met the wide grey eyes so much like her own. “Yes?”

“This…this…It’s exquisite! I’ve never seen a color like this.”

“I found it for sale in a small mining settlement on an asteroid. The miners use it for trading; it’s their main source of currency.” The arrelli was a round-shaped gem, not as precious as the other gems, but very pretty. Her mother had found her first one when she was twelve years old and has been collecting them ever since. She knew that it would mean more to her mother than any other trinket. Lily threw herself into her arms.

“Thank you, honey. I can’t wait to add it to the collection. Jermon will know exactly where to place it.”

“Jermon?” Her mother’s cheeks took on a soft rosy hue and Robin’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Mommy?”

Lily sighed softly. “I met someone that I like…a lot.”

She wouldn’t dare deny her mother any happiness, but she had seen her mother giving too much in the past and paying a painful price in the end. Lily’s job as a Peacekeeper made it difficult to maintain a committed relationship even as the woman craved the lasting companionship of a partner. As a result, it made Robin very protective of her mother.

“Tell me more?”

A dazzling smile lit up her mother’s delicate features. “He’s gorgeous and funny. You won’t believe what a talented singer he is.” She took a rushed breath. “The other day he painted a portrait of Mixi and it was…”

Hell! She was only gone for four months, not four years! They couldn’t have a child together already! Or could they?

“Who…who’s Mixi?”

“It’s our cat?” Lily blushed deeply. “He bought me a cat.” There was a soft plea in her eyes as she looked at her. “He’s a wonderful man and I’m sure you’ll like him.”

Robin’s heart went out to her mother. The older woman desperately wanted her to accept this new man in her life, and Robin wanted to like him, but she was too loyal to her mother to allow anyone to hurt her again. But she was home now, and she was going to make sure that this man didn’t take advantage of Lily. For all her frightening reputation as a former child assassin, Robin knew her mother’s dysfunctional childhood had left her emotionally scarred and vulnerable. She was always looking for love and approval. Hopefully, this new man wasn’t going to exploit that.

“When can I meet him?”

Lily’s lower lip trembled slightly as she searched her eyes. “Later tonight. Martha is hosting a family dinner. Will you be able to come?”

She nodded as she pulled her mother into her arms. “I’ll be here.” She would need a few hours of sleep before she met this man later tonight.

***

Kuni sipped her wine as she took in the scenery. The ship’s artificial biosphere was so convincing that sitting outside on the patio of the restaurant almost felt like the real thing. It was a starry night sky with a cool breeze rustling through the trees, creating a wonderful setting. Only those who have walked on the surface of the real Nourima could make out the soft humming of the ship’s huge, powerful engines and turbines. For them, they never forget that they were still in transit.

Around her, youngsters were reveling in their youth and independence. Since their teaching institutes were having a break, the late evening rang with their boisterous laughter and conversations. She smiled as she studied them. As long as they were happy, the Nouri would be fine. A happy youth kept the older generations inspired.  A server appeared at her table and she looked up when a glass of wine was placed before her.

“I didn’t order this?”

“It’s from the gentleman at the bar, Ambassador.”

She stifled a sigh. Everyone knew she preferred the company of women. This poor man was wasting his time and his credits. But she was a public figure and this could be an innocent gesture of friendliness. Plastering a smile on her face, she turned to thank the man, only to chuckle when he suggestively waggled greying eyebrows at her. He picked up his drink and came over to her table.

“Greetings, beautiful lady.”

“Greetings, Father. What are you doing out alone?”

He shrugged. “Had to work late. Your mother is attending an official event at the Palace.”

“Oh? What is it about?” The moment she asked, she knew she was wasting her breath. Unlike her mother and her, Helber wasn’t much interested in politics. He was a scientist who preferred to remain in the background.

“She mentioned something, but I forgot. And you? How was your trip? Did you find the geophysicist?”

Kuni’s body instantly grew warm at the mere mention of Robin. Even after a deeply fulfilling time with Nera, her body still responded to the memory of the human.

“I did. She’ll be joining us the day after tomorrow.”

Her father threw his arms up at hearing that. “That is excellent news!” He leaned closer and said in a quieter tone. “I can’t wait to walk on solid earth again. Did your mother tell you about her research, by any chance?”

“No. What’s it about?”

Helber looked around him. “Do you want to go for a walk?”

Knowing that whatever it was her father was about to tell her was important, so important that he wouldn’t want it to be overheard, she nodded and signaled for the server to place the drinks on her account. They made their way down the busy promenade outside the restaurant to a small well-lit park nearby. Groups of people were picnicking nearby and they chose a bench out of earshot of everyone.

“What is it, Father?”

“Your mother will probably discuss it with you soon, but over the past few years, the number of reports about the impact of vibration exposure to middle-aged and older Nouri have increased.” He sighed and held up his hand, showing slightly disjointed digits. “Joints, muscles, nerves and many other organs are affected.”

Kuni stared in horror at her father. He was a bear of a man and as a child, she simply loved looking up at her towering parent with awe. She never thought she would have to worry about him falling ill or anything. Afterall, he was married to the most highly-regarded physician amongst the Nouri.

“The ships?”

“Yes. The vibration is low, but the extended duration is taking its toll, especially on those who have been born planet-side.” He curled his hand into a fist. “Your mother believes the damage can be reversed over time; however, we need to get off the ships.”

Robin!

The only thing that stood between them and their dream of resettlement, rested on the shoulders of the human. Unless they could determine the detailed composition of the planet’s core, their rehabilitation dream was useless. She reached for her father’s hand and brought it to her lips.

She would do everything in her power to save him and everyone else.

***

“Is that what you’re going to wear?”

Solmiri glanced over to where Angela stood. Her dark hair was still damp from their shower and she was dressed in a short, classy black dress. She looked breathtakingly beautiful.

“Should I change?” she asked as she look down at herself, taking in her outfit. She had found it in the catalogue under formal evening attire. According to the description, it was called a female tuxedo for the independent, confident woman. Maybe she should’ve worn a dress. “I could find something else.”

“No,” came the sharp reply, and her head jerked up. Angela’s hand was resting on her collarbone and her dark eyes appeared even darker as she watched her with wide eyes and slightly parted lips. “You look spectacular.” The was a slight breathlessness to Angela’s voice and Solmiri smiled. She slowly came to her feet, the movie she had been watching, quickly forgotten. She ran her thumb along Angela’s full lower lip.

“Would you mind being late?”

Angela blinked, the enthralled look falling from her face as she took a slow step back from Solmiri. “Yes, we’re already late.”

“Then you’ll have to stop looking at me like that if you don’t want to miss the whole event.”

Angela walked to her residential transporter. “We’ll teleport tonight. There’s no way I’m walking down the street with you looking like that. Are you coming?”

They appeared in the office which was located off the kitchen and the seating area. With a sliver of desire still lingering between them, they both gave in to the urge and kissed. Solmiri savored the kiss, knowing it would be a few hours before she would get to take Angela to bed. The feverish need to copulate with her mate had gradually subsided now that their mating fever was over. What remained was her ever-growing hunger for the brunette as their gestating offspring was establishing a physic and mental bond with its non-biological parent. She reluctantly broke the kiss.

“How long are we going to stay?” She gently wiped at Angela’s lips, drowning in the liquid gaze.

“Not too long. An hour at the most.”

“I doubt you’ll make it to an hour, if you ask me,” a voice cut in and Solmiri bristled as she quickly placed herself between Angela and whoever had spoken. She swept the dimly-lit room until her eyes fell on a figure stretched out on a couch.

“Lights!” Angela snapped and the office instantly lit up. “Robbie! Is that you?”

The person sat up with a soft groan, covering their eyes. “Yes.”

“Who is this?” she asked Angela as she kept her gaze on the disheveled individual. An empty bottle of wine lay next to the couch. Angela pushed past her to embrace the groaning woman and Solmiri pursed her lips in displeasure. The person was holding Angela way too close for her liking.

“When did you get back?”

“Midday.” The tousled dark head turned to her and Solmiri’s jealousy knew no bounds when she saw the woman’s face. She didn’t possess the almost innocent, classic beauty of Angela, but she had a look that made it difficult not to stare. A strong face, with high cheekbones, unusual stormy grey eyes with dark flecks and full sensual lips. The woman exuded a deep sensuality.

Solmiri’s eyes narrowed dangerously as she took a step closer, her patience slipping the longer the woman was holding on to her mate.

“Holy cow, Angie! Who is that?” The grey eyes were wide as they trailed over her.

“That is my…” Angela stopped and blushed. The pause caused Solmiri’s stomach to clench painfully.

“Wife. I’m her wife. Who are you?”

The woman’s mouth fell open in shock as she slowly turned to look at a flustered Angela. She held up four fingers. “Four months! I was only gone for four months!”

Solmiri took another step closer and Angela quickly intercepted her with a hand on her chest.

“Who is that, Angela?” She could hear the threat in her own voice as she glared at the rumpled woman.

“That’s Robin. Doctor Robin Ford.”

It was Solmiri’s turn to stare. This was the captain who had made that indecent proposal to Kuni? Now it made sense why Kuni didn’t sound too put off by the offer.

Captain Robin Ford was very captivating.

***

Four bloody months!

How could so much have changed in such a short time?

Robin took a long drink of water. She craved something stronger, but Martha had insisted that water was what she needed more of at the moment. Holding the glass against her lips, she studied her companions. The admiral and Aunt Norma were still giving each other those funny, cute looks that had always made Robin feel like a voyeur. Martha was in deep conversation with the one person Robin had wanted to meet tonight. Jermon. Her mother was right about one thing. He was gorgeous, thanks to his Hibren heritage. Tall, powerfully built with large, gentle eyes and a dazzling smile, Robin couldn’t have made a better choice for her mother. He had been polite during their introduction and to her surprise had been able to quote an article she had written on Artificial Planetary Magnetic Field Generators that he had referenced during a lesson as a professor of quantum laws at the local science academy. She would like to get to know him some more before she made a final decision about him. From the way that he looked at her mother and Lily at him, she knew that no matter what she decide, the two were already too far gone.

She felt eyes on her and blinked when she turned her head to encounter a set of vivid blue eyes. She smiled weakly. The woman’s beauty was intense. It made it impossible to simply look at her without staring. Then there was the fact that she was the empress of a very powerful race and the sovereign of the woman who she had slept with only forty-three hours before.

And she was Angie’s wife! Who would’ve thought the little minx was batting for the same team and would end up with such a coveted prize?

“I trust you have met with my emissary recently, Doctor Ford?”

Robin’s stomach did a wild summersault. The way she said ‘met’ sounded as if she knew exactly what had happened between her and Kuni.

She cleared her throat softly and placed the glass on the table. “Yes, Your Highness. I met with Ambassador Kuni.”

“You did,” Aunt Norma said excitedly. “How is she doing?”

“You…you know Ku…Ambassador Kuni?”

“Of course.” Norma popped a piece of bread in her mouth. “She served as our guide during our visit to Nourima. She’s wonderful.”

Her tongue felt like it was stuck to the roof of her mouth as she lowered her gaze to her plate. Acute shame flooded her system. The one time she hadn’t used her head and stupidly thought to blackmail a woman into her bed, it had to be one that was known to her whole family. She reached for her fork, but spotting the tremor in her hand, she quickly dropped it in her lap. When she looked up, she caught the enigmatic expression in the empress’ eyes.

“Please excuse me for a moment,” she muttered as she stood and walked in the direction of the bathroom. The public room was slowly filling up and she was relieved to find the bathroom unoccupied. She entered a stall and sat on the closed toilet lid. There was no way she could escape the dinner without creating more questions. Nor could she sit there and act as if she was fine. Her family was smart and they already knew something was up. The door opened and she stood to flush the toilet. The moment she stepped out of the stall she spotted the tall Nouri waiting at the washbasins. Robin took a deep breath.

“I want you to know that I apologized to her for my tasteless and highly unprofessional conduct. I don’t know what came over me.”

The empress shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Kuni is her own woman and as an ambassador, she’s been known to have dealt with her fair share of uncommon situations. I’m sure she wasn’t offended.” The woman cocked her head to the side. “I wanted to thank you for considering the offer.”

Robin shrugged. “It’s an exciting project, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I would be an idiot to let it slip through my fingers.” She leaned her hip against the washbasin. “I may have one request, though, Your Highness.”

A gleaming brow arched upwards. “I’m listening.”

“If I waived any compensation for my assistance, would you reconsider my offer to see the project through to its completion?” The expression on the beautiful face gave nothing away. “I will take whatever precautions you deem fit to ensure that I do not break your confidence.”

The empress shook her head. “There is a way, but I personally find it too cruel to enforce.” She pursed her lips. “However, the decision is yours, Doctor Ford. Ambassador Kuni will be able to tell you more about the procedure.” She nodded curtly and left the bathroom.

Procedure? What kind of procedure? She turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. The empress called it cruel. Robin touched her forehead. No! There was no way such an advanced race would consider something as barbaric as mind-bending to wipe someone’s memories. But then what did she really know about the Nouri? For all their charm and civility, they could harbor some truly dark secrets. Was that why they were so private and secretive?  Would she even want to find out? Robin shook her head to dislodge the morbid thoughts. Her head already hurt, no need to exacerbate it any further.

She washed her hands and left the bathroom to re-join her company.

***

Angela cut a piece of her eclair and pushed it to the rim of the plate where Solmiri picked at it with her fork. The Nouri had a ferocious appetite for both sweets and sex. Solmiri’s insatiability could be easily traced to her huge appetite. It was surprising how the woman managed to keep her figure so trim.

“What did you talk about?” she asked out of the corner of her mouth.

“Her proposal.” The blue eyes twinkled when they met her wide ones. “I couldn’t resist.”

Angela chuckled as she took a sip of her wine, looking around the table at her family. It was a wonderful evening and she loved having Solmiri here to take part in it. She glanced at her mate, her voice heavy with emotion.

“Thank you for being here.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, eti.” She pushed away from the table and stood, not breaking eye contact. “Will you stand with me?”

Confused, she slowly stood, aware of all the eyes on them. Her grandmother had set up a table for them away from the public area, but the Nouri empress’ presence was hard to ignore. The patrons kept stealing glances their way. “Solmiri? What is this?”

The blonde smiled and took a careful step away before she went down on her knee. A loud gasp came from the people around the table when out of nowhere, six Nouri guards shimmered into view to circle their empress. Although stunned by their sudden presence, Angela wasn’t in the least bothered by their appearance, instead, she was blinking wide-eyed at the box Solmiri was holding out to her.

“Eti, I wish I had done this earlier to show you exactly how much I adore you. Would you do me the honor of taking me as your wife?”

Angela's eyes welled up as she stared at the woman kneeling before her. The blue eyes were open and expectant and Angela slowly sank to her knees to rest her forehead against the blonde’s.

“I’m already yours, my love. Yes, I would be honored to be your wife.” She held out her hand and watched Solmiri’s uncharacteristic fumble as she slid a beautiful, understated platinum band over her finger. She looked at Solmiri in surprise. How did the woman know that she wasn’t fond of large, conspicuous jewelry? Not caring where they were or what Nouri protocols dictated about public displays of affection, Angela leaned in and kissed Solmiri with all the love and desire she felt for her.

Applause erupted around them and when they finally rose to accept the well-wishes of her family, Angela didn’t miss the wink that passed between Solmiri and Norma. That explained everything. When had the two even managed to arrange this? Except for the time that she was in the shower, she had spent every waking moment with Solmiri. Her mother grinned widely as she came over to kiss her cheek.

“Congratulations, darling.”

“Don’t think I don’t know that you had a hand in this,” she whispered and Norma feigned surprise. “I know.”

“Well, the empress has good taste, so when she woke me late last night with her request, I couldn’t say no.”

Last night? Angela glanced over to where Solmiri was talking to Aunt Lilly and her date. She didn’t know her fiancée as well as she had thought.

“You owe me the whole story, you know,” a shell-shocked Robin said as she appeared at her side.

“If you would stick around more often instead of galivanting around the galaxy, you wouldn’t miss out on family events,” she replied as she returned Robin’s hug.

Robin grinned. “Believe me, I’ve learned my lesson. I’m only grateful that I won’t have to worry about you marrying that obnoxious man anymore. He was so wrong for you.”

Howard. Angela chuckled as she squeezed Robin’s hand. The older woman despised Howard, even more so than the admiral. She had once offered to abduct him and dump in on one of those ‘end-of-the-galaxy’ mining outposts she loved to frequent.

“He wasn’t that bad.”

“I completely agree with Doctor Ford,” Solmiri spoke from behind her. “He was a terrible choice for you.”

Robin gave an elaborate bow in Solmiri’s direction. “As the empress speaks, so shall it be,” she murmured, drawing a giggle from Angela and a haughty look from the blonde. The two had just met, but Angela could tell that were they to grow closer, Robin and Solmiri could forge a formidable friendship bond. Their personalities were quite complementary.

CHAPTER 6

Robin looked around her in stupefied awe. Rumors about the Nouri’s wealth were many, but she believed they needed a bit of tweaking. The Nouri were beyond filthy rich. The ship was a luminous example of their affluence. Big, modern and opulent. Upon boarding the ship, Angela had brought her to what could loosely be called an executive lounge. The large space was fitted with a comfortable dining area and a fully-equipped kitchenette in one corner. Two crisply-dressed servers approached them for their orders and she allowed Angela to order her a coffee and light meal since it was noon, Earth time. Taking another sweep of the area she turned back to Angela. The brunette might be the Empress Consort, but it was evident that her friend was still struggling to fit in with the overwhelming lavishness. It made her more curious about the younger woman and her situation. She had spent much of her life caught between both admiring and feeling sorry for Angela. She admired her younger friend’s commitment to her career and herself, while at the same time, pitying her for not knowing how to enjoy the opportunities her beauty and social status afforded her. Now, Robin couldn’t help but feel reluctantly envious of her.

“What really happened, Ange?”

Angela inhaled deeply as those peculiar dark eyes of hers roamed over Robin’s face. “In short, I walked into a dingy bar one night and left a changed woman.”

“Last time I saw you…” She leaned closer. “Are you gay, Angie?”

“You tell me. I think you have more experience with this than I do.” She shrugged. “It happened so fast; I didn’t get a chance to question a lot of things.”

Robin was taken aback by the answer.

“Do you feel you should’ve?” She shrugged. “Questioned all this?”

“I’m not sure it would’ve made a difference.” A server came over to their table with their drinks and Robin watched in wonder as the Nouri almost glowed with pleasure as he served the brunette. Angela, for her part, offered a warm smile that made the man beam even more. When he had left, Angela took a sip of her drink.

“What do you mean?”

“The few times I’ve tried to reason it out, I seemed to find myself being more drawn to Solmiri. There is another force at work that I’ve come to realize has only my best interest at heart.”

Wow! Robin carefully placed her cup on the table. “How do you know that?”

“I have a ridiculously gorgeous wife who loves me and whom I adore and I’ve never felt more at peace with my life.”

Robin wholly agreed with that. It was evident that the two women were deeply in love. The empress may not be as touchy-feely as her Aunt Norma, but Robin saw the way the woman had looked at Angie last night. Her sister had been claimed and there was no way anyone or anything would wrestle her away from the enamored empress. As for Angie, as far back as she could remember, she couldn’t ever recall Angie ever taking time off work to simply ‘be with her mate’ as the young woman had stated in her tipsy state when Robin had enquired about her work.

An odd sensation settled in her chest as she wondered if she would ever experience such fulfillment besides her travels and casual intimate encounters. The food came and her stomach growled at the delicious aroma as the plate was placed before her. She looked at Angela with a grin.

“Really?”

“The Nouri chef makes the best mac ‘n cheese. Try it.” She picked up her fork. “It’s a favorite of Solmiri’s.”

Robin liked hearing the affection in her friend’s voice as she spoke of her mate. It was such a contrast to how she spoke about that automaton she had been dating. The whole family despaired over her choice, but it had been what Angela had wanted at the time. It was good to see the brunette so relaxed and content for a change. Maybe there was more to love and matrimony than simply surrendering one’s freedom to settle into a life that would gradually suffocate your individuality. Robin shuddered at the vision of herself bogged down like that. She was still young and her freedom meant everything to her.

“I assume you were ready to settle down then,” she asked Angie as she picked up her fork.

“No.”

“What?” Robin looked around and put her fork down before she had taken a bite. “But…? How could you not have been ready?”

“Because you’re not ready until you are,” Angela said around a bite of food. “Your food’s getting cold.”

Robin frowned at the response but instead took a bite of her food. She hummed softly. Angie was right. It was the best mac ‘n cheese she’d ever had. Even then, it wasn’t enough to distract her from their conversation.

“It doesn’t make sense.” She picked at her food. “What you just said doesn’t make sense.”

“It makes perfect sense to me.” The servers all of a sudden snapped to attention and they both look to the door to see the empress enter. She was in conversation with a tall, slender man. “I’ll admit that it didn’t happen overnight, but when I couldn’t imagine a world where I didn’t know of her existence, that’s when I knew just how ready I was not to let her slip through my fingers.”

Robin shook her head as she studied her friend.

“What?” Angela asked over the rim of her water glass.

“I just think it’s grossly unfair.” At the graceful arching of a sable brow, she sighed. “You went through life as a nibbler. You never once took a large bite out of it; only to be served up the largest bloody piece of cake. That’s what’s unfair.”

Angela threw her head back and laughed out loud, drawing all the attention to her. Robin noticed that the empress had stopped her conversation and was watching her lover with intense interest. Whatever her feelings about marriage and love, having a woman like that to come home to wouldn’t hurt. A pair of green eyes flashed before her and she abruptly cut off her trail of thought.

“Cake? Really? You can be so crass sometimes, Robbie,” Angela said with a naughty glint in her eye.

Robin shrugged. What were the odds of quiet, sweet Angie landing herself a woman who made goosebumps appear on her skin, just with one simple look?

***

Kuni kept her expression neutral as she watched her assistant’s rushed approach. Solmiri had informed her that they would be returning to Nourima with Robin and she had both dreaded and anticipated Robin’s arrival. After her conversation with her father, Kuni was almost impatient to have Robin here. She had done her own research and found that the symptoms were followed by severe disabilities which, unless they eliminate the cause of the illness, would render efforts to reverse the injuries utterly useless. The possibility of death as a final consequence and the idea of losing her father or anyone, made her shudder. Robin Ford might not know it yet, but she played a pivotal part in saving the lives of many.

“They have arrived, Ambassador.”

She nodded and took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She heard the sound of clipped footsteps and the next moment, an entourage led by Solmiri entered the auditorium. Kuni bowed deeply first at Solmiri and then at Angela.

“Welcome back, Your Highnesses.”

“Thank you, Ambassador.” Solmiri stepped aside to reveal Robin. “I believe you two know each other already.”

Kuni took a step forward and held out her hand. “We do. Welcome to Nourima, Doctor Ford. Your arrival has been much anticipated.” She tried not to notice how alluringly mussed the human appeared. The Nouri were all well-groomed and most preferred to wear neutral colors or plain white to the office. Not Robin Ford. Dressed in complete black with chunky boots and with her dark hair falling over her eyes, Robin stood out in the sterile white environment. She looked completely unbothered by her distinctiveness and just as unaware of how truly intriguing that made her.

“Thank you, Ambassador.” The grey eyes flitted over her and she was glad she had taken the time to try out a few outfits before she settled on the pale green tunic. When their eyes

met again, the flash of heat in Robin’s made her body respond instantly.

“If you’ll follow me, I’ll introduce you to our lead project scientists,” she said quietly, acutely aware of Solmiri’s gaze on her. “Will you be joining us, Your Highness?”

“No,” Solmiri said quickly and glanced at Angela. “We have a prior commitment.”

Having been an erstwhile lover of the woman, Kuni read the signs well and could tell that the ‘prior engagement’ will most definitely be confined to the couple’s private suites. She turned to Robin to find her staring after the couple with a pensive look in her eyes.

“Forgive my manners, Doctor Ford. Would you perhaps want some refreshments before we get started?”

“Thank you, but no. The trip over was quick.” She frowned lightly. “Much quicker than I would have ever expected.” She gave a tiny shake of the head as if still surprised. “I would like to get started, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, Doctor. This way please.”

Twenty minutes later, Kuni found herself standing to the side, looking at the circle of scientists around Robin. The introduction had gone much better than she could’ve anticipated. Robin had listened and Kuni found it most fascinating to see how Robin brought both factions together as she queried and countered some findings. Master Croll had mentioned that the human was not only intelligent but highly adaptable as well, and it showed, seeing her in action amongst the greatest scientific minds of Nourima.

“Ambassador, your next appointment is in ten minutes. Shall I postpone it?”

It was on the tip of her tongue to say yes, only to remember that the meeting had been postponed already once when she had to leave to find Robin. With one last look at the human, who appeared completely engrossed in the conversation, she reluctantly followed her assistant to her office.

“Ambassador? Ma’am?”

She blinked to find her assistant watching her with a worried look in his eyes.

“I apologize. You were saying?”

“They asked to meet in the auditorium since they had prepared a presentation for the meeting.”

She nodded. “That’s fine with me. Could you see to it that they have everything they need? I need a moment myself to prepare.”

“Of course, Ambassador.”

She waited until he left before she closed the door and leaned against it. She needed to pull herself together. It was impossible to comprehend how, after two days, the woman could still affect her so strongly. If the project was to succeed, she needed to remember that Robin Ford was a guest and forget about what had transpired between them. She took a steadying breath before she walked over to her desk to access the file for the upcoming meeting.

***

“Surface scans initially provided favorable readings for easy excavation, but the actual process wasn’t successful.” The man pursed his lips. “The earth was compact and too hard to breach. We had to settle for superficial samples.”

“I had the same problem the first time I tried to do that,” Robin replied as she glanced down at the open map. The whole planet’s surface had been mapped and divided into grids, numbered and detailed by soil type and color. She couldn’t imagine the number of hours it took to complete such a task. The Nouri left nothing to chance. Her arrival on the huge floating home world had left her slack-jawed and then breathless at the ingenuity and tremendous skill on display. Who would’ve thought you could build a whole planet across five large ships and trek it across the universe? Even though she had seen it with her own eyes, it still sounded incredulous to her. “It took me several tries before I realized that it wasn’t the composition of the soil that was the issue, but what lay underneath it.” She pointed at one of the grids. “This sector is rich in diamonds. What you encountered during your drilling were magnetite layers that encapsulate the diamonds.”

She looked up to find the scientists frowning at her. “Are you sure? Could diamonds be found this close to the surface?”

“Yes, that’s what is causing lots of men to die on the planet.” Robin had witnessed too many tragedies playing out on the surface of the planet that she hadn’t been back to visit in a long while. “These diamonds are harder than any others I’ve come across, and their clarity is unmatched. It is also quite difficult to mine, hence the many fatalities. In most areas in the sector, the diamonds form a thick intact layer that requires intensive laser drilling, which translates into an extended stay on the surface. That also puts a big drain on your ship’s resources.”

“How did you manage to remain on the planet for several hours at a time?” A young baby-faced scientist asked. “Our equipment is appropriately weather-resistant, but we have experienced too many malfunctions, which made it impossible for us to remain longer than half an hour.”

“Here.” She pointed to a grid that was almost on the other side of the planet. I didn’t have the equipment to drill through the diamond banks and instead looked for small patches where I could send my probe deeper than a thousand kilometers.”

“Thousand? That’s so much more than we could…” The young scientist shook his head. “Do you have those samples? What can we expect to find at that depth?”

“Yes. I brought the samples, along with the analyses.” She raked her fingers through her hair as she came upright. “After listening to Doctor Borl and Doctor Jule’s introduction to the projects…” She nodded at the two head scientists, an elderly gentleman and a young female scientist. “Can I assume that we are going with the greenhouse project?” Robin remembered that Kuni mentioned that the two factions were not seeing eye to eye on who’s idea would be more feasible. She also noticed a tiny bit of tension between the two lead scientists. It was good to see that good old egoism was still alive and well, even amongst the super-advanced Nouri.

“The empress made the final decision and she selected the photosynthetic biota approach as the preferred choice,” Doctor Borl supplied. “I am convinced that the outcome of the project would benefit greatly if we all have one idea and result in mind.”

Robin could see that it galled the older man and his team to concede defeat in front of their much younger peers, but the graceful acceptance of the youthful team took the sting out of it as their faces remained calm and neutral.

“In that case, I would beg you to allow me this moment to tell you what a distinct honor it is for me to be in your presence and to be considered to work with such brilliant, matchless minds.” She gave them a wide smile, wanting them to see how utterly charmed she was to be there. “You have effectively taken a story book myth of mine and made it into a reality when you managed to create a floating planet. Even as I’m standing here, it will take me many years to fully comprehend the mammoth task you’ve achieved to create this work of genius. It is by far the biggest miracle of my life.” All eighteen scientists’ faces lit up as she spoke, some gleaming with pride and others were self-conscious, but pleased. “With that said, I must admit that I find both approaches to be applicable. I can’t see why we couldn’t put both ideas to the test.” She took note of their wide-eyed stares. “The empress’ preferred choice would enjoy our full priority, but I believe testing an abiotic method simultaneously could eventually win over the empress’ approval.”

Doctor Jule’s youthful features showed her skepticism. “You said an abiotic approach, Doctor Ford. Are you referring to the original idea or what did you have in mind?”

“Funny that you should ask that. I assure you that I do not suggest something as elaborate as altering the planet’s orbit. I recently returned from a tour of the outer rim of the galaxy and have seen settlements and cities flourish on some of the most hostile environments known to man…” She shrugged at the self-evident expressions that greeted her account. “I’m sure you’ve encountered worse. However, I couldn’t help but wonder what those races could’ve accomplished were they to have access to a fraction of our resources.”

“How do you want to go about this?” a young male scientist asked carefully. “Since we are housed on Ambassador Kuni’s ship, we submit daily progress reports to her office.”

“If you will allow me, I will speak to the ambassador and inform her of our decision to run both ideas as a backup and also to see if they couldn’t complement each other to accelerate the terraforming process.”

They all looked instantly relieved and somewhat excited.

“What do you want us to do, Doctor Ford,” a cute blonde scientist with large blue eyes asked.

Robin glanced over at the two lead scientists who both nodded.

***

“A cake? What does confectionery have to do with the ceremony?”

Angela blinked to kickstart her fried brain cells into action after the mind-numbing orgasms Solmiri had wrung from her. She’d have to make a note to warn the woman that unless she wanted her to spend their honeymoon with a sprained back, she should take it easy on her.

“The cake?”

Solmiri was sprawled naked across her, her hair wild mussed and her face still flustered from their lovemaking. She lifted her head to look at her and, as always, Angela’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of the bright blue eyes. It was her favorite shade of blue. Whoever thought that the color of love was red needed only to look into her mate’s eyes to know how mistaken they’d been.

“Your grandmother said that she will be in contact to discuss the wedding cake.”

“Oh, the cake, yes.” She ran her finger along Solmiri’s collarbone. “It’s an old Earth tradition. It symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and good fortune to the couple. It also brings good luck to those who eat it.”

A small frown formed on the smooth forehead and Angela’s finger moved to run over the creases. “That presents a logistical nightmare.”

“Why?”

The blonde sat up, not bothered by her nakedness and Angela struggled not to let her eyes stray from the beautiful face.

“Why? We’ll have to provide cake to 150 million Nouri.”

Angela’s hand froze as she gaped at her mate. “You want to…”

“Yes,” came the quick answer. “I want them to share in my good fortune, every one of them.”

Angela felt her throat constrict at the response and she nodded. She also wanted everyone to share in her good fortune of finding her beautiful mate.

“In that case, I may have a better idea.”

***

“Doctor Ford has shattered all my preconceived misgivings about Earthlings.”

A snort sounded. “I can’t believe that you actually fell for her flattery.”

Robin stiffened where she was, on the floor, in the corner, wiping at the milk she had spilled. Oh crap! What terrible timing to be caught crouching on the floor? She should’ve just ignored the spill, but with the rest of the refectory looking spotless, she felt guilty for having made a mess

“Miri! She’s a brilliant scientist who also happens to possess good intrapersonal skills,” a voice said in apparent shock. “She’ll be a great addition to the team. If you ask me, she’s already proven her worth.”

“If we can all agree that she is simply here because she’s dispensable, then yes. Otherwise, I’m convinced she’s merely a publicity ploy from the top to get us to integrate with our new human in-laws.”

Robin squeezed her eyes tightly as she decided to reveal herself. The idea was not to eavesdrop, but they entered, thinking the area was empty. She hadn’t expected to be welcomed with open arms and was surprised that the initial animosity had been missing in her introduction and during the four hours they had spent reviewing her findings of Planet E -124’s crust and mantle samples. Since she had expected a different welcome, the criticism wasn’t surprising at all, only uncomfortable considering her current situation.

She rose and the two women, who were turning away from the food processors at that moment, caught sight of her. They had identical expressions of horror on their faces and Robin held up the napkin she had been using to clean up the spill.

“I made a mess and didn’t want to leave it lest someone slip and injure themselves.”

“Doctor Ford…” a weak call sounded, but she only smiled at both women before she grabbed her soiled dishes and deposited them in the recycling disposal unit on her way out. When she entered the small office that had been assigned to her, Robin smiled when she spotted a small vase with flowers on the desk. It hadn’t been there earlier. She picked up the vase and sniffed at the purple blossoms. It was unlike any scent she had ever come across. Subtle and spicy. She wondered what it was called. A rarity like this could quickly become a sought-after commodity. She’d ask around, perhaps when she thanked whoever it was that had thought of leaving them.

“Doctor Ford.”

She glanced at the door to find a young scientist standing there. They had all taken to wearing nametags after an hour of her struggling to remember their names. Keeping track of eighteen faces and names wasn’t an easy feat.

“How may I help you, Doctor Soulle?”

“We’ve compared your scans to ours. There is a huge discrepancy.”

Robin frowned. “How big?”

“It’s like we’re looking at two different areas.”

That couldn’t be possible. She hadn’t been on the planet for seven months, give or take a month or two. Even then, planet surfaces didn’t change dramatically over such a short period.

“Show me.” The only other explanation could be interference from the surface or a miscalculation from the long-range scanners. She briskly followed the young man to the main laboratory, where the others were already assembled.

“Is it true?” she asked as she approached them, her eyes already focused on the large screen.

“Yes, Doctor.” The lead scientist sighed. “We can’t come up with any explanation as to why the readings differ.”

Robin read their data twice before she nodded and met the eyes of the team. “I’ll have to go down to the surface. Something’s not right.” The expressions that met her statement varied from incredulity to confusion. “That’s why I’m here, remember. I’ve been to the surface before and…”

“You can’t go alone,” Doctor Borl interjected. The elderly man had a deep frown on his handsome face.

The conversation she had overheard in the refectory earlier came to mind. Perhaps the woman had been right. She was dispensable and there was no way she would put any of these people in danger.

“There is no need for that, Doctor. I’ve always operated alone. By the way, I will work faster if I’m alone and do not have to worry about the safety of someone else.”

The man didn’t look happy with that.

“In the meantime, I would like to look at your sampling kit. I’m convinced that it will outperform mine and we might as well see how much deeper we can go while I’m down there.”

***

Angela chuckled at the Empress Emeritus’ expression as she blinked at them.

“A hundred and fifty million pieces of cake?”

This time she didn’t stop the laughter that spilled from her lips. These people were truly wholesome. Their first thought was for their subjects. Goran looked just as stumped as his wife.

“That won’t be necessary.” They looked even more confused and Angela quickly explained further. “Or rather, we don’t need to have it all baked and distributed on the same day.”

“But…?”

Solmiri leaned into her and Angela’s arm instinctively slipped around her waist, drawing the elderly couple’s gazes. Thinking that she might’ve breached some protocol, she dropped her arm only to have Solmiri firmly replace it around her waist. She noticed a small spark in Damore’s eyes.

“Angela suggested that we have a three-day honeymoon on each of the ships.”

“Honeymoon?” Goran asked cautiously.

“It’s part of the nuptials. It comes after the formal ceremony when the couple leaves on a solitary journey.”

The Emperor Emeritus frowned. “To do what?”

Solmiri glanced at her and Angela felt her cheeks heating up as she cleared her throat.

“Well, it’s a romantic expedition where the couple strengthens their bond and shares their first few weeks together as a married pair.” When she was still the recipient of two blank stares, she swallowed. “It happens that many couples manage to conceive on their honeymoon.”

The older couple ahh’d as they looked at her and each other. She had forgotten that the Nouri was a sexually-liberated race and anything that dealt with sex was easily understood. Next time, she would lead with that.

“But you’ve already conceived,” Goran said.

“It’s never too early to practice for the next baby, eti,” Damore offered helpfully and Angela blushed wildly as she lowered her face.

“Enough, you two.” At Solmiri’s admonishment of her parents, she looked up to find the elderly couple grinning at her with sparkling eyes. She glanced from them to Solmiri and back at them. Her interaction with the elderly imperial pair over the past few weeks had been limited to the sharing of meals and a few after-dinner drinks. They were friendly and accommodating of her many faux pas as she tried to fill her role of empress’ consort, but not once had Angela thought that their relationship would alter so soon after her introduction into the royal fold. As an outsider, she expected that it would take some time for her to win their complete trust and maybe even affection. It would appear she had been mistaken.

“Were you teasing me?”

“Of course, we were,” Goran scoffed. “We have a human daughter-in-law. It’s only prudent that we try to learn as much of her culture as we can. Like pranking.” He squeezed her shoulder affectionately. “You need to lighten up, Angie.”

She grinned at hearing him use the abbreviated version of her name. The time spent with Norma also explained the unexpected slang. Their relationship was entering a new phase.

“I’ll try harder not to be so easily duped, Your Highness.”

“Enough with fooling around. We have a wedding to arrange.” Damore hooked her arm through Angela’s. “What do you want for your wedding?”

She blinked at the woman before she sought our Solmiri’s face. Her mate smiled encouragingly.

“We can decide together.”

“Are you sure? This is for you.”

“No.” She smiled at Damore. “This is for us. I want Solmiri to be involved in the decision-making every step of the way.”

The older woman’s face softened as she gently tapped her hand. “In that case, I would suggest we find time after the evening meal to set a date and theme.”

Angela was impressed with the elderly empress’ research. She also appreciated that they had wanted to make the whole ceremony about her, for her. It was time that she also reached out.

“Perhaps we could incorporate some Nouri customs and make it a beautifully blended affair.”

Solmiri moved to stand next to her, touching shoulders with her. When the blonde looked at her, her eyes blazed with love for her.

CHAPTER 7

Kuni was exhausted as she made her way down the gleaming hallway to her mother’s office. Since Enora was the Official Imperial Physician, her parents lived on the main ship, which was also the central section of the merged ships. A twenty-minute flight to see them regularly wasn’t too much of a commute.

The receptionist stood as she entered the foyer. “Ambassador. I’ll let Doctor know you are here.”

Kuni nodded and glanced at a chair. She was tired and perhaps while she was here, she could ask her mother to administer a booster for her. Thankfully the day was winding down. It had been particularly long with back-to-back meetings and consultations, but the emotional impact of seeing Robin again had been the most draining for her. On numerous occasions, she had caught herself thinking of the human and then her body would grow hot with memories. It only got worse as the day went on and she was eager to get home and have a cold shower to ease the tension. She had never before been so affected by anyone and…

“Ambassador? Ambassador Kuni?”

Kuni pursed her lips as she stood and ignored having been caught in her musings yet again. She acknowledged the receptionist and briskly walked past her to enter the office. A big smile formed on her face when she spotted her father and immediately walked over to kiss him on the cheek.

“Are you here to get me into trouble?”

She grimaced and glanced at her mother, who was standing next to her father, holding his hand. She rolled her eyes at her husband.

“He told you, didn’t he?”

“Yes.” She narrowed her eyes at her mother. “I should’ve known about this. Not only in my capacity as the ambassador of the technical and engineering urban ship,” she glanced at her father, “but as his daughter.”

Enora sighed. “I know.” She kissed Helber’s hand before she walked over to her desk. “I have a meeting with the empress and the chief physicians of all the ships tomorrow. I’ll make sure you receive an invitation to attend.”  She held out a palmreader. “This is what we have to date.” She suddenly looked drained. “It’s not good.”

Kuni scanned the data. Twenty thousand cases have been reported! The majority of the patients were showing signs of early-stage circulatory and neural degeneration with two percent in a more advanced stage of the disease. She swallowed. Where does her father fall in? She glanced at her mother and noticed a deep sadness in her eyes. The look said it all.

“Is this reversible?”

“Yes, but not while they are exposed to vibration during treatment.”

She nodded. “Can I take this with me?”

“Yes.” Enora stood. “How have you been? Is the new consultant working out?”

Kuni didn’t look up from her perusal of the data. Her mother could read her like a book. “She’s working together well with the team.”

“That’s good to hear. At present, she is our only hope at getting off the ships.”

Hearing that, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for Robin. So much depended on her without her being aware of it.

“From what I noticed earlier, she is fully committed to the project and I can tell that she wants this to be a success.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that you knew each other that well.” Her mother blinked slowly and Kuni could almost read her mother’s mind. “I assume you do.”

Kuni refused to blush and was grateful for the interruption when her mother’s assistant knocked on the door.

“I apologize for the interruption, Doctor. There is someone here to see you, Ambassador Kuni.”

Kuni frowned. Her assistant knew she was coming here, but he wouldn’t have interrupted her were it not important. She glanced at her parents, who shooed her on. When she exited the office, she was surprised not to find Ackert, her assistant.

“Doctor Belri?” The young scientist had recently graduated from the prestigious School of Engineering and Science, at the top of her class and was immediately recruited into the Terraforming Unit. The woman looked worried and a coldness settled around Kuni’s heart. “What can I do for you, Doctor?”

“I apologize for…” She stopped abruptly and took a deep breath. “Earlier today, during our midday break, Doctor Ford overheard Doctor Kleer make a disparaging remark about her.”

An inexplicable sense of protectiveness for Robin filled her, as did a hot rage. Even though she was seething inside, she postured utter calm as she studied the woman.

“What exactly did she say?”

A faint blush colored the youthful cheeks. “She insinuated that Doctor Ford’s only contribution to the project was the fact that she was expendable.”

Kuni bit down hard on her teeth to keep herself from reacting to the news. Expendable? Where did the woman get that from? More importantly, did Robin believe that? She needed to find out.

“Thank you for informing me,” she said as she tried to sidestep the woman. If she rushed, she could still catch Robin at the laboratory.

“There is more, Ambassador.”

She jerked her head back to face the young woman. “Yes?”

“Doctor Ford is planning on going to the planet’s surface tomorrow…alone.”

This time she didn’t even think to greet her parents as she hurried to the door. If she could get away with it, she would’ve strangled Kleer.

***

“Ouch! Bloody hell!”

Robin sucked on the injured digit and leaned back against the bulkhead. She needed to reroute auxiliary power to the shields in preparation for tomorrow’s trip. If she was going down there, she would only do so with her trusty old tin can. Luckily, the overhaul, though expensive, gave her the peace of mind she needed for an unplanned trip to the planet. She usually took at least two months to prepare for such a trip, but with the project being held up by the lack of accurate data, she needed to make do with the time at her disposal. With the connection made, she crawled down the tube to the exit. She hoped she didn’t have to return to the stuffy tube. She hated confined spaces, but had learned to do what needed to be done since she was always the only one on board. She clambered up the short ladder and the moment her head cleared the tube she spotted her visitor. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the tall woman standing in the center of the engine room.

“Ambassador Kuni.”

“Doctor Ford.” The woman’s eyes slowly raked over her scantily-clad frame, causing a swarm of butterflies to take flight in the pit of Robin’s stomach.

“I wasn’t expecting company,” she said in explanation of her vest and latex shorts. She noticed that she was also very grimy from her short crawl. Next time she saw Pali, she would make sure to lodge a complaint about their shoddy service. The tubes were part of the ship and their scrubbing was included in the large fee she had to pay for the complete overhaul. She looked up from her stained outfit to find the redhead’s unblinking gaze on her. “What can I do for you?”

“I’ve been informed of your plans to travel to the surface tomorrow.”

She shrugged. “Yes. We need new data since both sets of data we have appear to be outdated.”

“Outdated? How is that possible? Have the planet’s core readings changed?” Kuni asked with a frown.

Robin reached for a rag and wiped her hands. “We’re not sure and that’s why it’s necessary for me to go down there and collect new data.” She noticed a slight narrowing of the green eyes.

“Our scanners are more than capable of taking detailed readings of the surface and the core layers.”

She tossed the rag aside and moved to a console to compute the power output after the adjustment. Satisfied, she turned to Kuni, only to find the woman’s gaze sliding up from where it had been fixed on her derriere. On her trip over here, she had wondered how she would survive being around the redhead knowing that there wouldn’t be a repeat of what had happened two nights ago. A little smug at having caught the Nouri ogling her butt, she leaned back against the console and folded her arms across her chest.

“You’re right. Your scanners are by far the most advanced I’ve ever encountered. However, something on the surface is distorting the readings. I have to physically go see what that something is.” The woman’s gaze didn’t waver as she stared back at her with something akin to skepticism. “You’ve enlisted my help for this very reason. I don’t understand why you don’t want me to do what you’ve hired me for.”

Kuni finally looked away, picking at a piece of invisible lint on her immaculate suit. A suit that fit her lithe frame perfectly and accentuated her green eyes.

“I heard what happened over the midday break.” Her hand stilled. “You must know that what was said is not true.”

Robin tilted her head to the side as she studied Kuni. She had done some research on the Nouri structure of command and had found that Kuni was considered the most powerful citizen on the urban ship that housed the engineering and scientific headquarters of Nourima. She had many people answering to her and who held her in the highest esteem. There was no way that a simple gossip story would bring someone like her across two ships to the maintenance shipyard.

“Are you here to talk about a misplaced remark or is there something else I’m missing?” Her heart was racing as she saw a number of emotions flitting over the beautiful face. “Why are you really here, Kuni?”

***

The air in the room suddenly felt thick and suffocating, making her wish she had changed into something less formal before coming here. Kuni took in the sweaty, half-naked woman who was challenging her to tell her why she had sought her out tonight, when it could’ve waited until tomorrow.

To be honest, Kuni wasn’t entirely sure why she had rushed over here in the first place. Yes, the issue of Kleer’s reckless statement needed addressing, but that could just as well have been discussed at the office when the offending party was present.

Yet, here she was, trying with everything in her not to stare at the human’s lean muscular body. Her brow shot up when Robin took a small step in her direction. If she came any closer, Kuni knew she wouldn’t be able to think straight anymore. She just barely survived a day that had been disrupted by thoughts about the woman.

“If your reason for traveling to the surface unaccompanied is in any way related to what Doctor Kleer said, I’m here to dissuade you of doing that.” She held the stormy grey gaze. “You are not dispensable. You never were.”

“How do you know that?” came the quiet response. “Until a few days ago, you didn’t even know who I was.” Robin took another step closer and Kuni inhaled deeply, breathing in the sweat mixed with the woman’s unique musky aroma. It brought back potent, stimulating memories. Not only did she recognize the scent, she knew what it tasted like. She had run her tongue along the smooth column of that strong neck as Robin had steered her toward a messy, noisy tumble off a steep, swirling cliff.

“I am here because you were placed under my custodianship. I am responsible for your welfare while you are our guest.” How she could sound so calm, was astounding. “As for your value to the project. You came highly recommended and by someone who is just as highly regarded by the empress.”

Robin nodded. “Ok. Not the answer I was seeking, but I’ll take it.” She spun around and walked over to the console to punch in a string of codes. Kuni took a deep breath to steady her racing heart. “Since you are here, I was about to have supper. Care to join me?”

Grateful for the change in topic, she cleared her throat. “I would like that.”

The brunette threw a look over her shoulder at her. “Will you give me a moment to shower first?”

“Of course.”

Robin pushed away from the panel. “Let me show you to the galley.”

The ship was larger than the standard one-man space chargers and Kuni was surprised by how lived-in the space was. There were pictures, odd knickknacks, and small potted plants everywhere around the ship. It looked and felt like a home. They entered an elongated space that had a kitchen to the side and a small table and two chairs.

“Please, have a seat.” Robin walked over to the small processor. Kuni’s eyes tracked down the strong back to the tight glutes, but quickly snapped up when Robin spoke. “Would you like a pre-dinner drink?”

“A wine. Red, please.”

“Coming right up, Ambassador.”

When her host placed her drink before her, she noticed that she had also ordered a small plate with appetizers.

“I won’t be long.” And then she was gone. Alone in the room with only a faint strain of lilting music floating through the ship, Kuni leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

She wouldn’t be able to resist the woman any longer. What was worse, was that Robin wasn’t making it any easier for her. Not that she had to try very hard. Kuni’s body was still humming from her nearness to the woman. Her hand shook a little as she reached for her glass.

Perhaps she had been too hasty in letting Nera go. She could do with some distraction tonight. The only problem was that the last time she had tried to purge Robin’s memory by bedding another woman, it had increased her need for the human.

***

Robin rushed through her shower, eager to get back to her guest. Kuni’s unexpected appearance had effectively killed her mood for doing any more work tonight. She would rather spend the night gazing upon the Nouri’s beauty than reading through numerous core analyses. She threw on a t-shirt and loose-fitting pants before she slicked her damp hair back. That ought to do for now. Soft Hibren folk music played in the background as she made her way back to the galley.  As she entered, she found the redhead sitting stiffly in her chair, her hand still curled around the glass. Hooded eyes took in Robin’s appearance.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.” She knew she was gone for less than seven minutes, but she felt like she had to say something to stop her mouth from watering at the sight of the woman. How come Kuni appeared more beautiful every time she saw her?

“You didn’t, Captain Ford.”

Robin felt a rush of heat to her nether region.  The last time Kuni had called her ‘captain’, they had ended up in bed together. She licked suddenly dry lips. Was that what was going to happen again? Her knees felt weak at the thought of having a naked Kuni in her arms once more. The woman in question took a sip of her drink, drawing Robin’s eyes to her lips. She craved the feel of them on hers.

“Will you be joining me, Captain?” The soft query snapped Robin from her perusal.

“Yes. Any preference for the meal?”

“I’ll have what you’re having.”

Robin grinned and walked to the processor to key in her choice. Her stomach growled when the rich aroma hit her nostrils. When she turned back to the table, she held the dish out with a wide smile.

“What is that called?” Kuni asked with a wary look at the steaming pie.

“Pizza. It’s the food of gods.”

A sleek, coppery eyebrow arched as a sardonic smile tugged at the full lips. “You are surely not trying to convince me that your fictional deities ingest this… open-faced, oval-shaped dough with mismatched garnishes?”

Robin grimaced at hearing a pizza described in such sterile terms. “You just offended the god of pizzas,” she muttered a little sourly. “Everybody loves pizza.” When she looked at the woman, she blinked slowly. Kuni was teasing her and Robin had never seen her look more beautiful with her sparkling eyes and cheeky smile.

“Let me be the judge of that, Captain.” The soft drawl made her quickly put the pizza down lest it slipped from her suddenly nerveless grip. Please, let her not be mistaken and that Kuni was indeed flirting with her.

“I know that you’ll like it.”

Kuni brought her glass to her lips, studying her over the rim. “And if I don’t?”

The galley was quiet as they regarded each other. The atmosphere had shifted in the room and the sexual tension hung thick in the air. Robin found herself tongue-tied as she was held captive by the unblinking green gaze.

Think, Robbie, think, you idiot. This is your chance.

“You can demand anything from me,” she said finally and noticed with satisfaction that the glass jerked sharply in Kuni’s hand before she quickly placed it on the table.

The redhead cleared her throat softly, her eyes fixed on the steaming pie. “And if you win?”

“I guess I get to demand anything I like from you.”

Their eyes met briefly and slid away again. They both knew what they wanted and the pizza was a simple means to an end.

***

Kuni knew she was in trouble the moment she took her first bite of the warm, gooey mix of melted cheese and savory trimmings. Her eyes closed in ecstasy. Food had never tasted so sinful. Decadent, comforting and addictive, flitted through her mind as she chewed.

If this was created by gods, then their sole purpose was to entice their subjects to sin. She licked her fingers and opened her eyes, to meet a dark, stormy pair. The message in them was clear.

They were going to sin together.

“And?”

She licked her lips and found them slick with oil from the melted cheese. She had already lost, but she wasn’t going to make it too easy for the human.

“I’ll need a few more pieces to make a good judgment. There is a lot on the line.”

Robin’s eyes flashed with desire before she nodded and gracefully placed another slice on her plate.

“Let the sampling continue.”

Kuni eagerly reached for the slice. She loved the fact that one had to use your hands to eat this. It added to the deliciousness of the dish. Now that she knew what to expect, she took a small bite and chewed slowly. It was even better than her first experience.

“I never got to thank you for the flowers.” Robin gave her a warm smile as she bit into her pizza slice. “It was a nice touch.”

The flowers? Yes, she had asked Ackert to have some delivered. She had completely forgotten about them. Nor had she expected Robin to trace it back to her.

“What made you think it came from me?”

“You’re the only person I knew on the ship before today. And, it seemed like something you would do. You are an excellent host.”

The compliment made her giddy with pleasure, especially since it came from Robin. She fought the blush that threatened to spread to her cheeks and concentrated on her chewing. “I’m glad you liked them. I wanted you to feel welcome and to show our gratitude for your assistance.” And then Kleer happened. “Apparently Doctor Kleer had other ideas.”

Robin chuckled. “You really do seem ticked off by what happened. I can assure you that I’ve been subjected to worse. Egotism and competition are rife in the field and I’m sure I may have made myself guilty of the same conduct on a few occasions.”

Kuni returned her half-eaten slice to the plate. “That still doesn’t make it right. We may be new to many outside exposures, but the Nouri are courteous and friendly. Doctor Kleer’s conduct was improper and she will have to answer for it.”

Robin took a long drink from her beer and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I don’t want you to hold it against her. I landed in the middle of a tense standoff and both sides needed an outlet for their frustrations. Doctor Kleer, I assume, only got caught up in the moment.”

There were a lot of qualities about Robin Ford that intrigued her and she seemed to be finding more every day.

“By the way, we’ve decided to give both approaches a chance.”

It took a moment to register what Robin was talking about and when it did, she snapped to attention. “WHAT?” She pushed the plate away. “You had your instructions. Not from me, but from the empress,” she said sharply. For some reason, she felt betrayed and it hurt. Kuni stood stiffly and Robin did the same.

“Just hear me out for a moment, Kuni.”

“What more is there to say? You’ve disobeyed a direct imperial command and that is tantamount to insubordination.” The disappointment was growing into anger and she wanted to leave before she said something regrettable. Be as it may, they still needed Robin.

“Our priority is the biotic approach, which is why I need to get the new readings tomorrow.” Kuni pursed her lips. Mentioning the trip tomorrow didn’t help matters. “But if we hope to speed up the process, then we need a combination of both methods.” Robin slowly moved around the table to stand before her, looking at her with those peculiar eyes of hers. “As beautiful and comfortable as these ships are, I can’t imagine how eager you all must be to feel solid earth under your feet.”

Kuni took a deep breath as she stared at the woman with a mixture of surprise and hope.

***

Robin watched Kuni closely, trying to read her next move. She had expected pushback from Kuni, but not like this. It was almost as if the woman had more to lose than having to explain to her empress that resources were being split. She wanted to touch the woman, but her earlier research of the Nouri had revealed what she had expected. They possessed superhuman strength. During their lovemaking, Kuni had flipped her over with incredible ease and speed.

Still, Robin wanted to touch her and assure her that there was no malice or disrespect intended with the decision.

“Kuni…?”

The redhead’s hand lifted and Robin flinched closing her eyes as she waited for the blow. Instead, a soft warm touch on her cheek made her open her eyes. Kuni watched her with concern.

“I will never hurt you.”

Robin shrugged. “You guys are very strong.”

“But never violent.” Kuni dropped her hand and seemed to deflate before Robin’s eyes. “Only a select number of officials know this, but we are racing against time to save our older population.” She launched into a summary of the situation and Robin could feel the sadness coming off the woman. She had heard of the effects of vibration exposure before, but never thought it could have such severe repercussions.

“You’re a good woman and a great leader who cares for her people.”

Kuni smiled sadly. “My father is one of the afflicted.”

Robin blinked. It was also personal for Kuni. “More reason for me to go tomorrow.”

“Not alone.”

“I don’t want to put anyone else at risk.”

Kuni shook her head. “Nor should you put yourself at risk. I was serious when I said that you’re not expendable.”

The concern the woman showed for her was heartwarming, even faced with the possible loss of her father.

“I will be careful.” Kuni pursed her lips again. “I’m always careful.” She wanted her to know that. Wanted her to believe her. The only way she could think of was to lean closer and brush her lips against Kuni’s. An invisible electric charge arched between them as they stood in silence, their lips touching. Robin hated to admit it, but she was hopelessly infatuated with this woman. Unlike her previous conquests, she didn’t feel like she had broken through the woman’s defenses. Instead, she always felt like she was the one surrendering. She lifted her lips, but before she could move, strong hands on her back held her in place. A heatwave washed over her as she realized what was happening. She closed the distance between them as she kissed the redhead again. This time, she nudged the soft lips with her tongue, demanding entrance. The kiss deepened quickly as their tongues met and tangled furiously. Their hands frantically stroked and impatiently pulled at clothing until the soft music was overridden by the sound of harsh breathing and ripping material. Feeling smooth, naked skin under her roving hands, Robin broke the kiss to look at what she had exposed. The perfection of a naked Kuni was too tempting not to see again. Kuni clasped her head in her hands before she could look at her body.

“Why did you stop?”

“To look at you,” she husked as her hands stroked over the warm flesh.

“You can do more than that.” Kuni’s pupils were dilated as she leaned to resume the kissing. But Robin had other plans. If it was a kiss the Nouri wanted, then she was going to give her one that she won’t quickly forget. With a quick peck on Kuni’s lips, she dropped to her knees. Kuni’s pants were pooled at her feet and Robin carefully lifted first one leg and then the other to remove them. They would only be in the way of what she had in mind. Next to go was the delicate underwear that barely covered the coveted prize. When the intimate scent enveloped her nostrils, she swallowed in anticipation.

She looked up to find Kuni looking down at her with smoldering eyes and slightly parted lips.

“You’ll have to hold on to something, darling.”

Her first taste of the woman made Robin hum softly as she ran the tip of her tongue through the slick lips. It was addicting. For such a composed, well-groomed woman, Kuni tasted wild. Musky and earthy. She slid her hands around the narrow waist to clutch the firm globes and squeezed them hard as she flicked her tongue over the hardening clit. A soft squeak coming from above her head made her smile. That was but the first sound of many that she hoped to draw from the beautiful ambassador tonight.

She pulled the clit into her mouth and suckled it while she rhythmically squeezed the tight mounds. To her utter delight, Kuni widened her stance some more and slowly began to roll her hips. Robin introduced her tongue and teeth and felt the redhead’s rhythm falter slightly. She planned to have the woman for the whole night and was eager to hear her scream her name until she was hoarse. That meant that she needed to wrap up the foreplay so they could get to the really heavy, serious stuff. Her sex clenched at the thought of what she wanted to do to Kuni. Served the woman right for having haunted her dreams and thoughts constantly for the past two days. She gently probed the intimate entrance with her fingers, a move that elicited a breathy ‘oh’ from Kuni. When Robin lifted her mouth, Kuni quickly grabbed the back of her head and held her in place.

“Don’t stop,” she ordered harshly.

Robin brought her hand to her lips and in reply sucked two fingers into her mouth.

“We are only just beginning, honey.” She didn’t waste any time and entered Kuni who trembled lightly as Robin slid in easily.

With passionate focus, she made love to Kuni, relentlessly teasing her only to stop before she climaxed. When she finally decided to take mercy on the woman, she listened with delight as Kuni’s shouts of release echoed through the room.

CHAPTER 8

“Are you sure?”

Solmiri looked at her parents and back at her mate. Everyone looked surprised, but not disappointed.

“Yes, I am.”

It was strange that the person most concerned by her decision was the non-Nouri.

“As the Empress of the Nouri, shouldn’t you be…?” Angela paused. “The Nouri will be expecting you to wear symbolic Nouri garb to commemorate the event.”

Yes, perhaps. Angela was right, but things are changing. The Nouri knew that as well as she. They had embarked on a lot of firsts together. Their beloved planet was gone and they had left their galaxy in search of a new home. Their empress was mated to an off-worlder, and their child would be the first of a new generation of Nouri/human hybrids. It only made sense that since they had decided to integrate both cultures, they use their wedding as a stage to emphasis the new phase they were entering.

“Not unless their empress consort were the one who wore the traditional Nouri outfit.”

Angela’s eyebrows shot up. “You want me to wear Nouri colors?”

The room grew silent and in the quiet, Solmiri could hear her heart crack. Had she been hoping for too much, too quickly? When Angela had finally declared her love and had accepted her wedding proposal, she thought that the divide between their two species had once and for all been bridged. She gave a weak smile at her quiet parents, reading the same distress in their eyes.

“Maybe you’re right…”

“Am I worthy enough to…”

They both stopped talking and blinked at each other. Solmiri reached for her mate’s hand, eager to know more. Angela was an extremely confident woman and acutely self-aware. She would never doubt herself as she was doing right now unless there was a good reason for it.

“What do you mean?”

Angela shrugged. “The Nouri are still getting used to the idea of me. Would it be acceptable for them to see me wearing their symbols? Would it not destroy what little kinship I’ve managed to establish with them?”

Solmiri searched the dark eyes intently. Angela was genuinely worried about alienating the Nouri so soon after their joining.

“To be sure, you don’t have any qualms about wearing Nouri garb?”

“No, of course not.” The brunette looked a little offended by the suggestion. “Why would I? If I hope to be fully accepted as Nouri one day, then recognizing the Nouri culture and customs is vital in accomplishing that. I only fear that donning ceremonial Nouri attire, of which I don’t fully understand the significance yet, might be construed as doing too much, too soon. The people deserve the chance to decide how they feel about us and the merging of our two cultures.”

Solmiri was staring at her mate. Angela didn’t realize it yet, but she was becoming more Nouri every day. She was already putting the needs and welfare of the Nouri first, as would be required of an empress consort. Perhaps, she need not worry too much about how her love was going to adapt to life amongst the Nouri. They will adore her, if they don’t already.

“What do you suggest?” she asked softly, wishing they were alone because she so desperately wanted to kiss her.

“I don’t know. Maybe we could have two sets of outfits and interchange during the ceremony.”

“That’s a brilliant idea,” Damore said quickly, excitedly. “I think Goran and I will do the same. If your mothers are amenable, we could have Nouri outfits made for them too.”

The conversation continued between her parents and it gave Solmiri the opportunity to draw Angela’s attention.

“That is a splendid idea. I must admit that I always find myself worrying that you feel a little overwhelmed by all this.”

“I am, but I like the challenge of the added responsibility.”

She smiled tenderly at the woman she loved more than anything and nodded. “Perhaps we can continue with the arrangements tomorrow.”

Dark eyes grew hot as they raked over her. “I agree. The traveling has left me a little exhausted.”

When they turned to her parents, they found the older couple smiling at them knowingly.

***

Kuni pressed her face into the pillow to smother the moans she couldn’t suppress anymore. Her body was slick with sweat as she pushed back against Robin’s energetic thrusts. She had lost count of how many times she had climaxed, but the human was inexhaustible. She had taken her standing up as soon as they had entered the bedroom and then made her bend over the small coffee table as she had used her mouth on her again. And now, she was laying spread-eagle on her stomach with a pillow hoisting her hips as Robin took her from behind.

It had been decades since she had last felt so thoroughly ravished like this. The only person who ever exerted some dominance over her in bed had been Solmiri. She loved surrendering her control, albeit for a short while. It made her feel all woman and less like the ambassador. She had worked hard to obtain her rank, but it came with its drawbacks. Potential conquests and lovers expected her to exert the same power in the bedroom that held as a politician, while all she wanted was to be made to feel like a woman.

Soft, kisses along her spine, made her arch into the touch. The tenderness was in complete contrast to the loud creaking of the bed as they coupled wildly and insatiably.

Robin’s desire for her was exhilarating. As forceful as she was in taking her, her hands remained gentle as they stroked and touched her. Almost as if she wanted to assure Kuni that she wasn’t alone in the storm. She bit down on her lip when the slow tell-tale building in her legs started; a wave that snaked through her blood as it warned of another spectacular explosion.

“I’m almost there,” Robin murmured as she locked her arms under Kuni’s body, bringing their bodies closer. If it was even possible, her inexhaustible stamina was on full display as she increased the pace.

Their ragged breathing filled the room as they strained together, not wanting to leave the other behind. A few moments later, they both came in a rush of shouts and messy kisses. Spent, they lay in each other’s arms, too drained to move.

“I must be crushing you.” Robin rolled off her to lay sprawled out on her back, her chest heaving. “Are you okay?”

Feeling suddenly self-conscious, Kuni could only nod. Her silence made Robin look at her and Kuni couldn’t help but think that at that moment her eyes resembled the color of the sky after a tropical storm. Light and calm. Robin studied her hard before she rolled toward her to hook a leg over hers.

“Was I too rough?”

“No.”

There was a small pause. “Do you regret it?” Robin's eyes were hooded as she asked that.

“No.”

A brilliant smile lit up the handsome features. “Neither do I.” They lay in silence watching each other. “Will you get into trouble for this?”

Kuni didn’t want to think about that now. The answer was more complicated than she could explain. All she knew, was that she was getting very attached and it was terrifying. Once the project was done, she was sure that Robin would move on and return to her life of adventure and women.  The idea of another woman lying with Robin as they were doing right now, was quite disturbing.  Kuni rolled over to hide her reaction, giving her back to Robin.

“I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

The air in the room had changed. It was tense now and the silence was awkward.

“Do you want to leave?”

Did she, Kuni asked herself. It was late, almost midnight. Perhaps she should go back home and think about how she was going to deal with her ill-advised interest in the human.

“I don’t want you to go.”

The quiet words made her throat swell with unexpected emotion. This wasn’t helping at all. Why couldn’t Robin just be consistent for a change? An unruly womanizer, who after she’s gotten what she wanted from a woman, moved on to the next conquest. Wasn’t that what she had heard about the woman? That was the woman she hoped to encounter now. The one that would help her make a clean break and return her life to normalcy.

A hand landed on her hip, it’s heat and familiarity making her close her eyes in surrender. Her body knew the touch all too well.

“I don’t want to go either.”

“Then don’t. Let’s wake up in each other’s arms tomorrow.”

Sleep. That was an easy decision to make. She sighed softly when Robin scooted closer and curled her sturdy frame around hers. It felt wonderful to be held like this. Close and safe.

Her eyes drifted shut, but she was still awake when she felt the soft kiss on her shoulder knob.

“Sleep well, darling.”

***

Robin wrinkled her nose, trying to remove whatever it was that was interrupting her sleep. When she wanted to lift a hand to slap the offending object away, she found her hand trapped, held down by a weight. Alarmed, her eyes shot open and the sight that greeted her made her heart swell rapidly with an unknown emotion that she feared might make it explode. Sleeping next to her, like the princesses in the fairytales her grandmother used to tell her, was Kuni. Her coppery locks were fanned out on the pillow that they were sharing, but it was the sight of Robin’s hand trapped under the woman’s cheek that made her swallow with difficulty. With her eyes closed and her face relaxed in repose, it was astounding how young the woman appeared. If she had grown up with the empress, as she had been informed by Angie, then she must be close to the same age. That would make her ninety years old. It was simply impossible to comprehend looking at the woman right now.

Scared to move and wake her, Robin lay in rapt silence as she studied the woman. She had known many beautiful women in her life but none ever possessed the ability to make her question herself quite like Kuni did. Robin had lived a carefree life with no real commitments, besides her family. Money wasn’t an object and thanks to her mother and aunts, she was trained from the age of ten to take good care of herself. Across the galaxy, her reputation as a scientific explorer was well-established and her travels and work had helped her to create friendships with individuals from all walks of life. The galaxy was her playground.

Why would she even give up her freedom for anything? Why restrict herself by settling in one place, with one woman?

Her eyes roved over the sleeping woman.

Kuni came dangerously close to making her question her lifestyle. She felt constantly off-kilter in the redhead’s presence. Robin’s flirtations and innuendos seemed not to be working on her. Kuni had chosen every intimate interaction between them. Her choice and her time. No matter what she did, she couldn’t help but feel that the Nouri wasn’t in the least impressed by her. Thus, her overcompensating display last night. She had made love like she was possessed. Anything she could extract from the woman, be it a moan or a shudder, she had proudly added to her very tiny heap of victory where Kuni was concerned. Robin wanted the woman to find her at least half as mesmerizing as she found her. She wanted her out of control, instead of that quiet, poised aura that she exuded.

She wanted her to… Robin’s trail of thoughts stopped and she blinked rapidly as she gazed upon the sleeping beauty.

Goosebumps broke out on her skin. Holy hell!

Was that it?

Had she been too distracted not to pay attention? But why would she? It had only been a few days; less than a week even. It took longer than that to…

Intruder on board.

The call made them both sit up. Kuni looked wideawake as she slipped from the bed and reached for her clothing. Stunned, by the naked splendor and the thrilling sight of a disheveled Kuni, Robin could only gape at her.

“You have a visitor,” Kuni threw over her shoulder as she got dressed.

“Yes.” She threw her legs off and grabbed her shorts and tank, which she donned hastily. As she made her way to the door to intercept whoever it was that would interrupt her sleep so early, she came to an abrupt halt. Kuni was zipping up her tunic and combing her fingers through her wild mane. “No regrets.”

The redhead stopped her grooming attempt to look at her. The green eyes were lighter than usual as she watched her. The silence that stretched wasn’t long, but it was long enough to cause a sinkhole to form in the pit of Robin’s stomach.

“No regrets, Captain Ford.”

Her knees buckled a little at the intimation. Kuni had called her ‘captain’.

“Ambassador Kuni,” she whispered before she quickly let herself leave lest she tackled the woman again and gave their unwelcome visitor an eyeful. She heard some off-key whistling coming from the galley and sighed as she hurried there. She needed to give Kuni some cover to slip away.

Angela stood by the processor, dressed in her Peacekeeper’s uniform, sipping from a cup.

“At six in the morning?”

The brunette spun around and smiled, but it slowly froze on her face. “What the hell, Robbie!” She slammed the mug on the table to come over to peer at her. “Is that a hickey? You’ve barely been here a day and already you’re screwing around.”

Self-conscious, she touched her neck, speechless as she avoided Angela’s eyes. When did Kuni get the chance to do that?

“There’s nothing there,” Angela said quietly and she snapped her gaze to the older woman. “From your reaction, I take it that you’re still up to your old tricks.” She picked up her mug and sipped from it as she studied Robin from over the rim. “Be careful. The Nouri are dangerously addictive.”

Robin thought that it was way too late for that warning.

***

“Her Royal Highness Empress Solmiri.”

Kuni shot to her feet as she saw her friend and sovereign enter her office. She wracked her brain to remember whether she had forgotten an appointment with the woman.

“At ease, Kuni. I’m here in a personal capacity,” Solmiri drawled as she took a seat in the visitor’s chair opposite from her. “I need to talk to you.”

She knew.

Since she was bound by an oath of morality to her empress, Kuni knew that she wouldn’t come out of this one unscathed. She took a deep breath before she sat down, her eyes not leaving Solmiri’s face. With all her focus on the woman, she only noticed now how different her friend appeared. Solmiri glowed from the inside out, her eyes holding a deep, enigmatic look. Kuni had seen the same look in women who were expecting. The beginnings of life always held a bit of mystery. However, in Solmiri’s case, it was more pronounced. Her friend was carrying the first Human/Nouri hybrid.

“I know I have no right to…”

“You do, and I apologize for having disappointed you.” Her heart felt like it was breaking as she continued. “I promise that I will refrain from having any more contact with her.”

Solmiri’s eyes shot wide. “I beg your pardon?”

Kuni pursed her lips. She didn’t want to make this more painful than it already was. “I’ll understand if you feel you need to choose someone else to oversee the project.” To her horror, she felt her eyes well up. The idea of breaking her ‘no regrets’ promise to Robin devastated her. Why she felt so strongly about it, she couldn’t say. All she knew was that she wanted to keep that promise.

Solmiri stood and Kuni thought she was leaving, only to see the woman skirt the desk to pull her to her feet. Through tear-filled eyes, she tried to read her friend’s expression. Solmiri looked concerned.

“I came here to ask you to be my Matron of Honor. Angela says that humans usually asked their best friend to fulfill that duty when they get married.”

Kuni leaned into Solmiri as she allowed tears of relief to fall. It couldn’t be that bad if Solmiri still considered her as her best friend. Strong arms held her close as she cried softly.

“I gladly accept the honor. Thank you for asking me,” she murmured through her tears.

“Who else was I going to ask than the person I grew up with and whom I have loved all my life.” Solmiri’s voice sounded thick with emotion before she cleared it. “As for Robin Ford, I knew the moment I laid eyes on her that you wouldn’t stand a chance resisting her.”

Kuni gasped as she pushed out of Solmiri’s arms to find the blonde smiling at her.

“You knew?” she asked incredulously.

“Of course,” Solmiri said. “She is a little rough around the edges and bold, but also very gentle and good-looking. She is everything you’ve always wanted. Someone who isn’t intimidated by your vaunted self-discipline and rank.”

Kuni could only gape at Solmiri. How could she not have realized that earlier? That was a flawless description of Robin and more. It also confirmed what she had known for a while now. How was she going to cope when the time came for Robin to leave? She purposefully blocked the thought by turning her attention back to Solmiri.

“How did you know?”

“You are my best friend. I should know these things.”

Kuni quietly leaned back into her friend’s arms.

***

“The readings in these grids vary.”

Robin frowned. They were all clustered together. Why would only they be affected? She rubbed over her face. She would have to go down there to see for herself.

“I’ll leave within the hour.”

Doctor Borl shook his head. “Not before you’ve had a medical exam. It’s compulsory for any mission off-ship.”

“Even though I had one just yesterday upon arrival?”

The man nodded. “Yes.”

“Fine.” She stood only to feel a little faint and fell back into the chair. Doctor Borl skirted the desk. “I’m fine. I probably stood too quickly.”

“Which shouldn’t happen if you were in peak condition.”

She snorted. “I’m human, Doct…”

“Call me Evler.”

She hesitated, but the man’s quiet encouraging gaze made her smile. “As I was about to say, Evler, we humans rarely operate at peak conditions. There is always something unaligned somewhere.”

“I wish you hadn’t said that.” He folded his arms over his chest. “They will not allow you to travel to the planet if you don’t pass the exam.”

Robin stood. “Just like you, I’m here to do a job, Evler. A little dizziness because of a lack of sleep, is not going to stop me from fulfilling my duty.”

The man need not know why she was suffering from a lack of sleep. She had done enough explaining earlier with Angela. The younger woman hadn’t outright said it, but Robin could tell that she knew about her and Kuni. Her proposal on their first meeting must’ve reached the empress and subsequently her mate.

There was a commotion outside the office and both Robin and Evler snapped to attention at the sight of the tall blonde empress entering the office. The stiff countenance of the woman could mean only one thing. The empress wasn’t happy and somehow Robin knew that it had something to do with her.

Evler bowed and Robin followed suit.

“Your Highness.”

“Doctor Borl.” Sharp blue eyes swept over Robin. “I need a minute of your time, Doctor Ford.”

She noticed the concerned look on Evler’s face when he glanced at her before he excused himself.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

***

Knowing what she did now, it felt like she was truly seeing Robin for the first time. The human squirmed under her scrutiny and Solmiri shifted her gaze to take in the office. It was small, but comfortable and her eyes fell on the potted plant.

Cerellix.

A symbol of hope and promise. It was a rather intimate gift for an office setting, but then who was she to decide what the woman could keep in her office or not.

“How are you settling in?”

“Quite well, thank you, Your Highness. The team has been very accommodating.”

Solmiri looked up from her perusal of the map on the desk. That was not what Kuni had told her. “That is not what I heard.” She noticed the small grimace before the woman’s face schooled into one of indifference.

“It was a minor misunderstanding about my role here, but I can assure you it has no impact on my duty or that of the team.”

“That’s good to hear.” She took the seat and studied the woman closely. “Although I must stress what has already been reiterated by Ambassador Kuni regarding the issue. Your presence here is crucial to the success of the project.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Robin glanced at the door and back at her. “With all due respect, Your Highness, I can’t help but feel that your visit here is not only about my well-being.”

Solmiri nodded. “You’re right on that account. Ambassador Kuni has informed me of your decision to run a secondary project involving an abiotic oxygen generation model. She mentioned that should it be viable; it might fast-track the project.”

Robin seemed a tad uncomfortable. “I assure you, Your Highness, that I meant no harm or disrespect when I suggested the idea. On my travels, I have seen both methods implemented simultaneously with rapid efficiency.”

She liked that Robin acknowledged both ideas had great merit. She had found that to be true as well, but without the time and in the absence of a clear approach to accommodate both teams, she had to make a choice, knowing that one of the groups would feel let down. Thanks to Robin, whose impartiality in the matter made her a perfect vehicle to create a bridge between the two teams, Solmiri could expect a renewed sense of personal ownership toward the project from the scientists. Not that she ever doubted their dedication at all. They had proven themselves continuously in the past six decades. This time, however, the urgency was intense. It was not about finding a home anymore; it was about saving lives now. The quicker they can get results the better for all.

“I applaud you in this regard, however, I have one condition.”

The relief on Robin's face faltered. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“I will not have you travel to the planet alone.” When Robin opened her mouth to speak, she held up her hand. “I’ve made my decision, Doctor Ford. Either you find someone to accompany you or I appoint someone for you.” She stood. “Thank you for your time.”

She wasn’t entirely happy that she had to pull rank over the human, but she had come to do what was expected of her as a friend. Kuni’s ill-concealed worry about Robin’s solo trip was obvious, she couldn’t stand by and do nothing.

***

“A ship just dropped out of warp, Commander. It’s the Omnitel.”

Angela glanced up from her console with a slight frown. This was a surprise because the trip wasn’t listed on the flagship’s roster. Nor did the Omnitel undertake unplanned trips without sending out a fleetwide alert.

“They are hailing us, Commander.”

She stood. “On screen.”

The screen flickered and instead of the captain’s face, it was the Grand Admiral’s face that greeted her.

“Grand Admiral.”

“Commander.” The dark blue eyes were sharp as they flitted over the bridge crew, who all saluted crisply, and then back to her. “At ease. We require your presence onboard the Omnitel, Commander Burkhouse.”

“I will beam over right away, Grand Admiral.” The screen flicked off and she turned to her second in command. “You have the bridge, Lieutenant. Keep us at yellow alert.”

She made her way to the transporter room and was beamed over to the GSC flagship. As she appeared on the large ship, she was met by an armed security detail that escorted her to the boardroom with more security officers stationed in the hallways. The presence of the Grand Admiral onboard warranted the extra security detail. What remained a mystery was why the Grand Admiral was even on board. She rarely left the security of the Galactic Security Council Headquarters.

They arrived at the boardroom where the Grand Admiral, Lord Bunq, Captain Burkhouse, Doctor Greb, a Rumee Astro-Engineer, and two security chiefs from neighboring planets in the Vimt sector waited for her. She saluted.

“Commander Burkhouse,” Lord Bunq greeted her. Whereas he usually presented a relaxed mien, he appeared tense. “Please take a seat. You have met Imperator Kilon and General Moinn.”

She bowed her head in the direction of the two security officers before she turned her attention to the Grand Admiral. The introductions were usually done by the Alliance Ambassador and with that done, Lord Bunq reverted power to the Grand Admiral.

“We have reason to believe that an armada of fleeing refugees is headed toward the Vimt sector border.” She paused to clasp her hands together. To Angela, who knew all her mother’s mannerisms and their meanings, she knew that what her mother was about to tell her was big. “Data from our stealth probes picked up on something a whole lot more disturbing than a wave of refugees. There are rumors of premature signs of a possible merging of the Belric and Antomica dwarf galaxies.”

Angela’s mouth fell open at hearing that. Merging galaxies? Was that for real? For as long as she remembered the idea of merging galaxies was a futuristic myth; predicted to happen billions of years from now. No one would be alive to witness such a catastrophe. Her mother’s blue eyes flashed knowingly.

“The shift is unprecedented, but if true, we have to anticipate and prepare for the influx of people as well as potential ecological impacts to the worlds within the radius of the projected impact zone. We estimate the refugees will arrive as early as in the next two to four weeks,” the Grand Admiral continued. “We need to speed up the launch of the space stations.”

“Space stations, Grand Admiral?” She was only aware of the construction of one.

“Yes, two more. We intend to establish a larger than anticipated contingent of Peacekeepers in the sector. With our own rogue planets to monitor, we need more eyes to maintain order in preparation for the influx of refugees.”

That made sense, Angela thought. It thrilled her to know that the Vimt sector would finally receive the necessary GSC presence needed to establish order. With Nourima located here, this was her home now and she wanted her child to grow up in a tranquil, prosperous environment.

“According to our schedule, the first station is already underway and could be operational before the refugees’ arrival,” Angela offered.

“I know,” the Grand Admiral acknowledged. “I have also arranged for two smaller structures to be transported here within the week. They can serve as interceptor hubs before the main station. Although some features still need to be finalized, they are ready to be occupied. A group of engineers will be assigned to complete the construction and attend to glitches on the go.”

“Understood, Grand Admiral.”

“Are you not forgetting something, Commander,” Lord Bunq asked. Not sure what he was referring to, she could only blink at him. “We’ll need someone to oversee all three stations.”

Angela glanced at her mothers, but there was nothing forthcoming from them.

“I will ensure that a proper changeover of duties is done to ensure a smooth transition for the new candidate, sir. We will have…”

“No need for that, Commander,” the Grand Admiral interrupted. “It was decided that the candidate should be familiar with the area. Thus, the decision was unanimous that you be assigned to the position of Station Commander.”

Angela sat in silence, taking in the faces around her. Norma beamed with pride and Lord Bunq was smiling broadly. The Grand Admiral and the two security chiefs’ expressions remained neutral in the wake of the announcement.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me and I will execute my duty to the best of my abilities, ma’am.”

“Congratulations, Commander,” The Grand Admiral stated evenly before she stood. “Now join us as we sit in on a presentation on the potential impacts a galactic merger could have on our own.”

Angela waited for the more senior officers to leave the room until only she and Norma were left. She was swept into a tight embrace and Norma pressed a kiss against her cheek before they left the room. As Angela walked next to her mother, all she could think about was Solmiri.

Two weeks wouldn’t do. If they were to expect an influx of refugees, she would be missing out on the biggest day of her life.

The wedding would not take place as scheduled.

CHAPTER 9

Robin noticed the slight frown on the doctor’s forehead as he looked at the medical scanner in his hand.

“Is there a problem, Doctor?”

He looked up at her and back at the device. “I must admit that I’m not as familiar with human physiology as expected, but I know enough to be sure that your temperature is uncommonly high, Doctor Ford.”

“That’s impossible. I feel fine.” There was no way that an insignificant fever was going to stop her from traveling to the planet. Except for curbing her own curiosity in finding what was causing the altered readings, she wanted to do this for Kuni. The woman was devastated by her father’s illness and even though she was trying to be objective and act professional, her pain at accepting her father’s fate had been very real.

The doctor’s handsome face was blank as he stared at her. “The results prove otherwise.” He put the device aside. “I need to run more tests.”

Pursing her lips, she sat up. “No, you don’t.” She was about to swing her feet off the cot, but was calmly and effortlessly pressed onto her back.

Bloody hell!

She had forgotten how strong they were. It would serve her nothing at all to fight back.

“If you leave, I have no other option but to rule you unfit for duty and prescribe bedrest.”

Robin exhaled noisily as she stared at the ceiling. She needed to keep her cool if she hoped for this session to end in her favor.

“You may continue, Doctor.”

He nodded and moved away to return with a hover tray. For the next few minutes, she lay there with her eyes closed as the doctor performed his examination. She hadn’t lied to the man when she told him that she was feeling good. Except for a little fatigue from a spectacular night spent making love to a gorgeous woman, she felt wonderful. Perhaps, when there was no way out, she could confide that tidbit to the doc, without naming her bedmate, to make him understand. He was a man, a handsome one at that, who would most definitely know about the appeal of a beautiful woman.

A soft clearing of the throat made her open her eyes. Her heart dropped, for the doctor looked even more concerned than earlier.

“Your temperature is continuing to rise.”

“That can’t be possible.” She sat up and this time, he didn’t try to stop her. “I would be feeling something if that were the case.”

“See for yourself.” He held out the scanner and she reluctantly reached for it. A quick read made her blink in horror. He was right. Her temperature was off the charts. It didn’t even make sense how she was still alive, much less conscious.

“I…I don’t understand,” she croaked as she looked at the man. “There must be a mistake somewhere. Your equipment must be faulty.”

“I sincerely doubt that, Doctor Ford.” He moved the tray away. “I’ll have to report this to the Ambassador.”

Kuni.

She closed her eyes. Kuni was the highest authority on the ship and it was the doctor’s duty to report his findings. Her eyes snapped open again.

“Please do me a favor and conduct a few tests on her.” The man’s eyebrow shot up. “I was in a meeting with her earlier. If this is contagious, I wouldn’t want her to spread it.”

That seemed to spur the man into action and Robin lay back with her arm thrown over her face.

***

The room was quiet as everyone stared at the screen. The data it presented was distressing, even to Kuni who had access to it before the meeting. She cast a look over to Solmiri and found the woman’s eyes reflecting an expression of deep sorrow. Solmiri was a great leader and anyone doubting that only need to see her at that moment to understand that.

“How long?” Solmiri asked in a somber tone that made Kuni want to hug her the same way she had done to her earlier.

Enora cleared her throat nervously. “A few years. Maybe ten, at the most.”

The distress in Solmiri’s eyes deepened. “I will not let that happen.” She stood and began to pace. The tension in her body made her normally graceful gait appear jerky. “What we need is to get those affected off the ships as soon as possible.” The statement hung in the silence, every one of the twenty physicians and Ambassadors gathered for the meeting, focused on Solmiri. The empress spun around, her eyes hard. “I will meet with the Terraforming Group today. Let’s convene for an update tomorrow at the same time. In the meantime, assure the patients that they are my priority and that I will not let them down.”

Kuni’s heart swelled with affection and pride as she watched her friend. She trusted Solmiri completely. Since they were children, the woman had kept her promises and, in the process, had managed some spectacular miracles. If she said she wasn’t going to let their sick citizens down, then she wouldn’t. She gladly left the fate of her father in the hands of the most devoted person she knew.

The room cleared quickly, but when she stood, she caught Solmiri’s gaze.

“Could you remain behind, Ambassador Kuni?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Once they were alone, Solmiri’s shoulders sagged. The transformation from the strong, fearless leader to the defeated woman was only reserved for her closest friends and kin.

“This is bad,” she muttered as she took a seat next to Kuni. “Much worse than I had expected.” Her eyes were dark with worry when she looked up from staring at her hands. “I met with Robin earlier. I can’t stop her now from going to the planet. We need the information if we hope to save our people.”

The news was like a punch to the gut. Had Kleer been right all along? Was Robin dispensable? Her reaction wasn’t missed by Solmiri.

“I’ll accompany her.”

“WHAT?!” She gaped at her friend. “No! You can’t…” She suddenly remembered who she was talking to and took a deep breath. “It is too dangerous.”

Solmiri tilted her head to the side. “And not for Robin?”

She didn’t…couldn’t… think about Robin. At least she could play on Solmiri’s duty to her people to make the woman see some reason. Robin was a different story. Besides the fact that the human was doing this for a variety of reasons, this project was also Robin’s lifelong dream. Dreams aren’t easily derailed, not if you’re a daredevil adventurer like Robin Ford. At least Robin had been to the planet on numerous successful trips—alone. The Nouri weren’t ready to lose their empress and her heir.

That’s it. If she couldn’t appeal to Solmiri’s duty, there was her child. As much as she hated to take that route, she needed to dissuade Solmiri of this crazy idea.

“What if something happens to the baby?”

The blonde’s horror was plain to see at the thought of any harm coming to her child. She shot to her feet and began to pace again. Her movements were even jerkier than before. There was a quiet storm brewing in the woman and Kuni was a helpless witness to it. Solmiri was pulled in all directions right now and there was nothing she could do to help. Sending one of their own was a possibility, but Kuni knew that Solmiri wouldn’t want that. She was adamant that the project be safe and without any casualties. Thus, their search for someone like Robin, who knew the environment and could handle any possible risks.

“She can’t go alone.” Solmiri stood with her hands on her hips. “I will not be able to forgive myself if something were to happen to her down there.”

“I agree. Perhaps we can…” There was a knock on the door and they both turned when Akert entered, looking apologetic.

“My apologies for interrupting, Your Highness. I have a message from Doctor Lerop for the ambassador. It’s about Doctor Ford.”

Kuni was on her feet instantly. “What happened?”

“He didn’t elaborate, except to say that he needed to see you immediately.”

Various scenarios ran through Kuni’s mind as she stared at her assistant. Had there been an accident? She hadn’t received an alert about the human’s departure, or did she miss it?

“Tell the Doctor we’ll be right there,” Solmiri replied and when Kuni glanced at her, she could read the same concern in the blonde’s eyes.

***

“It states clearly that fatigue is not a common cause for a higher-than-normal temperature,” the doctor stated calmly as he held up the palmreader. “I’ve been thorough in my assessment of your results, Doctor Ford.” He shook his head slowly, almost disbelievingly. “By human standards, you shouldn’t even be alive.”

Robin closed her eyes at hearing that. The man was being unnecessarily dramatic. She felt absolutely fine. All he was doing was simply delaying her departure. The doors slid open and the empress entered with Kuni on her heels. The sight of them and their anxious expressions made her want to roll her eyes at them. For super-powered beings, the Nouri were surprisingly theatrical.

“Doctor?” The empress’s tone was firm as she addressed the man, but kept her eyes on her.

“Your Highness, I wasn’t expecting you.” He seemed a little flustered at her presence, but seem to pull himself together quickly. “I have conducted a routine off-ship examination on Doctor Ford before her departure, but her results are puzzling.”

“What does that mean?” Kuni asked as her eyes roved over Robin, the close scrutiny causing Robin’s heart to race a little.

“Her temperature is abnormally high.” When the two newcomers only stared at him, Robin smirked as the man blinked. “With such a high temperature, it is baffling how she can still be alive.”

That seemed to spur both women into action as they quickly approached Robin. Solmiri held her hand out to the doctor, who handed her the palmreader, but it was Kuni’s reaction that filled her with warmth. The redhead reached for Robin’s hand and gently squeezed it.

“How do you feel?”

Robin drowned in the tender gaze. “Perfect. A little tired from a lack of sleep, but completely fine, otherwise.” A faint blush spread over the beautiful face and she gave the slender hand a soft squeeze. “I’m feeling okay.”

“A statement which is not supported by your results, Doctor Ford,” Solmiri said sharply without looking up from the palmreader. “Any ideas, Doctor Lerop?”

The man shook his head. “I’ve considered various potential causes but none recorded such a high temperature.”

Solmiri handed the device back to the doctor. “We’ll have to call upon the help of someone familiar with human physiology. I will make contact with Angela and see about having Doctor Ford transferred for a second opinion.”

Transferred? “Now wait a minute. I said I’m feeling fine and…”

“You are not fine,” Kuni snapped, drawing all eyes to her. “If you were fine, you wouldn’t have such a high body temperature.”

“Which brings me to the other issue, Ambassador,” the doctor quickly interjected. “I would like to run a few tests on you as well since Doctor Ford informed me that you had an early meeting this morning.”

Robin caught Kuni’s eyes and nodded. “Just to be safe, Ambassador. I’ve been inoculated before my arrival, but it would…”

“I agree.” The empress gave Kuni a look that brooked no argument. “Please continue, Doctor, while I try to establish contact with the Peacekeeper ship.” She left the room and the doctor gestured for Kuni to take a seat on one of the cots. When he turned away to collect his equipment, Robin turned her head to look at Kuni. She seemed tense and a little pale. Maybe having her checked was a good idea after all.

“How do you feel?”

Kuni pursed her lips. “A little tired.”

“There seems to be a lot of that going around, Ambassador,” Doctor Lerop threw over his shoulder. Kuni’s face turned a deep red and Robin felt her own growing a little warm.

***

When the presentation ended, Angela was tempted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming all this. The Nespry vessel of the other day had carried amongst them a small group of criminal elements who were quickly identified and captured once the others onboard felt that the GSC could be trusted enough to protect them against the threat these stowaways posed. Interrogations brought to light that the pillaging and killing of innocents of largely peaceful worlds had intensified as crime syndicates in the Belric galaxy were scrambling to stockpile weaponry and resources before they set their sights on conquering the Milky Way Galaxy. Besides the armada of refugees bearing down on them, another fleet containing largely a combined consortium of criminals was headed their way, too.

“Hey!” She blinked and found Norma looking at her. “Are you okay?”

She looked around her to find the others standing in smaller groups as they talked softly. “I’m not sure. Are we ready for this?”

“We have to be and we can be if we plan this well.” The dark eyes were hard as she looked over at the Grand Admiral. “Your mother will be taking command of the Omnitel. I have seen her in action before and I can’t help but feel sorry for those who think that they come and mess in our backyard.”

Angela nodded. She was no stranger to her mother’s exploits as a Spacefleet captain and the many accolades she had received for her valor. But a fleet of organized, well-armed criminals may just prove too much for them in the end. This would be her first real challenge as a Peacekeeper, but she was eager to defend her home and family.

Family. She had a mate and child on the way. All this couldn’t have come at a worse time. Just when she was about to live the best part of her life.

“Bridge to the captain.”

Norma touched her communicator. “Captain here.”

“We have a message for Commander Burkhouse, Captain. It’s the Nouri empress.”

Angela’s heart skipped a beat. Solmiri had never contacted her at work before. “May I use your dayroom, Captain? It must be urgent.”

Norma nodded quickly. “Of course. Bridge, patch the empress through to my dayroom.”

The moment they entered the secure room, Norma logged into the desk reader and was about to leave, when Angela held up her hand, stopping her. The screen flickered on to show her mate’s face and Angela took a moment to inspect the blonde for any injuries.

“Solmiri, I’m here.” She glanced over at her mother. “My mother is with me.” She shifted a little so her mother could be seen.

“Greetings, Solmiri.”

“Greetings, Captain. I’m glad to have you present.” The blue eyes met Angela’s. “Robin is not well. She says she is fine, but her temperature reading is above117 degrees and rising.”

Hundred and seventeen! “Are you sure? No human being can survive that.”

“That is exactly what I told her.”

“She’s conscious?!” Norma asked, shocked. “How is that even possible?”

Solmiri shook her head. “I’m not sure, but I need your physician to examine her.”

“I’m coming home immediately.”

“I’ll send our Chief Physician with Angela. I’ll also inform Lily. She’s about a day or so away.”

“Thank you, Captain.” She looked at Angela. “See you soon.”

When the communication was cut, Angela exhaled loudly. “I have to leave, but I’ll be back as soon as Robin has been seen to.”

“You go. I’ll inform the others. The Doctor will meet you on your ship.” They hugged and Angela rushed to the transport room. Her Nouri charger will deliver them to Nourima within a few minutes.

***

“Oh!”

Both Kuni and Robin’s heads snapped to the doctor from their quiet perusal of each other.

“What is it?” Robin asked before Kuni could say anything.

The doctor scratched his head before he turned to them, more specifically Kuni, and smiled broadly.

“I take it congratulations are in order, Ambassador.”

Kuni blinked at the man. Congratulations? What was he talking about? She opened her mouth, but the question was snatched from her lips before she could form it.

“Congratulations, Doctor?” Solmiri, who had rejoined them, asked cautiously. She glanced at Kuni for an answer, but at Kuni’s small shake of the head, returned her attention to the doctor. “What is this about?”

Kuni noticed that the doctor suddenly appeared uncomfortable as he looked from Solmiri to her and back at Solmiri.

“The ambassador is ovulating.”

Kuni felt the air escape her lungs in a loud whoosh, followed by her eyesight dimming. Before she succumbed to the darkness, she could hear Solmiri’s shocked exclamation.

***

Robin was stunned; betrayal and anger surging through her. She knew from the start that she had a snowball’s chance in hell with Kuni. The woman was lightyears out of her league.

Yet, she had hoped.

Stupidly so.

She looked down at the pale face of the unconscious woman. The news had been a shock to them all, but mostly to Kuni.

“…make sure again.”

The order from Solmiri shook her from her despairing mood to find the usually unruffled Nouri leader glaring at the anxious doctor. She couldn’t understand why the empress was so worked up about this. As a Nouri, she should be well aware that Kuni was on the verge of bonding. Robin had read up enough on the Nouri to know what would happen next.

“I have double-checked the results, Your Highness. But if you want me to…”

“I insist, Doctor,” she snapped and the man nodded before he stepped away to retrieve his instruments. Seeing her chance, Robin leaned closer, but didn’t break any contact with Kuni.

“What is happening? I mean she is ovulating and would be mated soon, is there a problem with that?”

Solmiri’s eyes were more grey than blue as she lifted her gaze from Kuni to her.

“She doesn’t have a mate.”

Robin pursed her lips in quiet distaste. “Well, it would seem she does now.”

“That’s not possible,” Solmiri said quietly as a sorrowful look entered her gaze. “She lost her mate decades ago. There is no way she could be ovulating.”

The doctor approached the cot and Robin reluctantly let go of Kuni’s hand as she had to move away to give the doctor space to work. She went to stand with Solmiri, noticing that the other woman didn’t once take her eyes off the doctor’s hands.

“Upon my arrival, I have tried to read up a little on Nouri culture and customs to avoid making any preventable blunders.” She blinked slowly. “Can a Nouri not have more than one mate.” Solmiri gave her a sharp look and she added quickly, “I did not mean at once.”

“It is possible, but in cases like that, ovulation is induced by a physician. It doesn’t occur naturally, as is the case with Kuni.”

That explains it then. “Then perhaps she…”

The empress gave her a level stare. “She wouldn’t have fainted from shock if she had explicitly asked to have been induced.”

Ah! She had forgotten about that bit. It would seem this was as unusual as it appeared. She scratched her head.

“There must be a reasonable explanation for this, Your Highness.”

Solmiri sighed. “Perhaps not a reasonable one, but a possible one, nonetheless.”

“The ambassador is regaining consciousness, Your Highness,” the doctor informed them and they both rushed to the cot. Kuni blinked rapidly before her eyes seem to focus and when they fell on Robin, they welled up with tears. Worried, Robin leaned closer. It gutted her to see the woman so distraught.

“Are you okay?” she asked tenderly as she brushed a lock from the woman’s pale face. “Do you have pain anywhere?”

“No,” came the soft rasp.

“What can I do?”

Two tears slid down the corners of Kuni’s eyes to disappear into the pillow as she shook her head. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the doctor handing the empress the palmreader.

“There must be something I can do, honey.”

“It would seem you’ve done quite a lot already, Doctor Ford,” the empress said evenly and Robin saw Kuni shut her eyes tightly. Glancing at the empress, she noticed the woman had a small smirk on her face.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“According to the result of your mixed blood profile, it would appear that you are the one who has triggered her ovulation.” She smiled broadly now. “That, too, explains your abnormal temperature.”

Robin’s mouth fell open as the truth of what the empress was saying sunk in. She slowly turned to look at Kuni and found the redhead had covered her face with her hands as her shoulder shook with quiet sobs.

She was Kuni’s mate!

***

Angela unbuckled the seatbelt and turned to the doctor who was staring wide-eyed at the enormous hanger that housed the magnificent royal fleet.

“Are you ready, Doctor Joas?”

The alien shook his head. “No one will believe me,” he murmured and Angela grinned at him as she squeezed his shoulder. She liked the man, not only because he was the one who had brought her into the world, but because he and his wife used to babysit her on numerous occasions when her parents or grandmother were indisposed. She loved hearing him tell of how her mothers had saved him and his family from a fate worse than death. That seemed to have been one of the main reasons he had decided to join the GSC in the end; his complete appreciation and loyalty to her parents and Aunt Lily.

“Once we’ve seen to Robin, I’ll show you around some more.”

At the mention of Robin, he seemed to snap out of his trance. “Robin. Yes.” He surged to his feet. “Leave it to that rogue to fall ill when the world is about to collapse. For as long as I can remember, she never once came down with a cough, which is surprising considering how much she drinks. Lead the way, child.”

Angela smiled. Robin and Doctor Joas had a love-hate relationship which started when Robin began flirting with Nooli, his daughter. His brusqueness aside, she could tell that he was worried about Robin. After all, Aunt Lily was his dearest friend.

She activated her locater to find Solmiri before she led Doctor Joas to an urban transporter. They arrived at the medical center to find Solmiri and the Doctor talking quietly in the foyer. The blonde excused herself to greet them and she introduced her to the doctor.

“Robin?”

Solmiri shrugged. “It would seem it was a false alarm.”

Angela knew her mate well enough by now to know that there was more to it than that. Solmiri didn’t panic and she had sounded anxious earlier.

“A false alarm, Your Highness?”

“Yes. She was running a high temperature and no matter how many tests the doctor ran, he couldn’t find the cause for the abnormality.”

“Angela told me how high it was. That is not only uncommon, but it would also kill her.” Doctor Joas sounded even more worried. “How is she now?”

“She’s fine.” Solmiri smiled. “Ambassador Kuni is ovulating and Robin was the one who triggered it.”

“WHAT?!” Angela could feel her mouth falling open. “How is that even possible?”

Solmiri grinned. “It would appear so. They’re in there, talking.”

Doctor Joas exhaled noisily. “Nothing with Robin comes easy.”

“Are you sure? I mean…I knew they were…intimate, but….” Angela ran out of words.

“We’ll have to meet with Mikron. He might know something.”

Angela doubted that. The old mage had been clueless about their union, how would he be able to explain Robin turning out to be Kuni’s mate.

***

“Is it true?”

Kuni tried to wipe the tears from her face, careful not to make eye contact with Robin.

“That I’m ovulating?”

Robin hesitated. “Am I your mate, Kuni?”

She licked her lips. Was that a trick question? Even though she had reservations about answering Robin, she knew that a lot of things made sense right now. Her instant attraction to the woman. That first night before she had approached Robin, she had stood in the shadows of the tavern, watching her. Disheveled, brazen, and oddly intriguing. Those were the words that had come to mind then. Nothing that she was used to, yet she couldn’t look away. Then Robin had made that shocking proposal and something inside Kuni had shaken loose. Suddenly, thoughts of what it would be like to be with the human had crossed her mind too often to admit during those first twenty-four hours.

And once she had found out, she couldn’t stop burning for Robin.

“Did you know that when we first met?”

Kuni’s head snapped up to meet the stormy grey eyes. “No.” Now that she had looked into them, she couldn’t look away. This was her mate! What were the Fates playing at? Not only were they such opposites but their meeting had been completely accidental. Nothing about them was predestined, unlike in the case of Solmiri and Angela.

“Then how can you explain this?”

“I can’t.” She felt fresh tears threatening and looked away, but a gentle hand cupped her cheek to turn it back so their eyes could meet again.

“Don’t cry, please. It does something to me to see you crying.”

That made her eyes well up even more. That was something a mate would say. A thumb brushed under her eyes to wipe at the silent tears that had escaped. “Why are you crying? Is it because it’s me?”

A sliver of uncertainty was present in Robin’s voice and Kuni didn’t like it one bit.

“No.” She sniffed. “It’s a combination of shock and other things.”

Robin ran the back of her fingers across her cheek and Kuni shivered at the touch. “Tell me about the ‘other things’. Help me understand this.”

How could she make her understand when even she didn’t know how this all came about? But she wanted to try. Robin deserved that much.

“I wanted you to have a choice in this.”

Robin frowned. “But I do have a choice.”

“Not really,” Kuni whispered. “If this goes the way I believe it will, then it’s too late already.”

“Too late?” Robin withdrew her hand and its absence was acutely missed. “What does that mean?” She looked a little angry now and Kuni turned her head away.

“It means that the next time we are intimate, we’ll consummate our bond and I’ll conceive.”

The silence that followed was long and tense. She hated being the one robbing Robin of her carefree existence.

“What you’re saying is that we shouldn’t sleep together or we’ll fall pregnant?”

Why did she have to be one with the answers? “Yes and no.”

Robin stood and when Kuni looked at her, she noticed a dark frown on the human’s face. “No more riddles, Kuni. I’m tired of talking in circles.”

She slowly sat up and combed her hair from her face. Robin stood quietly, watching her.

“We will consummate the bond and I will fall pregnant when we do. Nature will run its course from here on and none of us will have a choice in the matter.” She watched the play of emotions on Robin’s face and knew exactly when the human had made her decision.

“I refuse to believe that.” With those words, Robin strode from the room, leaving Kuni sitting on the cot. Numb and frightened.

Would she be able to survive the loss of another mate?

CHAPTER 10

She needed space.

And a drink.

Her heart was beating wildly and she pulled at the neck of her tunic. It felt like she was suffocating. Or was she having a heart attack? That wasn’t possible. She was young and healthy. The moment Robin exited the examination room, she saw Angela, and their talk earlier that morning surfaced immediately.

“Addicting, you say?”

Angela grinned as she studied her over the rim of her coffee mug. “I believe I’m preaching to the choir here, Doctor Ford.”

Feeling her cheeks warm up at the knowing look in the dark eyes, she turned back to the processor to order her meal. She was famished after last night. Angela gave the heaping plate a long look before she took a seat at the small table.

“What are you doing here so early anyway?”

“Since your tin can is docked in the royal berth, I thought I’d see how your first night went before I took off to meet my ship.”

“I slept well.”

“Just not enough, it would seem. I hope I didn’t scare off your date when I invited myself over?”

Robin knew that were she to respond to that, Angela wouldn’t let the topic go. She desperately didn’t want to talk about Kuni with anyone right now. All she wanted, was to bask in the memories of the wonderful night for a while longer before the real world and the truth interfered.

“Now that you’ve seen me, shouldn’t you be on your way?”

Angela placed her mug on the table and Robin noticed that all playfulness had left her face.

“I actually came here to ask you something.”

Putting her fork down, she gave the brunette her full attention. Angela had undergone a big change since she hooked up with the empress. The new Angela was more relaxed and quite playful, which didn’t make sense to Robin since the woman’s new life came with a wealth of responsibilities. But she loved seeing her baby sister this way.

“What do you want to ask me?”

“I want you to be my Matron of Honor or Best Person, whatever you decide.”

The nervousness on the beautiful face made her heart swell with love for the other woman. She stood and pulled Angela into a crushing hug.

“It would be my honor, sis.”

“I know it is sudden and that you…”

Robin kissed Angela on the cheek. “Your timing is perfect. I love you and you should know that I would drop anything to stand by your side.”

A fine sheen of moisture gathered in Angela’s eyes as she stared at her. “Thank you. I love you, too.”

They hugged again. “I got your back, Ange. You know that, don’t you?”

“I never doubted it.”

“Robin?” Angela quickly approached her, but Robin held up her hand causing the woman to stop in her tracks.

“I need to go someplace. Anywhere.” She threw a glance over her shoulder to the examination room. “I need a place to think.”

“I’ll take you.” She noticed Angela glancing over at the empress who nodded curtly. They walked together in silence and when they exited the building, Robin took a moment to stand and lift her face to catch the heat from the artificial sun. It was the closest to the real thing she could get right now. Next to her, Angela stood quietly, her hands pushed into the pockets of her uniform. It was good to see that some of the old Angela still remained. The younger woman wasn’t a very talkative person and Robin appreciated that very much at this moment. She felt choked up. Thoughts, fears, and feelings collided churning inside her, adding to her confusion.

“I need a drink.”

Angela turned to look around. The building’s exit opened up to a large plaza which was dominated by a sparkling water fountain of some unknown sea creature. There were benches under the trees that were already occupied by a few Nouri.

“I’ll go ask for directions.”

“Have you not been here before?”

Angela gave her a sheepish smile. “Not outside the building, no.”

Seeing the opportunity for what it was, Robin made a decision. “Would you be opposed to doing the touristy thing?” It was one of her favorite pastimes on her travels; to explore new towns and cities and find her own way.

“Not at all. Lead the way.”

“Are you sure? Are you not expected back on your ship?” She took in Angela’s uniform and rigid bearing. The woman looked out of place dressed that way.

“No. I’m yours for as long as you need me.” They looked at each other for a moment. “I, too, got your back, sis.”

Robin swallowed back the tears at hearing her own pledge said back to her. “Thank you.”

***

Kuni quickly wiped at her cheeks when Solmiri entered the examination room. Her hand froze at the sight of the tall, bulky alien following behind her. He had a bulbous head and large ears, but it was his eyes that put her at ease. They were large pools of compassion as he smiled at her.

“Ambassador Kuni, I would like to introduce Doctor Joas. He is the Chief Medical Physician of the Galactic Security Council.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ambassador Kuni,” the man said warmly. “My daughter was so inspired by your performance on your last visit to Earth. Thanks to you, she is now studying dance and my wife asked me to convey her gratitude for acquainting our daughter with her dream.”

Kuni could only stare at the man as he spoke. The sincerity in his calm tone was heartwarming.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

He bowed respectfully before he glanced at Solmiri. The blonde was staring at her with open concern.

“I’ve been called upon to examine Robin, but since she is not here for me to do so, I will leave the two of you and liaise with Doctor Lerop.” He bowed again and turned to leave, but stopped at the door. “If I may, Ambassador Kuni.” He turned to face her. “I’ve known Robin since she was ten years old. As free-spirited and unpredictable as she may appear, she always does the right thing in the end. I, personally, always found her sense of responsibility very commendable.” He quietly left the room but his words lingered long in the wake of his departure.

“I have to admit that although I don’t know Robin well, that was the impression it got about her too.” Solmiri came to take her hand. “As unexpected as the situation is, I should’ve suspected something.”

Kuni sighed. “I should’ve been the…” She stopped talking. How was she to know that Robin was her mate? Unlike Solmiri who had a vision, her situation had been clearcut. Her mate had died and she was expected to seek out another when the time was right for her. “We couldn’t have known this was going to happen.”

“Maybe not.” Solmiri tilted her head slightly. “But there were small cues. You were acting differently ever since your first meeting with Robin.”

A soft heat climbed up Kuni’s neck as she recalled her talk with Solmiri about Robin’s proposal. Her decision to do her duty even when faced with such an uncommon request must’ve been a dead giveaway. Kuni had been wildly attracted to the human by then already and she had wanted to have sex with her.

“You tried to stop me from engaging with her.”

Solmiri’s face was serious. “I did, but as soon I met Robin, I understood that it was a futile attempt.”

Perhaps it was still a futile attempt, although Doctor Joas’ parting words were encouraging. A wanderer like Robin despised being caged.

There was a commotion outside the door and she closed her eyes tightly when she made out her mother’s voice.

“I asked them to come. I hope you don’t mind.”

Her eyes fluttered open. “Them?” She wasn’t ready to face her parents right now.

“Mikron is with her.”

The mage was here? Regretfully late, but perhaps having him here, would help clear up the confusion for them all. Her mother strode into the room to bow low in Solmiri’s direction.

“Your Highness,” she greeted Solmiri before she turned her gaze on Kuni. To her surprise, the older woman’s eyes were swimming in tears. Kuni had learned her famous discipline and composure from emulating her mother, and to see the woman openly showing emotion was shocking

“Mother.” She held out her hand and the older woman rushed to take it. Their embrace was long and hard.

“Finally,” Enora muttered as she kissed her cheek. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted this for you. Even after the news of your mate’s demise.” She ignored her own tears as she wiped at Kuni’s. “This is the best news ever, my child.”

Kuni pressed into her mother’s arms and noticed Solmiri quietly leaving the room.

***

Solmiri sighed as she closed the door behind her and leaned against it. What a day! She scanned the room for signs of her mate’s presence. She hadn’t heard from Angela since she had left with Robin. The whole incident had hit too close to home for her. Kuni’s pain and fear of rejection. Robin’s anger and confusion. It had finally worked out for Angela and her, but those anxious times would probably not be easily forgotten.

She pushed away from the door walking deeper into the room. It had been a while since she had been alone in here. Angela always made the effort to return home. It made Solmiri feel special and cherished to know that her wife would travel many lightyears at the end of every day to be with her. That small deed helped immensely in strengthening their bond.

Her hand stroked over her still-flat tummy. Soon, they would be entering a new phase of their union and Solmiri wanted to make sure that they were settled as a couple before their little one made its appearance. She slid out of her clothes and went about her nightly routine. She purposely didn’t bring work home because with the few hours that they had together, she preferred to spend it with her mate.

Half an hour later, she slipped into bed and as she closed her eyes the events of the day all surfaced anew. The memory that lingered the longest and drew the most from her, was the knowledge that unless she came up with a plan, thousands of her subjects would die. It was not only her responsibility as the empress, but it was also her fault for having dragged everyone along on her search for her mate. Tears welled up in her eyes and she didn’t stop them as they seeped from the corner of her eyes. She doubted she would ever be able to live with the guilt of their deaths on her conscience. A soft scuffle outside the door made her quickly wipe at her eyes. Angela was home! When after a few moments, there still was no sight of her mate, Solmiri slipped from the bed and throwing on her dressing grown, went to see what was keeping Angela from entering their bedroom. She quietly opened the door that led to the lounge of their private apartment and saw the brunette standing with her back to her. Instantly concerned, she approached her.

“Angela?” The brunette turned and the sight brought her to an abrupt halt. “Oh my!”

A wide, toothy grin greeted her exclamation, but it quickly faded. “You’ve been crying.”

The woman’s sharp-eyes never missed anything, not even in her obviously intoxicated state. “I’m fine.”

“People who are fine, don’t cry,” Angela countered as she slowly put one foot before the other to get to Solmiri. “Can I hug you?”

Solmiri smiled as she opened her arms to accept her swaying partner. Angela reeked strongly of alcohol, but she felt wonderful in her arms.

“Why were you crying?” Angela muttered into her neck.

“It had been a difficult day,” she admitted and felt Angela tighten her arms around her. “But it’s much better now that you’re here.”

Angela pulled back to look at her and Solmiri basked in the love she read in the dark eyes. “You should’ve called me. I would’ve come to you.”

She pressed a soft kiss to Angela’s lips. “Robin needed you. She needed someone to talk to.”

“Nope, she didn’t.” Angela smiled. “She only wanted to think.”

“And drink,” Solmiri added with a raised brow.

Angela frowned. “Thinking is very hard work.” She used her hands to gesture. “It entails you not using your words…or your tongue, for that matter.”

Amused, Solmiri cupped the cool cheek. “I believe that’s generally how it works.”

“It’s more than that. It’s a…” Angela licked her lips as her eyes lost some focus. “…you have a deeper conversation with a quieter you.” The brunette looked a little confused after having said that and Solmiri almost burst out laughing. She had never seen Angela like this and it was an absolutely delightful experience.

“Thank you for clearing that up, darling.”

Angela blinked. “You called me darling and not eti. You never call me that.”

“You always call me darling and I like that.” She tapped Angela’s nose. “By the way, your mother calls the admiral darling and it makes her eyes light up every time. They love each other very much.”

“I love you, too.” Angela leaned back as if to really look at her and Solmiri easily held her up lest she toppled over. “Do I say it enough? I don’t think I do. You should hear it more often.”

Solmiri knew that nothing would come of it since Angela was already half asleep on her feet, but she leaned in and kissed Angela. It was a deep, searching kiss that conveyed all her love and happiness. “You show me. It’s there every time you look at me. I like it either way.” Angela’s eyes opened to reveal a dreamy look. “Let me help you to bed.”

It was an arduous effort to get Angela to walk to the bedroom and Angela couldn’t help but wonder how she even got to their wing in her current state. After she had undressed and put her in bed, she curled her body around the yawing brunette.

“I think your mom is super cool.”

Solmiri lifted her head off the pillow. What an odd comment. “I think so, too.”

“She found me resting on the stairs and carried me all the way here.”

The image of her prim and proper mother carrying her drunken daughter-in-law through the palace hallways was so incredibly hilarious that Solmiri burst out laughing.

***

Kuni lowered the glass of water she was sipping on when the door chime sounded. She glanced at the chronometer. It was ten o’clock. Who would be visiting her at this late hour? Her parents had left an hour ago after their shared dinner. She doubted they would be back so soon. She glanced down at her activated desk reader. Since she had lost valuable time in the office today, she had decided to do some work before she turned in for the night. She hoped that her visitor wasn’t planning on staying long, she thought as she went to answer the door. She found a tall Nouri man standing on her doorstep with Robin’s limp form in his arms.

Her heart skipped a beat as she immediately held out her arms to receive the human.
“What happened to…?” The question died on her lips as a strong whiff of alcohol hit her nostrils. “Never mind.” She appreciated it a lot when the man very gently handed Robin into her arms. “Thank you for bringing her over.”

The man bowed his head. “It’s my pleasure, Ambassador.” The man was gracious enough to pull the door closed since Kuni’s hands were occupied. She didn’t know for how long she stood in the center of her living space, looking down at the woman in her arms. All she knew was that the tight, heavy sensation in her chest that had been there ever since Robin had stormed out of the medical center was gradually beginning to clear up. The time without contact or the presence of the woman had been uncomfortable and she had wondered how Robin was faring with the distance between them. Apparently much better than her, since she was smelling like a tavern and…yet, she looked absolutely gorgeous. She shook her head at the thought and made her way toward the hallway that led to the bedrooms. Not sure how the brunette would react to being undressed without her permission, she put Robin under the covers fully-clothed. Kuni lingered in the room a little longer, knowing that she needed to get back to work.

Not able to resist anymore, she ran her fingers through the wild locks. Robin was safe and close, that should be enough for her. She’d check up on her again before she went to her own bed.

***

Robin sighed and opened her eyes. Her bladder was full. She sat up and grabbed her head as a blinding pain shot through it. When the stabbing ache had dulled somewhat, she opened her eyes to look around her. Where the hell was this? This wasn’t her ship. The bed was softer and bigger. The lamp on the nightstand illuminated the room enough for her to make out that the walls were a soft blue and that a beautiful painting of a waterfall with an icy blue pool hung over the bed. Her headache momentarily forgotten; Robin tried to access her last memory. It was hazy, but she remembered a loud place, judging from her headache, a tavern.

Oh no!

She swung her feet off the bed. Had she come home with a stranger? Please, don’t let it be so. She would hate herself if she had. Not after…Her heart began to race as the beautiful face of a certain redhead swam into focus.

Kuni.

This would kill the woman. She stood and when she found herself fully dressed, sighed with relief. Perhaps she had come home with someone, but they hadn’t done anything. Surely Kuni would understand that. She swallowed. Would she really?

She needed to get away from here before whoever had brought her home, woke up. She stealthily slipped from the room. As she crept down the quiet hallway, she couldn’t help but think that the scent of the house was somewhat familiar. The doors along the way were all closed and she was pleased for it aided in her escape. The hallway opened up into a spacious room that, in the dim light from an outside source, she could make out a kitchen area and a lounge. She stiffened. In front of a large window that was letting in the light, stood a figure. Dressed in a sheer nightgown and with her loose hair and the light framing her beautifully, it gave her an ethereal appearance. As Robin watched her, she noticed the slender shoulders stiffen before the woman spun around.

“Robin?”

The voice was low, but very familiar. Not knowing when and how she’d done it, Robin was halfway across the room to pull Kuni into a crushing hug. Kuni’s shock was obvious when, for a few moments, she stood stiff in the embrace before her arms slipped around her. Robin greedily inhaled the wonderful scent of the woman and instantly felt a familiar stirring in her nether region. She loved how the redhead felt in her arms and with her womanly curves easily accessible through the sheer gown, her hands began to wander. She cupped the tight posterior in her hands and squeezed it softly as she licked up the smooth column of Kuni’s neck. She was suddenly ravenous for her lover.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

The soft, breathy inquiry made Robin hesitate and finally break the embrace.

“I don’t recall how I ended up here.” She felt uncomfortable under the quiet green gaze. “I thought I…” She bit down on her lower lip. “…I’m happy it’s you.”

“As opposed to?” Kuni’s voice was level, but in the dim light, her eyes glittered a little dangerously. “You were brought here by a gentleman.”

Robin knew that the topic was far from over, but before they continued, she needed to pee.

“I need a bathroom.”

Kuni surprised her by taking her hand and leading her back down the hallway to one of the closed doors. “I’ll get you something for the headache.”

Knowing that she should use the few moments alone to come up with a strategy for the coming conversation, Robin rushed through her business, way too eager to see the redhead again. Kuni was waiting at the end of the hallway for her with a medijector and a glass of water.

“This will cure your hangover instantly.”

Robin allowed herself to be pushed down on the couch as Kuni administered the medicine. She accepted the glass and took a sip only to pull her face at the oddly sweet and sour mixture.

“It’s a hydration tonic,” Kuni offered, now seated next to Robin. Her eyes were intense as they studied her. “Were you trying to slip out earlier?”

Grimacing, Robin nodded. “We…I had a lot to drink.”

“I assumed as much when I took possession of your unconscious body.”

A blush crept up her face as she tried to imagine the picture. The day hadn’t exactly turned out the way she had planned. She had envisioned a wonderful day that would’ve ended with her return from the planet after a successful sample extraction. Instead, she woke up finding herself pre-mated to the same woman she couldn’t keep her hands off and not having a say about the matter. The latter had triggered her flight reflex. She had wanted time and space to absorb everything. Pretty early on in their walkabout the city, Robin came to the realization that Kuni was indeed everything she could ever want in a woman, only she didn’t like that the decision had been taken from her. Her independence was her most prized possession and the idea that she couldn’t decide by herself whether she wanted to give it up or not, was absurd and a little scary. That wasn’t how things worked, even if the reward was a gorgeous woman who made her mad with desire with a look from her cool green eyes.

“Although I didn’t know where I was or with whom, I knew that when I woke up and saw that although nothing had happened, I didn’t want you to hear about it from someone else.”

“You were planning on telling me?”

“Yes.”

Kuni blinked slowly. “Why? You didn’t seem to want this.” She looked away after having said that, but not before Robin caught the hurt in her eyes.

“You’re wrong about that,” she said softly, drawing the redhead’s skeptical gaze back to her. “I’ve experienced a lot of emotions, but not wanting you wasn’t one of them.” She swallowed hard. “You can do so much better than me, you know. I’m well-aware of my strengths and shortcomings, but I know when someone is way out of my league.”

***

Kuni was stumped as she looked at the woman before her. Was she still drunk? Or simply being humorous? What nonsense was she sprouting about her being out of her league? She took a moment to search the handsome face even more stunned by the truth it revealed. A Nouri was born for her mate. That encompassed the entirety of her existence; find a mate and be deliriously happy. Everything else was to enhance the strong, everlasting bond between her, her mate, and their offspring. The Nouri were very family-oriented for an advanced race. It wasn’t universal domination or any such nonsensical position that they aspired to. They simply wanted to create a beautiful and secure home for their families. Had they not proven that when they had followed their empress across the universe to search for her mate?

Robin finished her drink and placed the glass on the table before she met Kuni’s eyes again.

“I seem to have shocked you.”

“You did. But you are also very wrong. Fate only pairs up equals, not competitors.” Robin didn’t speak, but her facial expression said it all. The disbelief made Kuni reach for her hand which she clasped between her own. She wanted to bring it to her lips and kiss the scarred knuckles, but she wasn’t sure if the caress would be welcome. Making deep and meaningful eye contact to convey how serious she was, Kuni spoke. “You’re not Nouri, so you wouldn’t understand the significance of finding one’s mate. If ever there was a being who matched me perfectly in courage, beauty, intellect and heart; it's you.” She paused, wanting it to sink in. As she watched Robin’s face, she knew exactly when it had. The skepticism fell from her face only to be replaced by amazement and finally acceptance. The thundercloud eyes lightened with emotion as they filled with tears. “There is no one else more suitable for me. I was born to be with you.”

The room was quiet as they stared at each other, both having silent tears trickle down their faces, the powerful moment having rendered them mute. Robin finally wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I never thought you to be so eloquent when it comes to these matters.”

Kuni slowly let Robin’s hand go as she pulled away. The fears she had been pushing down, surfacing again. “I never thought I would ever experience this.” The news was a surprise to Robin whose eyes grew wider. “I lost a mate before. It was a long time ago—over sixty years. When a Nouri loses a mate, they are left to either remain alone for the rest of their lives or find another amongst the other widows or widowers and settle down. Settling down wasn’t an option for me.”

A soft light burned in Robin’s eyes, making them look cloudy, but less stormy. “You decided to remain alone.”

She shrugged. It was easier to talk about it now that there was hope for another chance. “If I couldn’t have the full experience of loving my own mate and bearing her beautiful children then I didn’t want a borrowed mate at all. Although I must add, that many second matings have been very successful and rewarding, I still wanted the real thing.”

“How do I fit into this?”

“I don’t know. Mikron, our mage, is also baffled by this. He speculates that nothing is truly gone from the universe, it only changes shape and returns to its destined place.” She watched Robin closely to see what she thought of that. There was no ridicule in her expression, expect for avid curiosity.

“That could make sense. Our life-forces contain energy and energy is never completely lost.”

Silence fell over the room once again. This time it wasn’t as deep and powerful as before. It held a bit of uncertainty and many questions.

“My mother sent me away when I was very young. I didn’t understand then that she did so to protect me. All I knew was that she didn’t want me anymore.” Robin's eyes were dark once again, stormy. “By the time I knew the truth, it was too late. I had already taught myself not to be wanted and not to fully fit in anywhere.” She exhaled shakily. “It’s not an easy habit to break.”

Kuni knew exactly what Robin was saying. She wanted to commit, but was scared that she might not be able to accomplish what was expected from her in the end. To become a parent and remain with one woman for the rest of her life. Perhaps they could be the first ones to survive this without consummating the bond, Kuni thought. She had survived one devastating blow before, what was another? It surely couldn’t be worse than the first time.

“Would we be staying here?”

The question was completely unexpected, considering her thoughts at that very moment. She leaned forward, unaware that her gown had parted to reveal her full, naked breasts. It was important for her to know Robin’s decision on this so that they could plan for the next few days. The heat will be upon them both soon and they’ll have to find quick alternatives to a mindless coupling frenzy. “What do you want to do about this, Robin?”

She was shocked when instead of speaking, Robin pulled her closer and kissed her. It was a hungry kiss that left her senses reeling. Tempted to give in to the mating call, Kuni momentarily lost herself in the kiss, only for reason to squeeze in between her need for sex and her growing affection for the human. She broke the kiss and planted her hands against Robin’s shoulders. “We can’t.”

“You said that the choice has been taken from our hands,” Robin rasped in a desire-roughened voice. She looked genuinely confused—and frustrated. It was a good sign that the woman still wanted her, Kuni thought as she fought hard not to succumb to the draw of her mate’s call. Their fast-growing psychic link would make it almost impossible for them both to remain chaste while they explored alternative solutions to their dilemma. The sex dreams would commence and they would grow more intense until they finally gave in to the inevitable.

“You have to make a decision that will suit you, since there is no going back from here.”

A sobering look came over Robin’s face and Kuni’s heart sank a little at the thought of what it could mean.

CHAPTER 11

“No! Absolutely not!”

“Why not?”

Robin glared at Angela as if she had grown two heads. “Because you are the empress’ mate and if anything happens to you…” She shook her head. After what Kuni had told her last night, she was even more aware of how she didn’t want to put any Nouri or Angela, for that matter, in harm’s way. She had been to the planet on several occasions, but that was before many other things had to be taken into consideration. Things like Kuni and the awful burning sensation in the pit of her stomach whenever she thought of the woman. She was distracted and if there was trouble, she would still be able to save her hide, another person would only jeopardize their chance of survival.

“No.”

“You aren’t in any position to say no to her,” a quiet voice cut in and Robin’s head swirled to meet that of the empress. The woman had been quiet until now. “She is not your equal here on Nourima.”

Robin wanted to scream in frustration, but what could she do when she was faced with the hard facts. Angela could order her off the team if she wanted. Perhaps the only way out of this was to appeal to the woman and not the empress. She had tried it in the past and had been very successful.

“With all due respect, Your Highness, would you willingly send your Consort into sure danger? I can assure you the surface is not only hostile, but it's also deadly.” She saw a flicker of something in the blue eyes and hope blossomed.

“She is not offering her service as my mate, but as the co-ruler of Nourima. It’s her duty to her people that makes her want to do this.”

The words and tone were sharp and final, but the look on the empress’ face as she uttered them spoke of great misery. Desperate now, Robin turned to Kuni, hoping for some support from her. To no avail. Kuni had her diplomatic face on. Duty would prevail.

“How sure are you that it’s not you who would need Commander Burkhouse’s assistance?” the empress asked casually.

“I don’t mean to brag, Your Highness, but I’ve been doing this for a very long time and without any incidents.”

“But have you done it while undergoing your heat?”

Heat? She almost snorted. What were these people talking about? She wasn’t a mammal that went through a heat cycle. She caught Angela’s eye and seeing the raised eyebrow, sobered up immediately.

“What heat?” She looked directly at Angela, but it was Kuni who answered.

“Any day now, you’ll undergo mating fever. The urge will be strong and will grow almost unbearable unless you mate.” A faint blush formed on the redhead’s face. “I’ll take my cue from you and will be ready to mate as soon as you signal your intention to do so.”

What?!

Robin was sure she heard it wrong. She would literally go into heat like an animal and seek out Kuni. The woman turned an even brighter red under her incredulous look.

“It’s not a joke, Robbie. I’ve been through it and you DO NOT want to be caught alone or lightyears away from your mate when it hits.”

“You… you…?” Why hadn’t she heard of this before now?

“Yes,” Angela replied calmly. “I lost consciousness; it was that strong.”

Angela had no reason to lie to her and her wanting to accompany her was making more sense now. She knew what to expect. Bloody hell!

“I take it this means that I can’t go?” Her wild, adventurous heart rebelled at the thought of being restrained. Yet, with what she knew now, she was almost dead sure that going alone would be a suicide mission. Even with a partner, she might be useless to accomplish the mission. “How long does the heat last?”

“You’ll know when it’s time to consummate the bond. It lasts for three days, with another three of longer, less intense periods between…” Angela bit down on her lower lip as she glanced at her mate. “…urges. It’s not as strong as the first stage, but it requires you to remain close to your mate.”

A look at Kuni showed the woman looking rather uncomfortable as she avoided making eye contact with her.

“You tried to warn me about this, didn’t you? When you said I needed to make a decision?” Kuni didn’t respond, but the answer was plain to read in her eyes. Robin combed her fingers through her hair. “This will delay the project and we don’t have time to waste, not when there are lives at stake.”

“It doesn’t have to come to that.” Angela held her gaze. “My charger can get us there in half an hour. We can be in an out before you start to feel anything.”

Too late, Robin thought as she looked over at Kuni. She was already feeling a whole lot of things at that moment.

***

Kuni knew Solmiri well to know that the woman hated the idea. In fact, she hated it so much her expression resembled that of someone who had swallowed a bug. But it was a good idea. It was prudent to have a security detail orbiting the planet while Robin and Angela were down there. Robin’s suggestion of who they should be wasn’t her favorite either.

“They know the planet and have been there a few times already. If something were to go wrong, they can come to our rescue.”

Solmiri glanced at Angela. “Just to be sure, are we talking about the same illiterate, annoying space pests who had the audacity to try and kidnap you?”

“They did what?!” Robin looked like she was going to have a seizure the way her eyes bulged out as she glared at Angela.

“I’m sure it was a misunderstanding. They…”

“It wasn’t a misunderstanding. They meant to torture you and then ransom you to us.”

This was the first that Kuni had heard of this and she fully understood Solmiri’s reluctance to work with the pirates.

“Those idiots! How did you escape from them?”

“I retrieved her,” Solmiri said matter-of-factly.

Kuni was beginning to enjoy Robin’s expressions. She reacted with her whole body. The brunette was blinking rapidly as she stared open-mouthed at Solmiri.

“They are ranked amongst the most dangerous pirate groups and usually travel with a large unit of fighters.”

“Like I said, they had my mate and I wanted to make sure she was unharmed without alerting them to my presence.”

Robin glanced at Angela, who was grinning from ear to ear.

“You heard correctly. She tore a hole into their ship and neutralized everyone, gave them a stern talking to, and then we left.”

Kuni chuckled as yet another comical expression appeared on Robin’s face. She wondered if their offspring would inherit their mother’s dramatic reactions. Her mind screeched to a halt as she caught herself. She was getting way ahead of herself. After their talk last night and Robin’s sobering experience, they had decided that it would be wise if the human didn’t remain at the house. They were on a no-personal-contact break until Robin had made her final decision. In the meantime, Kuni would talk to Solmiri to find out what other methods were available to either stall the heat process or weather it without consummating the bond. She hadn’t heard of anyone having done that before. Why would they? It was every Nouri’s dream to meet their mate and live the best part of their lives. It made her depressed to think about it in those terms. Here she was with a mate, a reluctant one, and she was trying to stop herself from embarking on the most beautiful journey of her long life.

“…hopelessly inept and disorderly.”

“Shall I assume that you don’t want me to contact them?” Robin asked carefully.

“No. I want you to contact them, but I want to meet with them personally to relay my gratitude for their willingness to assist the Nouri.”

Three sets of eyes widened dramatically at Solmiri’s blatant lie. Kuni didn’t even want to think about what her friend had in mind. The royal couple left soon after and Kuni found herself standing in an uncomfortable silence with Robin.

“With your first mate…did you...?”

“We never met. She perished before we could.”

Robin looked horrified. “I…I didn’t…I’m sorry, Kuni. I didn’t mean to…” She stopped and looked as if she was considering something. “If you’ve never met her, then how did you know who she was?”

“We had vague visions of each other. When they stopped, I knew that she was gone.” It still surprised her how easy it was to talk about something that had previously been so hard to even think about.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s in the past now.” She walked over to her desk, since the meeting had been held in her office, and when she turned found Robin’s eyes had followed her. They shouldn’t be alone. Robin gave a small smile.

“You look beautiful today. You always look beautiful.”

“I believe you said you had a meeting scheduled with your team, Doctor Ford.”

The brunette didn’t hide her desire this time as she made a slow perusal of Kuni’s body.

“I did, didn’t I, Ambassador Kuni.” She saluted and with a knowing smile excused herself.

Kuni took a deep breath to calm her racing heart as she watched her mate leave.

Six days!

Who would’ve thought that it would take a measly six days for her life to be turned upside down?

***

Angela was surprised by how quickly the pirates had responded to the summons. The promise of a big payday seemed too hard to resist. Solmiri had made an offer that couldn’t be refused. Heck! Even she was stunned when she heard the amount.

It had been somewhat surreal to see the three men who had interrogated her again. If she had her way, they wouldn’t be roaming free at all. For their kidnapping of a GSC officer, they should be serving long prison terms on a very hostile penal colony. She had wanted to remind them of that, but decided not to add to the men’s misery. A seething Robin had torn into them the moment they had appeared on her ship. Their mumbled apologies had only seemed to infuriate Robin further until, thankfully, Solmiri stepped in. If the men had thought of her as their savior, they had been grossly mistaken. Her tone was calm and almost conversational, but her words had left the men pale and shaken by the time they left to prepare for the short trip.

“They didn’t appear very enthusiastic about working with us, considering the amount of money we are paying them,” Solmiri mentioned as she stared into her cup of tea.

Angela blinked. “Well, having your life and that of all your family and friends threatened might put a damper on one’s excitement.” Solmiri looked at her with a small frown between her eyes. “You did threaten to skin them alive and have their bones pulverized into a fine powder and jettisoned into space right after you’ve blown their hideout into smithereens.”

Solmiri shrugged. “I was only trying to encourage them to be attentive during the mission. At least now I know that twenty-two pairs of eyes will be focused on you and Robin at all times.”

The blonde took a sip of her tea, not making eye contact with her. She had been doing that since Angela had offered to accompany Robin.

“I will be careful.”

Quiet blue eyes met hers, the distress in them was plain to see. “You better be.”

They both moved at the same time and their lips met in a soft kiss. When it ended, they sat with their foreheads touching. It surprised Angela every time how easy it was to love this woman. She knew that it was absolute torture for the blonde to let her go, but she understood that there would be a lot more of these situations where she’d have to endure this kind of distress.

“It needs to be done. You understand that, don’t you?” Angela was proud of her mate when she met her eyes with a strong, powerful gaze.

“I am proud of you, and your people will sing your praises for many generations to come.” They kissed again. “Please don’t make me kill those pirates.”

The words were uttered in jest, but the cold look in Solmiri’s eyes made Angela nod quickly.

“I will come back to you.”

“Good, because I want more children.”

Angela chuckled. “We haven’t even had this one yet.” Solmiri’s nodded. “But I agree, we might just mess up with this one and may have to try a couple more times to hone our skills as parents.”

Silence fell over the small galley as they sat together, enjoying the last few moments before Solmiri needed to leave for Nourima.

***

“You need to buckle up, this part will be bumpy. I wonder if my parking spot is still available. It’s been over six months since I’ve last been here,” Robin said and smiled when she noticed Angela instantly reach for the buckle. “Old lady made you promise not to break a nail on the mission, did she?”

“Just try not to kill us. Solmiri doesn’t mess around. Please, look where you going.”

Chuckling, Robin turned her eyes back to the viewscreen. “I’m more scared of Aunt Norma. Now that’s a woman you don’t want to mess with.”

They entered the planet’s atmosphere and the turbulence made conversation impossible. When they cleared the cloud cover and the surface came into view, Robin had to swerve sharply to avoid collision with a large, rocky outcrop.

“What the hell?” she exclaimed. “That wasn’t there the last time I was here.”

“What do you mean?” Angela asked as she looked at her. “Mountains don’t move. You most probably were not paying attention when you were here last.”

Robin shook her head. “I take the same route and land on the same spot every time. We’ll have to check that out.”

“What?! Why?”

“Because that might very well be the reason why we are getting conflicting readings from our scans.” The younger woman didn’t look happy about it, but she didn’t say anything. “This will save us another trip down here.”

“I know.”

“I’ve calibrated the shields, but it’ll only hold for about two hours before the ship will start rusting away. I usually take longer than a day to prepare for an extended trip down here.”

“Then you should probably talk less and land this thing so we can do what we’re here to do.”

Robin grinned. Little Angie has grown some sharp little nails. Who wouldn’t if they were dating a powerful empress and had a whole race of aliens with superhuman strength answering to you? She reached her landing spot and activated the landing gear. When they were settled and she had run a quick post-landing check, she unbuckled herself. “I need to run a planet-wide scan. It might take ten to fifteen minutes. In the meantime, you can doublecheck the drilling equipment. We’ll have to leave the ship to get the samples.”

She didn’t wait for Angela’s response as she rushed to her lab. The shields might last longer than two hours, but she didn’t want to take any chances with her baby sister on board. She reached the lab and punched in the command for the scan. Her hands stopped abruptly as her sight grew dim and she blinked rapidly. What was happening? She rubbed over her eyes. It was getting worse. Something was wrong.

“Ange, could you come here for a sec, please.”

She heard footsteps coming, but before they reached her it went dark behind her eyes and she fainted.

***

Angela rushed to Robin's side, feeling for a pulse, which she found to be strong and steady. She transferred the unconscious woman to a nearby chair and made her comfortable. How fortunate that she decided to come with Robin. She would be out for a few minutes, but that meant that their time on the planet had been drastically shortened. Robin would wake up with an overwhelming need to be close to her mate. Angela had never been happier for Robin’s incessant talking, since it came in quite handy in situations like these. It helped to know what she was to do next. She pressed the large red scan button and moved to where Robin had stored the long, slender, diamond drill bit. It would burrow into the earth, taking measurements of the core layers as well as a sample of each.

Angela felt an odd sense of patriotism at being part of the mission. If she had ever wanted to do something for her new clan, it would be to be part of the group that was instrumental in the building of their new home. She glanced over at Robin. She’d have to thank the woman for the role she played in helping her decide. Robin had stuck to her decision not to talk about her situation during their ill-advised drinking session last night.

The only topic she was willing to discuss was how important it was to her to make the trip to the Dark Planet and somehow help save Kuni’s father. It was at that moment that Robin knew that her friend wouldn’t let Kuni go. Unlike her, it appeared as if Robin was more accepting of her fate. A soft beep drew her back to the console.

“Scanning complete,” she murmured. She pressed the analyze command and saw three sets of data displayed on the screen. They were clearly marked by date which made it easy for her to make sense of what she was looking at. Two grids showed three different readings and she noted that they were currently situated in one of those grids. She glanced over at Robin. She wasn’t sure how long the woman would be out, but with only a window of two hours, they couldn’t afford to lose any more time. This hadn’t been the plan, but she’d have to go out there alone and take new samples.

Solmiri would die if she knew what she was thinking of doing. Then again, she need not know if Angela was very careful and didn’t die.

***

“To my knowledge, I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of any methods of suppressing the heat cycle.” Enora looked alarmed. “Why do you ask? Do you want to sever the bond?”

Kuni pushed away from the desk and almost immediately regretted losing its sturdy support as her legs buckled. Her mother watched her through narrowed eyes.

“You’re too far gone already, child. There is no way of stopping this.”

Pursing her lips at hearing that, Kuni carefully walked over to the chair and took a seat. Enora took the one next to her.

“Talk to me, Kuni. What’s going on?”

“Robin might not want this.”

The older woman shrugged. “I’m not sure she has a choice anymore.”

“I will not force her into this, Mother,” she returned firmly. “I want her to… She’s not Nouri and doesn’t understand how this works.”

“How else is she going to learn?”

Kuni gave her mother a chilly stare. “I want her willing and ready to commit. It’s important to me.”

Enora nodded. “I understand, but at least you need to show her that you’re willing to fight for her. This passive pursuit is only making it easier for her to not want to commit. Show her what you’re willing to do to win her heart.” Enora’s eyes gleamed. “Make her crave you.”

Blinking hard, Kuni could only stare at her mother. Her parents were happily married and very much in love, but this is the first time that she saw this side of her mother. Predatory and passionate. All the things she felt when she was with Robin. She stood and waited for the dizziness to let up before she moved in the direction of the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To drive Robin insane,” she threw over her shoulder as she prayed that she wouldn’t fall flat on her face after her impressive exit. She hailed Solmiri as she was on her way to order an urban transporter.

“Ambassador,” came the crisp greeting.

“I need to travel to the Dark Planet.” She prayed Solmiri didn’t ask too many questions. Since she had gone through this already, Kuni thought the other woman should understand how important it was for her to make this elaborate, albeit dangerous, gesture of love.

“I’m at the docks; meet me here.” The communication link cut abruptly and Kuni frowned.

***

Robin opened her eyes and looked around her. What the heck! Why was she in the chair? Had she fallen asleep? But why would…? The timer! She shot to her feet and cursed when the world room tilted dangerously. Yes, that feeling she remembered. She fainted earlier and then she had called out to…

Why was she alone? Where was Angela? Her heart began to race as she stumbled over to the console. The scan was completed and the analyses of the three readings were displayed on a second screen. Angela must’ve requested the analysis. A glance at the timer showed that she had been out for almost thirty minutes. She cursed out aloud as she turned to the cabinet holding the environmental suits. One was missing!

“Bloody hell, Angie!” She pulled on the remaining one, which took another five minutes in between bouts of dizzy spells and the strange heatstroke-like symptoms. She didn’t have to be a Nouri to know what it meant. She was running out of time fast, but first, she needed to go find that stubborn, crazy sister of hers.

The desolate, barren landscape outside the ship appeared silent and innocuous, but Robin knew better. Many adventurers had come here misjudging the deceptively quiet environment, only for them to abort their mission within an hour as their ships started falling apart around them. The planet’s danger lay in the quiet wind that blew into miniscule crevices and ate away at the small, integral parts of the ship. Robin recalled her first attempt and how, after the corrosive air had slipped through her ship’s cracks, it had immediately disabled her onboard oxygen filtration system which regulated the ship’s life support. She had high-tailed it off the planet with only a few lungs full of air left. Since that hard lesson, she had created a thick, lube to seal off the ship. It was tough to clean off, but effective, cheap, and no one else knew of the trick.

She had gone five yards before she could make out the slight movement ahead of her. The wind kicked up a dust cloud and when it cleared, Robin burst into a frantic run. Her eyes focused on the rock-like formation behind Angela.

It hadn’t been there a few seconds before.

***

Angela wiped over the small screen of the monitor. The drill was backing up, returning to the surface. It had been surprisingly easy to take the readings. She simply pointed the drill at the coordinates keyed into the meter and with the press of a button it had done what it was designed for. She wondered if Robin had woken up since the location for the next reading was quite a distance away and she didn’t want to leave her unsupervised. She glanced over her shoulder and blinked hard.

“Where did you come from?” she muttered at the rock that she was sure hadn’t been there when she had arrived at the site. A blur of action caught her eye and she peered around the rock to see Robin rushing toward her, waving her arms wildly and pointing.

“Pointing at what?” she asked aloud and when she swept her eyes around her, she felt the hair on her nape rise. Were those eyes? Since when did rocks have eyes? Instinct made her reach for her phaser. Her eyes widened when the rocks dissolved without warning to reveal a tiny pigtailed girl.

“Oh no!” she exclaimed. “My suit is leaking and I’ve inhaled the air.”

“Angie!” Robin sounded closer, but Angela didn’t dare look away from the girl nor did she move the phaser from where it was trained on the newcomer. The planet was supposed to be deserted and nor was it a safe place for a child so young. At least she was wearing an environmental suit and Angela squinted, barely able to distinguish the facial features of the girl through her own visor. She was a beautiful child with blonde hair and vivid blue eyes. She didn’t know what it was, but there was something familiar about the girl.

“What are you waiting for? Shoot it!” Robin shouted as she arrived. When she rounded the girl to stand next to Angela, her mouth fell open behind the helmet. “What the hell is this?”

“I think we’ve found our interference,” Angela said quietly as she studied the child. Intelligent blue eyes returned the scrutiny. “What should we do?”

Robin threw up her hands. “Ask for her name and what she is doing here.”

“Who are you?” She tightened the grip on her phaser. “Most importantly, what are you?”

The girl looked around and Angela noticed that she was looking behind her to where their next drill location was located. Her suspicions had been right. This alien being had something to do with the irregular fluctuation in their data.

“Why are you here?” Robin asked loudly and the girl threw her arms wide.

“Home.”

The child-like whisper made her swallow. Could she be human? If so, what was she doing here alone?

“No, sweetie,” Robin corrected her gently. “Not home. This is too dangerous for you.” Robin glanced at her. “Since we know what the problem is, we don’t need to do another reading. Let’s go and we’re taking her with us.”

“What? Are you sure?” She looked at the girl and noticed that her large blue eyes were filled with unshed tears. “Crap! This is not why we came here.”

“I know, but we’re not leaving her here alone.”

“How sure are you that she’s even human,” Angela hissed at Robin.

“Look at her,” Robin hissed back. “Now hurry and get the drill. We’re running out of time.” To the girl, she said. “Come, sweetie, you look like you could do with a hot chocolate.”

Bloody Robin! She shook her head when the other woman reached out a hand to the child and began to walk back toward the ship.

***

“How long still?”

The man cleared his throat as he gave her a nervous look. “Half an hour before their return.”

Solmiri turned her back on the man to talk to Kuni. “If they’re not back by then, I suggest we go find them.” She read the frustration on Kuni’s face, a mixture of anger and sexual tension. When they had met at the docks and Solmiri expressed her intention to come along, Kuni had been livid. As a matter of fact, she had been sulking the whole trip until here. Thanks to their space-folding technology, which had turned a couple of days’ worth of travel into less than twenty minutes, she was saved from suffering the irate woman’s company for longer than necessary.

“You promised, Solmiri,” Kuni whispered. “You said you wouldn’t go down to the planet.”

Solmiri pursed her lips. “You’re not in a condition to travel alone.”

“You’re with child, for heaven’s sake. You can’t risk…”

“Hawk Eye, come in.”

Both Solmiri and Kuni spun around to stare at the captain. He was smiling broadly.

“Hawk Eye here, Robbie. What is your ETA?”

“Ten minutes.”

“That is fast. Did you get what you needed?”

“You can say that. We got that and more.”

Solmiri wanted to jerk the captain from his chair to stop the chitchat and ask if her mate was safe. But she held back. As much as she despised the men for the trade they were in, she knew that it was a universal courtesy to respect a captain on his bridge. Even a ramshackle bridge such as this one.

“That’s great news. We’ll await your arrival. Out.”

“See you soon. Out.”

Solmiri found that Kuni appeared a little more relaxed now, except for a dark red stain on her cheeks. She hid her smile. Mating fever was in full swing now. She only hoped that Kuni didn’t attack Robin before they had secured some private lodgings. It made her ache for her mate. She had hoped for a languid lovemaking session this morning, but that had been quickly pushed aside when Angela mentioned her intention to accompany Robin. Pride and terror rose simultaneously at that moment. With the mission a success, she planned to keep her mate up tonight to show her appreciation. The moment Robin’s ship appeared on the long-range scanners, Solmiri and Kuni made their way to the hangar to welcome them.

The ship landed a few minutes later and Solmiri waited with bated breath to have her first sight of Angela. The door opened and Angela stepped out. Their eyes met and Solmiri smiled widely when she saw the joyful surprise in the dark gaze. Her feet eagerly carried her to her mate, only for her to stop abruptly when she caught something behind Angela. Letting out a sharp hiss, she flew into action and with her speed, was on top of the alien in the blink of an eye.

“Solmiri! NO!”

Angela’s cry sounded far away as she grabbed the Mursi by the hair and flung it across the hanger where it landed with a loud clank against the bulkhead, leaving a large dent. It struggled to its feet but she was on top of it once again.

“PLEASE STOP!”

The loud cry held her back from bashing the alien in the face and she looked over her shoulder to find both Angela and Robin standing with their hands covering their faces.

“What do you see?” she asked hoarsely, her voice rough from rage. “Angela. What do you see?”

“A…girl. A young human girl.” It hurt to hear her mate’s voice break as she spoke and Solmiri turned to the Mursi.

“Show them your true face.”

The alien’s body shimmered as it changed form and Solmiri heard a loud gasp coming from the two humans.

Epilogue

Robin was shaken as she stared at the tall alien lying at the empress’ feet. On her many travels, she had heard stories of aliens who could shapeshift, but she hadn’t met one before. Angela’s agog expression confirmed that she, too, had never seen a changeling before either.

“Where did you find her?”

The empress was staring down at the alien, looking like a vengeful angel with her loose hair and balled fists. The alien sat up, its face shielded by a gleaming mass of silvery hair. A graceful hand with slender fingers calmly pulled it away to reveal its face. Robin’s mouth fell open at the sight of the beautiful, delicate features. Sharp amber eyes swept the hanger before it rose to meet that of the empress.

“You’re a Nouri.” The alien climbed to her feet, matching Solmiri in height. “When news of your planet’s explosion reached us, we thought you had all perished.”

Both Solmiri and Kuni’s heads lowered slowly in reverence at the news. She has heard the scientists talk and when they mentioned their former planet a deep sadness emanated from them. The loss of Nourima would forever haunt them.

“Why are you here?” Solmiri asked sharply. “Mursa is thousands of lightyears from here.”

Considering how she had been tossed about earlier, the alien wasn’t cowering as she looked at the empress. “My name is Torsin and as you already know, I’m a Mursi. May I have the honor of knowing who I’m addressing?”

“Empress Solmiri of the Nouri.”

The alien’s eyes widened dramatically and she bowed deeply. “My apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t know who you were.”

Solmiri’s eyes narrowed dangerously and Robin feared for the alien.

“Are you avoiding my question?”

The Mursi held up her hands. “Not at all, Your Highness. I was mining for emploriom. Our planet has been struck by several natural catastrophes which have been exacerbated by increasing criminal raids and lootings, prompting us to leave.” The alien pursed her lips. “My people are stranded on ships twenty thousand lightyears from here and unless I bring them sufficient emploriom to power our depleted resources, the wave of oncoming warlords and warring clans, fleeing their own imploding worlds, will…” She stopped abruptly. “My scans showed that the planet was deserted.”

“It’s already been claimed by the Nouri.”

Torsin bowed again. “I owe you an apology once again, Your Highness.” The alien seemed to sniff the air before her golden gaze swept the hanger to land on Robin. A slow smile tugged at her sensual lips. “You are on heat.”

The words had barely left Torsin’s lips before a red and black flash shot from across the hanger and ploughed into the alien. This time it was Kuni standing over her. Robin blinked at the woman. How could she have missed her presence? Then again, the sudden attack by the empress had left them all shocked and confused. The smoldering heat in her stomach flared up as she took in the redhead. Robin fought the urge to rush over to the woman and drag her away to a very private, soundproof place. Her pleasant thoughts of what she wanted to do to Kuni were rudely interrupted by what Torsin said next.

“She is in distress and I only wanted to offer my…”

“She didn’t ask for your assistance.” Kuni’s voice was low and deadly. “She’s my mate.”

Torsin quickly climbed to her feet. “Are you sure?” The alien looked genuinely confused. “It is common knowledge for millennia that the Nouri don’t mate outside their race.” When Kuni only glared at her, the alien glanced at Solmiri. “Your Highness?”

“Ambassador Kuni is telling the truth.”

The alien appeared even more confused. “Is it viable? The merging of an old, elite species like yours with a subpar kind?”

“Hey,” Robin protested as she stormed down the walkway. “It will serve you right to remember that it was this creature from a subpar species that saved your butt on the planet when my colleague wanted to leave you there. I probably should’ve listened to her, come to think of it.”

Torsin smiled, a beautiful and beguiling curl of the lips that made Robin swallow in confusion and which elicited a warning growl from Kuni.

“I seem to find myself apologizing a lot today,” Torsin said quickly after an apologetic glance at both her and Kuni. “I asked because only seven percent of the Mursi survived the weather disasters. We might have to consider cross-species breeding.”

Utterly disgusted by the way the alien referred to what was happening between her and Kuni, Robin snapped. “Come back in a week and see for yourself.” Robin’s eyes shot wide as she realized what she had said. If she had hoped that she could retract the premature announcement, she was too late. Kuni slowly turned to face her and the heat in her eyes made her insides melt. She had just told the woman that she was ready to accept the mate bond. “I mean…”

“No need to explain, eti.” The green eyes were warm with joy and relief. “Did you mean it?”

Robin nodded quickly. “I…I…Yes. Of course.” Kuni approached her with a determined look on her face. “Are we…” She felt her cheeks heat up and lowered her voice. “Are you ready to…?”

“I’ve been ready ever since I first met you,” Kuni murmured as her mouth slanted over Robin’s.

***

“What’s wrong? Am I rushing you?”

Solmiri’s face was flustered and her lips glistened from the frantic kisses they’d shared as soon they were alone on the Royal space charger. Robin and Kuni had boarded the latter’s ship and set off to an unknown location in a haste. Recalling Solmiri’s question, she kissed her softly.

“No, of course not.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Solmiri pulled away. “Did I do something to make you…”

Angela pulled her back into her arms. She wanted to be at home in their bed and not here, where a GSC ship could interrupt them at any moment to take custody of Torsin.

“No.” She tilted her head a little. “However, I must say that seeing you beating the crap out of what we thought was a human toddler will be difficult to unsee.”

Solmiri’s lips pursed in clear distaste. “The Mursi are shapeshifters, who amongst many other revolting offenses, use their fabulous looks and sensual nature, to seduce unwitting victims for sport. I hated seeing her anywhere near you.”

With a soft snort, Angela leaned into her mate, sensing that Solmiri needed some sort of assurance. “As if I would give you up for anything. You’re stuck with me, eti. By the way, how did you manage to see through the illusion?”

“You forget I’m not human.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Angela responded. “That was until you went and beat up a little girl.”

The blonde laughed, a beautiful, melodious sound that thrilled Angela. She was falling deeper in love with this woman every day.

“The Mursi are shrewd. They mainly trade in the acquiring and selling of information and are masters at applying it to their advantage. They knew that a young human child would present the least threatening prospect to you both and that was what she used. It would be to the GSC’s benefit not to trust her at all.”

Angela nodded. “Duly noted.” Speaking of untrustworthy refugees, she took Solmiri’s hand. “There is something else I need to discuss with you.”

The blue eyes searched her face. “Yes.”

“We can’t get married in two weeks.”

The beautiful face sobered instantly. “I…Of course. We can find another date.” Solmiri’s disappointment was tangible and Angela squeezed her hand.

“You misunderstood. There might be a wave of refugees descending on the galaxy in two weeks. I don’t want to postpone our wedding because of that.” She cupped Solmiri’s face. “We should do it earlier. Like in three days from now.” Solmiri gaped at her. “My parents are on the Omnitel, touring the sector. My grandmother and Aunt Lily can be here in a few hours.” She took a breath. “What do you think?”

Solmiri was quiet for a moment before she nodded. “I think we need to get rid of the Mursi so we can go home.”

“Let me find out how far the Omnitel is and …aahhhh!” She shivered at the sensation of the wet tongue tracing the curve of her ear. “I forgot to mention that it is an old Earth wedding tradition for the couple to abstain from sex until after the ceremony.”

“Not going to happen. I fully intend to ravish you tonight. That tyrannical rule can be enforced after tonight.” The blonde gave her a deep kiss that left her breathless. “Prepare for very little sleep tonight, darling.”

***

BRIMSTONE

Three hours later…

Robin couldn’t get her fill of how beautiful Kuni looked in repose. She knew it was too late to have misgivings about their situation, but Robin was still stunned that a woman like this would want to be with her. Robin Ford, daughter of a former child assassin and a nameless father.

She’d probably never feel like she deserved a woman like Kuni, but she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. The universe, it would seem, was rather fond of her for some reason. The light lashes flickered and Kuni opened her eyes. For a moment, Robin was utterly stunned by the sight.

“Your eyes! They’re…they’re…”

Kuni smiled broadly and the joy in her eyes was obvious. “It’s you. My eyes only shade when I’m in the presence of my mate.” There was a slight proprietary tinge to the redhead’s tone when she uttered the word ‘mate’. “How does it look?”

“Breathtaking.” She sat up. “You should see for yourself.” She swung her feet off the bed and held her hand out to Kuni. The woman took it without hesitation and Robin reveled in the knowledge that the woman’s wariness had completely disappeared. She trusted Robin completely and it felt terrific. She led her over to a wall where the only mirror on the ship was mounted and stood behind Kuni, watching the woman study her own features.

“They’re beautiful.” Wide sapphire eyes met Robin’s in the mirror. “I’ve always dreamt of having blue eyes, but I never thought I would ever see them on myself.” She turned and threw her arms around Robin’s neck, bringing their naked bodies close. “Thank you for this and everything else I thought I would never experience again.”

Speechless, Robin shook her head. Was the woman serious about thanking her? From where she stood, she was the one who got the better deal out of this.

“I am undeniably the lucky one here, darling.”

Kuni’s fingers began a slow caress of her face as her newly-acquired blue took in every contour of Robin’s face. “You’re beautiful.” Her fingers traced the slightly crooked bridge of Robin’s nose before her fingers pushed into the messy dark locks. “You are such a contradiction. Edgy and rough-looking, but your skin is the smoothest I’ve ever touched. Your messy hair is soft and fragrant and I love how it feels when I slip my fingers through it.”

Robin listened in breathless silence as her body responded eagerly to the light caresses. Her breath hitched when Kuni’s lips brushed over the scar of a phaser burn on her chest.

“I will never get tired of how truly magnificent you are. Big and strong, but yet you’re so tender and selfless with your touches.” When she went down on her knees, Robin inhaled sharply. She threw her head back and shuddered at the soft kiss on her navel. Would she be able to survive three days of this? If not, then what better way to die?

***

“Your Majesty.”

Torsin’s eyes flew open and she turned her head to look at the guard from where she lay on the small cot in the brig of what she now knew was a Galactic Security Council ship, an intergalactic armed force that patrolled the territory. They were organized and vigilant. Something she hadn’t counted on when she had crossed through the wormhole a few days ago.

“Your Majesty, are you there?”

She noticed that the guard, a powerfully built alien hadn’t taken his eyes off her and she rolled onto her side, giving him her back. They had searched her, but overlooked the tiny communicator in her ear. The Mursi were information hounds and their job required sophisticated, untraceable equipment such as the minuscule communication device.

“I’m here.”

“We are in position.”

“Abort mission.”

There was a short silence. “I think I’ve misheard you, Your Highness.”

Torsin smiled. General Aldi had good hearing. “I said to abort the mission. Go back to the planet, collect the emploriom and return to the ships. Come as close to the wormhole as you can without detection and wait for my signal.”

“But…”

“I need you to follow orders now, General. We have completely misjudged the security and safety protocols of this galaxy. They are well-organized and fully equipped to protect themselves. To make matters worse, the Nouri are here.”

“The Nouri?! Are you sure? They are thought to have been…”

“I’ve had a face-to-face with the empress herself, and I must add that she is not to be trifled with. Those rumors about her are spot on.”

“In that case, we’ll return for you. Please be careful, Your Majesty.”

“Aren’t I always?” There was long, meaningful silence. “Ok, I get it. I’ll be careful. You do the same. See you soon.”

“Until then, Your Majesty.”

Torsin rolled onto her back and stiffened. The guard stood a few feet away, a charged phaser aimed at her head. He touched his shoulder communicator.

“The prisoner has made contact with her people, Captain.”

She cursed under her breath. They had left the communicator on purpose. How deliciously deceptive. To outwit a Mursi at their own game was almost unheard of.

“Aye, Captain.” He turned to her. “The captain wants to see you, Your Majesty.”

Torsin rolled her eyes as she got to her feet.

THE END

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 Eternal Series

(Guardian Series spin-off)

Book 1: An Eternal Family

The Stone Warrior Series

Book 1: To Be Unbroken

Book 2: Carved in Stone

Book 3: Shatterproof

The Regency Series

Book 1: The Discreet Servant

Book 2: The Enigmatic Steward

Book 3: The Alluring Cook

Book 4: The Reserved Doctor

Book 5: The Future Beckons

Book 6: A Noble Pledge

The Wolven Series

Book 1: Claimed

Book 2: Lycan

The Pharmac series

Book 1: Afterglow

Book 2: Hereafter

Out Amongst the Stars

A Heart to Conquer (Novella: Book 1)

A Kiss to Spare (Novella: Book 2)

Other

Phantom of the Heart

Spoils of War

Random Convergences

Blood Oaths (Anthology)

Worlds Apart

Thicker than Blood (Anthology)

Immemorial