Captured by the Alien Dragon

by Stella Cassy

  “It’s the molecular structure of chromite. It’s what powers our fuel rods.”

  I open a communi-channel to the Pax. “This is former slave 2701. Cease all hostilities and leave the vicinity immediately or die.”

  “That would definitely scare me, if I were a youngling again, that is.”

  I stop chewing my bottom lip long enough to drop Lehar a clue. “I’m not trying to scare them. I’m just stating the facts. If they don’t pull back, it’s on them.”

  “That’s pretty sassy talk, considering the insectoids haven’t agreed to lend us a hand. They’re powering up their weapons again.”

  “Damn fools. If they’re determined to die today, so be it.” I pull up an image of the molecular structure of chromite and draw out 10 chit size chunks. Their response is instantaneous. The insectoids begin obliterating the Pax fleet.

  “I’m going to go out on a limb here and say they liked that offer.” Lehar’s dry sense of humor isn’t amusing, but he’s got a point. “How about we go laser out ten standard units of chromite?”

  “I’ve got that. You stay here and oversee the destruction of our enemies.”

  “Hurry, I want to put distance between us and the insectoids as soon as possible.”

  “I thought they were your favorite masters?”

  “They were my favorite masters, right up until one of them picked me up with his razor sharp talons and dropped me back into a slave pit.”

  “Unpredictable lot, are they?”

  “You got that right. Now amscray.”

  “Fine, but later we’re going to have a conversation about who’s in charge when Tarion’s down.”

  Rubbing the scar on my right hand, I watch the battle taking place. It seems absurd to hire out the heavy lifting to the insectoids while all our crew is safely behind the now repaired shield, but I can’t bear to risk them unnecessarily. After seeing Tarion fall, I refuse to lose another warrior today.

  Reaching over, I open an intership link to the medical unit. The response is immediate. “Healer Jarnok speaking. Do you wish a status report on your mate?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Captain Tarion sustained severe damage to his central nervous system and his wing base. His chance of making a full recovery is approximately thirty-seven percent. If he recovers consciousness, that will be a good sign, but I cannot promise his wings will ever be functional.”

  “Thank you, Healer Jarnok. I appreciate the honesty, if not the news.”

  “You are welcome, mate of Tarion.”

  Not being able to fly is not going to go over very well with Tarion. Flying means freedom to him. Somehow the big, blustering dragon raider has snaked himself into my heart. As the battle rages on, I remember how put off I was by his arrogant ways when we first met. Now, I find his cocky manner adorable and endearing. It’s a big part of what I like about him. If that confidence takes a nosedive because his wings won’t work anymore, it’ll break my heart.

  As I ponder Tarion’s condition, the insectoids make short work of the Pax vessels. They don’t go after the life pods. That’s a small consolation, I suppose. It tells me that they are rational creatures and not just heartless monsters. Their weapons are so superior to anything else in this sector that they have a bad reputation for shooting first and making nice later.

  I activate the computer system and latch onto the Lehar’s signal. “I am just finishing the job now. Is there something else you need?”

  “I just remembered that every time the insectoids interact with another species, they leave behind small bundles of random supplies. I think it must be their way of showing respect.”

  “Let me guess, you wish me to gather some supplies to gift them with.”

  “It doesn’t have to be anything costly.”

  “May I ask, to what end?”

  “I believe cultivating good relations with the insectoids would be in our best long-term interest. No one else in this sector knows what to do with them.”

  “I agree. They’ve proven their worth as allies today. Do you have any idea what they value?”

  “Their technology is superior to ours, but I’ve always wondered if they had access to knowledge of our sector and the member worlds of the Intergalactic Council. Would it be possible to download the non-restricted information from our database, star maps of the known universe and trade routes? I’d toss in a set of those tiny slides with tissue samples and our medical database. That would enable them to create DNA tissue samples. Being in a position to render appropriate medical care would make them a genuine asset in the event that they stumble upon a disaster.”

  “That’s all too easy. We’ve got gobs of those kits. Anything else?”

  “Maybe some high quality blankets. Those always seemed to be in short supply. Throw in some dry foodstuffs and seeds if you have any on hand. If you really want to be impressive, they like pins.”

  “What?”

  “I know this sounds odd, but they all wear sashes draped over one shoulder. I don’t know whether it’s ornamental or serves a purpose, but the fabric was always really luxurious. They clip the sashes to a shoulder harness with a fancy pin. They were made of different kinds of metal and were encrusted with fine gemstones.”

  “I’m going to skip over how absurd that sounds, but I’ll have the gifts packed and on hover boards shortly. Are we inviting them here or are we going to their ship?”

  “Neither. The insectoids are a reclusive species. They usually offload into space with a drone delivery.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yep, they don’t seem to like direct contact with other species. They are solitary creatures.”

  “That definitely works for me. How’s Tarion? I haven’t had a chance to check.”

  “He’s not doing well. I want to conclude our transaction with the insectoids so I can spend a little time at his side.”

  “I’m almost finished.”

  “Great. It didn’t take the insectoids long to decimate the Pax. It looks like they are picking through the wreckage right now.”

  “They’re what?”

  “The insectoids are carrions, meaning they scavenge for metal and useful objects from the battlefield.”

  “That make sense, considering everyone around these parts is reluctant to trade with them. I’m going to drop these packages off in the loading bay and then I’ll come back to the bridge to relieve you.”

  It’s weird that I’m holding down the fort with a skeleton crew on the bridge. This time last month I was locked in the hold rationing food bars and now I’m here, making command decisions. Those were more like recommendations than decisions, but still, it’s a quantum leap forward from what I’m used to. Tarion has to be okay. Even if the crew accepts me, I don’t want to be on this ship where everything reminds me of him if he’s not here. It would be heart wrenching. Worry twists my gut and I know that won’t stop until I’m with Tarion and he’s out of danger.

  Good as his word, Lehar returns a short time later, and we deliver the payment and tokens of respect to the insectoids without incident. They send a bundle back to us and while the crew is processing it, I run for the healing unit.

  It’s difficult to see him laid out on a healing platform with sensors blinking around his head. I approach quietly, not wanting to disturb him or the healers working on other injured warriors.

  “It’s about time you came to me.”

  Moving at lightning speed, I sit on the edge of his floating platform. It bobs slightly as I settle in. “I’ve been really worried about you.”

  “I was worried as well.”

  “We need to get you to a fully functioning medical facility with specialized healers.”

  “I can see you’ve been talking to Jarnok. I’m fine. I just need to rest for a minute.”

  “Don’t worry, the ship is safe.”

  “I noticed that. We watched the whole thing on our view screen. You called in the insectoids.”

  “I know that
you probably don’t consider that an honorable battle.”

  Rubbing one hand over his side, he grimaces. “Paying someone else to fight our battles? My father would consider that taking the coward’s way out. However, any fight you walk away from is a victory in my book.”

  “You’re not angry?”

  Looking pale, he sighs. “You bought us victory for the low price of ten units of chromite, stemmed the loss of life among my crew and saved me in the face of invincible odds. I’ve no complaints about the way you and Lehar handled the situation.”

  Leaning over, I smooth my hand over his cheek. “I’m glad, because it was the only solution that came to mind when our back was against the wall.”

  Shifting uncomfortably, he murmurs feverishly, “I even got to keep my beautiful brooder.”

  “In order to enjoy me properly, you are going to need advanced medical care.”

  “You are all making too much of a fuss. I’ve suffered more serious injury and came out of it just fine. Tarion of the Hielsrane will not be brought down by a plasma shock.”

  Taking one on his huge hands in mine, I carefully avoid the talon. “You are going to a healing center whether you like it or not. The healers are worried that you might not survive.”

  “If I die in route, make sure they bury me with my treasures.” His weak attempt at humor chokes me up. I scoot closer, grab the cloth from a container of cold water and run it over his face. His eyes drift closed, and it’s impossible to tell if he is just enjoying the brief reprieve of the cool water on his skin or if he’s simply too tired to continue the conversation.

  His response worries the healers as well. Two of them rush over, bump me out of the way and pull up a clear enclosure around the healing platform he’s lying on. It pops up about two hand spans in height and they begin cutting off the rest of his clothing. I watch in absolute horror as the unit fills with green hydration fluid. It’s the fluid the Drakon swim in to keep their bodies hydrated and in optimal condition. I recognize it as the same liquid that I’ve seen the crew use to clean themselves. Almost every deck has a pool of the liquid available. Tarion mentioned that it helps keep their bodies hydrated since their skin requires external moisture to remain pliant.

  After the healers step aside, I go to him and take my time scooping up handfuls of the fluid and pouring it over his body. I’m careful to ensure that his entire body is moisturized. The dull throb of the bite he left on my shoulder slowly fades. Helplessness sets in and I refuse to leave his side, even when the healers urge me to take a respite. I can’t bear to leave his limp, lifeless body.

  17

  Tarion

  I wake to the orange sun of Thirren shining through a nearby window. I squint, trying to remember why I’ve come back to this godsforsaken planet. I hate it here. Space is where I belong, not some planet where tedious customs ruin every special moment in a warrior’s life. My brain is foggy, like I’ve been sleeping for a thousand lunars.

  Sitting up, I’m immediately angry with myself. The sharp pain in my caudal tells me that I’ve been lying on my back for too long. I haven’t done that since I was lazy youngling. My sire would be appalled. I’m a poor excuse for a warrior.

  Something is grasping onto my hand. The moment my eyes drink in my brooder’s face, memories come flooding back to me. I rescued her, lured her into my bed and tamed her wild and ferocious heart. Realizing she’s mine, I can’t keep the smile off my face. It’s very unlike me.

  Memories float through my mind of her tending to my every need, whispering sweet words in my ear that were fit to chain my heart to hers for all eternity, and arguing with the healers about my care. Her tenderness and ability to love a ruthless raider boggles my mind. Yet, here she is. Her hair is tangled and she’s still wearing the same uniform from the day of the attack. My sweet female is smelling more than a little ripe.

  Reaching out, I run my fingers through her hair to straighten it, realizing all too late that I shouldn’t have bothered, as claws quickly become snared in her tangles. Gods of chaos, how do I get myself into these predicaments? I gently untangle myself as she wakes.

  “Ouch, what are you doing?”

  “Your hair attacked me.”

  Smiling up at me, I can see she doesn’t believe that for a micron. “Strange, it’s never done that before.”

  “I wish to leave this medical unit.”

  “I know. You say that every single time you wake up.”

  I vaguely remember such. “I prefer to be on my ship.”

  Nodding, she changes the inflection of her voice to mimic me. “Tarion of the Hielsrane is not meant for an easy life of lounging around and feigning interest in frivolous pursuits. Being a great warrior, he knows nothing of mindless chatter and protecting his social standing. He was meant for more important endeavors, such as wandering the verse in search of adventure and plunder.”

  Sighing, I wish my mate’s words were nothing more than light teasing. However, her speech reminds me too much of how I would describe myself if left to my own devices. It leads me to suspect she is merely repeating the words I spoke when burning with fever.

  “Well, sitting on one’s caudal is not the way of the warrior, my sweet brooder. Come sit in my lap for a bit. I now burn with a different kind of need.”

  “You say that every time as well.”

  A deep masculine voice sounds off from the side. “And each time you suggest such, I forbid sexual contact until you are fully recovered.”

  Swiveling my head around, my eyes land on older healer. He seems stern and slightly familiar. “Go away. I wish to spend time alone with my mate.”

  “As you wish. You are as recovered as you are going to get in my unit.”

  Catching sight of Carissa tugging gently at the collar around her neck, I cringe inside. “Stop, healer.” When he turns to look at me, I ask, “Can you remove the collar from around my brooder’s neck?”

  “Of course, we have a unit loaded with the unlocking sequences to all the models currently being used in this region of space.” Shooting me a severe look, he states flatly, “It’s for emergencies only.”

  “You will remove the collar from her neck and heal the wounds the unit left on her skin.”

  “Are you the legal owner?”

  Swallowing thickly, I lie. “Of course I am the legal owner. Why else would I ask you to remove the collar if not to see the value of my property preserved?”

  “As you wish, Tarion of the Hielsrane. I have no wish to run afoul of your family.”

  Trying not to look smug, I wipe all expression from my face. My brooder rolls her eyes at me. Seeing her apprehension when he approaches, I pull her into my lap and try to distract her as best I can. “You look like crap, love.”

  She deadpans back, “Thanks for that, master.”

  I can tell by her tone that Carissa is as amused as she is annoyed by my antics. “I meant to ask why it is that no one here offered you an opportunity to cleanse and obtain clean clothing.”

  Instead of replying, she points to the collar. The reality of her situation annoys me. “Tarion of the Hielsrane’s personal brooder should be treated with respect. It falls in the category of not taking due care with my property while I am incapacitated.” Glaring at the healer, I continue speaking to Carissa, “I will have words with the head healer before I leave this facility.”

  The older man begins working on her collar, muttering under his breath. “You just did. I’ll pass your concerns along to the council of healers.”

  “You do that.” Though I’m trying to sound menacing, I realize it’s probably not a good idea to intimidate my own healer, especially while he’s handling my mate’s collar. “I plan to leave the Drakon home world today.”

  “I will transition your plan of care to your ship’s healer. The gods only know how Jarnok manages on a ship full of raiders.”

  Though I’d like nothing better than to squeeze the head from his shoulders, I’m fully aware that if he makes a wrong move w
hile working on Carissa’s collar, she may well be the one who gets her head squeezed off, so I hold my peace for the moment.

  Elation surges through my chest when the collar unwinds from her neck and falls blamelessly to the healing platform. Seeing her broken skin brings out every protective instinct I possess. Snatching the medicated gauze and dermal healing unit from the older healer, I bark, “Get out. Call my ship. I want a shuttle here within ten microns.”

  As the healer scrambles away, I begin cleaning the filth from her neck. It irritates me to see the abused, irritated skin. Spying the door to a cleansing room, I stand with her in my arms. Though my feet are unsteady for a brief moment, I find my footing and head for the cleanser. “How long have I been here?”

  “Eight days. They kept you sedated for the first six days because you were belligerent and combative.”

  Fear crawls up my spine, bringing me to a halt. “Tell me that I didn’t harm you.”

  Shaking her head, Carissa grins. “Not on your life, handsome. You threatened every male that looked in my direction and clobbered a few healers when their poking and prodding got annoying. However, you were always nice to me, even when burning with fever and doubled over in pain.”

  Continuing to the cleanser, something in my chest loosens. I won’t be satisfied until we are naked and clean. In the cleansing unit, my brooder soothes me with her touch. Closing my eyes, I take a moment to enjoy her soft lathered hands moving over my chest, neck and shoulders. She cleanses my long hair and turns me around to clean my wings.

  The moment her hands wander over my wing base, I snap. “If you wish to mate, touch me there again.” I’m disappointed when she does not. Instead her hands glide over my hips and she soaps my now hardened cock. My dragon roars to life in an instant, urging me to turn her around and watch her pert ass jiggle as I take my pleasure with her. I do no such thing, much to his disappointment. My little love creeps around my massive body to face me as she continues using both hands to stroke me off.