The Space Merchants of Arachne

by Wendie Nordgren

  “Where is Yukihyo?”

  “He is sound asleep. Phillip is babysitting both Neema and her father. You have worn him out,” Simon told me. I sighed. Simon began lifting an impressive amount of weights.

  “Phillip and Eric’s chief medical officer have made me and others with my problem the subject of their medical research. How’s that for making me even more embarrassed?”

  Nico said, “It’s not a problem. It’s normal. You need to spend more time with mother.”

  “Okay, it’s normal to be completely mortified. Got it.” I made it to three miles and stopped. I really wanted to be able to fit into my black pants and grey shirt. Phillip walked in with a pink bundle of hungry baby. “There’s mommy’s sweet girl!”

  I stepped down and took her. Neema and I went to the relaxation room. She was soft and warm. Once she was full, I said, “Let’s go see what daddy is doing.” We peeked in on him. He was still sleeping, so we went to the entertainment room with Thunderdrop and Cass. We watched our forest.

  The days passed. My family’s support had me feeling less ashamed of myself by the time we docked on Amphictyon.

  While we waited for the ambassadors to switch ships, Nico suggested I dress up and allow him to escort me to thank the Parvacian dignitary for his service to the Empire. “I’ll be happy to, Nico. Although, I think you should do the talking. You’re a general.”

  “You are the Princess.”

  “I’m new at it, and I’m sure he knows it.”

  “You and Neema should both wear white, and you should wear your diamonds.” I followed his advice. Nico wore his uniform with all of his medals.

  “You’re my husband, and I don’t even know what all of your ribbons represent.” Nico grinned and saluted me. Yukihyo wore one of the expensive suits Ethan had made for him. He looked gorgeous. His eyes were almost as white as cleaned spider silk. Yukihyo smiled at me. I felt the urge to suck his bottom lip into my mouth, but I resisted. Yukihyo winked at me. I sent him a mental image of me doing his favorite new private activity. Simon coughed, and I froze. He and Phillip were going to Flora’s coffee shop. “Have fun grinding those beans, Phillip.” He grinned, and I watched as they drove from Tora and toward the back exit of the land port.

  Hiroshi drove us over to Kane’s ship to meet the Parvac Ambassador. Nico sat in the passenger seat and gained clearance for Hiroshi to drive us on board. Kane greeted us. He opened my door and bent down. “There she is. Seeing you on the vid-screen doesn’t do you justice. You are even tinier and more adorable than your mother.” Neema stared at Kane with wide eyes. “May I please hold her?”

  “Yes, support her head.” I laid Neema in Kane’s arms and exited the transport. Yukihyo gave me his arm, and we followed Kane to the observation deck where a small sedate party occurred. The Parvac Ambassador was a member of the Jiri family. He had an affable but shrewd manner about him. We told him how much we had enjoyed spending time with Finn and Fitz on Thalassa. Kane still held Neema. It amused me to see such a large powerful man holding such a tiny little baby who was dressed in a long frilly white dress and bonnet. When Kane’s first officer spoke into his ear, he reluctantly gave Neema over to her daddy’s ready arms.

  We made our way over to Eric and Commander Bosh. Ambassadors Stine and Jiri had gone off to the side to engage in private conversation. I blushed when I saw Commander Bosh and looked down. Nico placed my hand on his arm. At the moment I was grateful for his support. I smiled up at him. Eric wanted a turn holding Neema. Commander Bosh seemed unable to wipe the wicked grin off of his face. “Lady Alaric, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

  I curtsied and stayed quiet. Yukihyo and Nico exchanged pleasantries with him. It felt as though Bosh were attempting to get a reaction from me, and it was working. My heart began to pound. “Excuse me.”

  I walked to a couch on the other side of the room. I was hurt that Commander Bosh would be so cruel to me. I had thought that we were on friendly enough terms. I sat with my back straight and tried not to cry. Eric felt my sadness and sat beside me with Neema. Yukihyo glanced at me, but remained with Nico and Bosh. “What has put that look in your eyes?”

  I shook my head. “The past few weeks have been difficult. Do you think I’m a bad person?”

  “No, why would you think such a thing?”

  “Everyone is making fun of me.”

  “That’s not how I would put it.”

  I stared at the carpet. “Phillip told me.” Eric clenched his jaw, but then smiled down at Neema. “I’m really hurt that even Gary….”

  “They aren’t making fun of you, but they have been fantasizing about you.”

  “Gross. Gary wouldn’t do that. Would he? I thought he was my friend. I thought he cared about me.” I felt a knife in my heart. Yukihyo strode quickly to me.

  “Not you, personally, no, but Parvac women begging for him, yes.”

  “Not me?”

  “No, you’re his princess.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.” Nico and Commander Bosh were walking toward us. “You’re being too hard on yourself. You’ve only ever been with two men, and you’re married to both of them. You know about the fun I had with your friends on Scipio, and that was at the same time. I’m not marrying either one of them.” Eric the shark sat next to me.

  Neema started to fuss and cry. Eric gave her back to me. I looked around for a quiet place. Yukihyo offered me his hand. We left the observation deck and found a quiet alcove with a padded bench. Yukihyo stood in front of us while I fed her. “Did you feel what Commander Bosh did?”

  “I did.”

  “I’d be happy to bet on you if you wanted to challenge him to a match. I would enjoy the sound of your foot whacking against the side of his head.”

  “He can’t help it any more than you can, lady wife. Males of his race have a penchant for females. He keeps himself under tight control. When he felt your desire for him, his control shattered where you are concerned.”

  “Then, he needs some glue for his shattered control or a Laconian brain dampener or whatever Phillip called the thing he got Simon.” We went back to the observation deck. I returned to the now empty couch with Neema. That changed when Commander Bosh sat to my right. I didn’t look at him. I straightened the hem of Neema’s dress. “Commander Bosh, I owe you an apology. I couldn’t help what happened. It wasn’t on purpose.”

  “So, the intense needy desire you felt for me, still feel, is uncontrollable? It came upon you unbidden when you were near me?”

  “Um, yes. I’m terribly sorry and very embarrassed. I hope you can forgive me, and we can pretend it never happened.” I really wanted Bosh to leave. He was too close, and I could see the pulse throb in his neck which made me think of what other parts might throb.

  “I have another idea. Although unconventional among my people, I would be agreeable to taking you as one of my wives.”

  My eyes grew wide. “One of your wives? I already have two husbands.”

  “A Princess of the Parvac Empire is expected to have several.”

  “I don’t believe my Papa would approve of you. Without his approval, I wouldn’t even go with you to Flora’s for coffee.”

  “What if I were to gain Emperor Probus’ approval?”

  “It’s a moot point.” Bosh smiled at me. I felt a pull between us, not unlike the emotional bond I felt with Yukihyo. This was more physical. He trapped my eyes with his and pulled at me. I gasped as pleasure spiraled through me. Then, I blushed. Eric turned and stared.

  “I can please you without even touching you. Imagine what I could make you feel with my naked flesh pressed to yours.” He dipped his head to me and walked from the room.

  “What was that about?” Eric asked.

  “Commander Bosh just proposed to me. I think I’ll hide at Nico’s house with his mother until this is over. Neema, do you want to go live in seclusion with mommy?” She had fallen asleep. I wondered if my mother had gone through this after she had had
me.

  “You could go back home.” I glanced at Eric’s dimpled chin, pale blue eyes, and black hair.

  “It’s bad enough that you and Simon know about this. I hate it, and I don’t want another husband. I have Yukihyo who is of my heart, and Nico who Papa chose for me. If you want to help me, help me tactfully avoid any and all other would be suitors. Maybe I should start wearing a reclamation jumper again instead of pretty dresses.”

  Eric grinned. “It’s not the clothes that have men wanting you.”

  “Are you sure? No one wanted anything to do with me on Earth.”

  “Most of the men who want you now see you as a prize. Claiming you would give them clout and prestige.”

  “Can you talk to Bosh and ask him to politely back off?”

  “Bosh is a different story. You’ve got him horny as hell. He’s to a point similar to that Yukihyo used to arrive at before his temper would force him to go on a hunting trip. That was before he met you and had this adorable little hatchling. Yukihyo’s a different man now.”

  “Well, can’t Bosh’s problem be fixed on Malta?”

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thank you.” Kane sauntered over to us in his black captain’s uniform.

  “Tiny cousin, I have a big surprise for you. Would you like to see it?”

  I met his green and gold eyes with my own. “Yes, thank you, Kane.”

  “Captain Alaric, please join us.” Kane took us to a flight deck. He had a smug smile on his face as he walked over to a solid white fighter ship with the Imperial Seal, of upturned wings protecting Parvac, emblazoned on each of her wings.

  “Oh, Kane! She’s beautiful.”

  “You’ll look like a shooting star.”

  “I won’t be able to blend in with the other fighter ships at all. They’ll all know it’s me.”

  “That’s the point. How else can we ensure you are protected and not accidentally targeted?”

  “You’re giving her a fighter? That’s way too dangerous. She could get hurt.”

  “I won’t let anything happen to her and neither will my father, her uncle.”

  “See that you don’t.”

  “Can I sit inside?”

  “She’s yours. I won’t be helping you, so be careful. If you slip and fall, I will laugh at you first and call for help secondly.”

  “Eric, will you hold Neema?”

  “That is something that I would love to do.” He smiled down at her with pale blue eyes. Hers were drifting shut.

  I opened the door and lowered the steps. I grabbed the hem of my dress and tied it in a knot at my knees, so I could climb up. Everything was white, even the helmets and harnesses. “Hey! Why don’t I have any weapons? What are these other systems?” I peered down at Kane.

  “Weapons are dangerous. There are a few added safety precautions in your fighter.” I turned around in my pilot’s seat on my knees and looked in the back.

  “Safety precautions?” Eric asked.

  Kane whispered, “Extra shielding, remote systems overrides and controls, advanced tracking, emergency life support, that kind of thing.” Eric chuckled. “It’s basically a de-weaponized expensive plaything for a princess who missed out on nineteen years of proper spoiling.”

  “When do I get to fly her?” I called down from the cockpit.

  “When we go to Apellan.”

  “Why do I have to wait so long?”

  “Because father said so.”

  “Let me talk to him.”

  “Your Uncle Kagan did not give the order. Admiral Valen did. He’s far more stubborn than you, so call him if you want. Seriously, I’m on a strict schedule until Ambassador Stine takes control of the Galaxic Embassy on Parvac.”

  “I understand.” I climbed down and closed the door. I kissed Kane on the cheek and hugged his neck. “Thank you, Kane.”

  Kane smirked and said, “You’re welcome. Grandmother is going crazy to hold her great-granddaughter. You should prepare yourself.”

  I bent to untie the hem of my dress. As I did I saw one of Kane’s soldiers escorting Commander Bosh to Eric. They had to be supervised on each other’s ships. His eyes had gone black.

  “Captain Alaric, the ambassadors are ready to continue onto their new duty stations.” Gently, Eric placed Neema back in my arms.

  “Let’s go find your daddy and go back home to Tora. I’m sure Thunderdrop and Cass miss you terribly by now.” They loved watching over Neema and made soft purring sounds to her as she slept. Eric kissed my nose. I smiled up at him. Kane blasted Commander Bosh with an angry glare.

  Kane said, “Let’s get you back to General Cassian and Yukihyo.”

  Eric and Commander Bosh followed us into the lift. I looked down at Neema and kissed her forehead. She filled my heart with joy through her mere existence. I saw Yukihyo speaking to Ambassador Stine and went to him. His strong arm wound around my back. “Hello, my love. Did you miss us?”

  Yukihyo smiled at us. “I did, but you seemed extremely pleased. With what did Kane surprise you?”

  “He gave me my own fighter ship.” Yukihyo’s eyes took on some blue and orange striations. “I’m not allowed to fly it until we get to Apellan, and he took all of the weapons away, so don’t get that look.” I sighed. “What if I only take her up if Hiroshi is with me? Would that make it better?” He looked like he did during the few times when he had crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn’t going to let me fly her.

  Once we made it home to Tora, I changed into something comfortable. Then, in the kitchen as I made myself a cup of coffee, Yukihyo told Nico about my fighter. “Absolutely not. I forbid it. You will not place yourself in danger. You are too important to me, Neema, and Yukihyo.” His tone was calm, firm, and decisive. Yukihyo gave Nico the first genuine smile he had ever given him.

  “I must agree, even though it displeases you. I don’t have to tell you what the Alarics would say. However, I would be happy to call Ethan for you if you would like,” Simon said.

  “Remember, you have a pleasure barge that you have only enjoyed once. The fresh air would be good for you and the baby,” Phillip said.

  “You’re right. That’s a good idea.” I could always sneak off to fly my fighter ship even though Kane had taken away her fight. White almond shaped eyes narrowed at me.

  “No, you will not, lady wife.”

  Sullenly, I sipped my coffee. I took Neema to our quarters and activated my vid-screen. Moments later Papa smiled out at me. “Hello, my darling daughter. How are you and my sweet little Neema?”

  “We are well. How are you?”

  “You are irritated. I recall seeing that same expression on your face when Phillip denied you coffee. What has my princess upset?”

  “Nico, Yukihyo, and Simon do.”

  “Oh, why?”

  “Kane gave me a beautiful fighter ship, and Nico said he forbids me to fly her. Yukihyo is acting the same way. Then, Simon threatened to call Ethan, so he could say no, too.”

  “Perhaps you can reason with them.”

  “They were very final. Nico has never been that bossy with me.”

  “Well, darling. He is a general. I wouldn’t put it past him to place lines of soldiers in front of Kane’s docking bays to prevent you from placing yourself in danger. You wouldn’t run down soldiers to fly your ship.”

  “Of course, not! Well, maybe just a certain one.”

  Papa’s eyes held a dangerous glint. “Who?”

  “Do you know what Commander Bosh said to me today? Well, there’s no way I’ll tell you all of it, but he said something along the lines of how he would be willing to make me one of his wives. I told him you would never approve of him. I told Eric on him, too.”

  “Bosh?”

  “Please don’t have him shot or anything. Eric and Yukihyo like him. I’m going to ignore him forever.”

  “Well, you will have nothing to worry about once you are home.”

  “Would it be okay for Neema and me to spend so
me time on the barge?”

  “Yes, of course. I eagerly await your arrival.”

  I changed Neema into a new diaper and a soft silk gown. I was feeding her when Nico and Yukihyo came in. They stayed quiet. I burped her and changed sides. I remembered the time Yukihyo had lost his temper when I had walked from Tora to Mr. Gregory’s store. Neema fell asleep at my breast. I blotted milk from the side of her mouth and covered myself. I smelled her sparse little head of hair and placed her in her bed. Thunderdrop climbed the sheer curtain that draped to either side of her bed and prepared to guard her as she slept. “You’re a good boy.”

  “Chirp.”

  Nico seemed as though he were about to give me orders, and Yukihyo appeared pleased Nico would be the one upsetting me rather than him. “Could we please speak in the other room?” I was very ladylike when I went into our sitting room. I didn’t roll my eyes or anything. Yukihyo chuckled. “Princess, you may not like it, but my decision is final. You are my responsibility, and I will do everything in my power to protect you.”

  I gave him a bland look. “Whatever.” Nico looked affronted. “Anything else General Cassian? May I be dismissed, sir?”

  “Childish behavior will not change my mind.”

  I turned and left. I put on my exercise clothes in my bathroom. They had followed me into the room. “Will you please watch our daughter, Yukihyo?” He nodded. I went to my favorite treadmill. So much for my excitement. Maybe I could get permission to sit in my fighter. The mighty General Cassian didn’t have any power on Arachne. If I squeezed her into Tora’s transport bay, I’d have no trouble ditching him at home. It had only taken me four miles to figure that out. I went to the kitchen for some water. Then, I returned to my quarters. Neema and Thunderdrop slept. Nico and Yukihyo sat in the chairs talking. I grabbed a shirt and some pants and went to shower. I locked the door. After my shower I dried and braided my hair, dressed, and took my laundry to the cleaning unit. I put the clean laundry inside the door and made the rounds. Afterwards, Neema was still asleep, so I slipped out of my shoes and crawled into bed. I woke up trapped. A husband sat propped up against pillows to either side of me. I scooted out from under the cover and crawled off the end of the bed. I went into the restroom, washed my face, and then came out to sit in a chair and watch my forest on the vid-screen. One of my spiders dropped down on a line of silk, pounced, and sank its fangs into its prey. Then, it began to wrap it. Thankfully, Neema woke up.