“That’s barbaric! That… that… well, that just sucks! No wonder he’s pissed off!”
“I agree, and it is a completely unacceptable behavior — all young ones are a gift.”
“Maybe he needs a hug…” Vivian said thoughtfully.
“Vivi, he does not want a hug. And he wasn’t always so bitter. When he was small, he was amusing and good natured — at least as good natured as his kind can be.”
“His kind? He is your brother, wouldn’t that make him your kind?”
“Half. He is a half-breed. He claims his other half. The Quari people. But not his Cruestaci half.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Missy. “Commander, multiple warships from the Unified Consortium Defense and the outlaw, Rokai ahl, have requested permission to dock. Your presence is required in our main docking bay.”
“I am on my way, Missy. Please let those currently awaiting their arrival know.”
“I have already alerted them, Commander.”
Zha Quin stood. He reached his hands out for Vivi to take.
Vivian stood and slipped her hands into his.
“I only ask you to be careful, Vivi. I do not believe that he would willfully hurt you. He just has no concern for anyone, or anything, but himself. And he has an intense dislike for anything to do with the Cruestaci nobility.”
“And especially you.”
“Yes, especially me.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“Thank you, my Ehlealah.” Quin leaned down and kissed her until she was dizzy. “I love you, my heart. I shall return shortly.”
“You’ll tell me the rest?” she asked, not having had all her questions answered yet.
“I will,” Quin answered.
“Commander, the ships are docking,” Missy informed them.
Quin grumbled and stalked toward the door. “I do not know how long this will take.”
“Take your time. I’m going to check on Blue-Dude anyway.”
Quin nodded, offered Vivian a smile, then was gone.
Vivian looked down at Kitty who now stood to his full height. His shoulders were at about her waist level. “I think Rokai just needs a hug. Don’t you?”
Kitty yowled his answer.
“Me too. If we meet him, we’re going to hug him. And if he doesn’t want a hug, maybe I’ll have to show him his place. I can’t let him keep my Quin all upset. But, we’ll try a hug first.”
Kitty headed toward the door, tired of being in their rooms all morning.
“I know, I know. I’m coming. We got places to go and people to see. Want to go scare a healer?” Vivian asked as she stepped into the hallway with Kitty at her side. At once, Kail, Rel and Zahn stepped out of the shadows, prepared to escort their Sirena to any place she decided to go.
Vivian looked at Rel who stood patiently, awaiting her next move. “To the bat cave, Robin!” she announced, grasping her deep, emerald green cloak and snapping it around her and holding the top edge of it across the bottom half of her face like a shroud.
Rel’s brow furrowed; he looked at Zahn. “What does she speak of? We have no cave aboard. What is a bat? Is it a creature?”
Zahn shrugged and fell into step behind Vivian and Kitty.
“Does it matter?” Kail asked. “Does it really matter? Just go where she does.”
Rel heaved a frustrated sigh. “I wish to understand her — that would be all. Just a simple understanding,” he muttered as he hurried to get in front of the group.
“It is very hard to take point, when I have no idea where I am escorting you, Sirena,” Rel grumbled as he tried to keep watch up ahead and peek over his shoulder to determine which direction to go when the corridors intersected.
“To medical, Rel. We’re going to see Blue-Dude and scare the bejeezus out of the new healer,” she answered.
“Bejeezus?” he asked.
“I don’t think I like the way he’s treating Blue-Dude’s female. We’re going to make sure he understands that when it comes to the women around here, I get really upset if I don’t think they’re treated right.”
“Very well. Visit with Elite Commander Kol Ra’ Don Tol, affirm the well-being of his female, intimidate the new healer,” Rel said.
“See? I knew you’d get it!” Vivian said happily, walking along with Kitty at her side, her chain clasped in her hand, and three of the biggest, fiercest warriors who’d all sworn loyalty to her above all others, encircling her.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
Zha Quin stalked through the corridors of Command Warship 1, on his way to their main docking station. His professional persona was in place and immovable. He hated having to deal with the fallout over his brother and his brother’s behavior, but he would have hated it more had he passed it on to his mother and father to deal with.
He strode into the docking bay and took his place on the catwalk placed slightly above the docking level, looking down over the currently arriving ships. His attitude was such that no one, not even those he considered trusted friends, made any effort to speak with him. Zha Quin stood, his hands clasped behind his back, his chest out, his chin held high, his face a mask of unfeeling disdain and waited for the inevitable confrontation the arrival of his brother would bring.
Placed around and about the bay were several different small units of males that had been drafted particularly for this mission. Some looked as though they were working in the docking bay. Others were clearly military, but all were waiting patiently for the arrival of the infamous Rokai ahl. Their commanders had advised them only that this male was of importance to their Sire, and as such, killing him was not an option — though watching him relentlessly was expected. They could intercept anything out of the range of expectancy, but they could not permanently harm him. They didn’t question their orders. They followed them — it was what they did.
The escort ships, being smaller and more adept at maneuvering into place, docked and were secured first. Their occupants, all Unified Consortium Defense soldiers, exited their ships and assembled in front of the last to be secured, Rokai ahl’s freight cruiser. Well, it used to be a freight cruiser, but had been streamlined and customized to the point it could barely be called a freight cruiser any longer.
The escort team all stood at the ready, their weapons drawn and aimed at the entrance to Rokai ahl’s aircraft. Slowly, the hydraulic door began to lift, revealing the booted feet of a male, then his trousers, then his shirt, worn open and only halfway tucked into his loosely belted trousers. All plainly saw his heavily scarred chest, his ornately braided hair, only a shade or two darker than his skin, his full, pouty, sneering lips, his flashing, almost glowing, sea-green eyes, and his completely disrespectful glare.
Just behind him to his left stood his only companion. The male was similar to Rokai ahl in stature and appearance, only slightly smaller, and a pale, almost pasty white in color. This male was not quite as self-assured as Rokai. This male at least had the sense to realize that his hide had been saved — hopefully. And that now his future lay in the hands of Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok, Sire of Cruestace, and feared warlord the multi-verse over. Zha Quin was not known for his mercy in any matter that drew his attention. He acted swiftly and matter-of-factly. Gaishon stood behind Rokai and let his strange icy-blue eyes wander around the docking station they’d landed in. He caught sight of Commander Tel Mo’ Kok standing slightly above the landing deck, looking down on them sternly, and his stomach did a little flip. Rokai ahl was his friend. His only friend, but he had no desire to die this day, not even for Rokai.
“Commander Tel Mo’ Kok is there, just above us,” he whispered to Rokai. He needn’t have bothered; Rokai knew exactly where Zha Quin stood.
“I see him,” he said unconcernedly, disdain dripping from his voice.
“Please, Rokai, do not get us killed this day,” Gaishon begged.
“Calm yourself, Gaishon. No one will die. At least not unless he forces my hand,” Rokai spat.
“I do not w
ish to stand against him or his males,” Gaishon confided.
Rokai turned his expressionless eyes to his friend. “We do not always get what we want. Stop whimpering like a school child and stand as a man!”
“I am a man! One who doesn’t wish to die. And I have stood beside you many times, without question. But to stand against Commander Tel Mo’ Kok, here, in this setting, would be suicide!” Gaishon snapped at Rokai.
Rokai had returned his glare to Zha Quin. He didn’t turn to look at his friend again when he started his exit from his ship. “Just follow me and be quiet. I have this all under control,” Rokai said. He knew that Gaishon followed him. He could hear the slight echo of his footsteps behind him on the metallic movable bridge that extended from his ship upon docking. Rokai’s eyes were locked on Zha Quin’s the entire time. Every step he took, every movement of his body could only be described as insolent, a swagger even, daring the Sire of the Cruestaci to take issue with him.
Zha Quin watched his brother exit the customized ship he so prized. He’d stood patiently while Rokai and his accomplice shared a few words before disembarking. His eyes never once left his brother’s face. He was much changed since the last time Zha Quin had seen him. His chest was covered in scars. His face reflected them as well, and his throat wore a raised scar like a choker. Rokai wore several tattoos on his flesh as well. Zha Quin could see them peeking out of his loosely worn shirt, and they could only be considered warnings to any who approached as Rokai moved closer to him, and he was able to read them. He wondered if Rokai had the tattoos drawn into his skin, or if they’d been placed there by those who’d captured him to warn others of him and his behavior. The one on his forearm warned, ‘Danger’, the one on his ribs declared, ‘Outcast’. As Rokai ahl's shirt fluttered, Quin glimpsed the one on his lower abdomen, and decided that at least that one, Rokai had had inked into his own skin. It said, ‘Perseverance’.
Zha Quin realized that Rokai was staring directly into his face. He lifted his eyes to Rokai's and watched as his brother practically sneered at him. Apparently his attitude had only soured more over time, making him even more insolent than he’d been as a young boy. Zha Quin’s anger rose with every step Rokai took. The only thing that kept that anger in check was the tiny piece of the little boy that still lived deep inside Zha Quin — the little boy who’d admired Rokai and tried desperately to seek his approval when they were children. Zha Quin realized what he was feeling and shut it off quickly, returning the glare of the ungrateful male proudly wearing disrespect clearly on his face, slowly approaching the catwalk Quin stood upon. Zha Quin waited, forcing Rokai ahl to first address him.
Chapter 4
Rokai came to a stop just below the catwalk Zha Quin stood upon. It held Zha Quin only several feet above their heads. He felt Gaishon come to a stop just behind and beside his right shoulder. Rokai stood there for a moment, all the weapons of the Consortium escort trained on him. He took in the other males, placed strategically around the docking bay. Rokai knew one thing — his brother knew better than to trust him. All these males, no matter their appearance, were placed here for a reason. They each, even those who were mainly maintenance workers, were well-trained warriors and could transform from dock worker to warrior in an instant. Rokai was many things, but stupid was not one of them. Zha Quin wanted to delude himself into believing he could redeem Rokai, then so be it. He’d play the part, just enough to achieve his own goals, then he’d be on his way again, Zha Quin looking the fool.
Rokai’s sharp eyes missed nothing as they casually returned to settle on Zha Quin. After an awkward silence, Rokai finally gave in and spoke. “Is this all the greeting I’m afforded?” Rokai asked.
“It is.”
“Surely, you could have offered a bit more fanfare,” Rokai answered, his accent raw and guttural as it flowed from his tongue.
“Why would you think that?” Zha Quin asked, knowing full well what the answer would be. He’d been foolish to believe that he could keep their relation quiet. He’d realized that almost instantly. He sighed, acceptance suffusing his being. He’d have to com his parents after this meeting. As soon as Command Warship 1 completed their next two revolutions and docked for supplies, the explanation of exactly who Rokai ahl was would be public knowledge to any who didn’t know it yet. It wasn’t a big deal for him, or for those he knew, but for his parents, it would be a public announcement they’d like to get ahead of.
“Well, because — I am family after all, am I not, dear brother?” Rokai ahl said. His voice rang out clearly, easily heard by all within the docking bay. The look on his face said he relished the fact that he’d just thrown a wrench into the fallacy Zha Quin created of a Warlord above reproach. His own family, his own brother, was the notorious smuggler and thief — Rokai ahl. Rokai’s smirk fell and turned to a stony glare when Zha Quin answered him without falter.
“Indeed, you are. Welcome home, Rokai. We’ve missed you,” Zha Quin answered, his glare just as steely as Rokai’s.
Zha Quin looked to his left and jerked his chin in the direction of Kol. “May I introduce Elite Commander Kol Ra’ Don Tol. As you have returned to us, we have decided to show our thanks by bestowing upon you a commission to his elite team of warriors. They are honored to have you and look forward to you beginning your training with them.”
To his credit, Rokai didn’t flinch. His jaw clenched, his fists tightened at his sides, but he didn’t flinch. “An honor,” he responded, the snide inflection in his voice easily detected.
Zha Quin nodded one single time to acknowledge Rokai’s comment. Then he raised his hand and flicked his fingertips toward Rokai standing below him. His remaining generals and commanders stepped forward.
“May I introduce you to the rest of my commanding officers?” Zha Quin asked.
“Well, of course. I’d expect nothing less,” Rokai finished condescendingly on a snarl.
“General Lo’San, Lieutenant Commander Ba Re’ Non Tol, Elite Specialist Jhan Re’ Non Tol, First Lieutenant Vor Ha’ Kul Son,” Zha Quin announced, his hand indicating each male as they stepped forward from where they stood and made their presence known. “These males have been briefed and are ready to see to all your needs.”
Rokai knew exactly what Quin was telling him — these males had been made aware of all his past… adventures, he liked to call them. They’d all been given orders and were prepared to do whatever was necessary to keep him under control. Rokai pursed his lips. Escape wouldn’t be as easy as he’d hoped, but still, it was attainable. He was, after all, Rokai ahl, notorious offender of all universes. He offered a smile that was more of a grimace. “I’m glad to see that your childhood friends serve you still. The brotherhood survives,” Rokai snarked.
“They are all very accomplished warriors. Each governs their own unit, each has earned their own place, and the fates have returned them all to my command. I will thank you to treat them with the respect their accomplishments demand, else I may overlook their need to remind you of your place."
“Oh, of course, little brother. That I would ever disrespect a Cruestaci warrior… banish the thought! I just can’t bring myself to think of such a thing.”
“I’m sure,” Zha Quin answered. He stood there, looking down on Rokai, taking in all the new scars on Rokai’s body, at his throat, his attitude even more unpleasant than it had been previously. He took a deep breath, realizing that this time, like all the rest, there would be no bond forming between them. “You and your friend will be escorted to your quarters. A place and duty will be found for your friend. You will report to Elite Commander Kol Ra’ Don Tol after a day’s rest.”
Rokai ahl opened his mouth to speak, but Zha Quin raised his voice and powered over his attempt. “You will abide by all the rules placed on you by this ship, these males, and this circumstance. There is nothing negotiable about any part of it. Do not press my hand, Rokai. I am not in a place of mind to tolerate it.” Zha Quin stood for only a moment longer, glaring down at Rok
ai, his patience clearly gone.
Rokai regarded Zha Quin with a raised eyebrow and a quirk of the corner of his lip. His attempt to let Zha Quin know he found the entire situation quite amusing.
Zha Quin moved his attention to the Consortium soldiers that had escorted Rokai. “Gentlemen, please take the time you need for rest and nourishment before returning to your posts. If you should have need of anything you do not find readily available, please do not hesitate to ask. Public Relations Master Xallen,” Zha Quin indicated a slightly blue-colored male to his right who stepped forward at the mention of his name, “will be happy to assist you with anything you may need.” Zha Quin glanced down at Rokai one final time before spinning on his heel and leaving the docking bay.
Kol stepped up to the edge of the catwalk and looked down at Rokai. “Welcome home, Rokai. I will have an escort at your door in twenty-four hours. We look forward to training with you.”
“I’m sure,” Rokai responded, glaring insolently at Kol.
Kol inclined his head, then turned and followed Quin’s path. He was anxious to return to his female in the medical unit.
Jhan stepped forward from a small group of men on the same level the ships docked on. He walked right up to Rokai. “Come. I’ll show you to your quarters, Rokai.”
“Jhan. Fancy seeing you here. You never were much of a joiner,” Rokai said condescendingly.
“Nor am I now. I work alone. Usually unseen and undetected. I’d be happy to show you a small bit of my skill set if you’d prefer a personal exhibition,” Jhan answered coldly.
Rokai knew immediately what Jhan was telling him. His work took him into places and situations that most would never hear of. This male was death on legs and had no problem removing anyone, from anywhere, that Zha Quin said needed to be removed. “I’m quite satisfied with the imagery my own imagination supplies,” Rokai answered easily. Jhan had grown into a male that Rokai didn’t care to tangle with if he didn’t have to. They were most likely on equal footing, both quite skilled, both quite deadly. But why test it if not absolutely necessary? His pride wouldn’t allow him to leave his comment as it stood, though. He grinned as he regarded Jhan for a moment longer before adding. “For now at least. Perhaps we can test our abilities one day in the future.”
Haven 2: Redemption Page 3
