by Anna Carven
I cross the dry, barren outskirts, entering one of the dark Callidum containers. There is no light inside, but of course, that is not a problem for me.
Restrained against the black wall is the Silent One; the wraith. Thick Callidum bands wrap around his neck, ankles and his remaining arm. His left arm is gone, the stump sealed with a crude hemostatic patch. Another hemostatic patch seals the wound I made in his chest. Left alone in this metal box, he would have had time to draw on his ka’qui to aid the healing of his body.
As I enter, he strains against his bonds, the killing intent radiating from him in waves. It is dark and malevolent and I am secretly impressed that he has lasted this long. He is a formidable warrior who would have killed me with ease, if I weren’t also a monster.
He is perfect for what I intend.
Now if only I can sort out one minor issue.
“It is unfortunate that you are under this compulsion,” I say quietly, moving close to him. His black eyes are sightless and blank, but I know he can see me with his ka’qui.
He flails helplessly against the restraints, compelled by the overwhelming urge to kill me.
“I have use for one such as you.” I take his chin into my hand, tilting his face upwards, trying to find any trace of life in his seamless black eyes. “You see, assassin, I am going to find a way to break your mindbond. I will give you your freedom, and you will repay me with a life.”
He closes his eyes, falling still. His jaw clenches. Perhaps, with great effort, he is resisting the urge to kill me.
“So when you are able to speak, and once you have regained control of yourself, I will have a new arm made for you, and you will serve me.”
“Urgh.” A sound issues from deep within his throat. In that sound, I read frustration and anger, but most importantly, there is hope. Good. If this killer has enough fire in his belly, we will break the grip on his mind.
It seems like an impossible task, but if there is one thing I have learnt since leaving Kythia, it is that nothing is impossible.
The child resting at my mate’s breast, my very own daughter, who is of my flesh and blood, tells me that much.
“Do not worry, Silent One,” I say quietly as I turn, leaving him hanging in the darkness. “You will be freed, and then you will bring me the head of the Empress of Kythia.”
And once the Empress is dead, the Empire will surely fall.
I would kill Vionn myself, but I am not going back to Kythia in this lifetime, because there is no way that I’m leaving Abbey’s side.
Not even Kaiin, the God of the Underworld himself, could drag me away from her now.
Abbey
I traipse downstairs in my bathrobe and slippers, clutching Ami against my chest, and find Kenna and Zyara sitting in the kitchen. The medic is eating a bowl of eggs, and my aunt seems to be grilling her about something. The dogs rush to greet me, their tails wagging as I walk across the living room.
“Hi, Nyxie, Zeus boy,” I gush. They swirl around my feet excitedly as Kenna rises to greet me. Zyara smiles.
“Oh, this is the precious thing,” my aunt coos, her usual gruff demeanor replaced with a look of pure adoration. “Give her here. Let’s take a look at her, the sweet little thing.”
I pass Ami into Kenna’s willing hands as Ami regards my aunt with that wise, contemplative stare of hers.
“She’s beautiful,” Kenna beams.
“Yes, she is,” I reply proudly.
Kenna gestures towards a mouth-watering spread laid out on the kitchen bench. “Thought you might be hungry, kiddo. There’s scrambled eggs, real bacon, butter fried mushrooms, hash browns and oregano-and-garlic fried tomatoes.”
I think several orgasmic sounds just dropped from my lips. My mouth starts to water and my stomach growls. I think I’ve just died and gone to a second heaven.
Right now, I’m absolutely starving.
Of course, I found myself in the first heaven this morning, lying in bed with my sweet Kordolian General.
“How are you feeling, Abbey?” Zyara looks me over, her orange eyes taking in every little detail.
“Fine. Amazingly fine. Tarak told me what he did to me back there. I’m surprised my insides aren’t being eaten away by those freaky nanites right now.”
Zyara nods. “I have a theory about that. Remember when you got the nanograft the first time, back on the Fleet Station?”
“Yeah. Vaguely. I was unconscious for most of it, but Tarak explained it to me.”
“Well, they used irradiated blood from Tarak, because medical nanites were in short supply. That means you would have received killed or inactivated virus particles.”
“Ah!” A dim light goes on inside my biologist’s brain. “You think the first nanograft acted as some kind of vaccination?”
“Exactly. It’s possible you’ve built up antibodies to the virus.” Zyara shrugs. “We’ve been trying to come up with a vaccine to that particular virus for years, but it’s never worked on Kordolians. But then again, Human physiology is different. Whatever the reason, it seems you’re okay.”
“Absolutely fine,” I reply. “So does that mean these freaky little black things are going to stay in my bloodstream now?”
“They seem to have become attuned to you. But don’t worry. What Tarak gave you was a tiny fraction of what he has. If you’ve tolerated them so far, I don’t think they’ll harm you. You’ll just heal faster if you ever get injured.”
“Cool.” Well, that’s a bonus. Although it doesn’t explain everything. I incline my head, still curious. “What happened to the harmony star? I noticed that it’s not there anymore. What the hell was that thing, anyway?”
“Oh, that.” Zyara waves a hand dismissively. “It’s a semi-sentient symbiote that sends data to a medical monitor. All Kordolian women get one during pregnancy. They usually dissolve soon after childbirth.”
“Oh.” Zyara’s nonchalance is somehow amusing. I know scientists who would kill to get their hands on such a thing. As with most Kordolian technology, it’s functions are a bit beyond my understanding, but in the end, it saved our lives. “By the way, Zyara, I just wanted to say thanks.”
“Whatever for?”
“You busted into a secret underwater experimentation facility to come and check on us. That’s going above and beyond.”
She straightens a little, looking every inch the proud Kordolian. “When I saw the harmony star turn purple and then red on my monitor, there was no way I was leaving you and Ami to those Humans. I would not have been able to live with myself if something had happened to General Akkadian’s mate and daughter under my watch. He would never say so, but I owe him a great debt.”
“You’re a badass lady, Zyara.”
“I am Kordolian, and the combat medic for the First Division,” she says haughtily. “I can hold my own.”
“You certainly can,” I agree. There’s a reason Tarak places so much trust in her. I decided to pick her brains while I have a chance. “You know, something strange happened when I was down there, locked up in that awful little room. I kept hearing music inside my head. Apparently, the woman in the room next to me was a telepath of some sort. I wonder if she was transmitting it? But how is that even possible?”
As usual, Zyara doesn’t look at all surprised. “It is possible. Perhaps telepathy is common to both Humans and Kordolians, then.”
“Kordolians have it too?”
“Before birth and as infants, we all possess it to an extent, but as we age, something happens to the developing brain and the ability becomes closed off. No-one really understands why. Perhaps you were able to pick up the music because of your connection with Ami when she was inside you.”
“Huh. If that’s the case, then they both kept me sane during our ordeal.”
Zyara smiles. “Some things are better left unquestioned. You are here, and you are remarkably well, and that is all that matters.” She downs another mouthful of eggs. “But I think I know the Human you’re referring to
. There is one in the infirmary who needs the music, otherwise she fears she will go mad. I will go and do a proper examination on her when she has recovered.”
“Tell her thanks, when you see her.” I make a mental note to pay a visit to infirmary later on as I return Zyara’s smile, a little bit of euphoria coursing through me. I’m still on cloud nine. I glance at my aunt, who’s playing with Ami, speaking to her in a very uncharacteristic baby voice. She gives me a small, curious look before quickly turning her attention to the baby. She’s pretended to be oblivious to our entire conversation, but I know she’s come to her own conclusions.
Not much gets past old Kenna.
As I start to heap a plate with food, the dogs start to whimper, and that’s how I know Tarak is here. They sneak under the table, cowering as my mate appears in that soundless way of his.
He surveys the scene before him, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as he sets eyes on me. As always, he looks a little bit sexy and mysterious with his gaze hidden behind his dark lenses. “You must feed,” he says approvingly. “To restore your strength and have enough energy to care for our child.”
“You don’t need to tell me that,” I say between mouthfuls, as I nibble on delicious, crispy bacon. “I have no problem with this so-called ‘feeding’ when there’s bacon and hash browns.”
As he reaches my side, putting his arms around my waist, the dogs whimper again, but at least this time, they don’t run away.
“Oh, he’s not so bad,” I tell them.
“Am I not?”
“No, actually you are, and you know it,” I tease. I’m about to goad him further, but instead I freeze as the most awful smell starts to fill the air. I put down my plate and share a knowing look with Kenna. “It’s started,” I say grimly.
“It’s started,” she agrees.
“I warned you about this, daddy.” There’s an evil note in my voice as I look up at him. But he isn’t giving anything away; his face could be carved from stone. He looks at me silently for a moment.
Then, he snorts. “Who do you think took care of business while you were asleep, female?” He reaches out for Ami, and my aunt gently hands her over. Ami lets out a happy little coo as Tarak takes her. His face doesn’t display even the slightest trace of disgust as the foul smell becomes worse. “I am not one to be intimidated by such things.”
He whisks our daughter away, disappearing upstairs to do what has to be done and change her nappy.
Once he’s gone, the dogs come out, and Kenna gives me a sly look. “I knew he was a keeper,” she says.
I most definitely agree.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Tarak
The sun is high in the sky by the time the Federation team arrives, their noisy, ungainly silver flyers circling a few times before coming in to land, stirring up a large cloud of red dust as they touch down. I watch them impassively from the ground, surrounded by two full squadrons of armed Kordolian warriors. After what happened with Abbey, I finally lost patience and ordered a properly sized deployment of Kordolian soldiers to Earth. The Humans, to their credit, knew better than to attack our warships as they entered Earth’s atmosphere.
It would be sheer idiocy to shoot down a Kordolian cruiser protected by powerful artillery neutralizing devices, especially when that cruiser can unleash mega-destructive fission missiles in retaliation.
As a hot wind whips across the desert, stirring up dust, Humans spill from the small flyers in an orderly fashion, moving into formation as their representative disembarks.
I recognize him as the one called Aquinas; the father of Xalikian’s mate. He has recently been elevated to the post of Galactic Affairs Minister, whatever that means.
He is a tall, thin man with greying hair and weary blue eyes. As he approaches, I signal to my soldiers to hold back. They part, clearing a passage for me as I walk forward to meet him.
“Senator Aquinas,” I say dryly, as we come face-to-face.
“General Akkadian.” Dark circles of fatigue underline his eyes, but his gaze is cold and clear. He looks around, no doubt taking in the large number of Kordolian soldiers that surround him. Along the perimeter, construction has started on basic military infrastructure; watch towers, missile stations, residential barracks and so-on.
“I assume Xalikian has briefed you on what has happened.”
“Oh, yes. In fact, the Prince and Sera are on their way, although they’ve elected to come through Teluria for some reason.” He sounds somewhat displeased. “It is unfortunate that it has come to this. SynCorp’s actions are indeed regrettable.”
“Regrettable?” I take a step forward, looking down at him, my anger rising again. Although he is tall for a Human, I still have the height advantage. “What your people did was unforgivable.”
“Please understand, General Akkadian, that the Federation has no control over the actions of a galactic conglomerate like SynCorp. In fact, we did some background checks and discovered that the board of SynCorp has recently been taken over by new majority shareholders. Although we weren’t able to identify them, we were able to trace acquisition brokerage back to two places. The first was the Ifkin sub-planet of Kelithor. The second was an unidentified source in Sector One.”
“From Kythia,” I growl under my breath. It confirms what I had suspected; that the recent attack had been engineered by Kordolians. But instead of involving themselves directly, they had contracted Humans and Ifkin to do their dirty work. A war on Earth would suit them very well, and the weapons-dealing Ifkin would stand to profit from chaos, as they always do.
My voice becomes icy. “That doesn’t matter to me, Senator. Whether SynCorp is owned by Humans or others, the fact remains that they stole what is mine and almost caused the unthinkable to happen. If something had happened to my mate, I can assure you we wouldn’t be standing here chatting amicably right now.”
Aquinas sighs. “I appreciate that this incident has left all of us shaken, but I would hate for this to compromise the alliance agreement we have worked so hard to put together. Already, some of the Federation’s member states are expressing their concerns. They can’t see how we can accommodate such a large nonhuman military presence on Earth.”
“You already are.”
The Senator’s eyes narrow. “Without the proper authorization, this is technically an invasion, General. I would ask that you demonstrate your respect for Earth’s sovereignty by withdrawing your troops.”
I glare at him. “I don’t care about your Human technicalities, Aquinas. This is not an invasion. You Humans are the ones who choose to see it this way. I am only protecting what is mine, and I will continue to do so, without exception. That is final. I am tired of playing along with your Human political games. If any of your Humans continue to object, they can come and express their concerns to me in person, but I will not withdraw. Is that clear, Senator Aquinas?”
The Human’s face has become shiny with moisture. He removes his outer jacket, revealing a white shirt underneath that is stained with sweat. His right eye twitches slightly. “This is exactly what Xalikian told me you would say.”
“The Prince knows me well.”
“And there’s nothing we could do to try and make you change your mind?”
“You could try.” I bare my fangs.
The Senator runs a hand through his hair. “I’m supposed to be making a show of taking a hard line with you Kordolians. It’s a political thing.” Frustration creeps into his voice. “Fear of invasion is still fresh in the Human psyche.”
I stare beyond the Senator, my attention drawn by something on the horizon. Thick clouds of dust have risen, whipped up by the rising wind. The dust storm is heading our way. I laugh grimly. “Human, this planet has never known the threat of a true invasion, and I intend to keep it that way. That includes protecting your planet from any external threats. Do you understand?”
Aquinas nods slowly. “I believe I do.” He clenches his jaw tightly, his unhappiness with the situatio
n reflected in his expression, but he knows there is nothing he can do.
“Good. Then you will leave us be or face the consequences.”
The Senator stiffens, but says nothing. I stare at the incoming storm. “You had better leave before the storm hits, Aquinas. Otherwise you will be detained for a long time until the dust clears.”
The Senator glances behind him, taking in the rising dust. He hesitates. “At the very least, General Akkadian, the Federation would appreciate some sort of notification the next time you decide to bring an entire fleet of Kordolian warships down to Earth at short notice. At least then we can make an official announcement before the media blows things out of proportion.”
“I will consider it,” I say tersely. “And for the last time, we are not planning to invade Earth.” At least not by force, anyway. “If your people still can’t get your head around that, go and ask my mate, because she’s the one who asked me not to invade Earth in the first place. I gave her my word, and I intend to stand by it. But at the same time, I will protect her at all costs.”
I walk away, effectively dismissing the Human. I am tired of these endless political games. I am beginning to suspect that Humans enjoy engaging in politics just for the sake of politics. Perhaps it’s a cultural thing. But now that the Senator knows where I stand, there should be no more confusion.
We are here to stay, whether the Humans like it or not.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Abbey
I fiddle with the delicate wreath of blush colored peonies that’s been woven into my hair, nervously making final adjustments. My hair is arranged in a simple undo, and I’m wearing a simple white strapless dress that falls just below my knees.
The dress is vintage; it’s delicate and finely made. It’s pure silk; real silk, which is impossibly rare and expensive in this day and age. It feels divine. Aunt Kenna retrieved it for me from some hidden place in her house.
