by Keri Kruspe
Ki’s face darkened.
Hopefully his anger was for the pirate and not directed at her.
* * *
KI
Every muscle in Ki’s body stilled when he watched Sherri struggle with that damn parasite inside of her. As a male of action it was hard to sit back and not be able to help her. What if there wasn’t a Goddess-damned thing he could do to help her?
“Anyway.” D’zia’s voice brought him back to the conversation. “If the Chancellor hasn’t approached Earth yet, what do you plan to do?”
“I’ve done some research on the planet and have decided it would be best to contact the heads of the major countries covertly. We will stress to them the danger their planet is in and I’m sure they’ll welcome our help.” Ki nodded, pleased with his logical approach.
Lora and Sherri snorted simultaneously.
Paxt! What was that for? Not only the mirrored effect but also the sincere, flat sound that came from such delicate females.
D’zia stared at Lora with his mouth open. “Why’d you do that?”
Lora’s bark of laughter was as deep as her snort. “You’ve got to be kidding. Right?”
Sherri nodded with a smirk on her luscious mouth. “Have you met any humans besides those who agreed to attend your Exchange?”
Ki shook his head at the same time D’zia did.
“No.” D’zia spoke first. “Why would we?”
Ki clarified what his friend said. “Earth has been classified as a sacred preserve and contact with the indigenous species had been strictly monitored.” He sat back and crossed his leg over the opposite thigh. “It’s only since your population has tripled that we can offer the human females a chance to join the Exchange.” He raised an eyebrow. “Now those females have a chance at a better life within the nine systems of the Federation Consortium.”
“Wow, that’s awfully big of you.” Lora crossed her arms over her chest. “Let’s discuss how well that’s turned out for me, Sherri, Aimee, and some of our friends from the StarChance. I sure hope being kidnapped and auctioned off at the pleasure markets didn’t fit into your misguided notion, did it?”
Ki’s lips thinned as a flush crossed D’zia’s cheeks. “Probably not. But even so, I don’t understand your reaction to my statement of contacting the Earth’s governments to warn them about the coming invasion.”
Sherri sighed. “Obviously you’ve never had to deal with a xenophobic species like humans.”
Ki frowned and scratched his beard. What was she trying to tell them? His plan was logical and well-planned. There wasn’t any reason for it not to work.
“Look,” Lora chimed in. “The human race is barely evolved compared to your advanced systems. The people currently in charge of our major governments are greedy, corrupt, and prejudiced to the extreme. They can’t work together, much less be receptive to having some alien come in and tell them what to do.”
“We’re not going to tell them what to do.” D’zia shifted with a frown.
“Right.” Sherri came back with a sarcastic retort.
When she sat up, her booted foot accidentally touched his. At least Ki assumed it was an accident. Even with the layers of covering over their skin, her nearness sent his body into lust drive. He took in a deep breath and enjoyed her unique citrus sweetness that settled low in his groin.
She is so delicious. Grirryrth, his symbiont dragon crooned. We must mate with her soon and start the TrueBond process.
Sherri is not my TrueBond. Ki internally argued with a dry mouth. We have to focus on the problem at hand and not worry about some female.
Hatchling, you have a lot to learn. Grirryrth chuckled as his presence faded into the background.
“It’s going to be hard to save humans from themselves.”
Sherri’s words interrupted his continuing argument with Grirryrth.
“It’d be a lot like expecting toddlers to behave like adults. Not going to happen.”
Ki frowned. This information was hard to believe. “And just how do you propose it should be handled?”
Sherri opened her mouth but Lora spoke first with her nose in the air. “First of all, let’s get that little bit of bass out of your tone, mister.” She wagged at forefinger at him to emphasize her point.
“You go, girl!” JR10 jumped up and down as if to encourage Lora’s statement. “Let these arrogant Zerins know who is who.”
Ki wanted to defend himself but Lora continued.
“Probably the same way the Chancellor plans to.” Lora folded her fingers together. “Come in with a show of force and don’t give them an option.”
Confused, Ki looked at Sherri for confirmation.
She nodded sharply, as her short, auburn hair swayed across her jaw.
“I don’t understand.” D’zia scrunched up his face. “How can a people as volatile as you describe be running a planet?”
Both females laughed in unison.
“Earth is under the thumb of an extreme patriarchal society and has been for thousands of years.” Sherri raised her palms and nodded. “Why do you think so many human women are eager to leave and join your Exchange? Many of us suffered oppression but also abuse and neglect. Plus, we grow up believing we are inferior to our male counterparts in every way.”
Ki blinked in shock. How could any advanced society treat their citizens that way? He must have asked that question aloud because Sherri answered.
“That’s why Lora said what she did. The current heads of government will never willingly give up any power base they have, not even to save themselves.”
Ki raised his brows at D’zia whose eyes widened. Obviously he wasn’t the only one shocked at what the females said. After a few moments of consideration, Ki made a proposal. “How about we go into a closed session of your United Nations and lay out the situation to them?” He ignored the disbelieving grunts from the females and continued. “And see how they react when we prove to them the danger they’re facing. We’ll outline a way to protect the planet from the oncoming invasion and open lines of trade between us.”
“You mean women?” A knowing smile creased Lora’s lips.
D’zia rubbed the end of his warrior braid as he answered. “Among other things.”
“How will that affect the protected status of Earth?” Sherri asked a pointed question. “Will that change?”
“Normally it would take a vote among the nine systems to change the status on any preserve like Earth. Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury of time before the invasion happens. We have to enact desperate measures to save your planet.” Ki kept his tone even and factual.
D’zia picked up the narrative. “However, my cousin Prince Qay has provided the Zerin council with the evidence needed on the Chancellor’s activities. Once their approval is finalized, a committee will form to investigate all he’s been involved in.” In a smooth move, he pulled Lora’s chair closer to him.
“That’ll take years!” Sherri’s jaw gaped with raised eyebrows toward Ki.
“Yes, that’s possible.” Ki dropped his leg to the floor and leaned forward. He clasped his fingers together. “But everything we’ve done has been recorded and filed with the proper authorities. Including how the Chancellor abducted you, Aimee, and Lora. We also suspect he has ties with the terrorist faction called the ‘Warriors of Light’. We believe he’s provided them with alien weapons from Earth called guns. The projectiles happen to be poisonous to Zerin physiology.” He gave a nod to D’zia. “Add to that, the Erkek scientist you’re taking to Zerin to be interrogated. That should give us plenty of evidence for the Council.”
It was important he convince the others things were under control. None of them could afford to get discouraged at this late date. The Earth problem had to be handled with a united front before the Chancellor arrived. D’zia’s job was to soothe Lora’s concerns on their way back to Zerin. In the meantime, he’d work through Sherri’s worries on their way to Earth.
A frown pulled his lips
down. From what the females were telling him, dealing with Earth people wasn’t going to be as easy as he first assumed. Too bad it wasn’t an option to leave the humans to their own fate. A quick glance at Sherri reminded him he couldn’t let that happen. His gut burned. That decision had nothing to do with the need in the galaxy for human women as much as the female next to him. Ki’s jaw clenched at the oncoming headache.
Sherri’s plump lips pressed before she answered. “Okay. We’ll try it your way first.”
She and Lora shared a look that Ki had trouble interpreting.
“But be prepared to change tactics at a moment’s notice.”
Ki’s smile quirked. “If you think it might come to that.” He slid a glance at D’zia. “When you contact Qay, give him a copy of this conversation. Make sure he understands we’ll need his support if we have to go in a little harder than anticipated.”
D’zia tilted his head and opened his mouth but Elemi’s shrill scream interrupted.
“EEK! HELP! There’s a Disintegration cannon locked on me! They’re going to blast my beautiful body!”
* * *
CHANCELLOR U’UNK
“Our ships are in place and we have the target in sight.” The morning after U’unk met with the new Dread Pirate, Counter-Aide Breccan smugly informed him of the status of the Warriors of Light. He boasted how he and his resistance group found the coveted 11-15 ship that the fools on Naraka base lost. Breccan was the aide to Councilman Aine on Zerin, one of the many sycophants U’unk had put in place decades ago.
“Very good.” The Chancellor nodded. Nice to know the information Maynwaring had given him about the ship and how to track it was accurate. “Take the ship back to the Naraka base for refurbishing and dispose of those who stole her.”
The 3-D virtual image of the subordinate was smug as his leer widened. “Acknowledged. I assure you, we will have it in our possession within the next several clicks. I have our best male taking the lead, and with him in charge, our success is all but assured.”
U’unk studied the male as he talked. The Counter-Aide’s nondescript appearance had been an asset to U’unk’s underground efforts.
The aide gathered sensitive information continually from the head council member, Aine. Breccan, a middle-aged Zerin, who was neither handsome nor homely, a useful tool in his blandness. He was someone easily overlooked by others.
U’unk had been clever enough to recognize the burning ambition of the younger aide at an early stage and covertly helped Breccan gain authority within the Zerin governing body. Once in place, he became a perfect spy on the council. As a reward, U’unk encouraged and funded the underground “resistance” group Breccan founded, the Warriors of Light, better known as “WOL.”
Too bad the group’s earlier attempt at killing Prince Qay’s human TrueBond hadn’t succeeded. The idiot prince jumped in the way of the human weapon and took the poisonous alien projectile for himself. Even that only caused the royal brat to be laid up for a few days before he enjoyed a full recovery. Which was annoying. It would have been much easier if both Qay and his father had died.
No matter, plans were in motion and the galaxy would soon be U’unk’s.
“Report as soon as it is done.” U’unk demanded as he blinked the virtual communication closed.
He sat in his massive chair in his private sanctum, deep within the bowels of the Chancellor’s Palace on the space station orbiting the Zerin home-world. He moved to open another folder within his ocular video display unit. A chime pinged an alert that his equerry, Fritjof, was requesting attention.
“I stated I didn’t want to be disturbed.” U’unk purposefully kept his tone even and bland. No need to show irritation, best to avoid emotions with those who worked for him.
“Yes, sire,” the Erkek’s simpering, high-pitched voice, answered. “But the Consortium’s special Triad Council is here to see you.”
An unfamiliar weight squeezed his chest. Why would the Triad be there without prior communication? Heat crept up his neck. How dare they come without warning?
“Show them to my office and offer them nourishment. Assure them I will join them momentarily.” He closed the channel before he heard Fritjof’s response.
U’unk settled into the formfitting seat with his fingertips interlaced underneath his chin, lost in thought. The special council only formed in extreme cases. The trio was an investigating committee dedicated to uncovering corruption in the highest levels of the democratic body. Hmm, which scheme might have implicated him? Forget it, second-guessing their intent was a waste of time.
With even strides, he entered his official office. The deep burgundy of the heavy robes barely moved as he stalked. “My apologies for keeping you waiting at your unexpected visit.” He kept his voice cool as he made his way toward his dark leather chair and sat. He twitched his nose in distaste at the elusive scent of otherworldliness they brought into his chamber. “If I’d known we were meeting today, I would have had everything ready for you.”
“No need for the passive-aggressive attitude, Shon,” Councilman Aine admonished. The elderly Zerin’s dark hair was more yellow with age than the black of his youth. A simple braid trailed down his back. The butterscotch of age in his warrior braid remained tucked behind his ear as was proper. The elder male’s light dual-colored moss- and fern-green eyes were alert and piercing, in sharp contrast to his elderly status. His body may have shrunken with advanced years, but he sat with his back ramrod straight in his simple black, council robe over his plain gray tunic and pants.
U’unk gave a nod of acknowledgment while seething inside. Getting rid of the sanctimonious politician would be one of the first things on his agenda when he eliminated the Consortium.
“However, we extend our apologies for showing up unexpectedly.” The second member of the Triad spoke in melodious tones. An Onoel female from the planet Vachurn, Kasdeja was a winged humanoid covered in light-blue and orange feathers. Her species was ethereal and beautiful beyond description, even one as old as the female in front of him.
Since he could not see her expansive wingspan, she must have them hidden within the natural pouch at her back.
She wore a diaphanous gown in the sheer colors of her down-covered form. The garment gave the illusion of concealing her feminine parts while allowing an alluring tease of temptation.
“Never mind the dlofokyo manners, for Goddess’ sake!” The third Triad member grumbled as he folded his massive onyx arms over his dark, naked chest. “We’re here to look into the allegations of one of your operatives working with the Friebbigh. It seems they are illegally transporting human women from Earth to the slave outposts on FiPan.”
Tuhon was the youngest of the Triad, but still hundreds of years older than U’unk. The male was a Runihura, well over eight feet tall. His muscled physique covered skin so dark, several colors of the spectrum reflected with each movement. The straight, platinum hair reached to the middle of his back and was kept in place with a thin silver circlet around his forehead. Blue neon eyes were without iris or pupils, but the species’ eyesight was without equal. Their range of sight remained legendary among the known star systems. The male had his right ankle resting on top of his wide left thigh. The black-clad material of his thick leather boots reached above his knees.
U’unk sat back and made sure he displayed an indifferent appearance. “Please elaborate.” A twitch of his lips covered the hard swallow he used to slow his heart and even out his erratic breathing. It was imperative to show a calm he was far from feeling. With a light touch, he rested the tips of his fingers under his chin—just to show he was thoughtful and contemplative.
Aine cleared his throat, seemingly aware of the tension climbing in the room. With a steady stare, he pulled a holosphere crystal out of the depths of his robe and activated the vid.
The image of the Erkek scientist, Dr. Knum’Nz appeared.
“Do you have knowledge of this individual?” The leader of the Triad asked in a reason
able tone.
U’unk frowned as he pretended to study the visual. His heart gave a loud thump before he regained control. How did these buffoons get a holovid of the Erkek? He’d eliminated every mention of the corrupt scientist, visual or otherwise, within the Consortium records. With deliberate movements, he took his gaze off the picture and considered each Triad member with careful, concise movements. “No, I’m afraid I do not.”
Tuhon’s snort was rude.
U’unk refused to allow his facial features to show annoyance. “Why do you disbelieve what I say?” He directed the question to the big male with a raised eyebrow.
“In the last known record we have of him, he worked for the Consortium medicinal division, several decades ago. Someone has tampered with his profile, making it look like he never existed. It took expert investigators a painstakingly long time to uncover what little information remains available to us.” The Runihura male uncrossed his arms to rest on his thighs.
U’unk tilted his head to show confusion. “I fail to understand why that would bring you to me.”
“Those records indicate Dr. Knum’Nz reported directly to you.” Kasdeja’s delicate hand gestured in waves when she spoke, as was normal for the Onoel. “We are hoping you would be able to tell us what you know about his work.”
U’unk raised and lowered his shoulders with a blank stare. “I’m afraid my answer is still the same. I do not know him.” How could they possibly get a vid of the Erkek, much less connect U’unk’s past dealings with the gnotdile?
“What about this female?” Aine shut down the holovid of Knum’Nz. With a flick of a finger, a visual of a Zerin female, Aja, shone in 3D. She had been one of his covert operatives. That is, until he broke her neck with his bare hands. “This is, or rather she claimed to be, Aja-ne L’len R’oxk. Actually, her real name was Al’ura R’oxk Naim. What do you know about her?”
An unexpected chill raced down his spine. Once again, U’unk shook his head in denial. “I’m afraid I’m at a loss. I have no idea who she is.” He leveled a steady gaze between the three. “Wait, you said, ‘was.’ Is she deceased?”
