Ki's Redemption

by Keri Kruspe

  “Oh dude, you’re so high, you’re hearing surf music.” JR10 made his appearance. His small, metallic spider-like body crawled out of D’zia’s light-brown hair and rested on his big shoulder. His shiny silver frame reflected in the sunlight while the bottom was a matte black that matched the tips of the spindly legs. “Or you’re just plain stupid.” The little guy wiggled his bulbous lower body in a happy dance.

  Cheithe cocked her massive head to the side to see the enigma clearer.

  Sherri got the impression JR10 amused the dragon.

  “And bro…just so ya know…we’ve got your MindWipe machine in custody.” JR10 waved a tiny foreleg in the air for emphasis. “Sheesh, you’d think this was our first rodeo or something.”

  The Chancellor’s face turned an alarming shade of grayish-purple. His thin, black eyebrows narrowed. “Giasiager take you all.” His voice rattled around the words as if he spat as he spoke.

  Ohhh, Cheithe intoned in awe. That was a death curse.

  Sherri wasn’t sure if having Cheithe available to translate was a good or a bad thing. She got the impression Cheithe took cursing as a serious business.

  “Alrighty, then. All nice and legal-like.” D’zia rubbed his hands together. “Qay, do your high-and-mighty thing and have your troops take him away.”

  Qay nodded. “Quite right, D’zia.” He motioned to the two Zerins who stood behind the Chancellor. One poked the disgraced politician to move toward the triangular ship.

  Chancellor U’unk gave one last glare at the group as he tromped away between the armored guards.

  Qay turned to the holographic images of the Special Triad. “I thank you, Councilman Aine, Triad Associate Kasdeja, and Triad Associate Tuhon, for your attention at today’s event.”

  All three made a curt nod of acknowledgment.

  “We will place ex-chancellor U’unk into stasis and deliver him to the Imperial Forces on Zerin.” He gave a regal bow to the trio. “Unless it is your wish that other accommodations are made for him.”

  The elder Zerin spoke. “No, that is acceptable for now.” With a gesture, he included his companions. “A hearing will commence at the earliest possible time, so when you arrive with him we can immediately proceed.” A thoughtful frown. “Usually in a situation like this, we’d contact family members to have a say in the process. I’ve never heard of U’unk having any surviving relatives.”

  “Bro…no way!” JR10 hopped up and down on D’zia’s shoulder. “Hey, D’zia! Guess what?”

  The braided tawny hair of the younger Zerin moved to drape over the opposite shoulder as he glanced down. “No, what, JR10?”

  “Elemi tells me the Chancellor has a twin brother aboard his ship orbiting Earth right now!”

  Confused expressions all around.

  Councilman Aine spoke first. “T’terlok is alive?” He wrung his hands together as his face darkened with quick breaths.

  Holy crap! If he didn’t calm down, he was going to give himself a heart attack.

  “Dunno,” came the unhelpful answer. “You want Elemi to transport him here?”

  “Yes!” Councilman Aine’s jaw tightened. He flung his arms wide. “I must make sure it’s him.”

  Within seconds, the shimmering shape of a large Zerin male came into being. While the newcomer was as tall as the Chancellor, the body mass was painfully thin and gaunt. Instead of a bald head, he sported a full head of black hair with yellow strands pulled back into a braid that reached his ankles. Where the Chancellor had black eyes, this male’s were a clear jade—the inner iris boasted a rich green surrounded by a lighter shade on the second ring. The opalescent viridian pupil widened, terror clear as he took in his surroundings.

  The trembling man wore a dirty white tunic and trousers and hunched into himself, fists clasped in the center of his chest.

  The fearful look he darted around broke Sherri’s heart. She started toward him but forgot she was still a massive dragon.

  When the ground rumbled as Cheithe took her first step, the frightened Zerin gave a cry of fear, crumpled to the ground, and put his hands over his head in defense.

  Sherri and Cheithe stopped as one.

  The holograph of Councilman Aine rushed over to the downed male. “Lok, is that you?” He squatted as he moved into the other male’s eyesight. “It’s Aine. Come, look at me.”

  A low whimper came from the frightened man before he lowered his arms. He took short breaths as he tilted his head and gazed with narrow eyes. “Aine?”

  “Yes…it’s me! By the Goddess, Lok…you’re alive.” Aine’s voice became firm but gentle. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now.”

  “Safe?” The skin around his cheeks and lips tightened. “Where’s Shon?”

  “U’unk is in custody,” Aine reassured him. “Come, sit up.” Aine coaxed in a soft tone.

  Lok’s gaze darted around before he nodded. His body wobbled as his thin frame struggled to stand. “Where am I?”

  “You are on a small planet called Earth, on the fringes of the galaxy,” Aine replied. “Please follow me into the ship and we’ll get you comfortable.” He turned his head toward his fellow Special Triad Council members. “I will join you at the meeting room within the next seventy-clicks.”

  The female winged humanoid and the huge onyx male nodded in agreement before their images disappeared.

  The hologram and the broken Zerin vanished into the triangular ship.

  “Well, that was fun.” D’zia stated with hands on hips. “Are we finally done with this pile of crazy?”

  “One can only hope.” JR10 piped in.

  While Sherri enjoyed this weird episode of her reality show, all she wanted to do was slide back into her own skin.

  Cheithe, I think it’s safe for me to come back now.

  Yes, child. It’s time for me to rest, the mammoth dragon agreed. I’ve warned Grirryrth I’m leaving so your mate can get you some clothing.

  What! You mean I’ll be naked? Holy shit, no way did she want to prance around nude for all to see.

  “Cheithe, it’s safe for you to go now.” Ki stood in front, holding a dark green cloak that billowed in the soft air.

  Where he got such a thing, Sherri had no idea.

  Between one blink and the next, Sherri experienced the tingle of changing from a large dragon into a small, human female. Landing on a bent knee, she shivered in reaction. Ki placed a warm cloak over her head and around her shoulders. She was glad for the disguise, no need for the onlookers to know she was something other than human. The warmth was a welcome reprieve to the bright sun and cooling breeze. She stood and held the shroud closed in a firm grip.

  Sherri peered up at Ki and became lost in his intense scrutiny. Her cheeks burned as his lids drooped over the blaze of navy/hunter-green orbs. At his detached expression, Sherri frowned as her stomach clenched.

  “Come on.” He held a hand out. “Let’s go and join the others.”

  Sherri glanced at his stretched palm. Taking a deep breath, she plastered a phony smile on her face and placed her hand in his.

  * * *

  KI

  When Sherri appeared, naked after Cheithe relinquished control, it took every ounce of Ki’s inner strength not to turn his back on his responsibilities and friends, pick her up, and carry her away. With her head hidden under the curtain of auburn hair and a naked bowed back, he experienced a strong surge of protective lust. Taking a deep breath, his lungs filled with the spicy musk that was all Sherri. Of course, he thickened in reaction.

  Grirryth had warned him Cheithe would soon revert back into a naked Sherri. So, if Ki didn’t want other males to see his female’s nude form, he’d better find something quick.

  As if he read his mind, Qay handed him a cloak long enough to cover her.

  As the fabric flowed into place, he had a tinge of regret all that succulent skin had to be covered.

  She stood and with a tilt of her chin gazed into his eyes.

  At first, he scrutinized her lik
e a possessive male. Then he remembered his earlier resolve. His infatuation with her began to override his lifelong intent. He wasn’t some child who had to act on his baser instincts. He was in command, not his wayward libido. With a firm grip, he clasped her cold hand and walked closer to Qay and D’zia. As they got closer, it was in time to catch the end of their conversation.

  “… and go back to Zerin,” D’zia finished.

  Qay nodded in agreement. “While I’d like nothing better than to stay here and coordinate the next move for this planet, I’ve got to return to Aimee as soon as possible.”

  Ki frowned. “Is she not well?” The expression on Qay’s face was one he’d never seen before…part fear and part awe.

  “Yes, she’s fine. But I can’t leave her alone for long.” Qay scanned the surrounding area. “She is the first human to have a Zerin child. I won’t take a chance of anything going wrong while I’m away.”

  D’zia nodded. JR10 traveled up his shoulder before he nestled within the tawny strands of his friend’s hairline. Ki admired the spybot his former commander in the AoA had created. If he wasn’t mistaken, D’zia had bonded with the little AI and had no plans of giving him back.

  Sherri stepped closer with a white-knuckled fist clasping the cloak together. “What will happen to Earth now?” With a quick glance, she motioned behind him.

  For the first time, Ki noticed the throng of humans outside the iron fence who were eerily quiet. Only whispered murmurings floated among them.

  Sherri pulled the hood of the garment to cover her face more.

  “Qay, maybe you should make some kind of statement before you leave.” Ki nodded to the humans peering at them.

  Qay’s mouth twisted in a familiar frown of disgust. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” He turned to Sherri before he addressed Ki. “Why don’t you take her aboard the ship and get her something to wear.” He pinched the bridge of his nose with eyes closed. With a deep breath, his eyes opened and his hand dropped. “Explanations are needed and I’d like to meet with both of you before I leave.”

  Ki nodded. With a gentle move, he placed an arm across Sherri’s shoulders to steer her into Qay’s ship. They passed two Imperial Forces guards at the entrance and walked up the smooth metal plank into the cool, dim interior. The gentle hum of the ship’s engines gave little comfort. It only meant his time with Sherri was coming to an end.

  Shaking the morose thoughts off, Ki examined the inside of the ship. He’d never been in the particular vessel before, but Imperial Star Cruisers all had similar constructions. Unerringly, he headed toward the guest quarters. The markings on the second door to their left showed an unoccupied room, so he waved the door open to allow them entrance.

  When the wall solidified, ensuring their privacy, Sherri turned with a half-smile. “What now?”

  With a grin, he returned her sheepish expression. “I think first thing’s first. It’s time for you to change clothes and to catch your breath.” He placed his palms on her shoulders with a quick massage of comfort. The scent of her warm, fragrant skin made his heart race. When she closed her eyes and gave a quiet moan, he jerked and let go. With a swift turn, he went to the replicator and programmed a neutral tunic, pants, and shoes in her size. Gripping the clothes to hide his shaking hands, he let go of a held breath. Shoulders back, he turned and offered them. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Here, something to wear.”

  With an unfathomable stare, she accepted them with a slight nod.

  “When you come out, we’ll meet up with the others and discuss what to do next.” He tilted his head. The expression on her beautiful face didn’t give away any secrets.

  Sherri shrugged elegant shoulders and rewarded him with a half-smile. “Okay. Don’t mind me, I’m just tired. I’ll be right out.” The refresher room sealed behind her.

  The soft pad of the sleeping cot beckoned, and he shuffled over and sat, with a heavy heart. Eyes closed, his head hung as dread weighed him down. Time to get away before it was too late.

  Yes, he’d be able to leave with a clear conscious. No MalDerVon scroll meant no need to worry about passing his defective genes on to another generation. Ki ignored the brackish taste in his mouth.

  Unbidden, an image of her passionate response stung. No…he refused to change his mind. Now wasn’t the time to be selfish. His family lineage had to die out. Nothing had changed. He was still the same person he’d always been. The threat to her planet as well as to the galaxy was over. The absence of the scroll reinforced his belief she couldn’t be his TrueBond.

  He pressed a fist over the pain pounding in his chest.

  Grirryrth remained silent.

  Chapter Ten

  SHERRI

  When the bathroom door closed behind Sherri, an unexpected sob caught in her throat. It was hard to breathe. What was up with the dismissive expression on Ki’s face? Had she done something to make him pull away emotionally? His tight frown and rigid body language sent a shiver down her spine. The man had acted as if he couldn’t bear to be near her when he’d led her inside the Zerin ship.

  Cheithe?

  She probed to see if the dragon was awake. After their transformation, Sherri experienced the weight of her companion’s weariness. It might have been too soon for her to take form, but if she hadn’t, they’d both be dead.

  Yes, child? Cheithe’s replied in a light but steady voice.

  Has Grirryrth told you if there is something wrong with Ki?

  What do you mean? Cheithe sounded puzzled. In what way is something wrong with him?

  Maybe she imagined things and worried for no reason.

  Um, never mind. How are you feeling? The dragon was a newborn and shouldn’t be exerting herself too much.

  I am well, thank you, child. A soft sigh. I will rest now. The next words she said in a firmer no-nonsense tone. However, if you have need of me, do not hesitate to call.

  The maternal statement made Sherri smile. I won’t. Go back to sleep.

  Cheithe gave her a soft mental caress before she pulled away and faded into unconsciousness.

  With a shrug of her shoulders to loosen tight muscles, Sherri stepped into the shower. It didn’t take long to dress in the light-cream tunic and pants Ki had given her. After a verbal command, a 3-D mirror appeared over a counter that held various grooming utensils. She brushed her hair and teeth while she examined her reflection.

  Damn it! Stop being so nervous about going out there. She narrowed her eyes. Since when did she hesitate even when her stomach churned and her throat closed? It had never stopped her before and she sure as hell wouldn’t let it stop her now. She’d never been afraid of taking chances and always dealt with conflicts head on. She enjoyed being with Ki and wanted to see where this “relationship” went. Too bad if he didn’t want to, he’d just better get with the program.

  Sherri pulled her shoulders back and gave herself a stern glare before she exited the small, clamshell-colored bathroom. Okay, where was the big lug? The compact sleeping quarters had only a twin-size cot and no sexy Zerin waiting for her.

  At least the doorway was open. She would never admit it out loud, but she kinda missed Elemi’s snarky personality. On that ship, all she had to do was ask where Ki was, instead of bumbling around like a clueless tourist. Sherri stepped through and peered up and down the narrow corridor. The light on the ship was at a comfortable level, so she had no trouble seeing to the end of the straight hallway. The sterile steel material of the floor, ceiling, and walls didn’t match the warm atmosphere of the ship. Since the cream tunic only boasted a three-quarters sleeve while the pants ended in a slight flare at the ankles, it was a relief the clothes were comfortable enough in the tepid air.

  Not sure which way to go, Sherri stopped to listen. Quiet murmurs sounded from the right. Ah…that must be where she needed to go. When she approached the open doorway where the sounds came from, she walked through.

  It was a rectangle-shaped conference room, complete with an oval tabl
e made of the same metallic material as the ship. Sitting around it were the familiar faces of D’zia, Lora, Prince Qay, and of course, the man himself…Ki.

  The group stopped talking when she entered.

  Lora jumped up with a happy cry and ran to engulf Sherri a fragrant hug of spicy cinnamon.

  When they pulled apart, Sherri blinked at the changed features of her friend. While the similarities were still there, it was startling to see an alien Zerin where the human used to be.

  “My God, you look great!” Lora held Sherri’s upper arms in a firm grip and scrunched up her nose while examining her.

  Sherri placed her hands on Lora’s forearms and gave a reassuring squeeze. “Thanks. I’m glad you’re here.”

  Lora’s dual-colored gray eyes crinkled at the corners while she grinned. “Damn, I wished I could have been there when you tried to warn the President.” They dropped their hold as she frowned. “While I didn’t vote for him, I didn’t want anything like that to happen to him.” She sighed. “Or to the other world leaders, for that matter.” Her quick smile exposed the points of her fangs. “Anyway, let’s sit down. We’re just discussing what we’ve got to do next.”

  As they approached the others, Lora leaned in to whisper, “You’re gonna love what they’ve come up with!” With a wave of her three-fingered hand, she encompassed the Zerins around the table.

  Sherri had avoided glancing in Ki’s direction. After Lora’s prompting, she took a chance and finally peered at him. The profile of his dark, iridescent face was an expressionless mask that gave no hint of what he was thinking, much less feeling. A hollow pit expanded in her stomach at his lack of reaction. Shit! By his cool reception you’d never know they’d been intimate.

  With a defiant lift of her chin, she sat in the empty seat next to Lora. Right across from him. Now he’d have no choice but to look at her.