Araman's Aria

by Suzanne Embree

  She crawled up onto the bed catching his legs in between hers. Brea drew back the sheet watching as the silky material awakened his rod. She teased the tip with a finger with her lips hovering above. As though she was savoring a delicacy for the first time her teeth grazed the head. She felt him stiffen beneath her touch bringing a wicked smile to her face.

  She wrapped her lips around his throbbing cock and swirled her tongue as if to find a tickle spot. She heard a groan; she let his shaft in a little further before sucking slightly to intensify the sensations. Brea knew Araman was fully awake when his hand rested on her head, encouraging her to go deeper.

  She needed no urging now that she had his full attention as she pulled her mouth back increasing his hardness. She wanted him to feel worshipped the way he had made her feel. Her tongue played with the tip toying with him. Another moan, she then slid the pulsating cock down her throat slowly wanting to feel every inch of his chakkra connecting with hers.

  Araman could take the slow torture of Brea’s mouth no longer. With a fluid motion he swept her up and brought her over top of him. She screamed his name as the fire turned her chakkras into molten lava consuming her entire body; he entered her hard and demanding.

  Their bodies moved in unison. Sandalwood and cinnamon filled the air as the volcano within Brea flared higher taking Araman with her as her body rocked hard against his. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he dived into her deeper sending her over the edge.

  Her teeth met Araman’s shoulder as her body wracked with the explosions of her orgasm. Araman held her closer as he climaxed when her mouth met his skin. Holding on to each other they slowly came back to their senses.

  “Good Morning Lyra, it was thoughtful of you to take care of my libido before arriving home.” Araman smiled at her.

  “Thoughtfulness had no part.” She said smiling up at him. “I must confess it was sheer selfishness.”

  “Anytime you wish to display such selfishness, feel free.” He kissed the top of her nose.

  A low beep emitted from the wall by the door. “Bridge to Commandant Diago.”

  Brea let out a sigh before moving off of Araman to let him answer the call. She retrieved her robe as Araman pushed a button. His eyes never left her feeding off of her glow.

  “Commandant here.”

  “Sorry to disturb Sir, we will be arriving within the hour and we thought we should warn you that General Herse will be waiting dockside for you and your wife.”

  “Thank you Commander.” He turned his body in the direction of his eyes. Brea grinned at him.

  “Our ritual must have been important for your General to greet us.” Brea’s lilt was light.

  Araman chuckled. “Some how I don’t think that’s it.”

  Brea frowned at him, “It means you will have another mission.” She said plainly.

  “Perhaps not.” He stepped over and took her into his arms hugging her. “He maybe there to tell me of Santari’s success.” He suggested drawing back. Brea noted his change from lover to commandant. “We should get dressed at any rate.”

  “I have no clothes that are not laundered.” Brea realized and looked to Araman.

  “Taken care of Lyra, flag ships come with a synthesizer. What’s your pleasure?”

  “Nothing Terrian.” She raised her eyebrows at him expecting his challenge. Her hands sat on her hips. Instead, her fierce look met his soft laughter.

  “I thought you would prefer something lighter from Olean.” His eyes continued to laugh at her as he offered her a silky folded bundle.

  “That would be fine.” Brea gave him a nod before taking the garments. The shift was a coppery color to match her shimmering complexion with a plunging neckline of the concubine clothing. The sheer opal tunic Brea belted over top gave it the respectability of being a Commandant’s wife.

  “Here.” Araman came up from behind and gathered her hair into a loose ponytail and tying it with a matching ribbon. He was in his usual black flight suit when Brea turned and faced him still in his arms.

  Araman could not tear his eyes away from hers. “I swear you get lovelier each time I look at you.”

  Brea blushed then laughed. She stood on her tiptoes and rubbed her nose with his.

  “That’s all part of Chatam Pritam.” Brea told him, and then she gave him a sly grin. “It works the other way too.”

  “Ah,” Araman laughed, “So that explains my morning awakening.”

  “That and wanting to please my Chatam Pritam.”

  The lights dimmed and turned yellow. “We’re docking.” Araman held the crook of his arm to her. “Shall we Mrs. Diago?”

  She slipped her left hand into his gesture unaware of Araman’s frown at the lack of a ring. He would have to take care of that to ensure her status as his wife. She looked up at him expectantly for him to begin to lead.

  Araman gave a nod then reached for the call keypad for the lift to take them to the docking bay. Brea could feel his tension creeping back into his body as he stood rigid beside her. His hand patted hers as the doors opened.

  Brea heard her Beebles barking and whining as soon as he saw her. He was straining against the lead as he struggled to get to her.

  “Release him.” A gravely voice ordered. The pup headed straight into Brea’s arms. She caught him up in a hug. Beebles was all wiggles and kisses for his mistress. Araman tried to suppress the chuckles as she struggled to hold the squiggling beagle.

  “I thought your wife would appreciate her pet being here.” Herse stepped up beside Araman.

  “Thank you Sir.” Araman gave a salute. He turned to see Brea land on her back with her pup still lavishing frantic greeting upon her. Araman reached down out of concern but his contained laughter spilled over when Beebles turned to him still on top of Brea who was now laughing at him.

  Herse stared at the scene with an eyebrow raised at his Commandant. “I see your marriage agrees with you.” He uttered dryly.

  Araman helped Brea up and took a strong hold of the Beagle who was still trying to greet them. He made sure she was fine before turning back to the General looking unimpressed.

  “It does Sir.”

  “I wanted to be the first to congratulate you Commandant.” Herse was gruff. “A new safety policy has been put into place, that if it is determined that a concubine could place her owner at risk during a mission she will be confined to her owner’s quarters.” He gave a shrug before digging out a cigar from his pocket. “But then it doesn’t apply to you any more.”

  “Cuthbert?” a soft voice came from behind the General. He shuffled around and pulled his jowls into a smile.

  A petite woman with a coppery complexion, slightly faded black and gold hair, honey colored eyes and a soft smile. Herse put his arm at his wife’s back and brought her forward.

  “I would like you to meet my wife. She has always stayed away from sight as her choice.” The General smiled sweetly to her as she shyly looked upon Brea and Araman. “Shea’na this is my Commandant and his wife Brea.”

  She gave a nod to both but her eyes settled on Brea. “Ah, Shinwa.” She smiled up to her husband. “Chatam Pritam?” He nodded. She tossed him an ‘I told you so’ look.

  Herse cleared his throat trying to remain stern under his wife's affectionate stare. “Yes.” He muttered before facing Araman. “My wife recognized you as a lost half of Chatam Pritam from my description and told me that when a Shinwa woman finds her way to Olean it will be his other half.” He gave his wife a squeeze, “She also told me to be very patient with the outcome.”

  Herse turned to leave, “I expect you in my office in one hour for debriefing and your report within twenty-four hours.” He escorted his wife out the opening bay doors. “Shall we have lunch?” His hand fell a little lower on his wife’s back who blushed like a schoolgirl in response.

  Araman watched his commanding officer fall to the whims of his wife. He felt a little better knowing Herse was also not immune to Shinwa witchcraft. He gave Beeble
s a scratch and put an arm around Brea’s shoulders.

  “If I only have an hour, we’d better get going.” Araman said ushering her out.

  “Why do you not have transport for such long distances?” Brea grimaced.

  “Military believes walking keeps everyone fit. Everything is within walking distance. Why waste our technology on ground, when we need it for flight.”

  “What if you are attacked like we were?” Brea offered as they walked.

  “We have provisions for that.” Araman gave her a kiss on the forehead. “You needn’t worry.”

  “I was not.” Brea was off hand. “I was merely curious why you do not have such carriers like Oleander.”

  Araman laughed as he steered her to the pod that led to their home. Brea felt relief when she stepped out of the pod and onto the soft white carpet. Araman set Beebles down who immediately ran for the outdoors.

  Araman gave Brea a kiss as he headed for the lift in the middle of the hallway. He glanced at the timepiece on the lift door.

  “I shouldn’t be too long,” he said as the lift doors opened. “I’ll cook when I get home.”

  “I’ll have your pot ready.” Her lilt trailed after him as he entered the elevator.

  He was still smiling to himself when he reached the General’s office after a brief stop at the marketplace for fresh groceries. He softly knocked on the door sporting the gold winged ‘O’ and waited for the harsh “Come in.”

  The usual haze of cigar smoke welcomed Araman into the office. The general was sitting behind several sheets of paper in his hand.

  “Have a seat Commandant.” Herse instructed. Araman sat while Herse stood up taking the stogie from his mouth. “Drink?” He didn’t wait for a response and poured two glasses of his favorite drink, Terrian Cherry Brandy. He handed Araman a glass of the burgundy liquid.

  He took a drink then cleared his throat before addressing his underling, “Commandant,” Herse began pacing, Araman’s clue this wasn’t the usual debriefing. “I was contacted by a high ranking member of the Oleander Intelligence. She wishes to speak with two of us on a secured channel from both Heads of State.” He stopped pacing and looked to Araman. “I have reason to trust this person.”

  Araman raised his eyebrows at the General, “And how is that Sir?”

  “She went to great lengths to hide her transmission from Oleander. All she asked was to speak with us on a safe net.” Araman shook his head not understanding.

  “Safe net was the code I used with my silent partner to ensure no listening ears, just as you and Santari have your own codes.” The General sat. “I hadn’t heard that term for years and the only one who used it other than me, is dead.”

  “Any way it could have leaked or been over heard?” Araman knew from his own experience even if it had the chances were remote the term would have been understood.

  Herse shook his jowls before stuffing a cigar in his mouth and began chewing. “No.” It was emphatic. “If Commander Shaw left his code with this young woman then there is a reason. He was Terrian,” the general reminded Araman. “We lost contact after he retired but knowing Shaw, he would not have sat idle for long.”

  A light lit up in the corner of the large heavy Terrian oak desk interrupting. Herse punched the button with a grunt of annoyance.

  “What is it?”

  “Santari reporting Sir, I have your long distance call on your safe net.”

  “Up link.” Herse hit another button with the same jabbing as before. A screen appeared at the end of his office from the wall.

  “Hello Gentlemen.” A voice purred as a pretty groomed blonde woman gazed at them with eyes shining mother of pearl. She sat tall in the chair with her shoulders held back and her chin up. The bold expression on her face showed her enjoyment at their discomfort. Her shimmering multi-colored eyes held a mixture of quiet self-confidence and wisdom. She was intriguing to both men on different levels and they knew she knew it too.

  “Let me introduce myself. I am Mistress of Intelligence Coco with the Oleander Military Services of the Raylin Lunar System. As far as my superiors are concerned, they read I am making a private communiqué to my favorite Uncle.” She paused with a smile on her full lips.

  “Congratulations on your recent marriage and I will assure you Commandant, that Asereth’s techniques of questioning have been abolished under my command.” Her large round opalescent eyes framed with long black lashes slid over to Araman. “I have found no need for such dramatics when I am the one questioning prisoners.”

  He looked over to the General who met his equally questioning expression as to what this woman wanted. They both looked back to the screen. Coco was amused by their reactions as her crooked smile revealed. She cleared her throat and straightened her back.

  “Our Government has fallen to the whims of an antiquated Regency who will not bend to the will of people and their wants. Olean seems to be progressing while Oleander seems to be regressing. Our male citizens are being stripped of more rights every day as her insanity increases. We have recovered information that our Regency may attempt a coup for solitary rulership. She is slowly eradicating both her senate and the intelligence department.”

  Coco bristled. “As you know, your mission cost me Paige. The Regency has declared due to budgetary cut backs that my department will run with a skeleton crew. We all know the cutbacks are funding her treasure trove of weapons.” Her long fingers drummed with frustration on her desk. “Myself and others who will understandably remain anonymous for the time being are concerned not only for our world’s safety but for the future of Raylin. We have decided to take matters into our own hands.”

  “And how does Olean fit into this scenario?” Araman asked standing up retrieving another drink.

  “As part of this lunar system I would think Olean would have a vested interest in the inner failings of Oleander.” Coco’s statement was coated with sarcasm. “I’ll be blunt Boys, this one can not be done by us alone. She’s becoming increasingly paranoid and surrounding herself with those of us she thinks she can trust.” She laughed. “The woman actually thought my being Terrian would automatically align us against Olean.” Coco shook her head.

  “Your Regency?” Araman asked.

  Her blonde head gave a nod. “She is the reason why my department is stretched far and wide. Any more enemies the Regency makes and I won’t be able to keep the wolves at bay so to speak. I have no more people Gentlemen. She is doing the same to her Senate. We can not let her continue her destruction of our government into a totalitarian state. She has become a major liability rather than an asset. Even Terra has become concerned about her behavior. This morning she dismissed the Terrian Ambassador from Oleander. The reason explained to me was, political irreconcilable differences. I assure you the man is only guilty of not agreeing with her or submitting to her demands. I can safely say the Terrian Military is taking steps to defend against any acts of hostility incurred from her madness.”

  “Oh, and I thank you for getting rid of her wretched spawn.” She said as an afterthought. Her eyes glanced towards Araman. “One less problem I had to deal with.”

  “It seems she won’t be missed.”

  “Not at all.” Coco said. “Gentlemen, the reason for my contact is merely to prepare you in the event that this happens. We would rather work with Olean in this matter and to be frank, any help would be appreciated.” She flashed a smile that would melt an iceberg.

  General Herse gave a thoughtful nod. “I think I can accommodate you when the need arises. Keep me apprised of the situation.”

  “Yes,” she gave a curt nod, “I’ll look forward to staying in touch with my favorite uncle.” The screen went blank.

  The two men stood in silence for a moment each lost in their thoughts. Araman pulled the flat data recorder from his pocket and put it on the General’s desk. He sat back down on the edge of the chair looking at the silver pad.

  “Do you think she knows we have this?” He gestured to it wi
th his chin.

  “What is it?” A puff of smoke billowed in the air overhead where Herse took his place at the desk.

  “The plans to the extractor. Santari’s contact threw it to me before.…”

  The general raised his hands. “Save it for the report. Good.” He picked it up and scrutinized it. “One less mission we have to plan. I’ll send it to white coats to handle. Now we can start working on the defenses.” He put it back down again.

  “Araman,” the use of his given by the General grabbed his attention. “I am retiring in a lunar month. I have learned there is no good time for this, as I have waited already three years. The Regent will be notifying you of your promotion to Commandant General.”

  Araman was glad he was sitting as he felt the floor slip from underneath his feet. “But Sir, you still have many years to offer.”

  “I know, and I have given my life to Olean and its military. Its time for my wife now and a long over due vacation.” Herse gave him a wink, “Orpheaus Six is very nice this time of year.” He cleared his throat becoming more serious. “Who do you recommend for your desk?”

  Araman thought for a moment. “I think Santari is ready.”

  Herse shook his head, “I don’t know.”

  “I do. And respectfully General, I won’t take it without him at my right hand.”

  “Misplaced loyalty Son.” He sent a cloud of smoke over head. “Have it your way but my advice is to keep him leashed to the desk.” He chomped on the cigar. “You’ll receive your official notices within a week or two. Dismissed.”

  Araman left the General sitting in his office as he shut the door behind him. He grabbed the parcels of cheese and meat at the door and headed in the direction of the lift home. Santari, the promotions and Oleander could all wait until the next day. He wanted to spend the night under the Olean night sky making love to his wife.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “I see you’re hard at it?” Santari walked into his Commandant’s office and took a seat. “I thought you were taking a couple of days to spend with that exotic witch of yours.” He rubbed the back of his leg. “You know that spot still hurts every now and then.” He grimaced.