Crusader

by Cyndi Friberg

  She continued to creep toward the door, so he matched her step for step. Then he opened a telepathic comlink, paging the bio-stream engineer. I need a location-to-location stream.

  What’s your destination?

  Arrival deck at the Bunker. They’re expecting me. And increase the signal by fifty percent. I have a passenger.

  Is she as pretty as Irron said?

  That’s irrelevant, but by hell’s rings yes! She’s gorgeous.

  He lunged for Ashley, dragging her into his arms a millisecond before the bio-stream field engaged.

  Ashley gasped then screamed, arching wildly as Bandar’s arms closed around her. Then her bedroom dissolved and she hung suspended in a vast emptiness. The peaceful suspension only lasted a millisecond and then she felt as if she were being sucked through space by a gigantic vacuum. She screamed again, though the sound was lost in the deafening rush that filled her ears. She couldn’t move and could barely think past the terror overwhelming her senses. Why was… How… What was happening to her?

  The acceleration gradually slowed and her head swam sickeningly. She clung to Bandar, fists clutching the back of his shirt, face pressed against his chest. His scent surrounded her, spicy, exotic with a hint of smoke. She’d never smelled anything quite like it. And each time she inhaled a warm, tingling sensation flowed through her entire body.

  “Easy. Just give yourself a second to acclimate. The dizziness will pass.”

  Still trembling violently, she lifted her face from his chest without letting go of his back. Screw the dizziness. Had they just teleported? “W-what happened? Where am I?” They were surrounded by drab gray walls. It wasn’t much of a room. No furniture, no windows, just one door.

  The door swung open and a dark-haired man filled the doorway. Both tall and muscular, he was dressed in camo cargo pants and a solid black T-shirt. Was this a military base? He certainly looked mean enough to be a soldier.

  “Do you need an actual interrogation room or will a staff apartment work?”

  Bandar cupped her chin, raising her face until she looked into his eyes. “Are you going to behave so we can be comfortable, or do we need something more secure?”

  The vertigo gradually receded but her anxiety remained. “What is this place?” She glanced at the stranger then back at Bandar. “Why did you bring me here?” She’d planned on cooperating until they were outside her apartment building. Then she was going to scream her head off and run like hell. Bandar obviously had other ideas.

  “This complex is shielded. The man who attacked you can’t find you here.”

  “Your shadow again?” The stranger stepped into the room and let the door swing shut behind him.

  The limited space seemed to shrink, closing in on Ashley until she felt small and vulnerable. The men obviously knew each other, but her fingers refused to release Bandar’s shirt. He’d just kidnaped her, teleporting her to God knew where, so why did she want to burrow deeper into his embrace and press her face into the warmth of his chest? It didn’t make sense and still the urge was nearly overwhelming.

  “He arrived before me this time,” Bandar was saying. “I guess he’s not following me after all.”

  The stranger shrugged as his dark gaze swept over Ashley. “Your brother had some interesting thoughts on the subject. Let’s get you settled and then I’ll explain.”

  “All right.” The stranger turned toward the door, but Bandar stopped him. “Ashley this is my cousin Nazerel. Nazerel meet Ashley.”

  She nodded, acknowledging the introduction as she finally let go of Bandar. If they were cousins, then Nazerel was at least part alien too. How many Rodytes were on Earth? Unwilling to open that can of worms, she returned to her unanswered questions. “Where am I?” She sharpened her tone, hoping to sound stronger than she felt.

  “This complex is known as the Bunker by those few who know it exists.” Nazerel led them out of the barren cell and into a well-lit corridor. “We’re in New Mexico, but for obvious reasons, I can’t be more specific.”

  New Mexico? Bandar had…zapped them halfway across the country? Could he teleport at will or had he used some sort of advanced technology? A device seemed unlikely, unless the controls were integrated into his brain. She groaned inwardly as she heard her own thoughts. She sounded like a sci-fi fanatic.

  “When did you speak with Garin?” Bandar asked. “He told us not to risk interplanetary communications unless it was an emergency. The less anyone knows about our mission the better.”

  Nazerel smiled, if that tiny curve of one corner of his mouth could qualify as a smile. “Which is why he contacted me rather than risk exposing your location. And we conferenced with Morgan this morning.”

  They turned down a different hallway, this one wider than the first. Clean white tiles kept it from feeling gloomy, but there were no windows, no natural light. Each person they passed was dressed in clothing similar to Nazerel’s, not uniforms exactly, but definitely military. A few of them glanced at Ashley, more ignored her completely.

  “So what did Garin tell you?”

  Despite Nazerel’s suggestion that they postpone the conversation, he answered, “He’s still working on the shadow’s identity, but Garin said he has to be aboard the Relentless.”

  “Akim Farmon’s ship?” Bandar sounded skeptical. “Why would Akim leave Rodyte space? He answers only to the crown.”

  “Exactly. Akim hasn’t logged a flight plan in years. He could be anywhere.”

  Bandar didn’t look convinced. “Why does Garin think he’s here?”

  “Only two ships are equipped with both bio-stream technology and the new shield generators.”

  “The Crusader and the Relentless.” Bandar shook his head, clearly upset by the revelation. “I should have realized, so should Keyran, for that matter. Garin’s right. It makes perfect sense.”

  They made another turn, but the corridors all looked the same. There were no signs, color indicators or arrows. How did Nazerel keep it all straight?

  “Garin tends to stay a step ahead of the rest of us.” Nazerel slapped Bandar on the back. “Don’t feel bad. That’s why he commands the Undaunted and we’re still sneaking around behind the scenes, accepting missions that don’t officially exist.”

  Crusader, Relentless, Undaunted, they must be the names of spaceships. And it sounded like at least one was on or orbiting Earth. Ashley shivered. She might be walking through a secret military base, but the thought of spaceships was still surreal. Even so, they were tossing around facts as if she weren’t there. She should be paying attention.

  Okay, Garin was Bandar’s brother and he commanded the Undaunted. Nazerel had sounded impressed when he said the name, so it must be an important ship. If Garin couldn’t risk “interplanetary” communications, it stood to reason that he wasn’t near Earth. She’d been too distracted to absorb the other facts, so she asked, “Who is Akim Farmore?”

  “Akim Farmon,” Bandar corrected. “And he’s our ruler’s pet pferitor.”

  “Quinton Keire is not my anything,” Nazerel snapped.

  Bandar chuckled. “You’re a Rodyte citizen, which makes Quinton your Crown Stirate whether you’re willing to admit the fact or not.”

  “Crown what?” Ashley scrunched up her brows. Information cramming did not mix well with sleep deprivation and stress. Unless you were a college student, of course.

  “A Crown Stirate is the ultimate authority on Rodymia,” Nazerel told her. “Quinton rules the entire planet.”

  “And does this Crown Stirate know you’re messing around on Earth, or does Garin share your distain for the ‘ultimate authority’ on your planet?”

  “Most everyone shares my distain for Quinton Keire,” Nazerel muttered.

  “That didn’t answer my question.” She looked at Bandar as she asked, “Does Quinton know about your mission?”

  Bandar glanced at Nazerel before responding. “He doesn’t, or didn’t, depending on how much information my shadow has shared. But wh
at led you to that conclusion?”

  “I’m not sure. Everything about this screams black ops, but Garin seems to be running the show, not some king no one respects.” Tension coiled around them like a rope. Had she stumbled onto something important, something they hadn’t intended to share? Neither man looked happy about her line of reasoning, so she quickly changed the subject. “Your planet is called Rodymia, but you are Rodytes?”

  “Correct.” Bandar’s expression remained cautious, yet his tone warmed. “Quinton Keire became Crown Stirate after his brother Pern was murdered. Pern was ruler while your father was conducting his research.”

  She nodded, tucking the facts away with all the others. “And what’s a pferitor?”

  “It’s the highest rank in the Rodyte military. A general or an admiral, in human terms.” Bandar’s gaze narrowed as he looked at her. “Why all the questions?”

  “You just teleported me from New York to New Mexico without warning, and then you and your cousin start rattling off all sorts of names I’ve never heard before.” She tossed back her hair, more than a little annoyed. “You’d be confused too.”

  Nazerel elbowed Bandar in the side. “You captured a regular spitfire.”

  “I didn’t capture her. I’m protecting her.”

  A rumbling chuckle escaped Nazerel’s wide chest. “Of course you are.” He stopped in front of a nondescript door and uttered a word she didn’t understand. Something hissed then popped and Nazerel pushed the door open. “Everything is voice activated and your voice scan is already on file. You should be all set.”

  “What about me?” Ashley moved up beside Bandar. “I’m not on file.”

  “You’re Bandar’s guest,” Nazerel told her. “He’s required to escort you at all times.”

  Rather than arguing with Nazerel, she folded her arms over her chest and glared at each man in turn. Neither seemed impressed by her temper.

  “Morgan’s schedule is packed, as always, but she’d like to have breakfast with you.”

  Bandar nodded. “I’d enjoy that.”

  Apparently, Morgan was female. “Am I invited or do I get to stay locked in this room?” She cringed as frustration and fear combined, making her sound almost childish.

  “Of course you’re invited.” Nazerel shot Bandar another knowing smile. “You’ve obviously got your work cut out for you. I’ll leave you to it.”

  Nazerel walked back the way they’d come as Bandar motioned her into the apartment. It wasn’t large, but everything was well organized and immaculate. There was a small kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator and what looked like a microwave oven, a sitting area/office, and a queen-size bed.

  “Where are you going to sleep?” She lingered near the door, tempted to turn around and walk out. But what good would that do? Even if she made it out of the Bunker, which was doubtful, Bandar had whisked her away without her purse. She had no money, no credit cards, not even her phone! He ignored the provocation and ambled across the room, setting down her overnight bag between the bed and the kitchen area. At least she’d have clean underwear.

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  His superficial courtesy snapped what little remained of her composure. “Screw. You.” She paused, waiting for him to react but he continued on at his leisurely pace. “Let’s cut the bullshit, Bandar. None of this is being done for my protection. I’m your prisoner and I’m here because you think I can lead you to my father’s research. You want exactly the same thing as your shadow. So stop pretending you’re one of the good guys.”

  After pulling out a bottle of what looked like beer, he released the cap with a simple swipe of his thumb. “If I wanted exactly the same thing as my shadow, I’d have let you bleed to death.” He took a swig of the amber liquid then looked deep into her eyes. “If I’d been human, you’d be dead.”

  “You had seven hours to search my house. I honestly think if you’d found what you were looking for you would have finished what your shadow started. I’m alive because I’m useful, period.”

  He set the bottle aside and stalked toward her, each step measured and menacing. His features hardened and Ashley suddenly felt the door pressing into her back. He invaded her personal space, moving so close she could feel the heat radiating from his big body. His arms caged her, palms pressing flat against the door as he leaned in and whispered, “If I’m a ruthless murderer, why aren’t you afraid of me?”

  The question made her stop and think. She’d been terrified by the situation, shocked and amazed by the surreal happenings. Even Nazerel made her uncomfortable, but she wasn’t afraid of Bandar. Intrigued, maybe even intimidated, but she didn’t feel threatened by him. “I’m protected by what I know. It has nothing to do with your noble character.”

  “Really?” He ran the back of his index finger from her temple to her chin, skimming so lightly she barely felt the caress. “If my shadow stood this close to you, I’m pretty sure you’d be screaming. Why aren’t you screaming?”

  “They know I’m your prisoner and don’t give a damn. Screaming would be pointless.” His fingers trailed down the side of her neck and she started to squirm. An intoxicating scent teased her nose, making her feel tingly and…it was him. She was breathing so fast his scent was making her lightheaded. And her nipples were hardening. It had to be the T-shirt abrading her braless breasts. She refused to respond to this oversized bully. “Are you going to seduce the information out of me now? Is that your new strategy?”

  “Oh I plan to seduce you, have no doubt, but it has nothing to do with my mission.” His gaze focused on her lips with obvious hunger. “Just a taste.” He whispered the words so softly she barely heard him. Then very slowly, he lowered his head.

  Ashley tensed as he drew closer and closer. His humid breath caressed her mouth and then his lips made contact with hers. Desire unfurled inside her, making her restless and achy. She wanted to rub against him like a cat, wrap around him and feel him wrapped around her. Still, their only point of contact was their lips.

  He tilted his head, fitting his mouth more securely over hers. Without conscious thought, she opened for him, waiting for the first possessive thrust of his tongue. He brushed over her bottom lip, tasting her as he’d said. She arched closer, anxious now, more than ready for a more intimate exchange.

  His tongue explored her lips for a moment longer, then he pulled away. “First things first.”

  He stepped back and Ashley felt his absence more tangibly than his light touch. What a tease! She’d wanted that kiss, a real tongue-tangling, head-spinning kiss. It was the first time in her life a wildly attractive man had given her a second look, much less threatened/promised to seduce her. Despite all the logical reasons to avoid any sort of entanglement with him, she’d really wanted to feel his lips moving over hers and his tongue easing into her mouth. Would it have been soft and slow or firm and possessive? Maybe Rodytes didn’t use their tongues when they kissed. She shook off the sensual haze and moved away from the door.

  Ashley was a realist. She understood her strengths and weaknesses. She was clever and ambitious, personable and fun. But her face was too round, her hips too wide, and her tummy would never be flat. If Bandar realized how much his touch affected her, he’d use the weapon again and again. Her loneliness was a weakness he could exploit, so she had to make damn sure he didn’t see it. “Is this where you brought me when I was injured? Can you teleport at will?”

  As usual he evaded her questions. “How much do you know about your father’s research?” He retrieved his beverage and sat on the loveseat to the left of the bed, looking right at home in the austere setting. Even without the flight suit or whatever he called the all black garment, he appeared grim and militant.

  “Why should I answer your questions when you never answer any of mine?” Annoyance allowed her to ignore the electric awareness his retreat had left behind. He intended to seduce her? Why would he say something like that, even if it was true? So you’ll obsess about the possibil
ity. He needs you uncertain, off-balance. Mission accomplished.

  “If the others think I’ve told you too much, they’ll insist on scrubbing your memory.”

  She tensed, her steps dragging as she moved toward the nearest chair. “You can scrub memories?”

  “I can’t, but there are several ways it can be done. None of them are pleasant.”

  If they could scrub memories, they could likely strip information as well. She sank onto the chair, trying not to panic. Was this why he’d brought her here? How desperately did they need this information? “Can they…” Her mouth refused to utter the words.

  “Yes. They can extract memories as well as erase them, but it’s painful and often damaging. Just answer honestly and this will all be over.”

  Somehow she doubted it would be that simple, but she’d run out of other options. “My mother hired people to deal with my father’s belongings after he died. She had no desire to be subjected to such ‘unpleasantness’. They took his desktop and laptop computers, but Dad was fanatical about redundant backups and didn’t trust cloud storage. I know of a couple places he could have stashed an external hard drive or even a second laptop.”

  His expression didn’t change. If he was pleased by her cooperation, he could have at least cracked a smile. “Where?”

  “I won’t tell you until I know why you want his research. My father’s work was highly controversial because of all the horrible things that can be done with his techniques.”

  Bandar lapsed into silence and he stared off into space, his expression suddenly blank. What was he doing? Then her imagination engaged and her eyes widened. Was he telepathic? Nazerel had obviously been expecting him, yet she’d never heard Bandar contact him and they had been in the same room the entire time.

  “The others have agreed to let me explain the basic nature of our mission.”

  There was no way she was letting this slide. “Were you just speaking to someone with your mind? What else can you do?”

  “Many Rodytes are telepathic and anyone who joins the military is fitted with bio-integrated nanites that ensure we never lose contact with our comrades.”