My sudden pivot must catch him off guard, because he gasps from the pleasure in a way I’ve never heard before. In response, he pumps harder and faster, reaching down to rub my clit. He brushes my sensitive button, and massages my swollen lips. When his fingers grow slick with my juices, he brings them to my nose so I can inhale my musty scent. Licking them off with a grunt, he resumes his probing and caressing.
Oh, fuck, that’s too good.
The sudden rush intensifies my orgasm so much I hardly feel a lull between its end and the next one’s start. Grinding against him while he fingers my clit, I climax until I can barely breathe. Vol follows shortly, and I can feel his hot essence mingling with the sap still left in my ass.
He pulls out, his face dark and hair sweaty—it may be the first time I’ve ever seen him perspire. For a second I tense up, wondering how his fluid will react to the sap—it could neutralize the burn, or make it much worse, for all I know. However, I feel no change, except for the emptiness of my ass. Without the plug or Vol’s cock, all I can feel there is the chemical sting. It lingers as potent as ever, refusing to subside. If any of it came out on Vol’s cock, I can’t tell.
“That wasn’t supposed to feel so good,” he says, removing my gag. “Especially for you.”
“I know,” I wheeze. It’s not like I intended for that to happen, and I’m not really sorry.
He releases my telerings and wraps his arms around me at the same time, keeping me from falling. I feel so weak and sore, I probably would have keeled right over.
“Thanks,” I say as he sets me down on my bed. He opens the cabinet stocked with snacks and tosses me a water container. I drink all of it.
“I want you to think about this night until the summit,” he says, taking the empty bottle and summoning up my bed’s cage. “You have to decide, without a single shred of doubt in your mind, whether you want to be here with me, or back down there with them.”
“Yes, sir,” I say, sniffing as tears streak down my cheeks. Was this punishment meant to drive me away? Is that what just happened?
“Whatever you choose, I will understand. But if you want to stay, you have to be utterly certain.”
“Yes, sir,” I repeat, though I wonder if that’s even possible.
He takes one more look at me, then leaves.
Chapter Twenty
Vol
An hour of marching through the corridors of my ship doesn’t help me calm down, so I head to the martial training center. Like usual, it’s pretty empty—Dominar soldiers know how to fight. After thousands of years and battles, it’s utterly ingrained. Still, a little sparring or target practice never hurts, and I’ve got some aggression to work out.
Stripping off my top, I summon a large floating cylinder, roughly the height of a man and padded all around. Delivering a flurry of punches and kicks, I strike the soft column until I’m sweating again.
Damn it.
I can’t believe she didn’t tell me. I thought for sure she would, which is why I was so thoroughly disappointed. I know there’s a part of her that trusts me completely and believes that the Dominars are here to help, but it can’t just be a part—it has to be the whole.
Maybe a human’s need for their home is stronger than I understand. The way she reacted to the Al-Quansa members being shipped to Cetaski… are they really so tied to Earth that they simply must stay, or is it just that they only know Earth, and would find homes on other worlds just as easily if they tried?
Perhaps I made a mistake keeping Jillian on Redeemer. I could have sent her somewhere to see if she adjusted. Yet, humans migrate from one part of their world to another all the time—sometimes for the sake of new experiences and adventure, but far more often out of necessity. There is so much misery on Earth—wars, starvation, natural disasters. Wouldn’t those suffering be happy to have the Dominars guide them to a better future? The people of Dimirsk, for example—they celebrated our capture of Vasail. Won’t the rest of humanity want our help too, or will they balk like Jillian did when more humans are exiled?
I suppose it doesn’t matter. Those who cannot or will not comply with Dominar law will be relocated. The issue isn’t up for debate. Jillian knows this. Humanity will adapt to the changing circumstances because it has no other choice. In fact, that may well be what it takes: humans, like most species, fear change. I admit, this is something I have little experience with, and thus have difficulty empathizing. Dominar culture has remained stable and largely unchanged for millennia. Were it to somehow be fundamentally subverted or altered, I might not like the result. Fortunately, that is the benefit of being the most powerful race in the galaxy: we need not change unless we choose to, and everyone else bows to our will. It’s possible humanity will not choose Dominar rule, and the only way they will learn to accept it is if they must. It’s an unpleasant possibility, and Jillian and I may not be capable of affecting it. We can only try.
Jumping to deliver the training cylinder an aerial roundhouse kick, I let out a shout of anger. I’m not fooling myself—I feel ashamed. Did I go too hard on Jillian with the mylsa plug? Was that too much? By the end, she seemed fine. My cock still tingles, both from the sap and the hard fucking I gave her. If the goal was to ensure she never forgets that lesson, I think I succeeded—just not the way I intended.
Perhaps I’m just mad at myself for resorting to such a deception. That was beyond manipulative. She understands the fate of her entire species may well rest on her shoulders—what was she supposed to do? It’s not as though there’s anyone she could turn to for advice in such circumstances.
Yet, I had to know for sure where her loyalties fall, and now I do. Thinking she spoke to Bradley, she chose the Dominars. She chose me.
That means I’ve got to do better by her.
* * *
Jillian and I don’t speak for the next couple of days, but Briette tells me she’s okay and ready for the summit. I think about going to see her, but don’t want to risk another confrontation. By now she knows what is expected of her. Whatever choices she makes, both of us will have to live with them.
When the day of the summit arrives, I actually find myself nervous; not about humanity, but by how Jillian will react to seeing me. Maybe taking her with me is a bad idea, but I can’t go back on it now. For the first time since I brought her to my ship, I knock on the door of her room when I go to collect her.
“Jillian,” I say as I enter. “It’s time.”
She wears a gray suit procured from the planet by Briette, who assures me it’s proper attire for a professional on Earth. Though not as flattering as a singlet or the dress she wore when we first met, and despite the modification we’ve made for her safety, it still looks good on her. Her beauty is difficult to hide.
Seeing me, she gets up and takes her place at my side, but doesn’t look at me.
“How are you feeling, pet?” I ask as we start to walk.
She doesn’t reply. I look at her, expecting a scowl, but her face is a perfect mask of indifference.
“Jillian, on any other day I might chastise you for not responding when spoken to, but I understand you are upset with me, or nervous about today—maybe both. If you want to talk, we can talk. If you don’t, that’s fine. However, you will speak during the summit.”
I catch her eye roll, but I let it slide.
* * *
New York City, the humans’ choice to host the summit, is too dense for Redeemer to land at the site, so it’s forced to either land further away, or hover high above Manhattan. Considering the optics, I decide to land us farther out and have my people ride levcars the rest of the way.
Jillian looks on in wonder as we drive across the George Washington Bridge and then south through the city streets, all the way downtown to the United Nations headquarters. It’s not the city that astounds her, but the extraordinary lack of traffic and pedestrians. Nearly everyone in the world must be at home or with friends and family, watching their televisions. How often does one know that they’re living a d
ay that will alter the course of history?
Our motorcade of levcars is led and trailed by human security vehicles, though we have all the energy shields, protective plating, and scanners we need to keep ourselves safe. Additionally, my own elite combat teams ride escort as an honor guard, though they are fully armed and ready should there be an attack. Both Jillian and I have shielding units built into our outfits, and I carry a compact sidearm concealed in my suit.
When we get close to our destination, I’m glad for the protection. Unlike throughout the rest of the city, here we come across thousands of humans, all gathered in protest. They chant as one and carry hand-drawn signs, and scream at us as we go by. An army of police officers line the streets, forming a wall between our route and the protesters, but if the situation escalates into violence, it could get messy.
You see them, Jillian? I say through my nanites. These are the ones we have to win over, and they’re going to listen to you more than me.
She nods. I’ll try.
Fortunately, we reach the U.N. without incident. Human security is everywhere here as well: there must be ten soldiers for every single civilian. This is to be expected, considering the world’s leaders and representatives are all here. Even if they weren’t, my presence alone makes our locale a target. My ships in orbit are constantly surveilling the site for weapon signatures, chemical and biological agents, abnormal biometrics—if they see anything, I’ll know immediately.
All eyes turn to us as Jillian and I enter the main hall, followed by our guards. Conversations die out like flames in a vacuum. I’ve seen this happen before: they can’t help staring at the shockingly tall, stunningly beautiful aliens. They’ve known about us for a few months, but this is the first time they’ve seen one in person. The fact of alien life, and their active presence on Earth, just became real for them in a profoundly new way.
And in case they had any doubt as to the well-being of Jillian Wexler, they can see that she seems to be alright. For the occasion, she’s not even bound by telerings.
Not wishing to waste any time, I lead my party straight inside, where Sabine Marchessault awaits.
“Commander Vol, Ms. Wexler, thank you both for being here today,” she says. “Right this way.”
She leads us to a pair of identical desks facing one another. “Whichever one you like,” adds Marchessault.
Grinning, I make my choice, though it’s entirely meaningless. There’s no difference between them, and I think that’s the point. Whether it’s intended for my people or theirs, sitting at matching tables sends a subconscious message that our two parties, and thus our people, are on equal footing. It’s a ridiculous idea, one that won’t last very long once the summit truly begins.
“Ms. Marchessault, this is your planet. How would you like to proceed?” I ask once the world representatives have all entered the audience chamber and are seated. Several hundred humans watch us from circular rows wrapping around our tables. Along the walls, several balconies allow for more to spectate from above. And then there are the billions watching from everywhere else.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to start,” she says.
“Please do,” I reply, marveling at the woman’s poise. Aside from a little fatigue in her eyes, she seems confident, focused, and prepared. There’s no doubt that she, like Jillian, is clearly one of Earth’s finest.
“Thank you, Commander Vol. The weeks since your arrival have been both eye-opening and tumultuous for humanity: the knowledge that we are not alone in the universe has shaken us, and apprehension for what the future holds has gripped us. This period of time will no doubt be a pivotal moment in the history of my species, as we break new ground nearly every day. Speculation and debate over your intentions and actions have not stopped for an instant. Many of us have grown weary of wondering what will happen, so it is my hope that today we can settle upon a course for both our peoples.”
When I’m sure she’s finished, I nod. “I hope so, too.”
“Good. Then I’d like to speak to you about the military operations you’ve conducted here on Earth. There are many people here who believe the dismantling of terrorist networks, dictatorships, and crime syndicates—although beneficial to many—was merely a publicity campaign. You sought to sway the hearts and minds of Earth by targeting the public faces of evil, oppression, and exploitation. In so doing, many feel your ulterior motive was to diminish human resistance to your rule, by presenting it in a positive light.”
Marchessault waves her hands, gesturing at the many world representatives. “The countries that make up this body are almost all democratically elected—legitimate governments that won’t stand for having their sovereignty stripped away. Wars have been fought for our right to have a voice in our leadership; it is core to our beliefs and our dignity. Now, nobody wants to fight a war with the Dominars, one we are intelligent enough to know will most likely be unwinnable, but humanity will not stand for oppression. In the face of annihilation, we will fight to the last.”
The audience applauds her speech, though softly. I imagine they want to show solidarity, yet are also somewhat afraid of angering me.
Vol! We’ve detected a small explosive device in your vicinity, reports Briette.
How bad is it?
Low yield, possibly improvised. It won’t get through your shield, even at point-blank range. The real danger, however, is if it sparks an incident.
I understand, I reply. This summit is too important. I’d like to proceed as planned. Tell the humans what we’ve found. If this is an unofficial act by a rogue actor, they will appreciate the warning. If it’s sanctioned by their government, it will tip them off, but maybe they’ll back down if they know we’re onto them. Whatever happens, we can handle it. But Jillian, there is a danger. If you wish to evacuate, we can.
Glancing over, I see her shake her head—it’s a subtle gesture, but clear as day.
Alright, we stay. Briette, let me know if you find out anything else.
Yes, sir.
Now my mission has to succeed. I wait until the humans settle down, and make sure Marchessault is finished, then begin.
“To everyone gathered here today, and those watching wherever they are, I want to make you all a promise: the Dominars are here to make life on Earth better. Our peacekeepers will bring safety to many who are imperiled; our management of resources will ensure no one on Earth starves when they could be fed. Our laws will be fair, consistent, and uniformly enforced. Dominar rule means justice for all.”
I turn to look at Marchessault to make my next point. “Yes, that means there will be some humans who do not benefit from our rule. My military has already seen to some of them, as you know; we have apprehended the worst of humanity’s worst. But those who lead good lives, who treat one another with compassion and dignity, they need never fear me or my people.”
This, too, is met by faint applause.
“And, yes, I freely admit that engendering goodwill was one of our motivations in conducting our missions. We wanted to prove our intentions were not mere talk. The more humanity accepts the transition to Dominar rule, the easier it will be. Our raids have succeeded without a single life being taken, and it is my sworn desire that this never change.”
I take a deep breath, summoning up resolve and compassion, as I wish to sound determined without veering into menace. “But if any nation decides it cannot abide by our laws, then its leadership will be removed, sovereign or not. The Dominars are only here because human society approaches the brink of self-destruction. This may not be easy to hear, but without our direct intervention, the collapse of your civilization will come within a few short years. We will strive to prevent this from happening, but it will take your cooperation.”
Marchessault snorts. “You mean our obedience.”
“Yes, that’s correct,” I reply.
She shakes her head. “Commander Vol, you make many claims and promises, but how do we know you’re true to your word? How can you assure us t
hat you have humanity’s best interests at heart? We’d like to have some form of confirmation of your claims; we want to hear from Ms. Jillian Wexler.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Jillian
Vol waits for the whispering to die down, then says, “Of course. Jillian, the floor is yours.”
Even though I’ve come to the summit expecting to speak in front of the whole world, I’m still surprised when Ms. Marchessault says my name. I don’t know how she’s managed to give such a speech, and to challenge Vol like that, without losing her nerve. I’ve just been sitting here listening, and I’ve been fighting the urge to throw up this whole time.
Vol and Briette believed me to be ready, but how is that even possible? The situation is so surreal. What if they don’t believe I’m speaking of my own free will? What if they assume I’m under duress? If I support the Dominars, will they write me off as some easily cowed sycophant, or a calculating operator with no regard for loyalty?
I have to convince them that I’m honest, and make them believe what I say. So I’ll be honest. I take a deep, slow breath and then I begin.
“The Dominars want our planet. What happens to us comes second. If they have to choose, they won’t choose us.”
Stirred by my unexpectedly blunt admission, an unrest flares up through the audience. The roar of the protesters outside is so loud, we can hear it through the walls. I probably shouldn’t, but I turn to Vol. He keeps his expression even, but there’s a look in his eyes like I just ripped out his heart.
“Everyone quiet!” screams Marchessault. “Let her speak.”
After a second, the audience complies, resulting in a stunned silence. I give Vol one last look, then continue.
“I need you all to listen to me, because this is our future. The Dominars want Earth, first and foremost. If humanity refuses to follow their laws or live up to their expectations, they’ll put us all on ships and send us to another world, one they don’t care about. They won’t kill us, but they will tear us from our home and cast us away. This is what they do, and there’s no stopping them.”
His Human Conquest Page 15
