by Shae Mills
“Now!” the first one shouted, causing her to jump. She knew she had no choice, and she raised her trembling fingers to the top of her shroud and began undoing it. Shaking with fright, she let it drop along with her gloves. Then she slipped out of her boots and pants and stood silently, clinging to her wool sweater and long T-shirt as though they were armor.
“Take them off,” he snarled, “or I will tear them off!”
Chelan squeezed her eyes tight. She swayed and then caught herself. Finally, she pulled her last bit of security off and let the garments slip away.
Abruptly, one guard seized her arm and pulled her toward the wall. There he left her standing, feeling terribly violated and horribly exposed. A large glass cylinder descended around her, encasing her completely. Instantly, fine sprays of liquid erupted at her from all angles. Chelan cowered and shrieked with pain, the caustic substance stinging her eyes, nose, and soft feminine tissues. Her skin began to burn, and she slumped to the floor, clawing at her face.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the decontamination ended. Chelan brushed her dripping hair from her face and ground her fists into her eyes, trying desperately to clear her clouded vision. But before she could see properly, she was once again wrenched to her feet. A large sheet was thrown around her, and she was blindfolded for a second time. Ushered out of the room, she followed someone’s lead for quite some time before being sat down. Her blindfold was removed, and she looked up just in time to see two shrouds disappear through a pair of doors that shut behind them. Instantly, she was cast into inky darkness, its depth rivaled only by her depression.
She wrapped the sheet tightly about her wet body, trying unsuccessfully to protect herself from the frigid air. Feeling about with one hand, she realized she was on a bed, but that it was devoid of blankets. Scuttling up to a corner, she coiled herself into a tight ball. There she tried to sort through her predicament, but nothing made any sense. Mutiny by some of Dar’s men crossed her mind, but deep down, she knew that Dar would not have missed such treachery. And what could a scant few hope to accomplish against the Empire.
ROPE also traversed her thoughts. After all, they may have played a part in rendering the galaxy’s most exalted battleship impotent. But her captor was definitely Iceanean, and once again, she was at a dead end. Slowly, her mind shut down. There was no point in hypothesizing. She did not even know where she was.
Her hands travelled over her pregnant belly, and she was comforted by the feeling of her baby’s movements. Eventually, sleep overtook her besieged body, preparing her to fend off whatever was to be thrown at her next.
*****
When she awoke, nothing had changed. She couldn’t see a thing, and the icy air assaulted her through the lone sheet. She lay still for what seemed to be an eternity, her torment made even more intolerable by her extreme hunger and thirst. Time combined with her growing child had rendered her reserves dangerously low, so low she was becoming lightheaded.
Suddenly the doors opened, and the intense light streaming in blinded her once again. She shielded her eyes and pressed herself into the corner. The room lights came on, and she watched as a solitary shroud approached her.
Chelan made a quick overview of her surroundings. The room was fairly large, the walls a steel gray. The furnishings were sparse, the reasonably large bed accompanied by a small bedside table. The only other item was a single chair, which the shrouded figure now occupied. He sat back casually.
Chelan pressed harder against the wall and clutched the sheet tightly about her. She held her breath in fearful anticipation. She could feel his eyes upon her even though she could not see them. Finally, he reached for his hood and drew it back slowly. Chelan stilled, instantly recognizing her captor. He was still grinning.
“Well, little alien. At last, we can talk.”
Chelan remained cautiously mute, studying everything about him. His resemblance to Korba and Toran was uncanny, right down to the finest of features. Though she could not see the body beneath the shroud, she had no doubt about the flawless masculinity it concealed.
Time dragged on, both adversaries scrutinizing one another, each waiting for the other to flinch. Finally, Chelan could stand the stalemate no longer. “Who are you?” she asked in a whisper.
He remained silent for a time, but then his grin contorted into an arrogant smile. “My name is Talon, and that is all you need to know.”
Chelan squirmed in an attempt to make herself more comfortable. Her eyes darted to the closed doors and then back to the massive man. “Where am I?”
Talon took a deep breath. “You are on board my battleship.”
Chelan’s mind was cast into turmoil. Was this the ship Dar had spoken of? She looked to him. “An Imperial battleship?”
Talon laughed. “She will be.”
Chelan felt a tremor roll through her at his sinister tone and intent. “You are Iceanean,” she commented.
His grin returned. “Only genetically, little alien.”
Chelan stifled her shock. Suddenly, everything fell into place. “You are with ROPE!” she accused.
He raised his brows. “And you are fast, little one.”
Chelan analyzed scenarios and facts as swiftly as she could. At long last, ROPE had procured the Iceanean genetics, the situation Korba had always feared most. She glared at Talon and then dared to make her next accusation: “You killed Fremma.”
Talon leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He looked at her from under his brows. “Yes,” was his terse reply.
Chelan forgot the security of the sheet as she lunged at him with surprising speed, but the man easily caught her flailing fists. “You bastard!” she yelled.
Talon threw her back on the bed and pinned her with his body, his eyes cutting into her. “Yes, I killed him, and I obliterated the whole damn ship and her crew. And now I pursue RIBUS 8 and 10 and will soon add them to my kill.”
Chelan strained against him. “You beast!” she seethed. “They will blow you into oblivion.”
Talon held her hands over her head, intensifying his grip. “That is where you come in, little alien. They will not dare to touch this ship as long as you are on board.”
“You underestimate the Lord God Emperor.”
“I think not.”
“If you think Korba will lay the Empire prostrate for your taking because of me, you are indeed a fool!”
“Korba will sacrifice all for you!” he boomed. His face pressed close to hers. “I know his past, and I know what he has done in your name.”
“He formed an Empire in my name!” she shouted. “He did not give it up!”
“He killed Ticees because of you and what he did!” Talon shuffled off her slightly and then smiled deviously. He held her hands with one of his. With the other, he removed the sheet from her naked body. His eyes coursed over her.
Chelan strained to dislodge him, but her effort was futile. “Don’t touch me!” she warned.
Talon’s hand travelled down her neck to her stomach, where it rested. He laughed. “If he even thinks to approach this vessel, maybe we will send him a holographic transmission of what could befall his pretty woman if he does not concede.”
Chelan tried to twist from his grip. “If not Korba, then Dar, or Toran, or Zane—one of them will send you straight into hell, where you belong!”
Talon continued to touch her. He looked at his ebony hand and the bounty it possessed. “Oh, I think not,” he rasped. “The more harm they perpetrate against me, the more harm will betide you.”
“You could send your entire crew to brutalize me, but I will aid you in no way. I would even feign enjoyment!”
“Oh, well. You may not have to endure anything.” His hand moved in circles over her large belly. “After Korba learns of your little bundle here spawned by Dar, they may save me the trouble and obliterate one another.”
“Nothing you can say or do will work,” she spat. “I died once to save Korba, and he knows that I will do so
again, willingly. The only thing you have assured by my abduction is that he will strike swiftly and effectively, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are the first to die!”
Talon suddenly released her and bolted to his feet in an agitated flurry of black. “Big words for a little alien. But Korba is no match for me. And I will make that vividly apparent to you. As I alluded to before, you are only my insurance policy. After the present Empire has been cleansed of his Lordship, you will be discarded into space as unceremoniously as a limp carcass!” And Talon whirled around and left.
Chelan gasped. She could not even move. She had to help Korba, but she knew not how. Finally, she struggled to her feet. The light was dim, but she grabbed her sheet and picked her way to the doors.
She did a thorough search for security measures and scanners but found none. Then she covered the entire room looking for any indication of where she was, but again, nothing gave away her location or her captor’s true identity. All she managed to find was a small washroom in one corner. She returned to the bed and sat down heavily. Now, it was just a waiting game.
Chapter 5
Chelan slept erratically, plagued by cold and hunger. When the doors once again opened, she was too weary to respond. Only when the sound of something being placed next to her penetrated her mind did she attempt to open her eyes. There she beheld a tray containing two large glasses.
Chelan rolled slowly to her back and looked at the man seated next to her. In his hand, he held a scanner. He reached for the sheet, exposing her abdomen. Delicately, he placed the instrument on her and watched it for a moment. Then he tucked it into his shroud and looked into her eyes. “You must drink,” he ordered her softly.
Chelan watched as he reached for one glass and offered it to her.
He aided her as she took her first sip of water. “Slowly,” he advised.
When the water was down, Chelan couldn’t believe how much better she felt. She licked at her dry, cracked lips. “You are a doctor?” she mumbled.
“Yes.”
“I am hungry,” she informed him meekly.
“I bet you are. But first, we wait for the water to settle.”
Chelan tried to sit up, but her back ached.
The doctor immediately came to her aid. “How far along are you?”
Chelan winced. With his help, she finally edged herself into a comfortable position, once again propping herself against the wall. “I am not sure anymore. Almost seven Earth months, I think.”
The doctor made some final adjustments for her and then sat back down. “You look full term.”
Chelan actually managed a strained smile. “I feel full term. But I am not. Our gestation is nine Earth months.”
The doctor remained still for a time. “May I examine you further?”
Chelan paused. “After all Talon’s rough treatment, I just assumed you would do as you pleased.”
“I will ask your permission to touch you. I am not Talon.”
Chelan eyed him suspiciously. “What is your name?”
“Lakit.”
Chelan nodded at him and then began untangling the sheet. Lakit reached for her belly with both hands, pressing into all of her. “The baby is big. I don’t think you will make nine months.”
Chelan looked into his glowing eyes. “If Talon handles me anymore, I certainly won’t.”
“I will talk to him,” he commented dryly.
“No, don’t. He will only get angry.”
Lakit didn’t react. “You are also cold. I will bring you some blankets and clothes.”
Chelan regarded him warily. “Talon will shoot you for trying to make me comfortable.”
Lakit finally smiled. “I think not. He ordered me to tend to you.”
Chelan’s brows rose. She watched as the man stood and picked up the water glass.
“I will have the water restored to the washroom,” he said. “This will be in there for you. But don’t tell Talon or he will shoot me.”
Chelan nodded. “Am I allowed to bathe at some point?”
Lakit returned. “Probably, but that will be up to Talon.”
Chelan frowned and then watched as he sat back down. “What is in the other glass?” she asked.
Lakit reached for it. “It is a liquid nutrient, but you should take it slowly.”
Chelan took the glass from him and sipped the thick, tasteless substance, relishing every single calorie.
Lakit waited patiently until she was done. “Now,” he told her, “you rest. I will check on you when I can. I will also make sure that meals come regularly from now on.”
Chelan nodded and watched as he rose and headed toward the doors. Suddenly, a fear lanced through her. “Lakit?” she blurted out.
He turned and waited for her to speak.
“What happens if the baby comes?”
He seemed to hesitate, and then he walked back to her, reached deep inside his shroud, and produced a small, oval object that he placed in her palm. In its center was a black button. “This pages me directly. The network is usually for Talon’s exclusive use. He will dictate what happens in the meantime, but use it if the contractions begin. But only then,” he cautioned firmly.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Lakit nodded and smiled. Then he left.
Chelan snuggled back down into the bed. At least someone was civilized, she thought, and a tiny snippet of relief washed over her.
But her ease was short-lived. Soon the doors slid open again, and the malefic black shroud strode in. Talon threw back his hood as he sat down across from her. “Well, little alien. I understand that my good doctor has tended to you.”
Chelan nodded.
“Excellent. I can’t have my insurance policy fading away.”
Chelan remained quiet as she glared at her adversary. She had already formulated a plan. Now, she just had to wait until the timing was right. And that, she knew, had to come soon, for Dar’s and Korba’s sakes.
Talon studied her in turn. “What are you thinking, little one?”
Chelan controlled herself. “I am thinking about how cold I am,” she lied in a hoarse whisper.
Talon remained unreadable. Then he appeared to ponder her indirect request. “I think you will remain more manageable stripped.”
Chelan clutched at her protective sheet. “Why?”
Talon smiled out the side of his mouth. “Because, little one, you fear me—my power, my dominance, my position, and my maleness. And that is good. As long as you are compromised by fear, coupled with shyness and the threat of exposure, you will remain docile.”
Chelan glared at him from under her brows. “Possibly, you assume too much,” she challenged.
Talon chuckled. “I think not. I felt your tremors under my hand before. Though you feign confidence, you fear me for what I can do to you.”
Chelan hesitated, wondering what she should say or if she should speak at all. Though he was Iceanean in genetics, he was not of their culture. Quite possibly, rape and torture were not beyond him, even in her state, and a shiver rolled through her. But her rage was surfacing, and she could not help herself. “You are a barbarian,” she seethed.
Talon chuckled again. “Maybe, little one, but that is a relative term.”
“You epitomize the term!”
Talon leaned forward. “You press your luck, little alien.”
Chelan knew he was right by the predatory glow in his eyes, and she wisely fell silent.
Talon finally relaxed and settled back into his chair. “Now, is there anything else you require?”
Chelan was sure she had misheard him. She hesitated and then decided to act upon her possible good fortune. “I need a bath,” she stated hurriedly.
Talon stood abruptly, causing her to cower. He grinned with satisfaction at her reaction and then extended his hand. “Come. You shall have one.”
Chelan was rendered motionless with shock at his compliance, not to mention his sudden semi-civiliz
ed behavior. Though she hated the thought of touching him, she decided it was best to accept his hand.
Talon supported her as she stood unsteadily, her enlarged belly making all motion awkward. She straightened, and her world spun, the effects of the prolonged lack of food still with her. She felt his arm slip around her, giving her time to stabilize. Then, slowly, he released her and started toward the doors. Chelan wrapped herself tightly in the sheet and walked to him as he waited for her at the entrance. There she looked up into his azure eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Talon appeared to ignore her, and then the doors opened. Chelan squinted as the bright lights blinded her. After taking a moment to adjust, she finally peered at her new surroundings, and her heart stopped. She was in a massive Command Center, yet it showed no signs of life.
Talon glowered down at her. “It has been temporarily disabled, so don’t get any ideas.”
Now, it was Chelan’s turn to throw him a sly smile. “Why? Afraid of what I might be able to do to you?”
Talon’s eyes lit up once again. “Never underestimate your enemy.”
Chelan gave him a small nod. “Likewise,” she countered.
Talon walked across the Center and up the three steps that formed a semi-circle around it. There he waited for her beside another set of doors. They parted when she arrived. Before her was a workout area very similar to Korba’s, only it lacked the shimmering blue pool. To the left was a brilliantly lit room, toward which Talon now headed. Once there, he pointed to a spa-like tub, filled with water.
Chelan balked. “Will I freeze?”
Talon shrugged. “I hope not.”
Chelan glanced at him and then walked over to it. She dipped her finger in and raised her brows. Tepid best described it, but it was sufficient. She turned and faced Talon. “I want some privacy.”
“Not likely,” he retorted as he folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall.
Chelan would normally have walked away, but she wanted a bath so badly that she conceded. She turned her back to him and adjusted the sheet; then she stepped into the large tub and let the sheet drop as she crouched down.
