Gracie's Touch Zion Warriors 1

by S. E. Smith

  “But just think what a wonderful way to die.” Gracie said licking her lips as she rose off her shaking knees.

  Gracie leaned heavily against Kordon as he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. A fierce protectiveness washed over him as he felt her delicate weight pressing against his. How was it possible for someone who felt so fragile, be so strong? Kordon thought tenderly. He moved one hand up to hold Gracie’s head against his chest while the other remained wrapped around her waist.

  “I want you to wear the ceremonial dress of the women from Zion. All females on Zion wear dresses.” Kordon said gruffly.

  Gracie pulled back to stare up into Kordon’s dark blue eyes. She shook her head. “Thanks but no thanks. I haven’t worn a dress since I was about two. I never did like them. My mom finally gave up trying to make me wear them since I always wore shorts or pants under them anyway.” Gracie said with a grimace.

  Dresses were horrible. If they were too long, you got tangled up in them. If they were too short, everything hung out when you bent over. A girl couldn’t run, climb, crawl, or anything else very easily in them either. Since all of those seemed to have been a part of Gracie’s life for so long, she never give dresses a thought. Nope, pants, shorts, or capri’s were the way to go.

  Kordon frowned down at Gracie. “Never the less, you will wear what I tell you. I had Mohan replicate one of my clan’s designs in your size. She delivered it late last night.”

  Gracie’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “If my mom couldn’t get me in one you might as well give up. I don’t wear dresses, end of discussion. If you want me to wear a pantsuit, okay. Shorts… great. Jeans, you’ll be my hero forever. But, dresses…” Gracie chuckled. “…never.”

  Now as they walked toward a covered ground transport, Gracie looked at Kordon’s clenched jaw and tightly pressed lips through her lashes. He was not very happy with her right now. Gracie ran her hand down the soft, black fabric of her jacket and matching pants again before she let one of her hands drop down to brush her fingers against his.

  Kordon glanced down, his gaze softening when he saw the worried look in her own dark green one. “Did your parents ever mention you are extremely stubborn?” He murmured.

  Gracie let a small smile curve her lips. “All the time.” She whispered back. “Thank you…for everything.”

  Kordon nodded once more before he moved to walk in front of her. She knew what the men were doing. Adam, Adrian, Mark, and Chance used to do it whenever she had to leave the tunnels. Only this time it was Quan, Cooraan, Bran, and Kordon. They effectively formed a tight, protective circle around her smaller form. Kordon was in front with Bran to her right, Cooraan to her left, and Quan to her rear. Mohan followed a short distance behind Quan.

  Kordon explained he was ordered to bring Gracie to the Confederation of Planet’s council chambers the moment they were on the planet. He explained the Council wished to meet Gracie and thank her personally for destroying the Alluthan mother ship and rescuing the women who were taken. Gracie didn’t want to go but Kordon was insistent. There was something he wasn’t telling her. She could feel it deep down. That was how she finally won the battle about the dress. She agreed to compromise with him. She would go before the Council if she could wear pants. She joked about how much easier it would be to run if she needed to escape them. Kordon had stood still for a moment as if contemplating the fact she might actually have to run before nodding his head agreement. Now, as a shiver ran down her spine, she couldn’t help but feel like she was walking to her sentencing instead of to a welcoming.

  Kordon entered the transport first, followed by Gracie. The others moved to fill the seats across from them. Gracie smiled as Mohan took the seat next to her. Gracie threaded her fingers through Mohan’s and squeezed it. Mohan turned and smiled encouragingly at Gracie.

  “Much as changed in your life in a short time. I want you to know I feel privileged to know you, Gracie Jones. I am fortunate to call you my friend.” Mohan said in English softly.

  Gracie smiled up at Mohan. “I’m the one who is fortunate, Mohan. I consider you my sister. In some ways, you remind me a lot of Violet. I wish I knew what happened to them.” Gracie responded softly.

  Mohan looked surprised at first then sheepish. “I have been doing more research. I should have sent you the translated copies of my father’s archive that I have. I can tell you briefly about your family and friends. There was much documentation after the battles about them…and you.”

  Gracie’s breath caught for a moment before she released it. She felt Kordon’s hand clasp her other hand and he gave her an encouraging squeeze. Kordon nodded to Mohan to continue when she looked at him for guidance.

  “Tell her what you can before we get to the Council Chambers. I will make sure she gets the details once we arrive on Zion.” Kordon said quietly.

  Gracie realized Kordon’s grasp of English was improving daily. She forgot he was learning her language as she spoke in Confederation Standard all the time anymore. Gracie smiled her thanks to Kordon before turning her attention on Mohan.

  “Please, tell me what you can.” Gracie begged softly.

  “I told you Chance and your sister, Violet, mated and had three children. Their descendants still rule on Earth, along with the descendents of Adam, Adrian, and the one called Mark. Each of them also found mates. The High Council on Earth is made up of a representative from each region. There is no longer what you call ‘countries’ on Earth. After the Alluthan war, the population of Earth was down to a little over a hundred million. It was decided a High Council was formed so the remaining population could be as one. A standard language was decided and rebuilding began. Adam became the first Chancellor of the Council. He ruled for many years before stepping down. He mated with a female rebel leader from Japan. Their union created four children, two boys and two girls. Adrian was on the Council as well and spent much time working with the one you call Mark on developing the technology they recovered from the Alluthans for Earth. It was through their work that Earth space travel became more prominent during the twenty-second century. Adrian mated with a freedom fighter from the area known as France while Mark mated with an American doctor. Each had three children, two boys and a girl.” Mohan said. “From what I have read in the archives, each of them was very happy in their unions and very successful in working to rebuild your world. One thing you should know, Gracie. They all missed you very much. Your sacrifice made you a legend among the people of Earth. There are statues of you in every city of the planet and your words of hope, love, and strength helped form the new constitution that is still guiding the planet today.”

  Gracie blushed at first then paled as the weight of what Mohan was saying pressed down on her. When she gave her messages every day on Gracie’s Touch, she did it not for herself but for the millions of others. She wanted them to know there was someone out there fighting for them who wouldn’t give up, no matter what. She never expected it to have such an impact. If her death had this type of impact on the Earth, she wondered vaguely what her resurrection would have. Just the thought of what could happen was enough to scare the daylights out of her.

  Gracie was about to say as much when the transport slowed suddenly. She had been so interested in what Mohan was saying she didn’t even pay attention to where they were going. Gracie looked around suddenly feeling the beginnings of a panic attack coming on. What would be expected of her? Was she supposed to act a certain way? Did they expect her to make some kind of grand speech? If so, they were going to be shit-out-of-luck. It would be short and simple – thank you, glad I could help, now leave me alone and let me finally have a life was sounding pretty good. She might even be able to shorten it to ‘thanks, see you.’ That sounded even better.

  Kordon slid out of his side of the transport and held his hand out to Gracie. He squeezed her hand gently when he felt the small tremors moving through her fingers. He pulled her out and into his arms briefly ignoring the stares of those standing around
outside of the Confederation Council building. He was not concerned. His primary focus was on protecting Gracie and making sure she was safe.

  He talked at length with Toolas before they left the Conqueror. She stressed her concerns over Gracie’s mental and physical health. While Gracie stated she felt fine and didn’t feel stress out, her body was saying something else. Toolas was concerned about Gracie being underweight. She made sure Kordon understood that while the physical wounds from the injuries she received from the Alluthans appeared to be healed her body still needed time to finish the process. She also re-enforced that Gracie had been through a lot of trauma in a short period of time and she may not even realize just how much until she is in a safe environment. It was Toolas finally words of disapproval that tightened Kordon’s grip on Gracie. Toolas said Gracie’s hormone levels were elevated indicating she could be pregnant. Toolas was concerned if Gracie didn’t gain weight and became too distraught it could be a danger to both her and the embryo.

  “Keep her calm, safe, and happy.” Toolas had scolded him fiercely. “That young girl has been through enough.”

  Kordon leaned down and brushed a kiss across Gracie’s lips before turning to look at the other men surrounding them. He nodded briefly. Mohan moved to stand in the center of them next to Gracie. Quan leaned down as she moved to pass him and whispered in her delicate ear.

  “Remember, if things get difficult get Gracie and yourself out of there and to the back of the building. Kordon’s brother, Saffron, will be waiting with a transport. He will take you both to Kordon’s home on Zion where we will meet up with you.” Quan said quietly.

  Mohan looked deeply into Quan’s dark eyes for a moment before nodding. “Be careful.” She responded quietly letting her hand slide against his cheek briefly.

  Gracie looked at Mohan suspiciously. “What is going on?” She asked under her breath.

  “Just be ready to go with me if things get bad, Gracie Jones.” Mohan whispered back. “There is something going on but we are not sure what it is. It is better to be prepared.”

  Gracie frowned at Kordon’s back. Why didn’t he say he suspected something earlier? Gracie let out a low growl of frustration. He was just as bad as the guys used to be. She was really going to have to let him know she might look defenseless but she was a lot stronger than he knew. Gracie could feel her blood beginning to boil. If any of those councilmen thought she was going to be some push-over than she would set them straight. She finally had her man, had kicked some serious ass - twice, and was over eight hundred years old, dammit. She was ready to do what she wanted!

  Gracie threw her shoulders back making sure every inch of her five foot four frame was standing tall and proud. Bring it on. Gracie thought with another low growl which brought a chuckle from Cooraan who glanced at her with a mischievous grin.

  “Just leave some for us.” He leaned over and whispered as they moved up the pristine white steps of the huge building.

  Gracie flashed him an answering grin before turning her eyes to look at the building she was about to enter. A set of four huge black pillars cast in a type of stone offset the dozens of white steps leading up to a set of twelve foot doors. Even the doors looked intimidating with the huge carvings of warriors, warships, planets, and suns. Gracie took the steps slowly wanting to see the whole thing. There were statues of different creatures around the top of the building and great creatures of all types and sizes looking down on those coming up the steps. Gracie shivered when it looked like a couple of the creatures actually moved.

  “They did.” Mohan whispered softly. “They are the sentinels. They guard the Council Chamber at all times.”

  Gracie’s eyes widened as she watched the huge, gray creatures as they moved. They looked like they were carved out of stone, much like the ancient gargoyles on the buildings in New York. Only these guys looked a lot meaner. Their claws curled around the polished stone about their heads and were the size of carving knives. They had long, narrow snouts and rows of teeth. One of the creatures stretched out and jumped to another spot on the building. Gracie gasped as she saw its long, leathery looking wings spread out for a moment. She would have tripped if not for Cooraan’s hand reaching out at the last minute and steadying her.

  When they got to high up the steps to see the creatures any longer without trying to walk with her head lying all the way back, Gracie focused on the next new discovery. Smaller, deadly looking insects moved along the vines cut into the stone. Gracie kept her distance from them as they made a humming sound of warning with their wings beating so fast she couldn’t see them moving.

  “What are those?” Gracie asked wide-eyed.

  “Blasnits.” Mohan said. “Nasty little creatures but very effective killers. They swarm their victims eating them from the inside out. Once they become bloated they leave a slimy trail behind them of the undigested remains. These have been genetically altered to remain on the pillars unless they are needed.”

  Gracie shivered in horror. What if some poor mother brought her kids here and they started messing with them? What a horrible way to die. Two other aliens dressed in some type of uniform and carrying swords, as well as, laser pistols opened the doors for them. It seemed like the sound from their boots echoed forever along the cold, stone as they walked towards the opened doors. Gracie wondered half-heartedly if this was how Marie Antoinette felt when she was being escorted out of the palace to be beheaded.

  “I don’t think I like this. Why are we doing this again?” Gracie asked nervously as their small group walked through into a dimly lit corridor.

  Large carvings, paintings, and tapestries lined the walls. The ceiling looked like it was over fifty feet high with curved domes lit with scenes from what looked like different worlds. Gracie imagined if it was a museum it would be pretty neat if you liked the cold, dark, and scary stuff. Personally, she had enough of that on the Alluthan mother ship. She was ready for brightly lit, cheerful, and open right about now.

  Gracie moved closer to Kordon and tucked her fingers up under his jacket so she was holding onto his waistband. She didn’t care what it looked like or what anyone thought. She needed to touch him.

  Kordon paused a moment and looked over his shoulder with a reassuring smile. “The Council Chambers are not quite as bad. Several of the newer council members have insisted on it being remodeled.” Kordon said when he saw the frightened look in Gracie’s eyes. “I will not let anything harm you.”

  Gracie nodded. “This place makes a haunted house look like Candy Land. Is it just me or is this place really depressing?”

  Bran bit back a chuckle as did the other three men. “It is meant to intimidate any who enter into agree with the council.” He said.

  “Not in this bloody lifetime.” Gracie growled out in understand. “I’ve been to the pits of hell and survived. This is going to be a walk in the park compared to some of the places I’ve been.” She said in bravo.

  Kordon’s eyes flashed in anger at the memory. “We are prepared. Just follow Mohan if she tells you to. She knows what to do.”

  Gracie frowned up at Kordon. “Yeah, that is something else we need to talk about when this show is over with.” Gracie pinched Kordon lightly. “No more holding information from me. I can’t fight if I don’t know what is going on.”

  Kordon turned so quickly he caught Gracie off guard. Grasping her face between his hands, he tilted her head backwards forcing her to look into his deep blue eyes. Kordon didn’t say anything for a moment. Gracie stood still when she realized he was trying to get his emotions under control before he spoke.

  Kordon took several deep breaths before he felt able to speak calmly. “I will protect you, Gracie. I do not want you to ever have to fight again. Twice, I have almost lost you. Twice, I have felt an emotion so devastating, so paralyzing that if nearly brought me to my knees. I have never known fear until I met you. It is not an emotion I like. I will protect you and our child with my life, Gracie Jones-Jeke. I have claimed you as mine
and I always protect what is mine.”

  Gracie opened her mouth but nothing came out. Kordon took advantage of her stunned silence to kiss her savagely in a kiss that proclaimed to all who she was to him. Gracie melted as Kordon’s strong arms moved down her arms and wrapped around her. Her arms moved upwards to wind around his neck in a desperate acceptance of his possession. She was determined to do a little claiming of her own.

  Kordon pulled away almost as abruptly as he pulled her into his arms. It took a moment for Gracie to realize Quan was standing in front of them blocking several guards from approaching them. Gracie’s face flushed with heat and she lowered her eyes. She couldn’t believe she had totally tuned everyone and everything out the moment Kordon touched her. Gracie flicked at glance up at Kordon to see if he was as affected as she was. If she had not been so in tune with him she would have missed the slight tightening of his jaw and the muscle ticking in it rapidly. To anyone else who might see him, his face was as cold as the stone statues lining the outside of the building.

  “Grand Admiral, the council has requested that you and the female be escorted into the Council Chambers.” One of the guards said.

  Two other guards moved aside to allow them to pass. When Bran and Cooraan moved, three additional guards moved forward and placed their swords in front of them. Bran, Cooraan, and Quan all growled in a low, dangerous tone. Quan moved Mohan back behind him gently as he took a threatening step forward.