She cringed when a ton of tools and small repair carts got sucked out into the surrounding space. Suddenly, all eyes were upon her.
“Have you lost your mind?”
As she struggled to formulate an explanation for her rash behavior, the device floated quickly over and out the loading bay doors. Only then did she realize something interesting. “Why didn’t it get sucked out with the rest of the contents of the bay when the doors opened?”
One of the shocked scientists responded. “The basic laws of physics say it should have.”
They stared at the huge monitors, oblivious that the doors were closing and the protective barrier was dissolving again. The artifact spun as it moved through space. It seemed to be headed for the exact spot in space they’d calculated. Then the screen went crazy with images of random information from their ship’s database.
“The device is accessing information from our data stream. It’s slowly cycling down to information related to the anomaly.”
Maiko shuddered. “It’s positioning itself, isn’t it?”
Ora nodded, swearing under his breath. “Maybe we’ve got this all wrong.”
Cutting him off, Maiko grabbed his arm. “We don’t. I trust the older me. The Reverend Mother wouldn’t lie to us. Something strange is going on, though.” Placing her hand over her chest, she struggled to figure out what was wrong. “Jesus, we think we know but we don’t know anything. What if this has been going on over and over again for millions of years?”
The senior science officer murmured. “Long enough for the machines to gain sentience, my princesses?”
Nodding, they let that tiny nugget of information sink in.
“The Reverend Mother would probably say that life always finds a way.”
Ora regarded her wryly. “You speak more like her with each passing day, my little dancer.”
“We have less than twenty microns to find out if we can…”
The thought died out in her head as a mechanical voice sounded though the ship’s audio system.
“Primates, you are required to immediately move your transport carriers a full five parsecs away in order to avoid the residual dispersion blast. When the temporal distortion collapses, it will result in a level twenty-nine disruption wave.”
“Who are you?”
“You will obey. Only then we will talk. The mothers must be secured.”
Ora’s voice sounded out. “Captain, move us the requisite distance.”
Before the words were out of his mouth, the ship moved. Maiko could tell because the stars on the view screen began moving.
The captain’s reply shocked her. “Apparently, we were not quick enough, sir. They accessed the mainframe and initiated the autopilot.”
She whispered. “They moved us.”
Scrolling through a panel on the wall, Ora replied succinctly. “The artifact was correct. I just ran the simulation. If it hadn’t instigated the move, we would have not had enough time to reach safety.”
Maiko took a step closer to the huge view screen. The anomaly had taken up residence in the exact spot preordained for it. Unclear if the artifacts would survive the blast, she wanted some answers.
“Who are the mothers and why must they be protected?”
A DNA molecule popped up onto the screen. Maiko knew instinctively it was hers. “We require your unique genetic material to survive the millennia it takes my kind to evolve. You are our protector as we are yours.”
Ora stepped forward. “She already has a protector.”
“Ah, the warrior. We have encountered you many times. In every dimension, the mother is drawn to you. You are significant to her survival. We are mindful of the importance of human bonds. We tolerate you.”
In a slightly mocking tone, Ora responded flippantly. “I am pleased to be tolerated.”
Taking a step back, Maiko shook her head. “It doesn’t mean you in particular. It means all of us.” Looking back at the screen, she gasped. “I don’t understand why you would do that.”
The screen filled with thousands of images flashing by almost faster than she could register them. There seemed to be an infinite number of Maikos. Though they all looked exactly like her, they dressed differently. They all fought for survival, some more successfully than others. The hardest to kill had warriors at their sides. Most all the warriors were some version of Ora. Some looked like she would imagine if his ancestral line were a little off.
The truth hit her hard and fast. “You’re protecting my line, to keep it pure. Why?”
“Your unique biology will one day bridge the gap between machine and humanoid form for my people.”
“One day as in thousands of years from now?”
“Yes. You are but one of many we protect.”
“People or timelines?”
“Both. Your timeline is now secured. Have no fear of the future.”
“Are you going to survive this mission?”
There was a short silence. “Some must be sacrificed so that all might live.”
Stepping forward again, Maiko realized her voice was trembling. “I wish you to survive.”
“Why? We are nothing to you. Strangers. Machines. Aliens.”
“No matter your shell, you are sentient and worthy of life.”
“This compassion for others is a quality that distinguishes your DNA. What was once common, becomes rare.”
“You’re wasting time.”
“There is not enough time to change the outcome of this mission.”
“Make time. Act now. I command you to survive. Do you have shielding?”
There was no more communication from the entity. Maiko threw herself into the arms of her warrior. Grabbing onto the front of his imperial uniform, she buried her face in his chest and fought back her tears. Today was just too much all the way around.
To find out this had been going on over her DNA was simply unbelievable. Then she remembered that she was apparently just one of many. Realization hit her once again full force. They mixed DNA to make their version of perfect people, just like the clones did. It wasn’t anything mythical or magical. They catalogued qualities and apparently, her bloodline merely had some random quality that caught their attention. That made perfect sense. Now, the totally overwhelming situation somehow congealed down into a scenario she could wrap her head around.
They magnified the anomaly and watched as the slowly spinning artifacts did their thing. It was amazing to watch. At first, it looked like bolts of lightning sparking out towards the anomaly. In the next instant, corresponding lightning bolts came out to meet them. Everything flared brighter, causing bright bolts to spread out around the edges of the entire anomaly. After a gentle tug, the artifacts began moving right along with the lethargic temporal distortion.
“It’s getting smaller. Can you see?”
Ora wrapped his arms around her waist as she turned fully around.
The chief science officer responded. “It is diminishing. It is really working.”
Everyone began to cheer. “Save the jubilation for the end. We’ve still got a huge problem until it totally dissipates.”
Over the course of several hours, it continued to thin and shrink. When everyone was beginning to think it would go out with little more than a fizzle, there was a thunderous explosion and a burst of brilliant white light.
CHAPTER 20
~ ORACHA ~
MAIKO MUSIC MIX SONG TWENTY
Making his way over to a holographic display, Ora was intent on contacting the ship carrying the Reverend Mother and her Imperial Consort. Maiko’s large fearful eyes communicated her worry for her counterparts and he moved before he even thought about it.
The view screen crackled to life, showing images of her perched on a seat with her warrior hovering near. He pulled up the vessel carrying Keiko and they saw Shar Jalon kneeling beside her, wiping a tiny trickle of blood from her temple.
The older warrior took a step closer to the screen. “Your science team
monitored the explosion. There was small distortion of the temporal field moments before the event horizon closed. We must gather more information on this distortion.”
Maiko scrolled through the data before he even finished speaking. “I see it.” Frowning, she sighed. “It looks like some tiny particulate matter crossed from one of the other dimensions into ours.”
“What kind of matter?”
“It’s difficult to say; the dispersion waves temporarily blinded our sensors. It appears to be some type of biological matter, probably bacteria of some sort. I doubt it is still active, since open space would prove to be an inhospitable host. All our readings are coming back normal.”
The older warrior’s brow creased. With your permission, we will remain behind with your science team and monitor the area. I will take no chances…”
The young Keiko stood with Shar Jalon at her side, looking so much like his sweet love mate that Ora slid away when she began to speak. “Shar Jalon and I will stay and perform the monitoring sweeps. You should take the Reverend Mother to the Krylon home world. She is weary and you have both done your share. Let another carry your burden.”
Glancing at his aging mate, the older warrior swallowed thickly. “It is difficult to give up being the Guardian of Light. But, perhaps you are right. I feel that it is time to hand off the responsibility to others and concentrate at long last on my mate. We will accept respite on Krylon if the emperor approves.”
Ora nodded his agreement. This was the first time any had addressed him as emperor. The title was his, but did not sit well with him. In his mind’s eye the title brought his father’s lined worry-worn face to mind. Suddenly, Ora couldn’t wait to get his princess back to the Krylon home world. “We extend our warmest welcome to you both.”
Within microns, they were back aboard his flagship, safely ensconced in their imperial quarters. With most of the Krylon fleet at his back, Ora felt a measure of safety to rest and let the day’s harried events fade from his troubled mind.
“What worries you, my princess?”
Climbing into their luxurious bed, she pressed her diminutive frame against his and he pulled the warm bed covering up around them. Chewing her bottom lip, she responded anxiously. “I wish the artifacts had survived.”
A shadow crossed his face. “Though I’m certain they could have taught us much about the verse to come, we would do well not to know too much of our future.”
Gazing up at him, she sighed. “I wanted them to live, not just so we could obtain knowledge from them, but they are unique. The verse is diminished for not having their kind among us.”
Drawing her close, he mused aloud. “My sweet little love, the artifact was correct about one thing. Your compassion defines you. Close your eyes, little dancer. You must rest, for soon we must have our bonding ceremony and assume the Krylon throne. Many eyes will be upon us.”
Yawning, she quipped. “Lord Rold will be thrilled that we managed to survive to relieve him being tied to the throne.”
Laughing, Ora agreed. “He and his bride have yet to enjoy their time of seclusion.” As her breathing evened out, Ora relaxed enough to allow himself to slip into a deep sleep as well.
Ora’s sleep was filled with strange dreams. Rather than returning to his pristine world, he returned to a planet overrun by strange flying alien creatures. They attacked and consumed his people as well as the animal life on his world. No matter how many his warriors killed, they just kept coming in waves by the hundreds and thousands.
Waking with sweat soaking his body, Ora climbed quietly out of bed and sat at his desk. Lying back with his hands behind his head, he closed his eyes. Tapping his naked foot to the floor, he gently bounced the hovering chair up and down as he pondered his dream. Though the creatures from his dream were pure conjecture, he knew there was no weapon in the Krylon arsenal capable of effectively fighting such an enemy. Weapons design was one of his favorite hobbies and this imaginary enemy presented intriguing opportunities to design something new.
Opening his data pad, he made notes and diagrams for a new weapon design. Ora knew his ideas were rough and undeveloped, but something about the design process appealed to him, helping him relax and find his center again.
He wasn’t an idiot. Therefore, he was well aware that this little diversion was one that fed into his hero complex, quenching his insatiable thirst to protect his delicate female from harm. Getting lost in the design, many microns slipped by.
He must have fallen asleep; the next thing he knew Maiko was gently shaking him awake. Bending to look at his drawings, she studied them curiously. “The creatures you drew, look much like the insectoids Keiko told us about.”
“I dreamt of hordes of flying insects attacking Krylon.”
“Why did you write the mothers must be protected?”
“I didn’t.”
“You did. It’s here under each image in bold-face type. Wow, this one says, I must not harm the mothers.”
“How could I miss that?”
Tilting her head slightly, she studied him closely. It made him feel odd and uncomfortable.
“Do you think my dream is a premonition of some sort?”
Smiling indulgently at him, she asked. “Have you ever had a dream that foreshadowed the future?”
Ora trilled his frustration. “Never, not even one time in my life.”
Her sweet voice soothed his ego. “Then, I think Keiko’s description of the insectoids from her timeline, settled in your subconscious and the aberration came back to you when you laid your head down to rest.” Pulling the device from his grasp, she clicked it off and set it aside. “Think no more on this. We have arrived in Krylon space, my prince. I’m certain you are eager to see your family.”
Smiling up at her, he pulled her down to sit on his lap. “I am now your emperor, am I not?”
Grinning, she squeezed his shoulders. “In our quest to defeat the darkness, I almost forgot that you ended up with the princess and the keys to the city just like you always wanted.”
“Do not tease me, my little dancer. I have been a lonely warrior since we last joined. Perhaps I will put off sitting the throne in favor of worshiping your beautiful body once more.”
Laughing, she squirmed in his lap, until he held her close for a long human kiss. Pulling back, he spoke softly. “Among my people, mating can be harsh, painful, and lead to abandonment. Our women are unpredictable and the fury that runs through their blood comes out as aggression towards their males.”
Maiko peered up at him. “Your women are not well, Ora. It is the fault of what ails them not the males of your world.”
“My mother will be furious that we intend to make a permanent bond with one another. She will think you weak for not exercising your right to experience intimacy with other males.”
Maiko shrugged. “She’ll have to deal with it. I’m not interested in other males.”
Feeling a flush of warmth flowing through his body, Ora swallowed thickly before speaking his mind. “I wish to thank you, my sweet. Were it not for you, I would not know that love could bond two people for all times. Nor would I know that love is gentle, fun, and playful. Most beings think large warriors have no need of tenderness, therefore it is something I have known little of in my life.”
Pressing two fingers over his lips, her expression turned adoring. “This I already know, my love.”
“I do not think I could continue if you elected to leave me. I feel the loss when we are parted from each other.”
Clearly feeling uncomfortable with his words of devotion, she teased him gently.
“I think you simply do not prefer sleeping by yourself and I think you are addicted to intimacy. I find that Krylonian princes are spoiled in all things.”
Ticking her sides playfully, he responded. “Spoiled, am I? Perhaps you are right, for I miss the taste of you on my tongue.”
Shaking her head and giving him a mock scowl, she teased. “You can’t talk like a commoner now that
you are emperor.” Grinning madly, she quipped. “It’s too bad though. I really love your dirty mouth.”
That was all it took for them to tangle tongues and other miscellaneous body parts for another multitude of microns. Only reluctantly did they emerge from the cleansing room when her attendants knocked for the third time.
“I swear, we will never get a minute to ourselves. Mark my words, Maiko.”
“We just spent almost ten hours cuddling, sleeping together, and talking.”
“You forgot, sexing.” Realizing he’d been unsuccessful at keeping the smugness from his tone, they looked around at Maiko’s attendants to see if they had noticed. None looked particularly appalled.
Maiko laughed merrily. “Sexing isn’t a word, but you are correct we did that as well. So much so, that everyone has already disembarked.”
“My soul has love for you.”
“You are not clever, my prince. Human men do that as well.” When he didn’t respond, she added. “They get themselves out of trouble by declaring their love as well.”
Tossing back her words from their first coupling back at her, he retorted. “I have done nothing wrong, my princess.”
“Now, you’re turning into a real comedian. I must admit that I saw that one coming. You were always just a tad more irreverent than the situation required.”
Tossing her a lopsided smile, he folded his arms over his chest. “Why do I get the feeling I’m never going to win an argument with you?”
“You won the one that got me to fall in love with you. That should be enough for you.”
Shoving off the wall, he stalked over to her. “Have I mentioned that I love your ceremonial dress? Every time I see your attendants putting on layer after layer of clothing, all I can think of is getting you alone afterwards to tear them off again.”
Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance) Page 40
