Acorus nodded thoughtfully; it appeared that the answer to his dilemma was before his eyes, but if Allorus was ruler of Earth, who would be his heir to the throne of Scerior. It needed a lot of thought, and he needed to discuss it with Jo. She always helped him to come up with a solution.
Allorus was now telling him about the trial treatment the Escorii were using on the traumatised females and as the highs and lows were explained to him he nodded his agreement with Allorus on how it was going.
“The Escorii will indeed tell us if they think it isn’t successful enough. We’ve always trusted their judgement on matters we don’t fully understand. Their mind control is beyond anything we could imagine, but it works and has worked for us for centuries. It was a brilliant idea you had, my son. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. You’ve surpassed my expectations; Jo told me how strong you are while still being willing to listen to advice, that is the sign of a good leader”.
Allorus stood straight letting his father’s praise wash over him. Would now be a good time to tell him about Rebecca? He was just about to speak when a soldier rapped on the door and delivered the message that a fighter, with the Xenorrii prince and maps aboard was about to land on the starship. Abandoning their conversation they both put their helmets on and leaving the second officer in charge hurried to the landing deck. As they reached the docking area a fighter came in fast, decelerated and dropped to the deck. Sceriae soldiers surrounded it, weapons at the ready on high alert as the doors opened. The pilot stuck his head out and asked for help to get the Xenorrii out of the small cargo hold. Half a dozen Sceriae went forward and a cocoon like parcel was lifted out. The Xenorrii prince was wrapped head to toe in a thick linen sack wrapped around with strong rope and chains.
Acorus couldn’t make out whether he was dead or alive and went forward to ask the pilot, who told him that the Xenorrii was heavily drugged, it being the only way to transport him safely.
“Good, let’s get him into a cell. Does he still have his whips?”
“Yes sir, our general decided not to cut them off in case you wanted to use him as a bargaining chip. To avoid him waking up while I was in flight he has a tranquiliser pump releasing a strong dose into him as soon as it detects him coming round”.
“You’ve done well, we’ll take him from here. Give me the maps and then you can eat and rest well before you set off back”. Acorus took hold of the strange maps the Xenorrii had made of Earth.
The pilot saluted and gratefully went off to the canteen, pleased that his dangerous mission was over. Acorus passed the maps to an officer with orders that they be taken to the flight deck, then he and Allorus followed their prisoner down to the prison deck. A clear box had been placed in the cell furthest away from where the Escorii were treating the women. Luckily they had finished for the day so it was safe for the Sceriae to move about on that level. Tomorrow the Xenorrii would be left alone while the Escorii were working on another patient. In theory the walls around the cell were soundproof, and should be safe but Acorus wasn’t prepared to risk any of his people, close to where the Escorrii were `thinking`.
Very cautiously the Xenorrii was unwrapped, luckily he was deeply unconscious. The tranquiliser pump was removed, his `whips` were unwound and handcuffed securely behind his back. As his arms were free a tumbler of water was left for him and he was sealed in. Three guards were left to watch him with orders to call Acorus as soon as he started to come round.
“Have you eaten father? I’m about to be relieved so I can get my meal, so if you haven’t we could eat together and continue our conversation”. Allorus asked tentatively.
Acorus grinned “No I haven’t eaten any food since my arrival here. I’d like us to eat together, my quarters or yours?”
“I’ve been taking my meals in the canteen. It helps me to hear what is happening in an informal way”.
Raising his eyebrows Acorus said “I haven’t eaten in the canteen for years. Aboard ship Jo is usually with me and we eat in our quarters”.
Greatly daring Allorus said “From the way Lady Joanna has missed you I suspect eat is not all you do!”
Acorus frowned, then realised that his son was indeed a fully mature male, so he grinned and said “There are more things to eat than just food, my son! Come let’s go try our luck in the canteen”. Placing his hand on Allorus’ shoulder he walked with him to the canteen. When they entered all the Sceriae leapt to their feet and saluted. Acorus waved them down saying “We are not on duty now, please continue as you were”.
Knowing that Acorus would not be allowed to join the queue, Allorus went to the head of the line. No one had any problem with that and made way for the two most powerful males on Earth. With their plates full they looked around for an empty table but paused when as voice shouted “Allorus, over here, bring your friend with you”.
It was Rebecca; she was at a table with two empty chairs. Allorus hesitated, not wanting his father to meet her yet but not wanting to upset her by ignoring her.
“Is she a friend of yours?” Acorus asked.
“Mmm yes, she’s a nurse assigned to the traumatised females. Actually she’s been looking after Reed’s wife, Heather”.
“Then let’s sit with her and her friends, I’d like to learn more about the Escorii’s treatment”.
Acorus went over to Rebecca and smiled at her. The doctors at the table recognised him and stood up. Once again Acorus waved them down and took the seat next to Rebecca, who looked at him quizzically.
“Introduce me Allorus”.
“Rebecca, this is my father Lord General Acorus. Father this is my friend Rebecca”. Then he introduced Mark James and the others around the table.
The other nurses at the table looked at Acorus open mouthed. Allorus was the spitting image of his father but Acorus was just `more`. His power radiated from him, his good looks and charisma causing the girl’s mouths to go dry as they imagined themselves at his mercy; their mouths became dry and they blushed as they felt themselves heat up.
Acorus’ mouth quirked, he was fully aware of his effect on young women, but thanks to Jo he never wanted to take advantage of that; however he was vain enough to enjoy it.
“Allorus tells me that you have been looking after the females we rescued from Nunavat. Tell me how you think the treatment is going”.
They were all passionate about their patients care and soon forgot who he was as they talked about the successes and failures. Acorus listened intently while he ate, not missing the looks that passed between his son and the pretty female on his right. It was more than friendship he saw in their eyes; he could sense the testosterone flooding through Allorus’ body and the scent of female arousal coming from Rebecca. Aha, that was what had made his son from a boy into a man, he desired this woman and if Acorus sensed right had already had her.
As he listened to the chat he considered the problem of Rebecca. Allorus should mate with a half breed, that was the plan, and it was a good plan. However if he was in love with her he would be miserable mated with another. If he played the heavy handed father and ruler of Scerior, he would make his son hate him. He needed to discuss Allorus with Jo, she understood the difference between love and lust better than he did. Thinking of Jo he felt desire for her flood through his loins; he’d been away too long and had only taken her twice since his return. If Allorus felt that about Rebecca then he was lost. All Acorus could hope was that she wasn’t `the one` and his son’s lust for her died naturally. He could feel their desire to be together as he sat between them so he stood up, clapped Allorus on the shoulder and said “We must return to our duties, and I expect you all have things to see to, so, it’s been nice speaking with you all, I’ve enjoyed my lunch in the canteen so thank you. Stay a while and say goodbye to your `friend` Allorus, but follow me to the flight deck after”.
Everybody stood up, as did the rest of the Sceria
e in the room, and Acorus lifted his hand and left the canteen.
Allorus turned to Rebecca and said “Can I see you later?”
“We could eat together tonight, either here or if you prefer...”. she tailed off embarrassed.
Bending over and putting his mouth to her ear he said quietly “I could have food delivered to my quarters, we could eat there if you’re willing”.
“That would be nice, we don’t have much chance to be alone”.
“Now that my father is back, my duties should be less demanding. What time shall I order the food for?”
“It’s up to you, I can be there at seven thirty if that’s alright”.
“Perfect, I’ll see you then”. Allorus smiled into her eyes, remembering how she had responded to his love making, then he too left the canteen and the group around the table broke up, all returning to their jobs.
Chapter 13
Allorus sleep walked through the rest of the afternoon. He couldn’t get the idea of Rebecca naked on his bed as he entered her out of his mind. Luckily with Acorus there he didn’t have to make any serious decisions and the time passed without him giving himself away. At least he thought he hadn’t. Aware as he was about his own desire for Jo, even after all this time, Acorus was sympathetic towards his son’s lust.
Late in the afternoon news came that the Xenorrii prisoner was coming round, so they descended to the prison deck. While the Escorii had been working on another patient, the guards had moved to watch the top of the floating beam, which acted as an elevator. The Escorii had successfully treated the patient and were escorting her back to the ward when they heard the Xenorrii waking up. At the top of the elevator they had informed the guards, who sent a message to the flight deck, then descended to keep an eye on the prisoner. When Acorus and Allorus reached the deck they heard the Xenorrii shouting and flinging himself against the cube’s walls. The guards were standing well back with their weapons trained steadily on him. As Acorus moved in front of him the Xenorrii stopped trying to break the box and watched him with hatred in his bloodshot eyes.
“I am Lord General Acorus, leader of the Sceriae. “ Speaking in the Xenorrii’s tongue he carried on, “you are the hated enemy of all species. Can you think of a reason why I shouldn’t just have you executed?”
“Sceriae dog! I am Prince Psars, son of the Xenorrii king. He will exterminate you all if you kill me. Your only choice is to let me go, if you don’t wish to have a bounty on yours and your family’s heads”.
Acorus laughed “Your King abandoned his people, females and young included, and tried to escape from Earth. He was vapourised the minute he left Earth’s atmosphere. Your species is all but exterminated here, and soon all over the universe”.
The Xenorrii spat venom as he tried to free his whips. “You lie, our King would never run away abandoning his people. It is your planet Scerior that is in danger”. Then he snapped his mouth shut, realising that he should say no more.
Acorus frowned, then turning away from the cube he gave orders for the Escorii interrogators to be summoned. They left the prisoner to curse and threaten, and ascended to a higher deck, to wait for the Escorrii.
“That sounded as if the Xenorrii are planning to attack Scerior”. Allorus said.
“It did sound as if they have a plan but how foolhardy they would be if they did. Our army left on Scerior is still strong enough to take them on; we still have all our reservists to call upon as well. Our weapons are superior, our soldiers better trained and our ships are twice as fast as theirs. What could they do to destroy Scerior?”
“Our defences would spot them before they could even get close. No ship lands on Scerior without having been boarded and inspected out in space”.
Acorus nodded “The Escorii will find his deepest secrets”.
The interrogators arrived quietly as they were talking making even Acorus jump, as they seemed to arrive from nowhere. Acorus told them what had been said and what he was concerned about and they all nodded and stepped into the elevator. The guards were sent back up as they could be damaged by the Escorii’s minds and took up position watching the elevator.
Acorus slapped Allorus on his shoulder “Well son, it is evening now so you are off duty. I’ll make sure all is secure on the flight deck, then I too have a date with a beautiful female!” He grinned as he said it, causing Allorus to grunt in surprise. Not knowing what to say he saluted and hurried to his quarters. Once his batman had freed his armour he sent him to fetch some food and drink and took himself into the shower. As he dried himself he couldn’t decide what to wear; a kaftan would be easiest but he didn’t want Rebecca to think he just wanted her there to seduce so he opted for jeans and tee shirt. His batman was arranging the food on the small table when there was a knock on the door. Allorus swung it open and gazed with delight at Rebecca. Instead of her usual working outfit of tunic and trousers she had on a pretty summer dress. It was held up by straps that met behind her neck, leaving her back bare to her waist. In a pretty aqua colour it made her look even more beautiful. On her feet she had high heeled sandals that made her legs look long and taught. She’d left her hair down and it brushed her shoulders in a gentle curl, smelling of fresh summer flowers, and Allorus’ mouth became dry as he gazed at her without moving.
“Can I come in?” she asked pleased with the effect she’d had on him.
“Of course, sorry, yes do please come in. You look so beautiful you took my breath away”.
Allorus stepped back and as she passed him he breathed in deeply. It wasn’t only her perfume he could smell but her own unique scent and it went straight to his already thickening shaft. As he followed her into the room he gave his batman permission to go off duty, then he caught hold of her and swung her around to face him. As she willingly stepped into his arms he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her gently, delighted when she responded sweetly and trustingly.
Forcing himself to release her he said “I’ve had a selection of food laid out, let’s eat and get to know each other better”.
Rebecca sat in the chair he held out for her and smiled as he poured a pre-invasion white wine into a glass.
“Gosh this is a real treat. I haven’t seen wine since before the Xenorrii attacked”. Taking a sip she giggled “it’s lovely, are you going to get me drunk and take advantage of me?”
Allorus looked at her askance. “No I’d never do that!”
“Not even if I wanted you to?” she grinned.
Thinking that she was joking Allorus laughed and said “Do you want me to?”
Suddenly Rebecca felt shy, blushing and lowering her eyes she asked “Do you want to?”
“It is my greatest desire to make you mine completely. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since you were last in my arms, but we don’t really know each other, let’s talk about ourselves while we eat”.
“I’d like that”.
“So tell me about your life before the Xenorrii, where you come from and what you wanted to do with your life”.
So she helped herself to the food and told him that she’d been born in Washington, her father had worked as a security officer for the president and her Mom had been a doctor at Inova Fairfax hospital. She had grown up in a happy family and had a brother who was younger than her. Her mom and dad were busy people, dedicated to their work but had somehow found time to give their children a secure happy childhood. Rebecca had wanted to be a doctor like her mom and her brother had wanted to be a soldier like his dad. When the Xenorrii struck she had been at school as had her brother. Her mom was at the hospital and her dad was off duty at home. The hospital, her brother’s school and her home had been wiped out in the first attack.
She had been out on the sport’s field at her school practising as a cheerleader when the space ships attacked. It had been so shocking and unbelievable that everybody had fr
ozen, but when the Xenorrii appeared and started picking up the girls she had crawled under a tarpaulin that was covering the large mower used on the football field. The other girls were screaming and trying to run and were either killed or captured. She was so terrified she could hardly breathe and lay under the tarpaulin for hours while all around her exploded in fire and terrified screams. When it was dark she dared to peer out and the whole world seemed to be on fire. Realising that the fuel in the mower could ignite at any minute she made herself crawl out of her hiding place, shaking at the thought of one of the monsters catching her.
She was dressed in her cheerleader’s kit, the school buildings were no more and she was totally alone. Cold hungry and very thirsty she cautiously moved away from the devastation around her. Nothing large was left standing but eventually she found other people who had survived and they had all left the built up areas and made their way into open country. Finally after weeks of running and hiding, she and eight others had found a farmhouse that was still standing, with a root cellar containing preserved food. The water in the well was still fresh so they had settled down to wait. In the daytime they slept in the cellar and at night they crept out and scavenged around the countryside. Then the Sceriae had come, the government reformed and they left their hiding place.
Discovered by an armed force of humans and Sceriae they had been taken to the area that was now the new town and slowly they had put their sorrow and fear to rest. When she realised that nurses were needed to look after the injured and traumatised she had volunteered. She wasn’t a nurse but has helped out at her mom’s hospital as a candy striper, so she wasn’t totally useless. As far as she knew all her family were dead so she’d thrown herself into her work and her colleagues had become her family. As she spoke Allorus could feel the fear she had felt, alone, surrounded by monsters. How brave she had been not only to survive but to volunteer to look after people who had suffered terribly at the monster’s hands. She would be a mate to be proud of, as his father was proud of Jo.
Scerior Part II Page 13
