Dominic's Star

by Michael Mandrake

  When the door of the cockpit opened, Renard was immediately greeted by Megiddo service people of all races, genders, and creeds. Megiddo was the center of the universe, much like say New York was on earth. Everyone came from all over the galaxy to live and or work on Megiddo.

  “Captain.” A being with an oval head and solid black eyes called him.

  Renard smiled and saluted his friend.

  “Sergeant Whimpsy. To what do I owe this special greeting?” Renard spread his arms wide to welcome him.

  Whimpsy grinned and squealed before giving him a brotherly hug. A common thing his people did before speaking. “Ah, Renard, you must know the Federation contacted me ahead of your arrival.”

  “Yeah? Does my father have anything to do with this impromptu party?” Renard stepped back and crossed his arms.

  “Oh, no, no, no. Command Center asked that I welcome you with open arms and make sure you are well taken care of during your stay. We’ll give Baal a wash, check her controls and engines, give you extra fuel and food, while you enjoy… relaxing.”

  Whimpsy clapped all six of his hands and several individuals who were scantily dressed, scampered into a line and bowed their head. They all spoke in their own languages. From all his travels, Renard understood all of them.

  Renard’s presents were all beautiful in their own way, but he particularly enjoyed the ones of male variety. He had never considered himself into one gender over the other, openly fucking who he pleased. With no intentions of marrying, it was best to keep options open.

  Renard cocked an eyebrow and dropped his arms. With this kind of treatment, he might not want to leave. “All for me, huh?”

  “Yes, sir. Only the best for our up and coming captain.” Whimpsy patted his shoulder.

  That comment took Renard aback. “Buttering me up as they used to say on Earth.”

  “Oh yes. I’m told you’re against talking with the Gocarians again.”

  “Sure, am. Those bastards aren’t worth the time. If they don’t wanna be protected why should I worry? Hard enough the Hunartheons finally joined our fold.”

  “While that is true, it would be nice to have access to their scientific ideals. Anyway, enough of that. Enjoy these lovely morsels, will you? Take your pick, or all of them if you’d like. There are plenty of supplies in the pleasure chambers to fulfill your every desire without getting …caught up.”

  “Ah, you mean, pregnant or impregnating?” Renard scrubbed the scruff on his chin.

  “Exactly. Well, I’ll leave you to it. They’ll escort you to the chambers. Have your way with them then head to the casinos. All your wagers and gambles are on me.”

  “Whimpsy you are too fucking kind.” Renard rubbed his hands together. Renard was in for fun, and regardless of the reason, he would be taking advantage of the delicacies set out before him.

  The minute Renard set foot in the chambers, the tension left his body immediately. Lavender and strawberry incense filled the air along with mouthwatering smells of meats fresh from the grill.

  Renard had every intention on enjoying all the great food and wine he could since he hadn’t had any as of late.

  Along with eight gorgeous specimens to care for his every need, this was exactly what the doctor ordered before returning to Damascus.

  The décor was so pristine, it was fit for royalty. Fine silks draped over the large bed and couches, while the floors were covered with the softest carpeting. Dimmed white and red lights shone from the fixtures above, while elaborate artwork depicting the most beautiful spots in the universe filled the walls. The chambers screamed pleasure palace, something Renard was never used to or even cared to have.

  Until now…

  “Relax Captain.” One being said, dragging him to the sofa on the opposite side of the room.

  “I plan to.” Renard responded, leaning back on the fluffy pillows, allowing all the servants to undress him.

  I could get used to this.

  Renard couldn’t have been more grateful to Whimpsy for setting this up. Perhaps after he’d enjoyed the pampering and thorough sexting from his personal harem, he might go talk with the Gocarians after all.

  Just as Renard started getting comfortable, his communicator pinged, alerting him of a message from his father.

  “Fuck. What the hell does he want?” Renard rolled his shoulders while two men gripped his muscles, kneading them under their fingers.

  “Captain Renard. This is your father. I know you’re available to accept my call.”

  Renard shook his head, knowing his asshole parent wouldn’t leave him be if he continued ignoring him. “Ladies, gents, give me some time to answer this call, please.”

  All of them spoke in their own languages, saying variances of yes, sir or whatever you wish. They left the Quarters in single file, closing the door behind them.

  Renard sighed and closed his eyes, promising himself he wouldn’t burst a blood vessel arguing with his parental unit. “Renard.”

  “About time you answered. Why did you abruptly cease communication with the assistant earlier. You have a job to do and you’re making me look bad.”

  “You mean I’m an embarrassment to you, right?”

  Silence.

  “Ha, got’cha there, didn’t I dad?” Renard teased.

  “Don’t make me jump on the next aircraft and drag you back to Damascus by your ear, young man. Now show your father some respect!” He sounded gruff.

  “Whatever. I don’t care what you wanna say. I’m starting my vacation.”

  “You haven’t been cleared for that. You’re scheduled to go to Gocara.”

  “I really don’t give a rat’s ass what I’ve been scheduled for. I’m taking the time off since I took longer on Hunarth. Dealing with those oversized fiends tired me out. I deserve the time off.”

  “You weren’t granted!” Renard’s father yelled through the communicator’s speaker.

  “I don’t give a fuck! Again, I’m taking that time. If you’ve got a problem with this, suspend me please! Then my time away from the Fed will be granted.”

  “Arrgh. Why have you been such a rockhead these past few years? Is it because your Poppa didn’t make it after that last mission over a decade ago?”

  Renard gulped hard, not believing the person who called themselves one of his parents could be so cold. “Don’t bring the only man that gave a fuck about me up in this conversation.”

  “I birthed you, Renard!”

  “But he planted the seed in your ass, jerkface! You’ll never measure up to Admiral Wyatt, Kirk, so don’t try!” Renard pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling his emotions come to a head. Mentioning his Poppa, he desperately needed to shift, to release some of the frustrations of losing the one true parent that loved and respected him unconditionally. He’d always though his father had something to do with his Poppa’s death but couldn’t prove it.

  Renard gritted his teeth and balled his hands into fists, openly whimpering as he recalled the hero’s farewell for his Poppa. The decorated box was set afire with Kirk and others sending his ashes to the heavens. Many believed the gargoyles were cursed, but in Renard’s mind, his Poppa was truly an angel on earth.

  On the other hand, Renard was left with the father he never liked or respected. Still, it did no good to constantly war with him especially when Renard wasn’t right to take ungranted time.

  “Look Renard, I… I’m sorry. That was cruel of me.”

  “Ya’ think? Look, Kirk. I need time away. Let me relax on Megiddo and I’ll consider making a deal with those Gocarian assholes, all right?”

  “Fine. You have three days. After that, be ready to come back to work.”

  “Whatever. Renard out.” He pressed the off button on his communicator and leaned back on the sofa. “Ladies, gents, please come in. I’m ready for you.”

  At the sound of his voice, his harem trickled in, ready to service Renard in every capacity.

  While they all tended to him, his conversation with
his father and the hurt remembering his Poppa would be forgotten.

  Chapter Three

  Dominic

  The steady tapping woke Dominic from his malaise. Smells of blood, most likely is own infiltrated his nostrils. His mouth tasted like sandpaper and bile, making him wish to die. Anything would be better than being trapped in this small prison.

  Feeling the sting of something poking him, Dominic’s eyes flung open.

  What the fuck?

  Dominic had no clue what the object was. He only wished it away from his skin where it made a painful incision, he wouldn’t be able to recover from. The mutant lizard said he’d injected him with something that weakened Dominic, but it influenced his ability to shift too. If only he wouldn’t have been so stupid to take an unknown creature home, he wouldn’t be in this predicament.

  If only I thought more with the head on my shoulders instead of the lower one.

  Dominic shivered. His teeth chattered from the cool air blowing over his naked skin, making the small hairs stand on end.

  Where the hell are my clothes?

  Damn Cogo must’ve taken them off once he captured him.

  Dominic turned from side to side, curling in a fetal position to block out the cold while eyeing his surroundings. Black bars appeared closer than they were. A small room with bright white lights and a silver table, that looked like one used in a surgical procedure in front of him.

  Is that what happened?

  What kind of shit would prohibit shifting and make him weak? So, help him, Dominic would find the bastard and shove it down his throat the moment he got the chance.

  “Hey Cogo! Where the hell are you?” When Dominic attempted to move, the tapping sounded again, and once more the prick piercing his side. This time was a more painful than the last.

  “Ahh!” Dominic gritted his teeth and blinked several times, trying to regulate his breathing. He sensed his heart racing, blood spiking to incredible levels. Whatever the mutant had done to control him was a mystery. One he wouldn’t be able to beat. “Cogo!”

  “Ahh, Dominic, I see you’re awake.” The creature spoke to Dominic telepathically.

  With Dominic’s vision impaired, he couldn’t see him clearly. Instead he smelled the foul stench coming from his left and he held his breath.

  “You had no problem with my smell last night, pretty bear Besides, it holds a certain kind of pheromone that drives all species wild.” A smile was heard in Cogo’s voice.

  Not able to hold it in any longer, he huffed and kicked his legs. “You wish it did. Told you I was drunk and drugged.”

  “Well that’s too bad. I thought we made a gorgeous pair, but now, as I said, you will be my plaything to do whatever I want with. I’m thinking that turning you into the Federation won’t be such a good idea after all.”

  Although that was a relief to Dominic’s ears, he still wasn’t keen on being Cogo’s toy. “Great. Now release me so I can tear you limb from limb!”

  Again, the taping sound, then the needle stung Dominic, making him cry aloud. He huffed and bit down on his bottom lip to endure the pain. “Shit! What the hell is that?”

  “My little toy to keep you subdued, my dear. There is a timer and at the count of three, it plunges into your flesh, sending electric currents through your body. Over 400 volts each time, which is nothing. The higher I take it, the more it stops you from shifting to a mean ass bear.”

  “Get me outta here! This… ahh!” The discomfort left Dominic discombobulated. His eyes fluttered, weariness setting in, he could no longer see the bars or barely hear the beast gurgling in the background.

  “No, no. Pets are supposed to be on leashes and or in cages, especially when one shows that pet off to everyone. Now, since you aren’t able to shift, I’ve got a tail for you to wear. After I fuck you of course!”

  “No fuck you, Cogo! I’m not yo… wear…your toy!” Dominic grounded out, feeling his monster coming to a head but unable to escape. This frustrated the hell out of his beast and him, knowing they were wrongfully caged. More pain surged through his head, forcing him to close his eyes to limit the pressure on his temples.

  Without his abilities, Dominic was subject to this mistreatment no matter what.

  “You are now, my friend. Now rest, so I can take you to Megiddo and make you the envy of everyone. If you continue to be disobedient, I shall turn you into the stone protectors where you’ll die a horrible death.”

  Dominic knew that to be true, which was why he wouldn’t have wanted to be taken by a gargoyle to rot in their prisons. He’d heard the stories, and figured he’d have a better chance against his own or the Hunartheons than the stone faced warriors that ruled the universe.

  Many said these gargoyles were former angels tossed out of heaven or demons without heart or soul.

  Either way, they were no one to fuck with. If he had any chance of surviving, he’d have to convince Cogo to keep him away from the stone demons until he could concoct a better escape plan.

  Renard

  After being bathed and catered to, Renard forgot the conversation with his father and headed to the casinos. Megiddo was famous for its Las Vegas like atmosphere with the bright colorful lights, exotic clubs, glorious hotels and brothels featuring every kind of species imaginable. Megiddo — known for sinning — had the perfect name too. Partial biblical meaning for Armageddon. With so many sinful things to partake in, Megiddo was the number one known pleasure spot in the universe.

  Once Renard collected the chips Whimpsy offered, he strolled through the large space, filled with card tables, slot machines, and other games. They even had an amusement park to leave your little ones at while you play. One could get lost in this huge dome with so many eye-catching signs and things to do. Renard always said, if he weren’t employed by the Federation he wouldn’t mind making this his regular home.

  A collection of scents whirred around Renard’s head. Either overbearing fragrances or people with distinct smells. Grilled food wafted from the restaurants nearby while sounds of the house band vibrated the floors under his feet.

  Passing through, many of the tables were already filled. They played old earthy games like Blackjack, Spades, and even some poker. Renard wouldn’t have minded sitting down at one, especially since it wasn’t his money. When he’d visited in the past, he hadn’t won enough to even cover drinks, let alone a meal.

  But tonight, something was different for Renard. His relaxed mind and body along with the new clothes gave him a sense of confidence. He fully intended to beat the crap out of someone in a card game and win enough to take back to Damascus. Anything to distract him from the garbage the Federation would thrust on him in a couple of days.

  “We need another player. Step up and try beating the Hunartheon beast!”

  “Hey! Watch it, asshole!”

  Renard turned to the right, spotting the attendant standing at a table that happened to be vacant except for the Hunartheon warrior. The creatures weren’t known for their intellect, so besting him should be easy.

  Lucky night indeed!

  Seemingly no one wished to take that chance, so Renard figured why not try his hand?

  Or perhaps it was the frightening exterior of the beast. Eight arms, two legs, with black stripes on its face, neck, and their greenish upper torso. He wore no shirt, but his pants fit nicely on his lower body. And the smell was rumored to be freaking hypnotic if you got too close.

  Truly a freak of nature, apparently a mix of tiger, lizard, and in mid-shift. His long tail curled around something he had in a catch. Renard guessed it might’ve been a pet, or a prisoner, since Hunartheons were huge show-offs. When the Federation finally got them to agree to protection, they were extremely ungrateful, saying they only did it to keep peace.

  “I’ll play.” Renard took a seat across from the mutant and pulled out five chips, sitting it inside the circle. “Five hundred.”

  “Well, wow, sir that’s a lot to gamble with so soon.”

  “Not
my money, so it doesn’t matter.” Renard said, half laughing. If it were his, he wouldn’t put down five hundred.

  “All right. What are we playing?”

  “Twenty-One.” Renard barked. It was his best game. He literally sucked at anything else.

  The Hunartheon gurgled. “Ooh this will be simple for me! And with such a handsome adversary too. Captain.” The fiend held out one of his arms.

  “Renard.” Renard didn’t bother shaking it. He wasn’t a friend of this thing, only a card player at his table. He’d be damned if he exchanged pleasantries with him.

  “Oh, I see the Captain isn’t the talkative type. I’m Cogo by the way.” The creature drew back one of his arms and licked his lips.

  “Don’t give a fuck. Just play.”

  “Haha! Just play says the Captain. Here you go gentlemen.” The dealer flicked two cards at each of them. Then put two cards in front of himself. “What would you like to do?”

  Renard flipped the cards. He had two jacks. “Stand.”

  The dealer turned his card over, and he had less than Renard. “Well I’ll be damned.” He placed Renard’s winnings in the circle.

  “Lucky sonofabitch.” Cogo said, then laughed.

  “What about you… sir?” The dealer said to Cogo.

  “Hit.”

  The dealer turned his cards over. “Haha. I’m taking your chips.”

  “Dammit.” Cogo sounded unhappy. “Again, dealer.”

  Renard snorted, then put up another five chips. “I’m feeling lucky. Let’s go again.” Although a part of Renard wanted to run with his winnings, he was still feeling it. Again, not his money so what did he have to lose?

  “Huh. I’ll bet…”

  “Arrgghh…”

  The noise from the cage to Cogo’s left caught Renard’s attention. He leaned to the side, looking at the overgrown man that appeared to be uncomfortable. From what he could see the man was naked with only a collar and a fake tail protruding from his backside. What could this being be? Was he fully human or a shifter? Renard would guess the latter since there weren’t many full humans on any planets other than earth. Honestly, he didn’t trust either, but his curiosity was suddenly piqued.