Dominic's Star

by Michael Mandrake

  “Ah, babe. Where’s your sense of adventure?” Dominic sipped from his cup. “The universe is our oyster to take what we need and move on to the next place.”

  “Which is?” Renard asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve never been this far away from Gocara.” Dominic chuckled, then drank from his mug again.

  “Oh boy.” Renard spun on his heel and glanced at Baal’s map. There were a couple of options, the best ones being planets not under G-Force protection. “Well, we have a couple of places within the next few days to stop. Ferolax is only hours away, but those jerks are kind of hostile. The oversized octopus shifters may not take too kindly to us. Really to anyone’s because they, like your people, are pigheaded, thinking they don’t need help and hate visitors.”

  Dominic shrugged. “No lies detected there. Next.” He drank from his mug again.

  “Then there’s two others I myself haven’t heard of. I’ve only been to Ferolax once because we brought one of their soldiers to trial for killing several Abugendi in a failed takeover attempt.”

  “Really? So, maybe one of the two unknowns are our best bet.”

  “Maybe.” Renard sat back in his chair and pressed a few buttons, searching for information on the two newer planets. He wondered had they recently formed or, weren’t found by the Federation because of non-interest. “Talk to me, Baal. Tell me about the planets within five days of our current location.”

  “Captain Renard, the planet Unas is within three days of travel. It is a paradisiac planet filled with exotic foods and plants, warm temperatures, and is a pleasure planet where gambling and prostitution is legal.”

  Dominic laughed, sitting in the co-Captains chair. “Well, well, well, blackjack is how we met, but we’re not interested in the prostitution bit, right?”

  “Not one bit. I got all I need. Baal, your Captain isn’t interested in pleasures of the flesh anymore. I need a place to settle for a while where the people will welcome me and my partner with open arms and allow us to stay, gather more fuel, and eat hearty. Also, the bigger question, will they be intimidated by two large shifters on their planet.”

  “I apologize Captain and congratulations on finding your forever one. Unas is your best bet. Although Alryria offers options of more protection, sandstorms plague the area. For that reason, many of their inhabitants stay underground to avoid being swept away. They pray to the deity Sheith. They don’t believe in the God Yaweh or the dark lord, Satan. A variety of shifters stay in that area, but it is mostly home to those who take to the air for travel.”

  Renard smiled at that, finishing his coffee. “Thanks Baal. Please print a full report. That looks to be our destination. A pleasure palace is exactly what two weary travelers need.”

  “Yes, Captain. Would you like me to fly the rest of the way to Unas while you spend time with your forever one?” The ship’s printer started spewing information.

  Dominic chuckled. “She’s a lot smarter than I gave her credit for. Maybe she isn’t a heap after all.”

  “Nope. I told you she’s amazing. She might not be as fast as other ships, but she’s a lot smarter. Well, baby bear, we’re on our way to Unas. Since it only takes three days, is basically a paradise, and…” Renard slid to the printer on the left side of the controls, grabbing the report. “The planet isn’t known by the G-Force. What’s better is, they aren’t part of the universal communication system, meaning the rulers of that planet have no clue who we are nor do they care.”

  “Perfect. Paradise sounds great after coming from the dump in Abugendi.” Dominic got up, then carefully eased down on Renard’s lap.

  “Yeah. It’ll be nice. Maybe we’ll find a quiet spot near some water.” Renard waved his hands.

  Dominic glanced at Renard. “Are you telling me you want to swim?”

  “Why not? You think gargoyles don’t like water? Just like that shower, it’s very relaxing. And besides, I rarely get a chance to be near actual water, and not something coming from water jets on Damascus or the hot springs in Megiddo.”

  Dominic appeared surprised. He curled his arms around Renard and kissed him quickly. “You don’t cease to amaze me, Renard. Bears are naturally big fans of water, but gargoyles, I would’ve never guessed.”

  “There’s a lot of things you would’ve never known about me, baby bear. Now. Why don’t we head back to the dormitory as Baal suggested. She’ll take over from here.” Renard cradled Dominic close to his body, lifting him into his arms.

  Now with the destination set, Renard could relax again.

  Dominic nodded. “Lead the way, big man.”

  Dominic

  Baal’s landing on Unas had him on edge for most of sun light. The heap might’ve been smart but graceful she wasn’t when it came to touching down. However, the rulers of Unas appeared to welcome he and Renard with open arms, telling them about their little planet that had everything any species desired. Dominic found this comforting and figured he might bring up the option of them staying on Unas from now into the not so distant future.

  That was before Dominic and Renard spotted the gorgeous landscape. Much like Hunarth, greenery everywhere because of the favorable temps. The air was crisp, a balmy eighty degrees Fahrenheit but cooler near the body of water that surrounding the city. Unas appeared to be bustling with small crafts getting people from one place to the other, tall buildings resembling big cities from the Old World. Still, nothing detracted from the planet’s natural beauty.

  “Now this…” Dominic raised his hands over his head. “Is where we need to be. Whatd’ya think of making this home?”

  Renard snorted. “We’ve only been here a few minutes. Besides, the leaders did mention this area as a potential place that bounty hunters may stop for rest and relaxation while they’re looking for criminals.”

  “Okay… well, we can solve that by staying in, cuddled under the covers with your dick lodged far up my ass.”

  Renard grabbed Dominic’s shoulder and yanked him close. “That sounds wonderful, but first, let’s do some looking around. I think we’re out of danger now. I’ve set the communicator inside Baal to detect any G-Force members in the area that might be looking for us. If we’re spotted, we might have to make a run for it.”

  Dominic wasn’t convinced. Although he loved traveling, he wished to stay stationary at least for a little while. He missed being on Gocara, but only because it was home. Now, that home would be wherever Renard wish to go, but Dominic preferred it to be on ground and not up in space. “I already told you what we could do.”

  “I understood. Just be prepared, okay? Let’s go exploring like you want. I’m told there’s plenty to see.”

  Dominic nodded and let Renard lead him away from the planet’s landing bay to the city’s center. The inn was more like a grand palace, and the only one around the entertainment buildings that Unas offered.

  “I’d rather be away from all this.” Renard complained as they stood waiting for a passenger craft to take them away from the bustling part of town. “Unless you’d like to see it.”

  “Not now, but definitely once we get settled.” Dominic gripped his bag tightly in hand, fully aware of the different kinds of characters roaming Unas. There was no set species as there was on Gocara where everyone was a bear, but all came in different shapes, colors, and sizes. By Unas being a pleasure planet much like Megiddo, every creature was represented. Although exciting to see a variety of people, it made Dominic nervous. He figured, the more time they spent on the planet, he’d get used to it.

  The craft arrived.

  Unlike Baal, it whizzed away from the city, taking to the air in a few short seconds. It was a self-driving ship, that only fit two passengers and luggage. Perfect for Dominic and Baal since neither of them knew where things where or the directions to the inn Renard wished to stay at.

  The white puffy clouds hid where the ship was going. Renard appeared confident in its abilities, only looking outside the windows.

  “Do you know w
here it’s taking us?”

  “You weren’t listening to them, were you?”

  “Nope. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. Everything just looks so clean, a real change from Abugendi.”

  “It’s an inn near the lake. Still, Abugendi has a lot of gorgeous spots.” Renard said.

  “I’ll take your word for it. I’ve got no interest in visiting the rat faced demons again.”

  Renard snorted. “Well, they probably don’t want to see me either. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. Just look at the water we’re flying over. According to the report Baal gave me, it isn’t more than twenty feet deep. Perfect for a swim.” Renard nudged Dominic. “The Unas people take cleanliness very seriously. They’re anal about their city as well as the waterlines. They only allow a certain amount of people onto their planet at once to ensure everyone is aware of the no litter or filth rules. If you break those, you’re instantly kicked out, banned from visiting again. It’s also why this planet doesn’t show up on our radar. They adhere to the universal guidelines but refuse to keep their space ports fully open. Only in cases of emergency will they allow a craft to land without prior clearance.”

  “Damn, they are serious. They don’t have to worry. I’m looking forward to this time on the ground. As much as I love Baal, it feels good to be stationary.”

  “What? Are you afraid of heights?”

  “No.”

  “And you’re the one that wanted to go fly around the universe. How can we be space pirates and not travel?”

  “We can, but stop at places like this in between, staying for, I dunno, a half a cycle if possible.” Dominic tried to sound convincing.

  Renard shook his head. “Hmm, I’m thinking someone is having second thoughts and we need to chat.”

  “Nope, not at all, I’m…”

  The ship’s sharp turn interrupted Dominic and he grasped Renard’s hand tightly into his. He gritted his teeth, heart pounding as he wondered what the hell was going on?

  Did something happen to the ship? Why did it change course, seemingly on a moment’s notice? “What the hell just happened?”

  “Arriving at the Illmago Water Inns at 01500 hours, Captain Renard.” The spacecraft announced from the speaker overhead.

  “Perhaps she found a shortcut.” Renard laughed and patted his knee.

  Dominic twisted his lips, then clutched his chest. Clearly, he wasn’t prepared to be a pirate as much as he thought he was.

  Perhaps Renard was right about them eventually needing to go back to their home planets. If anything for some stability while they built their family.

  When the aircraft dropped them off, it disappeared as quickly as it came. The landing spot was the beach closest to the shore where a group of people greeted them, taking their bags and shuffling them to a small house that looked like an oversized hut. Totally made from wood, a roof made from straw, with windows only covered by nets apparently to keep the bugs out.

  “Wow, this is amazing.” Renard smiled, looking around him.

  The people ran around them, speaking in an unknown language, fluffing pillows on the couch in the sitting area as well as the bed towards the back. There was no separation except for what Dominic supposed was the lavatory in an opening off to the left. Otherwise, everything they needed and wanted was in front of them.

  The entire area was in lighter colors, bright whites or yellows, with a pinch of louder hues on the floor coverings and sheets. The window featured a perfect view of the shoreline that Dominic felt similar in Gocara. Blue waves crashed against the beach, watering the sand, but didn’t move towards the house. Truly a paradise. Dominic was astounded by the surroundings and hoped no one came for them so they could stay for an extended period of time.

  “Thank you. Yes, you guys have been too kind.” Renard was talking to the small helpers who continued to talk despite leaving the house. “Wow. They’re eager to please I guess.”

  “What were they saying?” Dominic called over his shoulder.

  “I have no idea. My communicator could barely keep up with the questions. Mostly they asked if we’d need their services and told us when we did to ring the various bells around the house.” His footsteps came closer.

  Eventually, warm hands encircled Dominic’s waist and he leaned against him, enjoying Renard’s firm frame. He lifted Renard’s hand to his lips. “Niccceee. I’ve never been treated like royalty.”

  “Well, it’s almost time that happened right?” Renard nuzzled Dominic’s ear making him laugh.

  Dominic released a low growl and relaxed in his hold. “It is. I can’t understand how a place so beautiful could stay off the radar.”

  “Too far away from most planets, I’m sure, which makes it a haven for runaways.”

  “Mhmm. It’s a fantastic getaway. Gocara is beautiful but cannot hold a candle to this place.”

  “Yeah and, we should enjoy it as much as we possibly can.”

  “So, we can put it on the list of places to start our family?” Dominic said, sounding hopeful.”

  “It’s definitely there, but it’s a pleasure planet. Unless we raise our kids here closer to the shore, they’d be exposed to the city’s sinful happenings.”

  “Ah, whatevs. I was exposed to a lot of things and I turned out great!” Dominic snorted.

  “I know, but… well, we’ll see. We’ve got some time to explore, figure things out. It’s over twenty days from Gocara and Damascus.” Renard said matter-of-factly.

  “Wow, that far?” Dominic said, sounding shocked. He knew they’d travelled quite a ways to escape from the G-Force and all their allies chasing them, but he would’ve never guessed the length to be that big amount.

  “Yes. Anyway, we were supposed to talk about travelling.”

  Dominic turned around in Renard’s hold to face him. He gripped his man’s shoulder and patted them. “I still want to, but, Baal’s landings, and even this craft, wow. I know it’s because I’m a little homesick. I’ve never been so far away where everything was so unfamiliar to me.”

  “I get that. Which is why we should eventually go back. Just to give the finger to our tribes, then go off on our own again.”

  Dominic nodded. “You’re right. My people won’t be happy, but I don’t care. No one ever took me seriously in the Messoli anyway.”

  “Same with the G-Force for me. I’d been promoted, but my father was never satisfied with anything I did. ‘Sides, I don’t like any of the G-Force rules or how they do business. A lot of things they do are for personal gains and medals, not for the good of the universe.”

  “Really? I’ve always felt that, which is why my people didn’t want to join. Although, I won’t toot the Gocarians horn either since all my people wished to do was takeover planets and force people to do what they want.”

  “Colonizing. It didn’t work in the Old World and it won’t now.” Renard said, sounding annoyed.

  “I agree. I learned it all in school. Anyway, I… to answer your question, I want to keep travelling, but I’m okay with going back, eventually as long as we’re together.”

  “That’s a definite, babe.” Renard cradled Dominic’s cheeks in his hands and rubbed the spaces under his eyes with his thumbs. “We’re in this as a team. A couple. You and me against the universe.”

  “Don’t forget the heap.” Dominic said with a chuckle.

  “Uughh, she’s not a heap!” Renard lifted Dominic into his arms and carried him to the bed where he tossed him on top before falling on him. He peppered Dominic’s face with kisses while he started tugging at his clothes.

  “Ahh, oh Goddess, okay, okay, she’s not a heap, but dammit, don’t stop stripping me!” Dominic cried, still laughing and overjoyed that his man was in such a good mood.

  No more talking. Now it was time to take advantage of the gorgeous view. Well from the bed anyway, especially since Dominic doubted, he’d be able to see anything around Renard’s big body while he bounced on his cock again.

  Chapter
Thirteen

  Renard

  Renard forced one eye open, noticing the moon’s shine reflecting off the wall. He shifted in Dominic’s hold, but stopped when Dominic’s hand clasped his shoulder.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, just startled in my sleep, that’s all.”

  “Why? Were you having a nightmare?”

  Renard lifted his head and lay on Dominic’s chest. “Not really. I’m just so used to being in space I don’t know how to relax. When I visit planets, I’m usually working, and that’s the only times I’m stationary…unless I’m on Megiddo.”

  “Well, that’s a switch. I’m used to be on the ground and you up in the air.”

  “Yeah.” Renard laughed and curled one arm around Dominic’s waist. “Isn’t it a shame I’m not used to being comfortable?”

  “It really is. I mean, I’ve got responsibilities, but I definitely took the time to relax.” Dominic snorted.

  “Hmm. Well my dad doesn’t think relaxing is necessary. It’s a wonder how he managed to take the time out to have me.” Renard half chuckled.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, do you know your other parent?”

  Renard sighed, wishing he didn’t have to talk about his Poppa, Admiral Wyatt.

  “Renard? Baby?”

  Renard sniffed, trying to hold back the tears from flowing. “My Poppa was an admiral in G-Force. He died in battle when I was a teenager.”

  “Oh fuck, babe, I’m sorry.” Dominic pulled him up to meet his blue gaze. He placed his hand on his cheek. “Shit! What is it about us and the tragic stories with our parents?”

  Renard shrugged. “I dunno. Almost everyone in the G-Force has or knows someone that’s died in battle. At least he did it with honor. And back when he was alive, people took being in G-Force a lot more seriously. It wasn’t just a job to them like it is now.”

  “And not for personal gains, like you mentioned earlier.”