“I overloaded the weapons that opened the wormholes to heat planetary cores. All the worlds are now safe. The Federation will install safeguards to make sure that can’t happen again.”
“The Zin will allow your safeguards?”
“Yes.”
A mysterious and almost compelling computer voice, the voice of the Zin, answered for Kirek. “The Zin will permit Federation supervision.”
“What about us?” Angel asked.
The Zin didn’t hesitate. “You are free to go in peace. We will escort your ship to a portal to speed you on your way home.”
And so the Zin treaty was left for the arbitrators of peace to negotiate. Meanwhile, Angel had her own problems.
BACK IN THE Milky Way Galaxy aboard the Raven, Angel sat at the helm of her ship, staring out at the stars. Ever since they’d returned to the Raven, she’d been out of sorts with the way the mission had ended. She didn’t know what to think about the Zin. Or about Kirek’s risking their lives for a chance at peace.
She was irritated with herself for feeling annoyed at losing the Zin home world for salvage. Obviously, even she could see that turning the Zin into an ally would benefit the Federation far more than killing them all. Her personal disappointment seemed petty after all that had occurred.
Yet, she still hated her debt to Kirek for the Raven’s upgrades. She supposed the new ship systems would allow her to find many more prizes, but still owing him for the upgrades irked her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see him—she simply wanted any relationship between them to be her choice, and without the Zin homeworld to salvage, she might be paying back Kirek for her ship’s retrofitting for centuries.
Kirek slipped behind the console beside her. He’d been so busy sending reports back home, they’d had no chance for a private conversation. “The mission didn’t turn out as we’d planned.”
“No, it didn’t,” she snapped, not certain she was ready to talk. While brooding hadn’t helped her feel any better, she suspected arguing with him wouldn’t either. While she was saddened that their time together was coming to an end, she had to face that soon they would say goodbye.
“Tessa and Kahn have asked me to come home to Mystique. The Federation Council is in an uproar. According to Kahn, Tessa is fed up with politics, and she thinks my statements will help the delegates reach a consensus.” Kirek spoke as if choosing each word with care.
She didn’t understand how the distance between them had grown so quickly. They were talking like two polite strangers—not lovers. While she wanted to bridge the gap between them, she didn’t dare. She already had too many feelings for Kirek.
When she remained silent, he placed his hand on hers. She jumped but didn’t draw away. She’d missed his touch, and soon he would be gone. What harm could there be in enjoying a bit more of his affection? “I’d like to show you my home and introduce you to my parents and friends.”
Her heart ached. “Why?”
“They wish to thank you for all you’ve done.”
At his words, she did pull her hand away. She’d been inside his mind. She knew the way he felt about her. She returned some of those feelings, and yet, she would feel just as trapped on his world as any other. “I’ll take you. But I … won’t … stay—at least not for long.”
“I know.” He sighed. “When our psi merged, I realized that the Raven will always be your home.”
Kirek’s sense of duty to his people and his parents was so strong that he’d never leave them to come with her. He’d missed them all terribly during his long years of separation. Deep in his soul he longed to be with those he loved as much as she yearned to stay aboard the Raven.
She probably should have refused to take him to Mystique. But she wanted to meet his family and friends. She wanted to spend more time with him. Just a few more self-indulgent weeks … Her heart might break when she said the final goodbye, but the damage was already done. Kirek already meant more to her than she’d ever intended.
So she might as well enjoy him for a bit longer.
AND ENJOY KIREK, she did. They made love repeatedly during the journey to Mystique and Angel discovered that the Raven had many facilities conducive to relaxation. After living in space for so many years, Angel had forgotten how lovely making love could be in a pool of warm water or on a blanket on a hot sand beach. She’d enjoyed every moment she’d shared with Kirek in the recreation facilities that could duplicate the pleasure pools of Lazpar IV or the pink powder sand beaches of Denbub’s third moon. But Kirek’s lovemaking made every encounter special and poignant as if he too was well aware that they had to live a lifetime of loving during the journey to Mystique.
They’d made an unspoken pact not to discuss the future. Instead they slept and made love and watched old holovids, fed one another delicious meals, and enjoyed their vacation. Angel thought she’d be ready to leave him when they reached Mystique and hoped she’d tire of his company, that their lust would wear off and she could meet his friends and family and say goodbye with no regrets.
But as she viewed Mystique’s green mountains from the vidscreen with trepidation, she realized that all too soon she’d have to share Kirek with those he loved. So many times she’d wanted to ask him to come with her, but as she’d seen the eagerness in his eyes as he spoke to those at home, she knew his heart was with his family. He’d been gone for almost nine long years, and asking him to consider leaving before he’d arrived would have been selfish.
Kirek came up behind her, placed his hands around her waist, tugged her against him, and placed his chin on her shoulder. “So what do you think? Isn’t Mystique a beautiful world?”
If he was hoping to convince her to stay, it wouldn’t work. She was already dreading going down there. “I didn’t expect the spaceport to be so busy.”
“After the Zin destroyed the Federation capital, Mystique became the temporary home of the ruling council. Kahn says they want to make it permanent, but Tessa, Mystique’s leader, isn’t pleased.”
“Why not?”
“You can ask her yourself.” Kirek nipped her neck, sending a delicious tickle down her back. “Ready to meet everyone?”
She hesitated. “You should go alone. Your parents haven’t seen you in years. I’ll be in the way.”
Kirek’s tone was light, eager. “Miri and Etru can’t wait to meet you.”
“What did you tell them about us?” she asked.
“That you kiss like a sweet dream. That when I hold you, I’m happy. After we make love, all I can think about is how long until we can do it again.”
She turned around and glared at him. “I’m serious.”
“Will you relax? My mother and father will be so happy to see me, they won’t care who I bring with me.”
She raised a brow. “So they won’t like me for myself?”
“They’ll adore you because you saved my life more times than I can count.” He gripped her arms, his eyes searching. “Besides, why do you care what they think? It’s not as if you’re planning to stick around for very long.”
“Planets, homes, and families make me edgy,” she admitted.
He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the shuttle bay. “Since nothing I say is going to change your mind, we might as well get going.”
That he’d let her off the hook and hadn’t pressed her should have made her feel better. But her stomach knotted. Even piloting the shuttle down to the family’s private landing strip did little to calm her nerves. She was about to meet living legends—Tessa Caymen and Kahn of Rystan. Dora—a living computer—and her husband Zical, plus Kirek’s parents and cousins and assorted kids.
She should have dropped him off and left immediately. But she would never have forgiven herself for missing this opportunity. If she didn’t like his family she could always make up an excuse to leave. Angel really was comfortable in most social situations—probably because she didn’t give a damn what anyone thought. But now … she wanted these people to like her, and it
bothered her that she cared so much.
She set down the shuttle in the middle of a pad that had been surrounded by a verdant garden with blooming flowers. Outside about thirty people had gathered to greet them. Before she unsnapped her safety harness, Kirek leaned over, angled his mouth over hers, and stole a kiss.
Heat suffused her, and of their own volition, her fingers threaded into his hair. If only the world wouldn’t intrude. If only he didn’t have so many obligations. But for one moment, he was all hers, and she reveled in his kiss. She didn’t think she’d ever tire of him surprising her with those sparks in his eyes or the mischievous grin she’d spotted before he’d swooped down to ravish her mouth, heating her blood and escalating her pulse.
When he finally pulled back with a satisfied smirk, she was certain her eyes had glazed over with lust. Great. With her lips all puffy from kissing him, her hair a mess, it was the perfect time to meet his parents—whom he hadn’t seen in forever.
As usual, he’d known just what she’d needed. She slapped his butt with a playful smack. “Let’s go before your parents think we forgot how to use an exit hatch.”
Kirek grinned, unnecessarily helped her to her feet, then popped the hatch. “After one look at your swollen lips, they’ll more likely believe you’ve been seducing their son.”
Angel swore under her breath, wondering how their words could have echoed outside—but apparently they had carried. From outside the spaceship, she heard a woman chuckle. “Kirek, there are children out here who can hear you.”
A woman laughed. “I’m sure Dora has already corrupted the children.”
“More. More,” the kids shouted. “We want to hear more.”
“Settle down,” an adult male ordered, but apparently no one took him seriously—Angel and Kirek exited the shuttle to more shouts of encouragement.
Kirek hadn’t taken two steps forward before a woman broke away from the others to hurry forward and embrace him. “Mom.” Kirek placed his arms around his mother before Angel got a good look at her. “I’ve missed you so much.”
The warmth in Kirek’s voice twisted Angel’s heart. Then his father joined the family hug, and for one moment, she felt like an outsider. But then Kirek reached out and pulled her forward. “Mom. Dad. This is Angel Taylor. She’s saved my life more times than I …”
Miri hugged Angel so hard she stole her breath, and Angel didn’t even hear what Kirek said—not that it mattered. Kirek’s mom smelled like fresh-baked bread and sweet cinnabar jelly, and her crinkled eyes welcomed her without any reserve whatsoever. It was as if whoever Kirek brought home to her deserved her friendship. When Miri finally stepped back to wipe away happy tears, Etru hugged Angel all over again. With his dark hair and blue eyes, the family resemblance was unmistakable. Thankfully the huge Rystani warrior knew his own strength, and his bear hug was just as hospitable as his wife’s. “Welcome to Mystique.”
Angel didn’t have time to feel the least bit awkward. Kirek kept an arm draped possessively over her shoulder as he introduced her to Tessa Caymen and Kahn, Dora and Zical, Alara and Xander, and Shaloma, and a bunch of intelligent-eyed and happy kids, too many for Angel to even attempt to keep track of. With everyone laughing and talking and hugging at once, she learned that Miri had been cooking for a week to prepare a feast for Kirek’s homecoming, that the Federation Council was awarding both of them the the Qudsar Medal of Honor for their efforts, and that endorsement and holovid contracts were awaiting both their signatures in case they wanted to start a business venture or become holovid stars. With the opportunities coming her way, she’d have enough credits to pay back Kirek for the ship’s renovations and still have enough left over to do whatever she wanted for a very long time.
Kahn teased Kirek over the holovid offer, but Angel watched him draw Kirek aside for a serious private moment before they all headed toward a white canopy that draped a buffet laden with food, the enticing scents causing her to salivate. But Angel also noticed the security guards stationed around the picnic area. As Kirek poured her a fruit drink, she wondered if the guards were there for a specific reason or if the political problems Kahn had hinted at were more severe than he’d let on during his ship-to-Mystique conversations with Kirek.
However, the meal was one of celebration, and Angel hesitated to bring up politics when everyone was so obviously determined to have a good time. Kids of all ages helped themselves to food and played mock war games. Unlike the kids at the school on Dakmar, these children seemed happy and well-behaved. Adults relaxed in the sunshine, but Angel noted that the men and Tessa’s gazes never strayed far from the children and the perimeter.
The men had gathered around a barrel of brew, refilling their glasses as they spoke in low murmurs. The women wandered to the other end of the table. As much as Angel wanted to hear the men’s conversation, the women here fascinated her.
“I’d love to see the Raven,” Dora told Angel. “Kirek nabbed first dibs on the shapeshifting technology, and Tessa’s outfitting a new ship, but it’s not finished yet.”
“I’d be happy to give you a tour,” Angel told the gorgeous woman with holovid looks, finding it hard to believe she’d once been a computer. She seemed so alive, so motherly with her kids, and yet so in love with her husband.
Dora shot Angel a mischievous look. “Did Kirek install the bathing pool I designed?”
“He did.” Angel had spent many wonderful hours in the pool with Kirek, but the family gathering didn’t seem a good time to mention that fact. But Dora seemed to know. Her eyes twinkled.
But before Dora said anything more, Tessa smoothly inserted herself into the conversation. “The shapeshifting hull fooled the Zin?”
“Tessa, I hadn’t finished asking her if the shape of the pool enhanced—”
Tessa rolled her eyes. “After all these years of being human, surely you can think about something else besides lovemaking?”
Dora shrugged. “Why should I have to? Alara’s always talking about sex, and you don’t complain about her topic of conversation.”
As Tessa and Dora spoke, their voices teased, and there could be no doubting these two women were the best of friends. It was obvious from their tones, their glances, and their ease with one another, making Angel very aware that although she considered Frie a friend, she’d never shared as much with her as these two women seemed to.
Tessa sighed. “Alara is a scientist working on a biological problem.”
“A problem no more.” Alara’s eyes gleamed. “I found a way to break the link. Endekian women will no longer be forced to make love to regenerate their cells.”
“That’s incredible.” Tessa raised her glass in a toast. “To Alara.” They all sipped. Then Tessa eyed the scientist, speculation in her sharp gaze. “You didn’t file the patents, did you?”
“The formula is my gift to Endeki.”
Tessa grimaced, but her tone remained light as she spoke to Angel. “Alara is a brilliant scientist, but she has no head for business. I can’t imagine working for years on a project only to give the work away.”
“It’s your fault,” Alara teased her, not the least intimidated by the famous former Tetuan who was now the political backbone of Mystique and one of the foremost Federation leaders.
“Mine?” Tessa’s eyes widened.
“You’re so successful, none of us have to work.”
Tessa sighed. “So my success has spoiled you.”
Alara and Dora chuckled. “Your success has given us opportunities to pursue our goals.” Then Alara elbowed Tessa. “Besides, I heard that Earth never paid for their pollution technology, and you footed the bill.”
Tessa, clearly uncomfortable at being caught in a generous act, shrugged. “You can’t believe rumors.”
“Uh-huh.” Alara muttered. Dora grinned.
“What will you do now?” Angel asked the scientist.
“I’m not certain,” Alara admitted.
“I could use your help with the Federation Council,
” Tessa told her. “The Federation united to fight the Zin, but now that the threat is over, the delegates seem to have nothing better to do than squabble over resources. We have planets where entire populations are starving, a war about to break out over the mining rights in Orion’s Belt, and the asteroid city of Halmenica wants independent status.”
Dora’s eyes narrowed on Tessa. “I’ve heard rumors about an attempt to overthrow the Federation Council.”
Tessa sipped her drink. “They’re just rumors. We haven’t pinned down—”
“Excuse me,” Angel interrupted, the hair on her nape standing up and practically screaming from an instinct she didn’t understand but had learned to trust. “Danger’s coming.” With a psi thought, she sent an order to her shuttle to lift into an orbit where it would be safe.
“Kahn! We’re under attack!” Tessa shouted, almost at the same time Angel had spoken.
Skimmers shot across the previously empty sky. On foot, men charged out of the surrounding woods, weapons firing. The attackers fanned out but kept advancing, their movements coordinated and purposeful.
Security bravely placed themselves between the family and the attackers, but they were outnumbered, and many of them died during the initial attack.
With a child in each arm, Dora, Alara, Miri, and Shaloma, with another youngster on her hip, quickly gathered the children into a group and rushed the youngsters toward the cover of the nearest building. None of the kids cried. All obeyed the instructions without panicking, surprising Angel.
Angel, Tessa, and the men retreated more slowly, firing their weapons to cover the retreat of the other women and children. Their defense was almost choreographed or much practiced. But this was no drill. Men downed by the enemy fire didn’t get up. Their shrieks of pain rang in Angel’s ears.
“You okay?” she asked Kirek, retreating by his side.
“What the hell is going on?” he muttered. “Those are Federation troops.”
Rystani Warrior 04 - The Quest Page 28
