Miranda's Destiny - the unexpurgated edition

by Candace Smith

  Disappointment shadowed the features of the onlookers as they realized the little mate could not kiss her warrior without pulling him down to her. Deliriously happy, Tali claimed her mouth and stifled a yell when she bit his tongue.

  They walked off the altar towards the feasting table. Miranda took her seat between Zule and his mother, and Miranda looked Zalana in the eye, “Absolutely no more ceremonies without complete descriptions first.”

  “Yes, daughter." Zalana had no idea why Miranda was upset.

  The meal of unusual meats, fruits and vegetables was delicious. There was a table of pastries over to the side that people wandered by and chose from.

  Tempest leaned behind Taliquant and Zulien, and tugged at Miranda's dress. “No wedding cake?”

  “I guess they don’t do that here.”

  “Look at the bottom of that pastry table. I think that will work.” Tempest's eyes had a mischievous glint. “I owe the big guy one.”

  “Sounds good to me. How do we get them over there?”

  “Everything you do is etched in stone around here. We are so going to give every mate who has ever had to stand butt-assed, a chance for payback.”

  Miranda giggled and she turned back to the table. A few minutes later, she announced, “Zulien, there is one part of the ceremony feast from my world that I would like to share with you.”

  Zalana's eyes widened and Terena was already memorizing. Miranda stood and led Zulien over to the table with different colored cakes, and Tempest pulled Taliquant to join them. Miranda cut four pieces off the large cake on the bottom.

  The parents circled around them and friends looked on curiously. The two warriors stood proudly by their little mates. Miranda cleared her throat. “This signifies that you will always help provide for your mates.”

  She handed Zulien a piece of cake and Tempest handed one to Taliquant. The whole gathering that were within earshot, watched with anticipation. “You are to feed me the piece of cake,” Miranda whispered.

  Zulien and Taliquant carefully placed the small treats on their respective mates’ tongues, and the gathering almost bowed their heads at the significance of the ritual. Miranda and Tempest turned back to the table and the two small pieces Miranda had cut off the large cake.

  “Oh, I do not think so,” Tempest said. She scooped up a huge piece and slammed it across Taliquant’s face, and Miranda followed suit. The two warriors stood stunned, faces half covered in gooey blue frosting.

  Tempest and Miranda looked at their shocked mates and the bewildered expressions on crowd and burst into laughter. Miranda pulled Zulien down and began licking the tasty cake off his face. Tempest decided that looked like fun. They licked and nibbled until their warriors’ faces were clean, and they were dripping with desire.

  “Not exactly what I planned, but it works,” Tempest murmured.

  The warriors’ shafts were practically exploding from their breeches. “This is a wise ritual, my mate,” Zulien said in awe, and Miranda began laughing again and pulled him into a kiss.

  The Magistrate of Battle had joined the cloistered group. Along with the others, he had watched the cake ritual and understood the significance of providing for your mate, and her answer of comfort and desire were not lost on him. “So many of the Old Religion’s rituals have been forgotten,” he said sadly. “Celestial, I am Vesario, the Magistrate of Battle. It is a great honor to meet you. I assure you that the Magistrates of Well Being and Divider of Realms are also pleased you are not decayed,” he said reverently.

  “Thank you, Magistrate. I am relieved not to be decayed, as well,” she smiled. “Please, call me Miranda. This is Tempest.”

  “Yes, the Provider of Ritual Growing Things. We are most pleased you were procured as well.” Vesario took Tempest's hand, and thought she looked too fragile to have been the Celestial’s protector in the outer worlds.

  “You’re the dude that’s giving us the planet, right?” Tempest grinned.

  The statement had him flustered, and he decided that ‘dude’ must mean messenger. “I have been chosen to be that dude,” he affirmed. “The other allies on Laquista are positioning themselves to protect the Celestial.”

  Vesario turned to Zulien. “The Magistrate of Well Being has stalled any edicts to demand the Celestial’s presence before the hierarchy, for now. The Magistrate of the Divider of Realms agreed with my understanding of the Celestial’s vision, and we have already arranged a temporary shelter on Vallastera large enough for your families and an initial pilgrimage.”

  “So far out?” Zalana whispered to Zibula.

  “We suspected that planet to be part of the original Ancient’s worlds. With Vesario controlling the battleships, it would be difficult for the enemies within the hierarchy to organize an attack,” Zibula reasoned.

  “As far as the other vision Zalana relayed to us, we are considering its meaning. It would have been helpful to have had the Magistrate of Old Ways to confer with, even if his ideas are diluted. Naturally, we are keeping the information only with those we know to be behind us.”

  Miranda spoke up. “Perhaps you should speak with Ballion. It sounds like his people may be a more reliable source for interpretation, and the Minocs are not interested in twisting what is remembered for personal gain.”

  Vesario’s mouth dropped open. He glanced over to where Ballion stood by Ethram, antenna waving in the air and occasionally stroking his chin. “What would a Minoc know about these things?”

  “It had not occurred to me either, Vesario. Apparently, after the Battles of Chaos, some of the lesser civilizations seemed to be supportive of the new hierarchy, when in fact they have been aggressively researching and protecting the Old Religion. These planets never posed a threat to the Magistrates, so they have been able to quietly conduct their studies unnoticed. Minocania has been researching Ancient civilizations, and Ballion was most helpful with his suggestions on the joinings. The wasted procurers on Garnella have located ruins and altars, and I would not be surprised if there are more supporters hidden among the lesser worlds,” Zibula announced.

  “The Quillant and Quistar will escort you to your new home after the ceremonies have concluded, and the Quibasta is already circling Vallastera. With one attempt already made on the Celestial, we feel it is imperative to get her moved to safety as quickly as possible,” the Magistrate explained. “Zibula, I would like to discuss what you have learned about the lesser planets with Ballion and Ethram.” The two warriors wandered off.

  Zalana and Terena disappeared to make arrangements for the move. Zalana contacted the other visionaries, and they all expressed the desire to make the pilgrimage, excited that their ability might finally have meaning. As it looked as though the Quillant was to be a rather permanent fixture protecting Vallastera, the families of the warriors on board decided to make the move. The initial pilgrimage consisted of over seventy people from Shallistar.

  Ethram offered to shuttle some of the travelers on the Isotant. After checking with the leaders on Garnella, they wanted him to remain close to the Ancient and relay information. Naturally, the Minocanians were beating their antennas with pride that Ballion should represent their interests.

  The ceremony wound down, and the crowd slowly dispersed to their waiting shuttles. The newly joined mates and their parents, along with the warriors of the Quillant and their mates and the Magistrate of Battle, made their way back to the docking port for the Quillant.

  Zulien and Taliquant flanked Vesario as he prepared to offer Letang his commission. Vasilla stood with their parents, pride shining in her chocolate eyes.

  “The Quillant is being joined by three junior officers,” Vesario began. “Lieutenants Bregan, Shiplant and Drapent have shown promise in their training, and are looking forward to joining your regiment.”

  Vesario noticed the confusion on the Quillant warriors’ faces. They knew Berslan would need a replacement. Maybe it was decided to add to the regiment because of the importance of their new mission. The
regiment and mates shook hands with the new additions with warm acceptance.

  “Lieutenant Letang and Captain Seartock, please step forward for your commissioning,” Vesario boomed.

  Seartock looked questioningly at his friends. Everyone expected Letang to be promoted to Captain after all he had done for the mission, but Seartock had no idea why he was being included.

  “All warriors on the Quillant are being commissioned up one grade.”

  The warriors and their mates beamed. They did not know what was going on, but the promotions were an unexpected boon. Sometimes they had to wait centuries for a battle that made them worthy.

  “Commander Zulien and Major Taliquant are being promoted to on world Admirals for Vallastera, and it is with my utmost agreement with them that I announce this commissioning. Letang, you are now Commander of the Quillant. Seartock, you are now Major, and his second.”

  Just as Zulien had predicted, Vasilla fainted into the arms of her father, and Ebonisha burst into proud tears. The warriors erupted into congratulations. It was a very good day for the regiment.

  Parents were brought on board the Quistar, while the other citizens making the pilgrimage shared procurement rooms on the Isotant. Arrangements were made to forward personal belongings, and businesses were transferred to family members and friends to watch over. The ships left the Shallistar atmosphere.

  Zulien nervously led Miranda to his quarters. After centuries, it would be his last trip sleeping in them. He was certain when Letang moved into them, Vasilla would lighten his dungeon colors to the lavenders and light blues she liked to be surrounded in.

  “Please understand, my mate, my apartments have been my own for many years. I did not have time to honor you with new furnishings, and my only explanation is the dark despair I was feeling over my long wait to find you.” Zulien thought of the horrid place and the distaste he would see in Miranda's eyes.

  “I am sure you have it set up like a bachelor’s pad would be on my planet. Do not worry, Zulien. It is common for men to keep what makes them comfortable close on my planet, too.”

  He took a deep breath and opened the door, and he stared in amazement. Light green curtains and bedding now decorated his sleeping area. His desk had been organized and the maroon carpet had a golden rug covering most of the threadbare pacing paths. As Miranda entered the room, Zulien checked the plaque on the door to make sure he had the right room. Ebonisha and Vasilla stood at the end of the hall and smiled warmly, giving him a thumbs up and mouthing ‘You’re welcome’.

  A bottle of wine sat on the nightstand with two glasses and a note. “Welcome, Miranda. If there is anything you need, please let us know.” It was signed, “From your new family.”

  “Oh Zulien, this is wonderful. If this is what your idea of a bachelor’s hangout is, I am afraid you will not be impressed with my decorating ideas.”

  Zulien admitted that Vasilla and Ebonisha lightened the quarters, because mates kept no secrets from each other. They sipped wine and Zulien promised to take her to the bridge later so she could look out the viewport to the stars he loved. They drank the rich, fruity beverage in silence while Zulien turned out all the lights except the glow from the shallistone on the desk.

  They stripped off their clothes and lay back on the bed. Zulien’s mouth found hers, and she felt sparks shoot through her while their tongues danced together. His big hand covered her breast and squeezed gently, pinching her nipples into hardened buds.

  Miranda's juices flowed freely and her hips began to squirm. She felt his swollen shaft pressing against the side of her thigh, and she wrapped her fingers around as much of him as she could hold. Her fist lightly pumped, and she let her fingers stroke his length.

  Zulien leaned over her and his hair brushed the pillow on either side of her pale cheeks. The liquid blue eyes shining up at him mirrored his desire for his beautiful mate. “I never hoped to be so lucky, Miranda.”

  Miranda searched his dark gaze. How could this incredible warrior be her husband? Although she had visions of him in the past, it still seemed surreal that such a magnificent man could exist… and for her. The desire reflected in his eyes reached into her soul, and her lips quivered with excitement. Her body ached to be filled by him.

  Zulien’s head traveled lower, and his lips kissed sparks down her flesh. Her hands rested on his shoulders, squeezing while he suckled at her breast and his finger spread her moist cream. “I need you, Zulien. I need you to fill me,” she moaned.

  His head dipped lower, scenting her arousal, and passion flared deep within him. His hands trembled as he pinned her hips, and his tongue swept the length of her split. Miranda reached for him and fisted his hair, trying to pull him back up to her so he would enter her and calm the fire in her womb. Zulien took her wrists and held them to her sides, while he continued his oral ministrations.

  Miranda was panting, trying to squeeze her thighs together while lightly bucking her hips towards his tongue, and when he began teasing her clit, she gasped. “No, please, Zulien, I need you inside me,” she begged.

  Zulien continued his teasing onslaught until he felt the shuddering spasm of her climax and he saw the distant gaze in her eyes as the vision filled her mind.

  She stood before the glass pyramid, the light beam from her hand still aimed towards the blackness of space. The star that had gathered at the end of the beam flared brightly, and a million colored shards burst from its center.

  CHAPTER X

  Even with the added information, Miranda did not understand the vision. She lay curled up on her warriors’ chest, while her breathing returned to normal and she reclaimed her senses.

  When all seemed in order, she rolled over and straddled his waist with her thighs. “You’re going to have to stop doing that. I really feel like I’m going to shatter.” Miranda scooted her bare bottom down until she felt the bulbous end of his shaft centered on her weeping channel. She sunk down in a single plunge and groaned in pleasurable fulfillment.

  Her hips rolled as she ground him deep inside her, and her sensitive bead rubbed seductively on his pubic bone as she felt her need tighten her sheath. Zulien was growling with erotic sensation as slender fingers reached around and stroked Miranda's slit. She was so lost in passion, the brushing on her sex took a moment to register. Miranda looked down to where their bodies were joined, and screamed.

  Zulien’s eyes flew open, and their bodies separated with a moist sucking sound as he rolled her protectively behind him.

  “Commander, I sense your passion and need. My tongue salivates to stoke along your lusty length. My nipples harden to…”

  “Voice off, dammit.”

  “Zulien, who is she?” Miranda whispered. She studied the slender woman. Her skin was dark red, and she had white hair... at least, on her head. The rest of her appeared to be completely denuded, and everything sexual about her, from her long nipples to her hanging flat labia with exposed fleshy folds, seemed exaggerated. When the five-inch split tongue sensually ran over her lips, Miranda shivered. “What is she?” Miranda thought she must be another kind of alien.

  The Parina’s arms reached out to stroke Zulien’s chest. “Stop,” he ordered. Zulien pulled Miranda back to his side. “It is the ship Parina. I guess in all the confusion, she has not been programmed to the new junior officers.” Zulien saw the question in his mate’s eyes. “She is an android. The unmated warriors share her to alleviate tension.”

  Miranda was beginning to understand. “I see, and this would be your night with her?”

  The Parina’s eyes flashed as she rapidly organized data and purred, “You are the Celestial. You are the Commander’s mate. Thought of you fills the warriors with desire, and their sacks to fill with…”

  “I said, voice off. Go to the bridge for instructions.”

  The Parina rose and shrugged into her robe before she left the room.

  “Yes,” Zulien admitted. “I hate the thing. She does serve her purpose, though.”

  “
You will not be needing her any more?” Miranda wanted confirmation that the sexual toy was not to be part of their relationship.

  “Oh, I do not think so, my little Ancient,” he chuckled. Zulien threw her onto her back, and Miranda squealed in delight. He positioned himself and entered in a single thrust, resuming their sexual tryst. Miranda felt an uncontrollable claiming desire rise, and her nails scored down his chest in mindless passion.

  More colorful shards exploded from the star as Zulien roared his seeds’ eruption, and Miranda disappeared in climatic vision.

  The next afternoon, they finally exited his quarters. Both wore the quietly smiling expressions of thoroughly satisfied mates as Zulien took her hand and led her to the bridge.