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Copyright ©2008 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS


NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.


CONTENTS

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Dedication

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

About the Author

For your reading pleasure, we invite you to visit our web bookstore

* * * *


HEARTCRYSTAL
by
Linda Mooney
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com


Published by
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright © 2008 by Linda Mooney
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-60313-386-9
Credits
Cover Artist: Kendra Egert
Editor: Sara Kent
Printed in the United States of America


WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

HEARTFAST

"HeartFast was not just a satisfying romance, it was also a mind-teasing mystery and science fiction read as well."

Simply Romance Reviews

"Well worth the time to read—which won't be too long, as you won't be able to put it down!"

ParaNormalRomance Reviews

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

SANDEFLAY

"Sandeflay is an absolutely stunning read by Ms. Mooney."

Romance Junkies

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

RUNNER'S MOON BOOK 3: SIMOLIF

"Fantastic Sci-Fi story is the first thing that comes to mind when I tell people about (Runner's Moon, Book 3) Simolif."

Joyfully Reviewed

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

RUNNER'S MOON BOOK 2: TIRON

"Be warned, though. If you have not read the first book yet, odds are you will want to after reading (Runner's Moon Book 2: Tiron)."

Coffee Time Romance

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

RUNNER'S MOON BOOK 1: JEBARAL

"Runner's Moon Book 1: Jebaral ... is an exciting and passionate romance that leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series."

Romance Reader at Heart

[Back to Table of Contents]


Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Runner's Moon Book 1: Jebaral

Runner's Moon Book 2: Tiron

Runner's Moon Book 3: Simolif

Sandeflay

HeartFast

[Back to Table of Contents]


Dedication

For Dad.

I miss you.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 1

Abernath

She couldn't explain why riding the slider felt so exhilarating. She'd been able to fly on her own since she was four, never having to rely on any mechanical means to get from one place to another until she had joined the Guardians. And that had become a necessity since she wasn't capable of hyper light speed. But for some reason, sitting on the low-slung, upholstered cushion with her arms around her husband's waist and her cheek resting on his back as he guided the long, lightning-fast craft through the skies was even better than going solo.

A sudden dip made her tighten her grip. It was an automatic response even though she had no fear of falling off. Even if she did manage to lose her hold and go tumbling off the seat, she wouldn't fall.

"Sorry,” Hunter threw back at her, and Star smiled. Inching closer to him, her thighs bracing his, she cuddled, pressing her breasts into his muscular back. A small tremor went through him, one which she could feel beneath her fingers. She smiled again and this time let one hand trail provocatively down the front of his pants, finding the waistband and dipping the tips of her fingers between the material and the solid, suede-like abdomen. As she expected, he turned his head toward her again and gave her a warning glance. “What do you think you're trying to do?” he demanded in an almost playful tone of voice, audible despite the loud purr of the engines.

Lifting her mouth close to his ear, Star replied, “I'm not trying to do anything. In fact, I think I'm doing it quite well."

"Hussy."

Star laughed, throwing her head back as Hunter dropped the slider into a slow downward spin. Overhead, Abernath's fierce white sun burned bright and merciless. The planet sat too close to the giant star, but the small orb circling it maintained an even rotation on its perfectly vertical axis. As a result, the uppermost and lowest landmasses closest to its southern and northern poles remained at a constant semitropical temperature, allowing for the world to nurture several vast cities.

Plo Corra gave StarLight strength. It was something Hunter knew she needed after her brush with death after defeating the Ombitra mothership. He knew she had lost every ounce of reserves when she had pulsed the gigantic vessel, sending it careening out of control and bringing about its downfall. Star needed to soak up as much energy and magnetic force as she could, siphoning off vast amounts as quickly as she could, in order to get back her own strength. The massive sun of Hunter's homeworld would give Star that part of her life back, and already, after only two days here, she could tell the difference.

She could tell in the way her hair was regaining its luster, the long, thick, black locks gleaming like a starry night. She could tell by the color returning to her face, giving back to her skin its alabaster glow. She could tell in the way she moved and walked, refreshed and more energetic.

She could tell in the way she made love to her husband.

Two days. They'd hardly left his parents’ home, the home where he had grown up, since their arrival right after the wedding ceremony. His choice had surprised her at first, until he'd taken her outside to feel the pulsing rays bathing the city. Since then Star had spent at least three to four hours outside every day, lying beneath the heat and light, her body unclothed and open to the sun. The backyard was protected by a privacy bubble, keeping them from prying eyes that might accidentally discover two Guardians were honeymooning under their very noses.

Star grinned. Oh, yeah, they were definitely honeymooning. Hunter had been right when he'd told her that making love in the middle of the day without the restriction of walls and beneath the very sun that bathed their skin in white heat was an experience the likes of which she'd never imagined. But if the little love games they played during the day weren't enough, their frenzied passion was nothing if not hotter and more intense at night. He had shown her exquisite fire in the most unexpected places, at the most unexpected times. She giggled and wondered what his parents would think if they knew where they had coupled like insatiable animals. And that was just in their first two days.

Her hand dipped further down the front of his pants. She loved the soft curls trailing down past his navel, hair as soft and sable dark as the short curls on his head. His abdomen tensed again but he didn't admonish her or try to take her hand away. She'd quickly learned her husband was a demanding but patient lover, eager to show her things she'd never dreamed about. He was intent on teaching her what her body was capable of. And the love between them only made those experiences more exhilarating.

A calming warmth spread through her. The HandFast. It all had started with their names being called to be HandFasted, a barbaric custom and responsibility enacted by her adopted homeworld, but a custom created by the necessity to ensure the survival of its inhabitants. Because she was a Guardian, that world was now her home, and that meant she was considered among the eligible.

Of course, when she and Hunter had heard their names called out, their first reaction had been denial and fear. Their second reaction had been trepidation. They were co-workers. They were friends. Now they would have to become lovers—and, as soon as possible, parents, giving up the child they created to a family unable to bear children. A family among the other sixty-odd percent of the population.

Only ... after their first forced night together, something happened between them. Something impossible and unexpected. It had been a delicate awakening. A discovery. Something which grew and flourished with each passing hour, until they had come to realize they were falling in love. Deeply and passionately in love, defying HandFast tradition.

There was no way anyone could have known that four evil men had plotted to destroy their world and the Guardians. No way anyone could have suspected that the two HandFasted Guardians had been a crucial part of their plan. The only person who could stop the Ombitra from following through with their objective to overtake their solar system was StarLight. The men responsible had plotted for her to become pregnant and gambled she wouldn't sacrifice her child to save her adopted world.

They had gambled—and lost. Star had gambled with her life, and nearly died. Her unborn child, the child created from her and Hunter's love, was forever gone.

And in the end, the Ombitra were destroyed.

* * * *

Below she could see them coming closer to the normal throughways, where the traffic was more condensed, and therefore congested. They were getting nearer to the heart of the city, although First City, as it was called, couldn't be compared to the city where Guardian Command was located. First City didn't have any of the towering, solid structures reaching into the skies. Rather, most of the buildings here were low and squat, the biggest being no more than two or three stories tall. Trees and other lush vegetation protected and sheltered the people living here. First City was green and verdant.

"Would you care for something to drink?” Hunter tossed over his shoulder. Star nodded to where he could see her, reluctantly pulling her hand from where she'd had it. He was bringing them to a simple little eatery where several speeders, a few flat single-body transports, and more sliders were parked. Easing the vehicle into an empty slot, Hunter killed the engines and slid off the seat, extending his hand to help her off.

"Let me guess. Another boyhood spot you want to show me?” she smiled.

"Complaining?"

"No,” she told him breathlessly. “Never."

Hand in hand, they ambled into the casual atmosphere of the place. The place was more than half full, but a few booths were available. Nearby an older man was hunched over a table, taking an order from the two women patrons. Hunter sidled up to him and leaned over his shoulder as the man explained, “—the vergrath is probably your best bet today, if you're wanting something sweet."

"If he's pushing the vergrath, don't fall for it. It probably means he overstocked on it, and is trying to get rid of it as soon as possible,” Hunter quietly told the two women.

The man turned to give Hunter an irritated but curious look, and when he suddenly realized who had spoken, his face broke into a wide, warm smile.

"Udo! Oh, my stars above! What in the worlds!” He grabbed Hunter's hand to pump it up and down. “It's been, what? At least two years!” Almost at the same time, the man's eyes grew rounder, and he gasped. “Is it true? I saw you on the vid! Did you really..."

The man's eyes darted to the woman standing slightly behind Hunter, and his knees nearly gave way. “StarLight!"

"Terrin,” Hunter immediately corrected him, but others around them had already made the connection.

"Terrin Vosstien,” Star said with a shy smile.

"Meet Tiro Caldoman,” Hunter introduced. “Owner of this place, maker of the best folto burgers you've ever eaten, and an old friend of the family."

"What in the worlds are you doing here?” Tiro almost demanded. “Here. Here. Sit down! Oh, my stars above! The last I heard, your brother told me you'd become a Guardian. And then there was all the news about you, and about you becoming HandFasted—"

He stopped, realizing he'd said too much. Seeing the man's flustered embarrassment, Hunter laughed softly as he clapped the man on the arm. “Think you can spare a couple of cold glasses of porr juice?"

"Is that all? Certainly! Certainly! Two glasses, coming right up! Norrah! Two glasses of porr juice! And make it snappy!” he bellowed to one of the employees.

Star gave her husband an inquisitive look. “Is he always so ... agitated?"

Chuckling, Hunter leaned back in the padded seat of the booth. “He's mellow today. Trust me. When it's the lunch rush, he's like a black hole, sucking all the energy from the place."

Although he kept a smile pasted on his face, Hunter's eyes swept over the patrons in the little eatery. He'd deliberately chosen what he'd hoped was the slowest time for them to arrive, although he knew there would still be some people around having a late lunch or early dinner. But once Tiro had blurted out StarLight's name, all attention had shifted to them. He and Star may not have been wearing their Guardian uniforms, but his wife's features could not be disguised by mere civilian clothing. Her beauty was renowned.

As he checked the eatery for any potential problems, he felt her hand slip underneath his where it lay on the table between them. He turned to flash her a warm smile.

"Did you come here a lot when you were growing up?” she asked, amused. He had already shown her the schools he had attended, including the valiant field where he'd played coreball, excelling as a pretty decent cornerback.

"Almost every afternoon after practice,” he told her, his eyes going to the middle-aged woman nervously approaching them. He paused to see what she wanted.

"Excuse me, please. But are you really Master Hunter and StarLight?"

"The one and only!” Tiro announced loudly and proudly, swooping in to place two chilled glasses in front of them. “How about a plate of jorsters? I just took them out of the baker! On the house!"

Seeing his wife's raised eyebrow, Hunter nodded. “Sure, Tiro. Terrin's never had jorsters before, have you?"

"Never had the pleasure,” she replied dryly.

Giving them another wide grin, Tiro left to fetch a plate. The woman continued to stand in front of their table, obviously unsure of herself. It was Star who broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Can we help you with anything?” she inquired gently, wondering if the woman needed them in their Guardian capacity. Although they were officially off the clock, being protectors and defenders of a section of the universe was a full-time, lifetime job. To her relief, the woman managed a shaky smile and tossed her head.

"I was wondering if I could get your autographs. For my husband. He's ... he's a huge fan of the Guardians. In fact, we were hoping to take the tour of Guardian Command on our next anniversary."

Behind him, Hunter could hear the telltale purr of a hand comm taking their picture. Public recognition was part of the job he didn't particularly enjoy, but knew it was a necessity. After all, they were there for the public, and they could pretty much take care of themselves in the event things got a bit out of hand. But it was Star's health he worried about. It would be another week or maybe two before she was back in full command of her powers, to the point where Doctor Perlakian would release her back to active duty.

He watched as Star graciously signed the woman's comm link before handing it to him to sign. As he gave the hand computer back to the patron, Tiro hustled back to their table to plop a plate of freshly baked jorsters in front of them. Seeing Star eyeing the unfamiliar food, Hunter grinned and grabbed one, popping it into his mouth. She took his cue and did likewise.

"Well?"

She wrinkled her nose at him. “Definitely not nose-holding food."

A hearty laugh erupted from him, and he reached back over the table to squeeze her free hand.

"Hey, Udo! You really did it? I mean, I watched the ceremony on the vid, but I just couldn't get over the fact that you got married. What are you doing back here?” Tiro questioned, taking an empty chair from a nearby table and parking himself beside their booth.

"Taking some much needed time off,” Hunter admitted. “These past few weeks have been worse than torture."

A patron from the next table over joined into the conversation. “Yeah. We all heard about how StarLight defeated that Ombitra mothership. It was a bloody miracle you survived,” he directly addressed her.

Star reached for another strip of jorsters, but one of the edible thorns hadn't softened enough. She drew back a punctured finger, shaking it then sucking on the tip. Tiro quickly apologized.

"Damn! Sorry about that, but sometimes that happens, especially when they're freshly picked. Here, let me get you some utensils."

Giving him a small smile, Star declined. “I can do it,” she said, lifting her hand. With little effort, two metal prongs lifted from the counter on the other side of the eatery, and flew through the air, slapping into her hand with a soft sound. She offered one to her husband before diving back into the delicacy.

Tiro gave a low whistle. “Damn!” Watching the woman using her power in person was a lot more exciting than seeing her do it on the vidscreen. “How have you been feeling lately?” he asked her.

"Better. Thank you."

"I knew Plo Corra would give her much of her strength back,” Hunter added. “That's why we came here."

"You gonna be here long?” someone from the back inquired.

"Can't tell.” He shrugged. “We're taking it one day at a time. Terrin's listed as inactive until she gets a clean bill of health. But I'm still on active duty. If an emergency comes up that requires my powers, Deceiver won't hesitate to call us back."

Someone repeated Deceiver's name in a hushed tone of voice, bringing another smile to Hunter's lips. It was rare a Guardian ventured out among the everyday masses, much less two. And in this case, the very two people who had been creating history for the past month.

"Vall and Cara aren't back yet, are they?” Tiro inquired of Hunter's parents, pointing also to their glasses. “Refills?"

"Sure. Terrin?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

Seeing the man get up, Hunter answered, “Right now they're getting the grand tour of Guardian Command. Of course, the place got pretty well trashed in the attack. It's going to take a while before we can get it rebuilt."

"Udo?"

The thread of weariness in the single word alerted him to the fact that they were beginning to overstay their visit. When Tiro brought over their refills, Hunter had to hold up a hand to decline. “Sorry, old friend, but we need to go. Thanks, though, for the hospitality. I'll tell Dad you said hello.” He got to his feet as he helped Star out of the booth, preparing to leave.

Tiro shrugged. “You know you're welcome any time, Udo. Star? I mean, Terrin. It was a delight to meet you in person. You are ... quite an astonishing woman."

A flush of pink colored her cheeks. For most of her life, Star had heard many people cite such words of praise about her looks, and for the most part she had brushed them aside. She found no overt beauty in her waist-length black hair, or in her large, violet-colored eyes. But if people wanted to make those kinds of comments, she saw no reason to argue with them. After all, it was their opinion, and they were entitled to it. The only person whose opinion mattered to her was the man keeping a possessive hand against the small of her back.

Yet, it was clear Hunter's friend was sincere in his praise, and he gave her the impression he didn't freely compliment just anyone. She thanked him again as her husband led her back outside. Behind them, the people crowded closer to the door to watch their departure.

As they neared the slider, it appeared the sight of the antique had caught the eyes of a few admirers. One of them, a man Hunter noticed to be wearing a costly vest, seemed especially interested in seeing how the dual engines had been converted.

"She's using Birisium cells,” the man commented almost casually.

Hunter tried to appear equally nonchalant. “Yep. Four units each. Just enough to give her extra power, but not enough to shake her apart."

The man nodded, and his two companions smiled. “How much you want for her?"

Hunter returned the smile. Behind him he could sense Star's apprehension and unspoken question. He slowly raised a hand to let her know he had the situation under control. “She's not for sale,” he said with finality. Subconsciously, he reached out with his powers to get a feel for the man's intent. What he got in response, he didn't particularly care for.

"Everything has its price,” the man smiled. “I have a nice little collection of Torosian sliders, but not the Forward Slant model. And this one is in prime condition. I can see you've put a lot of work into restoring her."

"My father put in the work,” Hunter emphasized. “And he's not willing to sell her, either, no matter what your price.” Looking back at where Star stood silently watching, he held out a hand to assist her back on the seat.

"I don't think you heard me."

The voice set off alarm bells in his head, and Hunter froze momentarily. Likewise, Star paused, one knee on the cushion. Her eyes narrowed at the man.

"Go ahead, Terrin. Get on."

"Doesn't matter,” the man shrugged. “You can let me have her now, or you can let me have her later. In the end, she'll be a part of my collection."

"And what makes you believe we'll relent and let you have her?” Star calmly asked, caution easing into her voice. The sound of it brought a spark of happiness to him. It had been too long since Hunter had heard the old StarLight emerge.

The stranger finally took notice of the woman half on, half off the vehicle. Hunter watched as his eyes raked over his wife's features, resting a bit too long on her full breasts and long legs. “Everyone has their price, Missy."

The remark rankled. Star immediately shifted into Guardian mode, although Hunter was certain she wasn't aware of it.

"In this case, I'm afraid you're wrong,” he told the man as he threw a leg over the shiny upholstery and reached for the ignition.

"I'm never wrong.” The man was so damned cock sure of himself. Hunter watched in amusement as he withdrew a comm unit from one of the vest's pockets. “What's the name of the owner again?"

"Sorry,” Hunter breathed softly. He thumbed the ignition panel, which accepted his ID, and the engines roared to life.

Now it was the two apparent bodyguards who approached them with the obvious intent on keeping him grounded until properly dismissed. Hunter let his masterful powers flow through him just enough to allow him to turn obsidian black eyes at the nearest man. “Better think twice about it,” he warned softly, making the man halt in shock.

The second bodyguard, however, had managed to approach from the rear. Hunter almost smiled, knowing what would happen if the man tried to lay a hand on Star.

He tried. And she did.

Hunter may not have been in uniform, but that didn't prevent him from enacting Guardian Law when and if he needed. Glancing up at the screaming man now suspended nearly thirty feet above them, he looked back at the astonished collector as he gunned the engines.

"Bullying is a poor way to obtain the things you want. So is intimidation. Promise to be a good boy, and I'll tell my wife to let your friend down easily. Continue to be an asshole about it, and the both of you will join him. And, believe me when I say this, she's not feeling quite up to par, so there's a fair chance she might not be able to sustain all of you up there very long."

The man was incensed. “I'll bring you up on charges of flagrant abuse of power, whoever the hell you think you are."

This time Hunter didn't try to hide his amusement. The man had played the card he'd been waiting for. “My name is Master Hunter, and I have the right to enact Guardian Law. That's who I am.” He gunned the engines again. “Swear you will not try such tactics again, and StarLight will release your man. You have five seconds."

The man took two to come to a decision. “You have my word ... but how do I know for truth you're Master Hunter?"

Star let out a lighthearted giggle as the man's bodyguard landed with a thud on the grassy turf. “Guess you'll just have to take our word for it!” She smiled, and gave him a little goodbye wave as Hunter sent the slider into a nearly vertical climb into the sky.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 2

Guardian Command

The man walking toward him was a born leader and commander. He radiated strength and purpose, traits his son Master Hunter had inherited, among others. Taking his eyes away from the communications board in front of him, Deceiver waited to see what Vall Vosstien had to say, although he already had a good idea what it would be about.

"Deceiver, I came to tell you my family and I have had a wonderful visit, but it's time we were heading home,” the man announced.

"I thought that was what you were wanting to see me about. When?"

"Cara's checking into it, but there's a four-fifty flight out tomorrow. With luck, they'll approve us three seats.” The big man hesitated; something the Guardian leader suspected he wasn't accustomed to doing, before continuing. “I also wanted to speak to you personally, and offer to you my apologies, and my thanks."

Deceiver didn't try to hide his surprise. “The thanks I can understand. But why do you need to apologize?"

"Because of what I used to believe about the Guardians. When Udo had told me he was joining your group, I have to admit I was leery. And suspicious. I know the good the Guardians do on a daily basis, but when your firstborn son takes up the shield, it hits a bit closer to home.” He stuck out a large hand, and Deceiver accepted his handshake.

"These past couple of days have done me a world of good, not to mention how they've bolstered my wife's emotional health. I can see now why you all keep so close to the bone. It's a protective measure. Plus the fact that there's so much crap going on out there that the public doesn't need to know about, or worry about. It's a wonder you all manage to survive like you do."

Vosstien regarded the Guardian leader with a keen, observant eye. “I was proud to tell people my son is a Guardian. I still am. More so, after these past couple of days."

"Like I told you yesterday, Commander Vosstien, we are highly indebted to you and your ships. Without you, I honestly doubt we could have defeated the Ombitra fleet."

The board under his hands chirped softly. Deceiver glanced down to see why it had alerted him. It was an incoming call tying directly to the clinic. A call coming from off-planet.

A tiny grin lifted one corner of his mouth. With the exception of Hunter and Star, everyone else was presently at Command. And since their wedding two days ago, no one knew where the couple had disappeared to. Deceiver was sorely tempted to listen in on the conversation.

"An emergency?” Vosstien questioned curiously. The remark drew Deceiver from the board.

"No. Incoming call to the clinic. I think it's Hunter or Star."

The man's eyes widened. “How do you know? Where are they?"

Deceiver shrugged. “Don't know unless I ask. But it's an off-planet call going straight to the clinic. That's all I can tell."

The board chirped again, signaling the communication had been terminated. Deceiver punched the button to buzz the combination hospital and lab located at Command.

"Clinic,” Doctor Perlakian's crisp voice answered.

"This is Deceiver. Was that last incoming call from Hunter and Star?"

"Why didn't you just listen in?” the woman teased. “Yes, it was Hunter."

"Did he happen to mention where they were?"

"Now, Deceiver, that's none of our business. After all, it's their honeymoon."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I suppose you're also going to tell me it's none of my business why he called,” Deceiver groused. “Can you at least tell me if Star's doing any better?"

He heard her long sigh over the speaker. “I can confirm that Star's strength and health is steadily improving. She's getting plenty of strong sunlight. Anything else I can help you with, Deceiver?"

"No. You've been helpful. Later, Doc.” Closing the channel, Deceiver looked back up at the commander. Strangely, there was an odd, almost pensive expression on the man's face. Odd enough to make him ask. “Something bothering you?"

"Just putting two and two together.” Vossien tossed a quick smile at the man. “Plenty of strong sunlight? Did I hear her right?"

"What are you thinking?” Deceiver grinned.

"I'm asking myself, now where can my son and his new wife go without taking anything with them? Some place where she can get ‘plenty of strong sunlight', and still be within his reach to transport them both? If memory serves, Udo's comfort range is about ten to twelve parsecs."

This bit of news took the Guardian aback. “Ten to twelve?” Until that moment, he'd surmised the man could go maybe five to six. But, he had to remind himself he had never directly asked Hunter what his limitations were. “Do you know where they could be—” Deceiver started to ask, when the answer suddenly popped into his head. “Abernath.” It was a little less than seven parsecs distant.

"It's the perfect place.” Vosstien smiled broadly. “Plo Corra is a bitch star. Terrin should be getting plenty of what she needs to get better."

He turned to leave, when Deceiver inquired, “Think you should buzz ahead and let them know you're on your way back?"

"No need to. If I know my son, he's waiting for us to come home."

The man walked out, leaving Deceiver to wonder what he meant by his last remark.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 3

Exploration

"Make love to me."

The day was warm. The weathermakers were holding off until later that evening to build up enough clouds to drench the city in some much needed rain. Until then, Star could raise her face to the searing orb overhead and soak in its incredible wealth of power until she felt like she could glow herself.

Once they had taken off from the eatery, she had reached underneath Hunter's long shirt and let her fingers tease the skin above the waistband of his pants. Lightly running her nails across the taut abdomen, she felt his whole body tighten.

They were zipping over the outer banks of the city, just above treetop level, and away from normal traffic lanes. The thrum of the engines between her legs heightened her sensitive flesh, reminding her of earlier in the day when her husband had found a secluded section of the park. There, amid the tall, weaving grasses, against the bole of a furred tree, Hunter had taken her. Fully clothed, except for what little they'd needed to divest themselves of in order to mesh into one entity.

Star smirked. This “keeping clothes on” challenge had a lot more going for it than she'd first imagined.

She glanced down at her knee pants and thin top. Her husband still had plenty of casual clothes in his closet, for his impromptu visits home. But Star had little, even when he'd popped back over to her rooms at Guardian Command and gathered up a couple of changes.

"Wait until Mother takes you shopping,” he promised her with a smile, making her wonder what he was talking about.

Snuggling closer to him, she rubbed her breasts against his back until her nipples were hard points digging into his skin, despite two layers of fabric. Suddenly, without warning, a feeling of burning lust overwhelmed her, taking her breathlessly by surprise. Star reached up under his shirt to find his male nipples and tweaked them between her fingers. She heard his quick intake of breath. The slider wobbled almost imperceptibly. Hunter's grip on the machine was no longer rock solid, and Star smiled. Lightly, she let her fingertips tease his little buds again as she pressed herself as close as she could along his buttocks and back. Placing her lips to his ear, she begged again, “Make love to me."

His response was to lift his hand from the brake handle and reach up to grab one of hers. Silently he lowered her hand to touch him through his pants, letting her know of his readiness by the thick, iron-hard length she felt compelled to wrap her fingers around. She gave him a squeeze, and felt his whole body react.

Ten times. Ten times they had made love, ever since that first soul-melting time when he'd taken her virginity, then taken her heart. Star remembered each moment, remembered every place, every time, and every circumstance. Ten times Hunter had claimed her body, making her soar beyond flight, beyond worlds and space itself. But there still remained so much to learn about each other. The promise of a lifetime of exploration, discovery, and fiery lovemaking was enough to begin melting the years of iciness she had built up inside her heart.

As he escorted her about the city, showing her off as he introduced her to his past, Star found herself becoming more and more curious about this wonderful, enigmatic man she had taken for her husband. And, if it was at all possible, deeper in love. He was everything she'd long ago given up hoping for—family, stability, happiness, acceptance.

Love.

She squeezed his erection again, delighting in the way he twitched beneath her grasp. This was a new challenge, this being able to dominate him for a change. The flames of possibilities licked her body, making her moan softly into the back of his neck.

Something flashed in the corner of her eye, followed by a loud blatt. Hunter was instantly on the alert. “We have company,” he tossed back at her.

Reluctantly, she pulled her hands away and rested them on his thighs. A First City patrol officer signaled them to stop. Hunter put the slider on hover mode as the familiar red and yellow patrol skiff slid to a stop beside them. The officer gave Hunter a curt nod.

"Good day, sir. Can I have your ID, please?"

Hunter quietly thumbed the identification scanner on the skiff's portable console.

"Do you realize you're traveling in unauthorized space?” the officer inquired politely as he waited for verification.

"My apologies. I know I was outside regulated airspace, but I wasn't aware this had become a restricted area."

The officer frowned slightly. “It's been restricted for over a year. Are you new to the city, or just visiting?"

"No. Well, yes. I'm from here, but I haven't lived here in over two years,” Hunter explained. “My wife and I are on a leave of absence, and I was showing her around."

The officer gave Star a quick once-over, which became a full-on stare. His gaze wasn't broken until the scanner beeped. A glance down drew a frown from him. “Sir, would you have any idea why your ID has been flagged?"

Hunter knew why, but kept his peace. The man would find out for himself soon enough.

Another beep sounded. This time the officer's face went pale. Raising wide eyes at Hunter, he said, “You have ... Guardian credentials.” A blink, and the man's eyes again swept over the dark-haired beauty resting against the man's back. “Sweet heavens. You're Master Hunter and StarLight."

Before the words were out of the man's mouth, a second skiff came along their other side. The officer seated inside nodded toward his teammate. “Everything all right, Foress? My display threw up a flag a moment ago."

"More than all right, Cheel. I thought I was catching a trespasser in unauthorized space. Just my luck, I caught someone even better. Cheel, this is Master Hunter and StarLight."

The other officer blanched. “This is no time to joke.” He turned to take in Star's appearance. “Oh, dearest sun in the heavens. You're not joking, are you?"

"Master Hunter, meet my boss, First Insignia Marv Cheel."

Hunter released the brake to shake hands. Star offered her hand to do the same. From what he could sense from her, Hunter could tell his wife was comfortable and not as intimidated as she normally would have been under other circumstances. That knowledge made him feel more at ease.

"Oh, wow. The boys back at the station won't believe this,” Cheel commented. “What are you doing in First City, anyway? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon or something?"

"A bit of both,” Hunter answered with a small smile. “We're staying at my parents’ home while they're back at Guardian Command. I thought Terrin could use Plo Corra to help her regain her strength. We'd been out sightseeing and were on our way back to the house when I thought I'd take a shortcut.” He nodded toward the first officer. “My mistake, it seems."

"Not a problem,” Foress waved off. “I'll waive the warning.” Hunter thanked him.

"How long will you be staying?” Cheel questioned.

Before he could answer, Star leaned over and rested her chin on his shoulder. “Udo?"

"What?"

"I need a little burst. Mind if I go up for a minute? I won't be long. Promise."

He nodded. Her demonstration back at the eatery had drained her. “Sure. I'll hover nearby until you're ready to go home."

She gave him a quick buss on the cheek and sat back. Closing her eyes, Star lifted from the seat, hanging momentarily in midair as she spread her arms to encompass the sun's rays. The men watched as she straightened her legs and arched her back. Suddenly, she shot straight upward, directly into the heart of the sunlight. They followed her ascent until they were forced to turn their eyes away from the glare.

Once she rose out of sight, Foress sighed loudly. “Damn, she's even more beautiful up close. Those eyes ... how's she doing?"

"Better. Much better, thanks."

"And you? Managing to cope?"

"It gets easier with each passing day. It's a miracle I didn't lose her,” Hunter admitted in a low voice. “She was on total life support the first four days after the Ombitra attack.” Running a hand through his hair, Hunter knew it was still too soon to think back on it. Star wasn't the only person needing time to heal.

"Yeah. I think I just about swallowed my teeth when the news came out about how the HandFast Committee Chairman was involved in that plot to let the Ombitra scrape the outer planets clean. Wanting StarLight to get pregnant because he and the others involved thought she wouldn't sacrifice the baby to save the populace. If you ask me, fifty years on Vanndigar Six isn't enough,” Cheel spat out, mentioning the maximum security prison planet where the perpetrators had been sentenced to serve time. He looked up, but was unable to see where the woman had gone. “So ... you two fell in love during the HandFast?” He spoke cautiously, hoping the Guardian wouldn't take offense.

"Actually, we know now the feelings had always been there. It took the HandFast for us to recognize it for what it was. Even after Terrin lost the baby, we couldn't deny ourselves or the truth. We couldn't go back to the way things used to be.” He glanced upward. The traffic stop may have put their plans on hold, but the heat she had flared through his blood continued to burn in him.

"Master Hunter, would you mind if I asked for an autograph? For my kids?"

Hunter looked back at the officers and flashed them a smile. “Seeing as I'm a captive audience anyway, sure.” Lifting his head again, Hunter tried to sense his wife's presence. All he could perceive was a calm peacefulness. An openness and willingness. He let out a sigh of contentment and reached for the officer's personal comm, when her mood shifted and turned cold. There was an unexpected prickle of alarm.

Straightening up in his seat, Hunter was about to seek her out when the warning sirens on both police skiffs went off. The officers jumped on their calls as Star flew down to alert him.

"Hunter, there's a major fire. In that direction.” She'd slipped back into Guardian mode, which meant calling him by his work name. It made it easier to keep their private and business lives separated when they switched.

"Where?” He turned to look where she was pointing, knowing she wasn't familiar with the city.

"Glass factory!” Cheel barked. “One of the major kilns exploded!"

"The glass factory's close to the primary school.” Hunter was thin-lipped as he gunned the engines and turned the slider around to race for the scene of the blaze. His first instinct was to dematerialize and reappear at the scene, but that would mean leaving the slider unattended. Not a wise move. But if he took the time to return the machine to the house, lives could be lost. Mumbling a curse word, Hunter took the lead, followed closely behind by the two police skiffs. Star easily kept pace beside him. The police didn't question the actions of the Guardians. Their help was to be expected, and the officers were grateful for the extra aid.

As they drew closer, enormous gray-black clouds of smoke indicated where the largest section of the fire burned. Fire crews were trying to douse the flames erupting from the ceiling. The heat was intense.

A crowd of curious bystanders already framed the roped off area surrounding the building. Hunter grounded the slider and popped over to where the fire marshal was bellowing out orders.

"What's the situation?” he asked the already sweating man.

The marshall gave him a cursory glance. “Officer! Get this civilian out of here!” he turned and yelled over his shoulder.

"We're here to help,” Hunter barked back as Star dropped down to join him. “Can you go up top and get me a perspective? I sense survivors inside,” he asked her.

She nodded and zipped up into the air. This time the marshall and two other firefighters did a double take. Hunter ignored them, leaving them to do their jobs as he vanished into the inferno.

Almost immediately he found two victims of the initial explosion. Although they were already dead, he dragged the bodies outside, rather than take the chance on them becoming incinerated. It would be the families’ decision how to inter their loved ones’ remains. Star saw Hunter emerge and flew down.

"There's at least a dozen more inside,” he told her tersely. “I think the ceiling's about to give way. Can you keep it from caving in until I get them all out?"

She nodded. “Not a problem. Let me get that kiln out first."

A flash of understanding passed between them, and Hunter lowered his voice. “Are you sure you can manage?"

A soft smile came over her face. “Reach inside me, my love. Feel my strength.” Giving him another smile, she lifted off. He continued to watch her for a moment longer when his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the fire marshall jogging up to intercept him.

"Is it true? You're Master Hunter and StarLight?"

"You've got casualties and survivors inside,” Hunter answered instead. “Star's going to lift out the kiln first before she tries to keep the ceiling suspended long enough for me to retrieve all the bodies. Have your men pull back from the center of the blaze so the weight of the water won't collapse the roof."

The marshal gave him a sharp nod. “My men will keep drenching the nearby school buildings. We've already evacuated everyone within a three-block radius. We'll concentrate on the periphery."

"Sounds good.” Giving the man a nod, Hunter disappeared.

The bodies closest to the kiln would have to wait until the massive container could be removed. The heat was just too intense for him, as the core had superinfused to nearly a thousand degrees. There were at least a half-dozen survivors coming around behind a large insulated wall. One at a time Hunter took them outside to where a med lab had been erected. On his third trip out, the reaction of the crowd drew his attention overhead.

Star had drawn the kiln through the roof by negating the planet's gravitational hold on it. Keeping the overheated oven well away from others, she slowly maneuvered it with her hands until it rose a hundred yards over their heads. She drifted above them, keeping one eye on the massive metal monster. “I don't suppose you have a very large body of water sitting conveniently nearby, do you, my love?” she called down to him almost playfully.

He could almost groan from the tone of her voice. This was the StarLight he had known for the past two years. The StarLight he'd fallen in love with and never knew it until a world's impersonal law and an evil man's interference made him realize it. “Unfortunately, no,” he called back up to her.

"Think Plo Corra would mind an extra satellite?"

He gave her a backhanded wave. “Make yourself happy."

"Oh, I plan to!” She giggled. The crowd below may not understand the full gist of her reply, but Hunter sensed her deeper meaning all too well, and his mind briefly flashed back to the way her warm hand played havoc with his concentration a short time ago on the slider. He ducked back into the building as Star literally threw the kiln into the sun, letting the star's natural gravity lift it into its solar flames until the oven melted into nothingness. The moment she let it go, she turned back to take care of the ceiling.

Three more unconscious but alive victims were inside a hallway. Hunter reached for them when he heard an ear-shattering screech overhead. The roof lifted a few inches, and a handful of embers drifted downward. Quickly he took the three men to where they could receive medical attention. As the med techs relieved him, he let them know there were three left. The most critically injured, who had been in the same room when the kiln had exploded.

A quick pause to look up showed Star flooding the worst hit part of the roof with negative gravity. It was a dangerous, tenuous balancing act on her part, as too much would cause a shower of embers to fill the rooms below. Too little, and the roof would crumble into bits. Hunter hurried to finish his retrievals, knowing she would be quickly tiring.

Once he got the last the victims out, he saw that Star was waiting for him to appear. He nodded to let her know the building was clear, and she shut down her power. The ceiling and roof promptly crashed inward, throwing a cloud of smoke and cinders high into the sky.

"We can't thank you enough,” one of the med techs approached and told Hunter.

"I second that,” the fire marshall walked up to add. “We eventually would have been able to get everyone out, but I seriously doubt we would have had any survivors.” He paused as Star landed nearby and joined them. “StarLight, thanks for your help."

She shrugged and smiled. “All in a day's work.” Her eyes lit on her husband, and she giggled, reaching out to rub his cheek with her fingers. “You're covered in soot. You need a bath."

Hunter bit back the first thing that came to mind, and grinned. “Are you all right? You didn't push yourself, did you?"

"No.” She shook her head, her long, thick hair brushing her back. “I feel fine. Maybe a bit tired, but, hey, I just tossed a giant toaster into the sun. I could use something to drink, but otherwise, I'm fine. Honest!” she added, her dark, violet eyes wide and insistent.

Hunter laughed softly and turned to face the fire marshall. “Think your men can handle the rest of it?” he asked.

The marshall nodded. “Thanks again, Master Hunter. StarLight. What a stroke of luck you were here when this happened."

"Don't thank us,” Star remarked, rolling her eyes at her husband. “Thank the two police officers who pulled Mister Let-Me-Show-You-Around-Town over to serve him a traffic citation."

Hunter feigned hurt. “Hey! It's not my fault the city got re-zoned while I was away!"

"Yeah, well, next time you decide you want to take a short cut, don't.” The corners of her mouth curled up, taking the sting out of her sharp words. Hunter laughed out loud.

"All right, woman. I need a good scrubbing, and you need something cold to drink. Come to think of it, that sounds good, too. If you're still feeling up to snuff, want to race back to the house?"

"No fair, Hunter. You know I can't best you when you pop out.” She winked at him. “But I can give you better odds if you take that little scooter."

"I'll have you know that ‘scooter’ can best up to four galactic miles a second."

"Yeah, and I can haul ass alongside Transport Three until it hits hyper light,” she snapped back.

Around them the firefighters, police, and the crowd were laughing, enjoying the little drama being played before them. This was a rare sight they knew they'd never see or hear on the vidscreen—two Guardians clearly in love as they stood around joking, their bodies almost touching. Hunter, with his hand on Star's waist, and Star playfully poking him in the chest. The cheering didn't start until the couple turned away and headed toward the other side of the parking lot where a long, sleek slider was hovering.

Less than a minute later, the two were streaking through the sky, quickly disappearing from sight as they slipped into the gathering clouds.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 4

Loving

Star ran into the house a split-second before Hunter raced through the front door. They were laughing, carefree and light of heart, enjoying the moment and togetherness.

For Hunter, it was almost like being on the trail, except this time his prey was the warm woman waiting for him with open arms in the middle of the living room. Violet eyes filled with love, and moist lips eager for his kisses, she was a tempting target he could never turn away from. Grabbing her around the waist, he lifted her off her feet and twirled her around in his embrace. Star giggled again before he let her down and she could bury her face against his neck.

"Oh, geesh, now you've done it,” she berated him in a muffled voice. “Now I stink like smoke, as well!"

"Guess that means you're going to have to join me in the shower.” He laughed, and goosed her under the arms, right above her ribcage, where he'd learned she was ticklish. Star struggled to loosen his grip, and shrieked from his playful assault.

"Udo Vosstien! Let me go, you lout! U-do! Stop it!” She yelled again when he popped them both into the back bedroom that his parents had converted a long time ago into a more private living area for their older son. Not only did it have its own bath, but also a door leading outside, in case Hunter wanted to leave the house by conventional means, instead of using teleportation, and didn't wish to traipse through the living room or kitchen to leave through one of the other two exits.

Star continued to struggle, although both knew it was a token effort. The moment she relented, Hunter relaxed his grip. As he knew she would, Star pressed herself against him and sighed loudly, contentedly.

A long minute passed as they stood in the middle of the bedroom, unwilling to move and unable to separate their bodies for fear of losing that sense of perfect closeness. They clutched each other, letting their love speak without words and echo without sound as they savored the midafternoon laziness, knowing they had no deadlines awaiting them. No emergencies. No missions. No assignments.

No prying eyes.

Star lifted her warm palm, reaching up to stroke her husband's cheek and gently guiding his face down to hers where she waited for his lips. Her renewed energy had tightened her musculature, giving her body a firmness it had been lacking for too many long weeks. Pressed along his chest and belly, Hunter felt a little growl of pleasure building up inside himself.

Their first night as husband and wife had been a tender but extremely careful coupling. No exertion, and no climax, but more of an affirmation of life. A consummation of their hearts and their vows to each other. It had been their first time to make love since Star's discharge from the hospital and clinic, and she still hadn't been totally released from the doctor's care even then. But Hunter could tell the sun was giving her life-enriching energy. He could see it on an almost hourly basis.

Two days of rest, and the old Star was already emerging. If her carting away the burning kiln was any indication, and her subsequent flight back to the house, she would be at full strength in another couple of days.

"Heavens, you feel so perfect,” he murmured against her lips. Her reply vibrated through him as she literally purred. “So ... are you or aren't you getting in with me?” he teased.

A light slap on his sternum was her first response. “You and your showers. What are the chances you'll try to do more than help scrub my back?"

"It's a possibility.” His promise was a feathery tickle in her ear as he tongued the sensual flesh beneath her lobe. There was no way she could disguise the shiver that raced through her from his touch. His hands remained around her waist and ribs, yet his body was already working its magic with her.

"You're a lout."

"You've already called me that.” He chuckled, dipping his face lower. “What's the matter, Terrin? All legitimate thought fly out the window when I'm savoring you?” He was working his way over her shoulder to her collarbone. From there he would head north. Already she could feel her nipples tingling in anticipation.

"By all that's ... Udo, you know I can't refuse you when you do that,” she barely managed to moan as his teeth lightly nipped her throat, following an invisible trail under her chin. If he kept on the same path, he would eventually reach her lips. And once he was there, she would be conquered.

"Take your clothes off for me, my heart. Better yet, let me do it for you,” he begged in a whisper.

A wide smile broke over her face as Hunter pulled back before taking her mouth. It was at that moment Star knew he was saving that ultimate, melting kiss for the time when they could pour themselves into each other. She kept his rich blue gaze locked onto her while his fingers reached for the fasteners on her pants. There was a bit of fumbling, and she giggled. “Oh, my stars. Does the great lover need a hand in this endeavor?"

"Just help me get these damn pants off of you before I rip them off,” he practically growled. His eyes had grown darker with his need, and Star knew her own eyes mirrored his desire. Quickly, she found that last little clip that presented such a problem for him, and the pants were tugged to the floor.

She gazed down at where he knelt. His face was even with the short, dark curls converging between her thighs. He grinned mischievously at her before placing a kiss at the juncture. Briefly, he let his tongue dive into her depths, eliciting another giggle.

Rising back up to face her, Hunter snagged the edges of her top and lifted it over her head as smoothly as water flowing over her upraised arms. As soon as her arms were clear, Star grinned back as she reached down to find the waistband of his pants. Her knuckles encountered his erection already stiff and prodding her belly. Smiling, she reached inside to grasp it and gently move it aside, but not before giving the heavy member a stroke or two. Groaning, Hunter closed his eyes and trembled as Star unhooked his pants with the other hand. In a space of seconds, his own clothing landed in a heap on the floor beside them, and Hunter lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bathing chamber.

Ten times they had made love, Star remembered, but only once had they done it in the shower while bathing. The HandFast, the deadline, the looming hour. Their exhaustion after traveling a distance of over a hundred light years. The ability to finally acknowledge their passion and love in the blinding light of day. It had been the first morning she had awakened to find him lying beside her, proof he had spent the entire night with her, and would always be there for her. For as long as she wanted him. Climbing reluctantly away from his warmth, she'd made her way to the cleansing stall. He had come for her moments later. And there, beneath the heat of the rays, he had taken her with so much force and love it had been enough to create a new life within her.

Pressing her forehead against his neck, where his pulse beat gently against her lashes, she reminded him, “Do you realize the only other time we made love in the shower, I ended up pregnant?"

The second the words were spoken they both froze with the realization. Several moments silently ticked by before Hunter gently pulled away from her and peered into her face. They hadn't spoken about the loss of their child, other than those first few words when she'd come out of her coma and begged his forgiveness. He had told her there was nothing to forgive yet she had made it clear their loss had only confirmed a secret desire she'd never revealed to him.

She was ready to accept all he had to offer her. She was ready to open wide the doors to her heart and let him touch that part of herself she'd kept cold, hidden away, and secret from everyone. More than anything, she was ready to bear him more children.

Since that time they had never talked about having another baby. Never actually sat down and discussed it. Star knew Doctor Perlakian had not given her the shots to prevent conception, which made her wonder if Hunter had accepted the good doctor's recommendation. She was certain they were taking no noticeable precautions. As far as she knew, they were using no visible preventive measures.

Star swallowed. It sounded loud and raspy, even to her. Silently, she watched as Hunter stepped back just enough to where their bodies no longer touched. His face was expressionless. She couldn't read anything from him—no emotion, nothing to let her know what he was thinking.

Wordlessly, he stepped into the cleansing stall to turn on the detoxification rays, leaving her standing alone outside the glass doors. It would be her decision. He was making it abundantly clear she would be the one to let him know if she was ready again to chance another pregnancy so soon after the last one. But if he was the one taking the contraception shots, he had taken that burden upon himself so that she wouldn't feel the obligation.

Long ago he had promised her he would never force her to do anything she didn't want. He had promised he would try to never hurt her. Every step would be her choice. Her decision.

He had never lied to her.

Which was ludicrous. If he hadn't taken the shots, then both of them were allowing nature to take its course, and she could already be pregnant, although there wasn't any way she could check to make certain of the fact. The HandFast was over. There was no longer a testing device readily available for her to palm.

"Udo, talk to me."

The rushing hum of rays spreading over his body and against the sides of the stall was loud, but he heard her. Throwing open the stall door, Star stepped inside and closed herself inside with him. “Udo?"

He turned around to look at her. Unconsciously her eyes raked over his beautiful body, with its strong muscles, his wide chest and powerful arms, down his waist and stomach to where his partial erection waited for her.

"Enough of this ‘my choice, my decision’ crap,” she hissed with a hitch in her voice. “When I was recovering, it was all fine and good. But I'm well now. You know it."

"What do you want me to say, Terrin?"

"I want you to tell me the truth. I want to know what you want. I want to know what your choice is. What your decision is. Dammit, Udo, we haven't been taking any measures for me not to get pregnant, but I just went tearing out into the sky today without knowing ... without being certain as to whether or not..."

A trembling hand covered her mouth as she faced the truth of what she might have done. Again. Her husband was there for her, cradling her in his comforting embrace. Her eternal oasis. His lips kissed her hair.

"Remember what Devorah told you before the wedding? When she was giving you last-minute medical instructions?"

Star paused as she thought back on those hours just before the ceremony. Sniffing, she closed her eyes and leaned heavily against him, against that incredibly warm, solid, protective chest she adored more than anything.

* * * *

"I'm here in the capacity as your physician,” Doctor Perlakian told her in that curt tone of voice they all associated now with her becoming flatly no-nonsense and businesslike.

Star gave the woman a small smile but kept mum. In the space of less than a week the physician had saved her life and become an indispensable part of the Guardian team. As Perlakian pulled out her medical comm from the main console, Star plucked at the shift she'd been offered to wear for the examination.

"I'm going to ask you some questions you might be uncomfortable answering,” the physician continued, “but I wouldn't ask unless I had a good reason to. You understand, right?"

"Right."

"Very well. I know you're slowly getting your strength back, but I need you to promise me no pulsing. Got that? No flaring, or whatever it is you call it when you emote your powers throughout your entire body. There's still a lot of subdermal tissue damage that will require additional time to heal.” Dropping the comm to her lap, Devorah gave her a tender look. “You know I'm going to be worried sick about you while you're away, right?"

"I know that. But I promise not to do anything that might further damage me,” Star reassured her. “Heavens know Udo won't let me, either."

That remark earned her a snort from the doctor. “I worry about him just as much. He almost killed himself, bringing those men to justice. Now comes the hard part of the interrogation. Do you want to begin the series of contraceptive shots to prevent another pregnancy, Terrin?"

She had expected to be asked at some point, but it still managed to shock her when it finally surfaced. “Have you spoken with Udo?"

"Not yet. And since you asked me that question, it's obvious you haven't either,” the woman accused gently. Her dark eyes never left Star's face. “Well? I need to know now, not later. The stuff doesn't start to take effect until the second set of inoculations."

In her heart she'd already made her decision. Even so, it was hard to vocalize what she had decided. “No, Devorah. I don't want to take the shots. Ever."

To her surprise, the physician didn't argue or seem shocked. “All right,” the physician commented with a slight rise of her shoulders. “But remember, no pulsing. Word of honor."

"Word of honor,” Star echoed, smiling. “No pulsing or flaring."

* * * *

"No pulsing or flaring,” she repeated, adding a tiny kiss on his sweaty skin.

"Which you haven't done,” he pointed out. “What powers you've used have gone through your arms and hands. Flying doesn't count. My heart, when the HandFast committee put all those restrictions on you, they exaggerated their conditions because they needed you to stay on-planet. They needed you as docile and restricted as possible. You understand now, don't you?” He lifted her face until he could look directly into her luminous eyes. “Devorah and I had a long talk that same day. She told me you told her no contraceptives, and ... I can't begin to tell you how happy I was to hear that. I hadn't planned on taking them either, and I told her the same thing when she asked me. By the way, she asked before she let me know you'd refused her."

A gentle kiss on the lips was both a thank you and a promise.

"If by some miracle you're carrying our baby again, directing your powers through your arms and hands won't harm it. Neither will flying, but the pulsing will."

Star understood completely. Pulsing or flaring involved using her entire body. That meant the fetus would be in the direct line of fire.

Hunter's lips continued to take hers, tenderly nipping and sucking, as if he was tasting her to see if she was palatable. Star moaned softly when a hand stroked down her back, stopping to cup her buttocks and lift her carefully to fit her more perfectly along his body.

"Udo?"

"Mmm?” His lips were too busy to manage a reply.

"Let's make a baby."

He paused to smile at her. “By all means,” he breathed, raising her legs, urging her to wrap them around his waist. “Want to try something a little different, my love?"

Giggling, Star raised her eyebrows at him. “Udo, I don't think we've made love twice in the same way since we've become lovers."

"Oh. Really? You noticed that, huh?” The twinkle in his sky-blue eyes revealed he was teasing her, and she giggled again.

"What do you want to try?"

"Lean back and float."

"Float?” Arching her back, Star let the planet's magnetic forces keep her from dropping to the ground. She felt Hunter's hands release her, until she was perpendicular to him. Her long, dark hair cascaded away from them like a thick, black curtain. “Like this?” The chamber was large enough to accommodate this position, unlike their personal bathing stalls back at Guardian Command.

She glanced down to see him bite his lips in anticipation. His eyes looked drugged with desire. “Oh, yeah. Just like that,” he breathed loudly, readjusting the spray of rays until they flowed warm and thick over both of them.

"But ... what if I forget myself?” She grinned as his hands cradled her hips.

"Don't worry. I won't let you drop.” His voice wafted over her, and she closed her eyes as she felt him cover her breasts with his palms, tugging on her dark red nipples between his knuckles and making the tips harder. His normally blunt nails still managed to tickle as he raked her belly and thighs before stroking her, bringing her need to a hotter pitch as his fingers drew closer and closer to her entrance, now wet and ready for him. Parting her outer lips with one hand, Hunter used his free hand to draw her body down, eagerly pressing his hard length inside her moist inner depths. Weightless, she had no way of controlling her movements, and she realized Hunter had planned on having the advantage.

At first he moved her carefully back and forth, testing this new position and her balance above the ground. Once he was certain he had her at his total command, Hunter gripped her hips and began building up speed, thrusting harder and deeper into her molten center. Shoving and digging himself further between her legs as they both cried out from the sensations.

Using her arms and hands to keep herself levitated, Star gave herself to him as she knew she always would without fear. Allowing more of the frozen core inside herself to melt beneath the power of his love. He spoke to her—rough, tangled, sexual phrases—letting his voice and the meaning in his throaty love words caress her skin, inflame her senses, and send her mind shooting back into space as all thought left her consciousness until there was nothing left but the blinding passion rising within them, wanting to expand. Explode. And devour.

When he brought her to the edge of sanity, he finally gave her back control, letting her lift herself further on the wings of her rapture. Her soul soared, found his flying beside her, and matched it as they plunged headfirst into a splitting orgasm. It was when they both shuddered and began descending in the afterglow that she could feel his arms catching her to pull her back against his vibrant chest before she sank to the floor of the chamber. She clutched him tightly as they remained melded as one unity, her legs still wrapped securely about his waist. Vaguely she felt Hunter leaning into the wall to support them as kisses pressed into her hair.

"I love you.” Where she found the strength to murmur her vow, she couldn't guess. But she knew she had to tell him at this perfect moment.

"You are my heart, Terrin. My life. My sun that gives me light and hope. My star that guides me straight to you. Never forget that. Never ever forget that."

Nodding slightly, Star readjusted her hold around his neck and buried her face into the curve of his shoulder. She was asleep a breath later.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 5

Testing

It was a little past five when she awoke from her nap. Apparently Hunter had opened the shutters on the overhead skylight in the roof. Sunlight was streaming over the sheets, giving her body the chance to lie submerged in life-giving radiance while she slept.

Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Star remembered they'd been in the shower when she'd dozed off. Odd, taking care of that kiln and flying had taken more out of her than she'd realized. Devorah had been right when she'd warned that once she started to get her strength back, she needed to take care not to overdo it.

Star dragged away the light blanket and got to her feet. Wouldn't do to walk about the house stark naked, although she was tempted. Hunter's bureau was filled with old tunics now softened with age. Opening one drawer, she found a dark green one she remembered seeing him wear. Its texture was like feather down against her skin. A pair of lounging pants were in the bottom drawer, and even though the pants were a bit too big for her, the tie waist could be cinched enough to stay above her hips. A giggle escaped her when she realized she had to roll up the bottoms of the pants legs. Her legs were long, but her husband's were definitely longer.

Making her way into the living room, she felt the little tingle that told her he was nearby. She knew he wouldn't leave her alone in the house. While she had suffered physically in the aftermath of the Ombitra attack, Hunter had suffered mentally. This chance to get away and heal was as much for his benefit as it was for hers. And since part of her wellness regimen dictated frequent rest breaks and naps, his demanded she always be within reach, either physically or visually. They couldn't be anywhere together outside the house without him needing that connection between them. Be it holding her hand, bracing against a hip, the small of her back, or a shoulder—he had to have that lifeline to her.

"—that's great. I'll have Terrin send it to you as soon as she's awake."

The murmur of a voice drew Star toward the living room. Hunter was talking, and when she rounded the corner, she could see him speaking into a handheld comm link. His back was to her, giving her the chance to eavesdrop.

"Want me to have Commander send you the tester as soon as he's done with it?"

It was Devorah's voice coming through the comm speakers, making Star wonder who had originated the call, and for what reason.

"How long before you think he'll be finished with it?” Hunter asked.

"I have no idea. I could ask. How much longer do you think you'll be gone?"

"I'd like to spend at least another couple of days here. Let Terrin ease into the family, and give her as much of the sun as she can absorb."

"Well, it's great to hear how much she's recuperating. And she hasn't pulsed, right?"

"Right,” Hunter quickly assured the physician. “Oh, by the way, we finally had that talk."

"Oh? Hunter, are you both positive you want to risk another pregnancy this soon after the attack?” The physician's question held genuine concern.

He sighed first. “Devorah, you know as well as any of us that every day Terrin and I have together is a miracle. The only way we're going to get through and past this horror is to not let it defeat us. We're going to make a life for ourselves, and if we are able to have more children, they'll help make that life all the richer. Just don't ask us to give up being Guardians. We know the risks all too well."

"You know I envy you two, right? All right. I need to get back to work here. I have Bruiser coming in for a full physical. Did I tell you he's been reinstated?"

"It's hard to envision the big guy being cowed,” Hunter admitted. Silently, Star agreed.

"Oh, he's paying atonement at every turn. Trust me. Morning Fire and Animator are keeping his butt in line.” The woman laughed. “Give Star our love and we'll see you two when you get back. ‘Bye, Udo."

"So long, Devorah. Thanks.” Hunter thumbed off the comm and placed it back on the table beside him, when he froze for a split second. Swiveling around, he gave Star a warm smile. “You look well rested."

"Who placed the call, and why?” Striding over to him, she slipped comfortably into his lap.

"I placed it to let her know about our decision to try for another baby. Mmm ... you smell like warm flowers.” He buried his nose in her hair she'd let flow loose about her shoulders and down her back.

"What was that about a tester? What kind of tester?"

Hunter chuckled. It rumbled beneath her ear, deep within his chest. “Next time I'll just record my conversations and let you play them back at your leisure.” He got a playful slap on his shoulder in reply. “Well, it seems Deceiver wouldn't let anyone from the HandFast committee come onto Guardian property to remove the testing devices from your chambers or the transport ship. Commander took them out instead, but never disposed of them. You know how the man is about tinkering."

"So you were talking about one of those testing devices?” She reared up to look him in the face. “Is Devorah sending me one of those to use?"

He nodded. “Once Commander has done a few adjustments to it. You can test yourself whenever you feel you need to, and you'll be the only one to get feedback."

"Oh, geesh. What I've always wanted. A personal pregnancy monitor,” she drawled. Hunter laughed aloud and hugged her tightly.

"In the meantime, Doc says that if you want, you can send her a small saliva sample, and she'll run it through the computer."

"A saliva sample? Like ... right now?"

"Wouldn't hurt.” He smiled softly. “I think in the back of your mind you're still leery over the fact that you flew and did a few magic tricks earlier today."

Jumping to her feet, Star headed for the kitchen. Hunter knew what she was going to look for. “Cabinet over the baker.” He heard the sound of small doors opening and closing, and presently she strolled back into the living room, a small sterile bandage in her hands. Tearing open the package, she stuffed a corner of the mesh weave into her mouth, making sure it was nicely wet, then carefully rolled the bandage into a small wad before returning it to the package.

The postal unit was next to the front door. Placing the package inside, she closed the lid securely, and Hunter punched in the key code for Guardian Command. Within seconds the package had been transported. Twenty plus light years away, Doctor Perlakian would be keeping an eye on Command Central's postal unit, watching for Star to send her a sample.

Once that was done, they curled back onto the couch, and Hunter turned on the vidscreen. The report about the fire at the glass factory was already making news, as they knew it would, as was the news about Master Hunter and StarLight being on-planet to help put it out and rescue the survivors. From the media's excitement, it was obvious that the presence of the two Guardians was the headline of the day.

"You know Deceiver's going to have a royal fit when he sees this.” Star laughed gently.

"Let him. If he says anything to me, I'll just pop somewhere else until he cools down. He knows I wouldn't jeopardize your health.” Dropping a kiss to her shoulder, Hunter added, “I think you look better in my things than I do."

"I don't have much to wear, outside of my uniform."

"I noticed your closet looked a bit bare. What do you buy when you and Fire go off shopping?"

"Oh, she's the big spender. Usually on clothes. I just enjoy looking."

"What do you do with your pay, then?” he asked her, curious.

She snuggled tighter under his chin. “Promise you won't laugh?"

"No. Sometimes you do things that endear me to you, and I can't help but laugh. But I do promise to take you seriously. Will that suffice?"

"I buy Kellot tabs.” Beneath her hands she could feel him stiffen.

"Kellot tabs? Why?"

"Because they're universally accepted,” she explained.

"I know that. But why would you want to convert perfectly good Synarian creds?” A cold thought dropped over him like a blanket of ice. “Terrin, you weren't thinking of leaving, were you?"

"In the beginning, when I first joined up. I never thought I'd be staying as long as I have. But if I did leave, I swore to myself I'd never find myself begging again for anything. Not for food, or for a safe place to rest. Nothing,” she admitted in a little voice. “I didn't know how far I could get with creds, so I started depositing almost all my pay into a conversion monitor. And every time I got enough, I had them converted into Kellot."

Her admission frightened him ... at first. Kissing the top of her head, Hunter asked, “Still planning on leaving?"

She peered up at him. “Now that's a stupid question if I ever heard one."

"Then what are you planning to do with your tabs?"

"Save them. Who knows? Maybe we'll end up growing old together and need them after we retire from the Guardians.” She flashed him a smile, which made him wonder aloud.

"My heart, how many tabs are you currently sitting on?"

"Oh ... a couple hundred I think."

"A couple—” He blew out a loud, whistling breath. “Geesh, woman. Brawn, beauty, and brains. Is there anything left I can give you that you don't already have?"

"Yeah.” She gave him a squeeze within her arms. “Just keep doing what you've been doing. Loving me. Making me laugh. Keeping me healthy and sane. And always telling me how much I mean to you."

"That will never be a problem,” he promised, giving her a quick peck on the lips before pushing her away. “Come on. Help me fix supper."

"You sure you want to domesticate me?” Reluctantly Star got to her feet, already missing his warmth and his arms as she watched him walk into the kitchen. “We did this the other night, you know."

"Yeah, and if I remember correctly, we had a good time, too."

"You made love to me on top of the table.” She followed him, pausing at the doorway.

"You were dessert,” he corrected her, pulling items from a compartment in the cold storage unit. “Hand me the big pot underneath the range."

She relented, somewhat. “This one?"

"Yeah. Now fill it halfway with water.” He shot her a crooked smile. “Admit it, Terrin. You've always wanted a life like this."

Smiling shyly, she nodded. Love to her had always meant stability, a permanent home. And happiness. Hunter had realized that, and he was making sure she got what she'd dreamed of. “But this isn't our home,” she reminded him.

"No, but we can pretend until we do get our own."

There was a funny edge to his voice which made her prick up her ears. “What do you mean, until we get our own?” she asked. Instead of answering, Hunter continued to cut up vegetables and dump them into the pot. “Udo!” She practically leaned over the counter and got into his face. “You're keeping something from me!” She giggled.

"Are you going to help me with this? Or are you going to make me do something I won't regret later?” He tried to be stern, but his eyes were filled with merriment. Plus he was trying awfully hard not to laugh.

"You know I'm going to pester you until you finally cave in,” she warned.

"Yeah, and I know how to drive you nuts,” he challenged. To prove his point, he reached up with his free hand and flicked the tip of one perfect breast with his thumb. Immediately she gasped and drew back, one hand protecting the affected body part. It was like a hundred flaming tongues had suddenly licked every inch of her body, setting afire her need between her thighs.

Star shivered. “You don't fight fair,” she accused him puckishly.

Shaking his head, Hunter agreed. “But if you get over here and help me with this, we'll have enough time while it's cooking to do a little physical exploration of our own before it's time to eat."

Star needed no further urging, and she hurried to wash her hands before taking over the chore of cutting up the vegetables. She may be able to run roughshod over the other men at Guardian Command, but she was quickly finding out she rather liked being dominated by this strong and definitely handsome man she'd taken for her lifelong mate.

The soup was going to take a good hour to simmer. Hunter let Star simmer for half that time before they both came to a full boil.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 6

Family

Star moved slightly, her senses slowly growing more aware of where she was before allowing herself to fall back to sleep. A warm hand was spread over her abdomen, and she smiled. Doctor Perlakian had called back in the middle of supper to let them know the test was negative. There was no baby. Yet. Although the news wasn't what they had hoped for, she hadn't been surprised. Devorah had told her it might take some time for her body to fully recuperate to the point where her reproductive functions were working again.

Once the vegetables and spices had been dumped into the pot sitting on the cooker, Hunter had snagged the front of her shirt and led her into the living area, pulling her down on top of him as he made himself comfortable on the floor. She happily watched as he tugged his pants down to his knees and held up his arms for her.

Without questioning him, Star squirmed out of her pants before straddling him, letting him guide her over the large, bulbous head standing rigidly at attention. His erection never flagged as she slowly lowered herself over it. Hunter reached between them to part her and center her.

"You're a bit swollen, my heart. Are you sure you're not too sore?” He gave her a concerned look.

Star shook her head. “Not if you take it slow."

So he had been slow to let her ride him, fully clothed, but with only their pants pulled down to allow them access. It felt more intense, loving each other that way. His hands gripped her buttocks, squeezing them as he pushed and pulled her up and down.

They were going to take it easy and build gradually, but things didn't turn out the way they'd planned. One moment Hunter was lifting his hips to feel her sliding over him like a wet, burning glove, and the next instant, her inner muscles squeezed him, setting off a cascade of little explosions that rapidly became bigger ones.

It wasn't until after their bodies had jerked and trembled to a halt that they lay clasping each other and breathing heavily. Star nuzzled his neck as his arms kept her possessively trapped against his wide chest. They didn't separate until the smell of soup reminded them how hungry they were.

They finished their soup, then cleaned up their mess in the kitchen before retiring to the den to watch a little of what was on the vid. Even then, Hunter wrapped himself around her again, his head on her shoulder and one hand like a protective shield over her belly, as if he was guarding her womb.

After the news, they had gone to bed and fallen promptly to sleep without making love again. Star sleepily grinned again. Yesterday had been ... what? Three times they had made love? Were they up to thirteen or fourteen?

Dammit, Terrin. Quit counting and just enjoy.

Adjusting her position enough to find a newer comfortable arrangement, she sighed with contentment and let sleep once again overtake her. Hunter had his lips at the back of her neck; he was using her hair as a pillow, and his breath tickled.

Heavens, but she had never been this happy before in her life. Never before. Her hand found his, and she laced her fingers through his. She felt him stir slightly before he mouthed a kiss on her skin. Could there ever be anything more wonderful than to love a man this much? This totally? This overwhelmingly?

A slight sound caught her ears, and she instantly went on the alert. This wasn't a place she was familiar enough with to know every little creak and groan. Neither was she sure of the safety measures in place, keeping them from outside harm. If it were her apartment at Guardian Command, she would feel confident enough in knowing that the security systems protected her from others.

Hunter continued to cuddle against her back. If his powers didn't kick in, then Star reassured herself there should be no reason for her to feel alarmed. Still, that didn't stop her from having a momentary flash of worry.

The sound came again. Or rather, another sound, different from what she'd heard before. This time there was no mistaking the fact that something was going past their bedroom door. Her whole body stiffened, and that in itself was enough to rouse her husband.

"What?” he whispered, the word barely audible although his mouth was close to her ear.

She rolled over to bring her face nearer to his. “I heard sounds. I think someone's in the house."

He stilled, which told her he was using his abilities to seek out what had alerted her. She could almost hear his smile when he relaxed. “It's my parents. They just got back."

"Already?"

Instead of answering her, Hunter pulled himself out of bed and slipped on the pair of lounging pants he'd left on the floor.

"What time is it?"

"Almost midnight,” he whispered. “Go back to sleep. I won't be long."

"Well, there goes having any more dessert in the kitchen,” she grumped softly, which made him chuckle. Leaning over the bed, he gave her a quick but soft kiss on the cheek, then popped out.

* * * *

"I wish we could've stayed another day,” Dallin remarked for the fifth or sixth time. Cara Vosstien had lost track. But by this time neither she nor her husband were inclined to argue with him any more about it.

Seeing as how he was no longer getting the kind of response he'd been waiting for, Dallin tried another tactic. “I mean, how do you know they're here? Or still here, for that matter?” He glanced around the living room, and at the kitchen visible at the far end. “Doesn't look like anyone's been here since we left."

"That's because I don't leave empty plates and cups around, expecting Mother to clean up after me,” a deep voice chided him.

"Udo!” Cara went over to where Hunter stood near the hallway to give her son a hug and kiss.

"Hi, Mother. Have a nice time at Command?” He looked to his father for an additional answer.

"Let's just say our eyes have opened up a lot to what goes on over there,” Vall Vosstien admitted to his firstborn, clapping him on the shoulder.

Smiling, Hunter shifted his eyes over to his younger sibling. “Please tell me you didn't drive anyone to distraction."

Cara came to Dallin's defense. “Well, there were a couple of times he got scolded by a couple of people, but otherwise he behaved."

"He behaved? All that tells me is that he didn't get his chubby little hands on one of the transport's controls,” Hunter grinned. “Who jumped on you? One of them wouldn't happen to have been Commander, would it?"

Vall chuckled, a sound much like his son's. “Of course. That man guards those ships as if they were his personal property."

"That's because they almost are. Commander's job is to keep them in pristine condition.” Running a hand through his short curls, Hunter sighed loudly. “It's good to have you home. But it's late, and we've had a tiring day, so if you don't mind—"

"We? You mean she's here?” Dallin asked, wide-eyed. Cara backhanded him across the shoulder.

"Where else would she be, squirt?” Hunter grinned.

"Can I go say hello?"

"You'll do nothing of the sort!” their mother snapped. “Go to your own room and get to bed. You have school in the morning."

"Mom."

"Don't ‘Mom’ me. Go."

Rolling his eyes, Dallin scooted off to his room, leaving Hunter alone with his parents. Once they were certain the younger Vosstien had closed the door behind him, Vall spoke up. “We saw the news about the fire at the glass factory. Star looked in tiptop shape."

"Yeah, she's doing good. The sun is giving her the energy she requires to heal quickly."

"How are you doing? Mentally?” Cara inquired gently, knowing how badly the attack and Star's near-death had affected him.

"Better. Thanks. Dad? You going back to work tomorrow?"

"No. I still have three more days coming. I had hoped you would still be here, and we could spend a day together while Star and your mother—"

"Dad, her name is Terrin.” Hunter smiled. “Better get used to it."

"Give us time. I was thinking Terrin and your mother could go shopping together. Do those women things they like to do."

"I had thought the same thing. Mother, I need to remind you of a few things first. All of this is new and somewhat frightening to her. She hasn't yet come out and told me exactly what her home life was like that made her leave her world. What I've been able to give her, and show her, it's been a dream of hers. She wants to belong. She wants to be part of a family, but we need to take it slow. I don't want her to feel overwhelmed."

Cara nodded. “We understand.” She noticed a familiar, remote look come over her son's face, and she guessed at what it might be about. “Terrin?"

"Yeah. She's worrying. Probably wondering what's taking me so long. I need to go. ‘Night, Mother.” Hunter quickly bussed the woman's cheek. “'Night, Dad. See you both in the morning."

"'Night, Son,” Vall spoke for them. Hunter was gone before the second word was out of his mouth. A moment went by. Then two. Putting his arm around his wife, Vall drew her into his embrace. “Well, you finally got the daughter you've been wanting."

"Yeah, but are we the family she's been wanting as well?"

"Only time will tell. Let's get to bed. You're going to have a full day tomorrow."

* * * *

It was the smell of something delicious cooking that awoke her. Throwing out an arm, she encountered Hunter's empty pillow, and she smiled. Wonder what he's fixing for breakfast? Whatever it was, it was already making her stomach rumble in anticipation.

The sound of laughter drifted to her, and immediately her eyes flew open. It hadn't been Hunter's laughter. And then she remembered.

It's my parents. They just got back.

Slowly rising from the bed, Star found herself faced with opposing emotions. On one hand she wanted to go in there and join in, and feel as if she were an integral part of this new family she'd married into. Yet, on the other hand, she knew she would always be the outsider. Wondering if the only reason the Vosstiens accepted her was because she'd married their son.

Common sense told her it didn't matter. They were stuck with her, no matter if they approved or not. But during the wedding ceremony she'd felt no animosity from either of them. Their love for their son overrode any doubts they had about the marriage. They trusted his judgment. If he wanted Star for his wife, they weren't going to try and dissuade him from that decision.

Pulling on a clean set of Hunter's comfy clothing, she quickly brushed her hair as best she could and tied it back with a hair clip he had bought for her the day before. A quick trip to the bathroom, a splash of water on her face, and she felt ready to grip the day with both hands.

Opening the door to the bedroom, the sound of more laughter floated to her. Now the scent of cooking was more prevalent, reminding her she needed to eat regularly if she was to quickly heal.

Walking silently on bare feet, Star stopped at the entrance to the kitchen to see something she'd rarely seen in her lifetime. Cara was at the sink cleaning something while Vall messed with whatever was in the pan he held over the range. Hunter and Dallin were seated at the table, the younger Vosstien in uniform and preparing to head off to school. It was Hunter who realized she was up and standing nearby, waiting to join them.

"Good morning, my love. Did we wake you?"

"Terrin! Good morning!” Cara turned and greeted her enthusiastically. “I just fixed a fresh pot of brew if you'd like some."

Star threw them a little smile as she went over to get herself a cup. “What time is it?"

"A little past seven,” Vall answered. “Care for some crisp battoui?"

"It smells heavenly. Sure.” She took a sip of her drink and wandered over to the empty seat next to Hunter. Sitting down, she leaned over for his good morning kiss, and noticed Dallin's sharp eyes watching them. “What? You look like someone's goosed you,” she commented, then let out with a little giggle.

"Well ... gee ... I mean, it's you. StarLight."

For his remark, his father gave him a little shove and dropped breakfast onto the plate before him. “Better learn to get that awestruck expression off your face, young man. Hand over your plate, Terrin."

She obliged, feeling Hunter press his leg along hers underneath the table. Obviously he didn't feel comfortable enough yet in front of his parents to almost pull her into his lap like he'd done the past couple of days. The thought made her smile, which her husband caught.

"How do you feel about going shopping with Mother today?” he asked her.

"You mean, for clothes and such?"

"I need to run by the store and get a few more groceries,” Cara explained. “Udo was telling us you needed a couple changes of everyday wear. There's a shop I like to go to that you might like."

Star turned to the man beside her. “I didn't bring any creds with me,” she protested.

"Not a problem. I'll add you to my account here,” Hunter assured her. “Dad, since you're already up, can you hand me the main comm from the living room?"

"Sure.” Vall disappeared into the living room for a moment before bringing back the digital linkup and giving it him. Star watched as Hunter punched up the local banking facility to add her on.

"Put your thumbprint here,” he asked, showing her the small rectangle on the screen. Star obliged, but not before she read her name printed above the form.

Terrin Vosstien.

"It's going to take me a while to get used to that name,” she murmured.

"Well, I would think you might after another forty or fifty years,” Hunter teased, leaning over to nuzzled her cheek.

"Wow.” Dark eyes continued to stare at them from across the table.

"Dallin, isn't it time you left for school?” Hunter muttered. Star covered her mouth to hold back the giggles, to no avail.

"Hey, that's right! I haven't seen the guys since I left to come to your wedding! Just wait until they hear about Guardian Command!"

"Dallin!” This time Hunter's voice cracked like a whip. “Dad, was there anything shown to you that Deceiver or anyone else warned about revealing?"

"Only the weaponry,” Vall quickly answered, and threw his younger son a warning look. “I'm not telling you this as your father, Dallin Vosstien, but as your commanding officer."

"Yes, sir,” Dallin said, nodding, paling. “Watch my mouth.” His posture slackened slightly. “But can I at least bask in the glow of having StarLight in the family now? Excuse me, I mean Terrin."

Star grinned into her cup of brew. “Yeah. Go ahead. It's kind of nice to have my own private fan club in the family."

"Mega-great!” Bouncing over to his mother, Dallin kissed her cheek. “See you later, Mom. Dad.” He gave Hunter a backhanded slap to the shoulder, something Star suspected was their usual send off. “Later, big brother.” As he approached her, Star didn't know what to expect, until a pair of lips bussed her on the cheek. “Later, sis-in-law. See you around four!” Having made his round of goodbyes, Dallin hustled out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

Star stared at Hunter, who was giving her a disbelieving look.

"What?” Cara asked, seeing how they were gazing at each other. “Something wrong?"

Hunter answered first. “No. No ... it's just that ... well, my love, tell me if I'm wrong, but was that the first time that's happened?"

Somehow she managed to smile as she realized the truth. “Yeah. It was.” She rubbed her cheek in surprise.

"The first time?” Vall echoed. “What do you mean by that?"

Hunter made a face. “Terrin has the reputation of not letting another man touch her without her permission. I've seen, on too many occasions to count, how she reacts to someone making advances at her when she's not prepared or aware of what they intend to do. And it's not nice."

Cara glanced back at the door before taking a seat at the table. “She didn't do anything to Dallin ... did she?"

"No,” Star shook her head slowly. “I didn't."

"But you didn't expect him to kiss you.” Hunter smiled. “It means subconsciously you've accepted us, and that's a very positive first step. Welcome to the family, my heart.” This time he put his arm around her shoulders and drew her against him. Star snuggled into his chest.

"So ... how are you going to get through the day without me?” she asked him.

Hunter groaned softly. “You had to remind me, didn't you? Guess I'll have to let you take the comm link so we can stay in touch that way. Speaking of touch, Dad, the controls on that slider need a bit more fine-tuning."

"Took her for a spin, did you? I was hoping you'd help me get her in peak condition today."

The sound of chimes interrupted them. Cara got to her feet and left the room, returning a minute later with a package with Star's name on it. “The return destination was Guardian Command,” she said in surprise. The package was small and square-shaped. Star hefted it for weight.

"Bet it's the tester,” Hunter told her. “Open it."

She ripped open the disposable container to find the familiar silver disk inside. Only this time it was set inside a small case with a big green power button and a display screen in the lid. A note floated into her lap, which Hunter picked up and held for them to read silently together.

Power on. Place your hand on it as usual. Give or take ten seconds for the readout on the display. We miss you. Have fun and much love. Devorah

"Excuse me.” Star got to her feet to take the device back to the bedroom.

Cara looked to her son. “What kind of tester?"

"It's one of the pregnancy testers the HandFast Committee installed at Command for Terrin to use. Deceiver wouldn't let them back on the grounds to take them out,” he explained. “I asked Doctor Perlakian to see if Commander couldn't take one and convert it into a portable hand model."

He watched in amusement, as his mother's eyes grew wider as the implication struck her. “Oh, my ... Udo? Does this mean..."

"Yeah, Mother.” He grinned. “You know the life of a Guardian is uncertain. Terrin and I don't want just to be married. We also want a family."

As he expected, the woman rushed over to give him a huge, tearful hug. Star walked back into the kitchen in time to see it. At Hunter's glance, she shook her head. Negative results. Vall saw the exchange and smiled.

"Udo, if we don't clear out and let these women get to their shopping, you know we're going to get an earful later. Come show me what you meant about that slider. If you ladies will excuse us."

Cara let go of her son so he could go over to his wife and give her a gentle kiss. “The comm link's on the bureau,” he told her. “Take it when you go."

"You sure you'll be all right?” Star asked, not masking her worry. He would feel it coming off of her, even if she tried.

"Hey, if it gets too bad, I just might beep you and pop over for a quick kiss.” He smiled.

Her reply was an equally warm smile. “I'm hoping you might."

A final kiss, and the couple went their separate ways for the first time since Star had awakened from her coma after the attack.

It was the hardest thing Hunter would have to face that day, but he knew that at some point he would have to get readjusted to it. After all, once they got back to their jobs, eventually he and Star would be assigned to different missions, making the distance between them all that much greater.

And on the day it happened, Hunter hoped he would be emotionally ready.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 7

Crystal

"It looks perfect on you,” Cara told her.

Star turned sideways and glanced back at her reflection in the three-quarter mirror. The jeweled hair cuff held her mane up off her neck, to fall in one cascading length down her back. The one Cara had chosen had black stones in it, which twinkled under the incandescent lights of the store.

The woman was right, Star had to admit. Not only did the cuff match her hair color, but it took care of helping maintain the bulky thickness that sometimes got in the way when she was working.

As if she could read Star's mind, the woman added, “How do you think it would look when you're in uniform?"

"I was just thinking about that,” Star said. “I like it. And I think it'll look good with my uniform. Maybe it's time for a little updating on the old StarLight.” She flashed Cara a timid smile. “New life, new perspective."

"Then get two, just in case something happens to one of them."

Star nodded and went to make her purchase. Cara watched with tender eyes.

These past few hours had been nothing like she had expected. For one thing, she discovered that her son was right—the media had painted a very different picture of the woman known as StarLight to most of the population. Of course, Star had concocted most of that persona in order to keep her true self private. The brash, confident, sassy woman with the incredible powers was only a small part of the person who had married her son. The more time Cara spent with Terrin, the less she saw of StarLight.

Hunter had beeped them twice since they'd left the house. Both times Star had wandered off to an out-of-the-way corner to answer the Guardian comm link. Cara had watched unobtrusively but remained aware of how much Star's eyes lit up whenever she spoke with Hunter. The joy Cara saw on Star's face warmed her heart, knowing the young woman was just as devoted to and crazy about Hunter as he was about her.

It was nearly two and they were almost finished with their shopping. Star loved the selections available in the little shop Cara enjoyed shopping in. Of course, the store personnel nearly tripped over each other when they'd discovered their customer was one of the Guardians. Star had taken it in stride, which made Cara wonder how often her new daughter-in-law was asked for an autograph whenever she went out among the public. Most of the people who knew Cara Vosstien knew she had a son who was a Guardian. But since Hunter and Star's marriage, it seemed the Vosstien family had risen to a new plateau of notoriety.

"All right. I'm done. Now where?” Star bounced over to where Cara was halfway staring out the front glass window at the people passing by. They had eaten lunch at a cozy little diner around noontime, but Cara felt a bit parched.

"I could use something cold to drink. How about you?"

Star beamed. “I second that."

"Good. There's a nice place on the corner."

It was a juice and malsa bar, with a half-dozen tables and chairs scattered around a tree-shaded veranda just off the street. Cara bought them both drinks, then the two women found an empty table behind the trunk of a large, leafy garansett, and settled down to take a break. It afforded them a little privacy from passing eyes.

"Mmm. That's good. What is it?” Star asked, eyeing the bottle of yellowish liquid with brownish streaks.

"Brindled malsa. You can also get it ported and flashed. You sure you like it? I can get you something else if you'd rather."

"No. No. This is good. It's different, but I've found there's a lot more out there that's totally unpalatable than there's edible."

Cara watched as Star took another long swallow. She noted the shadows that seemed to linger under the young woman's eyes, like the last vestiges of the nightmare she had been forced to live. There was no way anyone could deny the reason Star was still counted among the living was because of her love for Hunter.

Star glanced at her, noticing the woman's scrutiny. “Can I ask you something personal?"

"I'll try to answer as honestly as I can,” Cara replied. “What is it you want to know?"

"Did you plan to have Udo when you did? Or was he an accident?"

The question floored her. “Well, Vall and I knew we wanted a family, and we did what any normal couple did to try and conceive. But it took a while until I got pregnant with Udo. So I guess you could say he was planned.” She smiled. “And he was a nice surprise when he finally showed."

"But you wanted him before you created him, right?"

Cara felt her eyebrows tighten with curiosity before she could stop herself. “Of course we did. Why do you ask?"

The moment the words were out of her mouth, Cara realized her mistake. Star hadn't asked her simply to make small talk. Without admitting it, the young woman had made it known the circumstances surrounding her own birth. Hunter had told them what little he knew of Star's past. He had warned them that unless Star brought up the subject herself, not to mention her family or childhood. Cara hurried to smooth over her slip of the tongue.

"I just wish Udo hadn't been such an active baby when I was carrying him. He was forever causing me grief. I don't think I'd ever been as sick in my life as when I was pregnant with him.” She flashed Star another smile, then hid her nervousness behind her bottle of malsa.

"Were you sick because of his developing powers?"

"At the time we put the nausea and all down to the symptoms of an ordinary pregnancy. But after he was born and began to exhibit his abilities, I've had second thoughts about it,” Cara admitted.

Star chewed on her lower lip. “Is there anyone else on Abernath who has developed powers? I mean, not necessarily like Udo's. But abilities that weren't ... normal?"

"You're wanting to know how Udo got his powers, when the rest of his family is so ordinary?” The older woman shook her head and gave a little shrug. “Terrin, we've wracked our brains trying to discover what may have caused them. To be honest, we don't know. Maybe Vall contracted something during one of his excursions out in space. Does it really matter? He has them. They've been growing ever since he was five. And we learned how to cope with a child with a special gift."

"Do you think he would give any of those powers to his own children?"

"I have no idea. Maybe you won't know until you have your own son or daughter.” Giving a breathy little laugh, Cara added, “To be honest, I hope Udo has a child who'll test his mettle as much as he tested ours."

The two women laughed as both tried to imagine what a child of two enriched parents might be capable of doing. Star kept her eyes averted as she ventured to ask her next question. “Cara? Did you ever want a daughter?"

"Oh, definitely. Of course, we don't always get what we wish for. I'm happy I was able to have my two boys."

"Why did you stop having babies?” Star's face reflected her earnest curiosity.

"I don't know,” Cara answered sincerely. “It's not like we chose to. I mean, it wasn't something Vall and I discussed ahead of time. We certainly didn't plan on having our sons ten years apart, either. It just ... happened.” She gave another shrug of her shoulders. The movement made a little reflective glitter come from the edge of the woman's collar of her blouse. It immediately drew Star's attention.

"What's that?"

"What's what?"

Star peered closer at her. A hand reached up to touch the hollow of her own neck as she asked, “What's that on your throat?"

"Oh.” Cara touched the gem with the tip of her forefinger. “You mean the crystal?"

"Yeah. Is it a piece of jewelry? I've never seen anything like it. It's such an unusual color."

"What color is it?"

"Umm ... blue—ish. Going into green. It changes color?"

Trying to contain a nervous giggle, Cara asked, “You've never heard of a HeartCrystal?"

Star shook her head. “I'm not from around these parts.” She grinned, then took another swig of her drink.

"That's right. Well, let's see. How to explain...” She stared at her bottle, twirling it quietly with her fingers as she tried to compose her thoughts. “About a millennium ago, miners over on Dell Tolloff Six, in the Complesiastes System, found these smooth little rock jewels that gave off tiny fires of light inside them. One man named Horon had just gotten married, and he took one home to his new wife to give to her. The crystal seemed to pick up a glow when they both held it. After this phenomenon occurred a few more times, people realized the crystals were a reflection of true passion between two people. Years later, someone got the idea to try and split the crystals and embed the halves into the couple. That's when they found out that the crystal almost takes on a second life of its own, based on the couple attuned to it."

Her fingers touched the stone in her throat again. “In the years since, three important things have been noted about the HeartCrystals. First, only couples who were truly meant for each other can attract or be accepted by a crystal. The crystal picks who it wants, not the other way around. And sometimes it may take years before the right crystal is found for a couple."

"What if a couple never finds the right crystal?” Star asked, fascinated by the story.

"That's happened. Many, many times, in fact. Some couples have separated because of it. Some couples have persisted, even when no crystal has accepted them.” Cara gave her new daughter-in-law a worried glance. “It's pretty much a gamble whether or not a couple will match up with one."

"What's the second important thing that's been noted?"

"The crystals begin as a solid color until they're united with their human hosts. That's when they begin to take on different colors. No one's been able to figure out how or why, or what the colors mean, but one thing is definite. When one mate dies, the other's crystal turns as clear as empty glass. It dies, too. It's ... it's the most heartbreaking thing to see a man or woman with a perfectly transparent crystal, because it means the love of their life has expired."

"Why don't they remove the dead crystal?"

"It can't be removed.” Cara shook her head. “It's forever. And even if it could be removed ... would you want to?"

The question seemed to float above their heads, unworthy of an answer. Who would want to remove the only token that had connected them to the truest love of their life? “And the third thing?” Star whispered.

"Some people have claimed their crystals gave them insight to their mates, especially in times of high stress or danger. Vall and I can't personally say if this part is true or not, but the claim's been accepted as fact."

"Where does one get these HeartCrystals?"

Cara narrowed her eyes slightly. “There's a dedication room on Ballarson. That's where Vall and I got ours.” She threw the woman a quick smile. “Took us three trips until ours beckoned to us, but we were blessed nonetheless."

Star stared a bit longer at the jewel centered on Cara's throat, lost in thought. Her next statement caught the older woman by surprise. “Did you know Udo and I can already sense each other?"

"I know that some of that is part of Udo's powers. How are you able to do it?"

"I don't know.” Star made a little gesture with her free hand. “One morning, not long after we had begun the HandFast, I was eating breakfast in the dining hall. He walked in behind me, and it was as if I could see him with eyes in the back of my head. It's like this tingling, buzzing feeling all over my skin. I can't really explain it clearly. I just know the closer I get to him, the more intense the feeling becomes, and it doesn't shut off until we touch.” A slight blush pinked her cheeks. “I can even tell when he's approaching through that netherworld of his."

"Are you going to mention the crystals to him when we get back?” The question was moot. Of course she was.

"I'm thinking on it,” Star admitted, reaching for her bottle.

For the next few minutes the two women sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts, as they finished their drinks. Yet Cara couldn't help but notice Star's eyes studying the fingernail-size rock, and the questions that kept rising in her mind demanded a straight answer.

Were Udo and Terrin meant to be true loves? And when they went to Ballarson, would they find a crystal there ready to accept them? Would their feelings change if they never found one?

"Terrin, would you mind if I asked a personal question of you?"

Somehow Star managed a weak smile. “Fair is fair. Just ... never mind. Go ahead."

"How did you know you were in love with my son? What ... what was it about him that made you decide to change everything about your life? There have been a couple of nights when Udo came to the house ... to talk. He was seeking our support and our love. It was when you were still recuperating and not yet conscious. He told us what he knew of your past. He told us that something very traumatic happened to you, forcing you to leave your homeworld. That you roamed the universe for almost four years before you came across a Guardian transport, and that's how you became a Guardian."

Cara watched the young woman use her empty bottle to make damp rings on the table's surface. She could see the conflict on Star's face, the battle between the need to keep her past private, and the equally painful need to lance the wound and open up so that she could begin healing.

Star took a visibly deep, shaky breath, and let it out slowly. “Hunter and Time Merchant were granted entrance into the Guardians the day after I arrived. We went through training together. We had to endure the timed trials together. I think ... no, I knew from the beginning that Udo was nothing like the other men I'd known. He didn't seem fazed by my looks or my body. He didn't seem overly anxious to get his hands on me. It was almost like ... like none of that mattered to him. The other guys...” She have a heartless little laugh. “The other men, they looked. A couple tried to touch. I quickly set the boundaries. Made the rules clear. I was used to having to defend myself."

She played some more with the empty bottle. “We went on a couple of easy missions. Then there was this one assignment. It got ... hairy. It exhausted us. For me, I'd never had to face something that drained me so emotionally, and I was a wreck. I couldn't stop crying. Next thing I knew, Hunter was there. He was this ... rock. This solid, comforting, gentle man who let me cry on his strong chest. He held me and let me cry all I wanted, without making any kind of derogatory remark about it. No roaming hands. No insinuating comments. I couldn't help myself. Whenever things got really tough, he was always there for me, without any snide remarks about me being weak."

Lifting a flushed face, Star softly admitted, “I think I was already starting to fall in love with him. Heavens know I was always aware of where he was, and what he was doing whenever we were on-planet. I never joked with him, or teased him. I-I think he might have been a little disappointed or upset with me because I didn't treat him like I treated the others. But there was a reason why I didn't, Cara. I needed him to remain the one solid thing I could trust, and I was afraid that if I changed the rules, I'd lose him. He was stability. An-and security. And much more. Can you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Cara smiled around the tightness squeezing the tears from her eyes, just as she saw a similar brightness falling on Star's face.

Star lifted a trembling hand and swiped away the wetness on her cheeks. “So ... that's how things stood between us for almost two years. Oh, gee.” Lifting her face to the sky, Star blinked and tried to find some measure of calm. “Who knows? Maybe we would have discovered what there was between us ... eventually. Perhaps not. Maybe we should be grateful for the HandFast. I know I am,” she admitted in small voice.

A glimmer of understanding came to her, forcing Cara to interject, “Udo told us that when your names were called out on the broadcast, you collapsed in a fit of weeping. I think ... was it because you were terrified of losing that connection you had with him? Was that it? It wasn't because you were devastated by the fact you had been HandFasted. It was because you knew you would lose that special bond you two shared. Am I right?"

Star nodded, never hesitating. “But then it was like getting permission to finally go past that one last hurdle we'd never approached before. Hunter had never touched me, other than when he held me, or took my hand or arm to help me. Nothing inappropriate. And certainly never anything remotely sexual.” She managed a timid smile before admitting, “Once I got past the fact that he would be my first lover, it was all I could think of, and I couldn't stop thinking about him. About ... it. About making love with him. Wondering if he would be as gentle and caring as he had shown me in the past. You know, no matter how much you read about it, it never prepares you for the real thing."

The shadow of some emotion Cara couldn't read swept over Star's face, then the woman continued. “Here's a little tidbit that might surprise you. Hunter refused to kiss me on the mouth until I had accepted him in the full light of day.” She paused. “By that time we had made love three times."

"The full light of day?” Cara plucked at a nonexistent piece of lint on her sleeve. “Why did he place that restriction on you?” she whispered.

"Because I couldn't face him in the light. He ... he told me, before the first night of HandFast, he told me he would never make any demands of me. That I would be the one to say where and when we would get together. He told me I was the one with the hardest adjustment to make. Again he deferred it all back to me, giving me time to adjust. And accept. But it was hard. I was still having difficulty thinking of him as Udo, not as Hunter. I couldn't work with Hunter after knowing I'd spent the night with Udo. So I made sure every time I told him when to come to me, it would be after the sun had set. By then it would be dark, and I wouldn't have to look at his face. Into those beautiful blue eyes. Those wonderful eyes that could see all the way into me. It sounds silly right now, but I had to keep the two men apart. I didn't think I could work with the one man and keep my mind on the job.” She chanced a glance at Cara. “Am I making any sense at all to you?” At the older woman's slow nod, Star continued.

"Our first night together, it was like we both took the final step. We stopped thinking about the HandFast. It never ... it no longer mattered to us. He waited for me to see what I was feeling, and when I did ... when I stopped fighting myself and finally saw him with my heart instead of with my eyes ... that's when he kissed me. I don't think I have ever been the same person since. It's like I've found a reason for existing. It's like the universe arranged itself in the most perfect pattern just for us."

She reached up to clutch her arms in her hands, crossing them at her chest, and bent forward slightly. Her voice dropped, but the pain remained stitched in every word. “I'll never be able to forget the Ombitra attack. I'll never be able to forgive myself for destroying the baby Udo and I created. The last thing I remember before I pulsed the mothership was knowing I would never see Udo again. I would never be able to tell him how much or how deeply I loved him. Or see his face. Or be held against that warm, protective chest again. But more than anything else in this life, I would never again feel his love for me. And that's ... that's been the most difficult thing to heal from. Having him back. Having his love. Having ... him."

Star bent over, in more mental and emotional pain than physical. With tears pouring down her cheeks, Cara stumbled out of her chair and hurried around the table to gather her in her arms.

As she rocked the woman in her embrace, she tried to make some sense out of the emptiness that had been Star's previous life, but she couldn't do it. The gulf was too vast, too black, and too horrendous to even peer into. It was then she realized how much her son loved this woman, loved her enough to help her face her past and try to conquer it. Until they did, they could not begin to create a new life together.

Placing a kiss against the woman's glossy hair, Cara felt nothing but sympathy and the beginning blossoms of caring coming into bloom for her new daughter-in-law. Those blossoms would flourish the more she came to know Terrin, and it was a feeling she was anxious to accept. As much as she loved her son, she wanted to care just as much for the woman he cherished.

Terrin needed Udo. She also needed his family. Cara promised herself she would do everything in her power to give them both the happiness they deserved.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 8

Healing

Vall Vosstien heard the word come out of his offspring's mouth, but he still had difficulty accepting it. Hunter wasn't the sort of man to let loose with a vulgarity, no matter what the circumstances, and the one he'd just uttered had been a juicy one.

Leaning over the engine of the slider to where he could see his son tackling the steering column from beneath, he drolly commented, “I take it you learned that one over at Guardian Command."

"Sorry, Dad.” A tiny grin creased one corner of the young man's mouth.

"That throttle giving you fits?"

"Big time. How did you manage to get it in this casing in the first place? Damn thing's too big."

"It was tricky, but if you run your diagnostics, they'll tell you you've got a sixtieth of an inch leeway. Try pulling it out and rotating it first before you slide it back in."

A moment of silence passed between them. When he got neither a response to the positive or negative, Vall dropped his face back over the air shaft. “Udo?"

"Oh. Sorry, Dad. Let me try that again."

Vall let out a snort of amusement. “Why are we even trying to do this when your mind's clearly not on it?"

He was answered with a quick glance from blue eyes and renewed vigor on the aggravating mechanism. Again, Hunter lost his hold on the thin filament, but this time the word that he uttered was several steps down on the offensive scale. Vall chuckled, unable to help himself.

"Stop trying to deny it, Udo. Your mind is preoccupied with a leggy, bewitching beauty with long black hair, right?” He was answered with a soft groan.

"And eyes the color of the moons off Tonndorr Six,” Hunter murmured.

For the second time in less than five minutes, Vall stared in surprise at his son. “You know, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you admit, or make any kind of comment about Terrin's beauty. Frankly, I was beginning to worry about you."

"How so?"

"Well, if anything, Terrin's probably the most gorgeous woman this side of the universe. Next to your mother, of course. But when you never referred to it, I was wondering if you'd even noticed."

"Rather hard not to notice, Dad.” Hunter grinned. The filament was still causing him grief, but he was starting to believe he was getting a handle on it.

"So you admit she's beautiful."

There was a noisy sigh. “Dad, some days I look at her and she's so breathtaking, even my teeth ache."

"But you've never told her that."

"I can't, Dad."

"Why not?"

Hunter cast him one of those ‘Are you pulling my leg?’ looks. “She's had to deal with men constantly telling her, when all they wanted was to get her into bed. Or claim her as some sort of trophy. It no longer means anything to her. No, I've never told Terrin how lovely she is, and I won't. Not until I feel she's ready to hear it from me. When I think she'll understand what I'm saying when I finally need to tell her, then I won't hesitate. Hand down the lubricant. I think it's gonna give."

"You know, your mother and I were beside ourselves with worry after her sacrifice. The last thing I wanted to do was to leave you alone at Tor Sigura, but I had my men to lead home."

"I know that, Dad. Don't beat yourself up over it. The others were there to lend their support.” He gave the filament one hard tug, and the line slid into the casing with ease.

Vall gave a bark of laughter. “Told you so.” He waited for Hunter to make some caustic but playful comeback, but things were quiet beneath the slider's engine. Another glance downward proved the young man's gaze was directed inward. Vall knew the expression intimately. “What? What do you sense?"

"It's Terrin.” Hunter slid out from underneath the machine and got to his feet in one smooth motion as he wiped his hands on a cleaning rag. “She's upset. Sorry, Dad. I need to go to her."

"I understand. Hope it's nothing serious."

Hunter gave him a curt nod, and blinked out of sight.

* * * *

"Forgive me for being weak.” The words were spoken in pain. Star trembled in Cara's arms as the older woman tried to console her.

"You're not weak,” Cara whispered back. “And you have no reason to feel ashamed. It will take some time to heal, and we will be here for you whenever you need us."

Her body felt feverish and cold, all at the same time. Her muscles quaked, as if she were being shot with minute bolts of energy. Star knew she was having some kind of delayed reaction. She knew eventually it all had to come down on her; she just never knew when. But now that her mind was gripping her new reality, there was only one person who could ease her tortured soul.

"I need Udo,” she uttered through numb lips. “P-please. C-call him.” Her body was caving in on her, and rocking back and forth was doing little to assuage the burning in her stomach and chest, or the dizziness in her head.

She felt Cara let her go so she could reach for her personal comm link, just as a familiar buzzing filled the air, tingling along her skin like minute fingers plucking at her flesh. The vibrations grew stronger, shimmering in the air, and Star lifted her head just as Hunter materialized beside her.

Immediately she was in his arms, pulled tightly into his warmth and against his firm chest. She buried her nose in the collar of his shirt as muscled arms drew her tightly along his body. His voice, speaking softly and soothingly, tried to use words like a salve over her heart.

"It's all right, my heart. I'm here. You're going to be all right. Just tell me what you need. We'll get through this together.” Hunter glanced up to where his mother stood next to Star's empty chair. “I'm taking her home."

Cara nodded. “Go. I'll take care of things here. Go."

A heartbeat later they were gone.

Star lifted her face, needing his lips, seeking his kiss, and he warmed her mouth with his. Keeping her eyes closed, she didn't fight the terrifying kaleidoscope of memories and pseudo-pain that blended with them. Instead, she kept her arms tightly locked around his shoulders and neck, arching her body into his, until the firmness of ground was again under their feet.

Almost at the same moment, she felt Hunter release her to begin pulling her blouse over her head. His hands were trembling as he reached for her pants, and Star hurried to shuck her shoes so he could pull them off of her. At the last second, she remembered the new cuff holding up her hair, and as she removed it to let her hair flow freely over her breasts, Hunter had doffed his own clothing, and was reaching for her.

Warm hands caressed her creamy skin, gently, lovingly, soothingly. His mouth tasted her neck, her shoulder, her cheek, and his tongue lapped the salty drops beading on her sweaty skin. She could sense him trembling, and she realized her fear had become his.

They literally fell onto the bed on their sides as they came together once more, their hands stroking, grasping, teasing bare flesh in near frenzy. Grasping her hips, Hunter pulled her thighs up around his waist as Star mashed her full breasts into his chest. The fires they had kept banked were starting to roar out of control. The few hours they had been apart had felt like days. On his last call to her, Hunter had sworn he was seconds away from whisking her out from under his mother's nose and seeing if it was possible to make love within the netherworld. It was something they had not tried before, and the idea was intriguing while at the same time caused them both to shiver with anticipation.

He slanted his mouth over hers, tongue seeking her depths, claiming her and bruising her. He rolled on top of her and used his body to hold her legs apart as his hands grasped her arms, pinning them out to her sides. Whimpering, Star lifted her hips, urging him to take, and keep taking, until neither of them had anything left to give. The hard tips of her breasts scraped his skin, sending violent bolts of lust straight down to his burgeoning erection.

Slowly, Hunter eased into her body as she began to pant in light, short breaths. Carefully, he filled her, opening her up to him, letting up slightly as he felt her inner muscles grab and caress him, and she writhed beneath his sweaty body. “Please, Udo, please!"

"I don't want to hurt you.” He bowed his face into her hair and moaned. There was no way he could maintain this kind of control for long. The agony was too intense and overwhelmingly sweet, but she was still swollen from their earlier bout of lovemaking. Which meant she also had to be sore.

"I want you to hurt me,” she begged in a soft, hoarse voice. “I want to you to show me that what we have now is real. I want to be sore. I want to walk away from this bed and have my body remind me every moment of how much we love each other. Don't hold back, Udo. Please ... make me feel."

With a soft sob, Hunter plunged back into her body, impaling her with his thickness. Star arched up against his skin, and the current that sizzled between them made them cry out in response.

It wasn't greed or lust that drove him to piston into her rich heat. It wasn't desire or the need for comfort that made her claw at him, begging him to bury himself as far and as hard and as fast as he could take her. Their lovemaking had become an affirmation of their love, and the life they were allowed to live. With each slamming thrust, his body reminded hers that they belonged to each other. That they possessed what the both of them needed in the most basic, the most primal way—the truth and the proof about the strength of their love.

Tiny, mewling cries were coming from her throat. Her eyes remained squeezed shut as each powerful plunge jerked her body, pressing her into the bed repeatedly. Tiny tears fell down the sides of her face, rolling into her temples. When he freed her hands, Star cried out softly and found his face, drawing it down to her neck. She heard him sob while large, warm hands slid underneath her shoulders and anchored him there.

Hunter slowed, then paused. Waiting. So close. So close to the edge, it would take very little to drive them both over the brink and into madness. Star opened her eyes to find his, heavy-lidded with love and desire, staring down at her. Somehow she found her voice. “I will never stop loving you.” Her breath hitched with emotion.

"Every time I look at you, I can't believe you've given me your heart.” Between words he kissed her swollen lips with extreme tenderness. “My love. My heart. My eternal soul. My wife."

Lifting her mouth to his once again, Star screamed against his tongue as Hunter began his final assault, pummeling, driving, relentless and determined. Her body stiffened and inexorably lifted them both above the bedclothes. Still he pushed himself deeper into the flaming center of her being. She burned him, blistering his blood inside his veins, until the thickened heat flooded every muscle, every nerve, every bone with lava-like slowness.

Hunter welcomed Star's sun with open arms. When she cried out, exploding into a million glowing fragments of fire, he knew his body had been torched beyond recognition. His bones splintered when he came, but he didn't care. He no longer cared. His eternity would always be beside her, or inside her. There had been no life before her, and if she were to ever leave him, there would be no life in the wake of her departure.

Smothering her body with his, but being careful not to hurt her any further, Hunter heard their mutual gasping for breath. Two hearts pounded furiously in the afterglow as they waited for the room to solidify back around them. Waited for time to catch up. Waited for sanity to sink into their brains. Waited for the delicious tremors to settle.

A thread of sweat rolled down the side of her neck, and he lapped it from her sweet, soft skin. He was aware of a bare foot lightly running down the back of his leg as Star tested what was left of her coordination. “Udo?” Her breath was right next to his ear. Fingers played with the dark brown curls that now lay matted with sweat against his scalp.

"My beautiful, passionate Terrin.” He licked more of the moisture from the sensitive spot beneath her earlobe, when he suddenly realized what he had said. Mentally he cursed himself for his slip-up, knowing his previous conversation with his father was what had caused him to utter the words. Nuzzling under her jaw, he waited for her reaction.

She dropped her chin and tried to look at him. “Udo?"

"Mmm."

"You ... you really think I'm pretty?"

It wasn't a question asked out of vanity. Hunter sensed a ribbon of delight wrapped around her inquiry. “My heart sees you wearing a corona of the purest light,” he admitted softly. “Yes. To me, you are truly the most beautiful woman I've ever known."

"Then why haven't you told me before? I mean, seriously?"

Now he reared up on one elbow to look down at her in amazement. “Well ... I ... uh ... I did call you cute once."

A giggle escaped her, but the smile remained on lips now the color of a scarlet sunset. “You've teased me before, but I don't think you've ever honestly said a serious word about what you thought about my looks. Until now."

He remained staring at her in dumbfounded silence.

"You've told me you loved me. You've told me how great I taste or how I smell. And here I was worried about the way I looked because you never really compliment me. You never tell me if what I'm wearing is appealing to you. Nothing. How am I supposed to know if what I'm wearing turns you on, when you never give me a hint?"

"Terrin, I honestly thought you'd had so many men telling you how lovely you were, that the words no longer held any meaning for you."

She readjusted her head, resting on her thick hair spread over the pillow. A slender finger plucked at his lower lip. “My husband, I can spot an insincere compliment a parsec away. When a man tells me I'm beautiful, there's usually a predator lurking just underneath his thin veneer. When a woman tells me, I normally sense such pent-up envy or jealousy it's frightening. Most of what I've heard never meant anything to me because I could tell there wasn't an ounce of sincerity in their words. But you ... when you talk to me when we're alone, when we're making love, when your face is filled with devotion and passion, I can feel myself being wrapped in so much love, there's no way I can deny the truth. So ... do you really think I'm pretty?"

"Oh, heavens, Terrin. In the mornings when I wake up and look down at you, everything inside me squeezes into a hard knot. I'm still having a difficult time believing you love me, much less that you wanted to marry me."

Tears rose into her eyes, until she managed to blink them away. Star sniffed and cupped his jaw in one soft palm. “How odd. I think the same thing about you.” She gripped his hair and tugged on it, drawing his face back down to hers. Their lips met, tenderly sharing a slow kiss, mouths blending and brushing, and delighting in the warmth and closeness they were feeling. She sniffed again, but this time she paused.

"What's that smell?"

Hunter checked the air, then grinned. “Mother must be making supper. Smells like roasted caudicinn."

"Supper? What time is it?"

Chuckling, he nuzzled the corner of her mouth. “Probably around five. Dallin's home from school. And from what I can sense, he's brought a few of his buddies with him. Probably to show you off. Are you ready to go face them?"

"Oh, geesh, Udo. They'll know what we've been doing in here!” Her cheeks reddened with the realization, and he lightly laughed at her consternation.

"We're married and on our honeymoon. It's not like they never expected it to happen."

"But ... still ... to have to go out there and face them..."

"We did it when we had to go through the HandFast,” he reminded her. Having to walk into a room full of their fellow Guardians that first morning after everyone had known they'd spent the night making love was probably the hardest thing they'd ever had to do.

Star sighed, long and deep. Her arms gave him a hug to let him know she was ready to get it over with.

They had been engaged in love play for well over an hour. Hunter moved slightly, withdrawing himself from inside her, and Star immediately regretted the action. Strange, how having him apart from her was like having a large chunk of her flesh separated from the rest of her body. As she watched, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and turned back to stare at her. “I'm going to jump in the shower. Want to join me?” He held out a hand in anticipation.

She didn't need to be asked twice.

Inside the glass enclosure, they held each other and bathed together under the warm rays. Hunter helped her with her thick hair, slipping out after a while to let her finish up as he went on ahead. Pulling on a clean pair of casual pants and a pullover shirt, he teleported into the living room where he knew his father would be watching the vidscreen. As quietly as possible, he materialized onto the sofa to join him. He should have known his father would instantly be aware of his presence.

"How's she doing?"

"Better. Doctor Perlakian said she'd have these spells for a while, not to mention the nightmares."

His father nodded slowly, eyes never leaving the vid. “Just let us know if there's anything we can do."

"Thanks, Dad. You and Mother are doing everything I'd hoped for. Terrin's coping better than I expected."

"Udo? I placed Terrin's bags on our bed,” Cara called out from the kitchen. “We'll be eating in a few minutes."

A sound from the hallway alerted Hunter. Without looking away from the news, he knew it was Star coming to join them. She was wearing a set of his clothing again, and although the shirt and pants were loose and somewhat baggy on her, she looked unabashedly sexy in them. The shower couldn't disguise the bright color in her cheeks, or the slightly swollen lips. Quietly she padded over in bare feet to join him on the sofa, where she cuddled up next to him and curled her legs under her. Hunter dropped an arm around her shoulders, allowing her to rest her head on his collarbone. She'd left her hair down; it felt like a length of soft cloth on his bare forearms.

"Dallin brought a couple of his cronies over to do their homework,” Vall mentioned. “I think they're really here to see Terrin."

"I sensed them. You're probably right,” Hunter acknowledged.

No sooner were the words out of his mouth, than a door slammed from the direction of the hallway, and Dallin and his two friends came striding into the room. “Dad, I need some help with my report.” Seeing the couple seated on the sofa, he came to a dead stop as the two behind him dropped their jaws.

"What's your report about?” Giving the other two the once-over, Vall added, “Where's your manners, Dallin? Introduce your school friends."

"Oh, yeah. You guys already know my big brother, Udo. And this is his wife, StarLi—uh, I mean Terrin. Terrin, these are my best buddies, Kasher and Fadding."

"Nice to meet you,” Star said politely, ignoring the two's expressions. Hunter hid his smile.

Vall used the ensuing silence to repeat his question. “What's your report about, Dallin?"

"Huh? Oh. The Gi Vul Daris. Our professor wants us to research why they use an ammin propulsion system, and what the advantages and disadvantages are between it and the Birisium cells we use."

"What did you find on the main comm?” his father asked.

"Damn little. That's why we came to you. Didn't you tell us you met a delegation from Gi Vul Daris once?"

"Yes, but they came over on an InterLaw cruiser. And, to be honest, their ships’ propulsion systems weren't among the topics we discussed."

"The Gi Vul Daris don't use an ammin system,” Star remarked simply. Between the shopping excursion, the stress of her near breakdown, and the lovemaking she had shared with Hunter, her body was turning into a puddle of satisfaction along his warmth. Once she ate, she knew she would be as pliable as soft clay for the rest of the evening. Languidly, she opened her eyes to see why things had suddenly gotten quiet. “What?"

"What do they use?” Dallin grinned. It was almost a carbon copy of Hunter's, and she smiled inwardly at the thought.

"Some sort of peltsoid material. Very unstable, but the stuff can shoot you across a light-year faster than you can take a seat and buckle yourself in."

"But Professor Edging says they use a liquified ammin derivative,” the one introduced as Fadding argued.

Star lifted her head slightly from her husband's firm shoulder. “Has he been to the Gi Vul Daris homeworld?” All three boys shook their heads. Tablis Gi Daris was easily over a hundred parsecs away. Definitely not within the boundaries patrolled by the Guardians, and most likely not ever accessed by their university professor. She sighed. “Well, I have. Admittedly, when I flew through it, it was over two years ago, but I seriously doubt they would have changed out their ships in that short amount of time to accommodate the ammin when peltsoid is pretty abundant throughout their system."

"The prof isn't going to be happy when we report this back to him.” Dallin snickered.

"Yeah, well, if he says anything, just tell him you got your information from a reliable source.” A corner of her mouth turned up, and she added a wink. Hunter burst out laughing as Cara came out of the kitchen.

"If you're not family, go home. Everyone else go wash up. It's time to eat."

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 9

Dedication

Dinner was filled with lively conversation, laughter, and more familial warmth than Star had ever experienced. Nothing was mentioned about her near breakdown earlier that day. Nor did anyone mention what she and Hunter had been doing in the hours following.

A chair had been placed at the table next to where Hunter sat. She got the impression that one would always be her chair. The knowledge that this family had already made changes in their lives to accept her and include her in their everyday affairs nearly brought her to tears.

During their meal, Hunter would often take her hand and give it a squeeze. Once he lifted it to his lips and kissed it, much to her amazement. She stared at him in surprise that he would do something like that in front of his family, but they didn't seem to mind. In fact, once when he brushed back a long lock that threatened to fall into her bowl, Dallin gave a genuinely envious, “Wow,” and both Cara and Vall shot him warning looks.

The whole incident made her laugh out loud, which made Vall comment, “You know, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you laugh."

And that was when her husband kissed her hand.

They retired to the living room after Cara snagged Dallin to help with clearing off the table. This time Hunter parked himself on the floor in front of the sofa, leaning back against the cushions. Star took her place beside him, lifting her knees and throwing her arms around her legs.

"You're not going to believe this, but there's a documentary available on the independent satellite tonight,” Vall commented as he settled down in his favorite chair. Hunter glanced up at him, reading his father as he knew the man expected him to.

"Yeah? And I can tell you're hiding something. What is it, Dad?"

"It's on the Guardians."

"Oh, really?” Cara called out from the kitchen. “That should prove interesting."

Vall turned on the vid, punching in the program number to call it up. Star looked over at her husband, questioning. “Deceiver never allows the media on Command grounds. When would they have shot it?"

"Don't need to,” Hunter responded with a shake of his head. “There's probably enough footage of us on assignment to fill a few vaults."

Cara and Dallin joined them as the program was beginning, settling on the sofa. Despite the fact that Star had always avoided close contact with other people, having this family within constant proximity didn't bother her as she thought it would. In fact, seeing that Cara was seated no more than a few inches away gave her a deeper sense of security. She pondered for a few moments, wondering why the shift in her feelings, until the screen filled with the faces of the people who had become an integral part of her life.

The people behind the documentary were good. The facts were solid, and the commentator was unemotional in his description of what the Guardians were about. Emphasis was placed on how they risked their lives on a daily basis simply because they felt a sense of duty. They were the elite. Sixteen individuals with special abilities and powers, who swore an oath to defend and protect their worlds from all manners of disasters.

Midway through the program the focus was directed onto each individual Guardian. As each figure flashed on the screen, the commentator gave a brief history about the person and a short description of their powers. When Hunter came on screen, Star recognized where the footage had been taken. It was during the evacuation of Qa'lla Ten. She shivered, remembering the destruction when the small planetoid had imploded, collapsing in on itself. They had managed to save more than half the population, but untold thousands had died before they could get everyone off-planet. The news and police had congratulated them on getting so many to safety, when they themselves felt responsible for the deaths of those they hadn't been able to rescue. It had definitely been a glass-half-full-or-half-empty situation, and one that remained in their memories as a failed mission.

One by one each Guardian was brought to the fore, until the only one left was herself. Unconsciously Star felt herself go on the defensive, wondering why she'd been left for last. A warm hand crept around her waist. Her husband had sensed her withdrawal; his touch was a loving reminder of his protection.

Then there she was, moving the moon away from the Czlnarrik cluster. The sixth planet in the H'nor Dar Galaxy had requested a moon, and there were plenty to spare in the cluster a few light-years away. The H'nor were unable to withstand direct sunlight, forcing them to become a people of the night. But their planet had no moon, and they had always wished for the presence of one. When Star came along with her gravity-defying powers, they were finally able to get their wish.

The commentary mentioned the fact that no one knew where Star's origins lay, or even what the full extent of her powers might be since she was not from that quadrant. The vid continued to show her floating carefree without the need of a protective suit in the void of space, doing her duty. Star smiled, remembering the mission. Disaster had been piloting with Challenger at the helm. Both of them had ragged her unmercifully about the ovoid she'd chosen, teasing her about deliberately choosing one that was not as big as they thought it should be. They had accused her of sandbagging on the job, making things easy on herself. Now that she thought back on it, Hunter had cut in at some point and chided the two men, telling them that if they thought she'd chosen wrong, then they could put on their suits and go out there and get the one they thought would be a better choice.

Star smiled. Even then he had defended her. Cared about her. That was nearly a year ago.

She felt Hunter's arm about her tighten. The commentary had shifted focus again. Now it talked about her and Hunter's call to HandFast, revealing the plot behind it to destroy the Guardians and their world. On the screen was a brief scene of her and Hunter standing in the Hall of the Magistrates, their hands symbolically tied with the blue ribbon signifying their one-year union. Then she saw herself surrounded by the media and doctors when she was admitted to the hospital after she had found out she was pregnant.

"Are you all right, my love?"

A quick glance at him had her seeing herself reflected in his troubled blue eyes. The blood had drained from her face, and she'd never been aware of it. A hurried nod, and she tried to reassure him she was fine.

On the vid the commentary continued in darker tones. Before she was prepared to see it, the Ombitra mothership filled the viewfinder. The Nimboid cloud gathered under its belly began to drift downward, eating away everything in its path. Eating. Burning. Suffocating. Annihilating.

The stench was still there. She could still smell it. The bitter, nauseous odor of burning flesh threatened to gag her. Her eyes watered from the flaming embers that were everywhere. The air was thick with ashes and death.

Screams. Shrill, agonizing screams that split her skull and rang in her ears. Screams of people dying. People on fire, being eaten alive, unable to escape, no matter where they ran. No matter how fast or how far they flew. The cloud was there to destroy, and its range was immeasurable.

Hunter had been in Transport Three, untold light years away and unable to help. Unable to reach her or to bid her goodbye. Unable to save her or their tiny daughter nestled in her womb.

In a way, she'd been glad to know he had escaped. That he would live, even if she and their precious child would not.

The vid showed the cloud parting slightly. That had been from her first pulse, testing it to see how much of herself she would have to give. The first pulse. It hadn't been enough to stop the ship, or even slow it down, but it had been enough to kill the baby inside her.

The second pulse, stronger this time. Strong enough to move the cloud away to where she could see the underside of the mothership. By that time every inch of her skin was reddened from the intense heat. She knew she wouldn't survive what it would take to stop the enemy, but she couldn't stop what she was meant to do. What she had been born to do—protect the lives of others with whatever powers she had at her command.

Farewell, my only love. Those words had been her last thought as she gathered every ion of energy from the planet that her body could absorb.

Farewell, my only love. She'd aimed for the direct center of the Ombitra mothership's underbelly. She had to either stop it, or damage it enough to where it could no longer direct the monster cloud.

Farewell, my only love. She had aimed herself at the ship and thrown everything she had at them. The pain ... the pain had been...

The underside crumpled from the impact. She hadn't known this. She hadn't seen this miracle because she was already dead, lying in a widening pool of her own blood outside Guardian Command.

The mothership wobbled, and then the Nimboid cloud seemed to reshape itself, as if the invisible net that had been holding it secure and protected the ship no longer existed. The red line of fire that was the cloud's lips turned upward and began engulfing the ship. The vessel tilted to begin its inevitable slide to the ground. Sliding uncontrollably, crashing into buildings and trees, before coming to a silent halt in the ground as the cloud continued to eat its way through the beautiful, once deadly ship.

A hand turned her face away from the vidscreen and pressed it against his neck. Chills racked her body as she clutched him. The tears wouldn't stop.

When she had awakened from her coma, and she was finally cognizant and aware that she had survived, they had told her she had won. She had defeated the enemy, but she had no memory of it. There was only the memory of failure. Failure to give the man she loved the child they had created.

Yet, he had forgiven her.

Hunter's arms were warm and strong, creating a barrier around her so solid she would never fear anything or anyone hurting her again. Behind her she could hear the commentary remarking on the fact that her sacrifice signified what the Guardians were all about. But the documentary ended on a positive note. A familiar refrain drifted to her. It was the music that had been played at their wedding. Softly she could hear herself and Hunter reciting their vows to each other in the middle of the Hall of Magistrates. She knew the screen would show the two of them wrapped in the silver ribbon signifying their permanent union. Circling them would be the other fourteen Guardians, showing their support and caring by forming a ring around them.

She reached up to draw her arms around Hunter's neck. It was the first time she'd seen the destruction she'd caused the enemy ship. It wouldn't be the last time. The news media would replay it over and over until long after she was truly gone. It didn't matter, though. No one would ever doubt her loyalty to the Guardians again. Neither would anyone ever doubt the love she and Hunter shared.

"Forgive me, Terrin. You had to see it eventually.” Hunter's lips were against her ear, his hand tucking her hair behind her back. “Tell me how you're feeling,” he begged softly. He knew how she felt emotionally. He knew without her telling him how she was coping with the truth. What he didn't know was how she was handling it mentally.

Lifting her face, he knew she needed his kiss, which he gave without hesitation. She no longer cared if his parents were watching or not. This was their way of sharing the worst and the best life handed to them, and right now she needed him like a hungry man craves food. His mouth was warm and giving. At some point she felt herself being lifted to sit in his lap where he continued to cuddle her in his embrace. When he stopped kissing her, Star felt whole and alive. Her mouth remained bruised and tender from their afternoon in the bedroom. Her body was sore, especially between her thighs and her abdomen—a good soreness that constantly reminded her of their love.

Burying her nose against his neck, she could feel the hollow in his throat, and it reminded her of something she'd meant to speak to him about. “Udo?"

"Yes, my love."

Star opened her eyes to find his worried ones watching her, searching for any sign that would tell him she still battled demons in her mind. Star flashed him a loving smile, and she could feel the tenseness leave him. “HeartCrystals."

Hunter glanced up at where his mother sat watching them with her own worry shadowing her face. Cara nodded at his silent question. “I explained earlier about them."

"Then you know there's the chance we may not find one for us,” he told his wife. “It doesn't mean our love isn't strong enough."

"I understand that. When can we go see?"

"How about tomorrow morning? It's close enough so I can take us over there without having to use an interstellar craft."

"Are you sure you're all right?” Vall reiterated. “I didn't think they'd have that part about the Ombitra attack in the program, or else I wouldn't have turned it on."

"No. No, I'm fine.” She waved a hand at him. “I've never ... I never knew how badly I'd hurt them until now. But I'm glad to know the extent of damage I was able to wreak."

For the first time she noticed that Dallin was no longer in the room, and she mentioned it.

"He retreated back to his own room about the time they were showing the mothership going down. I think it upset him to see what you were willing to sacrifice.” Reaching over, Cara placed a hand on her cheek, bringing her fingers down and around until she held Star's chin. “We want you to know how proud we are to have you as part of our family, Terrin. I've never seen Udo as happy and content as when he's around you. When you get to be a mother, you'll understand what I'm saying.” Leaning over, she gave her new daughter a kiss on the forehead, then rose to her feet. “It's been a long day, and I'm going to bed. Goodnight, everyone."

"That sounds like an excellent idea,” Hunter agreed, also getting to his feet. He held out a hand to help up his wife. Star stared at him with a little frown, but allowed him to give her a boost. “'Night, Dad,” her husband tossed at the man remaining in the easy chair to watch more on the vid.

Once they were back in their bedroom, Star finally voiced what she'd wanted to say earlier. “We just spent the afternoon in bed. Frankly, I'm not that tired. Neither am I ready to go to sleep."

Hunter released her and made sure the lock on the door to the hallway was secure before he walked over to check the lock on the door leading outside. Unlike the more modern, computerized locks at Guardian Command, this house used the older manual versions. She watched him in silence, knowing he would eventually answer her. Once he was certain everything was the way he wanted, he walked back over and took her face between his palms. The expression on his face sent flashes of heat into her belly, and his body language spoke volumes. Star could feel her skin tingling in anticipation.

"We were in the middle of some heavy duty love play when we were interrupted by the smell of supper,” he murmured against her mouth. His low voice sent raw desire coursing through her blood. “I'm not finished having you, and I'm not wanting to spend the evening with my parents. We have the rest of our lives to chat with them. But right now I want you. I want your body. I want your love. I want to put my lips in places that will send your soul to where it's never been. I want to sink myself as far into you as I possibly can, as fast and as hard as I can, and I want to feel your body craving mine in return. Now, I had planned to show you something sexually new, but if you would rather we do something else, instead of following me to the bed, I'll go along with whatever you—"

"Udo?"

"What, my heart?"

"Shut up and make me crazy."

His reply was to totally enclose her within his arms and claim her mouth. He suckled her tongue, drawing it deep into his own mouth, teasing it as he seemed to absorb her.

One hand on her bottom held her tightly against his groin. She could feel his erection lengthening and enlarging as it quivered. It was like a live animal seeking its home. Not knowing what to do with her hands, Star reached between them and grasped his length. Hunter's moan vibrated down her throat.

Suddenly, the soreness was gone. She felt like someone had turned on the heat full blast, and she needed to shed her clothes so that the cool air would bathe their sweaty skin.

"I'm hot,” she gasped against his lips. But rather than attack her own clothes, her hands were tugging on his, frantically trying to divest him of the simple shirt and pull-on pants. They fumbled together, the intensity of their need causing them to be unusually clumsy.

With the clothes finally off, Star broke away and got on the bed, crawling toward the pillows. Once there, she dropped onto her back to wait for him. But instead of following her, Hunter grabbed her by the ankles and tugged her into the middle of the bed. His eye remained riveted on the dark thatch between her thighs.

Slowly, tantalizingly, he drew her legs apart until she lay opened up to him. When he released her ankles, she kept herself spread for him. Star watched his eyes rake over her naked body. The intensity of his gaze was enough to inflame her all over again.

"What are you going to do?” Star whispered.

Hunter's eyes jerked up to focus on her nipples, which had hardened into scarlet points. With each panting breath, they bounced up and down on her full breasts with hypnotic effect. Where he kneeled at the foot of the bed, his dick hovered thick and rigid over the covers.

"You can deny it all you want, Terrin, but I can tell how sore you are. Your sweet little lips are swollen and red, although you're already wet for me."

His voice was dark and raw with his need. Star could feel her lower belly clench with anticipation. But he was right about her being sore. The last time they had made love had almost been forced. Their desire for each other refused to be quenched, even for a short while. Unfortunately, their bodies were not capable of keeping pace.

Star stared at his erection and the dark veins running along the sides of it. The unbelievably silken head was as red as she was. Pain or no, she couldn't wait to have him press it hard and deep into her.

"You're sore, too ... right?” she challenged.

"Damn right, I am.” He looked into her eyes and smiled. “But I had promised you something new. Something different. And I always keep my promises.” Those last words were caressed over and into her skin, massaging into her muscles to make her weak with anticipation, and raising the temperature of her blood to a slow boil. Involuntarily, Star licked her lips. Hunter saw the movement, and the expression of lust on his face intensified.

"Come here, temptress.” Grabbing her ankles one more time, Hunter gave her legs an extra little jerk forward, which centered her more squarely on the bed. As he climbed all the way onto the bed, Star leaned back, prepared to feel him dive between her legs as he'd done before. To her surprise, her husband stopped with his knees almost abutting her mound. His fully-extended penis arched upward over her belly.

"I'm going to teach you how to pleasure me while I do the same for you."

"How?"

"Sit up and lean forward."

As she straightened into a sitting position, Hunter reached out and snagged her hair, giving it a gentle tug. Drawing her closer to him. Drawing her face directly toward his erection. The warm, bulb-shaped tip pressed against her lips, and she looked up at him.

"Open up for me, Terrin."

Slowly, he slid himself bit by bit into her mouth as their eyes remained locked. The moment the warm, hard rod nestled on her tongue, she knew she wanted more—more of what he planned to do, and more of him squeezing past her teeth. He didn't have to ask her to close her lips over him. It came naturally.

The smell of him infused her sinuses with his musky scent. Its salty fog filled her head, expanding until he clogged every pore in her skin. Star closed her eyes to relish the feel of him sensuously moving in and out of her mouth in oral love play.

It was like nothing she had ever experienced, building him this way. She wasn't aware of lifting her hands toward him until her fingertips encountered the firm abdominal wall. Baby soft hairs tickled as she followed their path downward, past the root of his erection, and not stopping until the velvety sac lay in her palms. A careful squeeze made him moan her name, and the hot length in her mouth trembled.

By the heavens, he tasted incredible!

The hands guiding her head unexpectedly released her, and Hunter carefully pulled himself out of her mouth. Silently, he pressed her down on the bed before turning his back to her and straddling her, positioning himself until his erection hung over her face.

"Open for me, Terrin,” he breathed raggedly. “Take me in."

Star reached up to grasp his hot, hard length, guiding it downward, back into her mouth. She closed her eyes to savor this strangely erotic connection between them, knowing he had done the same to her many times in the past. What she wasn't expecting was to feel him spreading her thighs even further, lifting her knees as he readied her, and having his spicy breath sear her reddened flesh. As his tongue swept over her rigid little nub, she gasped, clutching his engorged penis with both hands.

Hunter continued to lick her as his hips bobbed up and down, making love to her mouth. Star felt free to tease him as well, licking and sucking, rolling her tongue around the rim of the head until he groaned with pleasure. Playfully, she teethed the tender skin, pretending to chew on it. The immense rod quivered.

"Gods, keep doing that, Terrin,” he groaned in that deep, guttural voice he had when he was on the verge of coming.

Grinning, Star obeyed. This was not a method or a position she would have believed possible, or in the least bit arousing. How wrong she was. Knowing her husband had become skilled at this form of sex through past dalliances didn't bother her. His love for her was undeniable. What he brought with him from his past was more of a gift than a hindrance.

Bolts of pure desire ripped through her womb and throughout her entire body. She gasped aloud as she jerked involuntarily from the pure pleasure he was giving her. She could feel his fingers moving inside her wet channel, stroking her the same way his penis would. His rough tongue relentlessly abraded her swollen clit, not allowing her any mercy in his attack. Every puff of breath on her bruised flesh only heightened her senses.

Reaching up, she grasped his testicles and gave them a squeeze. His hips jerked, and she tasted drops of saltiness at the back of her throat.

"Time to end this, my heart. I can't hold out any longer."

She started to reply when she felt his fingers plunge back inside her, rubbing, pressing, stroking, sending her almost spiraling into the heavens.

And then ... he tapped her inner walls.

The world exploded.

She clamped down on his erection, nearly sucking it down her throat. Fire blossomed in rolling clouds of heat and exquisite torture. Almost simultaneously, a hot liquid squirted into her mouth, forcing her to swallow involuntarily.

Releasing his erection, Star clutched his hips as his knees gave way. At the same time, Hunter buried his face between her thighs and grabbed her buttocks. Their bodies writhed as the intensity roiled through them. It took another minute before reality slowly reassembled in their minds.

"Uhh, Terrin?"

"Mmm.” It was too delicious not to remain where she was, cheek grazing almost in his lap.

"Want to let us down?"

His request brought her all the way back to the present, and Star realized they were almost floating on the ceiling, nearly ten feet above the bed. Giggling, she lowered them back down as Hunter wiped his cheeks between her legs.

"That was intense,” she whispered.

"I'll second that.” He crawled over the covers until he could lie next to her, face to face, and drew an arm around her shoulders.

Star started to say more, when she sensed her husband's descent into sleep. She had no recollection of immediately following him.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 10

Ballarson

Ballarson was a man-made planetoid, named after the company that built it. It was a hollow sphere, with an agricultural outer core and an industrial inner core. Cities populated both the outer crust and interior, with transit tubes linking both.

The Dedication Palace was inside the planet. Star stared at the tall, imposing building, with its florescent columns jutting nearly to the roof of the inner chamber. Glancing over at her husband, she could see he was equally impressed. She started to question him about it, when she realized he'd never been here before, either. A grin of happy revelation came over her, along with the warmth of knowing. Every step she took now, every adventure with him by her side, every new discovery they shared as man and wife, would be as surprising and exciting for him as it was for her.

Hunter had brought them to one of the way stations on the surface of the planetoid. Inside the round, glass enclosure, they spotted a tram being loaded with other couples who had come to try their luck in finding a compatible crystal. Pointing down the tunnel, he quietly asked if she wanted to take the tram or go alone. Star had nodded for them to go alone. Although they were wearing civilian clothing, the last thing she wanted was for them to be identified and singled out. A moment later they were standing just beyond the tram station, not far from the Dedication Palace.

The air was cooler than usual. She shivered in her short-sleeve dress, and her movement got his attention.

"Cold?"

"A little."

"Let's go in, then. You know what Devorah said about you staying warm."

Star didn't answer. There was no need to. She remembered well the little lecture the physician had given them both while Star was still recovering from the Ombitra attack. Tilting her head back a bit, her eyes remained fixed on the opulence of the place. “And we just go in?” she half-whispered. She felt him squeeze her hand.

"Yeah. That's what Dad said. Ready?"

Breaking her gaze away from the sight of the glimmering towers, she saw her husband's warm smile. He had faith they would find their own HeartCrystal. Perhaps today. If not, then soon. Star gave him an encouraging smile in return.

Fortunately, the other couples were just as enraptured with the structure of the building as they were, and paid little attention to everyone else around them. Hunter and Star walked into the foyer of the palace where a guide greeted them.

"Welcome to the Palace of Dedication. My name is Kolonn. I'll be your guide. Is this your first time here?"

Hunter scrutinized the slender young man dressed in dark green ceremonial garb. Instinctively he threw out a small net to sense the man's true intentions. Not surprisingly, the man was sincere in his approach, although he held his reservations in check like a fogbank on the horizon. Hunter didn't envy the employee his job. Despite the obvious benefits when a couple found their crystal, Hunter suspected the man was more accustomed to having to smooth over hurt feelings when a pair was unsuccessful in their attempt—more so on the fourth, fifth, tenth, or however many times a couple repeatedly returned to try with dimming hope before giving up altogether.

Nodding, Hunter replied. “Yes, it's our first time here."

The man brightened. Obviously first-timers were easier to deal with. “Then may I offer a special welcome? Are you familiar with the palace?"

"My parents obtained their HeartCrystal many years ago, but they suspected things might have changed since then."

"Your parents were crystalized? That's great! Well, to be honest, there's been quite a lot of change in the past couple of years. Come. Follow me."

Kolonn led them down a corridor to a small, curtained alcove that contained a small table and three chairs. He gestured for them to take the two seats placed together, while he sat down opposite them. Drawing the metallic fabric to give them some privacy, the young man clasped his hand together and placed them on the glass-topped table.

"Back when HeartCrystals were initially being offered for sale to the public, there weren't that many of them. Just a few hundred. So, to expedite matters, all the crystals were laid out in one large room, and each couple was led into the room to see if one of them reacted to their presence. When more crystals were unearthed, we went to a touring form of presentation."

"That's what my parents had,” Hunter informed him. “They said they went up several walkways, and the crystals were set inside small ledges carved in the walls."

"That's the way it was done for years,” Kolonn acknowledged. “But since then, the number of crystals has increased, but unfortunately the number of compatible couples hasn't. I brought you here to make sure you realize the chances of finding a HeartCrystal that is attuned to you is very slim."

Star gave a soft snort. “We seem to survive and thrive on very slim chances,” she commented, almost to herself.

Hunter hurried to explain. “She means we understand we might not find one this visit."

"Or on the second, or even the fifth.” Lifting his shoulders in a deep sigh, he pasted a bright smile on his face and tried to appear more hopeful. “But we've also had those who've found a match on their first, second, or third visit. May I ask, how many times did your parents have to come to the palace before they found their match?"

"Three."

"Wow. Phenomenal. Well, let me get you started. I'm sure you're anxious to start looking.” Gesturing to what lay beyond the curtain, Kolonn explained, “We've discovered that a lot of the time distance does not affect the outcome of a HeartCrystal attuning itself to a couple. You can be a light-year apart and it will still react. That's why all crystals are now placed inside the inner chambers of the towers, and each couple is briefly walked through. If your crystal is waiting for you, chances are it's already reacting to your presence. So please don't feel that we've rushed you through too quickly. Trust me when I say this.” He pulled a tiny comm from his belt and spoke into it. “Six is ready to tour when ready."

"Hold up,” came a quick reply. “We have a response, and we're in the process of matching up."

"Understood.” Kolonn flashed them a smile. “We already have a match among our touring group,” he explained to them.

"Just one?” Hunter asked.

"Right now, I don't know. We've had multiple matches in the past, but those are infrequent."

"So, what happens now? We sit and wait?” Star inquired.

"Six?"

Kolonn lifted his comm to his lips. “Yes?"

"Is your couple in position?"

"We're ready to tour,” the guide confirmed. He waited for a confirmation, a wait that extended into several seconds before there came a response.

"Kolonn?” This time it was a different voice coming over the speaker.

"Six here."

"All guides to the main floor, right now."

From the man's face, Hunter could see his disbelief. Obviously the call was neither expected, nor part of the norm. “I'm sorry. I won't be long,” Kolonn promised, getting to his feet. “If you'll excuse me. I'll be right back."

He left them alone in the alcove, giving them a moment to themselves. Hunter looked down at the slender fingers laced through his. “Still feeling chilled?"

"No. I'm fine now. Do you think there's a chance that match could be ours?"

He gave her hand a squeeze. Her fingers were fine-boned, her skin as pale as moon glow. But Hunter knew the power she could wield in those deceptively weak-looking hands. And not all of that power came from her abilities. On at least two occasions she had nearly driven him insane when she'd taken one of his well thought out seductions and turned it back on him. Hunter mentally shook his head. His wife was quickly becoming insatiable, and he had no one to blame but himself.

"Don't think about it,” he told her.

"You mean, don't get my hopes up. It's all right, Udo. I have faith we'll eventually find ours. I can just feel it.” She paused. “I wonder why your mother never told us about the sound."

Hunter glanced up at her. “I don't know, but it's ... nice. Soothing, almost. Like a humming."

Star was quick to argue. “No. I think it's more like singing, only the words are hard to hear."

They grew silent to listen to the sound of the HeartCrystals and the low, calming undulation of pitch and melody that was almost ethereal. It was the music of space and time. The song of the universe, captured within the tiny, jeweled fragments of rock.

"I've never heard my parents’ crystals make that kind of sound,” Hunter told her in a near-whisper.

"Maybe it's because they don't have one of those kind. Cara told me they don't even start showing colors until after they've been embedded into their hosts. Or maybe I misunderstood her.” Star tried to think back on the conversation, but most of it was hazy in the aftermath of her panic attack that day.

But Hunter verified what had been said. “Yeah, all crystals are different, although they all start out looking alike. At least, that's what I've heard."

The privacy curtain suddenly jerked back, and Kolonn re-entered the alcove. He appeared out of breath. “Sorry to leave you alone like that."

"Have you found the matching couple yet?” Star asked. To her relief, he shook his head.

"Not yet. Each couple is being presented as we speak. It's only a matter of time, though. While we're waiting to be called, do you have any questions?"

"Yeah. Why do the crystals make music?"

The man gave her a puzzled look. “They don't. They glow when they find their match. They don't make music."

"Then what's making that sound?” Hunter inquired.

Kolonn's confusion grew. “What kind of sound are you talking about?"

"That singing sound. It's like a melody or song of some sort, but the words are hard to understand. Very soft and low. Rather pleasing,” Star added.

The guide tilted his head and listened for a minute. Presently he shrugged. “I'm sorry, but I don't hear anything."

"We're not making this up,” Hunter told the man. “We both hear it."

"Listen carefully,” Star urged. “Maybe you hear it so often, you've gotten used to it. But it's like it's coming from all around us. If it's not from the crystals, maybe from a sound system?"

"We wouldn't be playing music in the palace,” Kolonn insisted. “The frequencies might damage the crystals."

Star started to argue again with the man, when his comm beeped for his attention. “Six,” he answered.

"Please escort your clients to the front hall."

"On our way. Please. If you'll follow me."

Hunter and Star followed the man out of the alcove and back down the corridor, emerging into the main hall where they had initially entered. From there Kolonn led them down a longer, wider corridor, until they reached a set of large double doors. He paused and turned to face them before opening the portals.

"Once you go inside, you will be surrounded by every crystal currently within our possession. There are two flighted guides who'll be watching to see if any one of them responds to you."

"So you've already found the other crystal's matching couple?” Hunter said.

To their surprise, the man appeared nervous. “Not quite."

Making a face, Hunter said, “Rather an odd way to say no. Is there a problem?"

"Nothing to concern yourself about,” Kolonn hastened to say, then started to add something when Star interrupted.

"Then how will we know if a crystal reacts to us?"

"We'll know. The guides are trained to spot reacting crystals. You'll be in the room less than a minute. Then someone will direct you out through another door.” That being said, the guide opened both doors and stepped back to give them entry.

Slowly, Hunter and Star joined hands and stepped into the interior of the palace.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 11

Cleaved

The cathedral's spires jutted so far upward, they had difficulty discerning where the ceiling of the building ended and the interior of the planetoid began. The showroom was kept deliberately dim, and windows were nonexistent.

Where the outer foyer was opulent and breathtaking in its beauty, the inner sanctum containing the hundreds of HeartCrystals was plain. The dull, light gray walls had been carved with a thousand small niches only a couple of inches deep—each shelf just wide enough to hold a single crystal on a minute fabric pedestal.

As Star and Hunter stepped into the room, the doors behind them closed almost silently, and they found themselves surrounded by the dimness. Overhead they could hear the hum of single-body hovering platforms—the trained spotters they'd been told about.

The music never left them, yet there was now something distinctly odd about the sound.

It didn't echo.

Inside the huge, almost cavernous interior of the palace every sound carried. The click of their feet on the stone tiles, the whirr of the hovercraft, even their breathing made secondary sounds, like ghostly whispers in the near dark. Except for the low, mournful tones that continued to weave in their minds. Hunter gave Star a quick look and found her staring back at him, her pale face like a miniature moon.

"There's no light,” she whispered. He nodded in response. There was no gleam of light coming from any of the crystals, and the knowledge saddened him. Until that moment he hadn't realized how much he'd wanted to find an empathetic jewel. There was no doubt in Hunter's mind that Star was his life's true love. But after what they had been forced to suffer, for her sake more than for his, he had wanted to find their matching crystal.

A figure came toward them, an arm motioning in their direction. A soft voice urged them to, “Follow me, please,” and the guide started to lead them out through another set of double doors at the far end of the room. Hunter felt her hand squeeze his, as if she was reassuring him it was all right they didn't find a match this time. Her acceptance made his disappointment all the more bitter.

Two steps toward the doors leading out, and they both froze in place. The music had suddenly become louder and more mournful. It was almost ... as if...

Hunter shook his head. It was crazy to think it. But when he turned to look at Star, she seemed to be having the same idea.

"Excuse me, but you need to leave so the next couple can come in,” the guide whispered in a slightly irritated voice. Obediently, they took another couple of steps toward the exit when the music instantly grew more strident. Hunter felt Star release his hand and place her palms over her ears. The act did nothing to squelch the volume now permeating every pore in their skin.

"...thing wrong?"

Turning to the guide, Hunter asked, “I thought you couldn't play any music in here."

The look of surprise on the man's face told Hunter everything he needed to know, even before the man uttered another word. “What are you talking about? Would you please lower your voice and follow me? You're holding up the process—"

"It's so sad,” Star interrupted. “That sound. It's like ... it's like it doesn't want us to go."

"Doesn't want who to go?” The man's attention was suddenly directed to the comm on his belt. Hunter watched, straining to hear the conversation through the cacophony in his head. “I'm sorry, but this couple is giving me a difficult time. They keep insisting there's music playing in the room."

A touch on his shoulder broke Hunter away from the guide. Turning to look at his wife, he saw her scanning the room around them. “Udo ... what if ... what if some of the crystals don't glow when they come in contact with their people?” She gave him a fearful glance that mirrored her growing hope. “What if..."

"They sing?” he responded.

By this time a couple of men wearing paralyzing belts had entered the room. Hunter recognized them as the darker side of palace operations. The ones responsible for removing those couples unwilling to admit their lack in finding a crystal. Whirling around, he confronted the guide who remained watching them anxiously. “Do all the crystals glow when they confront their matching couples?” he demanded roughly.

"What do you mean? Of course they do,” the guide insisted.

"I mean, do some of them sing instead?"

A brief flash of trepidation swept over the guide's face, and Hunter knew he'd touched a nerve. As the guards approached, he pushed the issue. “My wife and I, we're both hearing music, and it gets louder when we start to leave. We've been hearing it the entire time we've been in this place, but we were told that music isn't played inside the cathedral for fear of accidentally damaging the jewels. Do you hear anything?” he pressed.

The guide shook his head.

Stepping back, Hunter shifted into his powers. The men overhead were waiting for a glow of light to lead them to the right jewel, but they wouldn't see anything this time. Not them. There was no longer any doubt in his mind that what he and Star were hearing was something either so totally new or completely unexpected, that no one could recognize it for what it was.

It was their HeartCrystal, and he was damned if they were leaving without it.

Pulling Star next to him, he told her, “We're not leaving this room until I find out where that music's coming from."

She nodded, easing into Guardian mode as smooth as water on glass. “What do you want me to do?"

"Stay out of their reach,” he said, and vanished from sight.

The guide and two guards froze. “What—"

Taking advantage of their confusion, Star lifted herself into the air to hover just beyond their reach. She could feel Hunter nearby as he searched the immense, cavernous room.

Strangely, the music seemed to lessen in intensity, as if the person or creature behind it understood they weren't leaving. Not at that moment, anyway.

Glancing down, she could see the guards removing small launchers from clips on their belts. She figured they must be getting ready to use some sort of restraining device, and she lifted herself another dozen yards above their heads, hoping the added distance would place herself out of range. Overhead the spotters on their hovering platforms were dipping down toward her, the expressions on their faces a mixture of disbelief and worry.

"Terrin.” He was right beside her, still invisible within his netherworld.

"Yeah?"

"About thirty feet above and to your left. See it?"

She rotated around and immediately spotted the door and small balcony. It was a tiny loading dock for the platforms. “There?"

"Yeah. The music is originating from behind that door. Let's go check it out."

Below, the men began shouting up at her once they saw where she was heading. Star ignored them. Hunter appeared on the platform the same instant she flew over and landed beyond the protective railing. Taking her hand, he palmed the lock, and the door slid open. Obviously, this high up, there was no need to keep the outer door sealed.

The room inside was small. Star and Hunter stared at the glass cases lining the walls, and the single table standing in the middle of the narrow floor space. The place contained at least three or four dozen crystals in varying degrees of readiness. In several cases they spotted some still coated in their miasmic shells, waiting to be freed. Another case held a half-dozen of the life jewels, all of them needing to be polished before they could be displayed.

On the table, however, lay four perfectly formed HeartCrystals on a piece of fabric. Four beautiful black HeartCrystals, identical in shape and size. Like quadruplets.

Except that one of them, the third one in the row, appeared to be vibrating.

A door at the opposite end of the chamber suddenly slid open, and three men rushed into the room. One of them was Kolonn, who pointed at them the moment he spotted them.

"There they are."

The second man had to be his superior. Shouldering his way to the front, he tried to take control of the situation. “I don't know what trickery you used to get up here, but this area is restricted. I must ask that you two leave immediately, or I'll have to call Special Forces to have you removed."

Hunter glanced around. Of course, the man had the right to be nervous. There were a lot of priceless crystals in this room, and to them he and Star were intruders. He started to explain when Star spoke first.

"We hear music coming from this room."

At the mention of the word, the man in charge gave them one of those puzzled looks they were beginning to become accustomed to. “What music?"

"We've been hearing music ever since we stepped over the threshold of this place,” Hunter continued. “It got stronger and more insistent when we started to leave.” He paused a moment, then added, “We think one of your crystals is doing it, instead of glowing. Have you had singing crystals before?"

The older man turned to the third one in their company, a thinner man wearing an ocular scope in a band around his forehead. “Jord?"

The thin man gave a nervous nod. “It would account for the unusual activity we detected."

Giving Hunter another scowl, the superior asked, “And that's why you came up here? Because you think one of the crystals is calling out to you through this music you believe you're hearing, rather than in the usual way?"

"We don't think we're hearing it. We do hear it,” Star insisted tersely.

"And it's coming from this room,” Hunter insisted, pointing to the table in front of them. “From one of those black crystals. The third one, to be more precise."

The man wearing the ocular band walked over to the table and picked up the crystal in question. Raising a small device hanging from a cord around his neck, he placed it over the jewel. Scant seconds later, he sighed loudly. “It's definitely reacting, but I'll be damned if I can explain why it's not glowing."

The superior cast a cautious eye toward Hunter and Star. “Let them hold it, then.” Addressing the couple directly, he added, “If the crystal is truly meant to be yours, it will respond to you once you touch it."

"Hold out your hand,” the little man requested. Obediently, Star held hers out, and he placed the gem in center of her palm. Immediately the music ceased, causing both Hunter and Star to blink from the unexpected silence.

"What? What is it?” Kolonn asked, seeing their reactions.

"The music is gone,” she whispered.

"Gone?"

"Yes. It just ... stopped."

The little man raised the slender device and scanned the crystal still lying in her hand. “All right. This is definitely odd. The reaction has stopped."

"Well, then, maybe it isn't their crystal after all,” the superior commented.

Totally confused, Hunter reached out to pluck the jewel from his wife's hand. The instant his fingers touched the gem it was as if someone opened a floodgate of sound. Music, pure and unrestrained, poured into the tiny room, bouncing off the walls and ceiling and floor with sheer joy.

Kolonn and the other three men reacted as if they had been cold-cocked. Their faces turned white; their eyes widened into huge saucers. Hunter saw their expressions and realized what was happening.

"You can hear it, too, now, can't you? You hear the music, too!"

The little man tried to respond, only his mouth kept opening and closing without a word, as if he couldn't get enough air into his lungs to make a sound. Both Kolonn and his superior were equally dumbstruck as they wildly looked about the room.

A cool hand pressed down on the back of his. Hunter looked to see Star sandwiching the crystal between their palms. Tears were glittering on her cheeks in the dim light when she finally lifted her gaze to seek his. “Listen,” she murmured. “It's talking to us."

Closing his eyes, he drew her tightly against him as they clasped the HeartCrystal between them. The melodies continued to skip around the room like an exuberant child delighted beyond words.

And then, there in the background, a vague knowledge. A word. An understanding. Hunter shook his head and tried to focus on what Star had already sensed. The knowledge grew closer. Clearer. Coalescing into a word. No ... a name.

Emma.

Dearest stars in the heavens! How is it possible?

The discovery was like a knife in his heart. At the same moment, Star gasped in real, emotional pain, and Hunter tightened his grip around her waist to keep her from collapsing.

"Udo!” Her cry was soft, barely distinguishable above the bubbly musical laughter.

"Is something wrong? What's wrong? What happened?"

Somehow, Hunter managed to take a deep breath, enough to calm himself before facing the men in the room. He had to clear his throat before he could speak. “I think we've found our crystal."

"I will have to agree with you.” The superior grinned sheepishly. Sticking out a hand in greeting, he introduced himself. “Barron Ca Fadici. Overseer of the Dedication Palace.” He gave a glance overhead. “Ummm ... is there any way you can get the crystal to tone down the sound a bit? There are a few details we need to discuss."

Without having to search, Hunter felt the jewel's presence in his head, and silently made a request. Emma, please soften the volume.

Almost instantly, the music dropped to a whisper, although the jubilant strains continued uninterrupted.

"Udo?” Star whispered again. “Emma?"

"Later, my heart,” he murmured before turning his attention back to the overseer. “What is the next step in the procedure? What do we do now?"

"Come with us.” Ca Fadici beckoned.

They quickly followed the men through an adjoining room, down a flight of stairs that placed them back on the main floor and then into a larger area that contained a reclining couch. The little man stopped and waited for them to draw closer before he held out his hand.

"This is where I need to cleave the crystal so we can impart it into you."

Star gave the little man a hard stare as she handed over the tiny jewel. The crystal didn't seem to object, but the music ceased once contact was lost. The man disappeared into an adjacent room.

"Kolonn, go get an ownership tablet,” Ca Fadici ordered the guide. The younger man hurried to fetch the item. Once he was out the door, the overseer turned back to the couple left standing in the middle of the room. “Before Peldark crystalizes you, we'll need some information to finalize the sale and ownership. But before that happens, I think you owe us an explanation. Like, how in the world did you manage to get into the Finalization Room? And what made you so certain that crystal was yours, when it wasn't reacting like any crystal we've ever encountered? For that matter, who in heaven's name are you?"

"My name is Udo Vosstien,” Hunter answered. “This is my wife, Terrin. But to clarify a few things all at once, you know us better as Master Hunter and StarLight."

Ca Fadici didn't flinch at the confession, but he did let out a heavy sigh. “You're right. It does clarify a lot.” A grin creased his face, and the big man allowed himself to relax. “Am I allowed to tell you two how honored we are that you came here to find your crystal? More than that, can you imagine how relieved we are that you actually found it?” Another thought crossed his mind, and his eyes grew wider. “And on your first visit!"

"What can you tell us about this crystal?” Star inquired softly. “Why are there only four of them? And why does it sing to us?"

"That information will be included in your ownership papers,” Ca Fadici told them. As if on cue, Kolonn reentered the room with a tablet in his grasp. Handing it over to his superior, he stepped back to wait and watch. Ca Fadici cast him a playful look, then passed on the news in a flat, deadpan voice. “Kolonn, did you know your clients were Master Hunter and StarLight of the Guardians?"

The look of utter surprise that came over the young man's face was priceless.

It was another full minute before Ca Fadici was able to wipe the tears of laughter from his face. He continued to chuckle as he perused the ownership document.

"All right. Here's what we know about the crystals. First off, they were discovered all together in the same pocket in a new section of tunnels that was opened up a little over a month ago. The first two were found at twenty-six point thirty point one-oh-six point eighty-five spacial time. The third crystal, yours, was clocked in at twenty-six point thirty point two-two-five point seventeen spacial time."

Hunter did some quick mental calculations. Although he couldn't pinpoint it with any degree of certainty, at least not until he could get with Time Merchant to be sure, the discovery of their HeartCrystal appeared to coincide with their fight against the Ombitra. Star seemed to have come to the same conclusion. She gave his arm a little shake and lifted her face to breathe into his ear, “Wasn't that when Ombitra attacked?” He nodded, turning his attention back on the man reading aloud.

"To date, there have been just four of these Temporal HeartCrystals found."

"What? Excuse me,” Hunter interjected. “Temporal HeartCrystals?"

Ca Fadici nodded. “They're the only black crystals ever unearthed by the miners. And for some reason we haven't been able to fathom, we can't date them. We have no idea how old these crystals are. We can place a pretty clear age on the other jewels in terms of how long it took for them to form, and how long they've been in the miasmic rock. But these babies...” He shook his head. “They don't conform. Our equipment can't get a handle on them. So we've dubbed them the Temporal HeartCrystals. And to be honest, we had no idea how they would react.” He ran a finger over the crease between his chin and lower lip. “About a half-hour ago, Peldark called me to tell me he was getting some weird readings from the Temporals. I'll bet that was when you two entered the palace. He told me it had to be a reaction, but since we'd had no prior experience with these jewels, we were working in the dark, let me tell you."

"Is Peldark your only crystal cutter?” Hunter asked.

It was Kolonn who spoke up, having recovered enough to regain his voice. “At any one time we keep three on base to handle the implantations. Peldark is the only cutter, though, who has access to the Temporals."

Nodding, Hunter asked, “Is that it?"

"That's all I can give you,” Ca Fadici acknowledged. “Everything's on the tablet. If you can give me your thumbprints so we can finalize the contract, the cutter should be back any moment now."

Hunter and Star gave over their identification prints just as the little man with the ocular scope emerged from the back room. A huge smile lit his face as he carried the two halves of the HeartCrystal in separate hands. “All right. Who wants to go first?"

"Together,” Star hurried to say. “Can you implant the halves in both of us at the same time?"

Ca Fadici frowned. “We only have one settee."

"Not a problem,” she smiled. “I'll levitate."

The overseer weighed the options for a second, then ordered Kolonn to fetch another cutter to do the second implant. For the second time, the young guide rushed out of the room.

"Does it matter who gets which half?” Hunter asked, simply out of curiosity.

"You know, normally I would say no, but we seem to be floundering in the same region of unexplored territory here,” Ca Fadici admitted. He gave a nod to the little cutter, who approached them with the cleaved jewel.

Star stared at each half, then lifted her hand over the one nearest to her. The music warbled softly but with delight, bringing a smile to her lips. “I guess that half is mine. Udo, can we talk? Alone? Please?"

Hunter excused them, walking with her over to a far corner where they couldn't be overheard. He already knew what she was going to say before she raised dark violet eyes filled with concern.

"Udo, how is it possible. How ... can it really be? Can it ... oh sweetest heavens. Emma!"

She pressed her face in his chest as he clasped her cold hand in his.

"I can't explain it either, Terrin. Maybe we're not supposed to understand the why or the how. Maybe it's some subconscious desire of ours."

"No.” She shook her head slightly, her forehead pressing into his shirt. “Everything in me, every ounce of truth tells me it's her. The time fits. She even feels like it should be her. I can't explain it any clearer. Forgive me."

"Terrin—"

"No, listen. The moment I touched her, I could sense her. I could sense our little daughter's essence in that crystal. I could feel her joy at finding us. I could even hear her telling me her name.” She gave his hand a little tug. “She knew we were going to name her Emma. Oh, Udo ... tell me I'm not going mad. Please tell me I'm not imagining all of this because I'll never be able to forgive myself for destroying her. Please tell me—"

"Terrin, she spoke to me, too."

He could feel her whole body trembling at his confession. Pulling her into his arms, and ignoring the men watching them, he kissed her hair. He remembered the night they had talked about what to name the infinitesimally small embryo growing in Star's womb, that night he had brought her back from the hospital after her checkup. The night before their world almost ended.

"Maybe we're both hallucinating. Maybe we're both projecting our dreams upon this piece of rock. Then again, maybe this has come about because of some power we can't explain, and this is the way the universe is helping us to cope with the loss. Whatever is the real answer, I truly believe Emma has come back to us to become part of the life force in this crystal. Our Emma. Our child we'll never see grow into adulthood, but who'll remain a part of us and our love for the rest of our lives. Terrin, my heart, I can accept that. Can you?"

Her answer washed over him in emotional waves of tender love.

A throat was cleared. The cutter needed their attention. Hunter and Star looked up to see a second cutter had entered the room.

"Ready when you are,” Ca Fadici announced.

"How are we going to handle this?” Peldark asked, gesturing toward the single couch.

Hunter stretched out on the settee. Next to him, Star floated horizontally, close enough where they could continue to clasp hands. The cutter gave her a surprised stare and shrugged.

"All right,” the overseer told them. “Normally there is a bright flare once both halves are implanted, but we don't know how this one will react."

"Do you use any kind of adhesive?” Hunter asked.

Peldark answered. “No need to. The crystal seems to embed itself naturally. You'll feel no pain, but there might be a slight jolt to your system when it becomes part of you."

Turning to his wife, he gave her fingers a squeeze. “Ready, my love?"

The smile he got in return was sweet and at peace. “Ready."

"Very well. We'll do this simultaneously, since you feel it has to be that way. You're acting on gut instinct, and with these crystals, that's a truer compass than anything else we have to go by. Lift your chin a bit more. Good. Hold it right there. Icanaman, on three. One. Two. Three."

Peldark lowered the tiny crystal half into the hollow of Hunter's throat the same instant the other half met Star's flesh. There was a moment of dead silence as they waited for the gem's reaction.

A symphony of emotion in music flooded the room with a massive wash of sound. It was brightness and sunlight in staccato tones. A child's laughter and a lover's promise in surging melodies and harmonies. Warmth and compassion, joy beyond all description, and a thousand voices raised in refrains of celebration.

Star burst into tears as the notes flowed around them. Hunter caught her before she reached the floor and pulled her into his embrace. A quick glance at her throat told him the HeartCrystal had not changed color as it would have if it had been a normal one. It didn't matter.

Warm lips found his crystal, and the little shudder that surged through them both was not because of them. Giving his wife another squeeze, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to be swept away on the raw emotions of happiness.

Welcome back to us, Emma. He mentally opened his arms to hold her as well.

He could swear he heard tears of happiness in the music.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 12

Reinstated

Star gave a little sigh of contentment and continued to snuggle within the warm safety of her husband's arms. In answer his large hands held her more tightly against him as the silence of space raced past them.

They would be home soon. Or rather, back on Abernath. Already she was exhausted, more emotionally than physically. Yet there was no way she could contain the feelings of absolute happiness she held within her.

For the umpteenth time, she reached for her throat and traced the small HeartCrystal with the tip of her finger. Just like it had all the other times, the gem gave a tiny trill in response, a sound that only she and Hunter could hear, like a musical kiss.

A pair of lips pressed against her hair, causing her to smile. “Not much further,” Hunter told her.

"I don't care. Nothing could make this moment any better than it already is,” she replied softly.

A deep rumble in his wide chest made her lift her face. “Oh, I could think of a thing or two that would make it even better,” he promised.

"Keep that thought,” Star teased, and gave her body a stretch. His body's reaction was instantaneous, and a soft growl vibrated in his throat.

"Just wait until I get you home. I'll make you pay for that, you hussy,” he warned her.

"Trust me. I'll make sure you do."

Moving around slightly so she could watch where they were heading, Star observed the faded, black and white pattern of stars and planets zipping by them faster than she could keep track as Hunter moved them along at hyper light speed.

Home. Again she had to remind herself that they were going back to Abernath, back to Hunter's family home. Not theirs. Their home was back on Synaria, back at Guardian Command.

Correction. Her apartment and Hunter's apartment were in separate sections of the living quarters—his in the men's quarters, and hers in the women's quarters. Which left the question—whose apartment would they live in? Or would they have to continue bouncing back and forth between the two chambers?

"Udo?"

"What?"

"When are we going back to Guardian Command?"

He gave her an amused grin. “Getting antsy already?"

"No, not really.” She caught the twinkle in his eye. Damn. She would never be able to hide anything from him. “Oh, all right. A little, perhaps."

"Bored of me already?"

"No. Never that. But you never told me how long we'd be staying at your parents’ home. To be honest, I miss having dessert on top of the kitchen table."

His chuckle was soft against her ear. He knew exactly what she meant. With his family at the house, all spontaneity had been brought to a sudden halt. If they wanted to make love, it had to be within the limited confines of their bedroom. Although he hadn't put a lot of thought on the matter, now that she'd brought it up, he realized he was also beginning to miss the unrestricted atmosphere of their first few days.

"Want to go back today?"

"Today?” She reared back to look up at him. The movement pressed her buttocks into his lower belly, and Hunter groaned softly as sweat broke out on his forehead. Where would be a good place to detour before they got home? Somewhere safe for a quick rendezvous? After all, he hadn't given his parents a relative idea when they would be returning from Ballarson.

Besides, there was the surprise he'd planned for her when they finally returned to Guardian base. Hunter made a mental note to call Deceiver first to make certain everything was ready.

"We're not on any timetable, Terrin. Deceiver knows you're still recuperating, besides our wanting some privacy together."

"I feel great, Udo,” she insisted.

He nodded. He could sense her energy like a palpitating wall. “Then it's settled. When we get back, I'll tell Mother and Dad we'll be leaving.” He could hold out until they reached base.

Star wriggled her hips again, and this time she earned a light slap to her derriere. “Stop that,” her husband ordered playfully. “Keep it up, and we just might end up a dozen light years at the other end of the system."

"Can't keep your concentration focused?"

"Oh, my concentration's definitely focused. Just not on where we're going."

She laughed, earning her a quick brush of his lips on the cheek.

* * * *

Abernath appeared out of the gloomy semidarkness of the netherworld, passing beneath their feet as Hunter aimed for the upper hemisphere. The city grew more distinct, yet remained dotted with pale shapes of grays and browns as they descended swiftly.

Transporters and hovercraft flew by them, unaware of the invisible couple flying unerringly between the traffic lanes. It was close to sunset. Night would be upon the city before long. Already the buildings and trees were casting long shadows in the growing twilight. Star knew that once they emerged from the protective space enclosing them, they would be flooded with a gorgeous orange and pink sky.

"What in the world..."

"Huh?” Breaking her gaze away from the sunset, Star glanced down to see a cluster of vehicles surrounding the Vosstien home. “Are all those people at your house?” she asked him.

Hunter shrugged. “It would seem, although I have no idea why.” The corner of his mouth suddenly curled up. “Unless my folks are up to something."

He took them into the back bedroom, their bodies passing through the protective safety bubble surrounding the property, and between the walls of the house with ease. It was Star who first spotted the note lying on their bed. As the room came into focus and took on the rich hues of color, she picked up the slim tablet and read it aloud. “You're welcome to join your wedding celebration as soon as you return. Love, Mother."

Glancing over at the clock, Hunter wondered how long everyone had been waiting for them. “I recognized Uncle Forneath's old brown Collatier outside. I can also sense my favorite aunt and at least two close cousins among the crowd. Terrin, seems as though you're about to meet the entire extended Vosstien and Polley family. Are you ready for it?” He gave her a wide grin, but she could see the slight worry lines deepen around his eyes.

"Who's Polley?"

"My mother's maiden name."

"And Uncle Forneath?"

"Mother's big brother. I'll let you make up your mind about him without any warning from me.” Hunter chuckled. In response Star rolled her eyes as he took her hand, and they headed for the living room.

* * * *

Cara Vosstien had kept one eye on the hallway entry leading to the back bedroom for the past hour, ever since the first of the guests had begun arriving. She had apologized to everyone for the abruptness of the invitations when she'd made her calls the evening before, but she reminded them that the two people they were honoring were Guardians, which meant they could be called back to duty at any time. And, no, gifts were neither expected nor wanted. It was just an impromptu get-together so everyone could meet the newest member of the family and congratulate the new couple. Of course, everyone she'd called had eagerly jumped at the chance to come by to say hello. But she suspected it was more because they wanted to get to meet the new daughter-in-law up close and personal.

"Pretty nice spread for being last minute."

Cara turned to give her husband a smile and continued to slice the turpin seed cake into serving sizes. “Well, I had a chance to run to the store this morning right after they left.” Giving the hallway another glance, she whispered, “Think they'll make it back before everyone gets tired of waiting?"

"Well, let's see. At hyper light they could be there in under two hours. Coming back would make it around four hours. Give them an hour to go through the indoctrination.” He glanced at the clock. “Yeah, I would say they should be back any time now.” Catching his wife's glare, Vall added, “What?"

"You don't think they'll find their crystal,” she almost accused him.

"Honey—"

"No. No, don't mind me. You're probably right. You've always had the level head in this family,” Cara suddenly acquiesced. “I'm sorry. I'm just ... I just want them to be happy. I mean ... they've been through so damn much already."

Leaning an elbow on the counter, Vall bent closer. “I understand, honey. And believe me, I want them to be happy just as much as you do. Trust me. They'll eventually be crystalized, the same way I knew we'd find ours. But we have to be realistic and understand it may take a few visits before that happens."

Giving her husband what she hoped was a pleasant smile, her eyes drifted over his shoulder to the doorway beyond as a familiar face peered around the corner. But before she could greet her son, another voice boomed in greeting, “Well, it's about damn time you showed up for your own party!"

A large, rotund man with boyish looks literally launched himself toward the couple entering the room, grabbed Hunter's hand, and began pumping it enthusiastically. “By heavens, you were still in flight school when Verise and I last saw you. That was how many years ago? Five? Six? Hey! Let's have a look at that new wife of yours!” Giving Star his full attention, he raked his gaze over her figure from top to bottom. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. Ain't you a breath taker! Verise! Come meet our new niece!"

As the man snatched Star's hand, she gave him a wide-eyed stare, then said in a voice rich with sarcastic humor, “Let me guess. You must be Uncle Forneath."

The resounding laughter was enough to break the ice. Presently Hunter was introducing Star to all who arrived, even as Cara informed them two more sets of aunts and uncles, not counting Grandmater Teeny, were due to arrive.

Hunter kept himself attuned to Star's emotional well-being, knowing how new and potentially frightening this could become for her. In spite of the overwhelming good intentions and well wishes being heaped upon them, and the overall additional attention she was being showered with, she remained collected but cautious. He couldn't tell if it was because he was with her, because she already trusted his family not to hurt her, or because she had grown stronger after the events of the past few weeks.

There was no way he could deny the fact that their past lives, as they had existed before, had vanished like atoms in an ion storm. Every day was now a new experience, a new challenge, a new page of unwritten history that made Hunter feel as if he were walking in deep space without his protective bubble. Instead of being fearful for himself, he worried about the woman he had wooed and seduced with a tenderness that was almost heartbreaking.

Even now, at this moment, as he introduced her to the people who had come to meet her partly out of respect, but mostly out of curiosity and genuine awe, he remained as close to her as possible, keeping his powers spread in a wide blanket around her so he could immediately detect if anyone should want to cause her any harm, or if she should start emotionally withdrawing because of the growing number of people gathering in the house.

After a while, he leaned close to her ear and asked if she'd like something to drink. The flight back from Ballarson had left him parched, as using his powers usually did. Star turned to accept his offer, when a gasped, “Oh, dearest heavens!” caught their attention. Nearby, Cara stared at them, her eyes quickly filling with tears as she covered her mouth with a trembling hand. Hunter started to ask her if she was all right, when he noticed where her eyes were directed. The high collar of his shirt had hidden his crystal from sight, but Star's dress was open-neck. Without a doubt, he knew then what she had discovered.

"Oh, Mother, by the way, did I happen to tell you that Terrin and I were crystalized today?"

* * * *

It was a good half-hour before things had calmed down enough for Hunter to fetch himself and Star the drinks they'd been wanting. All in all, he reluctantly admitted the woman he'd married was made of a lot stronger stuff than he'd given her credit for. She could move whole planets, and handle their personal world as well.

His father caught him alone in the kitchen where he was sampling the ricco pudding, and sauntered over to talk. “'Bout time you untied yourself from her,” the older man remarked teasingly.

"Yeah, and the reason you're not outside working on that slider is because...” Hunter shot back, smiling.

Vall laughed, slapping his son on the back. “Here. Let me get a closer look at that rock,” he asked, peeling back Hunter's collar and peering closer. “A Temporal HeartCrystal, you said?"

Hunter nodded, keeping his eyes on Star. Once they'd explained what had happened at the Dedication Palace, most of the guests had wanted to see her half of the jewel. With Star's coloring, the black crystal almost gave her milky complexion a glow. “Ca Fadici, the overseer, told us they expected more to be found, but they didn't think they'd be as plentiful as the others.” He nodded in Star's direction. “I'm proud of the way she's handling all of this."

"So am I,” Vall replied. “Your mother, especially. She always hoped you'd marry someone we could be proud of."

Hunter lifted an eyebrow. “Proud of Terrin?"

"Yeah. We are, Udo."

The unexpected compliment left him speechless. It was just a few short weeks ago that he'd had to confront his parents about the HandFast and defend Star against what the news media had prejudiced them into believing. After her self-sacrifice, when he had told them they were going to be married as soon as Star was strong enough to stand and walk, he'd half expected them to object.

On the contrary, they had been more than supportive. In fact, it had been his father who had made the offhand remark about how strong Plo Corra was, and wouldn't Star benefit from such a strong, unrelenting sun? That remark had given Hunter the idea to bring her to Abernath to heal. After last night, he was also wondering if his father hadn't deliberately planted the idea in his head in the first place.

Instead of trying to find a reply, Hunter continued to watch as his wife regaled the room with the story of K'alla Four, and how eight of them were nearly eaten by a race of Bedite K'allarians. The tale would give nightmares to the strongest man, the way she told the story. After she was finished, she glanced up to see him studying her. Unobtrusively, she gently touched the HeartCrystal at her throat and murmured something. An instant later Hunter heard his jewel warble, and a sense of warmth came over him. She's doing well, he was told. Hunter smiled lovingly.

"Hey, Vall! Have you seen that special on the Guardians that's available from Vid-satellite Taran Dulla Nexus?” Forneath yelled from the sofa where he'd retired for the remainder of the evening. His announcement was met with several comments from a few who hadn't viewed the documentary. At their urging, Vall found the remote and turned on the vidscreen for them to watch.

As the wall-size screen came to life, an emergency news announcement was being broadcast.

"...with the explosion of violence between the Saracarthians and their sister race, the Sarciabeltans. At this moment, the Guardians have been called in once again to help quell this newest uprising, but this time it appears they're having little success.” The news announcer deferred to a live video shot of fighting between the two races of humanoids. A second shot showed Provoker and Deceiver with several members from both sects, but it was clear little was being agreed upon.

"Even with their numbers shortened by two members, the Guardians still hope to be able to bring back some semblance of normalcy between the two warring factions within a reasonable amount of time. This is Diori Ve'Lucke, VidCaster News, Satellite Taran Dulla Nexus."

Before anyone could comment on the announcement, Hunter quickly turned to his parents. “Mother, Dad, did you hear a claxon go off in the back bedroom while we were gone?"

"No,” Vall told him. “I've been here all day but I haven't heard any sort of alarm go off."

Popping into the back room, Hunter reappeared moments later with a black look on his face. “Terrin, what did you do with the comm link?"

"I left it on the bureau."

"That's what I thought, but it's not there. Dad?"

Vall threw his hands into the air. “I haven't been in the bedroom. Cara?"

She shook her head. “I never touched it."

"Then that could only mean...” Hunter's face grew darker. “Dallin!"

They heard a door open, followed by a surly, “What?"

"The Guardian comm link!” Hunter snapped, making his anger clear.

Suspicious sounds came from the back room. A moment later Dallin entered the living carrying the missing item, his head already bowed for the tongue-lashing he knew he was about to receive. As both parents came down on him for taking the unit without permission, Hunter snatched it from the young man's hands and opened the relays. A blaring pulse nearly deafened them.

"Dammit, Dallin! Why'd you take this? This is our connection with Guardian Command. Do you hear that sound? That was my summons to duty!"

"I'm sorry!” Dallin yelled back, his face pale with the realization that he had committed a serious breach of trust. “I only wanted to show it to the guys. I didn't use it or anything. I even shut it down so we wouldn't accidentally set it off."

Hunter tried to reach the Guardian transport ship, but couldn't establish contact. Swearing silently, he tried a second time.

"This thing on the vid, it's serious, isn't it?” Vall questioned.

"The Saracarthians and Sarciabeltans have been involved in a civil war for generations,” Star informed them tersely. “It's only when the battle bleeds over onto the other worlds that we get called in to get them back onto their home soil."

Hunter sighed loudly. “Guardian Law prohibits us from interfering or attempting to end their conflict, but we have the right to keep them from taking it off-planet, or dragging neutral worlds into the fray. That's what the others are trying to do now, return their bloody disagreement to Allo Gentry 228.” He tried to reach the ship for the third time, again without luck. “Dammit. Sorry, Mother, Dad. I have to go.” He turned to leave, to find Star blocking his path, her hand on his arm in case he disappeared. The contact would assure her going with him. The look in her eyes spoke volumes. “Terrin—"

"You're not leaving me here. I belong beside you, with the rest of them."

"You're not well enough—"

"Call Devorah,” Star snapped almost as hotly as the scathing look she gave him. “Call her and ask. I feel fine!"

Knowing she wouldn't budge until he relented, Hunter punched in the number. There was the telltale buzz of the connection making its way through space, then the inevitable beep.

"Guardian Command. Doctor Perlakian,” answered the familiar female voice.

"Devorah, Master Hunter."

"Well, I figured you'd be giving me a call. How is Star?"

"I feel ready to go back to work, but I need your clearance to return to duty,” Star replied.

"All right. Then do as I say. Hunter, read her and let me know if she feels any pain, understand?"

"Copy."

"Star, both arms. Extend them and flex one quarter ING."

Quickly, she complied as the people surrounding them watched in silence. “Done."

"Hunter?"

"No pain,” he informed the physician.

"Good. Now the legs, my girl. Again, one quarter ING."

"What's ING?” Cara whispered to her son.

"Inert Negative Gravity,” he quickly returned. “It's how we refer to her powers. No pain, Doctor Perlakian."

"That's very good, but here comes the hard part. Star, full body now."

"A quarter ING?"

"No. Make it two full INGs. Pulse it hard and quick. Hunter, watch her."

A sudden thought flashed across her face, and Hunter instantly knew why the hesitation. When was the last time they'd made love? Last night. Did she test afterwards? Yes, he remembered. Right after they had showered together.

Closing her eyes, Star raised her arms over her head and pulsed once, bringing her powers surging through her body for the first time since her release from the hospital. It was several seconds before she opened her eyes and gave her husband a wide smile.

Hunter lifted the comm to his mouth, his eyes never leaving hers. “Not even a twinge, Devorah."

"Congratulations, Mrs. Vosstien. You are now officially back on the active list. Only, please be careful and stay warm. You're still not at a hundred percent, even though you're close,” Perlakian warned her.

"I promise to behave.” Star grinned as Hunter closed the connection. Before he could answer, she bolted into the back bedroom ahead of him.

"Is there anything we can do to help?” Vall asked.

"Yeah, there is. Allo Gentry 228, do you know where that system's located?"

"Over past the Fultry Arched cluster, isn't it? That's, umm, sixteen, seventeen parsecs from here?"

"Yeah. I could call for Transport One, but it would take too long to get here. But I can't take Terrin with me without a stopover at an oxygen-rich planet to replenish my field. I need you to find me such a planet, or even an atmosphered moon, between here and there. I could find it on my own, but it would eat up valuable time."

Vall nodded. “I'll get right on it. You go ahead and get ready."

Nodding his thanks, Hunter popped out to join his wife in the bedroom where his Guardian uniform awaited him.

It wasn't long before he realized they were about to experience another first.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 13

Allo Gentry 228

Vall Vosstien was ready when his firstborn strode back into the living room. “I got those coordinates you were needing."

The sight of Hunter in his Guardian uniform always made his breath catch in the back of his throat. He had no idea why, but apparently from the looks of the other family members, he wasn't the only one to have that reaction.

"What do you have, Dad?"

Vall adjusted the huge chart on the vidscreen then pointed out the location of two small planets with known oxygen-rich atmospheres. “I know this one over in the Hie Hester cluster is a bit out of the way, but I don't think you can safely make it to the Allo Gentry galaxy without the additional stop."

Hunter pondered the chart. He knew his limits, and that they could probably make it all the way without the second replenishment. But he also knew the situation was not life-threatening, so there was no reason to even risk himself and Star by refusing the slight detour. “All right. Looks good. Thanks. Star, let's go!"

When she emerged from the back bedroom, there was the sound of over a dozen people's quick gasp of shock. Star paused in the doorway in surprise as she finished tying her hair back with the new, jeweled clasp. Hunter tried to hide his smile. His wife's appearance in the clinging, black, one-piece suit would knock the teeth out of anyone.

"I'm ready,” she announced, and hurried over to give Cara a quick hug. “Thanks for everything."

"Come back soon to visit?"

"Visit, nothing! Take me shopping again!” Star giggled, and went to hug her father-in-law.

"I'll be back later to get our things,” Hunter told them as he also gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.

"You're going back to Guardian Command after you're finished on Allo Gentry?” Vall inquired.

"Pretty much have no choice, since we're both back on active duty,” Hunter said, clasping his father's shoulders. Bidding everyone else goodbye, and thanking them again for coming, he waited for Star to take a stance in front of him before he placed both arms around his wife's waist. Her uniform burned him slightly, but not uncomfortably. “Ready?” She nodded, and a breath later they were gone.

* * * *

"Well, so much for a quickie,” he growled with a hint of humor into her ear.

"Just wait until we get back to Guardian Command,” Star promised him as the Pittarn Nebula passed below and to the left. She got a goose in the ribs. “What was that for?"

"With our luck, we won't be able to settle this matter on Allo Gentry as quickly as I hope, which means I'll be spending the hours in agony until we leave. Which means, dearest wife, I'm not planning on letting you come up for air for quite some time afterwards."

Her laughter was echoed in the warm hum vibrating against his throat.

As they neared the Allo Gentry Galaxy, Hunter swooped around the bright yellow sun. He felt Star's reaction, and her movements alarmed him.

"What? What's wrong?"

"N-nothing. Oh, this is strange,” she added with a toss of her head, making her bound hair settle over his shoulder.

"Do I need to do something?"

"Udo, I can feel the rays of that giant."

Her confession surprised him. “Through the field?” he asked, to be sure.

"Read me,” she replied.

He did, and she was right. The force of the big star was enriching her. Carefully, he turned his body so she would remain facing the sun as they swung around to the other side where 228 orbited. “Have you felt any other stars while we were in the netherworld?"

"Not in the past,” she told him. “Then again, you've never taken me this close to a sun before."

Which was true. “I wonder if you can emanate any of your powers while we're still enclosed.” He could almost feel her thinking.

"When you're tracking something, aren't you using your powers?"

"Yeah, but it may be different with you."

She tried to glance back at him, without success. “Want me to try?"

"No.” Out of the corner of his eye he could see their destination. “This is neither the place nor the time. Hold on. I need to concentrate."

They descended through the upper thermosphere, aiming toward what was a small mountain peak jutting out of a sea of sulphuric acid. Allo Gentry 228 resembled a ball of spikes, each spike a mountainous region or a full-fledged volcano, disgorging lava with vomitous intensity.

The Saracarthians built their multilevel homes and shops along the outer slopes of the safe mountainous areas. The Sarciabeltans were cave dwellers, digging deep, interlocking tunnels between the caverns hollowed out inside the mountains. The Carthians claimed the cave homes undermined the inner structure of the mountains, while the Beltans swore the cities and towns piled on the outside of the mountains eroded away precious soil, and ultimately deteriorating the land into nothing.

Meltdown versus collapse. The argument had been going on for centuries.

Star watched them draw closer, unaware of Hunter's hands loosening their hold about her waist until he said, “Ready to fly?” This time he was prepared for her look back at him. The kiss was soft and promising. Without another word, he let her go completely, until her body no longer had any source of contact with his.

The world beneath her burst into vibrant color as she left his protective shell. Smoothly, she adjusted to the new environment, and together they soared over jutting landscapes.

"Where are they?” she called out, wishing they had a set of ear buds to talk through.

Out of the air his invisible presence replied, “We're getting close, but I sense conflict. This isn't going to be easy."

"It never really is, is it?” she replied grimly.

Silently, they neared the area where the skirmish was taking place, not knowing what to expect, but prepared for anything. After all, as Guardians they had learned early on that an optimistic attitude was a luxury they couldn't afford.

Going in with every nerve on edge was the best method to keep oneself alive.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 14

Reunion

The Sarciabeltans used industrial robots to dig through the sometimes impervious rock to create their habitats. These robots were also deadly fighters against the bulky land crawlers used by the Saracarthians. To an outside observer, it would seem that pitting metal monster against metal monster would mean a rather bloodless war, when the truth was completely the opposite. Because inside each monster a living being sat at the helm—driving, directing, fighting. A human brain encased within the metallic skin.

Both species felt their machines gave them almost unlimited protection. But both kinds of mechanical weapons had their weakness, as well as their strengths. The Guardians clearly saw the war as evenly split, with neither side having any definite advantage over the other. Of course, the Beltans and Carthians believed none of it.

Their war had been going on for generations until both sides discovered space flight. Then it became a matter of neighboring worlds becoming unwilling participants and/or observers. Until the Guardians were formed, the bloodletting and havoc the two factions created had almost destroyed some of the peaceful species. It soon became a major issue for the Guardians to remove the two embattled species and herd them back onto 228.

It had been nearly a year when they had last been called in. Before that, a little over two years. Deceiver remembered it had been almost three years before then. By the looks of it, the calls for help were becoming more frequent.

"Hunter.” Star pointed below where three Guardians were trying to persuade a disgruntled land crawler to head back inland. Not far away, an ore-borer robot was advancing on two more Guardians. Star instantly recognized the one in the red uniform. “It's Fire!"

"You go help her. I'll take this one,” her husband told her.

And they parted ways.

* * * *

"Run for it!” Seeker shouted. She was pounding the turf as fast as her legs could pump, heading for the dubious safety of a small wooded area, but Morning Fire, being more petite, was lagging further and further behind. The ore-borer was slow, but at over thirty feet high when it stood upright, its long strides ate up the distance quickly. Even now it was gaining on the redhead.

Morning Fire glanced behind her to see the monster gaining on her. She was tired, her breath coming in short, ragged spurts. As a last resort, she threw one more burst of high-intensity light directly into the robot's face. Unfortunately, the Beltan had already learned how to avoid the blinding glare. The brightness glanced off the metallic skin with no effect.

She stumbled, and a shriek of helplessness tore from her throat as she fell, slamming her body into the short, dry vegetation. The stubble drew blood across her cheek, but she never felt the discomfort. Overhead, the robot loomed so tall, it blocked out the sunlight.

Gasping for breath, Morning Fire waited for the inevitable fist to come crashing down on her. Tears glittered in the dirt. Somewhere in the distance she heard Seeker scream her name.

The robot lifted a cone-shaped fist as it prepared to drive the tip down into the trespasser. She tried to close her eyes, but sheer terror kept her eyes wide open.

She waited.

And waited.

The robot hovered, frozen in place, one arm extended. Morning Fire blinked, too terrified to move. Suddenly, the immense machine began to rise into the air. It drifted slowly upward, until it was nearly twenty feet in the air.

Morning Fire blinked again, afraid her eyes were playing tricks on her. A black form was drifting downward to meet the machine. The familiar shape extended her arms toward the metal monster as she stared directly into the faceplate at the creature guiding the robot from within.

Star waited for the Beltan to stop struggling with the controls and realize he was no longer in charge of the borer. Once he got the message, she flashed him a dazzling smile. “Hi! My name is StarLight of the Guardians. Oh, don't bother to tell me who you are. I already know. You're in deep shit."

Lifting her arms, the robot suddenly shot skyward until it had reached a zenith of about a hundred yards before she gave it a twist and let it go. The monster arched as gracefully as a rainbow, heading for the sulphuric waters.

"Terrin!” Morning Fire burst into tears as her dearest friend pulled her up off of the grass and gave her a huge hug.

"Let's get out of here. Where's the ship?"

"Star! This way!” Seeker led them through the forest where the ship was hidden beneath a protective bubble. Six other Guardians were gathered, watching the fighting from a distance.

"Heavens alive! Oh, it's so good to have you back!” Animator greeted Star as the trio ducked through the protective force field. Deceiver walked over to also give her a big hug, as did Time Merchant.

"We never thought we'd see you back on the roster so soon,” Disaster admitted.

"Yeah, well, someone had to come pull your butts off the burners,” Star snapped back with a smile. Her eyes quickly scanned the area. “What in the world's happening? Why have the Beltans turned on us?"

"It's not just the Beltans,” Deceiver replied, suddenly coldly serious. “The Carthians, too. It seems they've come to the consensus they no longer want us to interfere in their little skirmishs in any shape or form."

"They don't have a choice if they take this mess off-planet, do they?” she confirmed.

Time Merchant made a rude sound. “Tell that to them."

"Where's everyone else? Hunter and I saw another group of three tackling a land crawler. He went to help them."

"Hunter's here, too?” Morning Fire repeated. She hadn't let go of her friend's arm since they had returned to the ship. Her eyes took in Star's appearance, noticing the subtle changes in the woman. As she kept her observations to herself, Time Merchant tried to reach the other four.

"Condemner, can you copy? Condemner?"

Star accepted the extra earpiece from Deceiver in time to hear Condemner's breathless acknowledgment. “We're safe! Hey, guys! Hunter's back!"

"We copy!” Deceiver almost laughed. The group was back together as a whole. Things were definitely looking up. “We got Star!"

"Hey, how come you didn't tell us you brought the little woman?” They could hear Condemner accuse Hunter off to the side. Hunter's voice came back faintly, since he didn't have an earpiece.

"You never asked."

"Save the homecoming until you get your butts back here. What's the final word on that land crawler, as if we don't already know?"

"Just what we expected. Poor thing's so much scrap metal now,” Condemner admitted.

In his mind's eye, Deceiver could envision the low-slung crawler slowly turning into a rusted, pitted shell under the man's time-aging power. “What's your location?"

"Damn. Our finder's busted."

"A little more than a mile away,” Hunter volunteered. “Don't ask me the direction, though, but it's that way."

"Did you copy that, great leader?"

"Yeah, Condemner, we copy. Be there in a short short."

Before he could sign off, a huge crash echoed not far away from where Transport Three had landed. The Guardians took immediate cover inside the ship, hoping the surrounding woods would continue to camouflage them. Morning Fire followed her friend.

"Star, go up and tell us what you see."

"Copy,” she replied with a brief nod. A quick hug to her friend who was still pale from her ordeal, and Star zipped out the door to take recon.

Directly across from the forestland, heading in their direction, three ore-boring machines were walking upright. Despite their massiveness, they were being manipulated with uncanny grace. “Hey, Deceiver?” she called, knowing the others would hear as well. “We have three big uglies heading right for us."

"Any chance the other team members will reach us in time so we can upload off this planet?"

"Don't think that's going to happen. But you know the old saying. The bigger they are, the easier they are to toss into a black hole."

A sudden chill seemed to clutch her throat, preventing her from what she intended to say next. Impulsively, Star reached for the coldness and touched the HeartCrystal. It was like touching a lump of ice. “What?” she murmured to the tiny gem. But instead of giving an answer, the jewel seemed to get even colder. “Emma?"

"What? Who? Who's Emma?” Deceiver cut in.

Condemner suddenly butt in. “We just lost Hunter. He said the same thing. Hey, Star, who's Emma?"

The cold became a tightening, and for the first time Star wondered if the crystal had the ability to really hurt her. She coughed once. Twice.

A familiar buzzing feeling crawled over her skin. “Terrin."

"Is yours cold, too?” Star asked her invisible husband.

"Colder than space,” his voice responded with worry.

"Hey, Star, is Hunter with you? What's cold? What's going on?"

"Hold a moment,” Star replied as Hunter softly asked the stone why it was chilling them. Before the gem could answer, a rumble from somewhere below seemed to grow louder with every passing second. Even the air seemed to tremble in anticipation. “Oh, crap, Hunter. Look!"

There, on the back side of the trees, four more walking metal monsters rose on two appendages and began gliding toward them in what now appeared to be a pincer movement, catching the Guardians between the “fingers” of the advancing robots. The rumble grew into a roar, making the tops of the trees shake from the vibration.

"Terrin! Up!” Hunter suddenly yelled, and she shot straight up as the razor-sharp tip of the underground borer erupted directly below where they'd been hovering.

"It's a squeeze play!” Star snapped to the others. “They're triangulating our position and the ship's. Close the hatches and get out of there now!"

"We copy, Star,” Condemner broke in. “We'll staying put until we get word on your new position, Deceiver."

The ‘bots trudged through the trees as if it were high grass, breaking huge limbs and trunks like so much kindling. The underground borer had retreated, but by the sound of its digging it was making its way beneath them and heading straight for the small clearing.

Star breathed a sigh of relief to see Transport Three lift above the tree line. Seeing their prey about to fly out of their grasp, one of the robots lunged toward the ship. One clawed hand snagged a tail fin, and Star could hear everyone cry out as the metal behemoth prepared to drag them back downward. Without a second thought, she launched herself toward the Beltan machine and raised her hands. “Let go of that ship, you overgrown drain cover!"

She could see the frightened faces of her trapped comrades through the ship's cockpit window. My love, keep it below sixty flexes if you can. Vaguely she could tell the warning was coming through the crystal and not directly from him. Why she could hear it, and why the HeartCrystal had gone deathly cold, was a mystery she had no time to dwell over. Not now. Too much was happening—too much too fast, and too overwhelming to do anything but act on instinct. They would have to sort out the hows and whys later.

"Deceiver, darken the screen!” she called. At some point she heard him answer, but she was too busy concentrating on building up the flare from within her body. Keep it below sixty flexes? “Let's see what that much will do to you, you walking sewer pipe."

She pulsed them at sixty flexes, letting the flare burst out in a glorious halo effect of purples and blues. The three robots shredded like dead leaves in a high gale. Cries of delight echoed in her ear, but it was hard to concentrate. Her body was suddenly as weak as tissue. She could still summon enough energy to remain aloft, but the flare had taken a lot more out of her than she'd expected. Sadly, Star realized Perlakian knew her better than she knew herself, and swore never to take the woman's warnings so lightly again.

The feeling of tiny fingers plucking her skin erupted over her body. A voice full of loving concern gently asked her if she was all right as the world went from full color to sepia tones. Star gratefully looked up into Hunter's worried eyes. “It's been a long day,” she admitted, wrapping her arms around his neck. Hunter cuddled her against him as he followed Three to its new hiding place.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 15

New Quarters

He nuzzled her temple, at the baby soft hairs growing there. Star remained limp in his arms, savoring the sweetness of his touch. She was held firmly against his wide chest, a chest she knew intimately, from the dark hair curling all the way down to his erection, back up to the blush of his male nipples. And his scent—oh, dearest heavens, he smelled so delicious, she was tempted to nibble on him any chance she got.

At some point she felt him remove the earpiece from her ear. Vaguely she sensed him switching it off, then stuffing it into one of his tunic pockets. They were taking a long time to reach the ship, and when she raised her head to gaze at where they were going, his mouth came down over hers.

He was hot, and burning her lips with his heat. Their desire sparked between them, igniting a roar that deafened her with its intensity. Her whole body felt alive, as if every molecule had jumped to attention. She gasped, and she felt him slip a hand over the curve of her buttocks, between the cheeks, until his fingers came to rest at the juncture between her legs. Without thought, she shifted in his embrace. He responded by slowly moving his fingertips over the skintight fabric. The delicate teasing was enough to make her moan.

"I want you."

"I'm dying here, Terrin, I want you so badly."

"Please ... is there somewhere we can...” His thumb was teasing her most sensitive places, making her flame like a torch. Star moaned again, rotating her hips until she felt like shredding the uniform from her body. “Udo!"

"Can't ... can't...” She heard him struggling, and somehow knew they were losing altitude. Opening her eyes, Star was prepared to take them back aloft, when the forest went from dull grays and browns to verdant greens. A second later, Hunter was crushing her against the leafy fronds of a tall bush. His erection was like a massive pole trying to bury itself into her abdomen.

"Udo—"

His mouth consumed hers, taking her tongue and drawing it between his lips to suckle on it. His body was a wall of desire radiating his need and strength into her. One hand had found the slit in the side of her uniform, forced it apart, and was cupping her bare breast underneath the fabric. His fingers squeezed the hard, nubby tips until boiling jets of heat surged into her core. The other hand had begun to assault the increasing wetness between her legs, until she could do nothing but thrust herself repeatedly against his fingers as she sought release.

"Dammit, Terrin.” His breathing was harsh. Labored. “I can't wait until we get back to Command."

"Screw Command. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind if you don't take me."

As he kissed her again, Star gave herself willingly. Her lips would be bruised from their mutual roughness, but she didn't care. She couldn't remember when she had ever felt this kind of raw, animalistic craving for him. All she knew was that it had been too long since they had last consummated their passion. Too long since they had fused their flesh into one.

The hand between her legs disappeared as he parted from her, and she could hear him releasing the catches on his pants. Through half-closed eyes, she could see herself reflected in those amazingly blue eyes, now darker with undisguised hunger. Silently she slit open her uniform at the hip and slipped one foot out of the attached boot.

His hand grabbed her bare leg at the knee and lifted it before flinging it around his waist. She inhaled, and he buried himself all the way in one brain-numbing lunge. At that point, she lost all sense of reality. Closing her eyes, she gave herself to him completely, to let him ride her into oblivion.

They had grown accustomed to making love as the need struck them, sometimes coupling as many as two or three times a day. Since their early departure for Ballarson that morning there had been no chance to make love. Not even a quick clothes-on meeting at some out of the way planetoid. They had been forced by necessity to remain celibate for the entire day. Now their bodies and their hearts demanded immediate respite.

"Take me, Udo. Harder."

Hunter pumped her relentlessly as her arms remained wrapped around his chest, her hands grasping the back of his tunic and keeping it above their waists. His lips released hers, and they both gasped for air as the exquisite torture in the joining of their bodies carried them further and further away from the reality of where they were—the danger surrounding them, the possibility they could be discovered by their teammates, or—worse yet—the enemy...

As he buried himself into her, each stroke sent molten flares shooting through her, expanding and exploding within her womb. At one point she heard him groan. Shortly after, he lifted her hips, adjusted their position just slightly, and started taking her even deeper than she believed possible.

There was no way she could stop the thin wail squeezing out of her throat. Star threw her head back, levitating unconsciously, and arched her spine as she let go of him. Hunter's hands remained on her hips, guiding her over him while he pressed faster and harder into her. The heat illuminated them from the inside out, turning their muscles into ribbons of fire. Melting their bones into smoking black ash. They rose further and further into the blistering flames, until the ball of expanding heat erupted, gushing outward like a wall of scalding liquid.

Dimly she heard Hunter cry out with his release. At the same instant she went deaf as the power of her climax threw her body into total rigidity. Only the feel of his fingers digging into the flesh at her waist kept them grounded. Star cried out. The cry turned into a sobbing plea. The next moment she was being clutched against his chest, his mouth drawing a path of gentle kisses down her neck between his own panting words.

"Terrin. Talk to me, Terrin. Did I hurt you?"

"No.” Somehow she found the strength to shake her head. A minute passed. Then two. Aftershocks continued to shake them, lessening in intensity as another minute crept by. Carefully she disengaged herself from him, and together they tried to collect themselves before drawing their clothing back on. She was surprised to find tears on her cheeks. She wiped them away with shaking hands.

"My love?"

Lifting her eyes, she could see anguish shadowing his face.

"Please tell me I didn't hurt you. I'm sorry. I—"

"Shh.” Laying her fingers over his lips, she smiled softly when he kissed them. “I was as desperate for you as you were for me,” she whispered.

He reached behind her and pulled bits of shredded leaves from her hair. “Well, at least one of our questions has been answered."

"Oh?"

"We won't be able to make love in the netherworld. Not unless we want to go crashing into something. I can't keep my concentration focused on remaining within it, and put my whole heart into what we're doing at the same time.” He gave her that lopsided grin that gave him such a boyish appearance. Star felt her heart flip-flop at the sight of it.

"How are we going to explain our tardiness to Deceiver?” she wondered.

Hunter paused, his vision turned inward, and she knew he was using his powers to search the area around them. “I can do a quick recon of the area. See if I can get a handle on what the Beltans and Carthians have planned for us. Why don't you go up and see what you can discover? We'll meet at the ship."

As he turned, the crystal at his throat caught the sunlight and reflected it back at her. Star impulsively reached up to touch hers. In her head the HeartCrystal purred a tender tune. “Today's been a day of firsts,” she commented softly as she watched her husband respond to the gem at his throat.

"Day's not over,” he told her, giving her that mischievous grin again. Cupping her chin, he graced her with a quick kiss on her bruised mouth. “Stay just above the treetops and head away from the sun. I'll see you at the ship, my heart.” Before she could reply, he was gone. Giving a soft groan, Star lifted into the sky.

* * * *

By the time Star reached Transport Three the rest of the Guardians had met up, including Hunter. “Anything?” Deceiver called up to her as she descended.

"I found three pockets of Carthians gathered off in that direction,” she advised them, and pointed back behind her. “There's just two Beltan robots that I could spot, but they're farther away. I have no idea where the underground borer is that attacked us, or where the machines that accompanied it went."

"I told Deceiver I was able to listen in over at one of the Carthian encampments. They think they've frightened us away, or at least cowed us enough for the time being,” Hunter informed her.

The remark earned a snort of derision from Provoker. “They think their machines are better than our combined power. If they haven't learned their lesson by now, maybe it's time we took off our gloves and gave them a few bare-knuckled pointers."

Deceiver rolled his eyes over at where Bruiser and Challenger were casually leaning against the ship and sipping cold drinks. Seeing them with their beverages reminded Star she was parched.

"Yeah, well it's clear their machines are not going to give us any problems,” the Guardian leader confessed, having seen for himself how easily their two strongest members could crush the metal behemoths like so much paper. “What's been holding us back is our reluctance to go against Guardian law, which prevents us from bringing this war to an end."

"But when they turn their targets away from each other and pin them on us, don't we have the right to fight back?” Corona demanded. “At that point their war isn't against each other but against us. To me that makes the law a moot issue."

"She's right, Deceiver,” Blender added. “The law states we can't interfere in their conflict. When they come after us, however, it becomes our conflict."

Deceiver nodded. “Precisely."

"So if they take this war off-planet again, and we come back to squelch it, and they turn on us, we can slap their wrists and say ‘no-no'?” Animator smiled with a familiar playful look on her face.

Chuckling, Disaster said, “It would seem that would be the correct thing to do. Hey, Deceiver, now that we're all together, and we finally managed to get these two naughty tribes back where they belong, are we ready to call it a day and go home?"

The Guardian Leader nodded. “Did you and Provoker manage to put a crimp in their space buggies?"

Provoker let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, heavens, we probably put their ships out of commission for at least the next four to six months. Longer, if we're lucky."

"All right, people. Then, before the children get restless and decide to come after us again, let's call this mission a success and go home. Hunter, I piloted on the way over here. Want to take the helm on the way back?"

Hunter gave him a surprised look as Star returned from the ship with two bottles of water, one of which she was handing him. Vaguely he had only been listening to their leader with one ear. Earlier, as Star had started to walk away from him, his body had felt a sudden sense of withdrawal as the distance between them increased. Less than half an hour had passed since their delirious rendevous in the dense undergrowth, but already he could feel himself beginning to react to the thought of burying himself within her again.

...let's call this mission a success and go home.

Home, to their own private bedroom, without having to worry about his family intruding. Or overhearing.

Home, where they could spend the entire night resting and talking between feverish bouts of heady lovemaking.

Closing his eyes, Hunter willed his body to find some sort of plateau where he could at least show a decent face to his fellow Guardians. His body, however, refused to listen. Already he could feel the familiar tightening in his pants, and he hoped the trip back wouldn't seem as long as he knew it would take. Taking the bottle of water, his fingers brushed his wife's. Star lifted her warm, violet eyes up at him, and he was instantly lost in them.

"No, thanks, Deceiver. You brought her in, you can take her back. I think I'll sit in the back this trip. Mrs. Vosstien...” He trapped Star's fingers with his, the bottle of water between them. “Care to join me?"

She answered with a pretty blush and a nod. Deceiver grinned before calling to everyone to strap themselves in. Hunter led his wife to the back row, which held only two seats. The semi-isolation would give them a little privacy, but not much.

As they buckled in, Condemner turned around in his aisle seat a row in front of them and called back, “What was all that earlier about Emma? Who's Emma? You couldn't handle the woman you already have? Or is there a bit of news you two haven't shared with us yet?” His ribbing was good-natured, his voice playful, but there was a serious overtone to his remark.

"Maybe it has something to do with the HeartCrystals they're wearing,” Morning Fire tossed back almost nonchalantly as the ship lifted away.

The cabin went totally silent. Hunter felt Star's fingers squeeze his.

A full acceleration cycle passed as Transport Three zipped out of Allo Gentry's atmosphere. As Time Merchant counted down their entry into hyper light, Hunter could feel the questions they were waiting to bombard them with the moment it was safe to do so.

The ship lurched as it adjusted to cruising mode. Then, for the length of time it took for them to reach home base, the honeymooning couple answered what seemed like a hundred questions about being crystalized. Questions about the vid news regarding the rescue at the kiln factory, and about Star's health and returning strength. They answered truthfully, except when Condemner inquired again about Emma. Hunter simply told them it was the name they had given their jewel and left it at that. Thankfully no one pursued the subject further, but he saw Seeker purse her lips. The woman could read everyone better than he could. She knew they were holding something back, but she wasn't going to push it.

When they finally reached their homeworld it was already dark. As everyone resumed their seats Hunter sighed loudly. Star had fallen asleep before their reentry into normal space and was lightly dozing against his shoulder, her legs curled up in the seat. One hand remained grasped in his, their fingers intertwined. Her other hand rested across her waist.

His eyes traveled up to where Deceiver was preparing for landing. Back on Allo Gentry he had hurried back to speak with the Guardian leader before Star reappeared. Deceiver had assured him all was ready for their return.

Gently the ship settled into her cradle. The slightly rocking motion roused Star from her somnolent state. She lifted her head, blinking drowsily as she glanced around. Hunter gave her hand a squeeze. “Wake up, sleepyhead."

"Sorry.” Her voice was breathy and definitely sexy. “I must've drifted off.” Taking a deep breath, she released his hand and stretched her arms over her head. “Crap, it's been a long day."

"And it's not over yet,” he whispered into her ear. At her wide-eyed expression, Hunter released his straps and got to his feet.

"All right, everyone. Get a good night's sleep. It'll be morning before you know it. Oh, and, Hunter, Star, welcome home."

"Udo.” Star tapped her husband on the shoulder, wanting his attention. Hunter waited until they'd exited the ship before pausing to see what she needed. “Whose chambers are we using tonight?” she asked him. “I mean, we haven't had the chance yet to discuss where we're going to live. Everything's happened so fast."

How true. Star had been confined to the clinic until the day of their wedding, and right after the ceremony he had whisked her off to Abernath, where they'd been for the past week. And to be honest, there had been a few more important things on their minds than wondering where they'd stay once they returned to headquarters. “Well, I thought we could spend the night in our quarters,” he answered, vainly trying to hide the silly smile that wouldn't leave his face.

Star scrunched her nose up at him. “You're not answering my question. I know they're our quarters—"

"No, Terrin. I did answer your question,” he interrupted lightly. “Did you honestly think I could stay over in the women's dormitory? Or you over in the men's?"

"Well ... I ... umm..."

By now the others had gathered around them with big grins on their faces. It was Deceiver who finally broke the news. “If you look around, Terrin, you'll see that very little repair work's been done since the Ombitra attack. That's because we've been busy getting your new quarters built."

The news slowly sank in as she turned around to see everyone's nod. “My, I mean, our new quarters?"

"It was Provoker's idea to build a married dorm apart from the men's and women's sections, and where to put it,” Morning Fire told her. “Deceiver approached Hunter with the suggestion before the wedding, and we thought it would be the perfect wedding gift to you both."

Star shot an accusing look at her husband. “And you kept me in the dark all this time?” He replied with a lift of his eyebrows and shrug of one shoulder. “Well, where are these new quarters? Come on! Show me!"

The whole group exited the transport bay, but instead of taking a left to head for the men's side of the base, or to the right, in the direction of the women's apartments, they continued down the central hallway toward the main meeting room. Deceiver led them out of the room, in the direction of the clinic. Star just glanced at her husband, wanting to ask him a fistful of questions, but too curious to find out where they would end up to voice them.

The clinic was at the end of a small hallway just off from the meeting room. A single door leading outside allowed Guardians to visit the clinic from other parts of the base, without having to go through the meeting room first. Deceiver opened the door, then paused, holding it open for them to exit into the warm night.

As long as Star had been a member, this section of the base had been unused. Before, it had been nothing more than a wide, expansive courtyard that ended quite a distance away at the base perimeter. Now a single building sat adjacent to the main structure. She stared at it, fascinated.

"The door and lights and all are already programmed to respond to both your and Hunter's commands,” Commander told them.

She gave him a stunned look. “You mean that whole building is just for us?"

Her remark earned her a moment of laughter. She opened her mouth to retort, when her husband took her hand and gave her arm a little tug. “Let's check out the inside."

"You mean, you don't know what it looks like inside?” she asked him.

"Nope.” He shook his head. “I just knew about it coming to pass, but I was sworn to secrecy. Door, open."

The front door slid out with a whoosh, and Hunter allowed Star to go in first. The inner lamps came on, programmed to do so whenever someone entered into the room, until ordered to respond differently.

The first thing they both noticed was the size of the chambers. Whereas the individual dorms were built for single occupancy, the new apartment was built to accommodate two. That included the small dining area with two chairs, and the larger bed. Star's eyes widened as she stared at the enormous piece of furniture, earning her another round of laughter.

"Remember the sunlamp we had installed in the clinic so you could get direct sunlight during your recuperation?” Commander asked her.

"Vaguely. Why?"

"The mirrors are still in orbit,” Provoker said.

"I placed the lamps in the ceiling so you could sunbathe under them at any time, day or night,” Commander continued. “And speaking of bathing, the cleansing chamber is bigger as well, just as Hunter requested.” He was quite proud of his designs and diagrams for the place, especially in light of the short amount of time he'd had to bring it all together.

Star whirled on her husband, stunned by Commander's remark. “Big enough for two as you requested? Why? Oh, Udo, no! Please tell me you didn't tell him you'd gotten me pregnant in the shower! You didn't, did you?” The moment the words were past her lips, she knew she had said too much. Giving a little squeak of embarrassment, Star threw her hands over her face in a vain attempt to cover her inflamed cheeks. The ensuing silence in the room was too much to take. Someone giggled nervously, and heat spread across her face a second time. “You never told anyone, did you?” she breathed between her fingers. She heard him cough gently.

"No, I didn't,” he replied softly, “but they all know now."

Someone behind them chuckled. Star guessed it more than likely came from Provoker. The man delighted in hearing these kinds of juicy facts about their private moments. Another minute passed uncomfortably. Slowly, she peered between her fingers to find her husband giving her an amused look. A grin began to form on his lips, and she knew he'd forgiven her. For the time being, at least. For some reason she started giggling, which led the rest of them into following suit, until the room was filled with laughter.

Walking over to the comm, Hunter picked up the hologram of his family. Apparently all of his and Star's personal possessions had already been moved over for them. Laying the photo down, he glanced up, and paused. “Terrin. Look."

She turned around to notice the rear wall of the apartment for the first time. It was one solid window from floor to ceiling, and bracing two other sides of the apartment.

"I also told Commander to give you a large window so you could get lots of sunlight,” Hunter informed her. “I just never expected it to be this big."

"I made the window where no one can see in from the outside,” Blender let them know.

"Thank goodness for that,” Star quipped dryly. The rest laughed again at the obvious sarcasm. She turned to see Provoker standing to one side, staring at the dining area. “And this was all your idea?” she said, to make sure she'd heard correctly the first time.

He tried to toss it off with a wave of his hand. “Yeah, well, a moment of weakness. Won't happen again."

To his utter astonishment, Star walked over to throw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Provoker.” Stunned, he nodded, and remained that way even after she released him.

Glancing around, Deceiver made a gesture for them to be going. “All right, everyone. Like I said before, morning will be here before we know it. Let's leave the old married couple to check out their new quarters, and we'll meet up again bright and early tomorrow."

"Everyone...” Hunter hesitated, not accustomed to addressing them, much less being the center of attention. The group waited for him to continue. “Thank you all. This is ... despite the fact that I knew you were going to construct it for us, I'm ... overwhelmed. Commander, great job on the design and construction. Provoker, our thanks again for the suggestion. The rest of you who helped to build it and furnish it and bring our things over so it would be ready for us, our deepest thanks."

The rest said their goodbyes and left, and presently Hunter found they were alone in their new surroundings. He continued to watch Star in silence as she slowly walked through the place, examining the new furniture and the placement of their personal possessions. Over at the comm control she found a couple of buttons and a familiar silver plate, which surprised her.

"Udo, didn't you say Disaster wouldn't let the HandFast committee back on the grounds to remove the pregnancy testing devices?"

"That's what Perlakian told me. Why?"

"She must have sent me the unit that had been in Transport Two. This one was in my quarters.” Star chuckled softly, running her fingers lightly over the console before moving on. She found their closets side-by-side, and turned to him with a shy smile.

"What?” he questioned her softly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"It feels real now,” she admitted.

"What feels real now? You mean, being married and living together?"

She nodded. “Yeah."

Walking over to her, Hunter lifted her arms to drape them over his shoulders, then wrapped his own arms around her ribs and pulled her tightly against him. “Just think of it this way,” he murmured against her lips. “We have our own table to enjoy dessert on."

Star burst out laughing, tossing back her head in delight. In the same breath, she shrieked as he lifted her up and carried her into the cleansing chamber where he stripped her down and tossed her into the stall, to join her a handful of seconds later.

He had promised her that once they got back to Guardian Command it would be a long time before he'd let her up for air. She always knew that her husband was a man of his word.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 16

Rebuilding

With Hunter and Star back on site, and Star at nearly one hundred percent, the Guardians were able to focus their extra time and energy on rebuilding the base where the Ombitra had used the Nimboid cloud to disintegrate it.

'Business’ off-planet was thin, which was fine with Hunter. Eventually the time would come when he and Star would have to go their separate ways on separate missions, but until then he enjoyed settling into a routine that was both familiar and unexpected.

He had to give a lot of credit to their fellow Guardians. Although life had resumed almost back to the way it had been before the whole HandFast mess had come about, there were still enough little bumps in the road to remind everyone that some adjustments had been made, and life had taken a sudden turn.

Like the morning after their initial return. Right in the middle of breakfast, before Deceiver had started their meeting, Perlakian had tromped angrily into the dining hall and demanded to know why no one had awakened her when they'd gotten home so she could also welcome back the new couple. Hugs had been exchanged before she ordered Star to report to the clinic as soon as she was able, for a final checkup.

Reconstruction went slowly because they had to do all the work themselves. The city was gradually reawakening and rebuilding itself as well, but every ounce of available manpower was being focused on itself. Slowly, carefully, but eventually Synaria would be able to bloom again in the future.

A week after their return, Star had confided that married life wasn't turning out the way she'd expected, which had made Hunter uneasy at first. Then she'd explained that she had thought there was supposed to be a lot more domestication involved. Asking her what she meant by that, she told him there wasn't any yelling. Or hitting. When were they supposed to start fighting? When was he going to start telling her what she could and couldn't do? She gave a few more descriptions of a home life Hunter realized was the only example of marriage she'd ever known, and the knowledge nearly brought tears to his eyes. Very, very slowly he was getting bits and pieces of the past she still continued to keep locked inside, but he was an extremely patient man. At the same time, he marveled at the fact that, despite believing married life would contain what she had thought it would, she still loved him enough to want to be with him anyway. Despite her initial reluctance, she was willing to face the possibility of such a future with him. For the umpteenth time Hunter felt humbled by the strength of her devotion to him.

"Your parents act like they still love each other just as madly as they did back when they first got married,” Star had nonchalantly tossed to him one evening. He had taught her how to prepare another recipe, and they had enjoyed a quiet supper together in their new apartment, rather than take it in the dining hall along with the others. It was becoming a habit they were quickly growing accustomed to. After their meal, they had curled up together in one of the large, comfy chairs in front of the huge window, turned out all the lights, and waited for the moons to rise.

"Oh, they have their moments,” Hunter confessed. “I have always envisioned any marriage of mine to be like theirs. You know, one with kisses in the mornings and holding hands out in public, and the occasional squabble to keep things interesting."

Star leaned back against his chest and smiled. “I do tend to irritate you at times, don't I? Huh? Admit it."

"Like today?"

"Oh, geesh, yeah.” She snuggled, looking for a better position in his lap. Hunter nipped her gently on the neck in response.

"I will never try to change who you are,” he told her. “It's what made me fall in love with you in the first place."

"Even when my big mouth blabs stuff I shouldn't?"

"Even then. You were in the wrong, and you understand why I was justified to be a bit miffed."

"You weren't miffed. You were mad,” Star clarified, remembering how her husband had stomped out of the transport bay, too angry to teleport out.

"Hey, I've been mad at you before, even if I wasn't married to you then. What difference does it make?"

"A big difference.” She began to giggle. He had gone from nibbling to licking, and it tickled. Not to mention seriously aroused her. “Back then you could go back to your place and fume all you wanted. Now you have to face me until I apologize, or you calm down."

"Well, it's one of a few hundred ways we'll have to adjust. I just hope you realize you have no other options. You're stuck with me for the next eighty or so years."

Star groaned loudly, as if the prospect of spending the rest of her life with him was a future she didn't relish. She was rewarded with Hunter seeking her ribs with tickling fingers. Crying out in laughter, he turned her onto her back and spread her across his lap, down to where her head was propped on one cushioned arm of the chair and her lower legs and feet draped over the other arm. In that position, he could kiss her as long and as deeply as he wanted, while still leaving his hands free to do whatever he wished.

At some point she felt a hand slip beneath the waistband of her casual pants and slide between her legs. She gasped as his thumb did an erotic dance with her nub while the other fingers curved seductively into her. Slowly, Hunter began to build her.

Star arched her back, and the new position lifted her breasts. His head came down. His other hand pulled away the shirt as his mouth fiercely attacked one stiff nipple.

"Oh ... Udo..."

Unable to restrain herself, Star grabbed her other breast and began to tease that nipple, and burning streams of pleasure flowed into her core, drenching his hand.

"That's my girl.” He grinned, then nipped her hard tip. She pinched the other one to compensate, and shock roared through her as she nearly came.

"Oh, gods!"

Hunter refused to let her come down. Immediately his fingers plunged back into her silken tunnel, rasping over her clit with every shove. Fingertips found her erogenous zone within her depths, and he lightly scraped his short nails over the tissue.

Star screamed at the suddenness of her release. As her body stiffened and jerked, Hunter kept her grounded in his lap and over the arms of the chair. It took a few more moments for her to find calm after the storm.

He chuckled. “I take it you liked that?"

"I'll give you eighty years to stop doing that to me,” she murmured, eyes closed while she savored the last remains. Suddenly her eyelids snapped open, and she glanced at him as a smile lifted the corner of her mouth. “What about you?"

He tried to appear unaffected by her orgasm, when the opposite was the truth. “What about me?"

"It's your turn, bud.” She pulled away from him, rolling out of his lap and kneeling on the floor in front of him. Her gaze dropped to his lap where a definite bulge lifted his pants into the air. “All right, Udo. Drop your drawers."

She helped him to pull his pants down to his ankles. In the moonlight a long length of hard flesh bobbed in her face, and Star smiled. Hunter saw her expression as he also read her emotions.

"You like me in your mouth, don't you?” he half-teased.

"I love the way you taste and smell.” She glanced up at his flushed face. “You've done me; now I can do you. Let me know what you want me to do."

Instead of waiting for an answer, she wrapped her fingers around the turgid rod and leaned over to where she could lightly nip the dark head. It was enough to make his body jerk in reaction.

"Like?"

"Oh, gods, yes,” he gasped.

Slowly, almost exasperatingly slow, Star let him slide into her mouth. Once he was all the way in, she closed over him and applied suction to the point where he cried out, grasping the arms of the chair with white knuckles.

"Great stars! What are you doing to me, woman?"

His flavor burst into her mouth—hot, musky, and tantalizingly spicy. She continued to wash him with her tongue, tickling with the tip, and rubbing along the sensitive underside. Teasing it, playing with it, chewing on it.

A hand dove in her hair at the back of her head and pressed down. He wanted her to pump him, and she eagerly obliged. But as soon as she started the up-and-down suctioning, Hunter's own orgasm shuddered through him. Star relentlessly continued to pound him into her mouth until he was done and he reached over with both hands to still her actions.

"By the stars, Terrin, you're a dangerous woman."

She laughed softly. “And don't you ever forget it,” she threatened as she wrapped her arms around his bare legs and rested her cheek on his knee. A hand wove through her hair, soothing her, loving her.

They remained that way for a while longer, watching the moons ride across the sky, until they silently, mutually decided to go to bed.

* * * *

Three more days passed in relative calm before Deceiver got a call from the Hall of Magistrates notifying him that off-planet help would be arriving to join in the rebuilding process. In addition, there was a lot of pressure to resume the tours of Guardian Command, and to extend those tours to view the downed Ombitra craft, now encased in a quarantine field where it had yet to be removed from where it had crashed.

"The credits will help pay for the reconstruction,” Dors Vyers, Magistrate for Planetary Affairs, had told the Guardian leader. “And right now you know your own coffers are in pitiful shape."

Deceiver had reluctantly agreed. “We still aren't able to resume full operations,” he reminded the woman.

"I understand that. However, Guardian Command has been and always will be the biggest draw to our planet, especially now."

He knew exactly what she meant. Ever since the Ombitran defeat, and Star and Hunter's subsequent marriage, the Guardians were an even bigger commodity. “All right, Dors. Send Xermine over and we'll discuss routes and timetables."

Vyers beamed prettily. “Thanks, Deceiver. In the meantime, I'll put a go ahead on whatever supplies you're needing, and we can talk reimbursement once we're back on our feet."

Deceiver could feel the tension that had been tightening inside him the past few weeks now unwind and dissipate at that remark. To rebuild they needed supplies. Materials. Equipment replaced or repaired. Not to mention the fact that they were still on the job and responding to calls and emergencies as they'd always done. The extra burden caused by the Ombitra attack had placed an abnormal strain on their coffers to the extent that he was beginning to lose sleep at night wondering how he would meet the next payroll. The magistrate had managed to erase all of his fears with a single comment. Thanking the woman, he closed their communication and went to tell the others about the tours resuming.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 17

Celebration

"Devorah? Got a moment?"

Perlakian glanced up from her tablet where she had been taking inventory on her supplies to see Commander standing in the doorway to the clinic. She couldn't read the expression on his face.

"Yeah, Commander. Is something the matter?"

He dropped his head, vaguely shaking it. “Yes. Well, no. I just—” He cut himself off and remained silent for a few seconds before lifting his face. “Look, if I'm totally off-base here, would you let me know?"

Biting her lower lip to hide her amusement, the physician tried to keep a serious face. This man was too easy to read, and right now he was fumbling in the dark, trying to find the right words to ask her something. Something personal, she was sure.

"You weren't at breakfast this morning,” he began.

"Yeah, I was, but I left before Deceiver got there to start the meeting,” she corrected him.

"Oh. Guess I must've missed seeing you. Well, anyway, do you know about the celebration?"

A gentle warmth spread over her face as her embarrassment told him what he needed to know.

"Guess not, huh?” he grinned, then tsk-tsked in gentle reproach.

"Commander, you know I've had my hands full these past couple of weeks since I've arrived. I know I need to sit in on the meetings, but...” She sighed loudly and gave a half-hearted shrug of her shoulders. “Go ahead and give me the gist of it, and I promise I'll try to be there in the future."

Knowing he'd gotten his point across, Commander stepped into the clinic office, allowing the door behind him to close. “Tomorrow's been declared Guardian Day. The whole city's planning on throwing a huge celebration party for us, and Star's supposed to be receiving some sort of honor for stopping the mothercraft."

Groaning softly, Devorah gave him a playful smile. “I can imagine what she said to that.” She was answered with a lighthearted chuckle from the man.

"Star's never been one to bask in the spotlight. If it had been someone like Blender or Provoker, however—"

"Please, you don't have to explain."

They exchanged laughter, knowing exactly what the other was thinking. After a few moments, Devorah gazed back up at the big man standing a few feet away. “Sooo, is that all you needed to see me about?” Deep down she hoped there was more. Anything, as long as it kept him another moment or two longer with her in the clinic.

He opened his mouth to say something, thought better of it, and shook his head. Almost as an afterthought, he commented, “Parade's planned for eleven. We're gathering in the outer courtyard around ten."

"Thanks. I'll be there."

He gave her one final, undecipherable look, then left silently. Devorah watched him go with undisguised longing. For almost the entire past month, since her moving in and taking her place as Guardian physician, it seemed as though she and Commander had been dancing around each other. There were so many things she wanted to tell him, and a hundred things she wanted to share with him, but the man remained distant.

Yet, for some reason she couldn't explain, she knew he wanted to say more. Much more. And not necessarily Guardian business, either. Yet he continued to hold off, as if he was afraid or reluctant to do so.

Or needing some kind of visible or spoken invitation from her.

Devorah chewed one corner of her lip in thought. Sooner or later one of them would have to make the first real move, or say the first truthful thing that had been sitting hopeful and expectant between them ever since she'd moved in. Heaving a big sigh, she went back to her inventory, but the work wasn't enough to keep her mind from daydreaming.

* * * *

Seeker grasped the railing of the two-man hovercraft and watched the sea of faces go by. Beside her, Sender kept one hand on the steering throttle. Like the rest of them, she kept a smile pasted on her face as they made their way toward the Hall of Magistrates.

Nine hovercraft passed slowly down the main boulevard as the Guardians were honored by at least two hundred thousand cheering people lining the walkways on either side. A few brave souls even managed to swing out over the street on the charred remains of the pedestrian thoroughfares arching overhead.

Less than thirty feet above the entire entourage, more than a dozen news media craft were filming the event. Seeker wouldn't be surprised if most of the feed going out was live.

Within the hour the Guardians would land at the Hall for a formal presentation. Included in the accolades would be the major one for StarLight, for her ultimate sacrifice in fighting the Ombitra. She wasn't comfortable with the extra recognition, but she would take it in stride as just another part of the job.

Turning her head slightly Seeker could see Hunter and Star riding in the middle of the parade. From where she stood she could see his arm secure around Star's waist as the other managed the throttle. Although the couple tried not to be obvious or too public with their displays of affection whenever they were together, a keen, observant eye could always catch the subtle smiles, the brush of a hand, or the furtive looks they still managed to convey whenever they were at work. Like right now. He had his hand on her hip, as if to prevent her from falling out of the hovercraft. Star falling? Seeker snorted softly in amusement.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing much.” She turned to look at her sister. “I just think it's hilarious how some people go to great lengths to hide their affection for each other."

"Oh, you mean like Commander and the doc?"

Seeker gave her sibling a puzzled look. Catching her unspoken question, Sender giggled out loud. “Don't tell me the all-powerful Seeker didn't catch those vibes! Geesh, even I could read them!"

Seeker craned her neck to find the craft containing the two in question. For once Perlakian was not wearing her usual medical uniform. Instead, she had on an appealing blouse and skirt ensemble that made her appear very feminine and vulnerable. Quite the opposite of the no-nonsense, intelligent physician she projected while on duty. At that moment Commander was making a comment to her, and she was nodding in reply. “What's holding them back?” Sender wondered aloud behind her. Seeker shrugged.

"I have no idea, and I'm not about to go digging in their private business when I'm not asked. You know that,” she shot back at her sister. “Any other tidbits you'd like to share?"

"Nope. Not at the moment.” Sender grinned.

It didn't take a mind reader like Seeker to realize her sister was holding back on her. “All right, Sender. What have you got hiding inside that head of yours?"

"Nothing!"

"You lie like a rug."

Sender laughed aloud, earning her a playful slap on the arm. “Hey!"

"Spill it, Cosy, or so help me..."

"Hunter and Star are trying for another baby,” she finally admitted.

Seeker started. “You're sure?"

"Why else would Commander put one of the HandFast testing devices in their new apartment?"

Seeker's eyes grew wide. “You saw him?"

"No. It was while I was putting Star's things away. I saw this holograph of Hunter and his family over on the communications panel, so I went over for a closer look. Right next to it there was a relay switch I didn't recognize, so I flipped it, and the little silver plate opened up.” Sender nodded with the memory. “I saw a plate exactly like it on Transport Two when we were working on re-calibrating the computers, back when they were still under the HandFast. If they're not trying for another baby, why would it be in their new place?"

Seeker had to give her sister credit. The woman had a point.

"Maybe you could, you know, sort of brush up against one of them to see if I'm right."

"Sender!” Seeker gave her sister an irate look. “That's against my personal code, and you know that!"

"Suit yourself.” Sender gave a little shrug of one shoulder. “But I'll bet you a week's worth of dinners at the Consortium I'm right."

"A week's worth?"

"Um-hmm."

"You're on."

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 18

Confession

It was a low, mournful sound, not as much music as it was a longing. Hunter's fingers instinctively went to the jewel at his throat, only to feel its coldness like a frozen chip of ice lodged against his skin. Before he could pull his thoughts out of the mists of sleep and ask the HeartCrystal what was wrong, his powers kicked in.

Star wasn't in bed.

A moment later he zeroed in on the source of the sadness that was growing stronger with each passing second.

Hunter shot up in bed, his sluggish heart fighting to keep up. He threw out a sensory net to locate her, and his ears heard the soft sobbing the same time her melancholy draped over him like a cold fog.

Cautiously, he got out of bed and padded around the communications panel that partitioned off the bedroom from the living and dining area. All of the moons had set except for the smallest, farthest one, and its weak, almost nonexistent glow coming through the window wall told him sunrise wasn't far away.

A dark form was huddled on the floor in the corner, next to the window. Hunter's night vision could see her clearly. She had been there for some time, if the streaks on her face and the puffiness around her eyes was any indication.

Slowly, he walked over to where she sat with her knees drawn up. She was naked; she hadn't put on anything to keep her warm when she'd left their bed. When a shiver went through her, he slid down beside her and pulled her into his embrace. Her body was as cold as the gem.

Star continued to cry silently. Hot tears slid over her cheeks and dripped onto him. He waited for her to speak. In the meantime, he tried to keep her warm and comforted. Every so often he would comb her loose hair with his fingers as he laid his cheek on top of her head.

He had no idea how long they sat like that. At some point she finally stopped weeping. Hunter pulled a kitchen towel off of the countertop behind him and handed it to her to dry her face.

"Udo."

He didn't answer. She knew he was listening. Waiting for an explanation, or for whatever she wanted to say.

"I love you, Udo."

His response was immediate. “You're my life, Terrin."

Her body shook with a little hiccup. “Emma forgave me."

It was as though his soul went incandescent inside him. Impulsively he hugged her tighter and dropped a kiss to her forehead. “So these are happy tears?” he ventured.

"Kind of,” she confessed weakly, and blew her nose again.

"Kind of?"

Star chuckled, but it was a thin, watery sound. Despite her relative lightness in spirit, there were still threads of sadness woven about her. Hunter could feel them slowly unraveling. Slowly, but eventually.

"What did you and Seeker find out when you were searching for my real name?"

Hunter tightly closed his eyes. Sooner or later he knew she would ask. All the time she had been a Guardian, he and the others had known her as Terrin DiLyric. It wasn't until the HandFast that she confessed to him that her real last name wasn't DiLyric, forcing Hunter to use an unconventional method to find out what it was. Otherwise, when they took their wedding vows, use of a false identity would have invalidated the marriage.

While Star slept in an induced coma to help her heal from her fight against the Ombitra, Hunter had brought Seeker into the clinic and explained what he wanted her to do. He knew the woman would find out other things while on her mental journey—deeply private things he and Star had shared, among others. But Seeker swore to be discreet, and promised to let him know whatever she discovered along the way.

It had taken them well over an hour for the mentalist to find what they were seeking. True to her word, Seeker had revealed those thoughts and images she encountered on her search. Many of them had been about him and Star, as he had expected. Some were of the Guardians and past missions. But the ones near the end of her quest, those connected to Star's real name...

Hunter clutched her tighter. “Seeker promised never to reveal to anyone what she found,” he tried to assure her.

"Tell me,” Star insisted. Her icy hand dug painfully into his arm. “Please. Oh, heavens, Udo. All of a sudden I have this need to tell you everything. I have to, or else I feel like I'm going to start throwing up, and I won't be able to stop until I've vomited my intestines all over the floor."

She turned and cuddled closer against him, as if she could warm herself inside his skin. Hunter placed a gentle kiss in her hair. “Tell me about Bednarth. Who is Bednarth?” he whispered.

He could sense her slowly opening up to him like a flower in the morning sun. “He's ... he was my friend ... when I belonged to the sideshow."

"Who was Aginthon?"

"My ... father."

"One more name, my beloved. Who was Girith?"

She tensed suddenly in his embrace. A shudder ran through her, violent and painful. When she didn't answer, he continued to wait without pressuring her.

In the distance the sun began to peek over the horizon. Dawn was moments away.

"Udo?” Her voice was breathy, almost too low to hear.

"What, my heart?"

"If I ... if I tell you everything, promise you'll still love me."

He hugged her before he was aware of doing it. “I don't have to promise, beloved. You couldn't rip me from your side, even with your powers."

Star lifted her face. Warm lips kissed the jewel in his throat. A plaintive warble answered her.

"Girith was the man who bought and owned me. He's the man I killed."

Once the initial shock wore off, Hunter continued to wrap her tightly within his embrace as it all came pouring out of her. Like a flood, her words and emotions spilled into the cool morning air while they watched the sun rise in the distance, bathing them in its golden warmth.

At some point the sleep alarm went off, signaling it was time to arise and get ready for work. Hunter got to his feet and went over to the communications console to place a quick call to Deceiver. He wasn't long. Watching him walk back to resume his place, Star asked, “Don't we need to get going?"

"This is more important,” he told her, seating her back on his lap. Although they were both naked, they were comfortable. There was no sexual tension hovering between them. Only the profound need to cleanse and purge a haunted soul. “Go on,” he urged, and guided her face back to his shoulder.

He rarely interrupted as she filled him in on her past. The whole story was sordid and horrendous, yet at the same time utterly fascinating. Only when he needed clarification did he dare break into her monologue.

It was long past breakfast when Star got to the point in time when she left her foster planet, to wander for four long years until she came across and saved the Guardian transport ship. From that chance meeting, Hunter knew the rest. Gently, he kissed her, and felt her respond in kind.

Her sorrow was gone. Her melancholy, her fear—evaporated. The empty, frozen portion of her inner self he had been able to sense from the first time he'd seen and been introduced to her was no longer there.

As they dressed to join the others, Star cast her eyes over at her husband, watching him. Studying him. Memorizing his face and his body. Hunter sensed her perusal and flashed her a smile. “What?"

"Tell me what you're thinking."

"I'm thinking I'm hungry. Wouldn't a plate of denullpin cakes taste good?"

She frowned. “That's not what I meant,” she started to say, when he suddenly pulled her against his chest and gave her a breath-stealing kiss. Her head continued to whirl when he stared down at her and gave her a look that made her heart start beating faster.

"Your past is behind you, Terrin. Turn away from it and leave it. Let it wash down the drain, along with any last vestiges of sadness. You've cried enough tears over it. Your life is with me now. You. Me. Our future. I love you more now, this minute, than I did an hour ago. And an hour from now my love will be even stronger. You have nothing to apologize for, nothing to be ashamed of, and I'll be damned if I'll let you accept the blame for something you had no control over. Understand me?"

"It doesn't bother you?” she whispered. She traced the line of his strong jaw with her fingertips. Although she couldn't explain how she knew, the fact that he would love her now more than ever did not surprise her. This was the man she was destined to share her life with. The man who had won her love, and wanted to give back to her more happiness than she believed existed. Yet still, she wanted to hear the words come from his lips. She needed to feel his spicy breath wash over her like a cleansing wind.

"What bothers me, my beloved wife, is that some money-hungry father would sell his own flesh and blood. What bothers me is that there are people out there who would treat another human being the way you were treated. You're certain this man, Girith? You're certain he died in the explosion?"

She nodded, pressing her forehead against his neck. If she closed her eyes, she knew she would see the massive ball of flames erupting from the transport ship they had been in. However, the memory no longer held any fear or past pain. Or guilt, because she alone survived. It was as if she could sit back and watch the deaths of all those people as if it was nothing more than a news flash. A horrendous catastrophe that no one could have prevented, and no one caused.

Hunter had given her that gift, the ability to disassociate herself from what used to be. He was right—her past was a distant memory. What counted now was them and their future. And the love they would share in the coming years.

"Tell me how to thank you,” she murmured.

"You already have,” he whispered, kissing her hairline above her forehead. When she reared back to give him a questioning look, he smiled. “Don't worry. You'll know what I mean when it matters."

After another warm kiss, he took her hand to blink them out of their new home, over to where the others were gathered to continue repairs on the transport bay and docking area.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 19

Claxon

The rest of the week went by without complications. Despite the small inconvenience of the tours starting up again, they were able to get a lot of reconstruction accomplished. At the same time, Deceiver had a few modifications made to Guardian Command. Those structural changes would make the tours run smoother, while also allowing them to do their work without constant interruptions or interference from overanxious tourists.

Corona glanced up from her to-do list to see the new window wall at the far end of the transport bay crowded with gawking faces. Behind her, Condemner came up with his own tablet, and noticed where her attention was focused. “Is it my imagination, or are the crowds getting bigger?” he muttered.

"You're not imagining things."

The man let out a snort and deliberately turned his back to them. “At least Deceiver had the foresight to have those windows installed. Sure takes a lot of pressure off our backs."

Nodding, Corona agreed. “But why do I still feel sometimes like an exhibit in a zoo?"

The remark got a chuckle out of the older man. “Yeah, you're right. I never thought of it that way, but now that you've mentioned it, it does feel like that.” Throwing her another smile, he marked off another detail on his list, then transferred his list to her tablet since she was helping coordinate the restructuring within the bay and labs. “That should do it,” he told her. “Unless you need me elsewhere, I'm heading over to the east end to help check in the new equipment that just arrived."

"Sounds good. I just got a buzz from Challenger. He's needing help up on the roof with setting up those new aerials, and Deceiver wanted me to send Star up there to give them a hand. But I haven't seen her since she finished setting those new beams up top, and she's not answering her page. If you see her, would you pass the word?"

"Have you tried paging Hunter? I'm willing to bet he'll know where she is."

Corona caught the gleam in the man's eye, and smiled, unable to stop herself from thinking the same thing he was. “Now, now, Condemmer."

"Oh, don't try to dodge the issue, sweet thing. Twenty minutes, tops, and she'll suddenly answer your call. I'll even lay odds she'll be all flushed and out of breath, and looking every bit like a woman who's been well loved."

"My, my! Aren't you the poet!” she teased, before laughing softly.

"Yeah, well, you have to admit. Ever since those two committed themselves to each other, the atmosphere around this place has gotten a lot more interesting.” Tossing a look over his shoulder, Condemner leaned closer and dropped his voice. “Speaking of which, have you noticed how Commander and Doctor Perlakian have been circling around each other?” He gave her a wink. “Give it a few more weeks, and we'll be presenting another announcement."

Before she had the chance to object or question him further, Condemner hurried out of the bay. At the same time her comm beeped with an incoming call. “You rang?” a sultry voice giggled.

"You took your sweet time answering. Where have you been? As if I can't guess,” Corona shot back with a grin.

"I was ... preoccupied,” Star replied enigmatically. “You told us to take a break, remember?"

Corona shook her head and silently gave Condemner credit. “Well, unpreoccupy yourself and get your butt up to the roof, Star. You're on the clock. Oh, and tell Hunter Deceiver needs him up in the labs."

"Copy that, spoilsport.” The woman snickered.

Corona heard the click of the woman closing her end of the connection. Smiling, she clipped the comm back onto her belt and went back to her lists, but not until she turned her back on the multitude of faces watching her every move.

Thank goodness the new indestructible windows were soundproof.

* * * *

Hunter reached over and snagged the comm from his wife's hand. Star gave him a knowing smirk. “They know,” she commented.

"I never said they didn't.” He grinned in return. “Our fellow Guardians aren't just known for their powers. There's a couple with some brains, too."

He lowered his head and ran his velvet-rough tongue over the upper swells of her breasts. Star shivered from his touch. “Don't start something again we might not have time to finish,” she half jested as she grabbed a handful of his dark hair.

"I'm willing to take the risk,” she heard him murmur against her skin. He was a heart-numbing warmth and weight on top of her, and she would give anything for it to be after hours where they could remain in bed to talk a little more. And love a little slower. And tease a little longer, perhaps sharing a bite or two in the process. Already she could feel the aching heat beginning to throb its burgeoning rhythm between her thighs again, even though not much time had passed since their last passionate encounter. She moved slightly, enough to give him wider access, and lifted one knee. His hand ran up the outside of her leg, shifted direction, and slowly descended inside along the satin expanse toward her moistened recesses.

Star closed her eyes and drifted in the ocean of feelings her husband evoked in her. In the primal urges that kept her perpetually hungry for him, and the incredible love and warmth that flooded every atom of her body.

Like now.

How long ago had it been? Surely not more than a half-hour. She had been up in the ceiling of the transport bay, working on getting the support beams in place. One of them had been particularly obstinate in settling in, so she had given it a little kick. The beam had drifted, and snagged a portion of her body suit at the ankle. No big deal. The suit was made to self-seal, unless the rip or tear was too big.

She'd drifted down to the ground so she could check and readjust the fabric when Hunter had popped in to let her know she had become the center of attention for the tour group watching nearby. After tossing them a playful kiss and a wink, she and Hunter had gone back over to check with Corona to see where they'd be needed next. All the while his hand had rested on her hip, keeping her next to him. His touch had sent sparks racing over her skin, making her clench her thighs together. He'd sensed her rising urges, and Star felt him spread his fingers before pressing her closer to him.

Suddenly he'd let her go, but not before brushing his hand lightly along her buttocks. So quickly, there was no way any of the others standing with them would have caught it, but she had felt it. A light brush that had turned the sparks into tiny trails of fire. She'd glanced over at him. Their eyes had met, and she knew immediately he would have slammed her against the nearest wall to take her if he could.

She'd nearly groaned at the delicious thought.

What surprised them both was when Corona had suggested they take a quick break before checking with Deceiver to see where he wanted them to go next, since she needed to check with him first to see how far along they were, and what still needed to be done. Star barely had time to open her mouth to acknowledge when Hunter whisked them away to their apartment.

As his tongue continued to lay a wet path around her bare breasts, Star wriggled her hips just enough feel his erection rising back to attention. His hot mouth closed over an already stiff nipple, making her lift herself in expectation.

"You're incorrigible,” she gasped.

"I'm in love, and we didn't have a long enough honeymoon."

Her answering giggle made her breast dance in his mouth. “My love, twenty years wouldn't be a long enough honeymoon for you,” she teased.

"Is that a complaint?"

"Mmm, more like a—"

The emergency claxon froze their blood with its sudden, ear-splitting shriek. It took them a full three seconds to gather their thoughts, and they simultaneously rolled out of bed in opposite directions, reaching for their clothing in their haste to answer the summons.

As usual, Star needed an extra couple of minutes to smooth down the skintight body stocking, making her the last one to leave. Hunter gave her a soft peck on the cheek before disappearing, and she was left staring at the communications board in his wake. She noticed the lid of the testing device was still up, reminding her that she hadn't used it since yesterday. Almost as an afterthought, Star turned it on and swiped her hand across the silver plate.

"Let's go, everybody! Emergency meeting!” Deceiver's voice came over the comm unit lying on the bed. Grabbing the small device, she hurried out the door and lifted into the air.

So much for seconds. She smiled. Hunter was probably saying the same thing. Thinking about it, Star couldn't help the wave of heat rising into her face.

The man would never cease to amaze her.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 20

Split Mission

Deceiver was waiting for them when they came running in. He watched as the team members took their chairs, his expression set in that calm but worried way he had whenever the news wasn't good.

Corona felt a nudge at her elbow. Glancing up, Condemner gave her a wink and nodded in the direction of the other side of the table. She followed his silent request in time to see StarLight taking her place in her chair. There was no way the woman could mask the extra glow in her cheeks or brightness in her eyes, especially when she cast a furtive glance and a smile at her husband sitting a few chairs away.

"All right, people. We have a situation on Pellindora. To give you a quick recap, the Pellindores are underground dwellers. Very intelligent and communicative quadrupeds. But they live on a planet that has highly active volcanoes and earthquakes. Most of the time the eruptions and all are minor, and they can dig themselves out without the need for outside or additional help. Not this time. An entire strata of igneous rock has shifted and torn away from one of their main communities. They're estimating losses of nearly a hundred thousand lives unless we can get over there to help them out. Seeker and Hunter, I'm putting you two in charge of search and rescue. Disaster, they'll need your strength. Commander, see if you can help with shoring up what's left. This is a Priority One call. Let's get to moving."

The moment the Guardian leader had called out his name and not StarLight's, Hunter had felt the blanket of fear wrap itself around him with bone-chilling cold. He was not even aware that the blood had rushed out of his face until Deceiver glanced back at him and stared.

"Are you ill, Hunter? What's the matter?"

Slowly, Hunter shook his head. “I'm ... I'm all right,” he started to mutter, when a beloved presence took his hand in hers. Calmly Star guided his face down to look at her. She gave his hand another squeeze as she stared into his blue depths.

"We knew this time would come, sooner or later. Everything's going to be fine."

"Hunter?” Deceiver came up to clap his friend on the shoulder. “I really need you on this mission, or I wouldn't've assigned you."

"I know, I know,” Hunter hastened to acknowledge. “It's just ... just that...” His voice trailed off, yet everyone still remaining in the meeting room knew exactly why the man had gone deathly white. “I thought I had prepared myself for this. I thought I would be ready by now."

He tried to say more, but his throat had suddenly closed up, and a tremendous rush of heat washed over him. If he didn't go, and go now, Hunter knew he would never be able to tear himself away.

Ignoring their stares, he pulled his wife into his arms and buried his face in her thick hair where it draped over her shoulder and neck. Star felt him trembling, and she tried to calm him with her words and her hands.

"Hey, look at it this way. There's no Ombitra. You're not leaving me alone. There's eleven more of us staying behind. Twelve, counting the doc. Udo. Udo, my truest love, look at me."

Slowly he pulled back to gaze down at her face. His eyes glittered with unshed tears he fought not to shed. She didn't have to be a mind reader to know what memories were terrifying him.

"I'll be here when you get back. I promise. I'll be waiting for you. This first mission will be the hardest. We knew that. But after this one, the rest will be easier. You know that, right?"

"Right,” he admitted gruffly. Without taking his eyes off of her, he cleared his throat and said in a firmer voice, “Deceiver, I'm trusting you to make sure my wife remains in good health until my return."

"You have my word,” the man promised.

Slowly, Hunter bent over to give her a loving kiss that almost melted her. Murmuring a breathy, “I love you, Terrin,” into her ear, he quickly released her, almost shoving her away from him, and popped out of sight to join the others waiting for him at the transport bay.

Star remained in the meeting room until Transport Two lifted off of its cradle. There was no way she could watch him leave, and no way she would chance him seeing her there in the bay to see them take off. As the muffled rumble of the Guardian ship echoed softly in the distance, Star touched the HeartCrystal at her throat and softly pleaded, “Never let him forget how much I love him, Emma."

The jewel sang a sad but hopeful response.

* * * *

It wasn't until they had cleared the mesosphere and entered hyper light drive that Hunter realized how hard he was gripping the throttles. If he'd had the strength of Bruiser or Disaster, he would have crushed the almost impervious alloy.

Yet, despite his death hold on the stick shifts, holding on to them gave him some sense of reality, grounding him to the present so he could concentrate on the business at hand.

Behind him, his other two colleagues remained silent as they watched the fear in his face turn to worry, then back to fear. Beside him, Commander waited until they were deep in hyperspace before broaching the subject.

"Hunter, she's going to be fine."

A full minute went by, and Hunter let out a heavy sigh. “Thanks, Commander. Keep telling me that, all right?"

To his surprise, two different hands each grasped a shoulder and squeezed. Seeker and Disaster stood behind him on either side to let him know he had their support as well.

"You know the rest of the bunch are going to do everything in their power to make sure she's waiting for you when you pop back into the bay,” the group's strongest man announced in his deep bass voice. “What you need to do now is keep this tin can aimed in the right direction, and let's get this mission over with as soon as possible."

"Soundest bit of advice I ever heard,” Seeker agreed. Leaning over, she placed her mouth close to Hunter's ear, and added, “If you want me to, I could fuzz up some of the more terrifying memories. Give you a little more peace of mind."

Hunter flashed her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Seeker. I'll let you know if I decide to take you up on that offer. Commander?"

"Yeah?"

"Who's handling ship-to-shore this mission?"

"I don't know. Didn't check the duty roster. Sorry.” Quickly Commander flipped the communications toggles on his board as he adjusted the volume to his earpiece. “This is Guardian Transport Two calling Guardian Command. I got five creds saying it's Provoker's time to babysit the comm board."

"You lose, Commander,” a diminutive voice giggled.

"Copy that, Morning Fire,” Commander smiled. “Our ETA is approximately...” He looked to Hunter for the correct time.

"One hour, fifty-three minutes, and ... twenty-eight, no, twenty-two seconds."

"Copy that, Morning Fire?” Commander flipped another switch to feed their communication into the ship's speakers.

"Copy that, Commander,” a different voice broke in. At the sound, all eyes went to the man handling the controls to see what his reaction would be. “Husband, I'm expecting you to handle this mission in your usual professional way. You hear me?"

He couldn't help but smile. “Copy that, wife."

"You guys let me know if he doesn't behave himself,” Star added.

"What happens if I do?"

"Then you'll have a nice surprise waiting for you when you get back,” she promised with a purr. The remark earned her a few chuckles from the others.

"Can I count on it?"

"My heart, have I ever lied to you?"

"Just be sure you make it worth my while,” he playfully growled at her.

"You can bet a sweet bite on the butt I will,” Star tossed at him.

Commander turned to his pilot. “Is she saying what I think she's saying?"

"Do we really want to know?” Seeker laughed.

"I think I'm jealous,” Disaster quipped, and the laugher grew louder.

"Star?” Hunter spoke up.

"Yeah?"

"You're one of a kind."

"And don't you ever forget it.” They could hear her smile. “All right. I'm needed up top to help with the aerials, so I'm putting you back in Fire's competent hands. Don't be surprised if I beep you again, though."

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't,” he told her. “Two out. Buckle up, everyone. I'm throwing a little more fuel into the cells.” Without waiting for their reaction, Hunter bumped the power coils up to the next level, shearing an extra fourteen minutes off their arrival time. No one was surprised.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 21

Wormhole

The fourth and last aerial had been set in place. Blender was fine-tuning the reception when the claxons went off for the second time. The remaining Guardians hurried to the meeting room to see what was going on.

Most days were filled with single-mission responses, requiring anywhere from two to a half-dozen of them to take the call. However, there were times when it seemed an emergency call came in every four hours. There was one stretch a little more than a year ago when they went twenty-seven days without a break, responding and serving a total of forty-two emergency calls for help.

So for the blaring honk to sound twice in one day was neither unexpected nor unusual.

"Pack it in, Morning Fire,” Star overheard their leader call over the comm board at the head of the table. Her eyes widened. For him to take her away from the main comm meant something very big had happened. Something that would require every available Guardian.

"We have problems, people, and I'm not going to paint it rosy for you. Don't even take a seat. Get your butts to Three immediately. I'll fill you in once we're loaded."

By the time Star landed at the transport bay and was ready to board, she noticed Deceiver and Time Merchant in heated discussion nearby. She shrugged and ducked through the airlock, and took her place in the third row, as usual, without thinking. Animator bounced in, gave her a questioning glance, but went up front to take her old seat. It was then Star remembered, and she was ready for a comeback if her best friend made a remark about her choice in seating. However Morning Fire took her chair and buckled herself in without comment.

"All right, everyone. Listen up.” Deceiver stood behind the pilot's seat as Challenger took the helm, with Time Merchant in the secondary position. “At this point in time we don't have a clear objective. What we received was a garbled message about pirates and an attack on the outer rings of Adni Pul Dinarra, which is, I found out, near the Caperonda Cluster."

"We're still in the dark here, Deceiver,” Animator spoke up. “Where's the Caperonda Cluster?"

"Near a damn big black hole,” Star announced in a flat tone of voice. All eyes shifted over to her, then back to Deceiver, who nodded.

"Black Hole Y-4, to be exact. Nasty thing, and dangerous as hell. We're going to have to go around the backside to get to Caperonda, which will add time to our response, but we should be safe. Star, I take it you're familiar with that area?"

"I've flown by it a couple of times. Y-4 is nothing you want to tangle with, if it can be helped."

"Any chance you know something about pirates in that region?"

"Nope. Sorry. Never had the pleasure."

"All right. Well, strap in, kids. It might turn out to be a bumpy ride.” The Guardian leader took his seat as Time Merchant chanted off the time until they hit hyper light speed.

The time it took for them to reach Caperonda was relatively short, considering the detour they were forced to take. At some point during the trip, an earpiece was handed down to Star, which she accepted wide-eyed. Seeing Challenger's wide grin in the viewscreen's reflective surface as he watched her, she adjusted it over her ear and flipped the switch.

"All right, I'm green,” she spoke. “Why did you give me this thing?"

"For a purely personal and selfish reason,” a deep voice said.

The smile on her face was instantaneous. “How's it going, Hunter?"

"Mmm. We still have massive casualties, but nothing like they were predicting. Most of those are from the initial earthquake."

"Aftershocks?"

"Yeah, well, those are another headache, but Commander's got some little gizmo set up where he can foresee them coming, which helps. What doesn't help is that he's predicting this is just the beginning. I hear you're heading over to the Caperonda Cluster."

"Had any experience over in that sector?” she asked her husband. Although the call had been placed for his mental health and benefit, Star felt a sense of warmth center in her chest at the simple sound of his voice. Sometimes the strength of her love for the man surprised her.

"No, but I've heard Dad talk about it. Something about a massive black hole in that area."

"Yeah. I've seen it. Don't worry, my love. We're taking the back roads to get around it."

"Be careful anyway. You know how those things throw off wormholes without warning. I can't ... I can't risk losing you again, Terrin."

The sound of fear creeping back into his voice made her hurry to reassure him. And the best way to get his mind off of his worries was to turn it onto a different path.

"What you need to do right now is keep your attention focused on saving those little creatures. Oh, and if you get home before I do, can you whip up a plate of jorsters for us?"

"Jorsters?” Hunter echoed in surprise.

"Yeah.” She giggled suggestively. “We're going to need to eat something to help us keep up our strength."

A snort at the front of the ship made her look up in surprise. It was then she realized their conversation was being monitored, and wasn't as private as she'd thought. “Ahh, my love, it appears we have a splayed connection."

Hunter barked with laughter. “Copy that, Star. Guess we'll have to shut down communications for the time being, but I'll beep you again once we're finished here and preparing to lift off. Until later, my heart."

"Later, Udo.” She waited until she knew her husband had closed the connection before she gave Challenger an irritated look. “Didn't your mother ever teach you about respecting other people's privacy?"

She got no answer, but she didn't expect one. Flipping off her piece, she rested her head back against the seat cushion to nap the rest of the way as the others around her did the same. The smile on her lips, however, was hard to lose. The dreams she would have would more than sustain her until she was back in Hunter's arms.

They came out of hyper light drive on the backside of the Caperonda Cluster. The moment they entered normal space, the whirling darkness of Y-4 filled their viewscreen. Even coming in nearly a light year distant from the monstrous entity wasn't enough. Challenger yelled for full reverse thrusters to give them more clearance away from the hole's gravitational pull.

Star sat poised and ready during the entire operation. She remembered too well her own personal battle with the behemoth. She knew what it would take to drag the transport ship out of its clutches. She sat on the edge of her seat, nerves tightly strung, prepared to dart for the airlock the moment it looked like the black hole was winning.

This time, it didn't.

Once they were far enough away, Transport Three swung almost effortlessly toward Adni Pul Dinarra. The planet was a gaseous giant, too toxic to inhabit, but its rings were nothing more than beds of pure kokorian ore, a staple energy source for untold solar systems.

The call they'd received told of pirate raids on the meteorite rock yet to be mined. Deceiver gave a low whistle when Three danced above the horizon of one ring and almost came face-to-face with an unmarked vessel parked a mere spacial mile away.

"Merchant, open up a direct link to that freighter,” the Guardian leader ordered. At the man's nod he called out, “This is Guardian Transport calling unidentified freighter on the third level of rings around Adni Pul Dinarra. We are invoking Guardian Law. Withdraw immediately or face stiff penalties and possible incarceration."

Challenger brought Three to a hover a short distance away. There was no way the freighter could miss them, especially with their emblazoned insignia on the outside of the transport ship nearly staring them in the face.

"Hailing unidentified freighter! This is Guardian Transport. Withdraw immediately. You are in a restricted zone. You have not been given clearance to enter this zone or to dock here. Do you read me?"

Switching the toggle into the off position, Deceiver glanced over his shoulder. “Corona. StarLight. Into the airlock. I have a feeling these guys aren't here to sightsee. The rest of you suit up, too."

Quietly the two women entered the small chamber. Star waited for her partner to put on her spacesuit before she signaled for the opening of the outer hull.

While the women prepared, Bruiser spoke up. “Want me to go out there as backup, Deceiver?"

"Just hold. I want to see what these idiots have planned.” Throwing a grin at the giant, Deceiver added, “If it looks like they're going to dig in their heels, I'll have no problem sending you over to dig them out. In the meantime, let's see what a little magnetism and heat will do to change their minds."

"Copy that, Deceiver,” Corona's voice poured through the overhead speakers.

"Star?"

"Yeah, Deceiver?"

"Do a quick recon for us. Give us an idea how many we're dealing with."

"Copy, Deceiver. Corona, watch my back."

"Copy, Star."

The other Guardians remained glued to their windows to watch Star moving closer to the freighter, which still hadn't answered Deceiver's summons. Neither did it show any signs of preparing to take off, or even that it was capable of traveling under its own power.

"Damn thing looks deserted,” Provoker commented. “Maybe it just ended up here after floating through space."

Morning Fire sat back in her seat. “Well, it's not. These rings are mined exclusively by ore ‘bots. And those are controlled by Grummand Industries, who owns the rights. Trust me when I say Grummand sends fleeters through this region on a regular basis looking for these people who siphon off energy to resell to minor planetoids. If this ship was a derelict, it would have been blasted into so much dust by now.” She shook her head. “No. This thing looks rusted and busted for a reason, and that's to throw people off the scent the first time they see it."

"Star, Corona, any sign of movement?"

"Nothing,” Corona responded first. “Not on the ship. Not on the rock. You know, maybe Provoker's right. Time Merchant, have you tried strafing the ship to see if there's any signs of energy flowing through it?"

It took just forty-two seconds to answer her question. “Negative energy flux. Negative particle flow.” He glanced at Deceiver. “I ran a full-spectrum scan, including life signs. All negative."

"This is getting freaky,” Star injected.

Deceiver grabbed his earpiece. “What? How so?"

"All right. Let's say this ship is a floating piece of junk that just so happened to get snagged on one of the meteoroids inside the ring. Soooo, where did the boot marks on the surface come from? If there are no signs of life in the ship, who made these marks that go right up to the bay doors?"

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I've got a bad feeling about this,” Animator muttered, rubbing her arms as a chill shuddered through her.

"Use all caution,” Deceiver ordered his two floating co-workers.

"By all means,” Corona responded immediately. In the distance she was a silvery glint against the dark hull of the mysterious ship.

"Star?"

Deceiver paused, waiting.

"Corona, do you have a visual on Star?"

"Negative."

"Star, where the hell are you?"

* * * *

Something wasn't right. A lot of things didn't add up, but Star couldn't get a fix on what was making her feel uneasy.

Floating silently, she approached the hull of the ship, knowing most vessels were blind if approached from beneath. Her hands caressed the outer skin and she threw out a barely perceptible pulse. What she felt in return made her smile.

In her earpiece she could hear her fellow Guardians discussing the chance the ship could be a floater—a deserted ship left to the whims of the solar winds and magnetic tides generated by the stars. She started to reply when she picked up a tiny whistle.

No. Not a whistle.

Unconsciously, her fingers flew up to the HeartCrystal at her throat. At her touch, the sound repeated itself. A two-note alert, very soft but deliberate.

"Star, where the hell are you?” In her earpiece she could hear the others in the background. Ignoring him, she barely breathed. “Emma? What?"

Everyone on the ship went tense. They had heard about the abilities of HeartCrystals. And now that two of their own bore the jewels in their bodies, the others had gone into immediate alert status once they heard Star call to her gem. Memories of how the crystal had helped in the past were still fresh.

"Star, just verify you're safe,” Deceiver's voice whispered over her earpiece. She understood his nervousness, having sworn to Master Hunter he would personally protect her and keep her safe until his return. She started to answer him again, when the jewel chirped once, louder. The sound was in her head; Star knew it for a fact. Yet there had to be a reason why it alerted her every time she started to say something out loud.

"Star!"

She gave a little twist of her body and floated up and around the near side of the ship. If Emma didn't want her to make a sound, then she could at least let the others see her to know she was safe. She could always explain later why she felt she had to maintain radio silence.

"Terrin, are you there?"

Star froze, grasping the side of the vessel for stability.

"Terrin?"

"I can't reach her, Hunter,” Deceiver informed him.

"Copy that, Deceiver. Terrin, can you read me at all? Can you answer? Emma, please tell me if she's all right."

Almost like a musical echo, the tiny crystal chittered. Somehow the jewel had alerted Hunter the same instant it tried to warn Star. When her husband's voice came back, Star sensed relief.

"You can't answer, can you, Terrin? Emma's warned you not to make a sound. I understand that now. Deceiver, Star is having to maintain absolute silence."

"Copy, Hunter. Star, if you can hear us, make yourself seen if you can. Where are you? Are you on the ship, or still outside?"

Slowly, Star rose past the pitted outer skin. If being around the ship wasn't enough, Emma's interference had sent apprehension vibrating through her. The whole scenario had gone from strange to downright chilling in a matter of minutes. With everything in her telling her to get away from the vessel as quickly as possible, Star pushed away from the craft until she had put a substantial amount of distance between her and the ship. Unfortunately, the ship was now between her and Guardian Three.

But the need to be silent was finally over.

"Hunter, Deceiver, listen up."

It sounded as if everyone let out the breath they had been holding all at once.

"Emma says you're safe. Thank the heavens. What happened? What's going on, Star?” Hunter asked.

"Did she call to you?"

"She warned me you were in danger,” Hunter replied. “She's letting me know the worst of it is passed, but not over. What's going on?"

"I'm getting some very scary personal feelings about this ship,” Star told them. “I can't say why, or how I know."

"What is your position?” Corona called out.

"I'm about a quarter of a spacial mile on the opposite side, facing away from you. Stay clear of the ship, Corona."

"Bruiser, outside. Corona, Star, head back to Three. Let's see what Bruiser can find."

Star echoed Corona's reply and dropped lower to give the ship a wide berth as she headed back to Three.

"Deceiver, we're making contact in sixteen minutes, four seconds,” Hunter intoned.

"Copy, Hunter."

A bubble of laughter tickled at the base of her throat as the jewel reacted, making Star smile wider. With the mission accomplished on Pellindora, she was not surprised to hear that her husband had turned Transport Two in their direction. For that matter, from the sound of Deceiver's voice, neither was he.

Glancing over her shoulder, she finally managed to spot the giant in his specially built suit. Bruiser was among the strongest men in Guardian history. However it wasn't his incredible strength that made him invincible. It was the fact that the man could not be physically injured. She had seen him enter flames and emerge untouched. Metal tried to shear him. Radiation tried to burn him. All known dangers had not managed to put a single serious wound on the man. Which was why, when Hunter had penetrated Bruiser's mind months ago, everyone else had been shocked to discover the man had a fatal spot.

If anyone could approach the ship and come away unscathed, it would be Bruiser.

Slowly she drifted with her back to the Guardian Transport as she watched the lone figure grow steadily smaller and smaller as he neared his target. Bruiser was an immense man, over seven feet tall and weighing in at over four hundred pounds of pure muscle, yet the freighter dwarfed him.

"Deceiver, coming out of hyper light drive in five. Four. Three. Two. One. Now."

Like a distant sun, StarLight saw a twinkling in the darkness. Two was approaching from the direction where she had retreated. Vaguely, Star wondered if the location was a coincidence, or if the HeartCrystal may have had a small hand in Hunter's decision to emerge there. “Be there in three minutes, six seconds,” he announced.

"Copy, Hunter. Talk to me, Bruiser. See anything?” Deceiver requested.

"She looks like she hasn't seen any significant travel in over a millennia,” came the deep, rumbling voice. “But the hairs on the back of my neck are starting to rise, just like Star said she felt.” The man could tune into danger like a well-calibrated scanner.

"Anything else?"

"Nope. Getting ready to board her. Hold on."

A whoosh of air fluttered in Star's earpiece, followed by silence, then the familiar voices of the others inside the transport. Corona had rejoined the group.

"One down, one to go. Where are you, Star?"

Grinning, she whirled around slowly to see how far she remained from the ship. “Just off your starboard aft, Deceiver.” Looking back behind her she could see the occasional flash of Two's reflection as the craft drew closer. Any second now Hunter would hit the forward jets to begin braking the transport, so as not to overshoot their location. “I've lost visual on Bruiser,” she let them know.

"I'm still on the outer hull, looking for a way in,” the man explained.

"Why not use the docking bay?"

"Too obvious. Trust me. I want to try a secondary entrance first."

Acknowledging his need to find another opening, Star gave herself a little push away from Three's tail fin, and allowed herself to lazily float toward the transport's outer lock. Her eyes were fixed on the freighter, knowing that the others, like her, were waiting for Bruiser's confirmation. Casually, she glanced behind her to see how far off Two remained, when her heart dropped into her stomach. At the same time someone inside the transport called out, “Oh, shit, no!"

The wormhole had appeared out of the nebulous void like death silently stalking its prey. Ovoid, flat, and dangerous, it loomed behind Transport Two, sucking space into its core with unimaginable power. It grew faster than thought as its maw whirled in a voiceless rotation—a roar that was felt in the very marrow of her bones, even if she never heard it.

"Hunter! Push it!"

Before the words were out of her mouth, she knew he had rammed all throttles all the way back. Two bucked at the unexpected pressure opened in its engines. The ship almost jumped to obey and outrace the wormhole.

At the same instant, Bruiser's voice yelled something unintelligible as the freighter exploded into a million particles of flying debris.

Metal shrapnel pelted Transport Three. Star screamed as jagged slivers found her right thigh and arm. She had turned to throw a magnetic net over Two to try and protect it from the wormhole, praying to drag it out of the thing's invisible clutches if need be. She never had the chance to even summon a single burst as hot shards literally pinned her to the side of Three's hull.

All watched in horror as the force of the explosion and chunks of the derelict ship sank into both Guardian vessels like knives in a melon. Three rocked on its axis as precious air spewed from the holes sliced into it.

Star struggled against the shrill, ear-splitting shriek reverberating inside her head to help Two, now cartwheeling helplessly in the wake of the assault. Behind the ship, the wormhole opened its swirling, empty throat, and sucked the craft dead into its center.

A scream of anger and heartbreak ripped through her as the crystal warbled a desperate cry. Somehow Star managed to throw a few flexes, but the wormhole was too big and too powerful as it was fed by the monstrous black hole a light year away.

A mere blink of an eye, and the wormhole closed up, shrunk within itself, and literally vanished from sight, along with Guardian Transport Ship Two, Commander, Seeker, Disaster, and Master Hunter.

And Emma went sickeningly silent.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 22

Grief

She had no memory of tearing herself away from the ship and racing to the site where she'd last seen her husband. She had no memory of screaming his name over and over, until her throat was raw and hoarse. Or of the two pairs of hands that reached for her, grabbed her, and gently guided her back into the damaged transport.

Deceiver always ordered everyone into their spacesuits whenever one of them had to venture out. That way, if the person outside ran into trouble, precious minutes and possibly a life wouldn't be lost in the time it would take for rescuers to climb into their suits.

In this case, having everyone suit up when Star and Corona took to space had been a lifesaving case of foresight. When the metal chunks from the exploding freighter punched holes in Transport Three's hull, some of them as big as a fist, his orders had kept them alive. Only Deceiver and Animator suffered further wounds when a few sharp pieces sliced into their protective gear.

Quietly, meekly, Star let them tow her into the ship. With dazed eyes she watched beads of her blood float in the weightlessness of space, unaware of others tending to the gash in her right thigh.

"Star, I need to bandage your arm."

"Huh?"

"Your arm? I need to bandage it."

She blinked, trying to focus on what Deceiver wanted to do. Slowly, she reached up to the neckline to separate the body suit at its invisible seam. Her movements were mechanical. Somewhere in her earpiece she heard uncontrollable sobbing, and the sounds of others trying to comfort and soothe the person weeping.

Sender. Was it Sender?

Seeker had been on Two.

The body suit peeled away from her shoulders, down to her breasts. Someone inhaled quickly, but it was difficult to keep her mind focused on the matter at hand. Vaguely she realized Morning Fire was helping to plug the holes in the side of the ship as she threw her light against the hull to expose each damaged spot.

Numbly, Star held the fabric over the swells of her breasts as she drew it away from her upper body. It was Condemner standing over her with a sterile flesh patch and a pair of tweezers.

There was no pain when he pulled the inches-long triangular-shaped piece of metal from her arm. She could feel nothing except a vast, overwhelming numbness. And an emptiness that was colder and more lifeless than space, where warmth and love could not survive, and hope was nonexistent.

"I need to look at your thigh."

Thigh. Yes. She glanced down at the sodden body suit. The play of suns and comets across her unique uniform had stilled until they were nothing more than oddly shaped splotches across the black material. Someone helped her to her feet to start removing the rest of the suit. Again, the affected area was opposite the opening.

"Wait,” she whispered. “Just ... just wrap it up for now."

"You have a piece of metal sticking in it."

She turned toward the voice to see Morning Fire's pale face now staring at her. A glance down revealed at least six inches of pitted shrapnel wedged in her leg.

There's no pain. Why don't I feel pain?

Her thoughts were disjointed. Unorganized. It was difficult to face the reality of what had happened, and impossible to accept it.

"I'll...” She tried to swallow, but her throat was too sore to let her. “It doesn't hurt,” she told them.

"You can't walk with it like that. You're losing a lot of blood,” Condemner told her. There was a hitch in his voice. Turning her head, Star gazed at him, and at his face behind the clear plastex facemask of his suit. He was crying.

Crying? Condemner? Over something like a piece of metal in her leg?

Whoever had been loudly weeping over her earpiece had calmed down. Either that or they had been sedated with a tranquilizer. Strangely, though, she could still hear softer crying. Muffled sobs and sniffing.

"Star?"

"I'll be fine. If I can't walk, I'll fly.” She tried to wave him away, but her hand felt detached from her body. In fact, her whole body felt bulky and cumbersome, like it belonged to someone else and she was at the controls frantically manipulating the switches, to no avail. The damn thing wouldn't do what she wanted it to, no matter how hard she tried.

"She's going into shock."

Star's gaze found her best friend continuing to stare at her. Tears were flowing like little streams over the diminutive woman's cheeks. She had one hand over her mouth in a vain attempt to muffle herself. But it was where her eyes were riveted that finally gave Star pause.

They were locked on her neck. No. On her throat. Star touched the tiny jewel in the hollow with unfeeling fingers.

"Here. This will help her cope."

To her left Time Merchant handed a pressure pistol to Condemner. The man took the injector and lifted her arm. He's shooting me up with something. Me? Why would I need it?

The ship gave a little shake, throwing the man a bit off balance. Before he could steady himself, Star pulled her arm from his grasp and floated out of reach.

"Star."

Deceiver stood beside her. Somehow he'd managed to sneak up on her without her noticing. A large, blue oxygen plug glowed near his waistline.

Why was the Guardian leader wearing a patched suit? When had he torn it?

She shook her head. Nothing made sense. Nothing seemed real. Nothing appeared clear and distinct.

By all that was holy, what was wrong with her?

"Star. Look at me."

Violet eyes calmly, unemotionally swiveled in his direction.

"Can you at least sit down for now? I don't want you to accidentally bump that thigh before Doctor Perlakian gets a chance to look at it."

Her eyes widened. Deceiver was crying, too. What was wrong with everyone? Why were they all crying?

"Please, S-Star?"

The man looked as though he was about to burst into a fit of weeping himself.

"Are we going back to base now?” she asked. Hopefully the question would recenter the man enough to where he could take up the reins again. All of these people, acting as if their hearts had been ripped out of them ... Star shook her head in exasperation.

Condemner took her undamaged arm and rotated her around. The ship's gravity was out, she noticed. Everyone had to buckle themselves into their seats to keep from free-floating.

Except for Sender. She was out cold. Sound asleep, most likely. Corona was huddled over her like a protective mother.

"As soon as we pick up Bruiser, we'll be leaving the area."

Morning Fire lifted a blanket over Star's shoulders, drawing it tight around in front to give her some modesty. The suit remained hanging around her hips.

"Star, come sit with me?” her best friend asked.

Nodding, she followed the petite woman to her seat and let the woman buckle her in.

"Would you like something to drink? Some water?"

Yeah. Water would taste good. It would soothe the raw heat in her throat. Heavens, she must have accidentally swallowed something when she was out there. Something nauseous. Her stomach felt like heaving everything in it at that moment. With luck, the water would keep it down.

The transport was brought around to where Bruiser lay floating amid the remains of the explosion. His impervious, kolithium-alloy suit, designed and built by Commander, had kept its seals intact, although its outer surface was now heavily scarred from the impact of the blast. The man inside was alive but unconscious. Time Merchant had tracked his coordinates from the communications earpiece the man wore.

Provoker went outside to snag him and bring him back into the ship. Once inside, they harnessed Bruiser in place in the rear of the ship, and departed from the sector. Minute bits of metal had knocked out two of the hyper light coils, forcing them to limp home with just the thrusters. Instead of a ninety-minute ride through hyperspace, they would have to endure a nearly eleven-hour trip.

Grief shrouded the craft in a black cloud.

* * * *

Star rode in and out of sleep without finding her way back to reality. The others knew the woman was in shock, and that her mind was somewhere in a distant part of herself. It was the same for Sender. The loss of her twin had been as devastating to her as if someone had plunged a hand inside her chest and torn every organ out of her body.

Three hours away from the Caperonda Cluster, Time Merchant told Challenger that the Plo Corra System was a little more than an hour of extra time off their flight plan. Deceiver nodded at the announcement.

"We need to adjust our course and notify his family, since we'll be so close.” He tossed a look back at the unconscious woman. “Have you tried to contact Doctor Perlakian again?"

Challenger nodded. “That damn black hole must still be disrupting communications. We can't raise anyone. Not yet, anyway."

"The moment you can, I don't care who it is, have an emergency medical call sent to Perlakian. Even if you have to bring the Stellar Police in to help relay the message."

"What if the media gets the word first?” Corona asked from her seat next to Sender. She was keeping a hand on the young woman as a means to ground her. At this point in time, Sender would need constant human contact to help her cope.

Animator took up the question. “She's right. If the media gets word to the families before we do, it's going to devastate them."

"Let's not worry about it unless we need to.” Taking a deep breath, Deceiver felt his body suddenly shudder. “Right now, let's just take things one step at a time. Fire?"

"Yeah, Deceiver?"

"How is Star's leg?"

"She's no longer bleeding, but I honestly don't think she's in any pain."

"She won't be. Not while she's still in shock. Can you go ahead and give her that shot to keep her calm?"

"Already did,” Morning Fire assured him.

"Deceiver?"

The Guardian leader looked back at where Provoker sat in his usual window seat. The man's face was still pale. The hand he held to his lips trembled slightly. “You said we'd take things one step at a time. What steps? Explain to me what happens next."

"Well ... first we need to make sure everyone is taken care of medically. I'll see if Devorah wants to bring in some experts to work with Star and Sender."

"Deceiver, aren't you forgetting one crucial thing?” Animator interrupted. Seeing the man's blank stare, she softly told him, “Doctor Perlakian and Commander."

"Crap. I totally forgot.” He ran a weary hand over his face. Once they notified Hunter's next of kin, there were the families of the other three he still needed to contact before he could go home.

Animator gave him a sympathetic look of understanding. He and Hunter had been the best of friends. To the rest, it was an accepted fact that Hunter most likely would follow Deceiver as the next Guardian leader when Deceiver finally stepped down.

"All right. Here's how we work it. We'll detour to Abernath and give Hunter's family the news. If the media gets a sniff, we'll mention the wormhole, the explosion, and Hunter, but no one else, understand? I don't want word leaking out about the others until we've made personal contact.” He paused for their nods of approval. “I'll be the one to personally notify each family and Devorah. That way, if the media splashes it across every satellite network, they won't reveal anything until we're ready to give them the full story."

"Oh, sweet heavens.” Challenger wiped his face with his sleeve for the umpteenth time. “If that freighter hadn't blown, Hunter might have been able to pull Two away from that wormhole."

"No ‘might have'. He would have.” Everyone turned around in stunned silence to stare at the woman sitting limply in her seat. “I tried to throw out a net to help them,” Star stated in a soft, detached tone of voice. “I tried, but I was pinned to the hull. I needed both hands, but I couldn't get my other arm free in time. I failed.” Lifting her head slightly, she locked her gaze on Deceiver. “I'll tell Udo's parents. It's only right."

He acquiesced. “Thanks, Star. We'll be right behind you."

"Terrin, are you sure you're up to it? You still have a chunk of basite in you."

Star swallowed slowly. “It's what Udo would want."

Several minutes passed in mournful silence as everyone withdrew into their own private thoughts. After a while, Morning Fire felt a cold hand close over hers. Anxiously she looked up into her friend's face.

"Help me with my leg?"

She carefully undid the harness straps around Star's body then followed her to the back of the transport. Besides a small kitchenette, there were also two tiny cabins, one of which was currently loaded with blankets and other equipment in case they had to remain on a mission for an extended period of time.

Star chose the other cabin, which contained just a small cot. Morning Fire followed with what she would need. Wordlessly, Star lowered her body suit and allowed the petite woman to extradite the piece of metal, medicate, and bandage up the wound. Finished, Star pulled the torn suit back on and closed it up, oblivious of the dried blood crusting the leg and sleeve.

By the time they resumed their seat, Plo Corrra was streaming into the cockpit with its fierce, white light. Time Merchant intoned, “Two hours, sixteen seconds to Abernath airspace. Star, it'll be a little after seven in the morning when we arrive."

Seven. They'll be up, gathered around the kitchen table, having breakfast. Cooking. Laughing.

A tiny, wistful smile came over her face. “I'm going to miss them,” she murmured, more to herself than to anyone in particular.

Morning Fire gave her confused look. “What do you mean?"

Star leaned her head back against the seat. “I'm going to miss not being part of his family."

"Why wouldn't you be? Just because Hunter's dead doesn't mean you're no longer related to them."

Around her Star could hear the gasps of several people after Morning Fire's brazen announcement. Giving her friend's hand a pat, Star kept the partial smile pasted on her lips. The woman just didn't understand. How could she?

The transport ship swung around the northern hemisphere of the planet, tilting its nose toward the city. Sight of the Guardian ship immediately attracted attention. Before long, traffic was buzzing around them. At least three police craft took positions around Three to help escort it wherever it needed to go. In the distance, the media could be seen filming their arrival.

"Well, so much for trying to sneak in quietly,” Provoker muttered sarcastically. No one offered a rebuttal.

Star limped up to the main controls to direct Challenger to the Vosstien home. As they neared the modest house, it was clear news of their arrival had beaten them to their destination. Star watched as Cara, Vall, and Dallin stood close together, arms around each other, to watch the immense ship lower to sidewalk level, filling the neighborhood like a giant, lumbering animal.

"Are you sure you don't want me to break the news to them first?” Deceiver whispered at her elbow.

She shook her head. “Just be prepared to answer their questions, in case I can't."

Turning, Star began what would become the longest journey of her life, from the interior of Transport Three, to the front walkway where three people waited in fear. Once she opened the hull's outer doors, and they could see her standing there bloodied and torn, they didn't need to hear her words of apology. Once Cara cried out and leaned, wailing, into her husband's arms, and Dallin raced back into the house, slamming the door behind him, Star knew the easiest part was over.

The hardest part was yet to come.

Living.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 23

Reality

"Terrin, it's almost time to go."

Star turned around to see Morning Fire scoping out the bedroom with wide eyes. “One more minute. Please."

Vall Vosstien had volunteered the engineers from Abernath's famed fleet battalion headquarters to aid in repairing Transport Three's hyper flight coils. It would be enough to get the Guardians home, and it took the crew a little more than five hours to patch and reenergize the engines. In the meantime, the Guardians remained at the Vosstien home, aware but staying clear of the media circus gathered at the edge of the family's private security bubble.

Gathered in the living room, Deceiver explained as best he could the incident as it had transpired, up to Transport Two's disappearance into the wormhole. Hunter's father listened patiently until the end of the man's narrative before speaking. However, the first words out of his mouth surprised everyone.

"So, what you're telling us is that my son could still be alive."

Deceiver started. But before he could respond, Challenger interrupted from the doorway. “Bruiser's coming to. I've already given him a painkiller."

"Think he's able to answer some questions?"

Throwing his shoulders up a gesture that could have been a shrug, Challenger leaned heavily against the open doorjamb. “There's no way to know unless we try."

"Is Corona still sitting with Sender?"

This time the big man nodded. “Yeah."

Getting to his feet, the Guardian leader gave the family an apologetic glance. “Excuse me."

Surprisingly, Vosstien also stood. “Would you mind if I'm there when you question him? These pirates have been playing hide and seek with us for nearly a year now, but they've never resorted to blowing up one of their ships. If this is a new tactic of theirs, I want to be aware of it."

Deceiver granted his request, and the two men left together. It left a half-dozen Guardians sitting in uncomfortable silence with Hunter's mother, who had managed to gather herself together for the time being.

Glancing over at where Provoker was glued to the vidscreen, Morning Fire asked, “What does the media say so far?"

The man threw her a disgusted look. “About what you'd suspect. They've noticed the patches on Three and surmised we've sustained damage. When the engineers got here, the reporters almost broke their arms, patting themselves on the back."

"What about casualties?” Animator spoke up.

This time Provoker nodded. “They're certain Hunter's a goner. Why else would we land here, and not at fleet headquarters if all we needed were a few repairs? Other than that, they're doing nothing more than speculating what might have happened, and if everyone else has been accounted for.” Giving them all a searching glance, he said, “You know they're bound to be besieging Command right now, crying for explanations. Think Doctor Perlakian suspects?"

"Oh, sweetest heavens, I hope not,” Morning Fire prayed.

"But she gets briefed on who goes where on a mission,” Time Merchant reminded them. “She's well aware of who was on Two. If she's told Hunter's dead, then you know her next question is going to be about Commander. How much longer do you think Deceiver's going to be able to hold off telling her?"

"He wants to tell her to her face,” Animator repeated. “We have to be there for her, the same way she's there for all of us. As we are for each other. What, Fire?"

"Where did Star go? Did she go back into the ship?"

Slowly, Cara Vosstien pointed toward the hall. “She went into Udo's room,” the woman softly told them.

"Udo's room?” Morning Fire got to her feet and went in search of her friend. She found the woman sitting on the edge of the bed, cradling a well-worn, green tunic against her chest. Taking a seat next to Star, she waited, scanning the walls and furniture, and noticing all the small details that had made the room distinctly Hunter's. Inevitably, Star noticed her friend studying the room.

"Welcome to my husband's world,” she softly said to her friend.

Morning Fire turned back around. “Kind of hard to believe it's the same Hunter.” She waved a vague hand in front of her. If someone had told her this room full of riotous color and mementos was the childhood sanctuary of one of the most staid and serious men she'd ever known and worked with, she wouldn't have believed him.

"I know what you mean.” Star took a deep breath and let it out slowly before resuming. “Master Hunter and Udo Vosstien were totally different people. Hunter had a quiet strength. He was the all-business side. He only let the masterful side of his powers come out when he needed that anger as fuel. Udo, on the other hand, was playful and teasing, and he often went out of his way to goad me. Testing me. Trying to see how far he could push before I pushed back. Yet ... yet deep inside, I could see how they were one and the same. Both of them were passionate about what they did. They held onto the truth in their hearts.” She gave Morning Fire a tiny smile. “They both loved me."

The petite woman watched as her friend buried her face in the tunic and breathed in. Something was wrong. Something that Morning Fire couldn't name or put her finger on, and it scared the hell out of her. Her internals bells were going off in her head like a double-claxon alarm. This wasn't right, this sudden, nonchalant, almost reserved way Star was acting. She should be crying. She should be beating her hands against the floor or the walls and screaming in rage. Or she should be like Sender, oblivious to the world around her until she could come to terms with her loss, and later begin the long, painful journey to acceptance.

Star was doing none of that. She was neither tearful nor angry. After her initial burst the moment the ship had been swallowed, her mind had drifted off into a realm no one could touch. She had shut down to the truth. She was refusing reality.

There used to be one of them who was an expert at peering through the fogged memories of the mind, but she was gone, too. Lost in the unknown, along with three other Guardians.

No. Star's behavior was not ordinary. She was not acting like a woman who had just lost the only love of her life. In fact, she wasn't acting as if anything had happened at all. If Morning Fire didn't know any better, she would have guessed that Hunter was still out on his mission and due back at any hour.

Well, if Star couldn't find it in herself to mourn, then the least she could do as her closest friend was to mourn for her.

"Terrin, we need to get back aboard Three. We need to go home so we can let the other families know."

She held out a hand to Star, who gave it a curious glance before rising from the bed and accepting it. Slowly, Morning Fire led her out of the bedroom and into the living area, where Cara was waiting to tell her goodbye. Star clutched the old green tunic close to her chest. “I want to keep this. Please,” she begged in a voice almost too soft to hear.

Cara nodded as fresh tears appeared on her face. She would forever remember the sight of the young woman wearing it as she curled up on the sofa next to Udo. The memory of her son protecting her and calming her when she finally learned about her defeat of the Ombitra would remain burned in her memory for as long as she lived. The two of them had tried so hard not to be too obvious in their love and attraction for each other, when everything they did betrayed them: gestures, glances, whispered words, furtive kisses, gentle laughter.

"Take it."

"Thank you."

Mother and daughter held each other for a long moment. Finally, Cara placed a warm kiss on Star's cheek, and sniffed. “You meant everything to Udo. He fought to have you, and to have you love him in return. Please, listen to me, Terrin.” She waited for the young woman to look at her. “We can't lose you, too. Don't distance yourself from us. Don't ... don't become a stranger."

Rather than promise, Star gave her another hug. A quick one. She hurried out the door without saying another word.

Cara watched her leave, then turned to Morning Fire. “You're her best friend, correct?"

"Yes."

The woman glanced out the door where preparations were being made to take off. “You know her better than any of us, outside of Udo. And maybe I'm just thinking this because of my own sorrow. But something inside me is telling me Terrin is still holding on to the hope he'll come back. She's withdrawn into herself. Please stay with her. Sooner or later she'll break down when she realizes she can't deny it any longer."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Vosstien. We're all going to keep her close to the vest,” Morning Fire assured her.

"Oh, yes. Right. I forgot. The Guardian Creed."

The petite woman shook her head. “The creed has nothing to do with it. We do it because we're as much her family as you are.” Morning Fire gave the older woman a final look then turned on her heel and stiffly walked out the door.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 24

Tester

The news media followed them until they entered hyper light drive, but by that time they knew what would be waiting for them when they returned to Guardian Command.

Twice Doctor Perlakian tried to raise them on the comm. Both times Deceiver ordered Time Merchant to keep radio silence. “Let her think we've lost two-way communications. If she's learned of Hunter's demise, and know we've stopped off at Abernath, she may buy it until we get back."

On the short trip back, Sender regained consciousness. Although she didn't fall apart again, she remained silent and closed off to the rest of them, even to Corona who stayed diligently beside her.

As they had anticipated, the media was crowding Command's perimeters. The reporters and crews couldn't penetrate the security bubble surrounding the compound, but they were determined to find out more about what had occurred. There was an overall feeling of tremendous relief when Challenger closed the overhead bay doors once Three was well inside.

"Deceiver. There she is."

He didn't need to ask whom Time Merchant was talking about. He could see the doctor standing near Transport One, waiting for their return. Waiting to hear the news from their own lips. Waiting for the worst.

Getting up from his seat, he went to the airlock to depart first. The others followed close behind.

Devorah Perlakian stood with her arms crossed over her chest. Her face was set and grim, but her eyes were filled with fear. As Deceiver approached her, a cold trembling began shaking her body. Her head whiplashed backwards, her hands in front of her as if to push him away, and she took a step back.

"Don't tell me they're all gone,” she tried to warn him. Her voice quavered as she fought the tears. “Hunter ... and Commander? And Seeker and Disaster, too?"

Stopping a few feet away from her, the Guardian leader nodded.

She stared beseechingly at him then turned to stare at the others standing a short distance away. She caught sight of Morning Fire leading StarLight out of the bay. Corona, with Sender, was right behind them. The doctor's eyes snapped back to Deceiver.

"What? How?"

Deceiver gestured toward Three with a toss of his head. “Bruiser's still inside. He was caught in the middle of a blast."

Devorah's face instantly went stark white. “A blast?"

Animator stepped forward. “We were investigating a call about possible piracy. Hunter and the others had finished their mission and decided to divert over to where we were to lend a hand."

"There is a massive black hole in the area we were investigating,” Deceiver took back over. “You know how wormholes can pop up out of nowhere because of those things. One opened up right behind Transport Two. Hunter began evasive action when an abandoned freighter we were checking out blew. The blast knocked out our controls, and Two's as well. The hole swallowed Two and was gone before we could try to save it."

He paused to wait for her response. To see how she would take the news. All of them waited to respond to the woman once it sank in.

Devorah lowered her face as tears gathered on her cheeks. The trembling wouldn't stop. Neither would the icy cold that had crept into the center of her body, freezing her heart until it could barely manage to continue beating. A cold that continued to chill her from the inside out.

"I need to see to—” Her throat suddenly closed up. She had to clear it before she could continue. “Have Bruiser taken to the clinic,” she finished weakly.

"We gave Sender a sedative. She may need another dose, plus counseling and treatment. With Seeker gone, you're ... you're the only person we have left to handle our mental cases,” Deceiver informed her gently. “We need your expertise now more than ever."

The doctor nodded slowly, understanding what he was implying. “And Star? Does she need another dose, too?"

It was Animator who replied. “Star was outside when the freighter exploded. Bits of shrapnel embedded themselves in her arm and leg, and pinned her to the hull. It kept her from being able to help Two escape the wormhole."

Devorah's head snapped up. A glint of something flash in her eyes. “She couldn't save them?"

Deceiver shook his head. “She tried. Thank all the stars we were already in our suits. Three's hull is pretty much trashed. I don't dare take her through hyperspace again until she's been completely refitted.” He tilted his head to add, “Star doesn't blame herself for not being able to help, but she's not accepting the fact that Hunter's gone."

"She's still in denial."

"Yes. I don't know what it'll take before she accepts it so she can go forward with her life. But until she grieves, we're going to have to closely watch her."

The physician's expert eyes noticed the blue medical patches on the Guardian leader and the woman standing behind him. They saw where her gaze was directed. “Animator and I were hit by bits of metal, but we've both taken our shots and cleaned the wounds good."

"I don't care. I still need to check you two out as soon as—"

Her voice broke. All the years of professionalism, of learning to maintain a calm reserve in the face of others in misery, had suddenly left her. The memory of a strong face with piercing blue-gray eyes loomed in front of her, and without realizing it, her knees began to buckle as pain starting ripping its way out of her chest.

This time Deceiver closed the distance between them and put his arms around the doctor, pulling her into his embrace. Devorah laid her head on the man's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Devorah."

The tears would not stop.

* * * *

It was early evening, but it didn't matter. Everyone was exhausted past the point of caring. Corona grabbed Sender's arm and led her away after informing everyone they would be spending the night in Corona's apartment.

"Fire?"

Morning Fire glanced over to see Star giving her a lost look. “You're staying with me tonight,” Fire told her friend.

"Thank you. I don't think I can go back to our place right now. Not yet."

"I need to let Deceiver know where you'll be. As soon as he gets here, we can leave."

Star nodded. The green tunic was still clutched against her chest. Morning Fire kept her eyes glued on the woman until she heard the Guardian leader enter the meeting room.

"Ready to retire for the night?"

She turned to see he was alone. “Pretty much. Sender's staying with Corona tonight. I'm taking Star with me, unless Doctor Perlakian wants to see her first."

Deceiver shook his head. “I told Devorah we'd patched her up pretty good. In the morning, though, she'll need to check Star's wounds to make sure they don't need anything else. Bruiser's spending the night in the clinic, for observation purposes."

"How's he doing?” a voice behind them asked. Provoker and Blender strode up to join them.

"Pretty good, considering."

"What happened, anyway?” Morning Fire quizzed.

"I'll give everyone the full details in the morning.” Turning to the two men, he asked, “Where are the others?"

"Waiting on the roof,” Blender said.

Seeing Morning Fire's confused expression, Deceiver told her, “Six of us are going out to inform the families about the others."

"Want me to come, too?"

"No. I want you to stay with StarLight. Don't let her out of your sight.” He threw a worried look at the dark-haired woman standing unusually still a few yards away. “Sooner or later she's going to have to break, and someone has to be there when she does.” Giving the tiny woman a pat on the shoulder, the Guardian leader turned and headed off to the landing pad on the roof where the skimmers were docked.

Taking Star's hand, Morning Fire led her friend down the corridor and out into the courtyard, toward the women's dormitory. They walked in silence; she was fully aware of Star's slight limp, reminding her of the woman's injuries. She would have to doctor that arm and leg again before they went to bed.

Once inside Morning Fire's apartment, she had Star sit in the chair by the comm console, and then went to fetch the medical kit from the bathroom.

"You need to clean up so I can rebandage those cuts,” she told the woman.

Star gave her a vague, disjointed look. Several seconds passed, then she nodded.

"I can run over to your place and get you something to wear,” Morning Fire offered.

"No. I can wear this.” Star held out the green tunic.

"Maybe to sleep in, girlfriend, but it won't be enough to go out in public in. It'll just take me a couple of minutes to go across the courtyard to get you a change of—Crap. I don't know your override code.” Star rattled it off, and Morning Fire pulled her gently out of the chair. “Go get cleaned up. I'll be back before you're done. Hear me?"

When she was sure Star understood, she raced out the door to finish her errand as quickly as possible. It wouldn't do to leave the woman alone for any amount of time.

The new apartment was closer to the women's dorms, just around the corner of the medical wing. Slightly out of breath, Morning Fire gave the door the override code, and the portal slid open. She had to manually turn on the lights since they weren't programmed to obey anyone but Hunter or Star.

The separate closets were aligned together and located on the back wall behind the bed. Morning Fire tried to ignore the vastly larger bed with Star's favorite quilted blanket spread over it. She tried not to imagine the couple on that bed. Instead, she noticed the little touches the couple had added to the place, and even that knowledge squeezed her heart and lungs.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, she pulled a blouse and pair of pants from Star's side, then turned to leave when her eyes caught the flashing light coming from the comm panel which separated the bedroom from the living and kitchen area. At first she dismissed it as a message left from an incoming call until reason reminded her the message lights were normally green. This was a red light.

In fact...

Morning Fire slowly drew nearer to the source.

In fact, it wasn't a light at all, but a word. A flashing word on a small display screen, above a hand-size silver plate. One word repeating the same message over and over and over.

Postive ... Positive ... Positive ... Positive ... Positive...

She froze, eyes riveted on the display.

Positive ... Positive ... Positive ... Positive ... Positive...

Oh, dearest heaven on this earth!

Unable to stop herself, she reached out and closed the lid of the testing device. That thing had been on since they'd left that morning for Adni Pul Dinarra. No wonder Star was acting the way she was acting, Morning Fire realized finally. Now, it made complete sense.

Star was holding everything in because she was afraid that if she broke down she could lose the baby. Afraid her anguish would cause a miscarriage, and she would lose the tiny child now growing inside her. The baby that was all she had left of Hunter.

A fresh welling of tears overtook her unexpectedly, forcing Morning Fire to lean against the comm unit until she could get herself back under control. Glancing at the clock, she knew she'd been gone longer than she'd wanted. Damn.

Clutching the clothing in her arms, she hurried back to her own apartment and hoped nothing had happened while she was gone.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 25

Admission

"Why do I still feel him?"

Morning Fire opened her eyes to the darkness of the night. Slowly, she rolled over to find Star lying on her back. The woman was awake, staring at the ceiling.

"Emma's gone. The crystal is c-clear. But I can't seem to convince myself that he's dead. I can't, Fire. I c—” Her voice hiccupped. A hand went up to her face, and Star rolled over to face her friend lying in the bed next to her. “Help me, Fire. Help me. Please help me.” Her lovely face twisted with pain, and suddenly a scream of pure anguish tore from the center of her heart.

Grabbing her friend, Morning Fire let the woman bury her face against her chest as the sobs wracked her body. She said nothing as the grief shredded the woman into minute pieces. There was nothing she knew she could say to make things any better. Nothing. Star needed her presence as a way to ground herself, to keep herself from giving in to the insanity of her loss.

After many long, long minutes, the weeping lessened. Morning Fire felt the woman's grip on her grow slack. Exhaustion was taking its toll.

"Fire."

"What, Terrin?"

"He was my life."

"I know, girlfriend."

She felt Star wipe her face on the soft green tunic. “How am I going to cope without having his arms to protect me? Without having that wide, wonderful chest to lean against?” Her voice was soft. Broken.

Resigned. Thank the heavens.

"I don't know, Terrin. I've never loved someone so strong as that. But I'll always be here if you need me. You know that, right? If it's at all within my power, I'm here for you."

A tender kiss touched her cheek, then Star rolled over, away from her friend. In the darkness, now that her eyes had grown acclimated, Morning Fire could see the woman's shoulders shaking as she continued to cry in silence. With it, her worry disappeared.

Star was grieving. She had accepted what had occurred although she didn't want to. None of them wanted to accept it, but fate had rarely been kind or even generous to Guardians. It was their lot in life, and expected.

Star and Hunter, however, had been unexpectedly blessed to discover their love for each other. It was unheard of, especially for a Guardian.

Rolling over herself, Morning Fire sighed loudly and tried to go back to sleep. It was damn impossible. Ever since the HandFast she had envied her friend. There had been many nights she had gone to bed and cried herself to sleep, wishing she could find someone to love her as passionately as Hunter did Star. Knowing there was no way. No one. Yet, it didn't stop her from wishing.

Behind her, Star's crying grew softer. The woman was falling into emotionally drained slumber. Come the morning she would be ready to start the long process of learning to cope without the man she'd taken to husband. She would be ready, but not willing. That would take more time.

Would it be worth the kind of heartache and agony Star was facing, just to have that kind of love from a man such as Hunter? For a heartbeat Morning Fire debated whether she should ask her friend, then decided there was no need to. She already knew what the answer would be.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 26

Time Lock

The artificial gravity had held. Hunter opened his eyes to see space outside the viewscreen moving in a slow whirl. He blinked and then checked to see if his limbs had survived intact. They had. No lancet of pain warned him that something had been broken or damaged.

Carefully he rose to his knees and looked around. The force of them going through the wormhole had ripped him out of his harness. Touching his chest, he could feel the tenderness of his skin beneath his tunic. If he looked, he knew he would see ugly bruises in a crisscross pattern across his chest and shoulders.

A groan behind him alerted him to the fact he wasn't the only survivor. Quickly he scrambled over the deck and found Commander nursing a large knot on his forehead. Like Hunter, he had been violently shaken from his seat, and now lay sprawled between the front row end seat and the inner hull of the transport.

"Hey, how are you doing, Commander?"

"I have a headache that would fell a Gambastian tetra bear. What the hell happened?"

"I have a nasty suspicion we got sucked through the wormhole."

Commander answered with a choice word that made Hunter chuckle. Now he knew where he'd learned the phrase that had given his father pause. “How are the others?” the man whispered.

Rising to his feet was not as easy as he thought it would be. Apparently he'd sustained a slight concussion as well, as standing up made the world tilt crazily and shift a bit out of focus. Hunter waited for the dizziness to settle. Once he felt steady enough, he was able to find Seeker lying unconscious in the middle aisle. He climbed over a cushion jarred loose from a seat frame and sank down beside her. She was alive and breathing regularly, meaning she hadn't been seriously injured. Disaster was at the back of the ship, lying halfway inside the kitchenette and covered with an assortment of bottles and food packets that had flown loose from their cabinets.

Seeing that the man was beginning to stir, Hunter turned his attention back to Seeker. She was unusually pale even though a quick examination didn't reveal any broken bones. “Hey, Seeker. Can you hear me?"

She moved slightly, moaning. Her lashes fluttered until Hunter could see her dark brown eyes trying to focus. “Dear heavens, we're alive?"

"Yeah, and lost,” Commander grumbled. The man had managed to get back into his seat and was battling with the comm display. “Guardian Transport Two calling any available base. Please relay coordinates. Do you copy?"

Nothing came over the internal speakers except white noise.

"Guardian Transport Two calling any available base. Please relay coordinates. Is anyone out there receiving this signal?” Commander threw them a worried look as he shook his head. “We're either out of range, or the radio's out."

"Can you get us any kind of fix on our coordinates?"

"I'm trying but nothing's registering with the charts we have on file. As much as I'd hate to mention it, guys, we could be millions of parsecs from home."

Disaster shuffled up to where they stood around the viewscreen and stared at the star system faintly visible to their left. Hunter reached down to the controls and steadied the ship until it no longer rolled.

"Hunter, can you sense anyone?” Seeker asked.

Closing his eyes, he tried to get some kind of feeling from anyone outside the ship. Anything that would give them a grounded lifeline. When that failed, Hunter laid a finger on the HeartCrystal at his throat. “Emma?"

A small cry startled him. Hunter turned to see Seeker had blanched in shock. “What?” Behind her, Commander's face had also drained of blood.

"Yo-your crystal,” the woman stuttered.

She didn't have to elaborate. He rushed into the tiny bathroom at the back of the ship and stared at his reflection in the shiny wall of the cleansing chamber.

The HeartCrystal was no longer black. Instead, it was as colorless as glass. Dead as a lifeless planet.

Hunter fell against the wall, stunned from the discovery.

Emma was gone; the crystal was no longer alive. Which could only mean that Terrin was gone, too.

His stomach clenched painfully, forcing Hunter to double over in agony. The air was sucked out of his lungs as he fought the possible truth.

No. No, not after everything they'd been through, she couldn't be gone. There had to be something else that had to have affected the HeartCrystal. The wormhole—

Gasping, Hunter tried to find any valid reason. The wormhole may have done something to the crystal.

The door to the small cubicle suddenly flew open, and Disaster reached in to drag him into the main cabin. “Hey, Hunter. Stop and think for a minute,” the big man rushed to say. “No, I want you to listen to me, all right? We don't know where we are. Commander said we could be millions of parsecs from home. Hell, we're alive, and right now that's half the battle won, right? Maybe your crystal went clear because we're too far away. Did you ever think about that?"

Hunter struggled with the theory. It was possible. It was easier to believe either the effects of the wormhole, or too much distance separating him and Star, had caused the crystal to react as it did. One of the two, or perhaps the combination of both, could have done it. Oh, sweetest heavens, he prayed it was the cause, because any reason was easier to accept than it was to acknowledge she might be dead. It was a slim hope, but enough to allow him to wrap it around himself with both hands and hold on tightly to it.

He looked down to see Seeker rubbing her hands together to bring warmth back into them. It was then he realized the gravity may be working, but the heat wasn't. Two was quickly becoming unbearably cold. “We need heat,” he managed to say.

"Working on it,” Commander called from the comm.

"We may have some minor damage to the hull from flying debris when that ship blew,” Disaster noted. “I'll go outside to run a scan and make certain there's nothing seriously wrong."

"Good idea."

"Hunter."

He turned his head to see Disaster's eyes drilling into him. “We need to keep our heads on straight,” the big man rumbled. “It's going to take all of us working together to get home."

"You're right. You're right.” He took a deep but shaky breath and blew it out. “First things first. Let's get this mess cleaned up so we're not tripping over it. We need to know what's salvageable and jettison what's not. Commander!"

"Still no idea where we are,” the man complained, looking up from the console.

"Not a problem. We all need to suit up just in case. Commander, when you're ready, go outside and check the relays up there. Determine if the trouble lies with us."

"Copy that."

"In the meantime, this will be a first for me."

"How so?” Seeker inquired as she began to pull on her space suit.

"I've never had to find a galaxy before,” Hunter remarked.

* * * *

It took them just under an hour to do damage assessment. There were some pieces of metal puncturing the outer skin of the ship, but luckily none had penetrated, or they would all be dead. Disaster was able to patch the tears without any difficulty.

Surprisingly most of their supplies had managed to remain intact. They also, finally, had heat. With there being only the four of them, Seeker surmised they could subsist for a good three months—perhaps five if they stretched it.

"It won't take us that long to get back to Guardian Command,” Hunter announced with certainty. The others breathed with relief. “Buckle in, people. Commander, you ready?"

The man nodded. He'd finished repairs to the radio in record time, although there continued to be nothing but silence coming from the speakers.

"Here we go. Going into hyper light drive in five. Four. Three. Two. One. Now.” Hunter shoved the throttles forward in one smooth motion. The ship slipped into the ultra light speed void with barely a jiggle.

Sitting at the controls, he closed his eyes and projected his power outward as far as he could cast it. Like sifting through space with tiny fingers, he tried to find some landmark that would tweak his memory. A nebula, an unusual star cluster, anything that would let him know where they were.

At the moment they were flying blind. Hunter trusted his instincts above everything else, and at that moment they told him to go this way. It was as black and as uninviting as any other direction, as far as they could see. Regardless, Hunter had pointed the ship and pulled the lever. And until his instincts told him to drop them out of hyper light, they would continue to go this way for however long it would take.

It was nearly two hours later when Seeker spoke up from where she had dozed off in her seat. It was the first time the silence had been broken since they had entered the void. “How much longer?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean, you don't know?” Commander asked.

"What I said. I don't know. My power will let me know when it's time to pull out of hyper light.” He tossed the man a guarded look. “Don't trust me?"

"Too freaking scared not to,” his co-pilot admitted, adding a weak grin.

Disaster moved forward to stand between them. He watched the field of blackness that seemed to hover motionless over the outer surface of the ship. “So ... what do you think happened?"

Seeker snorted softly. “We got swallowed up by a wormhole."

"Do you think the others are all right?"

"We can only hope so,” Hunter replied tightly.

"Think Bruiser survived?"

Disaster gave Seeker a wide grin. “That man is too damn obnoxious and stubborn to die. If anyone could survive the blast, he could."

"What do you think caused the ship to blow?"

"It had a voice activator,” Commander bluntly told them. “Normal sounds wouldn't trigger it, but vocal resonance would.” He threw a look in Hunter's direction. “It would explain why Star wouldn't answer us when we called to her. The merest vibration from her voice would have set it off."

Hunter's hand involuntarily went to the clear jewel at his throat. Emma had known the danger and had warned Star to keep silent.

"So was it deliberate? Was it a trap?” Disaster questioned.

"Maybe. Maybe not.” Commander made an adjustment at the boards and checked his earpiece. “Still nothing. Screw it. Anyway, we'd have to examine the fragments to see if the ship had been rigged to blow when anybody boarded her, or if it was specifically set up for us."

"How would you be able to tell?” asked Seeker.

Hunter answered her. “Voice pattern recognition. If it was rigged to respond to one of us, then we were set up."

"All right, then let me throw this one out to chew on,” Disaster ventured. “Let's pretend the ship was rigged to go blooey for any unlucky bastard, and not specifically for Guardians. Why plant the explosives on the ship in the first place?"

Hunter shrugged. “Who knows. Maybe there was something in it that would give them away, and they rigged it to blow in case they didn't get back themselves in time to clean up their mess."

Disaster nodded. “All right. I'll give you that one. But if it was a set up for us, why?"

"Oh, please tell me you're joking!” Commander barked. “They're pirates. We're the do-gooders. Need me to draw you a picture?"

Disaster rolled his eyes. “Let's switch angles, then. Normally, Commander, you'd be picking at the pieces we'd recovered to find the truth. But without you at Guardian Command, who could do it?"

"Probably Blender. He has the best knowledge of metallurgy."

"You people know we'll always have our share of bad guys trying to do us in,” Hunter interjected. “So far, we've been awfully damn lucky."

Commander snorted loudly. “You call this lucky?” His remark earned him a backhanded slap on the biceps from Seeker.

"We're alive,” she snapped at him.

"Yeah, but for how long? We're lost in the middle of the freaking damn universe with limited resources and fuel, and no idea how to get home."

"How much fuel?” Hunter softly asked, trying to ignore the man's borderline fear.

"We're sitting at sixty-eight percent. And you know the longer we move through hyperspace, the faster it'll deplete."

"Frankly, I'm worried more about those we left behind,” Hunter solemnly remarked. The other three gave him their full attention and waited for him to continue, although they already knew what he was going to say next. “They don't know we're alive. Right at this moment they probably think we're dead. They're grieving."

A soft sob behind him made Hunter glance up at the reflection in the viewscreen. Seeker had a hand over her mouth. Her eyes glistened in the dimmed cabin light.

Hunter nodded slightly to let her know he empathized. The others would be in mourning. Sender, especially, would be inconsolable. And Terrin...

By all that is holy, what is going through your mind at this moment, my deepest love?

He had no further chance to contemplate on the emotional agony his wife might be suffering. Like a brightness suddenly coming to life inside him, Hunter felt his skin tightening. Without thinking, he reached for the throttles as he called out, “Leaving hyperspace in three. Two. One. Now."

Altogether, every person took a deep breath and waited to see what would happen next.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 27

Displacement

They knew they had returned home seconds before Commander confirmed it.

"Sikasian Galaxy dead ahead. Estimated time of arrival to Synaria in one hour, fourteen minutes, twelve seconds. Damn, Hunter!” The man reached over to give the pilot a grateful squeeze on the arm.

Disaster let out a noisy breath. “How freaky is that? Where were we that it only took us a few hours to get back? I mean, I've been a Guardian for nearly nine years. I thought I'd been through every neighborhood system by this time. If we were that close, why didn't the ship have any record of our location?"

"Maybe for the same reason our hyper light clock has been frozen since we woke up,” Commander commented. “Look here. It's still registering the same time it did when we arrived at Adni Pul Dinarra. But look here at the ship's time.” He gestured toward the display right in front of him. “It's been two hours, fifty-one minutes, and six seconds since we came through the wormhole. So why doesn't the hyper clock also reflect that additional time like it should?"

Hunter shrugged. “Maybe the hyper clock is broken."

"Or maybe the wormhole had something to do with it,” Seeker offered. “Oh, heavens, I'll be grateful when we finally get home and get this whole horrible mess straightened out. Poor Cosy."

The two remained standing behind Hunter and Commander, and watched their home world slowly grow larger.

"Guardian Transport Two calling Guardian Command. Hey, you guys! Somebody give us a hello and welcome back!” Commander fine-tuned a couple of controls, then tried again. “Guardian Transport Two calling Guardian Command. Is anyone home?” He gave the others an apologetic grin. “Guess not. Can't believe the doc isn't picking up, though."

"Maybe we got back before the others,” Seeker surmised. “How long would it take to get from Adni Pul Dinarra to here?"

"Not long,” Hunter estimated, sliding his eyes at Commander for verification. “They should be back by now."

"Yeah, but if they think we're dead, they wouldn't be hanging around a comm board, would they?"

"Knowing Deceiver, he would feel it his duty as leader to inform the next of kin as soon as they returned,” Disaster said. “They could be off base for that reason."

Commander gave the comm one more good scan before calling it quits. Dejectedly, he sat back in his seat with a scowl.

A quick glance up at his own reflection in the viewscreen told Hunter the crystal remained colorless and transparent. That alone didn't alarm him. It was the fact that he still couldn't sense Star. This close to their homeworld he should have been able to get a faint response from her, but there was nothing, and a sudden, hard tremor jerked through him.

"You all right, Hunter?” Seeker asked.

He shook his head and wiped his clammy hands on the thighs of his pants. “Something's not right."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. I can't explain it, but something is terribly wrong here. For one thing, I can't sense Star.” Before Commander could voice what he knew the man might say, Hunter shot him a hard, angry look. “She's alive. The last thing I saw before I lost consciousness was her trying to throw some of her power at us. She's still alive. I feel it in my gut. But this...” He threw a hand outward to encompass what filled the viewscreen. “This isn't right. Disaster, can you take the controls?"

"Sure thing. Going down there to look around before we arrive?"

"I'll do a little recon before making myself known. Commander, I'll give you a shout once I touch base to make sure you can read me."

"I'll be waiting for it, Hunter. Good luck."

Giving the others a partial smile, Hunter rose from his seat to let Disaster take over. He disappeared as soon as he was clear.

* * * *

Hunter felt as if he was ready to throw up. Although he thought he knew what he should find when he arrived back at Guardian Command, his senses were a mishmash of confusion and misdirection. It was as if, for the first time in his life, he couldn't rely on his powers.

Nothing made sense—not his intended destination, not his need to feel his wife's presence, not even the topsy-turvy feeling of time and space. As a result his stomach remained constricted, twisted into a clenched, frozen knot in the center of his body.

His heart beat in a shallow, almost bloodless rhythm. Here, the sun was glowing like a huge golden disk over the city, and Hunter felt as if he was about to land on a subzero planet in the middle of unknown space.

Before he could step out of his protective void, the truth overwhelmed him, squeezing all sanity and breath from him. Bending over, he forced himself to take several deep, head-clearing breaths first. Unfortunately, the feeling of surrealism remained.

"Guardian Two, do you copy?” His throat was constricted, his tongue nearly clogging his mouth to where it was almost torture to speak.

"Copy you, Hunter. How is everyone down there?” came Disaster's cautious inquiry.

"What's your ETA?"

"Uhh, fourteen minutes, two seconds."

"Guys ... guys, I don't know how to tell you this—"

"What's wrong, Hunter?” came Commander's granite-hard voice.

"There's no Guardian Command,” Hunter barely managed to squeak out.

"What?"

"Repeat that, Hunter!"

He tried to take another deep breath, but his lungs had petrified inside his chest cavity. “There is no Guardian Command base."

"No! Nonono! Sweet stars, what happened?” Seeker cried out. “Did someone destroy it?"

"Not ... exactly."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Commander yelled.

Hunter remained spellbound as he stared at the open field of wirtle grass gently waving in the breeze. The tall, dark green stems with their cloud-white heads filled the tilled land as far as he could see. And beyond them, nearly at the horizon, he could see the short, squatty buildings that sat on the outer fringes of the city.

"When you get here, you'll understand,” Hunter whispered. He reached up and flipped the toggle to close off any further communications with them. There was no sense trying to explain when everything was already painfully clear.

He should be standing in the middle of the transport bay. There should be immense, callidion-reinforced walls rising around him. And lights. A bank of equipment and computers should be sitting just off to his left.

There was nothing. Nothing. No Guardian Command, no base, no transport bay, no meeting room or dormitories or labs or training room. Not even the remotest clue that such structures had ever existed or once stood there. And if there was no sign of past occupation, that left little doubt in Hunter's mind as to where he stood.

No, not where. When.

They had come home.

Into the past.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 28

Memorials

The weathermakers had been kind. The sky had been made to be overcast and gray. It was the perfect backdrop for the day. A slight breeze pushed against the new growth sprouting from underground. The fragrant wind was enough to allow the mourning pennants to flutter overhead as the Guardians and family members stood in a semicircle around the four new statues erected in Memorial Park.

Surrounding the perimeter of the park, more than a hundred thousand spectators stood and watched and listened to the eulogies given in memory of those lost. Above them the media broadcast the ceremony live to over a hundred planets.

Star paid little attention to the man of faith heading the memorials. Without any bodies they couldn't have funerals. After discussing the options with each family, all had agreed to one memorial service to honor the dead.

Thankfully she was able to endure these past two hours in a sort of numbed haze. With Hunter gone, her heart had retreated into a dark, tiny cave deep within herself where it was no longer able to withstand light or warmth. Once she survived these next few days, a new StarLight would emerge to take the place of the person who had died along with her husband. A stronger StarLight, whose emotions would forever be kept guarded and locked behind doors of steel resolve.

With Udo Vosstien dead, she vowed never to let another man claim her. Not her mind, her heart, or her body. There was no one who would ever take his place, no one who would ever be able to give her that sense of absolute fulfillment and happiness she had shared with the man who had offered her everything. Despite her faults, despite her past, he had loved her unconditionally, and had allowed her time to accept him. The HeartCrystal had known they were each other's truest loves. With him gone, she was forced to return to being the half person she had been before the HandFast. Before their first night of love.

It was impossible, but she had no other choice.

The man of faith had begun with Disaster, who had been the senior member of the missing team. His family—a brother, two sisters, and numerous relatives—stood solemnly as his statue was unveiled. Overhead, comm cameras whirred.

Star watched the ceremony in stone-faced silence. Memories flashed through her mind in bright pieces, making her unaware of the small hand that stole into her own cold one. It was the reassuring squeeze that finally drew her back to the present. She glanced down at her friend with emotionless eyes.

They all wore wide red ribbons signifying their personal loss. As Master Hunter's widow, Star was allowed, and chose, to wear a full-length gown of scarlet. With her nearly parchment white skin, and long black hair unbound and loose in the breeze, she presented the ultimate tragic figure in the whole horrible tableau. The only thing missing were the tears. The people wanted to see her tears, not the fragile, beautiful figure who appeared ready to collapse at the next forceful gust of wind. Tears they could accept. When she cried, they could cry with her. But this quiet emptiness she revealed instead was too painful to watch.

The man of faith finished his eulogy for Commander, then stepped back to pull the drape from the statue. A soft sob drew Star's attention to the doctor, who leaned heavily against Deceiver. For a moment she debated whether to go over and put her arms around the woman, but decided against it. She could do it later, after the crowds had left. After the curious had given them back their privacy. Then she could let the woman know how much she empathized with her. Only, it was worse for Devorah. She and Commander had never been given the chance to commit to each other. Star wondered if they had even had the chance to admit their feelings.

Morning Fire squeezed her hand again. Words were being said for Seeker. To her right Star watched Sender, along with her parents and twin brothers. Devorah had given Sender a small tranquilizer to help her through the day. Otherwise, the woman would not have been able to cope.

Star closed her eyes. Why couldn't she shake the feeling that he was still alive? No matter how hard she fought it, no matter what she told herself, it was as if the atoms in her body wanted to argue the fact with her. She had to accept it. Accept it and move on. Move on.

Move on.

She swallowed around the growing lump in her throat. Yeah. It was time to move on. Away. Where nothing would remind her of the man who would no longer caress her or kiss her. Where she wouldn't hear his rich voice whispering in her ear, or have his spicy breath coat her skin. Where her body wouldn't sing in anticipation, waiting tense and moist for his body to cover her, and claim her, and consume her.

A shiver ran up her spine. A large hand went to her back. A warm hand, so much like Udo's. A body moved up to stand beside her. She didn't have to look to know who had come to support her. Next to him, Cara moved up even with them, grasping her husband's other arm.

Seeker's statue was uncovered, leaving just one remaining. Star felt her legs quiver, and for the first time in her life she wondered if she even had the strength to hover. Her unspoken question was answered when Vall drew an arm around her waist and firmly held her next to him. She gave him a grateful glance.

The man of faith spoke of Master Hunter's dedication and loyalty to the Guardians. He mentioned several of Hunter's exploits and missions, some of which had earned him special recognition and commendations. Star remembered each of those times, especially the one where he had been wounded helping to save the Chaldicians on Fall Verris VI. A half-starved doord had somehow managed to take a bite out of Hunter's upper thigh, leaving behind a wound filled with bubbling venom. No one knew he had been bitten until after he'd brought the last Chaldician over the bridge and fallen almost at Star's feet. As he'd fought the poison, she remembered holding him in her arms, yelling at him to hold on. Hold on! The Chaldician physician was on his way with the antivenom to sterilize the wound. Just don't die, Hunter. Damn you to hell! Die on me and I'll find a way to pay you back, I swear on all the stars in the heavens!

She blinked. Even back then, now that she remembered, she could see how he had been seeping into her heart drop by drop, either intentionally or unintentionally.

A little tug at her waist and on her hand drew her back to the present. The man of faith had finished and was stepping back to draw down the cloth. The white length of material almost lifted itself away from the statue, aided by a gust of wind.

Star stared into golden eyes that should have been blue. Deep water blue. Eyes so blue she could fly in them. The statue depicted Hunter standing with his hands on his hips, his head slightly tilted. So typical of the man. A habit he had whenever he was using his powers to sense something. Star wondered if he had ever been aware of doing it. Obviously the sculptor had. Or had been told.

The statues were life-sized, meaning that if Star floated upward to face the likeness, her head would be even with his shoulder, as it should be. As it had been.

A burning wetness stung her eyes. Without realizing what she was doing, Star stepped toward the statue, one hand extended to touch it. Her fingers encountered cold metal ... the toe of his boot. It hadn't been too long ago that Udo had told her he was thinking about changing out the style he normally wore. He had laughed when he teased her about needing a pair that sealed shut, rather than pulled on and off.

"Takes too damn long to get undressed when I have to tug them off.” He chuckled. It was after hours. Time to start thinking about what to do for supper. There was no question about what they would do afterwards.

"Oh, yeah, right. Like you couldn't pop out of here half dressed anyway and be finished by the time you get to where you need to go,” she griped, then giggled. “In the meantime, I'll still need an extra three minutes to smooth out my suit."

Hunter tilted his head as if contemplating what she'd said. “You know, I never thought about it, but you're right. No sense hanging around to get my clothes on when I can do it in the void.” He reached for her and pulled her against his now naked body. The other hand clutched a handful of dark strands as he guided her face up to his. “One of these days, Mrs. Vosstien, when you least expect it, I'm going to strip you in the void and see just how far we can go before I need to reappear."

He never gave her the chance to retort. Once his mouth descended upon hers, she was molten lava—burning hot and malleable.

The tears fell. Finally. Yet somehow she managed not to drop to her knees. Before she was aware of her actions, Star leaned over and kissed the toe of the boot. Others came up to stand beside her. Cara was sobbing brokenly, audibly. Dallin was fighting back tears and valiantly trying to keep a strong face as he clung to his mother. Vall had his arm around her waist once more, and it was his gentle tugging that let her know it was time to depart.

Twenty-four statues graced the park outside the botanical gardens situated on Guardian property. The two areas were the only sections permanently kept open to the public. Twenty-four statues memorializing Guardians who had given their lives in the line of duty. Today, four more were added.

The media zoomed away before everyone had left. The people who had come to be a part of history were slower to depart. The Guardians and the grieving families walked back to Command where they would say their goodbyes before going their separate ways.

Along one wall inside the meeting room a table had been set up. Star eyed a bottle of water, realizing how parched she was. She felt dehydrated, her skin almost papery in texture. She started toward the table when Vall stopped her and pressed a cooled bottle in her hands.

"Terrin, is there a place where we can talk?"

Glancing up at him, she noticed over his shoulder Cara standing by the immense, black table, next to Hunter's chair. Seeing where her eyes had traveled, Vall quickly whispered, “Just the two of us. Please."

She cast a curious eye at him. The man seemed intense about something. Nodding, she turned and led him down a hallway, stopping at a narrow door he wasn't familiar with. She opened it to reveal a bank of monitors lining the walls. The observation room.

There was a single chair in the tiny room. Vall closed the door behind them and waited for her to sit in it before he spoke again.

"What I'm about to ask you I have no business asking,” he told her in a deep, rough voice that echoed Hunter's. She took a deep breath and tried to steel herself. So much of her husband repeated what was in this man.

"Terrin?"

She opened her eyes.

"But I have to ask,” he continued. “I'll explain why."

"Ask me what?"

"Do you think Udo is still alive?"

For some unexplainable reason, she started to laugh. She tried to stop, but her efforts only managed to turn it into sobs. Silently Vall waited for her to regain control of herself.

"Wh-why are you asking me this?” she finally was able to ask, her voice catching in heavy, breathy hitches.

"Just be completely honest with me. Do you think there's the slightest chance he could still be alive?"

She gazed into his dark brown eyes, and started. They weren't blue. Udo's eyes were blue. Did Cara have blue eyes? Did Hunter's get their color from his mother?

She opened her mouth, needing an extra second to get the words past her lips. “He's dead, Vall. My husband is d-dead."

Vall Vosstien dropped his head until his chin nearly touched his chest. He looked like a man who had suddenly had all the air squeezed out of him.

"No matter what I say, no one believes me anyway,” she went on.

The older man's head snapped up. He glared at her with an expression she couldn't read. “Go on."

"They tell m-me I need to accept it. I n-need to stop this wishful thinking and accept—” She stopped and bit her lower lip. Dropping her gaze, she tried to focus instead on her hands lying palms down in her lap. Limp. Useless.

"They tell me the more I try to deny it, the harder it will be for me to go on with my life. It's denial if we keep trying to find some excuse not to believe it, Vall.” Star took another ragged breath. “There's no going forward with our lives until we admit the truth to ourselves."

"You're talking pure crap, Terrin. You're just spouting what you've been told. You know it. You feel it. Now answer my question, dammit."

"No.” A hardness suddenly came over her, giving her the strength to stand up to him. “No,” she repeated, looking up at him. “Not until you explain why, like you said you would."

A small grin lifted the corners of his mouth ... Hunter's grin. “Very well. I owe you an explanation. Are you familiar with the Morodan Four Incident? You may have studied it in history class."

"Umm, no. I had very limited schooling growing up, and I tend to avoid planetary wars whenever possible."

Vall nodded. Folding his arms across his abdomen, he leaned against the door. “This was one of those civil wars. I was a second lieutenant with the fleet at the time. Udo was just a few months old. We were called in to patrol the outer atmosphere, to keep the Morodans and Vidaki separated. The peoples on their two sister planets were afraid the parties involved would resort to using baranite bombs to settle their differences, and if they did, it would exterminate everyone and everything. Including their small sun. To make a long story short, I was ordered to escort one of the Morodan ambassadors to Vidak, in another vain attempt at a peaceful negotiation. Before we'd left Morodan airspace, the ship was hit with a Vidaki dispersal ray. I was caught on the fringes of the blast. Blew my ship into nothingness. Back then we still had to wear our suits while in flight. My suit saved me, but I suffered burns over most of my body. One of my fleet buddies found me free-falling back into the Morodan atmosphere. He managed to snag me and get me to the closest clinic."

He paused for a moment. “For some reason we've never been able to understand, our HeartCrystal went colorless. Back then we didn't have the kind of communications set up like there is today. The fleet was light-years from Abernath. I was in a Morodan hospital, kept comatose so I could heal."

"And Cara believed you were dead?"

Vall smiled. “Word came back about the attack. I was reported dead, destroyed by the ray, along with the ambassador's ship. Our crystal went clear. What else did she need to have as further proof?"

Star's eyes narrowed slightly. It was starting to become obvious where the man was going with his story. “Cara didn't believe them,” she stated bluntly.

"No. She didn't. Like you, the more she tried to deny it, the harder they tried to ‘help’ her. The more they tried to convince her otherwise."

Involuntarily, she glanced at the gem, now a pale gold shade, embedded in his throat. “Your crystal came back?"

"Much later, after I'd been returned to Abernath to complete my healing. I was given a medical discharge, but I reenlisted after a couple of years. Been in the corps ever since."

"How ... how did it get its color back?"

"How, I can't explain. When? The first night Cara and I made love after my release from the hospital."

A rush of heat, like a hot wave of air, blew over her skin. Star clenched her hands into fists and closed her eyes. “Did Cara ... what made her think you were still alive?” she managed to ask.

"She said she could feel it inside of her. That's all she could explain. It was only a feeling.” Getting up from the door, Vall strode over and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I'm not asking you to keep denying, Terrin. I'm not telling you the same thing is going to happen with Udo. I don't want you to get any kind of hope from what I've told you. I just want to know what your gut feeling is. Wormholes are unexplainable. They'll never be detected before they appear, and no one will be able to map one. History is filled with stories of those lost in them. Forever lost. You and I both know there's no such thing as someone coming back through a wormhole. Never has been. Never will be."

Large, violet eyes stared up at him. “I saw him being swallowed up,” she whispered, trembling. “My crystal is clear. But, by all that's holy, Vall ... every cell in my body tells me he's still out there searching for a way home."

"Your body is unlike any other body in creation,” Vall told her. “Trust what it's telling you."

"But if he's out there, how do I get him back? How can I help him, if I can help him?"

The older man slowly shook his head. “He may never be able to,” Vall admitted sadly. “Udo may spend the rest of his life searching, seeking, to no avail. That's the truth we'll have to accept, if we can't accept his death."

Star sobbed at the prospect. “Oh, heavens! Thinking about him being lost ... I would rather believe he's dead than to be alone like that."

Vall gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You and I both, Terrin. You and I both."

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 29

Two-thirty a.m.

Morning Fire awoke with a jerk. It was her old friend, the dream of falling, awakening her in the middle of the night. Groaning softly, she lifted her head just enough to read the illuminated dial on the comm across the room. As she watched, the numbers slid into a new alignment.

Two-thirty in the morning.

Closing her eyes, she rolled over, dragging the covers up to her chin, and hoped she could quickly get back to sleep. It was then she realized the other side of the bed wasn't occupied, as it should be. She opened her eyes to discover Star gone. Getting up on one elbow, she tried to look around, but the room was too dim to see into the farthest corners. “Star?"

No answer. Not even the sound of someone else breathing.

Lifting a hand above her head, she threw out a dim light. Not enough to blind her dark-sensitive eyes, but enough to let her know the apartment was empty.

She quickly scrambled out of bed and hurried out the door. The warm night air felt humid, sticky. The weathermakers liked to schedule any showers to occur between three and four a.m. From the smell of ozone, Morning Fire guessed this would be one of those rainy nights.

She padded out into the courtyard, past the last apartment, as she searched for her friend. It had been a week since the memorials, and Star's mourning had not lessened. Instead, she had turned it inside herself, until she could present a featureless shell to the outside world, protecting what was left of her heart.

After the Vosstiens had left to return to Abernath, Star had seemed overly agitated. Despite her reassurances she would be all right, Morning Fire had gotten the distinct impression that something was up. Star was planning something; she would swear by it. Her friendship with the tall, ebony-haired woman was almost based on a sixth sense they shared.

Halting, she closed her eyes and focused.

Star, where in the world are you?

For some reason, she knew the answer was around the corner, close to the new apartment they had built for the newly married couple.

Morning Fire remembered when Time Merchant had built the little fountain just beyond the doorway, then surrounded it with huge, leafy fronds and delicate flowers. The man's gardening abilities had surprised everyone. He'd also had a small, padded bench placed nearby so that Hunter or Star, or both of them could sit and watch the night sky, safe from prying eyes.

Star was there now, sitting on the little bench and looking up at the two moons hovering above the horizon. Morning Fire started to go to her when she hesitated. The truth was like a cold rain soaking into her skin.

Star was in full uniform. In the middle of the night? For what purpose?

"Terrin?"

Star jerked, as if she'd been surprised by her friend's appearance. “Fire? What are you doing up?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing. Why are you in uniform?” Morning Fire walked over and sat beside her. When Star didn't answer, she gave the woman a good once-over. If she didn't know any better, she looked as though she was about to depart on a mission. A little bell went off in the back of her mind. The next moment, it began to clang with ear-splitting intensity.

"Terrin? Answer me, dammit! Why are you in uniform?"

Star sighed loudly and got to her feet. “Go back to bed, Fire."

The condescending order got her ire up, and quickly. Star may not be aware of it, but whenever she used that tone of voice with her, Morning Fire felt like swatting her. It was a tone that clearly implied Star wanted to be left alone. Left alone because of something she was planning. Well, it wasn't going to work this time, damn her.

"Screw bed. Tell me why you're in uniform.” She nearly gasped at her next thought. “Oh, sweet heavens! Terrin, please tell me you weren't planning on leaving!"

The woman turned slightly to give her a saddened look. “And you think you're going to stop me?"

"Why, Terrin? Just tell me why.” Morning Fire got to her feet to approach the woman, but Star continued to keep distance between them. “All right. So you don't want me near you. Can you at least tell me why, for the sake of our friendship?"

Star tossed her head. “Why do I have to explain myself? Isn't it enough what we've had to go through?"

"You're leaving because Hunter's dead? Is that it? You're quitting the Guardians?” It felt as if she was struggling to keep her hold on ice. Struggling against the frozen, slippery surface her friend had erected around herself. Morning Fire knew she had to find a crack in the woman's armor, or else they would never see her again. Without Hunter, there was no way they could track her.

"What's left for me here?” Star uttered softly. “Everywhere I turn I'm reminded of him. Everywhere I go there'll be memories of him. I can't take this pain any longer, Fire. There's nothing here to keep me."

"Oh, yeah? So you're just going to desert us? Leave us to grieve for you, too, like we've been grieving for the others? Give us five reasons to suffer instead of four?"

"Fire, how can I make you understand?"

"Try, damn you!” Morning Fire almost screamed at her friend. Tears were flowing down her face faster than she could wipe them away with the sleeve of her nightshirt, but she didn't care. “Make me understand! It's the least you can do as my friend."

Star gave her a patient look. In the semidarkness, Morning Fire could see mental and emotional exhaustion in every line of the woman's body.

"I have to go somewhere clean. Fresh. Someplace where Hunter won't haunt me. Somewhere he hasn't been. Where we both haven't been."

"And you honestly believe that by running away you'll find such a place? How stupid are you, Terrin? It's not the places that'll give you comfort. It doesn't matter where you go because Hunter is in your heart. He is your heart, and no matter where you are or where you go, he's going to be there with you. For the rest of your life. Get your head screwed back on straight, girlfriend, and look around you. We need you as much as you need us. We're your family. We're here to support you. We'll always be here to protect you, and comfort you, and help you though this because we're suffering, too, in case you haven't noticed. He may not have been a husband to us, but he was like a brother. He was definitely a colleague. And a friend. And a son. You're all that's left of him to the Vosstiens. How are they going to feel when they discover you gone? Huh?"

Star turned her back on her friend, but Morning Fire could tell she was listening. Thinking.

"I distinctly heard Mrs. Vosstien beg you not to become a stranger to them. They accepted you into their lives because of Hunter. If you go, that's going to destroy their trust in you. It'll destroy our trust, too. You can't leave, Terrin. Please!"

She could see the woman's shoulders begin to shake. In a tear-filled voice, Star replied, “I'm too much a coward to join him."

The admission was like an explosion going off inside of her. Morning Fire reeled under the truth of her admission, and she half fell, half stumbled backwards onto the stone bench.

"Why would you think such thoughts?"

"Because right now the future is dead. My future. There's nothing left of my h-heart but tiny little bits. Oh, crap, I hurt so much. I can't take this pain, Fire! I can't take it anymore!” Whirling around, Star gazed up into the sky, raising her arms, and cried out, “Where are you, Udo? Why can't I accept the fact that you're dead?"

She started to rise slightly, her feet lifting a few inches from the ground. Morning Fire managed to stop rocking from the impact of both their torment to say, “So just tell me this one last thing. What about the baby? Where did you plan to have it? How did you plan to raise it, huh? What were you going to tell it about its father?” She sniffed loudly. “How could you take the last piece of Hunter away from his family, and deny them ever seeing their grandchild?"

When she heard no reply, Morning Fire rubbed her eyes and glanced upward, expecting to see nothing but open sky. Instead she saw Star gazing down at her, brows lowered in confusion and growing anger.

"What are you babbling about?"

She started to open her mouth again, when it hit her. “Oh, holiest of heavens. You don't know?"

"What baby?” Star practically yelled at her.

"You mean you don't know you're pregnant?"

"How in hell could I be pregnant and not know it?” Star argued, clearly upset. “I tested every time Hunter and I made love. I had to, in case we were called on a mis—” She suddenly stopped, and a coldness began to flood her system. Morning Fire watched as the woman literally went deathly white.

"When we got back from Adni Pul Dinarra, and I went over to your place to get you something to wear, I saw the HandFast tester flashing.” She sniffed again and wiped her nose on her sleeve. “Y-you didn't know?"

Star bolted for the apartment before Fire could get an answer. Morning Fire jumped to her feet and ran to follow.

Once inside, Star raced straight to the tester, calling for lights. Lifting the lid, she switched it on and slammed her hand down on the silver plate. Then she waited. And counted.

Morning Fire entered the apartment as Star was murmuring the countdown.

"Four. Three. Two. One."

An extra couple of seconds went by, then the testing device began to blink a single word in red across the small display screen.

Positive ... Positive ... Positive ... Positive ... Positive...

Star stared at the word flashing over and over as numbness settled over her. She was unaware of her friend coming up beside her until the petite woman drew an arm about her waist.

"You have to stay with us, Terrin. You have to give birth to your and Hunter's baby here. We'll love it. We'll be a family for it. Hunter's family needs this baby as much as you do."

They remained silent for another minute, then Star closed the lid of the device. “The day Deceiver sent Two to Adni Pul Dinarra, we'd been working on the rebuilding,” Star told her in a low voice. “Corona had told us we could take a short break.” She gave a humorless little laugh. “Hunter brought me here for a quickie. We were ... we were about to make love again when the first claxon went off. I remember turning the tester on and using it, but I didn't hang around to see what it said. It had always been negative ... before. Devorah said it would take some time before my body was well enough for another pregnancy. Guess that's why I didn't stick around to wait. And after Hunter left, I got busy on those aerials and forgot about it."

She snaked an arm around her friend's shoulder and lowered her face into the woman's fiery red hair. “What am I going to do, Fire? I feel so lost."

"Well, at least you won't have to raise it by itself. It. Terrin, you need to have Doctor Perlakian do a DNA scan to find out if it's a girl or boy."

Star gave her a slow nod, which Morning Fire could feel against her scalp. “But first I need to go to Abernath and let them know.” Releasing her friend, she headed back outside into the night. Morning Fire ran after her. “Don't worry,” Star hurried to tell her. “I'll come back. I promise."

Morning Fire closed her mouth and nodded. Star had never broken her word to her.

"Fire? Promise me something else in return?” Star asked as she rose into the black sky.

"What?"

"Tell no one. No one. It's my secret to tell when I'm ready."

"You have my word,” Morning Fire promised.

Star gave her a little wave, and boosted herself skyward, disappearing into the gathering clouds. Morning Fire watched her go as the first fat droplets of rain began to fall.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 30

Choices

It didn't take them long to realize just how far into the past they'd been flung. They had walked into the city, leaving Two in the middle of the field of tall wirtle grass. The people they met were dressed in more common clothing, making their brightly colored uniforms stand out. Although no one appeared to object to them being there, it was obvious they were attracting too much attention. By mutual, unspoken consent, they returned to the ship which remained invisible, hidden under the protective security bubble.

Long minutes passed as they sat in a tight group, thinking back on what they had observed. It was Commander who finally put everything into perspective.

"Just how far in the past are we?"

Seeker leaned her head against the side of the seat. “Those people have never seen space flight. My guess would be ... Oh, crap, when did we first begin using ships to go into space?"

"Don't ask me. I was taught Abernath history, and the base has been there for at least three hundred years.” Wiping a hand over his face, Hunter took a deep swig of water from his bottle.

"A thousand years,” Disaster intoned softly. “At least a thousand years. Merciful heavens, we could have gone back farther than that."

Seeker glanced over at Hunter. “That has to be why your crystal went clear. We haven't been born yet. None of us, none of this, the ship, the Guardians. We don't belong here. We shouldn't be here."

"Kind of puts a big lousy crimp in things. We can't call to headquarters. We can't call anyone. Worse yet, what do we do now? When we finally run out of fuel, there's no way to power up those birisium cells. Do we call this place home and try to make a life for ourselves here? Or ... what? Shit,” Disaster added, almost as an afterthought.

"Hey, Commander?” Hunter tossed a small grin at the mental genius. “Don't suppose you could whip up a batch of birisinum out of wirtle grass and water, could you?"

"If I could, I would. No, we get all our birisinum from the Dellic province planets over in the Tirvec system. Synaria has nothing to offer outside of being a very hospitable and fertile planet. Lots of good air and drinkable water, and land to till and farm. No minerals, no metals. Nothing I can even remotely paste together to make a substitute fuel. When Two goes dry, that'll be it, folks. Sorry I can't be more positive."

"So that's it?” Seeker asked. No one was saying it aloud, but it had to be said. “We're stuck here for the rest of our lives?"

"Unless you've got a better idea,” Disaster mumbled.

"Well, I do."

Three pairs of eyes glued to Hunter.

"How much birisinum would you need to repower the fuel cells?” he asked Commander. “If I managed to find some, would you be able to refine it enough to be usable?"

The older man mused for a moment. “I could cannibalize some of the equipment we've got stored in the back. Probably. It's a mighty big stretch you're taking, though, Hunter."

"I'm willing to take every chance there is,” Hunter admitted.

"All right. Let's say we find birisinum, and we're able to refine it and repower the cells.” Disaster held out his hands, palms up, at shoulder level. “Where are we going to go? Hunter, your world at this point in history is nothing like it'll become in our time."

The man was right, Hunter had to acknowledge. It wasn't until the fighter squadron built its first base on Abernath that the world was eventually developed into a hospitable, inhabitable planet. He slowly shook his head. “Doesn't matter. I'd feel better, though, knowing we had the ability to lift off-planet if we had to. Regardless."

Seeker laid a hand on his arm. “How long do you think you'll be gone?"

He shrugged. “I have no idea. I don't even know what birisinum ore looks like.” He made a face. “Crap, I'm tired."

"It's starting to grow dark outside,” Commander stated the obvious. They could all see the viewscreen and the deepening twilight outside. “Want to take the ship into orbit? Or leave it here?"

"If we go up, we may later regret using even that small amount of fuel,” Hunter said. “I think the shield will be enough for tonight. It won't draw as much as lifting off will.” Although Disaster was the senior member aboard, he suddenly realized he had become the unofficial leader.

"Yeah, but using the shield also drains the cells. The lights, food storage, heat. Hell, even the toilet pulls some minuscule amount of power to function.” Disaster ran a hand over the lower part of his face. “Maybe we'll be able to think clearer after we've gotten some sleep."

Seeker agreed with him. “We've been through a tremendously stressful day.” She cocked an eyebrow at Commander's snort. “All right. So I'm not the most astute when it comes to the obvious. But stop and think for a moment. We've just gone through a hell of a lot. Who else do you know survived a massive explosion and being sucked through a wormhole? Isn't it enough of a miracle we're able to sit and calmly talk about this, instead of going raving mad at the prospect that this is probably what the rest of our lives will be?"

A glance at each man confirmed they were all thinking along the same lines. This wasn't the end of it. This wasn't meant to be their future, and if it took them the rest of their lives, they wouldn't stop until they found a way or a means to avoid it.

Silence descended, as well as the night. When it got too dark to see clearly, Commander got up and turned on the onboard emergency lights. They were dim, but enough to still read and work by. The security bubble surrounding Two would keep any illumination or movement within the ship from being detected from anyone outside.

Seeker got to her feet and disappeared into the kitchenette for a few minutes to heat them up some survival food packets. Once they were finished eating, Disaster distributed blankets, and everyone settled down for the night. Transport Two was designed for a complement of eight—two rows of four seats, with an aisle separating the four seats into two on either side. Seeker had thought about commenting about the happy happenstance that each of them would get two comfortably padded seats to rest upon, then thought better of it. Curling up into a small ball, she dragged her blanket under her chin and promptly fell asleep.

* * * *

Something woke her.

Opening her eyes, Seeker first listened to see if she could detect what had alerted her. When the sound didn't come again after a while, she gradually rose up on one elbow and looked down past her feet to where Commander was softly snoring on the other side of the aisle. Rearing up to where she could peer over the headrests, she glanced behind her.

Hunter was gone.

Silently she rose from her makeshift bed and walked over to the sealed hull. A frown creased her forehead. Damn. The man had popped out, and if she opened the airlock to go after him, it would make enough noise to wake the others.

Tiptoeing to the front of the ship, Seeker leaned over the comm board and peered out the huge front window to see if she could spot him. The pale blue emergency lights in the ship's ceiling were enough to let her spot the lone figure standing a few feet away. His figure was in profile to her, and he appeared to be studying something in the distance. Which was impossible. It was darker out there than in the deepest regions of space. It would be another millennium before the city would grow enough to provide any source of light to this patch of ground.

She continued to watch him. No more than a couple of yards separated them, but he was totally oblivious to her being there. Seeker guessed it was because of the ship. He couldn't sense her with the security bubble surrounding the transport.

His eyes were in shadow, making it difficult for her to guess what he was thinking. She watched him dip his head, and when he finally raised it, a tear glittered on his cheek.

No. He wasn't watching something in the distance. He was thinking of Terrin. Missing her. Wanting her. Needing her. Remembering her.

Unbidden thoughts came rolling to the surface of her consciousness like cloud banks filling the sky. Memories she'd dredged from a comatose woman that she thought she had effectively buried rose unbidden and unwelcomed. Seeker bit her lips. She should have known better. When she had gone into StarLight's mind to find out the woman's true identity, Hunter had asked her to let him know what she found out along the way. He had known she would see things in Star's subconscious that would have to do with him. Personal things. Private, tender things no one else had any business knowing, much less reexperiencing like a ghostly third party inhabiting that person's body.

That was what going into other people's heads felt like. Seeker had never told anyone. No one. Not even her sister, to whom she had shared nearly every other secret in her life. Every secret except what it was really like to go through a person's memories as if she was the one experiencing it.

When she had been younger, delving into the brain had been exhilarating. She could see worlds she'd never been to in real life, and experience them exactly the way her host had. As she got older, and the people she'd entered became nastier and oilier to deal with, she relished in her power. With it, she could describe in minute detail every moment within a specific time frame. Every color, every crease, every glint and smell. Every falsehood and truth.

Cautiously, Seeker pulled back from the window and returned to her two-seat bed, snuggling under the blanket so that Hunter wouldn't suspect anything when he returned.

It was one thing to go into a person's past and experience their loves through their eyes, in their skin. She'd gotten used to letting the erotic images bounce off of her like raindrops, coating but never quite soaking through her skin. Better still, if the person was a total stranger, dumping all those emotions into her mental incinerator and never having to mess with them again was almost second nature.

Not with StarLight. Not when it came to Master Hunter.

Udo.

A burning stream of pleasure pulsed through her veins, centering between her legs and surprising her to tears. She would never be able to look at Hunter in the same way again. The loss of her own innocence almost broke her heart.

The images had been brief flashes, no more than seconds in most cases, but there had been too many of them. Too many, too intense, and too potent to keep brushing aside. The love between these two people was stronger than any material object. It was both impervious and resilient. Before she knew what she was doing, Seeker had found herself grasping at the brighter ones. And now she cursed herself for her weakness.

Although it had been Terrin's name he had whispered over and over, murmured in the deepest throes of passion, and cried out in ecstacy, Seeker had watched him through Star's eyes. She knew him now in the most carnal, loving way a husband and wife could share. She had relived his seduction on their first night of HandFast. And the night after that, when their unspoken love had filled the room, and every inch of Star's body had tingled at his touch, Seeker had found herself falling in love with the man who would never accept another woman, but for the rest of his life would mourn the loss of the one he had taken to be his wife.

StarLight.

Terrin.

Seeker tried to stop the sobs tearing a hole in her chest. So much in life was not fair. Why had she been cursed to finally discover love, when it was one she was never destined to have?

Her ears pricked up at the soft sounds coming from behind her. The almost inaudible squeak of the seat cushions. The rasp of material over material as he pulled the thin blanket over him. She heard him sniff, the last residue of his weakness, then there was a sigh.

How long she lay there listening to Hunter eventually fall asleep, Seeker had no idea. It would be light soon. Another day to plan. Cope. Pray. Another day to bury the memories as deep inside herself as she could, although it was a useless attempt. Seeker shivered, cursing herself again.

Why?

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 31

Revelation

"You're holding us up, Star,” Time Merchant groused. “What's the deal?"

"Slipping back into old habits,” she snapped, instantly regretting it. Immediately she switched to what she hoped was a softer tone. “I'm having a little trouble with the suit this morning. I'll be there in two minutes, promise."

"Two minutes,” the man repeated. “See you soon.” He signed out, leaving Star to stare at the comm board in confused silence.

It had been nine weeks since Transport Two had been swallowed up by the wormhole. Nine weeks since she and Hunter had last made love, creating the new life inside her that was beginning to create a little belly Star knew she couldn't keep hiding. Sooner or later someone would mention the bulge in her waistline, and she would have to tell them about the baby.

Sooner. Not later.

Absentmindedly she ran a hand over her belly. So far the black body suit had helped to conceal the fact that her once firm abdomen was no longer flat. Unfortunately her grace period would soon be up, and she would have to come up with another idea for a uniform until after she gave birth.

She cast her eyes over the apartment, grimacing. There was something she had meant to do, but Time Merchant's call had interrupted her. Now, if she could just remember what it was she had started to do in the first place...

Damn.

Frowning, she left the dorm and flew over to where Deceiver had already begun the meeting in the dining room.

Star had spent a full two weeks staying with Morning Fire, waiting for her grief to lessen, hoping the knives twisting inside would stop slicing through her. They had, eventually, but not completely. After two weeks, Star had realized this was permanent. Her husband was never coming back. It was fact, and she would have to continue on with her life without him, but staying with her best friend couldn't be part of it. So she had packed up everything in the large apartment she and Hunter had used for too few days and moved back into her old dorm room. Despite everyone's urging, she'd kept Hunter's things, storing them away in sealed containers and putting them in the back of her closet where, when the pain blossomed unexpectedly and became too intense, she could sit on the floor and drag his clothes and other personal items into her arms, and weep until she fell into another restless sleep.

Inside the dining hall she hurried to grab some breakfast, joining Morning Fire while Deceiver outlined the day. Across the room Time Merchant gave her a negligible nod of his head in greeting. Served her right. Between her grief and her raging hormones brought on by the baby, Star knew she was turning into a prime bitch. Fortunately the others understood—or rather, they believed she had erected the frozen façade because of Hunter's demise.

They were half right.

"...one small emergency,” the Guardian leader told them. “Animator and Challenger should be back within the hour. Don't forget this is Tryout Day, folks. I expect to see everyone in the meeting room by nine."

"How many are signed up this month, Deceiver?"

The man checked his comm. “Five, Bruiser.” A low murmur of approval followed his announcement.

On the eighth day of every month, the Guardians allowed anyone who wished to join their ranks the opportunity to show off their powers and talents. Normally there was only one or two hearty souls who wanted to try their luck, but after the recent loss of four Guardians, the numbers had jumped considerably the past two months.

Star groaned inwardly, remembering how long it had taken for them to interview sixteen potential candidates last month—none of whom had anything of use. At least there were only five this time around.

After Deceiver left the room, Morning Fire leaned over her tray to whisper, “How are you doing this morning?"

"Rotten. Right now my stomach feels queasy, and I wish I could go back to bed and curl up and just sleep for the next year or two.” Star winced around a mouthful of toasted follasa. “On top of everything else I think my tastebuds have mutinied. Nothing tastes good anymore. Oh, heavens, Fire...” She sighed heavily, giving her friend a worried glance through misting eyes.

Morning Fire reached out to give Star's cold hand a squeeze. “Did you call Mrs. Vosstien yet?"

"Oh, crap! That's what I meant to do before Merchant commed me. Well, I guess it'll have to wait until after the interviews."

"Well, let me know what she says.” Giving her friend another pat on the wrist, the petite woman went to empty her tray and depart. Star barely watched her leave. If there was any bright spot to relate, it was when she had gone to Abernath to give the Vosstiens the news.

* * * *

It was late afternoon. Plo Corra was bathing the skies a brilliant vermilion purple so bright, it almost hurt the eyes. Star slowed down her speed, afraid of sideswiping a small transport, or—worse yet—ramming into a slider or other passenger vehicle.

In the flight over her hand had repeatedly crept down to her belly. Hunter's baby. They had created another life. A miracle, now moreso, and she swore that this baby would live. This one would be born into a world with sixteen protective aunts and uncles, and a set of grandparents who had been more parent to her than her own had been.

She slipped effortlessly through the traffic and changed course immediately into a restricted zone, daring someone to try and stop her now. A couple of times she heard shouting when someone recognized her, but so far no media saucer or police craft tagged along.

The street in front of the house looked bleak. Deserted. The last time she had been here, Transport Three had filled the roadway, walkways, and some of the front yards. Star's sharp eyes saw the signs of replanted shrubs and bushes taking the places of the ones the enormous ship had destroyed. But the long scratches on the roadway surface remained where the hull had settled down.

She had to go to the front door. The back way, the back door leading directly into Udo's bedroom, had the protective security shield covering it, and she didn't know the code to lower it long enough to slip inside. Hunter had promised to give it to her, but the few times they'd used the rear entrance they'd had something else on their minds, and it just hadn't come up again.

Cara Vosstien threw open the door with fear and distress heating her face. She'd checked to see who it was before she'd released the safety locks. “Terrin! Is something wrong? Why are you here?” She opened the door and gestured for the woman to come inside. “It must be late for you."

"It's the middle of the night,” Star admitted with a weak smile. “Is everyone home?"

The older woman paused, her eyes widening. Her sweet blue eyes she had passed along to her firstborn son. “Is this an official visit?"

"No, no.” Star shook her head. “I just needed to see everyone. I just...” Her voice died away and she accepted Cara's understanding embrace.

"Vall should be home any time now. Dallin's over at a friend's. Are you hungry? I was getting ready to start supper. Want to give me a hand? No, wait. You just flew all the way over here without a ship, didn't you?"

Star gave her a small smile. “I would love to sit and watch, if that's all right. First, I need to take a quick shower. May I?"

"Yes! Of course, go ahead. In fact, you're welcome to stay the night, if it won't get you into any trouble."

"Fire's covering for me. I don't think Deceiver would object to me staying over."

"Great. Go take your shower and then you can keep me company while I throw a pan of prill I just seasoned into the baker."

Walking into the back bedroom was painful, but at the same time, healing. If she couldn't have her husband, at least she could have his things surrounding her, enveloping her with the ghost of his presence and his spicy scent.

The room looked like Cara hadn't touched it since the day they'd left to rejoin the others on Allo Gentry 228. For a long moment Star stared at the bed as little voices inside her head urged her to go over and bury her face in his pillow and in the sheets where he had lain beside her. Urging her to breathe deeply and hopefully catch the faintest whiff of him.

Wiping away the hot tears, Star hurried into the bathing chamber and cleaned off after tossing her uniform into the laundry. She pulled a pair of Hunter's old lounging pants and shirt from the bureau drawers without hesitation and put them on, just like she'd done when they had spent that wondrous short week here on their honeymoon. Feeling somewhat a bit more stable, Star went back into the kitchen where she sat at the table and listened to Cara prattle on about mundane things as she prepared a side dish.

The feeling of belonging was what she missed. Here was the family who suffered as much as she did, perhaps more. Although she had been married to Hunter, here was the man and woman who had created him from their own love. They had nurtured him and raised him, and made him the kind of man who had claimed her heart.

The baby would be doubly blessed.

Dallin arrived home shortly before Vall. The young man almost didn't want to let her go, hugging her so tightly Star had to laugh softly as she begged for breath. Vall's welcome was equally warm, if not as enthusiastic.

They talked of many things over dinner, mostly Guardian business. Star trusted them not to divulge any information she gave them, even if most of what she relayed was more funny incidents than sensitive material.

As they moved their conversation into the living room, Vall eyed the clothing Star was wearing. “I take it you're staying the night. Won't that put you late for tomorrow's morning meeting?"

"Fire will cover for me,” Star assured him, and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I need ... I needed to come back. Forgive me, but right now I can almost believe he'll pop in at any moment and sit down with us.” She tried to smile, and failed. A little shiver went through her.

"Care for a blanket?” Vall offered, half rising from his chair to get her one.

Star held up a hand to stay him. “No, thanks. I'm fine. Look ... there's another reason why I came to see you, besides the fact that I've missed you even though I haven't been part of the family that long.” She raised her face to glance at each of them. “I'm still family, right?"

"You'll always be family,” Cara hurried to tell her. She sat down on the sofa next to the young woman and gave her arm a gentle squeeze.

"What's on your mind?” Vall nudged.

Star refused to back down or hesitate, knowing that if she did, she may never have the courage to tell them until it was either too late, or she was forced to.

"I'm carrying Udo's baby.” It came out as a rush of words and breath, but clear as water.

Cara sat stunned for all of one second. “A baby?” Squealing with happiness, the woman threw her arms around Star and hugged her. Vall was right after her. Then Dallin got his turn.

It was much later before they departed for bed, but it didn't matter. Star gave silent thanks to Morning Fire for helping her make the right decision to stay at Guardian Command, and swore that when she returned she would make it up to her best friend.

* * * *

"Hey, Star! Snap out of it! We're already gathering in the meeting room!” Corona called from the doorway.

Star tossed her a nod. “Be right there,” she promised, and reluctantly got to her feet. A wave of nausea rolled over her again, but she managed to keep breakfast down.

She had seven more months of discomfort and all the other ailments she knew that would be waiting for her. In the end, though, she would have a baby—a warm, vibrant being that was half Hunter. A piece of him she could cherish for the rest of her life.

Suddenly it all was worth it.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 32

Destiny

"My name is Quake because I can make the ground shake, and buildings topple and fall.” The thin man in the black and gray uniform stood before them with his hands clasped behind his back, and his feet slightly spread. Deceiver eyed the man with his usual unreadable expression. Something didn't add up, but the Guardian leader knew the man wouldn't have applied unless he could back his words with action. Although power was the ultimate criteria when deciding if an applicant was good enough to join the elite group, appearance and poise also counted. To everyone, the man had the looks and the attitude. The question remained as to whether or not he had the ability.

"Very well, Quake. If you can sufficiently produce a nice demonstration for us, I'll forego the rest of the questioning and put your application immediately to vote,” Deceiver told him, resuming his seat.

Quake glanced around the immense onyx table. “Are you sure you want me to do it here?"

Star's eyes narrowed. Like the others, she knew a stall when she heard one.

"Don't worry about causing any damage,” Provoker drawled. “We're still gluing the pieces back together after the Ombitra attack."

At the mention of the Ombitra, Quake turned to look at Star. She reciprocated with a blatantly bored expression, which was not lost on the others.

The first three applicants had been duds—not an unexpected occurrence. Synaria had an unusually high percentage of people born with unusual “gifts". History attributed it to when the planet had been engulfed in the nebula cloud eons ago. The same cloud that had condemned the majority of the planet's population by making them sterile and unable to reproduce. A dilemma which had inevitably led to the HandFast law.

But as an unexpected benefit, some children—a very low percentage—were born with extraordinary abilities. Which was how and why the Guardians came into being. The very first group only began with six members, but news spread quickly of their dedication and duty. Space travel came to the forefront as some races from other worlds traveled to Synaria to ask for help. Or assistance. Or just to watch and observe. Before long, those similarly endowed came to apply and join.

Having members from outside Synaria was not unheard of, but neither was it the norm. When Master Hunter and StarLight became members, it was the first time in over thirty years that an off-planet applicant had been indoctrinated as a member. However, it was the first time for two.

Quake appeared to hesitate, finally giving a half-hearted shrug of his shoulders. He dropped to his knees and placed both hands on the floor. Everyone waited. Almost immediately the floor began to vibrate. They all could feel it through the soles of their boots and shoes. On the table, the water inside the bottle began to jiggle. Star lifted an eyebrow.

"Impressive. Now make it stronger,” she ordered the man.

"That's as strong as I dare."

Provoker made a little noise of disbelief. “How about knocking me out of my chair, then?"

Again the man held back, earning him a stern look from the Guardian leader.

"You knew we were going to ask you for a demonstration, didn't you?"

Nodding, the man let them know he understood, but made no sound.

"You claim to make buildings fall. Have you done what you claim to do? Because, frankly speaking, Quake, I'm not getting a sense of truthfulness from you, but I'm not getting outright lies, either. Why is that?"

"I-I've toppled buildings. They were old, on the verge of being demolished. I just set my power to them, and they eventually fell. I didn't lie."

"Hmmff. Put enough of a vibration to anything long enough and it'll shake itself into pieces.” Provoker waved the man off with a backhanded flip. “If this is the extent of what you can do, I vote ‘no'."

The man appeared to wilt. To become a member, the vote had to be unanimous from every Guardian. They were such a tightly knit group, and depended so closely one another, everyone had to feel safe and certain enough that each newcomer would fit like another puzzle piece. With Provoker's single vote, there was no need to put Quake up for any further discussion.

Once the man had left, Deceiver consulted his comm. “Last one.” He glanced up to see the thin, frail-looking woman walking into the meeting room. She wore her pale hair in a short bob. Not a ravishing beauty by any means. However, the woman had an interesting face and a pair of the most enormous silver-gray eyes anyone had ever seen. “You have the floor,” he told her, sitting down.

"My real name is Destiny Tou Barralla. I wish to be called Destiny because it's what I do. I can see things that have been, things that are, and things that could be."

"You're a fortune teller,” Corona spoke out.

The woman turned to face her. “No. What I see is sparse and disconnected, but sometimes I can put the pieces together to form enough of a clue to let me know what can, or might, happen."

"Might happen?” Provoker snorted. “You mean guessing?"

"I don't guess,” Destiny corrected him with her mellifluous voice. It was a soothing sound, in the lower register. Star wondered if it was natural for her, or if she was deliberately trying to keep it sounding that way, knowing she would meet some resistance in the beginning.

Bruiser spoke up. “What's your success rate?"

She turned to face him directly, just as she had done with the others. “If my suggestions are followed to the letter, one hundred percent."

"What do you mean, if your suggestions are followed to the letter?” Sender inquired, obviously intrigued.

"Exactly what I say. If I say a person has to do such and such, and it's done exactly as I tell him or her to do it, then the future that I foresee will become the present. But if at any time my instructions aren't followed, even the least little bit, the outcome will be changed."

"You're full of crap,” Condemner stated flatly. “You're using that hocus pocus stuff with us to believe you, when it all boils down to opportunity and luck."

Destiny gave him a patient stare. “I knew I would have to prove myself to you. As I said earlier, I can also see what has been. Private things. Things maybe only you know about. Like the fact that the first thing you ever deteriorated with your power was a tiny, metallic bell that used to be strung across the sides of your playbed when you were an infant. You watched it turn dark, shrivel upon itself, until it literally fell into dust across your blankets.” She tilted her head in his direction. “Your mother found the remains and cleaned it up. It wasn't until you were older that she told you about the incident, and you then remembered."

Condemner paled at her comment. “She told you,” he accused the woman. “That's how you know."

Destiny gave him a slow shake of her head. “Call her if you don't believe me. She'll tell you she's never met me or talked to me."

Her silvery eyes swung over to the woman sitting on the other side of the table from the man. “You've never told anyone you were born blind."

Morning Fire gasped. “How..."

"You were born with cataracts over both eyes. It wasn't until the doctors removed them that your sight was restored. Years later you realized you had caused your own blindness when you first used your light powers through your eyes rather than through your hands. You've been very careful about never making that mistake again."

The petite woman pressed her lips together and remained silent.

"It's all trickery,” Star slowly commented. “She doesn't ‘see’ these things. She must have picked up a piece of gossip here and there, or overheard some things and managed to piece them together."

"Ah. StarLight. I knew you'd be my toughest critic.” Destiny gave her a warm smile.

"Ah, yes. And why do I believe you would have used that same line if, say, Time Merchant had been your most adamant aggressor?” Star shot back. “This bit with telling the future, it's all crap and you know it. No one can foresee what will be. You yourself even admitted that if things don't go exactly the way you say they should, the future you foresaw won't happen. Admit it! It makes for a perfect excuse when things don't turn out the way you want them to! How big a crock of lies were you planning on throwing at us?"

The woman's smile never wavered. “Shall I tell you a few things about yourself?"

"My life before the Guardians is known only to myself and my husband, and I know for a fact that you've never had the chance to talk to him. So, sure! Go ahead and tell me the truth about myself,” Star challenged her caustically.

The woman ran a hand through her already tousled blonde hair. She didn't appear to be nervous or apprehensive. “Very well, but remember ... you demanded proof I can do what I say I can do.” Taking another moment to arrange her thoughts, Destiny looked directly into Star's face. “I know why you called your HeartCrystal Emma."

Star managed a thin, icy smile. “Oh?"

"You and Hunter were going to name your first child Emma. The little girl you sacrificed to save this planet from the Ombitra."

All eyes swivelled to Star, only to see the woman's face turn white. “Go on,” Star managed to whisper.

Destiny lowered her eyes, lifting her hands almost in supplication. “I don't know everything,” the woman admitted in a softer voice. “I just know bits and pieces. I get flashes of something that tells me your crystal was formed or found the same time your daughter died, which is why you and Hunter believe Emma's spirit resides in the jewel. That's all I can tell you, but I'm right, aren't I?"

A thousand questions circled each other inside Star's mind as she tried to find some way, some reason, some explanation, no matter how absurd it might appear to be, to explain how the woman knew what she did. There simply was no way but to give the woman credit for what she claimed she could do.

"All right. So you were able to fly blind with that one,” Star challenged. “One last chance before I vote against you."

"You can't vote against me,” Destiny told her gently. “And you won't. All of you are going to vote for me."

"Want to watch me change your future?” Star smiled coldly. The woman bothered her. No, not bothered. Disturbed her. It was as though the woman couldn't be ruffled, couldn't be shaken.

Again, the woman shook her head. “No, Star, you won't vote against me because in the not too distant future I'll be instrumental in saving your baby's life."

The gasp of sound around the table was not as loud as the thunderous roar rising inside Star's head. Instantly she shot a glaring look at Morning Fire, only to see her friend's claim of innocence in her wide-eyed stare. Fire, herself, and the Vosstiens—they were the only ones who knew of the child she carried, and beyond all doubt Star knew the Vosstiens would not have told anyone or said anything until after she had made it public.

Slowly Star got to her feet and continued to stare down at the woman who calmly watched from the end of the table. “Well now, since that little secret has been revealed, care to tell me how you knew?"

Smiling gently, Destiny slowly shook her head. “I know it will take some time before you accept me, Star, because of what happened to you when you were a child. I know I remind you too much of the sideshow. But eventually I'll earn your trust, and I'm willing to wait."

"Star? Is it true?"

She swivelled around to where Deceiver was standing. “Yeah. It's true. I'm going to have a baby. I'm about nine weeks along. But the saddest part of it is that I didn't find out until after Hunter was gone.” Biting her lower lip, Star added, “Hunter never knew."

Turning back to Destiny, she admitted, “I still think you've got a great act going, but I can't explain how you knew about Emma or this baby. So I'm willing to give you the smallest benefit of a doubt. The smallest, mind you!” she added, holding up her thumb and forefinger together until the two almost touched. “Because I can't explain it all away, I'll vote ‘yes'. Because you said ... because you said you would save my baby's life."

Star couldn't go on. Neither could she explain any further. But when Destiny had said she would save the baby's life, it was as if a light had gone on inside of her. This woman would protect her child, or claimed she would. In that instant, Star wanted to cling to that promise with both hands. Anyone who would vow to save her baby, her and Udo's baby, had to at least be given the chance to prove herself.

She was unaware of stepping off the small platform and away from her chair until Deceiver's voice stopped her.

"Where are you going, Star?"

Giving them all a defeated look, Star answered, “To see Doctor Perlakian and let her know the news.” With that, she walked out of the meeting room feeling tired and very lonely, but also relieved, as if a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders, now that everyone knew.

* * * *

Next to the huge, elliptical table, the woman with the silvery eyes watched her leave. There was so much more Destiny wanted to tell her, needed to tell—not just to Star, but to all of them—but now was not the time. Not yet. After all her carefully constructed plans and patience, to lose it all because she'd finally managed to get her foot in the door would destroy every dream she'd ever had about becoming a Guardian.

No. She could wait a little longer. She had to. There was no other choice, no other option. Not if what she foresaw was to take place.

Soon. Soon.

And then everyone's wait would be over.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 33

Comet

For the better part of the next few days they stayed inside the security bubble surrounding Transport Two, which made them invisible to anyone passing by. The field of nearly ripe wirtle grass was tall enough to disguise the indentation the ship made in the middle of it. However, they knew that eventually the time would come when someone would show up to harvest the blackening pods. When that happened, they would have to move elsewhere.

If there was an elsewhere to go to.

Hunter went in search of raw birisinum ore, as he'd promised. Commander had rigged a detector he could use to identify the slight radiation the ore gave off when it was in its natural state. Despite the detector, Hunter came back empty-handed. What little he'd found on nearby planets and moons was either of poor quality, or so deeply entrenched into the surrounding rock, it was nearly impossible to mine it.

And there was still the question about refining the mineral that would need to be tackled.

While Hunter was away, Seeker kept watch, sending out mental fingers to find out what the townspeople thought of them. Searching for any sign of fear or possible aggression. On the watch for potential danger. By the end of each evening she was worn out and nursing a growing headache.

Commander and Disaster used the time to make repairs to the ship, especially to the hull where bits of metal from the exploding freighter still pierced the outer skin. With limited tools and materials, they did the best they could with what resources they had on board, and hoped the patched holes and rerouted wiring would hold.

Grimly, Disaster's expression darkened. Hold for what? “Like we're gonna get off this planet to go where?” he grumbled.

"What was that?” Commander called down to him. He was answered with a cough.

"Don't mind me. Just doing my usual bitching."

"Probably justified,” Commander said. “I feel like doing some myself, even though I know it won't do any good. How are the patches coming along on that side?"

"Adequate, although I'd feel a whole lot better if we had the means to thermo-seal them."

"Well, as soon as we're done here I'm going to run as much of a full diagnostic scan as I can over everything to see if there aren't any minute leaks or splits we've missed. That wormhole could have damaged us far more than we suspect."

"Want me to take the spotlight outside and turn it against the ship, to see if we can detect anything?” Disaster suggested.

"Wouldn't be a bad idea. Any way to check and recheck could only help. See if Seeker's able to work the inside. Oh, and while you're at it, take the scanner—"

"Guys."

Master Hunter's sudden reappearance and the low, tight tone of his voice immediately got their attention. After admitting defeat in trying to find a source of birisinum, he had left the group to explore the nearby planets, to see what kind of lifeforms and habitats were available, in case they were forced to leave Synaria. By the worry lines creasing the man's forehead, and the intenseness in his eyes, it was immediately clear to the rest that something bad was happening, or about to happen. Quickly they gathered around as Hunter powered up the navigational side of the comm board. They never expected his next comment.

"Do any of you believe in fate?"

The question took them all aback. It was Sender who managed to answer, “Fate, as in what way? That we were supposed to be here? Or that we were supposed to be here? Or that we were supposed to be here now?"

"All three,” Hunter snapped. After a bit of fine-tuning, he swivelled the vidscreen around so they could see what he was talking about. Three mouths almost dropped simultaneously.

"By all that's holy.” Commander felt the blood drain into his feet, leaving him weak and unsteady. “H-how far away?” Glancing toward the numbers clicking away at the bottom of the display, he answered his own question. “Eighteen hours and forty-one minutes?"

"Great heavens, Hunter! And there's no doubt it's heading right for us?” Sender asked with a squeak in her voice.

Their eyes remained glued to the vidscreen, at the monstrosity aiming directly for Synaria. The comet was big, nearly a mile in diameter around the nucleus and coma, according to the computers onboard the ship. The tail of the icy behemoth was in two sections. The dust tail, the most prominent and visible part of the comet, formed right off the nucleus and trailed behind for nearly a million miles. The second section, the ion tail, which followed at the rear of the dust tail, could be as much as several million miles long. In the vidscreen, the entire ball of celestial frozen gases, water, and dust was as beautiful to behold as it was dangerous.

Slowly Hunter shook his head. He was still somewhat stunned from the discovery, after spotting the entity on his return. The closer he'd gotten to the comet, the clearer it had been to see where the object was heading.

"Well, isn't this a kick in the butt?” Disaster whispered. “We've got the means to get off this planet before that thing collides with us, but what about the rest of the populace?” He raised wide eyes at Hunter. “How do we save the rest of them? What will they do when we try to tell them an icy mudball big enough to demolish Synaria will be here in the morning?"

"There's no way,” Seeker cried softly. “There's no way we can get enough people evacuated in time. Where would we take them if we could? Did you find another planet suitable for habitation, Hunter?"

"I went out at least six parsecs in every direction. I found nothing. We're so far back in time, what settlements that we know have been established in our century are still barren rock. There's no place to go where we could settle, much less evacuate refugees to."

"What are we going to do, then?” Commander pointed toward the beautiful, glowing ball that appeared to be hanging against the blackness of space like a drop of frozen rain.

"Something else we need to consider,” Seeker interrupted. “If we leave, and this comet hits ... what happens to us? That thing will kill everything. It'll destroy everything. Synaria will cease to exist, and that means I won't exist. My great-great-great-great and so forth grandparents will never meet. There will never be a Guardian Command. There will never be you, Commander. Or you, Disaster. There might be you, Hunter, since you're not from here. I-I ... I don't understand any of this.” Wearily she dropped into the nearest seat and buried her face in her hands, too overwhelmed by the possibilities to go on.

Numb with the reality of it all, Disaster could only stare at the vidscreen. “Two's not capable of transporting enough people off-planet to save the species. We don't even have enough fuel for more than a dozen jumps. There's not even a place where we could take them!” He looked directly at Hunter, needing an answer he could accept. “What are we going to do? How can we save them? How can we save ourselves?"

Hunter tried to quell the desperation trying to rise and envelop his thoughts. He needed a clear head if they were going to have a fraction of a chance to solve this problem. All right, Udo. You've been unofficially tapped to be the next Guardian leader. Now's the time to prove you have the mettle to take on the job. Think, dammit, think!

"We don't have the manpower to stop this thing."

"Gods, if only StarLight were here with us,” Disaster breathed softly. Hunter tried to ignore the comment, although an unexpected twinge of pain twisted inside him at the mention of her name.

"Let's not think about evacuation. We're not going to let these people know what's heading toward them,” Hunter stated flatly.

"What?"

"Wait a minute,” Disaster began, only to be cut off with a hard look from Hunter.

"Stop and think for a moment,” Hunter stated, clipping his words. “There has to be a reason why we're here. Or, if not a reason, a destiny to fulfill. We know for a fact a comet didn't wipe out Synaria. Therefore, the only logical conclusion I can come to is that we managed to save this planet. Do you agree with me so far?"

The other three had to concur.

"I won't argue the fact that Two doesn't have the ability to stop this thi—” A sudden bolt of inspiration hit him without warning. “Whoa. Let me rephrase that. Two can't stop that thing, but it definitely has enough power to divert it off its present course."

Commander narrowed his eyes. “Divert it? Are you talking about firing those little pulse cannons off the wings?"

"No. I'm talking about setting Two down on that thing and pushing it away. Our main engines won't be able to provide enough thrust, unless we push it into hyper light speed.” The plan had leaped into his head with a clarity that surprised him. “What do you think, Commander? If we land on the nose of that thing and push it into hyper light..."

"By all that's holy, it's such a long shot, but what else can we do?"

"Into your suits, everyone, and buckle in. We're lifting off now."

Quickly the others hurriedly pulled on their spacesuits, then took their seats as Hunter fired the engines and lifted them into the velvet sky, aiming the transport directly at the comet. As he guided the ship, he explained further.

"We only need to get the comet to change its course one or two degrees at the least. We've got to meet up with it as far away from Synaria as possible—"

"Because the further away we're able to change its angle, the wider the distance at the end,” Seeker breathed.

Hunter smiled, nodding. “Exactly."

Commander glanced up from the comm. “You know that'll take up the majority of the fuel left in the cells."

"Yeah, well...” Hunter gave a small shrug of his shoulders. “Taking risks is part of the job description, isn't it?"

"All right. Say we're able to push the comet a bit off course, and it misses hitting Synaria. Then what?” Disaster asked. “We still haven't come right out and admitted that this is it. This is the rest of our lives. We're stuck here, and there isn't a damned thing we can do about it. Frankly speaking, guys, the idea is scaring the ever loving shit out of me."

In the reflection of the viewscreen, Hunter's gaze met Disaster's, and the fear he saw was so much like his own. “Honestly, Disaster, I'd had every hope I could spend the next fifty years or so with Terrin beside me, as ludicrous as it might have sounded, considering our jobs. Knowing she's back there, believing we're dead, tears me up inside like you wouldn't believe. But I know she's alive, and that's enough to keep me going. We're Guardians. We knew the risks, and we accepted them, even when we hoped we'd never be caught in a situation that gave us no hope.” Somehow he managed to shake away the tears that threatened to embarrass him. “Let's do our job. If we manage to do nothing else for the rest of our lives, we'll at least be able to go down with a clear conscience, knowing we were able to save this planet and everyone on it, so that one day in the distant future there will be a Guardian Command."

Behind him Hunter heard the others shifting in their seats, yet they made no other sound or comment. There was no need. No way they could argue the facts as he'd stated them. As hard and as difficult as it was to face the truth, it would still be staring them directly in the face, with no way of avoiding it.

Pushing the comet out of its current trajectory might take away any chance they had of returning to Synaria. Without power, they would have just enough air to survive inside Transport Two for a few days, maybe a week if they were lucky. Using their suits, they could hold on for another few hours. After that...

Hunter blew out his cheeks as hot tears burned in his eyes. After that, Star's grieving would no longer be in vain.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 34

Another Attack

Morning Fire found Star seated on the small bench in front of the apartment she had shared with Hunter. Moving silently, the petite woman eyed her friend and tried to ascertain Star's frame of mind at that moment.

Star's mood swings were growing more and more erratic. While she was officially on duty, she presented a cold demeanor. Cold, unflinching, and devoid of any humor or happiness. The other Guardians had begun asking Morning Fire if there was something else wrong with Star—perhaps a physical ailment, or something pertaining to the baby—which caused her to be that way.

How could she explain, other than the fact that the face Star presented to them in no way mirrored the tortured woman she saw at night? That she was the only person privileged to see the raw and open wounds Star continued to carry, and only allowed to be seen after hours.

After the sun disappeared, a totally different StarLight emerged. Or rather, Star sank below the horizon, and Terrin Vosstien rose with the moons. Terrin was the side of her that was broken. Bereft. She would spend hours sitting on the little bench outside the apartment, stroking her stomach and talking to her unborn child.

Sometimes the scene was too painful for Morning Fire to watch for long, especially if there were tears. And there often were.

Day after day she watched her friend trying to cope, to deal with a life without Hunter. After four months Star should have been through most of the grieving process. She should have been resigned and ready to resume life while still picking up the pieces of her past. Yet, after four months, Star remained stuck in a sort of emotional void or loop, where she'd go from bouts of weeping to stoic indifference, then back to weeping. Over and over. Night after night. Week after week.

In the meantime, by the end of her first trimester, Star's belly had grown noticeably rounder. One morning not too long ago, during breakfast, but before the beginning of the first meeting of the day, Star had suddenly shown up wearing a long-sleeved, black tunic top over her body suit. The tunic was semi-sheer and appeared to be made of some mesh material that glittered in the light. The hem of the tunic ended at mid-thigh. The first time they'd seen it, everyone knew why she'd opted to wear it. It was cut almost in the same pattern as Hunter's uniform had been. While it effectively hid her growing belly, it didn't hamper her movements.

Tonight, thank the heavens, the woman appeared tranquil. No. More like reserved, like she was patiently waiting for something.

Or someone?

Morning Fire felt an involuntary shudder go through her. She made sure to drag her feet a tiny bit, enough to make a noise to alert Star she was heading her way. Rounding the side of the flower garden Star was watching for her with empty eyes.

"Hi."

"Hi, back."

"Well, what did Doctor Perlakian say?"

Star lifted one corner of her mouth, but the half smile was neither a happy nor a warm one. “I've been grounded for the rest of my pregnancy."

Morning Fire perched herself next to her friend. “You were kind of expecting her to, weren't you?"

"Eventually, yes, but not this soon.” Star moved her hand in a spread-fingers caress over her distended stomach. “I understand, though. So does Deceiver. There's no sense taking any chances."

"Did Deceiver take you off the duty roster?"

"Don't know. I didn't ask after I let him know what the verdict was.” Star gave her friend a cautious look. “I heard about the Ballervin drop."

"Yeah,” Morning Fire sighed, careful as to how she phrased her next comment. “Destiny was right on the button with her prediction."

With the exception of Star, the newest Guardian had easily ingratiated herself into Command life. As she had promised when she initially interviewed for membership, her precognitive skills were only accurate if certain criteria were followed to the letter. So far the woman had gone on three missions. On two of those, when she made specific requests, which were allowed, her findings were proven accurate. On the third mission, however, when she had recommended that Animator needed to remain in her spacesuit at all times, Animator had unthinkingly taken her helmet off at a critical moment. As a result, the mission suffered a setback when Animator was dealt a serious head wound during the conflict. Fortunately, she survived the attack, but more credence was given to Destiny when she gave direct instructions.

Despite Star's inherent mistrust of the woman, the others were willing to accept the newcomer, and attributed much of Star's attitude to present circumstances. To Morning Fire's surprise, her friend merely nodded at the remark. Because of the calm, almost detached way she accepted the news, Morning Fire took a deep breath.

"Terrin, what's going on?"

"You mean, other than the fact that I'm expecting my only child, and I'm scared out of my mind, not to mention worried?"

"No. That's not what I mean. I'm talking about you not accepting the fact that Hunter's dead."

The look Star shot at her raised the hairs on the back of her neck. Morning Fire instantly went on the defensive. “All the crying in the world isn't going to bring him back,” she hurried to say before Star could retaliate. “You're not going to be able to move ahead with your life until you do."

"Then explain something to me, Fire. Why do I have freaky dreams at night telling me he's out there somewhere? Somewhere where I can't touch him, or see him, or speak to him? Explain that to me. Why doesn't he feel dead to me?"

"I don't know, but you're not doing your baby any good by going on like this.” The petite woman blinked. Star had gone to see Doctor Perlakian after Destiny had told everyone about the baby. To her knowledge, the doctor had done a full medical evaluation on both mother and fetus, but Star had never revealed the child's sex to anyone, not even to her best friend.

"That terrifies me more than anything,” Star admitted amid the heat of tears. “I don't want to lose this baby, too. I can't. It's all I have left of Udo.” She backhanded the tears on her cheeks in a rough, almost angry manner. “It's not just my mind, Fire. It's my whole body. I feel like I'm in suspension, in a-a weightless void, waiting for something to happen."

"It's probably the baby,” Morning Fire said softly. “The baby is half Hunter. Maybe that's why your body still thinks he's alive."

"And my mind?” Violet eyes pleaded for an explanation.

"Let him go, Terrin. Hunter is dead. He's never coming back to you. Emma is gone, too.” She put her arms around the shivering woman and held her tightly. “Please, Terrin. For your sake, as well as the baby's. Let. Him. Go."

Star sobbed against her friend's shoulder. “I can't,” she managed to say in a tiny voice. “I can't."

Morning Fire pressed her lips to her friend's temple. She had heard of people who were never able to emotionally detach themselves from the loss of a loved one. Seeing Star in distress, and trying to hide it from the others day after day after day was tearing her up. There had to be a way for her to help Star get over that final hurtle, because she dreaded the consequences if she didn't.

The claxon blistered the air with its loud, high-pitched honk. Almost immediately the two women separated and raced for their own apartments.

Less than five minutes later, most of the Guardians had rushed into the meeting room to see what the emergency was. It wasn't uncommon for Command to receive a plea for help in the middle of their night, but more often than not Deceiver would determine it could wait another few hours, and allow his team to get the rest they needed so they could tackle the problem refreshed and renewed. For the call to come when they were beginning to settle for the evening only meant one thing. The emergency involved lives lost.

"It's from Adni Pul Dinarra, again, folks, but instead of a derelict freighter, we have a full-fledged attack on an ore carrier,” the Guardian leader tersely announced. He immediately noticed Star's reddened eyes, but pretended not to notice, as did the others taking their seats around her.

"Pirates?” Bruiser asked, taking his seat.

Deceiver nodded. “Pirates. The transmission was lost in mid-call. Listen up, everyone.” He punched a button on his comm board, and everyone in the room leaned forward to listen intently.

"Guardian Command! Calling Guardian Command! This is the Pouland Rosser, working under contract for Grummand Industries. Can you copy? Guardian Command!"

"Copy that, Pouland Rosser. This is Deceiver of the Guardians. What is your emergency?"

"We're in the Caperonda Cluster, working near the eighth ring of Adni Pul Dinarra. We've been attacked by at least four ... no, five deregulated Spitfires."

"Can you outrun them?"

"Negative that. We're carrying a payload of six hundred thousand spacial tons of raw kokorian ore. We're overloaded and rolling with the punches."

"What of your crew?"

"We have sixty-eight confirmed dead and more than twenty unconfirmed. That leaves a little over a hundred unaccounted f—"

A loud boom, followed by a series of hisses and crackles, interrupted the transmission, then silence entered the room. That was the whole of the call. Deceiver grimly closed the replay and gave them a dark look.

"With the exception of StarLight, who was grounded today by Doctor Perlakian, I want everyone else onboard Three in record time. Two minutes, people. We're hitting the skies in two minutes."

"Wait! Wait!” Destiny jumped up from her seat, holding out a hand as if to stop the Guardian leader from leaving the table. “You have to let Star accompany us on this mission,” she begged.

Several mouths gaped open. “Are you nuts?” Morning Fire shot back. “There's a full bore attack going on, and you want to risk Star's child?"

"The child will be safe,” Destiny tried to explain.

"You're damn right my child will be safe! That's because I'm not going out there!” Rising to her feet, Star threw the woman a venomous look.

"You have to go, Star!” Destiny tried again. Unfortunately, Deceiver butted in to assume command.

"We're on the clock here, folks. Code Two!"

Seeing the others rushing from the room, and Star heading in the direction of the main communications board where she would monitor their progress, Destiny gave it one final try.

"Star, if you don't go, your son will never become the greatest Guardian who ever lived!"

The room literally froze at her announcement.

Slowly, Star turned around to glare darkly at their newest member. Anger fairly crackled about her like miniature bolts of energy. Yet, to everyone's surprise, she gave Destiny a triumphant smile.

"I call your bluff, Destiny. Once and for all, I can finally prove to them what a fraud you really are. You see, my child is a girl, not a boy. If you don't believe me, ask Doctor Perlakian."

"I know the child you're carrying now is a girl,” Destiny pleaded softly, her eyes never leaving the black-clad woman.

A moment of indecision filled the room. Suddenly, Star's temper flared hotter. “Then what in all creation are you talking about?"

Destiny swallowed hard. The sound was loud enough to be heard by all. “Exactly what I said. Your son will be hailed as the greatest Guardian who ever lived ... but you have to go with us on this mission, or it will never come about."

A dozen eyes swept from StarLight to the thin, pale woman reaching across the onyx table toward her. To all, it seemed that Star was ready to leap across the room and throttle the smaller woman.

"Are you telling me that if I go on this mission, I'll give birth to a boy child?” Her voice was edged in cold so intense it could slice through metal.

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying."

"A daughter ... and a son?"

"What I've seen so far, yes."

"Then you're a fool as well as a fraud.” Star raised clenched fists and fought her urge to power the woman into the wall. “My husband is ... was Udo Vosstien. I gave him my heart, as well as my body. No man ... I will allow no other man to touch me, or have that kind of hold over me again, do you hear me, Destiny?"

"I hear you,” Destiny replied. “I understand exactly what you're saying. And you're right. You won't."

"Then who do you think is going to father this son I'm supposed to have?"

Rather than answer, Destiny remained fixed where she stood, afraid to say more for fear of altering the chain of events that had to occur. One small change, or the slightest deviation, would prove disastrous. She couldn't explain, nor could she say anything more. It all had to be Star's decision.

Slowly, she watched as Star's face went pale and her eyes widened with understanding, then glistened tearfully with silent hope. Before she could respond, the woman turned and began hurrying for the transport bay. Destiny rushed after her.

No one questioned Star when she took a seat in Three and double-checked the harness around her enlarged belly. Silently, quickly, efficiently, the others took their seats and buckled in as Challenger lifted Three from its cradle. Time Merchant looked up from his co-pilot comm.

"Estimated time to reach Caperonda, ninety-six minutes, sixteen seconds."

Technically, it was a short trip, but to all of them it would feel like forever.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 35

Trajectory

"We should reach target in two minutes, ten seconds,” Commander announced.

"How's our fuel?"

The man glanced back down at his instruments. “We're sitting at sixty-one percent."

"Any idea how much we'll burn to push this thing far enough out of range?” Disaster asked.

Commander gave a little shake of his head. “Hopefully not too much. We only need to guide the comet a minimum of two point six degrees on our vertical axis of x to y. If we can accomplish that, the comet will pass by the planet at a distance of two hundred fourteen thousand miles.” He tossed the two behind him a small smile. “It'll nick the atmosphere, but hopefully nothing should come of it."

"Great stars, I hope not,” Seeker breathed.

Their eyes were drawn to the viewscreen, and the glowing orb that appeared to draw closer and closer. Three of them remained silent as their fourth member maneuvered the ship past the comet before turning around and coming up behind it.

"What's our time?” Hunter asked curtly.

"Six hours, four minutes, two seconds."

"What's our window to get this thing diverted?"

Commander double-checked his numbers. “Six minutes and two seconds. If we can't manage to divert it within that time...” His voice trailed off. There was no need to elaborate any further.

Hunter took a deep breath. “All right, everyone. Hold on tight. This might get bumpy.” With expert hands he docked the ship near the nose of the icy orb where the computers said was the pivotal point. After locking the transport's landing gear securely to the surface, he shut down the engines. “Now, let's go with all flaps out, Commander. I'm going to build up pressure gradually. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge and let me know when we get below thirty percent."

"Copy. You realize, don't you, that by shoving this thing at hyper light speed, we're likely to enter hyper light with it."

With all flaps opened, Hunter started pushing the throttles forward, digging the bow of the ship into the comet. “Seeker, are you watching those fluctuations?” he called out, not taking his eyes off the velocity readings.

"Nothing yet!” she called out as she cradled the comm unit.

"Moving to six hundred spacial miles per unit."

Commander glanced over at the man's hands on the board, aware that Hunter was matching speed to thrust without having to check the computer. If he could have whistled in appreciation, he would have, but the seriousness of the situation had left him spitless.

"Seeker?"

"Still no measurable difference."

Hunter let go with a phrase that shocked the other three. Not that they hadn't heard the words before, but that it had been Hunter who had uttered them. The man never lost his cool, not as long as they'd known him, and he certainly wasn't the sort of man who sprinkled profanity in his everyday language.

"Moving to eight hundred fifty spacial miles per unit. Commander?"

"We're burning point two nine cylinders per second. Fuel is at fifty-three percent."

"Come on, you lifeless hunk of ice! Move!” Disaster yelled, pounding the armrest of his seat. Behind them they could hear the ship's thrusters growl. Another minute passed in tense expectation.

"Seeker?"

"No visi—"

"Screw it! Moving to nine hundred fifty S.M.P.U.!” Hunter moved the throttle another inch. In the viewscreen Synaria began to loom like a verdant promise. Around them an almost phantom tremor began to vibrate through Transport Two.

"Fuel!"

"Forty-six per—"

"Hunter! We have a change of point six degrees off trajectory!” Seeker called out.

"Is it enough?” Disaster asked, and watched as Commander checked the comm.

"Not yet."

"Hunter, can you give it more power?” Seeker yelled, tearing her eyes away from the sight of her homeworld slowly filling up the viewscreen.

"Anything more substantial will shake this baby into pieces, but, hell, why not go out in a blaze of glory?” Hunter gave them a weak grin. “Moving up to one thousand S.M.P.U."

The tremor running through the transport became a full-fledged shudder. Directly above Hunter's left shoulder a light began to signal something was happening, accompanied by a loud jangling noise.

"Initial trajectory now off one point one degrees!” Seeker confirmed.

"And we have less than thirty-two percent fuel!” added Commander. “The ship's trying to enter hyper light!"

Disaster tried to glance at the board in front of Hunter but failed. From his seat he didn't have the right angle. “How much longer do we need to hold this?"

Hunter answered with a backward glance at the woman sitting in the first row directly behind Commander. “One point eight three degrees!” she called out.

"We need at least two point six!” Commander reminded them.

"Call it out, Seeker,” Hunter ordered. “Every degree. I don't care if it's a hundredth of a point, I want to hear it!"

Wiping the tears out of her eyes, Seeker focused all her attention on the little screen in her lap. If truth be told, she was too frightened to look back up at what she might see in the ship's front screens.

"One point nine five. Point nine eight. Two degrees! Two point oh three."

A flat, ugly groan grabbed their attention, and Commander gave Hunter a worried look. “Let's pray she holds together long enough!"

"We can't slip into hyper light!” Hunter yelled back. “You gotta help me hold her back!"

"Point oh nine. Two point one one!"

"We've run out of room!” Disaster yelled. “It's not enough! Pull up, Hunter, before we crash headfirst!"

"Two point two four!"

"Pull up before we run out of room!"

"Twenty-eight percent fuel!"

"It's not enough! We didn't have enough room! Not enough time!"

"Two point three eight!"

Everything in him screamed that Disaster was right. There hadn't been enough time or space to push the massive comet completely out of harm's way. The transport was literally shaking itself into pieces as it struggled between staying in normal space and fighting to go into hyper light. Unaware of his own actions, Hunter's sense of self-preservation took over, and he jerked the flaps all the way forward. Transport Two popped off the surface of the comet and careened nose first into the empty universe, racing just under hyper light speed.

He heard screaming in his ears. Whether it was his or someone else's, he couldn't tell. Two was whirling like a child's top, spinning faster and faster in the aftermath of its release.

Beside him he could hear Commander swearing, then all the lights went out. The shuddering ceased. The bell clanging above him went silent.

Shutting down all engines, the last thing Hunter remembered was throwing open the braking flaps and praying they would eventually slow down on their own before they crashed into something.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 36

Tricked

"Leaving hyperspace in five. Four. Three. Two. One. Now."

Transport Three eased back into normal space with barely a jiggle, bringing a winsome smile to Star's lips. Hunter had been giving Challenger pointers on how to achieve a smoother entry and reentry, and it appeared the lessons had paid off.

"Looks like we have company,” Provoker commented. Immediately everyone's eyes went to the nearest window. In the far distance, several somethings winked out of sight. The pirated Spitfires had exited normal space the moment the Guardian craft had appeared. “Make that had."

Challenger had taken the back way to approach the star system. In the uppermost right of the forward viewscreen, Y-4 whirled into itself like a gigantic black mixer, ready to swallow and digest anything unlucky enough to come within its gravitational reach. Adni Pul Dinarra rotated directly below them, all eight rings perfectly aligned and breathless to behold.

"The ore carrier should be near the eighth ring. Its last known coordinates have already been fed into your board,” Deceiver told Time Merchant. Casting a glance over his shoulder, he told the rest of them, “The dead and the survivors are our top priority this mission. We'll go after the pirates at another time."

"Just as long as there are no more freighters to investigate,” Bruiser grumbled before attaching his helmet to his suit. Once they had entered hyperspace, the Guardian leader had ordered them all into suits.

Time Merchant looked up from his comm. “We have confirmation by the S.P. Six med-vac units from Ajin Nana are on their way. Estimated time of arrival at twenty-one minutes, eight seconds."

Deceiver appeared pleased at the news. “Let's hope we've found the ship by then. Challenger, how soon before we reach those coordinates?"

"Coming up on them now, boss man."

In the weightlessness of space, the rotation of the transport was undetectable via the ship. The others were used to using the view outside as their point of reference as the planet's rings sped past them. Someone in the back kept a soft but audible count as they appeared to drop to the bottom ring.

Star turned and cast a look at the woman sitting behind her on the other side of the aisle. Destiny's silver-gray gaze never wavered.

"You know, Deceiver, every second that passes could mean the loss of another life,” Corona mentioned.

The man nodded, finally settling on Star. “Recon, Star. That's all I'm asking. The second you spot the ship, relay the information and get your butt back here, understand me? No playing around or running off to investigate something that caught your fancy. I have no one else here with your speed, or I wouldn't be asking."

Star gifted him with a curl of her lip. “If I even begin to think there's something out there remotely dangerous, I'll be so far out of this solar system, I'll be back at Command before you are,” she promised, and rose to her feet.

Once again she was grateful for the ability to fly. The baby, while taking its toll on her emotionally, was also beginning to be a bit of a physical problem—morning sickness and all too frequent restroom breaks aside. Still, Star kept mental notes of every ache and every little change in her body, and kept those memories stored in a place where she could cherish them for the rest of her life. Despite what Destiny had inferred earlier, as much as she wanted to believe, she refused to allow herself to hope. The baby girl resting inside her would be her only child, and every moment and movement would be treasured.

She kept her eyes averted when she passed Destiny, although she knew the woman was watching her every second. Animator handed her an earpiece as she entered the airlock. Less than a minute later, she was outside the ship.

"Give us a quick evaluation,” Deceiver requested as Star pulled away from Three.

Star whirled in a slow rotation. “Negative on that ore carrier, but I definitely feel that black hole tugging at us. You might want to keep the thrusters going, to prevent it from dragging you in. Gotta be careful around those things. They'll suck you in before you're even aware you've been drifting."

"Copy that, Star,” came Challenger's voice. At almost the same time, the transport's engines flared.

"Where's this ship supposed to be?"

"Eighth ring. The coordinates tacked onto their last message placed it in this general vicinity. Take care, Star,” Deceiver half ordered, half pleaded.

Lifting her arms, Star headed toward the final ring of the planet. The material in her tunic top acted like a gravitational sieve, allowing the magnetic currents to flow through its loose weave, while keeping any harmful debris or space dust from sticking to her inner body suit. Debris or dust that could be detrimental to the baby's health.

Moving cautiously, she skimmed the surface of the lower ring, keeping her eyes peeled for the carrier. If the thing was carrying as much ore as it claimed to be hauling, it shouldn't be too difficult to spot. Damn thing had to be the size of small planet. Of course, with a planet the size of Adni Pul Dinarra, its rings were large enough to swallow all of Synaria's moons with little difficulty.

"Anything?"

Star smiled at Deceiver's question. Of all the Guardians, with the exception of Morning Fire, Deceiver had been the one to keep in closest contact with her since Hunter's death. There was no doubt in her mind it was due to the fact that he and Hunter had been as close as brothers, despite the fact that Deceiver was old enough to be Udo's father. With Hunter dead, Deceiver hadn't made a decision on who would be his next replacement, and speculation was running high on whom he might choose.

"Give me another minute, Deceiver. I just got out here,” she chided gently.

"Then say something, dammit, so I know the connection's still valid!"

"What do you want me to do? Sing you a song?” Star sailed below the eighth ring as several chuckles reverberated in her ear.

"You know something, Star? You're an even bigger pain in the ass when you're pregnant,” Challenger commented.

"Why, thank you, Challenger. Coming from a major contributor, I'll take that as a compliment."

"We've lost eye contact with you,” Deceiver interrupted. “How do you read us?"

"Like a signal flare on a cloudless night. Deceiver, are you certain that rig's on the eighth ring?"

"You heard the transmission."

"Yeah, and that guy also said he was rolling with the punches,” Provoker reminded him. “Star, drop down and look from below. He could've lost his engines and is drifting with the currents."

"Already there. Nothing.” She snorted softly to let them know she was beginning to get irritated. “Label me blind, deaf, and dumb, but if there's a carrier out here big enough to be hauling six hundred thousand spacial tons of raw ore, it should be as easy to spot as a—"

"Guys, I just got a funny feeling."

Star pulled up and waited. “What, Fire?"

"What if ... now mind you, I have nothing to base this on, other than the fact that these pirates have pulled a fast one on us before—"

"What, Fire? Spit it out."

"Uhh ... what if there never was an ore carrier?"

Stunned silence answered her question. Less than a minute later, the sound of someone slowly clapping his hands together in applause rang through the earpiece.

"I do believe the tiny little lady over in row three has solved the case of the disappearing carrier,” Provoker intoned solemnly. Deceiver was quick to take over Morning Fire's train of thought.

"All we received was the signal and the coordinates. We got no confirmation code on the identity of the ship, and I didn't request an ID lock from Grummand Industries to see if they had a contract with the Pouland Rosser because of the emergency issue. This whole thing's been a trap! Crap! Star! Get back here, double-time!"

Before the man had time to order her back, Star had already turned around and begun racing for the safety of the ship. As she cleared the outer rim of the rings, she arched toward the planet where she knew Three would be hovering in orbit. All the while she could hear the others speculate on why they had been called back to this region.

"They knew we'd be on the lookout for another trap, but one in the form of another abandoned freighter. Or something similar,” Condemner commented.

Animator's voice drily added, “Betcha it was one of those pirates who placed the call. They knew that when it came to saving lives, we'd hit the skies first and ask questions later."

"Yeah, but what are they planning? How were they going to hit us this time?” Sender asked.

Bruiser snorted. “Well, whatever it was, it had to be something big. Remember, they were busting into hyper light the moment we appeared."

"Oh ... great stars!” The exclamation came out of her mouth before she was aware of it. A second later, someone screeched in her earpiece.

Directly behind Transport Three a wormhole was inexorably rotating into view, and the ship was orbiting straight toward it.

"Get the hell out of there!” Star yelled, and tried to throw her magnetic powers like a net over the ship, but the craft was still too far away for her to get a good grip on it. Making an irritated little growl in the back of her throat, she rushed to draw nearer so that her powers could fully envelope the ship.

Now it was clear why the pirates had called them back here. With Y-4 hanging like an all-encompassing cosmic disintegrator in the middle of the universe, wormholes could and would pop up without warning. If a wormhole had managed to take out one of the Guardian ships, why not all of them? Cleanly, efficiently, and with hardly any work on their part, the pirates could rid themselves of one of the last barriers keeping them from reaping all the spoils they wanted.

All they needed was to lure the Guardians back and hope everything else would fall into place.

For a split second a bleak future flashed in Star's mind. It was a future where the rest of the Guardians, minus herself, were sucked into the ever-enlarging wormhole, leaving her alone to face going back to Command. Alone to face the families and the media, to try and explain why and how the remaining Guardians had vanished.

A future totally empty of everything except for the promise of the child in her womb.

Star pushed for more speed, ever mindful of the use of her powers. Her child would live. Destiny said her child would live. Her little girl would survive. And one day, in the future, so would a little boy.

But Destiny had said nothing about the others.

Nearly three years ago Star had saved Transport Two from a wormhole. Clearly, she recalled she'd tried first to pull the ship out of the thing's gravitational grasp. But the damn thing was too big and too powerful, and there wasn't enough energy nearby for her to soak up to make it an even fight. So she'd done the only other thing she could do. She'd folded the edges of the wormhole over onto itself, creating a back flow, like putting a cap on a vacuum. The end result was watching the wormhole suck itself into nonexistence.

This one wasn't as big as that wormhole, but it was rapidly growing in strength. The power of its inner throat created a low rumble that Star could feel vibrating through the silence of space. She had enough power to do the same thing to it as she had to the last wormhole she'd tackled. But first she needed to get between it and Three.

Keeping the ship below her personal horizon, a flicker of light caught her eye. Challenger was firing the engines in an effort to keep the ship away from the monster's pull. For the moment the ship didn't appear to be losing any ground. It didn't seem to be making any headway, either. Star felt a coldness go through her just as Deceiver's voice crackled in her earpiece.

"Star, what the hell are you doing?"

"Ask Condemner, then let me do what I do best,” she snapped back. Before he could respond, she reached up and flipped the toggle on the communications device, turning it off. Star sighed. With them out of her head, she could concentrate on what she had to do.

Destiny had told her the baby would live. Her baby would survive. Udo's baby would be safe. Repeating the litany over and over was the only thing keeping her sane and focused. The baby would live as long as she didn't flare. Remember, no pulsing or flaring.

"You had better be right about this one, Destiny,” Star muttered as she angled herself between the embattled ship and the wormhole. “You'd better be right, or I swear by all the stars, if she dies, I will destroy you with my bare hands."

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 37

Predestined

"Hunter?"

Hunter opened his eyes to the dim, bluish glow of the emergency lights reflecting off the faceplate of his helmet. Every inch of his body ached after the abuse of trying to drive the comet away from Synaria. Cautiously, he moved each arm and leg to test it, checking for pulled muscles or broken bones. A relieved sigh escaped him. Only a few dozen bruises, thank the stars.

"Hunter? You all right?"

"Yeah, Commander. Sore as hell, but I'm here. How about you?” He lifted his head a bit to try and spot Seeker and Disaster, but they weren't in the forward section.

"I think I'm gonna have permanent welts from this damn harness. Crap, I hurt. I wonder how the others are doing."

"I don't know yet. They're not up front.” Hunter swivelled his head to look at his co-pilot. Commander was staring out the viewscreen. A quick glance himself verified what he thought he'd find.

Darkness. Total, utterly black nothingness. Not even a distant star to break the void.

Sensing the man's momentary lapse in concentration, Hunter released the catches and slowly tried to get to his feet. It was like stepping onto spongy turf.

"We must be on emergency gravity. I feel like I'm treading on a trampoline."

"We're at one-tenth,” Commander confirmed after a glance at his comm.

"Oxygen?"

"Pressure's normal. We've got less than sixteen percent fuel, though."

Hunter gave a nod and started down the aisle to find the other two. At one-tenth normal gravity, and wearing a spacesuit—lightweight as it was—it felt like a much longer amount of time had passed before he managed to find the other two in their seats, also unconscious. As Hunter roused Seeker, Disaster came around on his own.

Slowly they all advanced back to the front of the ship.

"Well, I have bad news, and I have worse news,” Commander commented before they could ask. While Hunter had been taking care of the others, he had been evaluating their situation. “Bad news is, the reason we can't see anything outside is because we're being dragged inside the hydrogen envelope of the comet."

He waited for their sighs of relief before continuing. Under normal circumstances, being swept along inside the tail of a ball of ice would not be the best of news, but in this case their present predicament confirmed one very real truth.

The comet was intact, which meant it had not crashed into Synaria.

"Worse news is, I have no idea where we're heading. The ship's instruments either aren't working, or this tail is screwing with the equipment. I don't know where we are, if we're close enough to get back to Synaria, or if we're even in the same quadrant. I can't tell you how long we've been out, nothing!"

"Can you tell if we're near the dust tail or the ion tail?” Disaster asked.

"I can't tell you anything!” Glancing at Hunter, Commander voiced an unspoken question, which Hunter easily read.

"Sorry. I'm not taking that risk. If I try to pop out of here, and we're moving inside the ion tail, it could kill me. I can't manage anything that potent. If we're in the dust tail, that would be different.” He made a face. “On the vaguely bright side, if we are in the ion section, at least there's a small comfort knowing the shielding on the ship and in our suits will protect us from any contamination."

"Can we fly out of here?” asked Seeker.

"At sixteen percent fuel? It would take most of that to pull out. Then what? Go back to Synaria?” Disaster challenged her.

Hunter held up a hand for attention. “Look, guys. We have too many what-ifs floating around. Can we get back to Synaria? Depends on how far away we are. If we use up all our fuel to get out of here, there's the remote chance I can take each of you, one at a time, back to the planet if it's not too far, and if I can find an oxygen-rich planet along the way if it is."

"All right. Let's say we're too far away for that option,” Disaster said. Seeing the others start to object, he quickly added, “Look, we have our backs to the wall this very instant! We're on the backside of a rogue comet, heading nowhere fast. We're at least a thousand years from the people we care about, and we've just saved our world for our future to exist.” He backed off for a moment, breathing heavily. “I don't know about you, but I think we've just proven what being Guardians is really about. We've protected untold millions now, and untold billions in the future."

"So, where does that leave us now?” Seeker asked in a tiny voice. A single tear rolled out of the corner of one eye and slid down her cheek. With her head encased inside the helmet, she couldn't reach up and wipe the tear away. Instead, she sniffed loudly. “What do we do now? Pat ourselves on the back for a job well done? That's not good enough for me, Disaster.” She looked over at Hunter. “I want to live. What about you, Udo?"

Hunter stared at his hands lying clasped together between his knees. “More than anything? I wish I could be home right now with Terrin. Guess that puts me in the ‘I want to live’ column, too. All right.” He got to his feet and placed his hand on his hips. “Here's my suggestion. As long as we're sitting inside this damn thing, we won't know anything. We're at our best when we're forced to make decisions on the fly. That's why I want to pull out and get back into normal space. Right now. With a little luck our instruments will come back online, and my powers might give me some inkling as to where we are. As long as we stay here, we're blind. On top of that, even though we've managed to divert this thing away from Synaria, there's the chance it could still collide with another planet or moon, or heaven knows what, and it could happen at any time. If we stay here, we're also going to impact with whatever it hits."

The other three agreed with him, and without further discussion they all resumed their seats. One step at a time. At this point they had to take everything one step at a time. Until they cleared the tail, they would have no idea where they were, or be able to make any plans as to what they would need to do next.

Yet, despite the hopelessness of their situation, they refused to give up. There was always a chance, always the possibility of something positive coming out of this whole nightmare.

Seeker sniffed again as she tried to remain brave. Something positive? What if diverting the comet had been their “something positive"? For the umpteenth time she wondered how her family, and especially Sender, was taking her “death".

"All right. Now's the tricky part,” Hunter commented as he brought the engines back up to power. “Do I go up? Do I go sideways? How the hell do I know how we're sitting inside this thing?"

"What does your gut tell you?” Disaster asked.

"Disaster's right,” Seeker whispered. “Trust your instincts, Udo. We do."

He nodded. “Very well. Hold on."

Closing his eyes, Hunter let his inner voice speak to him. The stress of the past three days was beginning to tell on his sanity, as well as his emotional well-being. Whenever he tried to rest, he kept envisioning Star having to cope with the belief he was dead. Emma was no more—the HeartCrystal had gone as clear as ice. And since their marriage, they had shared no more than a few weeks together. It wasn't enough. What he and Terrin had shared had been too brief to make lasting memories.

But he had no other choice. At this moment, while his mind tried to make sense of what they were going through, his heart was trying to find a way to protect itself against any more damage. First the Ombitra, and now this.

Where are you, Udo? Why can't I accept the fact that you're dead?

His eyes flew open as he gasped, then choked.

He'd heard her voice in his head, as clearly as if she'd spoken to him face-to-face. He'd heard her crying out. Felt her grief and her pain. He'd seen the tears on her face.

Before he was aware of his movements, he pulled the throttles back and aimed the ship straight down. Down, through miles and miles of debris, dust, rock, ice crystals, and billions of particles of unknown material and detritus.

The ship literally dropped thrusters first.

He kept their speed steady, knowing that if he increased it, the drain on their fuel would also increase exponentially. They were moving slowly but inevitably out of the comet's residue.

An hour passed, then two. During their descent Hunter kept their speed constant and their angle as direct as possible. Gradually the view outside went from dead black to gray, then back to black. But this time the darkness was freckled with stars. Seeker exclaimed when the last cloudy wisps vanished, and they emerged into normal space. Hunter continued to move away from the tail, knowing that it would fan out wider and wider as it passed by, and the last thing he wanted was to get caught up inside it again. In the meantime, Commander attempted to recalibrate the onboard computer.

"Anything yet?” Disaster finally broke the tense silence.

Their co-pilot shook his head. “What readings I'm getting just aren't making any sense.” Sliding his eyes toward Hunter, Commander added, “But I got some very queer readouts on that tail.” His tone of voice rang alarm bells, and Hunter threw him a wide-eyed look.

"What kind of readings? Anything dangerous?"

"Remember, I'm the mechanical genius of the group. Blender's the chemical brain. He could tell you a whole lot more than I ever could."

Disaster nudged the man's shoulder. “Spit it out, Commander."

"To put it briefly, the comet missed our world, but the tail didn't."

"So?"

"So there's all kinds of crap floating around inside it, and a lot of it is dangerous. As far as I've been able to assess, the tail washed over Synaria for nearly a full day.” He paused and looked at the other three. “Guys ... what if it wasn't a nebulous cloud that swallowed our world and sterilized most of our ancestors? What if it was because of this comet's tail?"

There was a moment of surprised silence.

"You're kidding, right?” Seeker breathed.

"Would I kid about something like that?"

"But it's ... it's...” Disaster began to splutter.

"It's very feasible,” Hunter intervened. “You saw how primitive these people were. They had no way of knowing what kind of cosmic cloud covered them. There was no way they could differentiate between a comet's tail and a nebulous cloud."

Disaster threw a hand out in the direction of the viewscreen. “Listen to yourselves! Do you realize how insane that sounds? Do you know how crazy this all is? If this is true, if what you're saying is how it actually happened, then, Hunter, you just arrived back in time to save our world so that in the future the HandFast laws would be enacted, forcing you and StarLight to be HandFasted, where you would fall in love ... oh, crap, I've got a headache!"

For some reason, Hunter couldn't help but laugh. The whole purpose of his life had gone from dubious to predestined in the span of a few hours, and suddenly what they had just been through became the most hilarious thing he'd ever heard of in his life. And if that wasn't enough, they were sitting on less than seven percent fuel, in the middle of non-space, with no idea where to go, and only enough power to last them—if they conserved as much as they could—for a week. If they were lucky.

Giving the comm another quick glance to make sure there were no unusual readings inside the ship, Hunter removed his helmet and ran a hand through his hair. The simple gesture immediately reminded him of how much Star loved to run her fingers through his curls, and often teased him about them. Usually when they were making love. The memory was like a punch in the gut, bringing a quick sting of tears to his eyes. He sniffed and took a deep breath, hoping it would help steady him. Seeing his gesture, the others removed their helmets.

"Is there anything else you can tell us?” Seeker inquired of Commander.

"In the way of good news? Sorry. We're fresh out."

"All right.” Disaster hung his head. The man looked as wrung out as the rest of them. It would take very little to have them all at the very bottom of the depression pit which had been swallowing them ever since they had landed back in time. “All right. What's our current status?"

"Umm, this is what we've got. We have less than seven percent fuel left. We're in a region of space that's not on our charts, or won't be for another thousand years. And we're currently drifting on some sort of backflow from that comet."

"Anything coming toward us that would need deflecting or evasion tactics?” Hunter spoke up.

"Not that I can see."

"How long can we float along on this current and save our remaining energy for when it's absolutely necessary?” Seeker asked, looking to both men.

"Pretty much indefinitely,” Hunter replied. “As long as we don't encounter anything dangerous or potentially harmful. In fact...” He reached out and shut down the engines, leaving only emergency power. Around them the ship's lights winked out, to be replaced once more with the tiny blue interior lights. Other than the oxygen regenerator and the food processor, they were down to bare minimum usage.

Seeker's voice was a wisp of a whisper in the near dark. “What do we do now?"

"Pray for a quick end?” Disaster grumbled with a hitch in his voice.

"Or for a planet where we can land and try to live out the rest of our lives in some semblance of normalcy,” Commander muttered softly.

Seeker looked to Hunter, but his gaze was directed out the main viewscreen. For the barest second her heart gave a little leap of hope that she might find some kind of life with him, then squashed it with an angry chastisement.

Face it, girl. Accept it and go forward. What you have now is all you'll ever have, and all you could ever hope for.

Unfortunately, her heart refused to listen.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 38

Glow

If she allowed herself to stare into the wormhole's vortex too long, she knew she would become mesmerized by its raw, omnipotent danger. That would not become a problem, Star knew, as she raced to place herself between the entity and Transport Three.

A glance from the corner of her eye as she swept by the ship confirmed what she knew she would see. With her earpiece turned off she couldn't hear their cries, and with the wormhole growing larger with each passing second, they couldn't venture outside the ship to try and stop her. However, there was no way she could miss their terrified faces as they watched her attempt to save them.

"Ask Condemner,” she'd told them. Condemner had been one of the four she'd saved nearly three years ago from that other wormhole. It was he who had come up to her to congratulate her on her ability to fold the thing over into itself, thus allowing the phenomenon to self-implode, rather than try to win a battle of tug-of-war. A short-lived battle she would have eventually lost.

There was no nearby sun to feed off, but it didn't matter. Not when it came to folding the wormhole in on itself. She wouldn't be in competition with the entity, just redirecting it, letting its own power destroy itself. And although it took a steady hand and a lot of concentration, the act wouldn't drain her.

Once Three was a comfortable distance behind her, Star raised her arms to begin the procedure, starting with the area nearest their position.

The child within her moved slightly, enough to catch her attention. At the same instant, a pinpoint coldness stabbed her at the base of her throat.

The shock stunned her into immobilization, but only for a moment. Before she could recover and question what had just occurred, it happened again.

Star screamed.

* * * *

"Hunter, we might have a problem."

The words coming through his earpiece woke him from the light doze he had fallen into. To conserve as much energy as possible, they had dropped the heat in the ship and replaced their helmets to keep themselves warm. Gravity had been reduced again to one-tenth, making every movement as slow as if they were swimming in liquid.

Five more hours had passed, all without mishap. All without coming anywhere close to an inhabitable system. Using his powers, Hunter had not felt any kind of draw or pull that would let him know they were nearing a populated planet, moon, or other celestial body. And so they had continued to drift aimlessly on the solar winds. Waiting. Watching. Afraid.

"What, Commander?” he whispered, lifting his seat back into position in front of the comm.

"I'm picking up traces of a dark star."

"Where?"

"It's on your navigational grid,” Commander said. “Upper right quadrant. See it?"

Hunter's eyes narrowed as he watched the collapsing star. “Yeah, I see it. Any chance of it causing us any problems?” When Commander had taken watch four hours ago, the others had tried to get some sleep. Hunter had yet to get any kind of restorative rest. Every time he closed his eyes, Star's pale face haunted him. He could still smell her in his pores. Feel her in his blood.

"Unfortunately, it already has. We're being drawn toward it."

"Shit.” Hunter started up the engines. The slight vibration awoke the other two Guardians dozing behind them.

"What's going on?” Disaster questioned in a sleep-rough voice.

"This far away, think we have a chance of pulling out of its grip?” Commander asked, ignoring the other's question for the moment.

"Let's hope we can,” Hunter murmured as he ran some calculations through his head. “Can you give me a readout on it? Give me everything you've got."

"Hunter! Look!"

Seeker's cry of alarm drew his attention to something just above them, barely visible on the upper edge of the viewscreen. Quickly, he tilted the ship to get a better look, and everyone made small sounds of despair.

A small wormhole was pointing itself toward the disintegrating star. Not large, not at that moment, and if they'd had enough power they could easily have slipped away from it. But the thing was already beginning to grow. And there wasn't enough juice in the engines to pull them away from both the black star and the wormhole.

"Everyone, buckle up,” Hunter snapped as he brought the nose of the craft around until they were looking directly at the wormhole.

"What are you going to do?” Commander asked in an equally clipped voice.

Without having to look, Hunter knew the man was poised over his comm to help the second he was needed. “Something my father told me about when he was one of my physics teachers back in flight school. It's a slingshot effect. I'm going to try to aim the ship toward the outer edge of the wormhole, and use the thing's gravitational pull to throw us out of its path. Only problem is, from this angle we would careen right into the maw of that black star, so I need to start us on the other side."

"Which means passing right in front of the wormhole,” Commander noted. “Why not back out, or do we lack the fuel?"

"Not enough fuel to thrust the engines. Otherwise I would have done exactly that. No, we'll have to loop over first, which shouldn't take much power, since it's already dragging us toward it."

"Ever done one of these slingshot things before?” Disaster whispered.

Hunter answered honestly. “Only on a simulator."

"Hope you got a passing score,” the man behind him grumbled as Hunter turned the ship toward the slowly rotating mouth.

In his earpiece he could hear everyone's heavy breathing. His senses felt the jackhammering of their hearts, and knew their trust in him was absolute. Saying a brief prayer, Hunter kicked the engines to begin their journey to the other edge of the vortex. Beside him, Commander's eyes were glued to his own comm screens for any deviation or fluctuation that could affect their progress. He also kept Hunter aware of their fuel consumption.

"Fuel at six point two two."

Hunter opened his mouth to copy, when a pinpoint sting of cold pricked his throat.

He froze as every cell in his body went into temporary shock. His eyes widened as a barely perceptible whitish light sparkled underneath his chin. A moment later—

There was no reason for his decision. No way he could explain why he acted on pure instinct and shoved the throttles forward. Transport Two swan dived into the mouth of the wormhole with a smooth, deliberate undulation.

Behind him he could hear the others scream. Immediately two pairs of hands scrabbled for his boards to try and reach the controls. To reverse the thrusters and stop them from dropping down the throat of the monster, even though it was too late.

Without a second thought, Hunter threw a dark, swirling mist of obedience over the already terrified Guardians. Using his powers, he kept the others at bay, giving him the chance to steer the craft and keep it directly in the center of the vortex. The ship could not touch the sides of the wormhole. How he knew such a thing, he couldn't explain. He just knew. The ship couldn't touch the inner walls, or else they would all die.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

Hunter winced at the scream in his ear, but his hands remained solid and firm on the throttles.

"You're keeping us under your control with your powers, aren't you?” Commander's voice was ragged with anger.

Seeker's cry was more plaintive and laced with tears. “Why, Udo? Why?"

There. There it was again. That burning cold that seared itself into his flesh.

Lifting his chin he could just make out in the reflection off the viewscreen the thin, watery glow of light coming from the HeartCrystal, although he couldn't sense anything else from the tiny jewel.

Not yet.

Someone behind him gasped. Hunter dragged his eyes away from the light for a split second, but it was enough to see their eyes boring into his before dropping to the sight of the pale glow. He instantly released them from his powers.

"Fuel!"

"Uh ... five point three eight. Oh, crap, Hunter ... is that your crystal?"

"You're thinking this thing's going to take us back to our own time?” Disaster whispered.

"I don't know. I'm flying on pure intuition here, guys. I'm sorry. Stay in your seats. I have to keep the ship away from the walls of this thing, and I need to concentrate."

"Bad news. The walls are starting to close in on us,” Commander told them.

"Commander, on my word, shove the thrusters all the way forward."

"What?"

"Do it, Commander!"

"But—"

"Do it, Commander!” Disaster roared.

Seconds ticked by as the walls drew closer and closer, even while they descended deeper and deeper into the throat. There was nothing facing them but indescribable energy and light as Hunter struggled to keep the ship in the middle of the monster.

There was no thought in his head but the need to siphon every ounce of his abilities into keeping them alive. Keeping them on course. Keeping them heading straight toward whatever it was that had the HeartCrystal in his throat faintly vibrating.

The glow was strengthening, growing brighter even as the walls of the wormhole tightened. Even as Hunter waited for that single moment. The knowledge. The affirmation.

When it came, no one hesitated.

Emma pulsed.

Almost before the word was out of Hunter's mouth, Commander shoved the throttles all the way open, and Transport Two spewed every last atom of fuel in one tremendous burst of flight down the narrowing tunnel.

* * * *

The instant the crystal burned her throat with chilling cold, Star had reacted without thought. She threw her arms outward toward the wormhole and began to push the outer edges away from each other, rather than bring them together as she had originally intended.

The transport behind her was no longer an issue. Her whole body had shifted gears. Now her focus was on keeping the wormhole open.

Open.

Pulling from the outer edges was too hard, she quickly discovered. But by inserting negative gravity directly into the center of the thing's mouth, the sides pushed away from each other like identical magnetic poles. And pushing was always easier than pulling when it came to magnetism.

Star arched her spine, more to relieve a small cramp in the small of her back, and lifted her arms at shoulder level. Something glimmered off the metallic sheen of her tunic cover-up. She blinked in surprise, then raised her hand closer to her face. The tiny light sparkling at her throat threw her into full alert mode, and Star gave the wormhole her full concentration.

She was afraid to think. She was even more terrified to hope.

But there could be no other reason for the crystal to do what it was doing ... was there?

"Please please please please please.” She was totally unaware of what she was saying. Her focus was on the churning dark center of the thing in front of her. On keeping it alive, awake, and viable long enough for—

For what?

For ... whom?

Star convulsed, nearly losing her grip on the wormhole. Tears began streaming from her eyes as the now-visible light at her throat cast its growing glow across her arms and past her hands. A pale milky light that was steadily growing stronger and brighter and whiter with each passing moment. A light she could no longer deny nor ignore.

Then, Emma pulsed.

Star cried out a single word. A single name.

"Udo!"

* * * *

Inside the wormhole they could feel the effects of the thing pulling at them—at the ship, at their suits, at their skin and bones. It was like being pressed and pulled by tremendous gravitational forces all at the same time. Yet Hunter fought to keep them directed down the exact center, away from the vibrating walls that were now lined with ropes of fire and lightning in colors of blue, crimson, and white.

Emma was glowing to the point where she reflected like a distant star off the viewscreen. She still hadn't spoken, hadn't sung or made any sound. Not yet. But she was growing stronger. Bigger. Blindingly brighter.

They were at zero fuel and zero energy. The last giant surge to push them quickly through the wormhole had sent them shooting like a tiny silver projectile at nearly the speed of hyper light. They had no more chances. They had run out of time and luck.

"You're not going to believe this,” Commander called out loudly above the whistling stream of sound that had penetrated the ship. “The wormhole has ceased collapsing in on itself!"

"What?"

"Swear to the heavens, Hunter! It's like it's frozen in place!"

Hunter felt the shock jerk him upright in his seat. “Frozen? Or being held open?” he yelled, nodding forward.

In the distance they could see an infinitesimal spot of light. A minute beacon of hope.

Light.

Their destination at the end of the tunnel.

Lifting his chin, the crystal at his throat answered. And a single word, a single thought, a single name echoed inside his head.

Terrin!

* * * *

The wormhole was fighting her. It was ready to draw into itself and die, but Star refused to let it. She had to keep it open. Had to! There was no other choice, and she was damned if she would let it get the better of her.

All her life her gifts had been growing. Growing and developing and maturing along with her body. After a while she had stopped trying to see just how powerful she was becoming. She had stopped trying to guess just how much she was capable of doing. When Hunter had confessed he'd only let the Guardians know of half of his powers, she'd been tempted to admit to the same.

There had been that time she had taken a pale moon and crumbled it into particles of dust no bigger than her hands. She'd taken a celestial body the size of her homeworld and literally crushed it into space mush with barely a twitch of her muscles. That had been years ago. Now there was no telling how great her gifts had become, but she was determined to find out. Now.

Remember, no flaring or pulsing!

Steeling herself, Star spread her fingers and lifted her arms over her head. Lifting her chin, she began to pour out more of her unique ability into the wormhole when her breath caught in her throat.

There, right dead center, another light twinkled like an erupting sun, which was impossible. Wormholes weren't capable of reflecting suns. Nor was it possible to see any part of a galaxy past its empty, swirling mouth.

She blinked and refocused, but the light was still there. Tiny, almost to the point of being lost amid the roar and tumble of the monster, yet undeniably there.

And growing bigger.

Closer.

Her heart pounded in her chest. Throwing back her head, she grimaced as she threw more negative magnetism into the behemoth's maw.

Emma chirped.

From the corner of her eye Star could see Three drawing away from the wormhole, away from the opening. The crystal at her throat was glowing like white fire, throwing rays of pure light in front of her. In the distance, the answering half of the crystal grew steadily brighter, burning with a fierce determination of its own.

Still, she refused to let the wormhole budge, although she could tell it was already beginning to dissipate.

Emma warbled softly. Two notes. Only two notes, like syllables, rising like a question.

A single word:

Mama

* * * *

The crystal's light flooded the comm, the viewscreen, and reached out into the null void of space. No one spoke. No one had to. What they were witnessing was beyond explanation, yet it was clear what was happening.

The HeartCrystal worn by Hunter and Star was drawing its two halves back together. Reuniting them. Somehow.

The distant light was growing brighter and closer. Behind him Hunter heard Seeker begin to weep loudly. At his throat the coldness went away, to be replaced with a familiar warmth. A familiar settling in.

Then ... Emma sang. Two notes. Only two notes, like syllables, rising softly, hesitantly, like a question.

Papa

* * * *

Transport Two erupted from the wormhole's throat at near hyper light speed. It shot past Star and Transport Three, and disappeared immediately in the direction of the Basil Tor Five system, away from Y-4, away from Adni Pul Dinarra, and out of the Caperonda Cluster before anyone could take a second breath.

Three immediately leaped after the ship, with Star leading the way.

[Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter 39

Future

The ship was tumbling out of control. There was no way she could tell if its braking flaps were up or down, but one thing was certain. The engines were black, totally shut down.

Quickly Star flipped her earpiece back on to hear the others babbling. Some were already weeping as the truth of the situation sank in. Star refused to think about it. Not now, not here. First she had to get Two halted. Then she could look for Hunter.

The transport was gradually slowing down, but not quickly enough to suit her. Tossing out a magnetic web, she was able to bring the ship to a complete halt. By the time she reached the outer lock, Three had pulled up beside its sister ship and the others were starting to exit to help.

"Are they alive?” The voice in her ear sounded like Blender's but she couldn't be sure. Normally it took the inner air lock thirty seconds to decompress before opening or closing the outer doors. Right now it felt like forever.

Someone came up behind her. Star glanced back. It was Sender. The woman gave her an unreadable expression, then shifted her focus back to the door. As soon as it slid open, the two of them entered the tiny inner lock. Deceiver quickly joined them and slammed the plate to close the hull.

The interior of the ship was dark and icy cold. There was no sound, no movement. Not even the whisper of breathing.

"Udo?"

She paused, shivering. Every nerve in her body waited for some kind of response. She'd seen Emma's light coming from inside the wormhole. So had the others.

"Udo?"

Emma chirped softly. Without waiting for the others Star began stumbling toward the front of the ship. Hunter had been piloting. She knew it without question, without any doubt. If anyone else had been piloting, Two would not have made it through.

"Star, wait for Morning Fire,” Deceiver said. “Fire. Corona. We need light and heat. Now."

Almost instantly a pale light began to flood the interior of the cabin. Sender collapsed to her knees in front of her sister, raising the woman's head as she pleaded softly, “Ana? Ana? It's me, Cosette. They're alive, right, Deceiver?"

"Yeah. They all made it,” he breathed out. The life sensors had been the first things he'd checked as soon as the ship had broken through into normal space. Behind him he could hear more crying. Ignoring it, his eyes remained glued to the black-clad woman making her way to the pilot's chair where a suited figure lay sprawled across the boards.

Star leaned over the unconscious form, afraid to touch him. Tears were already rolling down her cheeks and falling onto the comm as the feeling of tiny fingers plucked at her skin. It was a feeling she thought she'd never experience again in her life.

"Udo ... my beloved."

The figure stirred. Over her earpiece she heard him groan.

"Udo.” The pressure in her chest was increasing, making it harder and harder to breathe.

The figure froze. Slowly, the helmet-encased head lifted and turned in her direction.

Blue eyes met violet. The look that passed between them transcended time.

"Terrin."

Hunter reached up to remove his helmet, but Star stopped him. “There's no oxygen."

"Then let's get some in here,” Deceiver piped up.

"Forget the boards,” Time Merchant called from the other ship. “Two's cells are dead. Completely drained."

Before she could comprehend her husband's next action, he slipped out of the harness and grabbed her. A heartbeat later, he transported them both out of Two and into the netherworld where he ripped off his headgear. They came together with passion and tears.

Hunter claimed her mouth over and over, stifling her cries with his kisses as he took total possession of her, clutching her as if his life depended upon her touch and her scent. He breathed in her perfume, her hair and skin, and tears spilled from his eyes. For the first time since their separation, Hunter allowed himself to weep without constraint. She was the sole reason why he was still alive. Her love was the only explanation he could find to justify how they had come through the wormhole, and back to each other.

Her hot, salty tears fell onto his cheeks as he dove into her mouth, taking her tongue and tasting its sweetness. Sobs bubbled from within his chest, and he buried his face in the curve of her neck where he wished he could wrap himself inside her silken skin for the rest of eternity.

Slowly his hands slid down to her throat, and his fingers touched the crystal. Star reached up to caress the tiny jewel at the hollow of his neck. As they completed the connection, the HeartCrystal began to sing, filling them with a soaring symphony of sound as pure and as vast as space itself. The music covered them, embraced them, and drew them tighter together.

Star kept repeating his name like a litany, like a prayer. Her hands clutched him so hard, they would leave bruises, but neither one of them cared.

Reaching down, Hunter tried to pull his wife closer to him. He needed to feel her body against his, needed her pressure and warmth to reassure his heart he wasn't dreaming. He needed to know that all of this was real, and not some giant cosmic joke brought on by oxygen starvation. Instead, his hand encountered an extra length of material, and an unusual firm fullness.

Abruptly, he pulled back as Star tried to bring him closer within the circle of her arms. “Wait a minute. Wait. Terrin ... Terrin, what's..."

The damn spacesuit was hindering their ability to connect any closer, and this new roundness in his wife's figure puzzled him. Before Star had the chance to respond, Hunter popped them into Transport Three where the half-dozen Guardians who had remained onboard turned to stare at them in shocked surprise.

Now he could step back and examine her more closely without any worry. Glancing down he could see the roundness of her abdomen and the additional tunic she wore to cover it. He fingered the thin, net covering, then raised it to stare at her belly. He lifted wide eyes to stare at her. “What's this?"

Her smile was as tender as the look in her eyes. “It's our daughter."

"Our d-daughter?” His body went cold as several thoughts converged into his mind at once. Looking over at where Time Merchant sat grinning from the co-pilot's chair, Hunter asked, “How long were we away?"

"Four months, twenty days, two hours, and sixteen minutes,” the man answered. “Nearly five months."

"Five months? Impossible!"

"How long do you think you were gone?” Time Merchant queried.

Give or take a thousand years? “A week. No more than a week,” Hunter told them.

"A week? Where did you go?” Challenger called out.

"I'll tell you later,” Hunter promised, gazing back into his wife's lovely face. Below the layer of love and happiness that was rising within her, he sensed the months of devastation she had been forced to endure. The months of depression and crying jags she had tried so hard to keep hidden from the others, and the black fear that had never gone away. Fear she would lose her one last link to the man she'd given her heart to.

"We're having a daughter?” he repeated, and claimed her lips again, preventing her from answering.

Dimly he was aware of the individual whoops and cheers from the others as they welcomed back the four survivors. Sender brought her sister back over to Three, the twins keeping at least one arm entwined between frequent hugs.

At one point Commander was teased as to whether he would contact Doctor Perlakian personally to let her know he was “back", or if Deceiver should be the one to break the news to her first. “She might not believe it's me if I call,” the man commented in reply, a slow blush covering his face.

With Two out of commission, Three was forced to tow the disabled craft back home, which meant their travel was restricted to normal space flow since the ships couldn't enter hyper light with one held in tandem. While the others took their seats for the flight home, Star reached out and snagged Destiny's arm, forcing the woman to turn and face her. A long moment passed as the two woman eyed each other. It was Star who broke the strained silence.

"Thank you."

A tiny smile broke over the thin woman's face. “You're welcome."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I couldn't. If I gave too much away, all of this may not have come to pass."

Star broke her gaze away from the woman to glance back up at her husband. “Udo, this is our newest Guardian, Destiny. Destiny, my husband, Master Hunter. Destiny knows the past, the present ... and some of the future."

"Historical past or individual past?” Hunter inquired with a small grin.

"A little of both,” Destiny answered, her silvery eyes never wavering from the man's deep blue gaze. “I know how you got that scar on the back of your thigh."

Hunter started, and he gave his wife a cautious glance. Star shook her head to let him know she hadn't spilled any of their secrets. Giving a half-hearted laugh, he asked, “Anything else?"

"Yeah. Your son will become the greatest Guardian who ever lived."

"Thank heavens for that!” a voice piped up sarcastically from two rows over. Provoker gave them a weak sneer, even though there was a twinkle in his eye. “For a while there I was beginning to think all Hunter had in him was girl babies.” The remark earned him a heavy backhanded slap from Animator. The rest of them broke into laughter.

Deceiver walked up to throw an arm around Hunter's shoulders. “It's going to take us a while to get back to Guardian Command. I was going to plot a course for Abernath, so we could let your folks get the good news first, but I suspect you won't want to wait that long."

Hunter nodded as Star nuzzled his neck and sighed within his embrace. His mind was filled with a hundred thoughts clamoring for a reasonable explanation, but uppermost was the single question whose answer pressed herself against him.

"It won't take us long to get there. If you don't mind, we might even stay overnight before coming back to Command."

"Not a problem.” Deceiver grinned, giving the man another warm one-arm hug. “It's good to have you back, Hunter. All of you."

Smiling at the older man, Hunter reached up and patted Deceiver's hand where it rested on his shoulder. “You can't imagine how grateful we are to be back.” He lifted the man's hand, and Deceiver stepped back to give him room. A pair of arms snaked around his waist as Star prepared herself for the trip. “Ready?” he whispered. She answered with a squeeze, and they were gone.

They were several minutes into space when Hunter kissed her, holding her lips for the longest time as he refreshed his memories of her. “I can't ... I can't begin to tell you how it felt to be away from you. And now, knowing how long we were gone, and imagining what you've had to face, when for me it was just a matter of days..."

"I know this is going to sound strange, Udo, but I never accepted the fact that our being apart was permanent,” she murmured against his shoulder. “I couldn't feel you dead, but I was so helpless to do anything, and that's what was tearing me up inside. I couldn't do anything to save you!"

Five months. She had suffered his loss for nearly five months. Filling his lungs with her scent and warmth, he told her, “I was going to find a way back to you. I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I wasn't going to stop until I did, even when there wasn't any hope left for us."

She turned slightly in his arms, pressing her belly into his. In spite of her motherly figure, a ribbon of pure desire threaded its way through his body and tied a hard knot in the pit of his abdomen. It was enough to gain her attention.

"Can we make love without hurting our baby?"

"I'm sure we can find a way,” he said, grinning lovingly at her. In the passing starlight he could see the HeartCrystal sparkling as clear as water in the hollow of her throat. “We know Emma's back with us, but I wonder why she's still transparent?"

Star's smile went from loving to seductive. Shifting her position slightly, she managed to glide up along his body until her face was even with his. She was tempted to lose herself again in his kisses, but past experience had taught them that he couldn't keep his concentration focused on traveling through the netherworld if she tried.

"Ohhh, trust me, my love. I have a feeling Emma will regain her ebony luster soon enough,” she promised, remembering a similar conversation several months ago.

"How can you be certain?"

Running her tongue up his neck, she snickered when he moaned softly, and his hands clutched her closer. “Oh, I'm as certain as the fact that we're going to have a son, as well as a daughter."

"Just two?” he chuckled, making his insinuation known.

"Shut up and keep your mind on where we're going,” Star said, gently nibbling his chin. “And if you're really smart, you'll take us back to our apartment at Command instead of staying the night at your parents'."

"I will?"

"Yeah. And don't you dare tell me you can't figure out why."

Hunter let out a loud bark of laughter while the cosmos passed by them like thin sheets of light. As they glided over suns and swept around moons, they renewed their vows with kisses and whispered words. They would have their tomorrows; that much they had been promised.

It was all they wanted.

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Chapter 40

Discovery

Star slowly coasted over the top of Transport Three, carefully scrutinizing the hull plating to make certain nothing had been missed and nothing had been overlooked during the repairs. The comm unit in her hand ticked steadily, letting her know it hadn't found anything worth signaling about, but inspections like this were always necessary. Additional precautions were never too many, especially when it came to their job and their lives.

As she hovered just above the viewscreen in front of the pilot's seat, her eyes glanced down at her reflection in the transparent shield. The HeartCrystal at her throat glittered like a miniature ebony star, drawing her attention. Touching it lightly, Star allowed her mind to drift...

* * * *

...remembering the startled looks on Cara and Vall Vostien's faces when they opened the front door to see her standing there with tears streaming down her face ... their screams of joy and the sobbing as Star moved to the side so they could see their son standing on the walkway.

Hours later, they left for Guardian Command, but not until they had promised to return soon. Once they reached their private chambers, they could freely weep for joy Hunter's hands shaking so hard as he drew the top away from her belly and caressed the growing life inside.

"I can sense her, Terrin! I can sense her!"

He pulled her on top of him so as not to harm their baby, and she had ridden him almost frantically. It hadn't been enough. All through the night they continued to love each other both physically and emotionally. They would lie on their sides and caress each other, kissing, sharing their tears and murmuring their vows of love and hope.

Sleep had come sporadically to them that first night. They had been terrified of waking up to find out it had been a sweet but evil dream. And when their first morning had dawned, the first thing Star had done was to look at Hunter's crystal chip at his throat.

At the perfectly black temporal crystal snugly nestled in his flesh.

* * * *

"How's the inspection coming, Star?"

Star jerked back to reality and keyed the comm in her hand. “Almost finished, Merchant. Give me a few more minutes."

"No problem."

Drifting back from the nose of the ship, Star glanced over to where the playbed sat near the console, but out of the way in case someone should come running into the bay. Immediately she went on alert and flew directly over to the small floating cradle.

"Hunter?” she called aloud.

"I think he's up in the labs helping Bruiser with something,” Condemner's voice drifted down from the overhead walkway leading to the new training rooms.

"Thanks!” she said, then palmed the transmission button again on her comm unit. “Hunter, where are you?"

A second passed before her husband's voice came over the tiny speakers. “In the labs. Why?"

"Did you come get Callie?"

There was a moment of silence. She started to ask him again when he popped into view next to her. His face told her everything she needed to know.

"Oh, sweet heavens, where's Callie?” she breathed. Now her instincts were alerted to the fact that their daughter was missing from her playbed. But who had her?

The first time Hunter had popped in and taken off with the tiny infant without letting Star know, she had reamed him out good for causing her to worry. Hunter hadn't pulled that stunt again—at least, not without letting her know his intentions beforehand, or afterwards, so she wouldn't demolish Guardian Command trying to find the baby.

"Maybe one of the others picked her up to play with her,” he suggested, which was a very real possibility. Each of the newly anointed uncles and aunts doted on the little girl. So much so, Star almost felt the need to restrict them being around her. Until Hunter smoothed Star's maternally ruffled feathers and assured her that their Callie was probably going to be the most loved, albeit spoiled child ever to be raised by a host of super-empowered champions of the galaxy.

"Let me go find Provoker. Maybe he has her.” Giving his wife a quick kiss, Hunter disappeared. Star let out an irritated sigh. Of all the Guardians, Provoker was probably the most enamored of their new addition. He idolized the baby, and Callie made it quite clear he was her favorite, aside from her own mother and father. Once Star even found them sitting in front of the vast star chart, Callie lying silently in his lap, wide eyes staring up at him as the man discussed various political factions on several planets. As coordinator and delegator, Provoker's job demanded he stay abreast of all interspecies developments, especially those beings capable of interstellar flight. It wasn't surprising to watch the little girl fall asleep, lulled by the man's gentle voice. Once he realized the baby was dozing, Provoker carried the infant back to her playbed and tenderly tucked the little quilt Seeker had made around the miniature figure before tiptoeing out of the room.

Rather than wait for Hunter to let her know if he'd found their daughter, Star placed the tip of a finger against the dark stone in her throat. “Emma, do you know where your sister is?"

The jewel sang a four-note tone. Hunter had dubbed it “Callie's song” the first time they'd heard it, right after their daughter's birth. It was as if the HeartCrystal had welcomed her sibling with the gift of a personal melody.

The crystal sang again, then chirped. Star frowned. There was no sense of fear or worry coming from the gem. In fact, it acted as if nothing was wrong. Star tried again. “Emma?"

It was then she heard the tiny wail coming from somewhere high above her head. At the same moment, Hunter reappeared, shaking his head. Star hushed him. “Listen!"

Between them, Emma chirped again, this time singing Callie's song before adding a sense of irritation. Star turned to her husband where she saw a brightness in his rich, blue eyes. “What?” she breathed.

"Wait. I think I know what's happened,” he told her softly, and vanished again. She hadn't drawn a second breath when she heard him call down to her. “Found her!"

Father and daughter popped into view as Hunter tried to calm the crying infant. Handing her over to Star, he watched as his wife managed to get the baby gentled. Seeing the little girl nudging against her mother's breast, Hunter wrapped his arms around them both and transported them into their apartment. Star quickly sat on the edge of the bed before opening her uniform and lowering it to her waist so Callie could feed.

"What happened?” As soon as she was able to reassure herself all was well and their child was unhurt, Star glanced up to see Hunter smiling like an idiot as he stood there with his hands on his hips, watching them. “All right, Hunter, where did you find her?"

"Wellll...” He gave a chuckle and rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “She got stuck in the netherworld."

"Stuck in the—” Star's eyes widened. “What?"

"Well, she's just a baby. She hasn't learned how to control her abilities. She popped out, but she didn't know how to get back. I found her drifting up near the catwalk."

"She popped out? Great stars, Udo! She has your powers?” Star glanced down at the barely month-old infant hungrily tugging at her breast. “What are we going to do?"

"We don't know if she has all my powers. She may have inherited a few from you. We'll have to wait and see what else she can do. In the meantime, we're going to have to tether her until she's able to learn how to reappear."

"And how do we do that, pray tell?"

Hunter gave his wife a knowing smile. Her fear had quickly morphed into irritated worry. “I'll call Mother and ask her what she and Dad did when I began to display my powers. Remember, Terrin, I was five before I found out I could disappear, but by that time I could also reverse it."

"And when did you know about your hunting abilities?"

"Mmm, a couple of years later, I think. I don't remember exactly. It'll be interesting to see what she's inherited from you.” Reaching out, he tenderly caressed the dark down covering his daughter's head. It would become a rich brown color like her father's when it grew out, but they could already tell Callaura Vosstien had her mother's dark purple eyes.

"She tried to pop out when I grabbed her. She can manage herself, but she can't transport anything else. Not yet, anyway. If we tether her to her playbed, she won't be able to disappear again because she's not strong enough yet to take the bed with her."

"But when she gets strong enough to do that, then what are our options? Sweet heavens, Udo, you were five years! She's not even five weeks!"

Laughing out loud, Hunter gave Star a warm kiss. “That's why I need to call Mother and see what she had to do to keep me grounded.” He also gave his daughter a kiss on the temple, nuzzled Star's warm breast while he was in the vicinity, then stepped back to leave. “Let me finish up what I was doing in the labs, then I'll make the call. Are you going to be all right?"

"Yeah,” Star nodded, giving him a lopsided grin. “Right after it sinks in that we have a daughter who may be even more powerful than we are."

"Yeah, and that's just our daughter,” Hunter emphasized, grinning. Giving her a wink, he blinked out of sight as Star recalled Destiny's prophetic announcement.

Your son will become the greatest Guardian who ever lived.

Thinking about it, Star couldn't help but laugh amid her tears.

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About the Author

Linda loves to write romance with a fantasy or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. By day she is a kindergarten teacher, wife, and mother of two who lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf Coast. But at night she delves into worlds filled with daring exploits and sensual, erotic romance.

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