Araman’s Aria

By

Suzanne Embree

© Copyright by Suzanne Embree, May 2009

Cover Art by Alex DeShanks, May 2009

ISBN 978-1-60394-313-0

New Concepts Publishing

Lake Park, GA 31636

www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

For Amber

Chapter One

The sleek silver arrow-shaped craft came to a screeching halt on the black asphalt. Within seconds the door slid open and Araman Diago, the Commandant of Olean Intelligence of the Raylin Lunar System stepped out under a cloak of anger. His blonde height of six feet and six inches was intimidating enough to the underlings but the black uniform emphasizing his hard muscular frame instilled a sense of fear.

Araman was too furious to face the council he had been summoned to. His mission had been jeopardized by a malfunction in his ship’s cloaking device. With skill he managed to evade the enemy’s firing but the discharge had then alerted his superior on Olean to the situation. Just as he made it to safety his monitor floated down with the red angry face of his superior. “You… will… report immediately…understand immediately to my office, Commandant.” The red fleshy face uttered out in a stilted harsh manner. The screen floated upwards and out of his sight line.

As he walked across the tarmac, he coldly eyed his Second-in-command leaning against the door with a smirk on his face. Araman was in no mood for the man’s sharp wit. He gave an abrupt nod to the reddish brown-haired man equal in height and weight. The only other differences were a year in age and their rank.

“You know what this means?” The voice followed Araman as he entered the metal doors of a long glassed-in walkway.

“I can only guess.” Araman said with ice in his voice to the grinning shadow behind him. “I am certain you have duties to attend to Commander.” He spoke as though he were bored of the conversation already. He stopped in front of a door and grabbed the file waiting for his attention.

“You’ll end up with an M E.” Santari moved up beside his scowling Commandant.

“I have already denied issue of a military escort. I use the brothels like the other men.” Araman was tired of his accusation. His libido levels seemed more of an importance to everyone than the security of their world and its territories.

Santari scoffed at him. “You?” He snickered at his friend, “At a brothel? You’re like one of those outdated Terrian monks that still believe that abstinence leads to enlightenment.”

“And where would I find the time to indulge a sex slave?” The harsh words went unheard on Santari. Araman stopped abruptly and stared at him. “I have a Division to run.”

“Military escorts are disposable.” Santari continued walking.

“You,” Araman said to the backside of the commander, “Are the first reason why we are at odds with Oleander.” He referred to Olean’s sister planet.

Santari reached a set of heavy black steel doors. He opened it as a doorman for Araman. He bent into a slight bow and gestured Araman through with an extravagant wave of his hand.

“And when we make peace with Oleander, I will be the first to be willing to kiss and make up.” He chuckled as he followed Araman into a hallway leading inside the stark blank white walls.

“And you have an operations meeting in five minutes.” Araman’s rude manner was lost on Santari who just shrugged at his superior.

Araman stopped in front of a white door marked with the same insignia that sat on the right sleeve of his shoulder. A silver wing embossed into the black of the cloth. He smoothed his flight jacket and walked in shutting the door on Santari’s face.

He turned around and snapped to attention in front of his superior, Commander General Herse who sat at his desk. Even sitting it could be seen that Herse was smaller by a foot, with graying hair and jowls that sat on his face in a permanent frown. His eyes were hidden under thick flaps of skin. Smoke from a cigar billowed like a cloud above his head.

“What in Frigg do you think you were doing?” The General’s eyes never left the paper he was reading.

“Contact was made with a potential informant Sir. An underling for the Oleander Mistress of Strategic Warfare. We were to meet in the Thrillian star system in three lunar hours.”

“I assume,” the General’s voice was very dry as he drawled on each word, “you had your ship thoroughly inspected upon departure.”

“Yes Sir, as per regulations.” Araman answered.

“I assume your report will have an explanation as to why you exposed yourself to the enemy.” He flipped a page, cigar still in hand.

“The cloaking device was operational before take off, Sir. I have ordered a complete diagnostic inspection of my ship. I will forward the results with my report Sir.” Araman pushed through his tight lips.

“I have this.” Herse picked up and tossed a small diskette to the edge of his desk. “Speaking of regulations, I understood you refused yet again an escort?”

Araman cleared his throat. “Yes Sir.”

“That is the results of your last physical. Your libido levels are at a high risk factor. You are hereby ordered to take in your service and care a concubine to be provided for you until such time as when you marry. Until your level has returned to normal you will be confined to quarters.” He waved his hand holding the cigar wafting the smoke into clouds. “Dismissed.”

Araman gave a curt nod then tightly turned around. He opened the door and stalked out. He was thankful that Santari was no where to be seen as he strode out the hallway and back to the walkway that led to the tarmac. A quick glance over the rail to the empty pad told him his flyer was already under inspections.

Footsteps echoed behind Araman as he walked at a brisk pace to his quarters. The general was making sure that he went directly to his quarters. He scowled as he turned towards the towers designated for Military Division Commandant’s and their families.

The towers stood in a row of four, erected from glass and steel. Beyond the towers were the houses for the soldiers who were married and beyond that was the barracks for the singles. At the end of the barracks were the brothels that helped the soldiers become better men.

Araman grimaced as he approached the pod lift to his quarters. He never believed the thought that sex made a better soldier out of a man as the Olean armed forces believed. The doors of the lift opened as he neared. Araman stepped inside and turned around facing his silent escorts. He gave them a curt nod as the doors closed and the pod moved.

As the glass egg-shaped elevator rose higher Araman’s mood became worse. The last thing he needed in his life was a woman to take care of. One that even wasn’t of his choosing was even more so distasteful. The pod slowed to a stop then spun Araman around to a scan of his eye before doors to his quarters opened.

He stepped inside removing his flight jacket as the doors behind him closed and melded themselves into the glass of the dome. All four Military Commandants were given the tower domes as their living quarters. The General of course, lived wherever he wanted to.

There was a central sunken living space that looked over the mountainous terrain the base was nestled against. The level Araman stood on held the bar and gallery with stools up against the open counter. Behind the wall of the cooking range, was the internal elevator that led to the base’s underground. Beside that stood the toilet and shower room that connected to his dressing room.

The walkways on either side of the middle sectors bowed in the contours of the dome both leading to an open spacious sleeping chamber. Araman made his way on the plush white carpet to the edge of his bed where he sat to remove his boots and socks.

Leaving them in a heap Araman decided he needed a shower. There in the steam he hoped to clear his mind of what went wrong with his mission. He stepped into the hot water and relished the spray on his taut muscles. He pressed his palms against the cool tile of the wall and leaned with his back arched slightly under the massaging droplets of water.

He knew his cloaking device was operational before take off. Everything on his control board indicated he was cloaked. A curse passed Araman’s lips as he pushed off the wall and stepped forward, putting his face under the water.

A blinking light through the thick steam flashed like a beacon trying to get Araman’s attention. He muttered a longer stream of curses as he stepped out of the shower and dried himself off. He grabbed a flannel pair of workout pants and threw them on just as a soft beep emitted from the hallway.

The soft whir of the elevator reached his ears as Araman came down the hallway. He heard the porter clink to a stop before the doors opened with a swish. Two armed guards escorted a cloaked figure in. The head was hidden behind the folds of the cape’s hood as it stared at the floor.

“Commandant.” The young soldier gave him a curt nod then abruptly handed him paperwork to sign on a metal clipboard. Araman glared as he signed at the bottom in triplicate. The guard stepped to the side as the cloaked figure was pushed forward. The two heavily armed soldiers gave another curt nod to him, stepped back into the lift and disappeared behind the dull black steel.

Delicate hands appeared from underneath the folds of brown rough material. He watched with interest as they gently pushed back the hood. Black hair entwined with gold tumbled out. The silky spiraled tresses made Araman’s hand itch to run through them while drinking in the softness her locks promised. A soft cinnamon scent surrounded him as she lifted her head slightly. She still looked to the ground with her hands clasped in front of her.

He reached out, put a finger underneath her chin, and raised her gaze to meet his. Araman felt his heart slam into his chest as his eyes met hers. Long lashes that curled up to meet with her thin high arched brows. Her lashes were black framing the almond shaped eyes almost looking as though she wore kohl to enhance them. The color of her eyes intrigued him. They were such a light green they reminded him of the ancient Terrian stone Jade.

A glint from the side of her nose caught Araman’s attention. He turned her face to see a small clear gemstone sparkling as it caught the light streaming in from the setting sun. He noticed her skin was not pale like the Oleander women but like the color of caramel dusted in powder of copper.

She swallowed nervously as this man scrutinized her face from side to side. She lowered her gaze as he studied the language translator embedded in her nose. At best it only provided some help. She did not need a translator to figure out she was pleasing her new master. The intensity of his gaze frightened her.

Araman’s hand dropped back down beside him. The fear in her eyes said enough. He was at a loss for words to reassure her as Araman stared at this tiny dark creature that had entered his life. He was not expecting the effect she had on him either. Fear in a woman’s eyes never bothered him. In battle it meant he was victorious.

He gestured to her to follow him in to the central living space of his quarters. She stood while he sat reading the papers he had just signed. He skipped the military crap until he came to the information of his concubine. She was captured on her way to Oleander as a possible recruit for their intelligence division. He glanced for her name. He frowned when he could not find the data.

“Bloody Frigg!” Araman instantly regretted his outburst watching the way the young woman jumped. The forces couldn’t even supply her name; she was that disposable to them. He swallowed the bitter taste in his mouth. There were some things that Araman did not like about the military and their casual attitude with captured women was one of them.

“What is your name?” Araman asked glancing up at her.

“I am called Brea.” Her voice was soft when she spoke with a slight lilt. Araman was fascinated with the way she spoke or rather, almost sang her words.

“You are not Oleander.” He stated the obvious.

“No, I am from Shinwa, in the Corium star system.” She started to fidget with the material of her cloak. Brea was unsure if she should continue but the look of expectancy of more was in his icy blue eyes. “I was on my way to Oleander when the ship was taken.”

Brea neglected to tell him she was on her way to receive her position when she was captured. She managed a quick message to inform Oleander of her status. The reply was disheartening for any hopes of being saved.

“If you live, garner information in case of rescue. Good Luck.” She frowned.

“Why were you going to Oleander?” Araman interrupted her thoughts. He indicated to the chair for her to sit. He liked the fact she refused and stood standing.

She hesitated before answering. She had never avoided the truth before. Brea glanced up at his stern expression and decided it would be an unwise time to start. “I was recruited by the Intelligence Commission to train their soldiers.”

A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth at the small slip that stood in front of him. Her cloak could not disguise the fact she was a woman, but what warfare could this one teach?

Brea glared at his amusement of her answer. It was the same reaction that his superior had when he interrogated her, until she told him what she was trained in. She wondered if his reaction would be the same.

“Your size alone implies you deal with the gentler arts. You have no scars on your hands or face, which suggests you have never handled a weapon or ever been near one.” He cast his eyes in her direction. “You certainly have not seen combat.” Araman challenged.

Brea’s back stiffened at his words. She leveled her eyes to his. Araman swore he saw bursts of green sparks flying from them.

“Only a man would think of a weapon as the only means to destroy. And only a man would think because one does not bare the signs of combat, she has not seen combat or engaged.” Her words were calm but Araman did not mistake their meaning.

“Only a fool would think such a thing.” Araman stood noting she fought not to run from him. It pleased him, for some strange reason that she had a backbone and would meet a challenge from him. He crumpled the sheets in his hand as Araman scanned the hall.

“Where are your belongings?” He asked walking up the stairs to the higher floor.

Brea did not answer but instead a slight moan escaped her mouth. Araman froze at the sound. He slowly turned around to see a tear slip down her cheek.

“Brea? What happened?” He demanded in a harsh tone he instantly regretted at her wince. “What happened?” his voice was softer. Araman did not want to terrorize her any more than she had been already.

“Traveling with me was my little pet. Everything was taken from me and I was told it would be destroyed. He…he… is only…a baby.” She managed to get out. Brea squeezed her eyes closed, shutting out the memory of voices threatening to hurt her little companion. “I was told… as your concubine, you… you… would dress me and give me such things my behavior w…w…warrants.” She stammered out.

When he made no response she opened her eyes to see his muscular back leaving the room and emerged dressed a split second later. The black of his turtle necked pullover accented the fury that showed on his face. He summoned for the lift.

“I will be back. And for Frigg’s sake get rid of that bloody awful cape!” He disappeared behind the black door as it closed. Brea clenched her fists commanding every inch of her body to freeze while trying to control the sob threatening to rip from her throat. It escaped. The sound followed Araman down.

Araman boiled as the lift sped its way to the basement offices. The use of force and threats was against regulations. Someone else was going to pay for bringing that woman into his life. In a matter of less than an hour he had felt a range of emotions he had managed to evade for the majority of his life. It had to be her. What else could explain this sudden urge of chivalry?

The lift doors finally opened as he stormed out. Those that came across him in the hallways thought it best to stay away, far away as possible from Araman. He crashed through the doors in to the warehouse and stores looking for a human to yell at. A young soldier started to shake as the Commandant barged up to his counter.

“Where’s the animal from the capture of thirteen hundred lunar hours yesterday?” Araman demanded.

“It just left for research.”

Araman nearly broke the doors leaving the stores area. He would have normally chuckled at the sigh he heard upon his exit but he was determined to find this animal of Brea’s. It dawned on him he shouldn’t care about it or the sobbing woman he left behind.

And now he was breaking a direct order to stay confined hunting down this pet. If Araman were quick about it, none would be the wiser. He spied the white coats as they were called, turning to his right ahead. He caught up with them at the lift doors.

Araman reached out and turned the nearest one around whose hands were empty. The one next to him tried to get on the elevator before the Commandant grabbed him. Just as his foot reached the inside of the lift he was yanked back.

“That is mine.” Araman growled and reached for the squirming animal.

“It belongs…”

“It belongs to me!” Araman turned around to two armed guards and Herse standing behind him. Herse gave a nod to the white coats, which were more than happy to leave the scene.

He stood shaking his head at Araman with his jowls held in a stern expression.

“Do I need to place men at your door?” The dry voice calmly asked.

“No General.” He gave a curt nod while trying to hold the struggling animal. For something so little, it was difficult to hold onto.

“And Commandant,” Herse stopped Araman before he could leave. “The dog was going merely for a physical to ensure his health and then was going to be brought to your concubine.”

“My apologies General.” Araman offered. “It will not happen again.”

“Your confinement will extend another lunar week Commandant.” Herse added. “I believe the break from duty will do you good.” He turned and left the guards to escort the Commandant to his quarters via the lift. A smile tugged at his puffy lips as a rumble left the Commandant’s throat.

As they rode up the elevator to Araman’s residence, he took a look at the little dog. Its back was black with tan on his shoulders and hips. His legs and chest were white. Long soft faun colored ears framed the little square face. The black nose on the end of his muzzle looked like it was too big for him. The eyes were coffee brown and like his mistress they were outlined with a thick black line.

A pink tongue came out of the mouth and licked his face. The startled look on Araman’s face was enough to make the two rigid guards break out in a chuckle. They quit under the angry stare of Araman but they could not hide their smiles when he turned his back on them as the lift slowed to his stop.

He stepped into his hallway and could see no sign of Brea. He let the little pup go who put his nose to the ground the minute his feet touched. The tail started to wag as he followed the scent into Araman’s bedroom.

He stepped from the hallway to see her crouch down and swoop the excited little guy into her arms. The little dog squirmed and licked her on the cheek several times. He let out a little yip to be put down. The little dog ran around her and then around Araman and back to Brea who was still crouched down, greeting her in wriggling delight.

He spied the rumpled bed. It slowly dawned on Araman that Brea was without any clothes as he stared at the lines of her bent profile. She had shapely legs that met to a firm round bottom and slender hips that graduated to her back hidden by the length of her hair. Araman stared at the color wondering if it was black on gold or gold on black. He wanted to bury his face in her hair to see if it was as silken as it looked to be.

He wondered why she was without clothing before a pang of guilt hit Araman. He had told her to get rid of the cape. He inwardly groaned at his stupidity. She must have thought he meant her to wait in the bedroom for his return.

Araman went into his dressing room and pulled out his silky blue kimono. He brought it over and dropped it over her shoulders.

“I had forgotten you have nothing to wear.” His glance swept appreciatively over her curves as she put the robe on. “It suits you.” He watched as some of the fear faded from her eyes.

“Thank you.” Brea blushed as she turned her head back to the puppy. “Thank you for my Beebles.”

“Beebles?”

“It is my pet’s name.” Brea wrapped the tie around her slender waist and put it in a knot to hold. The robe was miles too long for her as she held up the hem to walk. “He needs to relieve himself.”

“He is a cute little guy.” Araman watched as the pup looked outside and gave a little whine. “He is a Beagle isn’t he?”

Brea nodded. “He was a gift to me. Beebles jumped out of his master’s arms and ran to me. I was only part of the crowd to greet the Ambassador. The little puppy would not leave my side as if he chose me. The Ambassador was amused that Beebles was more content to stay with me and decided that I needed him.” Beebles cocked his head and let out another whimper. “He needs to relieve himself.” She said again.

“What does he require?” Araman asked.

“Grass and a tree.” Brea gestured to outside. She clasped her hands together and dropped her head unsure if she should be requesting such things.

“Watch.” He came up beside her and led her over to where her pup sat. “Computer, modifications.”

“Yes Commandant Diago.” A female voice chimed from somewhere. Brea’s head was turning in all directions looking for it. “What modifications would you like Commandant?”

“Bring outer wall in eight feet of the sleeping section. Place rails, grass, a flower garden and a tree.”

Before Brea’s eyes, the wall moved over and behind them as grass grew under her feet. A large leafy green tree appeared in middle with branches that stretched the entire width of the newly modified balcony. Rails rose up around the edge and locked together while a beam traveled along the tops of the rails connecting the metal rods.

“Please select an area for a garden?” The voice asked.

Wherever he chose just by pointing, a collection of flowers would bloom within seconds of the command. He had the computer generate a vine of roses to entwine itself in the rails allowing for more privacy. Brea bent down to smell the sweet scent wafting from the blooms.

“Ow!” She pulled back her hand and turned her hand over to see a bright red dot form on her finger. She looked over at Araman coming towards her. “It bit me.” She glowered at the plant putting her finger to her mouth.

Araman chuckled. The sound surprised Brea. He took her hand and inspected her injury. Her hand felt warm in his palm, igniting tiny sparks that was traveling directly to his senses. He looked down to the delicate hand. Her fingers were slender that tapered into oval well-kept nails.

He caught himself under her inquisitive gaze, admiring her hand. Araman straightened himself dropping her hand as though it had just burned him. He cleared his throat and gestured towards the plant.

“The rose has thorns to protect its beauty.” He explained. He reached over and lifted a leaf to show her.

Brea was caught in the warming of his blue eyes. She looked away from his gaze and glanced around the area that was once a part of his bedroom that was now a scenic setting for her pet to relieve himself. It was an awkward moment for her.

“What of the clean up?” She glanced away from the pup sourcing out a spot.

“The computer will take care of that as well.”

“And how do we get back in?” Brea asked facing the domed glass of his bedroom.

“Walk through the glass. It will part for you.” He urged her forward. She called her pup over and picked him up. She cast a wary glance to Araman who gave a nod.

Brea took a deep breath then closed her eyes as she put a tiny foot part way into the wall. She grinned as the wall opened like a pool rippling from a stone tossed in. She looked back still smiling at Araman before stepping completely in.

Araman’s heart pounded against his ribs when he saw the smile she flashed before entering. He could hear Santari’s mocking laughter in the back of his head for trying to impress the exotic little concubine. It was a sound, Araman decided, he would have to get used to.

Chapter Two

Brea stood watching the sky turning purple as the sun faded bringing the stars out. She relished the moment alone. Araman explained he had paper work to do and excused himself to a corner of the living space to work. He had left her to her own devices. She wandered outside with Beebles at her heels unsure of what to think.

That morning she was summoned to the Oleander Intelligence Division to be offered a teaching position in the art of sexual warfare. That night she was the concubine to the Olean Intelligence Commandant and wondering if she would need to use what she taught. Brea looked back to the bedroom. She would need to assess the situation she decided. Her head looked back to the darkening night. Her thoughts returned to earlier.

A large faced older man watched as she was brought to a holding cell. He came forward and asked her who she was and her reason for entering Olean territory. She explained her business and was denied any leniency for her ignorance.

“Ignorance is not a reason or excuse. Under Olean Military Law you are considered chattel and therefore under Military Law will service the men in their sexual needs.” Brea had gasped at what he decreed. He continued, “You are to be given to the Commandant Araman to be used as his for his needs. You are now his belonging to be treated and dressed as he sees fit. You won’t have to worry about being there long, he doesn’t want a concubine.” He gave her a leering smile before taking her into the next officer. She shuddered involuntarily.

A sigh escaped her lips. She was given a safe word if she needed to terminate her service but only if bodily harm has been committed.

“If an officer harms you physically,” she was informed, “you are to use your safe word, and you will be removed from his service. You will then be placed in a more suitable environment. If placed in too many homes you will be disposed of.” Brea asked out of curiosity what would happen to the officer.

“Dishonorably discharged for sexual misconduct. It is the gravest of charges to be levied against a military man.”

“And has it happened?” Brea asked choosing not to pursue the disposal comment.

“Yes, and all men are now shunned from civilian life as well.”

It gave her little comfort. For all her knowledge that was passed to her, she was still unbreached. She knew how to use it to hurt a man and bring him down but to use the arts to please a man was a foreign concept to her. The art of seduction would be lost on a man like the one she was now forced to call master.

Brea decided sitting down on the grass that he was at least pleasant to look at when he wasn’t scowling at her. His eyes flashed between the color of ice and blue flames when he angered. He was good looking with a strong jaw, angular cheekbones and clean cut. The Commandant terrified her by his sheer height alone.

She had no idea what to expect. Beebles bounded over to her and crawled in her lap. He let out a squeak as he yawned letting her know he was tired. The little dog curled up in her lap and went sound asleep. She idly stroked his ears while her eyes took in the brilliance of the Olean night sky.

Stars seem to dance in a mist of iridescent clouds leisurely floating by. The indigo of night set upon igniting even more was dazzling lights of pink, green and blue. Brea was mesmerized at the colors’ brilliance as they changed before her eyes. Moons appeared in every size and each was opalescent as they competed for attention from the stars. She was so entranced by the sight; she did not notice when Araman settled beside her.

He had stood back watching her before approaching, just watching her look at the sky. He didn’t have time to look after a concubine. A main reason for his denying himself one. He too spent time away from home. It meant Brea would be with him on a mission or in the heat of battle. The thought churned in his stomach.

Concubines were disposable according to the military like a sock. If one were lost, another would replace it. Araman shook his head. Who could possibly replace Brea? The idea of losing her already made his chest tighten. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

She must be a witch, he decided walking towards her. She cast a spell and now he was falling under it. He never gave a woman this much thought in so little a time. It wasn’t that he didn’t like women, he did. Araman enjoyed them as much as the next virile Alpha male would permit himself. He didn’t have the time for them or their emotions. A concubine meant both.

The gold in her hair reflected the soft light from the night sky he noted as he sat down on the grass. He stretched out and propped himself up on his elbows casting his gaze skyward. Araman would never tire of the view of his night sky.

“Which is your moon?” The question came softly.

“Our moon hasn’t risen yet. It will be the largest of them all once it rises.” Araman explained.

“Shinwa has one moon and yellow stars that we see each night.” Brea glanced to him.

“Our time is based on the moon. Every three hundred lunar days, our moon and Oleander’s moon eclipse looking like only one. It is the only day we set aside our differences and celebrate.” He pointed in the night sky. “You see the moon there?” Brea looked at the direction and nodded. “It will become bigger as our two planets near.”

“I can not mate with you.” She blurted out. Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hands. Immediately her head dropped. She had no idea where that thought came from.

Araman raised an eyebrow at her. Her bluntness intrigued him. “And why not?”

Brea did not answer, as she was too mortified to even look at him. He sat up placing an arm behind her back and leaned into her. She could smell his citrus aftershave as he moved himself closer.

“And why not Concubine?” He cupped her face with his hand and forced her to face him. “You can not deny me anything.” He reminded her, “you are mine to command.”

Her eyes met his. “Then you must command me.”

“I command you to tell me why you can not mate with me?” He released his grip.

“I am Shinwa.” She said simply expecting him to understand.

“Explain.” He admired the way her nose rounded softly like the rest of her.

“If a Shinwa woman mates with a man, she is bound to him physically.”

“How do you mean physically?” Araman drank in her fragrance.

“If I were to mate with you, my body will form inside to only accommodate you upon our first mating. No other man will be able to mate with me because my body will not accept his. In Shinwa women the heart is directly connected to each of the chakkras. It is our web within.” She indicated the points with a flowing hand from the top of her head, down to her mouth, heart and then to between her legs. “If forced, the chakkra will shatter, killing me in the process.” Brea took a deep breath. “I am only here until you find a wife, and then I will be passed on to another. It is why the Shinwa do not make good concubines for Olean. I tried explaining this to the man who questioned me.”

“What if your first time is forced upon you?” Araman straightened.

“Again my body will conform to his extension. I would be tied to him in hatred instead of ….” She left the sentencing hanging in the night air unfinished. She lowered her eyes to the sleeping puppy.

“Love?” Araman asked sardonically. She turned her face away from him. He regretted his tone. She had done nothing but answer his question. “How do you protect yourselves from such things?”

“We have been taught from children the arts of sexual warfare and self-defense.” She still would not face him.

“The ultimate weapon.” Araman nodded. “Now I understand the interest of Oleander in you.” He used a finger to guide her face back to him. He could feel the pull she had on him. “Lucky for me, we found you first.” He dipped his head to capture her lips.

Brea’s mouth parted in surprise as his connected. His lips were warm as they teased hers, brushing lightly against her mouth. She lifted her head, meeting his, hesitantly wanting more of what he offered. His lips hovered above hers as she sought to control her rapid heartbeat. Araman’s eyes held the color of a deep blue sapphire as his gazed pierced into hers.

He lowered his lips against hers. “There are many ways of pleasuring without mating Concubine. This you will come to know.” His lips claimed hers briefly. Araman drew back and smiled, almost mocking her. “I taste innocence in your lips for all your knowledge.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “It is late, Concubine, and I need my rest. Tomorrow they will test my libido levels and I somehow must lower them.”

Brea shook her head not understanding his meaning.

“It is why the military gave you me. To mate with and lower my libido.” He explained. He chuckled softly when she blushed.

“I know of a way to help with that. If you wish I can show you.” She offered not looking at him.

Araman stood up and offered a hand to her. “I would like that.” He said as she took his hand shyly.

He helped Brea, still holding the pup, up to her feet and led her inside. She put Beebles on the end of the bed where the pup stretched and let out a snore as he settled in. She looked about the room and frowned. Araman caught the look.

“Does something displease my concubine?” He asked still holding an edge of mockery.

“Yes.” She turned to him. “The room is too bright and silent.”

“How would you like it?” He bowed slightly to her as if her servant.

“Dim lighting, like a moon’s glow.” Her voice went very soft. “We need the sound of running water like rain or a brook with soft tones of music.”

“Computer comply with request.” The room darkened as water rushed in the background of slow harmonious music. “Anything else?”

Brea nodded. “You will need towels and a pot of warmed oil.” Araman gave a nod then disappeared down the hallway. He returned a couple minutes later with the items she asked for. She took the towels from his one hand and indicated to put the pot down on the floor.

She spread the towels out and then took his hand. Araman opened his mouth to say something when she put a finger to it. She guided him to on top of the towels and bade him to sit crossed legged with his feet on his knees. Brea sat the same way in front of him.

“Now breathe. In through your nose, hold it and out through your mouth.” She instructed. “Listen to the water running.” The tones of her voice were barely a whisper. She placed his hand palms up on his knees then covered his with hers.

As he breathed and listened to the sounds of the water as his mind drifted back to being a little boy on a bridge throwing sticks in the water. The sensation of happiness filled his chest. Memories of adolescence, boyhood crushes floated in and out of his head bringing with them different emotions. The memories swam by, then were pulled away by a vortex threatening to overtake him.

“Stretch your legs out.” Brea’s voice interjected shattering the cyclone like glass on granite. His body automatically obeyed her soft command. He felt her hands on his chest pushing him gently to lie down.

She removed his long legged bottoms as swiftly and deftly as she could but he was larger than most men she had encountered and somewhat cumbersome. He was larger every where she discovered. Brea laid a folded towel over his middle section ignoring her blushing.

“Keep breathing.” She waited to see the rise and fall of his chest. Brea dipped her hands into the warmed ginger smelling oil. She was not prepared for the shock of electricity that shot through her when she touched his shoulders.

Methodically and slowly Brea began to massage every inch of his body. Her hands liked the feel of his skin and the sensations she was feeling from touching him. She could feel her energies mingling with his as she worked at relaxing his body.

Araman groaned as she sat on him to rub his chest. He could not help the hardening of his member underneath her with only a towel between them. He raised his hands to touch her but she lowered them and told him to breathe as her fingers returned to kneading the muscles of his chest. Just at the point he could no longer take her weight tormenting him she instructed him to roll over.

Brea waited until he had finished moving before resuming his massage. Araman didn’t start to relax until she massaged his feet. Brea smiled at the moans that emanated from deep within his throat. She had managed to banish his desire and replace it with sheer contentment and blissfulness as he felt his muscles relax under her expert touch.

Fascinated by his buttocks she spent longer than she should have working the tight muscles. Brea wondered if every part of his body was made of rock. Her cheeks warmed as she remembered the feel of him beneath the towel under her.

More sounds came from his lips as she straddled him once again to work on his shoulders and spine. His back was a fine example of masculinity, she smiled as her hands rubbed and stroked him.

Brea noticed a scar on his shoulder where his skin had torn and mended without medical attention. Without thinking she bent and kissed the spot. Her hands used different pressures along his neck releasing tension from his stress. The loudest moan of all came when she used her thumbs dipped in the warm oil, gently around the base of his skull.

“Frigg… that feels so good.” Araman sighed as her fingers began massaging his skull. Brea was fascinated by the color of his hair. It wasn’t yellow but it wasn’t brown either but an even mix of both. His hair was thick and smelled woodsy.

She swore she heard him whimper slightly when her hands grazed over his temples. In a circular motion she rubbed his temples sending his senses into overload. She slowly stopped rubbing as his breathing became very even.

Brea covered Araman with the two remaining towels and crawled up onto the bed. She curled up on the end of the bed with hands beneath her head and looked at him. His handsome features looked almost boyish when he was relaxed.

Beebles curled up in the crook of Brea’s legs and let out a sigh before falling back asleep. She looked around her new surroundings. They were as masculine as the man on the floor was. The only furniture in the room was the large round bed she lay on. White carpet, black walls of the dressing room and glass walls. Privacy among these people seemed not to matter, Brea surmised. Somewhere in her last thoughts of the room and the comfort of her pet snuggled to her Brea fell sound asleep.

* * * *

It was the first thing that Araman saw when his eyes opened to the first rays of light. His concubine with her hand tucked neatly under her head. He heard a yawn and saw a little head pop up from behind her shapely legs. Araman smiled as the pup stretched then slid off the bed to say good morning.

Beebles padded over to the wall and let out a whimper raising his paw. Araman rose wrapping the towel Brea had placed on him securely around his mid-drift. Beebles followed him through the rippling opening the wall created as he stepped through.

Araman loved the smell of the morning air. It was sweet and dewy as the rising sun promised another perfect day on Olean. He chuckled at the funny little animal running with the floppy ears flapping the sides of his muzzle. The animal almost bowled over his hindquarters catching a scent in the grass. Araman had to admit to himself that his concubine’s pet did amuse him as he chuckled.

He rolled his shoulders and stretched waking his sleeping muscles. Araman twisted his head side to side noticing his tension was gone. It felt good. It slowly dawned on him that he hadn’t felt this good in months.

Araman and Beebles headed quietly passed Brea to the galley so she could remain sleeping. Just as they entered the passageway to the gallery the light of the lift began to blink. Araman mumbled a curse knowing it was the medics who were arriving to test his libido levels. The doors to the lift opened and two white coats stepped out and snapped to attention. Behind them Santari slipped out and leaned against the wall. Before he could open his mouth a white coat stepped forward.

“Commandant Diago! Sir!” In a voice that could have broken the sound barrier.

“Quiet!” Araman growled. “There is someone sleeping.”

“It only your concubine. She doesn’t matter.” Santari quipped. “Do you have your report for Herse? I thought I would drop by and deliver it for you personally seeing as the General asked me to.”

“You are becoming dangerously annoying.” His eyes became flints of steel as they narrowed. He reached for the info disk off his desk and handed it to his underling. “You have to report to the General in fifteen minutes. I suggest you use the time to prepare. Dismissed Commander.” Araman said between his teeth controlling the urge to beat the man into a pulp.

The lift doors closed as Santari winked and broke out into a grin. Araman cursed under his breath. “Take what you need and leave!” He growled.

The two white coats looked to each other. One produced a slim silver metal case. He pushed a button and the lid flipped open revealing a small thin tubular device. The other white coat put on a pair of gloves and picked up the device. He swabbed a spot at the round of Araman’s shoulder with disinfectant, then quickly jabbed the device into skin and pulled it back.

“The General will call you with your results. Sir.” The white coat whispered his military tone while the other called for the lift.

“Dismissed.” Araman would be relieved when this ridiculous ordeal was over.

He made his way to the galley and put on a strong pot of coffee. Araman loved the smell of strong Terrian coffee brewing, filling the air with its aromatic smell. He discovered the beverage on a furlough on the blue planet.

Beebles gave a little yip as Araman shut the door of his cooler munching on a piece of orange fruit. Araman glanced down when Beebles yipped again looking to the morsel he held. He tossed down a piece for the pup. He made a mental note to himself to ask Brea what her pet needed for food.

“Good Morrow.” The greeting came softly behind Araman. He turned around to see Brea still tousled with sleep.

“I hope the white coats didn’t wake you.” He said pulling a stool out for her.

“White coats?” Brea sat down.

“Medical Core.” He went around the counter. He opened a cupboard and brought out two mugs. He raised them to her. “If you haven’t tried coffee you haven’t lived.” He said putting the mugs on the counter. He reached for the pot and poured.

“Is that what I smell?” She asked sniffing the air.

Araman handed her a steaming mug of the brown elixir. “Try it plain, if you like it sweeter or richer you may add sugar or cream.”

She tasted the hot liquid. It was bitter but flavorful. It was the aftertaste she didn’t like. Araman chuckled as he brought the cream and sugar.

“It smells better than it tastes.” She handed it back. He took the mug from her hand, mixed the coffee with even amounts of cream and sugar and handed back the mug for her to try.

“Try it.” He urged when Brea eyed the mug suspiciously. She gingerly took the offering and tasted it.

With an approving nod she set down the mug. “That tastes much better.” She glanced up at him. “And are you fine this morning?”

Araman brought out a chopping block and a knife setting it in front of her. Brea put her hands in her lap and leaned back.

“Relax Concubine.” He brought out a pink oval onion and began chopping. “I am making us our morning meal. What does your pet need for nourishment?”

“He eats the same as I but I give him raw instead of heated.” She answered watching Araman place a pan on the instant fire with a pat of creamy yellow butter inside. He added the onions.

“Heated?” Araman’s blue eyes caught hers. “You mean cooked.” His tone softly mocked her. Her eyes dropped to the floor.

“Cooked.” She repeated the word to herself. She silently cursed her translator.

A hushed beep from Araman’s desk interrupted his cooking. He shut the elements off. He gave a quick glance to Brea before stepping over to a screen emerging from the surface of his desk.

“Why don’t you take a shower, this could take a while.” He faced the screen.

The General’s puffy face appeared on the viewer. “Congratulations Commandant.” His flat words greeted Araman behind a piece of paper. “You have succeeded in bringing down you libido levels. You are still confined to quarters for one more week.”

“Sir, permission to make a request.” Araman asked.

The jowls jiggled as Herse gave a terse nod.

“Permission to take my concubine for supplies as the military did not see fit to issue her belongings to her.”

“Granted. The time will be added to your confinement. You will return….” General Herse was interrupted by a scream emanating from the shower.

Araman left the general’s face on the screen as he bolted for the shower where another scream was resounding off the walls. Beebles was scratching at the door but backed up when Araman came racing down the hall.

He burst into the room to see through broken glass, Brea strangling the showerhead as she tried to wring it from the wall. Her wet hair was flying all around as the look of fear flashed before determination to kill her attacker crossed her face. Water sprayed all over as Brea in his kimono and the showerhead fought a vicious fight.

A foot was locked firmly in place on the floor while her other foot was planted against the wall. She smacked the showerhead against the tile of the wall damaging a few. The spraying showerhead tried to withdraw but she pulled on it, tearing it slightly from its anchoring on the marble. It writhed upward producing a waterfall as she struggled to launch the head into another part of the enclosure.

The showerhead wrestled back lurching her forward slightly. As she set herself to rip the invader from its withdrawal to finally kill it, the sound of Araman’s laughter reached her ears. The deep rumbles from his throat echoed around her. Her fingers released their grip on the showerhead, which resumed its spot in accordance to her height, to just above her head.

Brea looked over to him as he stood in the doorway with his hands on his hips laughing at her. His blue eyes twinkled as he looked upon her sodden state. Dampened curls stuck to her face.

“It came at me when I stood under it to look at it. It shot a cold liquid at me.” Brea tried to say in her defense. Araman still laughed. “It frightened me.” She shot at him angrily.

He stepped inside the stall to survey the damage. Broken wet tile lay on the floor, and a tap handle was bent out of shape. The shower door had a web of broken glass where the spray met its first blow.

Just as Araman stepped out of the stall Santari put his head through the door. His jaw dropped at the sight of the Commandant’s shower room. He looked over to the tiny wet figure and back to the site of the fight.

“I’m afraid to ask, but just who was responsible for this?” Santari looked at the little figure trying to wring out her much too big robe. “This is the military’s idea of a submissive concubine? I’d hate to see one that’s not.” He let out a long low whistle watching the water drip from the ceiling. “Now I know why you avoided one for so long.” He patted the wall and turned around. “I smell coffee.”

Araman stepped into the dressing room and found her another robe to wear then sought out Santari. He found his second draining the last of the pot into a mug.

“She’s a pretty little thing your concubine. I’ve heard strange tales of a raging officer attacking white coats for her pet.” Santari lifted his mug to his Commandant. “Now I understand why.”

“What do you want?” Araman stiffly asked resenting the intrusion.

Santari dropped his smile and became serious. His sienna eyes focused on Araman. “Oleander is claiming the moons of Tetris and its neighbor Romula.”

“They are not our territories.” Araman shrugged.

“No. That is not a concern Sir. The concern is the bases they have built.” Santari straightened up when Brea walked in trying to tie up the robe. She tripped slightly over the hem of the terrycloth.

Araman’s arm shot out to catch her. Santari looked away when he saw the expression on his Commandant’s face when he looked at his concubine. Santari had never seen the man look softly towards another human let alone a woman. Araman whispered something in her ear and handed her a mug. She gave a slight nod and called her pup as she left the men to their conversation.

“Shinwa.” Santari said softly.

“What of it?” Araman looked to his second.

“They say to never taste the nectar of a Shinwa, lest you be bound to them for life.”

“I’ll take that into consideration when dealing with my concubine.” Araman crossed his arms over his chest.

“After seeing your shower room, I would suggest you deal with her very carefully.” Santari drained his mug. He set the mug on the counter. “I’ll keep you posted as to our status. Right now we are just observing.”

“They know we are watching?” Araman asked. Santari nodded. “They like to play games. Does the General have surveillance on the other moons?”

“We have deployed three underling troops for moon detail. We should hear within twenty-four hours.”

“What about the moles in Oleander?”

“Received their instructions this morning. The General gave confidential orders to each of them.” Santari informed him.

“Any chance they are only colonizing?” Araman asked knowing the answer.

Santari shook his head. “Doubtful.” He moved towards the lift before stopping. “ I received the diagnostics of your flyer. No evidence was found of foul play or mechanical failure. They are still looking at the ship’s internal shield log.” Santari gave a curt nod and left his commandant leaning on the counter of his galley in thought.

Araman did not like what he was hearing from Santari. Oleander was becoming more aggressive flexing their matriarchal muscles. If they continued, war would be inevitable.

He felt the tension creep back into his neck.

Chapter Three

Brea browsed through the stalls as Araman stood holding Beebles in his arms while ignoring the curious stares the little animal and his concubine were causing. Even dressed as she was in a pair of his workout pants and oversized pullover, men still could not avert their eyes until they met the Commandant’s icy stare.

He watched Brea looked through the clothes. The delicate way she cocked her head as she inspected the material. She pulled out a soft flowing garment and showed it to him.

“Are all the clothes shaped like this.” She referred to the long tunic style with a belt to hold it in place.

“For concubines yes.”

Brea glanced up at his tone. He was uncomfortable. She moved around the rack.

“Are you ashamed of having a concubine?” Brea looked up to him. She was surprised he didn’t flinch at her question.

“No. I disagree with the idea that you are a thing and not a respected being. Beebles here has more rights than you.”

“Are all the woman concubines?” She pulled out another color to look at.

“No. Many are wives.” Araman tried not to sound impatient with her.

“And wives have rights?” She put the garment back and kept searching. Araman nodded. “Can concubines become wives?” Her eyes were wide and her mouth partly open when she cast her gaze towards Araman.

His heart thudded in his chest. Every muscle in his groin tightened at her look. He tucked Beebles under his armpit trying to gain control of his breathing. He cleared his throat and faced Brea.

“Yes. Many concubines become wives.”

“It is why they stare at me and look upon me as though I were no more than dirt.” Brea said in her soft lilting tone as she casually pulled another tunic out. She draped it over her arm liking the tawny color. “I am not an honorable woman. I am considered a…” she waited for the word to translate, “whore.” She finished the sentence without looking at him. “I know the men stare at me like I am something to be eaten, yet they keep their distance because you are near. But the women do not care.” She came around the rack and stood in front of Araman.

Her eyes followed the lean lines of his chest up to his full lips. Her pale green eyes sparked as they met his clear blue eyes. She watched as the color fluctuated as he controlled his urge to take her into his arms. She was intrigued she was having this effect on him.

Araman knew she was aware of the affect she was having on him. He watched the light jade eyes deepen and start to smolder. Her scent called to him to bury his head in her hair and inhale her fragrance. He turned his head away from her.

“You are having trouble containing your instincts Commandant Diago.” Brea stated softly to him. Araman’s head whipped towards her. “I apologize.” She bent her head slightly, and then looked at him through her lashes. “It is not something I can control.” Her voice was apologetic. She cast her eyes towards the ground.

He was bringing something out in her, Brea realized. She was becoming bolder with this man. She had never done so with other men even when they expressed interest. She dismissed the thought that this man standing before her was her Chatam Pritam, the life lover of a Shinwa woman. The words barely audible fell from her mouth.

She shuddered when he caught the crook of her chin and directed her gaze to his as he looked down at her. Her heart pounded against her breastbones as she was forced to meet his hard stare.

“You test my limits Concubine.” Araman said coldly. “I have little time in my life such as it is to indulge in useless chatter.” Beebles was thrust into her arms after taking the garment she chose and stepped past her to pay the shopkeeper.

Araman handed the shopkeeper his demerit card still angry. The older man looked up and indicated with his pointed chin to Brea.

“She is Shinwa.” He said taking the card and inserting it into a slot. He punched three buttons then handed a keypad to the Commandant. “Do you smell a spicy scent when she is near?”

Araman eyed the graying shopkeeper before answering. The older man smiled taking the pad back. The Commandant’s silence only confirmed the shopkeeper’s question.

“Shinwa women release a scent that call to a man’s pheromones. It is why,” he widened his grin, “you wish to kill any male who looks upon her.” He handed Araman’s card back. “Enjoy your purchase Commandant.”

Araman left the stall with a curt nod. He came up behind Brea who stood holding her pet staring at the ground. He put a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the next stall where she took a quick glance and shook her head.

“If it pleases you, I wish to return to your home. This is adding time to your confinement.” Brea whispered aware of the stares they were attracting. “I fear my pet has become troublesome.” Beebles started to squirm in her arms. She could not raise her eyes to his.

Araman lowered his mouth to her ear while taking the pup from her. “I ask forgiveness Concubine, I did not mean to be so harsh.” The words caressed her ear as his lips brushed her cheek. “It seems a Shinwa witch has been playing with my pheromones.”

Brea’s eyes shot up to his. Araman’s sudden tenderness caught her off guard. She was unsure what to think of his sudden mood swing. Her head gave a little nod.

“Now come, I will take you to my favorite stall. It is for both wives and concubines.” He placed the packaged bundles in her arms. His free hand fell to the base of her spine and led her down the length of the marketplace.

The market was along a straight cobblestone road that teemed with life as they walked. The bright reds and oranges of the stall curtains trying to attract customers reminded Brea of the markets of her own world even if it was not as colorful. Even the aromas of different delicacies smelled familiar to her nose. Children ran amongst the milling crowds as shopkeepers tried to get the Commandant’s attention and demerits.

Women arguing with venders made Brea smile. Watching one woman with one hand on her hip and the other hand shaking a fist at the small thin man trying to flog his wares brought a little snicker to her lips. It seemed to Brea that no matter where she was, women were all the same when it came to getting their demerits worth.

People moved aside as they passed with nods to Araman. Brea heard whispers and murmurs as they passed. She wondered if the Commandant heard, as well. At the end of the market a small pudgy man came waddling out of a brilliant blue and purple tent. He stretched his arms out as Araman approached with Brea.

“Commandant Diago, it has been too long.” He sidled up. “I have many beautiful things to please your wife.”

Brea gasped softly at the reference to her. She didn’t dare look at Araman afraid of his response.

“Thank you Louie.” Araman smiled at Brea. “This way, Lyra.” He used the Olean endearment. He guided her to under the canopy and pushed her towards Louie’s wares.

Araman watched Brea, looking around at the fabrics hesitant to choose something. Louie smiled as he stood beside his patron.

“It is true the rumor then?” Louie asked.

“It depends on the rumor.” Araman answered admiring the soft green against Brea’s coppery skin.

“Oleander is building bases nearer to our defenses.” Louie said in a quieter tone. As Brea browsed closer, he darted out despite his girth and guided her to a selection of silky scarves in many vibrant colors.

“What have you heard?” Araman asked as the man neared.

“One of my suppliers was asked to take a transport to Tetris. He was not allowed to inspect the cargo or ask any questions.” Louie gave Brea a smile and waved her to keep looking. “He caught a glimpse of the cargo in question.” The wide little man leaned over and spoke from the side of his mouth. “Arsenal.”

Araman’s stomach felt as though it had been punched. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Oleander made an aggressive move towards his planet and its lunar territories. The sooner his confinement was over, the sooner he could confirm the information.

Araman nodded as Louie motioned for Brea to look at a pendant made of Terrian Jade. She looked to Araman’s dower face and then politely declined thinking he disapproved. Louie gave the Commandant a questioning look at Brea’s response.

“I beg your pardon sir, but the jade goes so well with your wife’s eyes.” Louie interrupted Araman’s thoughts on the smuggling of weapons by Oleander.

“Yes it would.” Araman agreed with a warm smile at his concubine. “Add it to the rest please.” He brought out his demerit card and handed it to Louie who waddled off to retrieve the keypad to seal the purchase.

Brea moved beside Araman with a quick glance up to him then back down to the ground.

“Thank you for your generosity.” She spoke quietly. She could feel his eyes on her. Her earlier boldness had deserted her.

“I take care of what is mine Concubine.” Araman whispered.

Louie came waddling back with the keypad for Araman to pay then returned the card to him once the transaction was completed. The round shopkeeper followed them out wishing the Commandant good luck on his new found happiness.

“Why did you not correct your friend?” Brea asked, as they made their way back to Araman’s quarters. She looked behind him to see two armed guards with white bands on their sleeves following them. “And why are those two following us?”

“They are only ensuring that we get home safely.” Araman reassured her. “Louie refers to all women as wives to be respectful.”

“He is a nice man.” Brea commented.

As they turned onto the pathway that led to his tower, Araman set Beebles on all fours to let him stretch his legs after being held all afternoon. The little pup let out a yawn and sat down on his rump. He gave his head a shake letting his ears flap like wings. Beebles stared at Araman with his deep brown eyes and blinked expectantly at him. Araman chuckled as he scooped the lazy little beast into his arms.

“He is still just a baby. The walk to the market tired him.” Brea offered.

“And you?” Araman asked.

“I am fit.” She answered.

“That, I gathered after you demolished my shower this morning.” He teased her, chuckling at Brea when she blushed and looked away.

“I am sorry for the damage.” She said after a few moments of silence as they stepped into the pod lift.

“No worries little Concubine.” He smiled down at her as the glass enclosure started to rise. “My quarters will have fortified itself against your attacks by the time we reach home.”

* * * *

Araman stood staring at the screen pondering the mental stability of his Superior Officer. He left Brea in the dressing room putting away her clothes and things while he informed his general of what he had learned at the marketplace.

“It is confirmed?” The gravely voice asked from the screen.

“No. Santari is on it now. We expect to hear within the next four hours.”

“In the mean time, there is a delegate arriving from the Novena Empire.” The general raised a piece of paper in front of his face. A cigar was burning to ash as it sat between his fingers. “The Regent has requested your presence during the formal greet and the morning’s meetings.” The face pulled into a frown turning his puffy features into fleshy creases. “Due to the Regent’s request and others badgering at me, including my wife I am forced to lift your punishment.” He cleared his throat. “As you are aware, it means your Concubine must accompany you to formal occasions as your escort.”

“I am aware Sir of when and where my concubine is to be in accordance to regulations.” Araman was stiff in his response.

“Good, I shall look forward to meeting her.” He reached for a button on his desk, “Oh and Commandant.” The slits of his eyes raised up to his own viewer. “You are released under certain conditions.” The screen faded to black.

He raked his hand through his hair as he let out a growl. Araman hated command performances and bringing Brea into the fray of the Military’s elite did not sit well with him. The women were like Olean shark fins circling around their prey waiting for the right moment to attack and kill.

He glanced down the hall to Brea taking her pet to the garden. Araman knew her clothing would be the first point of attack. Her wild two-toned spiraled hair would cause a stir. He wondered how she would hold up under such criticism and speculation. Brea had a way of surprising him.

“Brea!” He called her name. “Do not leave the premises. I will return shortly.” He said calling for the lift when she appeared in the sight of flashing blue eyes.

She wondered what had angered him this time. Brea turned her attentions back to Beebles as he left her. He was very different from the men she was used to with his sudden changes of moods. He was very emotional, she decided, stepping back out to enjoy the last of the setting sun.

Letting out a soft sigh, she longed for a bath. Brea had no desire to challenge the shower again. Especially not after she felt she lost the battle. She wandered around the grass as her pup attacked a trumpet shaped flower growing close to the ground. Beebles gave a little growl at the plant before bounding on it like a rabbit.

Brea broke a small branch from the tree and caught her Beagle’s attention with it. She tossed it a small distance for him to inspect. He put his nose to the ground finding the twig in his own fashion. He picked up the stick and dragged it over to Brea, wanting a game of tug of war.

“Your pet makes for a better advisory.” Araman’s voice from behind her gave Brea a start.

“He does not sneak up on me and spray water in my face.” Brea gave a small smile. It widened as she saw amusement illuminate his blue eyes.

“It is how we clean Concubine. We take showers.”

“I know. I wanted to earlier but…” She looked down to the ground. “I am used to bathing where I can clean places the shower can not reach.” Brea explained her predicament.

Araman sat down beside her. He stretched one leg out while he held a bent knee with his arms anchoring him in place sitting upright.

“That is a problem.” He agreed. “There are the common baths by the brothels but it is not a place I would want my Concubine.” He pondered, rubbing his chin with a forefinger, trying to look thoughtful. Araman sat watching her for a response. “This is a grave situation.”

Brea knit her fine brows as she looked at the ground. It was at moments like this she was unsure of what to say. She knew by his tone that he was having fun with her. She did not know how to react to him. Her instinct was to tease back but she was hesitant to do so after his reaction in the marketplace with her flirting.

Her pale green eyes quickly cast a glance in the Commandant’s direction and then back to the ground when she saw he was gazing at her. She could feel her cheeks start to heat.

“Do you know how breath-taking you are?” Brea turned her face towards Araman. His husky tone caught her attention. He gave a wicked smile with his blue eyes the color of bright Olean sky. “I think I have found a solution to the problem.”

She cocked her head. “Oh.” Whispered from her lips.

Araman nodded. “As I am responsible for your well fare, and you are worried of being attacked, the only answer is that I must stand guard and protect you.”

Brea screwed up her face puzzled by his statement. “You would guard me?” She thought about it still looking at him. Then she licked her lips and nodded still rolling the idea in her head, thinking it would make her feel safe. “It won’t attack me?”

“No Concubine,” He was amused she missed his joke. “I will ensure your safety.” Araman stood holding a hand out to her. Brea slipped her small one into his large one as it clasped over hers. He helped her up and gave a whistle to Beebles who dropped the stick and padded softly after them.

Inside Araman led Brea to the hallway.

“Wait here. I have some things for your pet to keep him occupied.” He disappeared down the hall and into the galley. He came back with a basket with a teddy bear, a couple of balls and long sticks protruding up to the top.

Brea crooked her lips into the beginning of a smile at Araman. Her mind dismissed any doubt of this man’s true nature, in those seconds. He had thought of her pet and his comfort. She looked up at him in sheer delight at his gesture.

At the sight of her sparkling eyes, his heart skipped several beats. It took Araman a moment to catch his breath at his little concubine as she stole the wind in his lungs. Holding the basket in one hand, the other went around her waist pulling her into him.

His mouth came down on hers demanding her submission. Brea’s arms went about his neck as her body melted against his. The heat of his kiss was causing her chakkras to simmer. She could feel the energy inside her move.

Drawing back he smiled at her parted, swollen lips and her smoldering gaze under her half opened eyes. He pulled her back to him and nuzzled her neck.

Beebles jumped up and knocked the basket from Araman’s hands. His nose sniffed each item before deciding a long stick was something to chew on. Brea went to stop her pet when Araman held her back.

“It will clean his teeth and fill his belly. It is root vegetable, something akin to a Terrian carrot.” He explained against her ear. “Your Beagle needs vegetables, small amount of dairy and fruit for a daily diet.” Araman grinned at her. “I thought I should at least learn how to care for the little being.”

Brea straightened her back, smiling at him for his thoughtfulness. “Thank you.”

“This pleases you?” Araman was intrigued with the notion that something he did made her happy.

“Very much so.” She nodded as he led her to the shower.

Brea eyed the restored showerhead where it sat on the wall. She looked up to Araman and then back to the black stall.

“You will guard me?” She asked again.

Araman grinned as he tugged on her robe belt moving her directly in front of him. He glanced to her eyes. They were wide and trusting as his swam in the warm ocean color. He let the belt slip from his hands while reaching up to slip the terrycloth robe from her slender shoulders. The garment fell in a heap to the floor.

“The shower head will adjust to your height.” He pushed Brea to the shower stall. She stepped in wary of the protruding metal from the wall. Araman’s glance swept over her petite body.

Perfect sized breasts to fit in his hands made them ache to feel the velvet of her skin. Her torso was flat and trim with hips widening slightly to shapely legs meeting in her middle to a neat bald mound. The head of her bud peeked out as a tempting morsel to its prey from full lips hiding her secrets. His eyes were drawn to a jagged scar along the side of her ribcage.

“Where did you get that from?” Araman removed his shirt. He could feel the heat of her gaze on his broad smooth chest.

“You plan to guard me from in here?” Brea tore her gaze away from the sight of the Commandant undressing as he began to remove his trousers.

Araman chuckled at her shyness. “How else? The showerhead is in there, so I must be with you.” He looked to her scar as he stepped behind her. He ran a hand over the marred skin pink from fresh healing.

“I received it eight months ago.”

“How?” Araman was curious now. He edged her closer, under the sprayer.

“We were assaulted by a group of men posing as explorers. Our men work away from the home sites.” Brea explained. “One had me cornered and tried to use a weapon for me to submit to him.”

He held up a finger for her to pause a moment. Araman moved her to behind him. “Water on, temperature medium warm.” The spray hit his back. “Warmer.” It still was too cool. “Warmer.” The water was perfect. He guided Brea into the stream of the water.

“What did you do?” Araman asked pressing a button above her. A bar of spicy smelling soap popped out from a drawer in the wall.

“I used the defense arts to protect myself. I was wounded during the exchange. He had a knife.” Brea answered simply. She nudged her chin towards his shoulder. “What about yours?”

“What this?” He turned around and showed the injury to her. Brea nodded. “I was in hostile territory on a mission retrieving one of ours. A sniper caught me as we were just leaving.” He shrugged. “It could have been worse. We could have ended up in enemy hands.”

Araman focused his attention on Brea. He lathered the soap in his hands until bubbles formed. His eye’s clouded over as he took in the vision of her coppery skin glistening from the water.

“Now Concubine, turned around and move your hair to one side.” She did as she was told. Brea kept her face down to avoid the water spraying in her face.

She felt his hand slide up her back and glide over her skin in a slow circular motion. His fingers lightly massaged with the tips up and down her spine. A small moan escaped her lips at the warmth his touch produced as Araman roamed.

He reached above her taking the showerhead in his hand. He ordered the device to release and the showerhead was pulled away from the wall as the metallic hose went limp. He sprayed the soap down her back letting the beads of water chase away the bubbles.

Araman caught the scent of cinnamon, bringing his mouth to the back of her neck. His fingers brushed lightly down her back removing the damp hair sending tiny shock waves of electricity down her spine igniting a fire down below. His lips replaced his fingers with sensuous kisses increasing the heat along her veins. As his tongue grazed the back of her neck his free hand came about the front poised as if to choke her.

Brea’s heart beat rapidly as the hand slid up her neck then down and across her collarbone. His touch left a wake of energy rising in her chakkras. She could feel the energy start to move within her, fueling the slow smoldering burn she was feeling throughout her loins.

Araman lifted his head as she caught her breath. He lowered the stream of the water to over her buttocks envying the water sliding down the crease of her cheeks. He followed the trail with a finger. He felt his concubine quiver under his curious touch as he aroused the secrets she hid.

Her legs widened of their own accord at his fingers’ touch as they slide along the pathway of the water in the bare slit of her perfect bottom. He brought the jet stream of the showerhead to spray the entire split at the top of her thighs.

Brea shuddered at the feel of the jet stream against her clit. It made her want more of his touch and tongue. Her body arched against the spray as it tantalized and teased the growing ache for his entry.

Araman smiled at the gasp that crossed her lips followed by a soft groan of pleasure as the water hit the most intimate places of her body. She thought her knees would give way when the spray hit the top of her smooth mound to her hidden bud. Araman caught her around the waist and turned her to face him.

His lips caught her wet ones and savored the sweet honey taste of her mouth. Brea caught his bottom lip in between her teeth as he tried to draw back. His eyes opened gaze into her green ones glazed with gold hues. Araman’s mouth pulled into a smile releasing her hold.

He lathered up his hands and took his time in painting her body with the soap. He could feel the hardening of her nipples as his hands covered her breasts. She pressed into his hands as they cupped and gently massaged.

Brea’s chest ached as his hands left to fill with suds. The passion promised in his eyes when she looked up at him through her lashes caused her to shudder. She saw her own reflected in his silvery blue pupils.

His hands glided onto her hips and turned her around so her back was to him. Araman chuckled to himself as her body rested against his as he soaped her stomach. His hand slowly inched downward. She let out a soft cry as his hand dipped in between her legs.

Araman bade her to face him as he reached for the sprayer to rinse her off. He watched as the beads of water rolled off the tips of her breasts. He flicked his tongue, catching the droplet and sending a wave of flames through her as he lowered his weight onto one knee.

As the water crashed against her nub she felt her legs cave. Araman’s strong hands guided her to sit on him sidesaddle allowing him access to all her pleasures. His lips sought hers in a brief demanding kiss. A hand lowered to between her thighs and pushed them apart.

There he found the base of her fountain. Araman stroked and teased fanning the fire throughout her body. Each time his fingers struck her chord, bursts of shock waves trembled through her. Each caress was threatening to send Brea over the edge.

Araman, feeling her heat increase, stood her up in front of him. She closed her eyes, placing her hands in his hair and drawing his face into her belly. His tongue connected with her skin and danced his way to where Araman could no longer wait to taste her sweetness.

A moan filled the stall as his tongue found her tiny bulge nestled between the folds of her softness. Brea was invaded by lightening bolts of fire with each rub of his velvet tongue. His finger found her slit wet and hot, begging for release.

“No,” ripped from her throat as Araman began to insert his finger inside her. She tried to move away but his firm grip held her.

“Hush Concubine.” He reassured her in a gentle voice while still not freeing her from his intrusion. “Your body will know the difference between my finger and my cock.” Araman lowered his mouth to her lower lips. “I need to know, my little concubine if you taste as sweet as your kisses promise.”

He suckled her as his finger teased her slit. Her body responded to his siege by wanting more, craving more, needing more of him. Brea’s mind was lost in the sea of sensations her entire being was cast into. The more warmth he induced the more she could feel the build up of the fire raging in between her thighs.

Araman slipped two fingers inside and gently swirled around the smooth swollen walls as his mouth hardened her nub. With a quick motion he startled Brea by lifting her off her feet and placing her on her back.

The depth of the fire raging inside her deepened the harder he sucked on her bud. She could feel her body contort as it readied to release. A scream tore from her throat as crashing waves of hot molten sensations ripped through her body.

Araman drank from her nectar as she climaxed and shuddered beneath him. Brea, his exotic little concubine tasted far sweeter than honey as he fed from her. His tongue licked and tugged, encouraging her body to expel more as she gave into the tidal waves of her crescendo.

He rose above Brea as her body gave into one last quake before subsiding into sheer satisfaction. When she opened her eyes, his blue eyes were smiling at her. Her heart skipped a beat as he reached up and brushed aside a wet lock of gold hair. Araman gave her nose a quick peck before rising to stand.

“Come on Concubine. We must attend a formal occasion. Delegates have arrived and we are part of the greeting committee.” He helped her up with one hand while grabbing a warm towel to dry her off with.

Araman pushed her out the door sending her to the sleeping area to ready herself for the evening. He closed the door behind her and stepped into the shower which had resumed its normal shape and spot on the wall.

“Shower. Cold,” he ordered hurriedly and the water began to spray.

Chapter Four

The room fell to a hush when the Commandant entered the room. All eyes turned to the intimidating couple. The women admired Araman while the men licked their lips at the sight of Brea.

Araman dressed in his all black dress uniform. The jacket’s collar like that of a Terrian priest’s sat at the bottom of his neck drawing the female scrutiny of his broad chest. A single line of one-carat diamonds was embellished just below his shoulder on the tailored jacket. Each gem representing a deed of heroism during a battle or mission. No buttons held the coat closed, only hidden clasps aided the female eyes to roam freely with appreciation.

Narrowing his eyes at his peers, Araman held his elbow out to Brea who slipped a delicate hand in the crook. Her pale green eyes accentuated by the shimmering iridescent coppery colored material, clinging softly to her curves. Her black hair was intricately woven in a herringbone plait down her back that was held in place by black diamond studded hair bands.

Brea’s glance swept the room surveying the situation. She could feel the dislike of her as it permeated the air. Women were holding themselves in disdain of her as the Commandant led her into the room.

Santari grinned as he approached his superior. “You do like to make an entrance.” His sienna eyes revealing the laughter he was containing.

“Brea, this is Commander Santari my first.” Araman introduced putting an arm about her waist and drawing her protectively closer.

Santari clicked his heels together and gave her a curt nod.

“Well Brea.” He lowered his arm. “You are certainly by far the loveliest of wives here.” His reddish brown eyes glanced over challenging his Commandant’s frigid glare. “The reason,” Santari snapped over to her side and took her arm tucking it safely into the bend of his elbow with a pat. “I am your husband’s first is I am able to tolerate and assess his mood swings.”

Santari led her from Araman’s grasp and over to the bar. Araman followed behind with his mood souring more by the moment. He had brought his concubine into the sharks’ tank and they were beginning to circle.

Brea, sensing his mood, stepped back from Santari, removing her hand. She gave him a polite smile before moving back beside Araman. She felt his strong hand glide along the base of her spine and place itself firmly on her hip. She felt him relax only a little.

“Where are the delegates?” Araman asked dryly looking around. His eyes rested on a woman slowly making her way towards them, stopping to idly chat with other guests with her eyes on Araman.

She could have been considered beautiful despite the pale sickly look of her skin from lack of sun. Her fine features hardened by the venom pumping in her veins, adding years to her looks. Her brassy blond hair was swept up in a coil outlining her head.

“They have been detained by a hostile outbreak. It seems Oleander has managed to, as the Terrians put it, ‘piss off another one’. This time they may have bit off more than they can chew.” Santari turned to the bar and held up three fingers to the mechanical server behind the counter. “Calvites are not a clan you toy with.”

“They have engaged Calvior?” Araman shook his head. “They make much better allies than enemies. What could they gain by this?” He rubbed his chin. “What is Oleander thinking?”

“Who knows?” Santari turned back with two glasses. “Maybe it’s their time of the month.” He remarked handing a glass to Brea.

As her hand reached for the stem, it was slapped away. “Concubines do not eat, drink or speak in the company wives.” The woman haughtily informed her taking the wineglass from Santari.

Before the two men could react, Brea backhanded the woman, causing the glass to fly out of her hand and shatter against the wall. She grabbed a twig-like arm and slammed her on her back in one fluid motion. Brea was crouched with her weight on one foot and a leg outstretched beside her. One hand pointed at the pale yellow throat like an arrow’s head and the other pulled into a fist by her side. Brea’s eyes intently watched her opponent’s next move. Insipid brown pools stared back at her in fear.

Santari blinked at the tiny woman crouched and poised for killing. Now he understood what had happened to his superior’s showering room. He took a large gulp of his wine before looking over to Araman with a grin he could not fight.

“What in the frigg did they send you?” Santari asked highly amused.

Araman bent down beside the woman who was too terrified to move.

“Some wives Amelia, are not fit to eat, drink, or speak in the company of mine.” He took Brea’s threatening hand in his and urged her up then over to stand beside him. “She is Shinwa, and you are warned,” he said as Santari scooped the woman off the floor and set her on her feet.

Amelia’s lips curled into a snarl. “I will inform your General of her assault on my person.”

“Stow it.” General Herse ambled up behind her. He removed the cigar from his mouth. “I saw and heard what happened. Remove your assaulted person from my presence, I have more pressing matters.” The cigar was replaced in a wry grin. “Never liked her.” Herse winked to Brea when Amelia slithered away.

“Commandant, I have no desire to take you away from the lovely young lady’s side but.…” Santari rushed in between Araman and his concubine to steer her away.

“I feel much better now, knowing that you’re at my side to protect me.” Santari put her hand on his arm. Brea, despite herself, let a tiny laugh bubble up. “It’s hard for a good looking officer like me. Women constantly beg for my attention.” He explained as he led her away.

Araman flung a look of disgust towards his first.

“Don’t worry. He will protect your little female.” The General said before ordering a drink.

“Yes but, who will protect her from him.” Araman uttered dryly following the General into a side meeting room for privacy.

The general drained his glass and set the empty container on the long dark table surrounded by chairs. He cleared his throat.

“I intercepted a message on my way here by an underling delivering it to you. The Novena delegates have been taken hostage by Oleander. The squabble with Calvior was only a ruse devised to screen their kidnapping. The Novenian Prime Ruler has asked our help as we are closer and within range for a retrieval.”

“Why?” Araman asked with his blue eyes staring out into the night sky from the windowed wall.

“That we don’t know. The Regency has not made any demands as of yet. Your orders Commandant are to retrieve the delegates. I want you on this mission. Assemble a team. Have Santari issue a call to arms alert. Our Regent does not want to be caught off guard.” Araman gave a curt nod and moved towards the door.

“Oh and Commandant,” The general stopped him, “please try to refrain your concubine from pulverizing the wives. Consider yourself chastised.” Araman did not miss the hint of delight in the general’s tone as he left the room in search of Santari and his concubine.

“I thought the shower was attacking me.” Araman heard Brea’s soft voice in the corner. He looked over at Santari, laughing at Brea standing in the middle of a group of giggling women. Araman could see by the clasping of her hands that she was ill at ease with the sudden interest.

Brea looked up seeing Araman head towards them and broke out into a wide smile at his handsome figure nearing. Her heart fluttered at the tender look when his eyes met hers. Her gaze dropped to the floor as the women separated for Araman.

“My apologies Lyra, I have state matters to attend to. We must leave.” He leaned into her and whispered. “Do you wish to come with me?” She slipped her hand into his nodding her head. She had quickly grown tired of the topics of hair and clothing to discuss upon recognizing she would never have anything in common with these women.

He glanced up to Santari. “I have orders.”

Araman turned to the women. “Regretfully Ladies, Brea and I must bid you good night.” He gave them all a sultry smile as he guided Brea away. His blue eyes cast their direction to Santari who gave him a nod setting his glass down on the counter and followed them to the elevator.

“Well that made for an interesting party.” Santari commented with a hint of sarcasm stepping beside Araman in the lift. “What happened to the delegates?” He asked more seriously.

“Oleander decided they needed to make a detour.” Araman answered as though he was tired of the conversation already. He leaned over and pressed a flat silver pad closing the doors.

* * * *

The screen quietly slid back into its place inside the desk as Araman compiled the information garnered that night into a file for General Herse first thing in the morning. He left the folder on his desk as he went in search of Brea.

“Do you ever have rain?” Brea asked him when he found her outside staring at the night sky. She was leaning against the tree.

“We have a rain season. It’s not for a few weeks yet.” He came closer. A faint hint of her spicy scent taunted his nose. He stretched out a hand and placed it above her on the trunk of the tree using it as an anchor.

Araman’s eyes found hers lowered to the ground as he watched her shyness take over. His free hand reached out caught a lock of hair in his fingers. The soft spiral curled around his finger as if it had a mind of its own.

“I am sorry for my behavior earlier.” Brea’s lilting words floated up to him.

“Hmmm.” Araman was still distracted by her hair. He was now contemplating the blue black of her hair. He dropped the tress and straightened up when he realized what she was saying.

“I was chastised for your actions.” A lazy smile crossed his face. His head dipped to hers. “Punishment,” he whispered in Brea’s ear, “will happen.”

She nodded. “I understand.” She said seriously clasping her hands. Brea’s back stiffened.

Araman drew back and stared at his little concubine in disbelief. A chuckle broke from his lips as he shook his head at her, putting his hands to his hips.

“Brea.” Her name sounded more like a caress. The use of it drew her expression up to meet his. She did not see any anger in his eyes, only amusement.

“Tell me something?” Araman asked. “How are you here?” She looked at him puzzled. “How did you get caught? You were to train an army in warfare. You destroyed my shower room in under a lunar minute. You laid a woman flat with one move.”

“A weapon was pointed at Beebles, so I stopped fighting.” Brea answered understanding his meaning.

“I see.” He rubbed his chin with long lean fingers. “Why have you not fought me?”

“You have given me no cause to fight you.” Her tiny shoulders pulled into a shrug. “Besides you are much larger, and stronger. To fight you, I would have to learn about you first. Your weaknesses and other disadvantages of your nature.”

Araman gave her a suspicious look. “And have you?”

Brea glanced up to see his expression darkening. It pleased her a little inside that he did not like the idea of her sizing him for battle.

“No.” She said honestly. “You are an overbearing, dominate male in a position of authority that has not dealt with matters of the heart.” She did not see his scowl. “But your heart is a kind one although for a man who leads that is not allowable. You must be hard and strong at all times.” The assessment was quietly spoken.

Araman’s pheromones in his body stirred as her scent surrounded him. The feeling was beginning to become too familiar when he was around her. He was standing torn between crushing her body to his to prove just how strong he was or not moving. He chose the latter wanting to know more.

“You are too honest for your own good.” Araman told Brea.

“To tell untruth would begin the decay of the heart chakkra. There are times when I must choose my words carefully.” She explained. “It is the way of the web within, of all Shinwa.”

“Why have you not tried to escape and return to your home?” Araman moved closer to the tree and leaned a shoulder against it with his arms folded.

“I have not felt the need to.” Brea said. She smiled at his puzzled look. “The Shinwa are a difficult people to learn about.”

“So teach me.” He sat down on the grass resting his back against the tree. Araman patted the spot beside him, inviting Brea to sit. “I am curious about you.” He said when she sat down. “You are so accepting of your situation that it makes me wonder if you are a mole for Oleander.”

“The Shinwa do not make for very good spies, Commandant. If we cannot tell an untruth then secrets will be revealed. Our society is very open. We do not have militant leaders or armed forces to preserve us. We do not have weaponry. We are a people of a gentler path.

“It is why the recent attack upon us was alarming.” Araman guessed she was being understated. “When Oleander offered us protection.…”

“Wait a minute, Oleander offered protection shortly after the attack?” Araman interrupted her.

“No, during the attack.” Brea looked over to see his mind mulling something over. “Do you suspect they arranged for the intrusion in order for us to seek their protection?”

Araman raised his eyebrows at his concubine. “I was thinking along that line. What made you ask?”

“Well,” she folded her hands on her lap. Her tongue moistened her lips. “Just before I was taken I sent a message to Oleander and the response has made me wonder.”

“What was the response?” His curiosity now peaked.

“If you live, garner information in case of rescue. Good Luck” She quoted.

Araman shook his head with a curse. “Olean has never killed a captive, female or male. Usually men are traded for our own in return. Women are assessed and depending on the nature of the hostile behavior they are charged of, are given choices as to where their sentence to the Olean Military as a prisoner will be served.”

“I wasn’t.” Brea told him. “I was ignored when I explained what I was. I spoke to the man you call General.”

“He made no reference to it to me.” Araman wondered what his meddlesome general was up to. “It still leads me to the question of why you have not tried to escape.”

“When Shinwa pass into adulthood we must go through a ritual. It is the same for both male and female.

Drums beat while the adult-child drinks a mixture of milk, honey, butter and Tunneling Seed. The seed has healing and spiritual qualities about it. When it is drunk your mind is released into the oneness of the universe.

It becomes a journey and I have seen mine. My path leads me away from my home world. I knew stepping into the Oleander flyer that I would never reach their world. My path led a different way. The flyer was the means to the direction I must be.”

“This is why you accept your circumstances so calmly?” Araman smiled at her.

Brea nodded. “If I should veer from my path, the urge to go home will become overpowering and I would have to leave. To remain and fight it, would injure the heart chakkra and again decay would begin of the web within.”

Araman stared at the stars for a moment absorbing what she was saying. “This decay thing?” He cocked his head at her.

She moistened her lips and let out a sigh. Brea had already told him more than she knew she should have. She looked up at him.

“As I said about the mating to you, the reverse works as well. If the heart chakkra….”

“What is a chakkra?” He impatiently cut her off.

“The Shinwa have energy points; above the head, the unseen eye, the mouth, the heart and the spiritual.” He shook his head at her last area. “That would be the sexual mating organs.” She said bluntly ignoring the boyish grin crossing his face. “They are linked together with our organs by a fine web of energy. The web within.” She explained. “If one spot is jeopardized then because of the intricate connections all areas will become damaged.

If the heart chakkra, the major chakkra becomes wounded then there is no hope of healing. It is the most delicate of our energy organs.”

“Like a Terrian spider’s web.” He said nodding. “Delicate yet strong because of the weaving. If one part should collapse…”

“It is the chakkra that purifies the negativity from our energies. The negativity is a poison that will slowly destroy our body therefore our systems will begin to decay. The heart chakkra filters out and protects the rest.…”

“Of the web within.” Araman finished. Brea stared up at him in wonder. He understood her situation as his concubine.

“Now you know why we must be protected. But I am unsure of Oleander’s motives.”

Araman huffed. “Never mind their motives. That I have gathered. It is for your knowledge of sexual warfare. I am unsure that Oleander is the one to protect your world.”

“Who then?” Her soft voice held a tone of defense. “Olean?” She let out a little scoff.

“Far better than Oleander?” He arrogantly shot back.

She sniffed at him. “From what I have seen, a society that feels some lives are disposable would not be the ones to protect a society that feels all life is equal.” Her eyes challenged his.

“And from what I have seen, Concubine, a society that feels some lives are disposable is the very ones to dispose of threats to protect such an innocent society.” The edge was back in his voice.

“We are wise enough to know we need protecting.” She defended in a whisper realizing what he was thinking. “I was put here not by my own accord, Commandant. I have not come willingly seeking Olean help from Oleander’s tyranny. I am not here as a spy for Oleander. I am here because I was captured and placed as your belonging.” She stood up.

Araman grabbed her hand before Brea could leave. He pulled her into his lap and captured her in his arms. His eyes bore into hers invading the depths of her soul.

“What is Chatam Pritam?” Araman smiled at the widening of her eyes and the reddening of her cheeks.

“Where have you heard that?” Brea’s heart was pounding so loudly it was hurting her chest.

“Today in the market place. You said it.” He reminded her. “What does it mean?”

“It is Shinwa. The literal translation is ‘soul’ and ‘lover’. But the spiritual meaning is much deeper than that. It happens when two souls mate and vow their love for eternity. If they are separated in life and die apart, the souls will spend eternity looking for each other. If they die together, as the Shinwa mates do, then they have everlasting eternity in what ever realm they choose.” She hoped her explanation was clear enough.

A finger traced the outline of Brea’s jaw. It sent shivers down her spine his touch was so gentle. She swallowed what felt like her heart from her throat. She could feel her lashes brush against his cheek.

“And how do they find each other?” He whispered against her mouth. Araman smiled when her breath became ragged.

“I only know their souls guide them to where they need to be.” She said closing her eyes as his musk filled her head. She had never known a male to smell this good.

“How do they know if they have found each other?” Araman’s teeth grazed her shoulder. She let out a little shudder.

“It is said.…” She lifted her mouth to his. “That when they mate, their chakkras will realign to each other and combine. It is the rejoining.”

“Anything else?” His blue eyes darkened with his hunger for her. The craving of her nectar sat on Araman’s tongue.

“Yes.” It came from her lips breathlessly. “When they find each other, the lovers’ senses are heightened by one another’s nearness.”

“Like right now?” Husky words caressed her ears. “Does this mean you are my Chatam Pritam Concubine?” She felt the heat of his words along her neck. “Does this mean you and I are tied for eternity?” His mouth suckled against the base of her neck shooting spikes of electricity throughout her entire body.

Her tiny hand reached up and guided his face to hers. “No matter what Commandant, mating between you and I will be inevitable. If it is a rejoining we will know. If we newly bonded we will know.” Brea dropped her hands and looked away from Araman. “Either way, Commandant,” Her soft tone of voice held sadness. Brea stood up and turned away. “If we mate, I am bound to you for this life time. If you choose to not want me, then I will not survive.

If I stay here under this sky, I fear Commandant that I would risk all that to your seduction.” She turned around to see him rising. She took a step back.

“We can have pleasure without mating Concubine.”

“We both know Commandant that the pleasuring would never become enough for either of us.” She looked to the bottom of her dress and then up to him. “I can not bind myself to a man, knowing that he will turn me away someday.” She turned and walked towards the bedroom.

Within three strides, Araman was grabbing her by the waist and pulling her into him. She melted against the hardness of his body. His lips crushed down on hers in a demanding kiss. His mouth commanded hers to part and yield to him as he held her head in place with a fist full of gold and black hair. He drew back and smiled victoriously at his concubine’s stupefied expression from his assault.

“When I mate you Concubine,” the tone of his voice was low and threatening. “You will be mine for life.” Araman left her standing in the garden while he angrily sought out his second cold shower for the day.

Chapter Five

Santari leaned against the hallway wall while listening to his superior officer tear a strip off a young underling’s hide for dereliction of duty. He glanced down at his watch. Araman had been raging for the last fifteen minutes at the private. Santari glanced over to the door debating whether or not to brave the dragon’s den and rescue the poor lad.

“And what seems to be the Commandant’s problem this afternoon?” Herse meandered up behind Santari.

He whirled around and snapped into attention with a curt nod of his head. Santari still had the smile on his face.

“At ease.” The General looked over at the door when Araman’s voice boomed.

“It seems there’s a wee bit of friction between he and his concubine.” Santari looked back at the General with a sincere thoughtful look on his face. “From what I gathered, at this morning’s first encounter that he was somewhat frustrated as the Commandant ripped my throat for not having the reports presented to him in alphabetical order in sequence of importance.” Santari raised his eyes to the ceiling knitting his brows together. “And something about a deodorizer to rid his quarters of the smell of cinnamon.”

“So you think I should.…” Herse indicated to the door with a wave of his hand.

Santari stepped back. “You’re a far braver man than I Sir.” He said with a grin.

“It’s why I’m the General you idiot.” He mumbled as he grasped the door handle and pushed the door open. Herse felt sorry for the underling now quaking in fear of his commanding officer.

“Am I interrupting?” Herse entered. He looked to the sheer white face of the private. “Close the door behind you and consider yourself reprimanded.”

The private scrambled for the door as though it was the only chance to escape the wrath of the Commandant. The door slammed behind him as the general took a chair.

“You have a concubine Commandant and you have been instructed medically to use her.” Herse brought out his trademark cigar. He lit the end filling Araman’s office with billows of aromatic smoke. “Yet you continually deny yourself.” He took a puff.

“It seems Sir, my concubine is Shinwa. She would have been better for the kitchens.”

The general raised a fleshy eyebrow to his underling. “Oh.”

“They can only mate with one man for life.” Araman folded his arms across his chest. “She is not Oleander, she was not captured in battle and she is not a threat to release. Her pilot only trespassed, she did not engage in combat but only in defense. Her pet was threatened and so was she.” He glanced down at the papers. “She was dismissed entirely during the selection.” He reminded himself mentally of to whom he was talking with.

The general nodded with his jowls following behind. He took another puff from his cigar. “The pilot knowingly used Olean airspace as a shortcut. Your concubine’s reasons are not valid. She could have inquired. Ignorance in the military’s eye will never be an excuse.” The general reminded Araman. “She is in your service until you marry and you are instructed to use her.” He stood up. “I interviewed her myself and thought her temperament would suit you.”

“Even if it kills her.” Araman narrowed his eyes. “She was basically kidnapped.”

“It is out my hands. She was the only one available and when it comes to medical orders, I have no jurisdiction. I only ensured myself of what kind of woman I was issuing to you.” Herse put a hand on the door.

“I request permission to leave her behind on my mission and call to arms. She would be looking after my pet.” Araman looked over.

The general shook his head. “I have no say Commandant. She has been issued to you as part of your personal gear, to be with you at all times until one year of service is completed. Then if you choose you may marry her and leave her behind.” He opened the door. “I will post a private to guard and look after your pet in your absence. You will need a clear head Araman. I need you to come out of this one alive.” Herse faced his underling and observed him for a moment.

“There are worse things than committing yourself to one woman for a life time Commandant. The bitter memory of a woman’s cold betrayal does not warm your bed at night” He stepped out the office.

Araman glared at the door as it shut. He didn’t need the reminder. He let a slow controlled breath release through his pursed lips. He rubbed his aching neck from sleeping in the living space rather than in his own bed. He sat on the corner of the desk. Memories drifted in as he stared out his office window over the base.

He committed himself twice before both resulting in death. His wife cut him to core. Her betrayal nearly cost him his life and worse yet, she cost him good men. Araman stood up and swore at Sonya’s treachery. She managed to retrieve his passwords and infiltrated his desk. She fed Oleander the details of his locations for their assassins.

Araman stood up and moved towards the window. His blue eyes watching the drills below as soldiers lined up waiting for instructions. The day he caught her in action replayed in his mind.

Sonya was tall and blond with a body that was made for men. She put the ancient Terrian Goddess of Beauty, Marilyn Monroe to shame. Sonya oozed sex appeal with a mere glance of her doe brown eyes and pouty red lips. She moved like a panther on the prowl seeking out its prey.

Araman reached for the first bottle he touched from his portable bar. He refilled his glass after the first shot of amber liquid. The warm burning sensation down his esophagus was not enough to numb the bitterness of the memory entering his head.

Araman had walked in early from duty to see her bent over his desk with her telecom headset. It only took him a couple of moments to realize she was relaying information of his next mission on Terra. The anger, hurt and betrayal flooded back as he remembered standing behind her listening and waiting for her to end the transmission.

Sonya turned around, shocked to see Araman standing there. “Baby, you're home early. I was just talking to Merissa about taking a trip to Terra.” She swiveled her hips invitingly. “You know, Baby, how much I adore you and hate it when you leave me. Drink?” The intense hatred of her at that moment returned to Araman recalling her words.

“Good thing the mission was just cancelled.” He remembered saying before his fingers closed around her throat and began to crush. “It’s been you. This whole time. You bitch.”

The general announced the apparent suicide of the Commandant’s wife, the next day. Herse made sure, any speculation around her death was dealt with Military style. Scare the crap out of anybody who asked any questions.

Araman slowly broke into a smile at the thought of Brea. She was too honest for betrayal. Her eyes held both the wisdom and innocence of an ancient soul. Fragile in the heart his concubine was but also bold in the mind, rising up to meet his challenges.

A pull in his loins caused him to shift his weight as he thought of the way her body responded to his touch in the shower. He growled as he caught his reflection in the window. Even with her distant Araman swore her spice filled the room. He let out a curse. The general’s words haunted him. He raked his hands through his hair.

Araman didn’t understand why the thought of Brea with him during this mission terrified him to the core. The thought of losing Brea clenched his heart in a painful grip. He knew she had been right when she spoke her soft words to him the previous night.

He realized her words went from never mating with him to her fear of Araman tossing her aside. Her fears of being bedded then discarded were double fold because of her physical body. The idea of her with another man sent Araman’s libido into a rage yet he was hesitant to take her for himself.

His eyes scanned the sky as the black dots appeared. It was the transport vessels to take the troops to their posts on deck the warships. Araman tore his eyes away knowing he would have to bring Brea aboard.

Araman wondered at her reaction. She had been so accepting of everything happening to her. He pondered if she would react to this sudden change with hysterics or grace. He shook his head. Araman knew his little concubine would face whatever came with bravery and courage in her calm way. The idea of Brea at his side during the mission still did not sit well with him. Frigg! He felt friggin’ guilty.

“I am risking her life.” Araman admitted out loud to his mirrored image in the window. The thought sat like bitter wine, souring on his tongue. He sat on the desk. “Then I do so with her as my mate.” He punched a button on his desk console harder than he intended.

Araman was intent on proving to Brea that she was his for life. He knew words would never be enough for his little concubine and Araman knew how he was going to convince her. At least then he could live with himself and sleep at night.

“Santari.” The voice answered.

“How long until deployment.” Araman replaced his jacket.

“Twelve lunar hours.”

“Brea?” Araman asked.

“Still in your quarters. I felt it best if the chore of retrieving her for the on board quarters would best be done by you Sir.” Santari informed him. The commandant did not miss the hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Wise.”

“The general has advised me that a private will be arriving to your quarters at precisely at thirteen hours to guard Beebles.” Araman could hear the laughter in the man’s voice as he gave the update.

“Anything else I should know?” He reached for the console.

“Nothing until we reach the ships Commandant. I will consider you unavailable until deployment.” Santari signed off.

* * * *

Araman walked into his quarters from the lift pod carrying several bags of groceries. He set them on the counter and went in search of Brea who was stepping out of the shower room wearing his kimono. She was damp and frowning as she fought with her hair.

“Problems?” He came up behind her and helped her with the black and gold mass.

“I still do not feel clean from your shower.” Brea told him.

“Come Concubine. I will see to that need for you but first we must eat.” He pushed her towards the galley. He pulled out a stool for her when they reached the counter.

Araman pulled the groceries out of the bag and put some of them away once he had Brea settled on the stool. She propped her head up on one arm and watched him. Beebles gave a little yip sitting at his feet when Araman began chopping.

“You like to cook?” Brea asked, curious about him as he flared up the elements.

“I like the taste of real meat and vegetables rather than the toxic chemicals the mess serves. Even as a private I cooked for myself over a burner and a pot.”

He placed a pan on the flame. The aroma of sizzling vegetables hit the air when they landed in the bottom with the crackling of the pan. He waited a few moments before giving the pan a shake up flipping the vegetables into the air.

Brea smiled at the thought of his large stature huddled over a single flame and a pot. “That must have been a sight.”

“I’ll have you know, I learned to cook many a gourmet dinner in that pot.” He told her. “I still have it.” He reached up and pulled out the beaten up, misshapen dented metal pot. Araman held it up for her to see it with a grin. “It has seen a lot of action.” He glanced over to it fondly. “I do my best dishes with this pot.” He put in on the stove and filled it with a thick red liquid.

“Apparently.” Brea laughed. She blushed when Araman smiled to her at the sound bubbling up from her throat. The old pot somehow made her feel better that he wouldn’t abandon her either. Maybe one day he would look upon her as kindly as he did the pot, the hope launched itself into her heart.

“We must deploy tonight.” Araman’s tone grew serious. “I regret Concubine that I must take you with me. Know that I would rather have you safely tucked away here.” He opened a cupboard and grasped a bottle of red wine. He brought out two glasses and set one in front of her.

“Beebles will stay here and will have twenty eight lunar hours a day care while we are gone by an assigned private. He has been briefed by the general himself as to the importance of his mission in looking after Beebles.” Araman added some wine to the simmering pot on the stove. Setting the bottle down he picked up a piece of the pet’s favorite fruit and tossed it to him. “Your pet has a higher security level than I do. It will be considered a security breach if anything should happen to your pet and capital punishment will be administered.”

“Then I will not worry about him.” She raised the glass to her lips and sipped the burgundy liquid. She raised the glass up. “This is very good for juice of fermented fruit. I thought it would taste more rotten.”

Araman chuckled at her comment regarding the wine. “You will be confined to my quarters unless you are in my company or my first. This will not be a trip for pleasure.” He added the vegetables from the pan to the bubbling thick blood colored slurry. He filled another pot with water and set it on the range then set about getting dinner for Brea’s pet.

“Who will cook for him?” Brea asked as Araman set down the bowl.

“His dinner will be delivered promptly at five lunar hours every afternoon.” He wiped off the knife and put it in its place in the wooden knife block beside the range. “The general’s chef will be taking care of Beebles. I have given the chef a complete list of his favorites including the dried Phaeton Mango.”

“You have thought of everything then for our departure.” Brea did not look forward to the up and coming weeks confined to a cramped place. She pushed away the sense dread at the thought of leaving her Commandant’s quarters.

“I will not be able to cook for us but each vessel comes equipped with an atomic replicator.” Araman dropped a handful of sticks in the boiling water. Brea watched as they went limp from the heat of the water.

“You will not be able to bath.”

“I can not bath here so it will not matter.” Brea shrugged as her leg began to swing in the open space of the stool.

Araman smiled as he drained the pasta. “You will tonight and when we return every night if you wish.” He pulled out two dishes and placed one in front of Brea. Araman using a fork and spoon served the pasta on the plates before spooning the sauce over it.

He poured himself a little more wine at the same time he handed Brea an eating utensil. Brea took a small bite. The savory flavor exploded in her mouth.

“This is very tasty.” She smiled at him filling her fork.

“It is a Terrian dish called Pasta Marinara.” He held up a shaker and set it in the middle of the counter. “That is Terrian Parmesan cheese for more flavor if you wish.”

“You like this Terrian world.” Brea commented between mouthfuls.

“I enjoyed certain aspects of Terra.” Araman answered coldly. It was not a topic he liked to discuss. He glanced up to her pale green eyes watching him. “Terrian women are treacherous much like Oleander’s.”

Brea looked up at him and sensed that she had broached a sensitive area.

“I have only known one world until now. There are things that even in my short stay that I will miss if we were not able to return.” Brea steered the conversation away from Terra.

Brea got the distinct impression that a Terrian woman had wronged him. She had been the one to cause his heart to encase itself in ice. She wondered what kind of woman could she have been to do such a thing.

“Like what?” Araman took a long drink of wine watching her get lost in her thoughts.

“The night sky with all the moons. The soft way the air feels against my skin. The delicate fragrance of morning.” She answered feeling foolish. She set her fork aside and clasped her hands in her lap. Brea blushed at the Commandant quietly laughing at her.

“Don’t shy away Concubine, I only take delight in the fact you love the same things about Olean that I do.” Araman was pleased. “During the rain season, we will put a glass cover over the balcony and you will be able to enjoy the colors of a midnight storm.” He promised her clearing the counter.

Araman picked up her wineglass and led Brea out into the garden. Dusk was settling as the first of the moons showed in the darkening sky. This was her favorite time to sky watch.

“Computer, modify garden.” His blue eyes watched Brea, as she looked up at him inquisitively. “Stone waterproof circular wall in a three cube high circle, five to five and half cubes. Water well hot.”

Brea turned around to see it transform in front of her eyes. She stepped closer to it and dipped her finger in. The water was perfect. She dropped her kimono without hesitating and stepped into the silky warm liquid.

She sank into it enjoying the feel of the water surrounding her body and not beating down upon her. Brea glanced up to Araman who stood holding their wineglasses. Beebles settled down underneath the tree with his favorite chewing stick.

“Have you ever had a bath?” Brea asked him. Araman shook his head. She wasn’t sure if it was the wine or the moment but the invitation popped out before she could stop it. “Why don’t you come in and try it.” She felt her color heighten as Brea peered at him through her lashes.

Araman set the glasses on the side of the stone edge near Brea. Without a word and his eyes on his concubine he removed his clothing. He could feel the burning heat of her eyes on his smooth rippled torso as they roamed.

In a fluid motion he was in the water reaching for the wine. Brea looked up into his blue eyes not bothering to hide his want of her. It was too late for her as she realized his intent. She was to be his before they left that night for deployment.

A shiver went down her spine.

“Cold Concubine?” Araman asked sipping his wine. His gaze was on her as Brea blushed under the scrutiny.

“Nervous.” Spoken like a raindrop falling into a pond. Brea glanced down to the water as he moved closer.

“I love your honesty.” Araman’s voice was tender. “Most women I have encountered are not so.” He set his wineglass down then captured Brea between his arms. “But then most women do not have me on the edge of primal and civility like you do.” His lips pulled into a crooked smile.

The scent of cinnamon filled Araman’s head. It was like smoke promising a journey of passion into the next realm. It was intoxicating as his mind started to be aware of only her. He was addicted to her like a drug. The more her scent consumed him the more of her Araman had to have.

Brea looked at him through her lashes watching his ice blue eyes melt to a burning azure fire. She could feel the energies in her body start to slowly come alive as the aching for his touch gradually grew into a need.

Something in his eyes made Brea softly gasp and cover her mouth with the back her hands as she shied away from Araman invading her space. The intensity of his contemplation of her gave her a start. She watched as their lives unfolded like pictures flashing on a screen.

Brea knew in that moment he was her Chatam Pritam, her soul lover. The one she was meant to be with for all eternity. Her heart slammed into her chest as she realized he would be the one to teach her of love but also of death.

“What is wrong Concubine?” Araman asked at her reaction of recoiling.

“You will bring me death.” Brea whispered looking for a way to escape him.

“Never Concubine.” Araman reassured her, chasing away some of the fear from her pale eyes staring up at him. “I would take death upon myself before ever letting it near you.” He took her small hand in his as Brea looked away from him.

“Hush Concubine.” Araman’s finger went to her lips as his other hand snaked around her waist drawing her against him. His member came alive at the feel of her connecting with his skin. “You may put your fears to rest.” The words brushed against her ear.

Brea melted against him as he spoke. The words tingled along her neck as her heart slowed its wild beating.

“You will keep me like your cooking pot?” The question was timid. “You would look upon me as sweetly as you do now when I am old and disfigured?”

Araman chuckled. “I would look upon you sweetly, gladly when you are old and disfigured.” His eyes held hers as they searched his. The wall around his heart crumbled into dust as he watched hers begin to sparkle like his night sky above. “I would gladly look upon you, Lyra for the rest of my days.” He lowered his face to hers.

“I want you to know, Concubine, that before we step onto that ship, that you are mine in body and soul.” The hushed words were spoken against her soft mouth.

“Will you give me yours?” Brea moistened her lips feeling the pull of his energy on hers. Her eyes were wide almost afraid of his answer.

Araman drank in her dark beauty as her fragrance released itself into the night air as he stared her. His eyes flickered between ice and fire as thoughts of the delight of only this woman for a life time. She intrigued him, she challenged him and she made him feel alive.

“If it would please you Concubine, I will give you that and more. My question is to you, how would you like it? Slow and soft, or fast and hot?” His arm crushing her against him closed the final distance between them. At his word hot, Brea folded into him as if she was offering her throat to the wolf.

Brea felt the water heat up a few more degrees and started to swirl about her. The currents released thousands of tiny bubbles bursting against her skin. It felt as though she was being caressed while the hardness of Araman’s body against hers flared the aching want of him.

“In what ever way would please you.” Brea’s voice was low and husky as her arms reached up and coiled around his neck.

“I would take you now.” Araman pulled her head back by her hair. “I need to hear you scream my name over and over.” A hand slid down her backside slit to the opening between her legs. “I need to bury myself deep inside of you, feel your body move against mine. I want you hard, Concubine.”

She was panting as his fingers teased the inferno his voice was inciting. Her mind was consumed with the hypnotic tone. She didn’t care how, she just needed to feel the joining as her energies swarmed and gathered increasing the primal pressure of her need.

“If that would please you.”

Araman needed no other encouragement. He lifted her up and brought her down onto his hard throbbing cock. He felt her open to him as he invaded her. It was too late before he could consider her breaching. He felt her tear before fully accepting him.

He shuddered at the heat of her core as he held her still, letting her satiny walls conform around his head. Her muscles molding like warm clay around his shaft was sending his body into the shadows of his emotions. Primal instincts melded into his mind bombarding it with bursts of energy while his heart and mind were threatening to explode if she moved.

Brea felt the sensations of her moving to accommodate his size. She was not expecting the pain of his siege upon her. She let out a little cry. He pulled her closer instinctively recognizing he was hurting her.

The pain intertwined with the pleasure her body was feeling before Araman passionately assaulted her. Her inner walls softly folding against his hardness fed her need of the want of his seed spilling inside her.

“Move.” She dominated his entire being, leaning back against his hands holding her as her hips thrust against his. Her energies at his slight motion flared out from her chakkras seeking out his.

Araman, at her demand, flinched inside of her. Her lower bare lips against the base of his rod brushed against him as if begging for him. He groaned at her soft openness writhing against his hard cock, enticing him to join her.

The water swirled around their bodies as they began a slow sensual dance underneath the brilliant night sky. Bodies moving in a ritual as gazes locked with each other. Each penetrating jab of Araman’s hips aligned them like an eclipse.

Brea could feel the pull of her energies ripping from her as they rose to meet his. As she stared into his eyes she let out a cry of pleasure. Araman rocked harder against her.

“You are mine.” The words were low and rumbling from his throat. “Now!” He plunged deeper. “Let me hear you scream my name!” He commanded her.

Brea’s eyes fluttered for a moment at his dominating tone. It aroused her feminine instincts. It made her feel safe that he was her protector. The words Chatam Pritam entered her head then faded like dying stars.

Araman caught his breath when she looked and smiled at him. He felt a pull on his entire body as his energies leapt up and combined. Staring into her eyes he saw lifetimes spent at her side. They crashed over him like tidal waves rising up from the ocean. In her eyes he saw eternity as he finally exploded.

His name filled the silent night as Brea convulsed against him as the surges of his spilling seed satisfied the basic need of him throughout her body. She met him strike for strike as he conquered the depths of her soul. Brea threw back her head and screamed his name again as she felt her nectar release against him sealing the union.

Araman caught her lips in a tender kiss when she brought her head back to face him. “You belong to me Concubine,” he told her softly.

“Yes Araman.”

He softly chuckled liking the way his name floated off her lilting tongue. He pulled her into a bear hug before lifting her to her feet. As he stepped back her glow caught his attention. He stared at her with a funny grin on his face.

“What amuses you?” Brea looked around her. trying to see what he was looking at.

“You have a gold halo surrounding you. I even see it in the water’s reflection.”

“And you have the same,” Brea offered shyly. She looked up to the moons above her. “It was the mating.” Her voice held a hint of sadness. “It was a rejoining.”

He gently cupped her face with his hands and raised her eyes to his. “Is that why I know your innermost fears? Because it happened to you in our past lives? Is that why knowing makes me feel complete?” He earnestly asked. Brea gave a slight nod dropping her eyes. “Then I swear upon my very soul, Brea, to give my life if need be, to prevent it from happening again.”

Her heart stopped at the sincerity of his words. She smiled up at him as a tear slipped down her face. His words could not promise such things and Brea knew it. She gave herself willingly to her Chatam Pritam. But with him came the dark shadow of death.

* * * *

Brea stood out on the garden balcony looking at the sky above waiting for Araman as he gave last minute instructions to Beebles’ guard. The underling had arrived shortly after they had dried and dressed. Beebles seemed to like the young private who quaked every time Araman spoke.

She felt Araman’s presence behind her. Turning around Brea saw he was holding a beautiful jade colored cloak for her to step into. It folded warmly about her shoulders as he clasped it for her.

“Are you ready Concubine?” His face was stern but his touch and tone were gentle. He held his hand out to her.

She looked to his outstretched hand and then into the warmth of his eyes. She could not shake her earlier impression that this man would lead her to death, yet she did not feel the pull of Shinwa. She slipped her tiny coppery hand into his. He raised it to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back her hand.

“I am ready.” The words came out confidently. Deep inside, they went against the uneasy feeling in her heart as Araman led her out.

Chapter Six

Araman stood watching the distant stars pass by the oval shaped glass as the ship silently slipped through the endless darkness to the rendezvous just beyond Oleander territory. The convoy contained five troop ships, three carriers and Araman’s, the lead ship.

The trek to Araman’s chagrin had taken too long as it was. Oleander’s Scout ships were causing too many detours and getting harder to avoid. With each detour the longer wait it became for Araman and Santari to extract the Novena delegates. Their time was becoming very precious.

The past week had been planning every detail of his mission. The long hours and missed meals were beginning to take their toll on Araman. He rubbed the back of his neck and turned away from the bland sight.

He stopped and watched the tiny figure sleeping curled up in a ball with his robe wrapped tightly around her. He wanted to lie down beside her and hold her in his arms but a briefing to the General in the next few minutes took precedent. Araman just wanted to feel her warmth against him, letting him know there was life outside of maneuvers and missions.

Brea hadn’t complained of being denied his company or the long lonely hours she spent cooped up in the quarters. He hated doing this to her and it was beginning to eat at him. In the back of his mind he promised himself he would make it up to her some how.

Brea stirred in her sleep. Araman glanced down to see her eyes were swollen and puffy. Her dainty little jeweled nose was red matching the color surrounding her lashes. He wondered how long she had been crying for.

“Araman?” Her voice was soft and full of sleep calling out for him.

He moved over to her and sank on the edge of the bed beside his concubine. He reached out a hand and smoothed her hair at her temples. A small hand reached up and caught his.

“I am here Lyra.” Araman let her take his hand to her cheek as she rubbed her face against the back of his hand.

“Only for a moment longer.” Brea said dropping his hand as if it had just burned her when she realized what she was doing. “Then you will be gone and I will not know if you are safe are not.”

Araman’s brows met as his blue eyes met her pale green ones. “You worry about me?”

Brea nodded her head tearing her eyes from his and dropped her gaze. She could feel the tears threatening to return from earlier. “I miss my pet... I am afraid.” She whispered.

“Of what?” He dipped his head to hers to catch her gaze. He wanted to erase the fear from her eyes.

“That it will happen again.” Brea tried to avoid his eyes. “I will lose you and I will spend another eternity trying to find you.”

Araman pulled her into his lap and held her, kissing her forehead then her nose.

“I feel the separation too Concubine. I know you are here alone and left with your thoughts the majority of the hours.” His warm blues eyes washed a wave of sweetness over her. “You, my Shinwa witch are never far from my thoughts.” Araman gave her a light squeeze before lifting her off.

“I must give the General a report.” He stood up. “I promise to be back as quick as I can.” Araman gently offered, kissing the top of her black and gold head.

He left her standing by the bed nodding as he walked towards the door silently cursing his duties coming first. For just once he wanted something in his personal life to come first. Araman entered directly into the lift taking him to the war room several flights below in the belly of the ship.

The General’s face was larger than life on an entire wall glowering as Araman walked in. He made a huff when Santari arrived shortly after. A cigar went to his lips as he blinked at the two men expectantly.

“Sir.” Araman nodded slight. “Information from Oleander is getting scarce. With the delegates in their possession, their security has increased making it difficult for drops. The moles are lying still at the moment under my direct orders. It could trigger a very hostile situation if one of ours ended up caught and dead.”

The general nodded removing the cigar from his mouth. He cleared his throat and stared at the underling. “He’s your team?” Santari did not miss the tone of sarcasm in his superior’s voice.

“He has intimate knowledge of the inner blueprints of the quadrant, where the prisoners are kept. The less I arrive with, General, the better chance we all have of going home.”

Herse nodded his fleshy head. “Quite right Son.” His brought up a piece of paper missing the exchange of looks between his two subordinates at his reference to Araman. He read the notice of the details of their mission. It was simple, get in, get targets, and get out. He lowered the paper.

“And how do you propose to begin said plan?”

Santari stepped up beside Araman. “In four days time there will be a shipment of arms to their recently acquired moons. We plan on hitching a ride.”

“Possible trap?” The general raised an eyebrow.

“Usual amount of risk Sir.” Santari shrugged.

“In the meantime, I’m sending you a new set of orders until your men meet with your transport.” The screen went blank. The silver wing insignia appeared on the screen. A piece of paper spit up from a console behind the two men.

Santari reached and read it. A slow smile spread across his face. “You’re not gonna like this one.” He shook his mahogany head at Araman.

“Why?” He snatched the paper from his underling’s hand. Araman read the instructions.

“What in Frigg is he thinking? Sending Brea along to play the role of wife?” His jaw clenched.

“It’s not like you’re the one who has to make contact and extract all information by all means.” He let out a laugh. “Especially that.” He pointed out to Araman. “Including all methods of sexual espionage.”

Araman looked over to Santari. “Commander, do you not find it odd, you have been granted leave to use sexual espionage?” He put the orders into the paper chute intended for the micro-incinerator, destroying the paper trail.

“I see the importance Commandant. Who ever this Sub-mistress of warfare is, she knows something about something we need to know.” Santari put his hands on his hips. “Frigg I hope she’s at least my age. If she’s ugly, I can always close my eyes. If they’re old, they’re probably somebody’s grandmother. Eeeew” He emphasized his last utterance with a shudder.

Araman was not amused by his Commander’s antics. “You will do what it takes Commander.”

“And will you Commandant?” Santari raised an eyebrow at his old friend. “Will you obey direct orders and bring your little concubine you are so protective over?”

Araman’s eye narrowed at his underling’s challenge. “You are stepping very close to insubordination, Commander.” He growled. “Make yourself ready, we leave in three lunar hours for Orpheaus Six.” He stormed out of the room.

Araman brooded as he headed to the lift. He was to be the silent partner on Santari’s mission. It was too delicate a situation to trust to underlings in lower ranks with the mission. He understood the General’s reasoning. He didn’t understand the reasoning for including Brea on the ruse unless it was to ensure he brought her along.

He could have simply used his businessman cover. Araman stepped into the lift and commanded it to take him to the deck quarters. He stood with his arms crossed and a hand rubbing his chin.

Araman and his concubine were to act like Terrian newlyweds in the tropical world of Orpheaus Six. A thought of Brea’s coppery skin against the creamy sands of the pale lavender ocean flashed into his mind. She would look good in a Terrian bikini.

He stepped out of the lift to Brea smiling at him. Araman decided that maybe some time in a mystical place would suit his dark little concubine. It was after all Santari’s mission. He was only there to retrieve if needed.

“You did come back.” Brea was more pleased than she had expected to be and her sparkling eyes showed it.

“Yes Concubine, I came back.” He walked passed her and over to a small console on the wall by the bed. “We have been asked by the General to escort Santari to Orpheaus Six for a short furlough.” He felt a stab of guilt lying to her. It was for her own safety, he reasoned silently.

“Does that mean, I go with you?” Brea clarified.

“Yes.” Araman’s fingers flew across the keys of the console putting in the requirements for clothes for the mission. “Hold still. I’m scanning you for your attire.”

“Why would I be allowed to go with you?” A red beam came from a small eye in the middle of the ceiling. A thin horizontal line stretched across her and followed her shape despite the long tunic she wore cinched at the waist.

“You are my concubine, issued to me as part of my personal gear. You are with me at all times.” Araman tapped another button on the smooth surface when the scan was complete. “Some times it will be nice to share such a place like Orpheaus Six with you. Other places it may not be.”

“Are your furloughs to designated spots?” Brea asked as a hidden panel on the wall beside Araman opened. Neatly folded in two piles were complete wardrobes including undergarments. He nodded with a shrug before turning his attentions to the clothes.

“It was either there or a trip to the ice world of Amortney.” Another panel opened and he pulled out two nylon suitcases. One black and one pink. He laid them on the bed and motioned her over to him.

“Ice world?” Brea stood by him and took the clothing he offered. He looked to the opened suitcase. “Ah,” softly escaped her lips when she understood him. She put the clothing into the case.

“It is a desolate planet in the middle of a dead solar system. The sun has been fading for eons leaving the planet with little heat. Its entire surface is nothing but ice and bitterly cold winds. The military thought it would be a good place for a furlough location for civilians and military. Also providing a service for other travelers.”

“On a planet made of ice?” Brea gaped at him.

“Yes one can almost see the configuration of a tree or a hillside underneath the layers of ice.” He said dryly. “The sun never really rises or sets. It just sits there slowly fading. The ice can have a pearl reflection against the gray sky. It can be very breathtaking.” He told her handing her personal cleansing products. “Your breath hangs in the frigid air like a cloud when the wind is still but those are a rare day. You cannot go out during black out. The freezing temperatures could kill you instantly.”

Brea shrank back. “Why would any one want to go there?”

“It’s the military’s idea of a fun time.” He said drolly zipping up his case. Brea nodded and stepped back. “Here go put this on. I think you will like it better than your Olean tunic.” Araman handed her another little bundle.

She set on the bed and lifted the footless leggings in black. Brea gave it a questioning look before gazing to Araman.

“What do I do with these?” She asked.

“They go over your legs. You put them on feet first.” Araman showed her.

“Like when you dress in the morning.” Brea looked down to the leggings. “And these are comfortable?”

“It’s a Terrian style. I thought it would be nice to relax without rank or status for a few days.” His eyes smiled tenderly to her as he watched her break out into a smile.

She stepped into the leggings. The material slid against her skin like the way his hands touched. Brea’s eyes glanced up to Araman’s whose eyes were following the garment’s ride up her body to be neatly tied at the waist with a ribbon. His look promised Brea much passion on Orpheaus Six.

Araman watched as she wiggled into her jumper style dress accenting all her curves with the scoop neck and wide shoulder straps. The deep black shimmered like the coppery color of her skin adding to her mystique.

He stepped up behind her to zip up the dress. Dragging a finger just before the zipper closed the gap on the exposed skin left a wake of tiny tingles along her spine. He dropped his head to her neck hidden by her spirals of black and gold allowing himself to enjoy her savory scent becoming more exotic every time Araman neared her. He felt her back fold into him.

She brought a hand up and glided her hair back as she exposed her neck allowing him to taste the sensitive area. His teeth grazed a path shooting searing volts of electricity throughout her body. A groan escaped from Brea’s lips.

She heard a chuckle in her ear. “I promise you Concubine to take you to places you have never known.” Araman lifted his head and stepped back as Brea turned around. Her pale green eyes flaring in color.

“I think I should be the one promising you that.” She smiled. She looked past him to a figure standing in the door of the lift. Brea’s smile faded and her head dropped lowering her gaze. Araman’s head whipped around at her reaction.

“What now, Santari? I said in three lunar hours.” Araman turned towards him.

“I realize that Commandant.” Santari nodded curtly to him and then to Brea. “My apologies Brea for disturbing you.” He turned seriously to Araman. “But I think you would want to see this.” He held up a small disk.

Araman nodded and followed Santari to the small computer desk at the end of the tiny galley, meant more for hot beverages than actual cooking. He popped in the disk and pressed a flat button on the panel below. Santari looked back to Brea who was looking at the shoes Araman gave her before following his Commander.

“This was taken by our spy probe on the Weir moon in the southern sector. Note the distortion coming from behind the orbit.” Santari pointed out. “An Oleander scout ship. Now watch.”

The screen revealed an Olean flyer like that of Araman’s coming into range of the probe. As the vessel flew past, another ship appeared from nowhere and fired on the Olean flyer. The small screen lit up in a ball of sparks.

“That was a decoy.” Santari pressed another button and the disk popped out. “It was set up to relay sensors to the probe. The Oleander ship was detected by its distortion passing by an object. As this space is filled with a multitude of objects it was easy to detect. They are able to transport a beam into the internal system without our ship’s computer’s knowledge. This beam will shut down its intended target.”

Araman stared at the blank screen. “I was the test subject. It’s why they allowed my escape. They pulled my cloaking device.” He swore under his breath not to alert Brea.

“My team managed to find a frequency trail that lead to the middle of Oleander’s capital Valu. It is in the southern quadrant of their warfare division where the delegates are being held.”

“What are the thoughts?” He watched as his underling switched the disk around and popped it back into the thin slot.

“It’s the heart of the transporter.” He clicked a button on the panel. “This is the building the frequency emits from. The same building the delegates are held in.” Several sides of the plain brown building flashed. He glanced over to his Commandant. “One door in and one out. Once the targets have been extracted, the building and its contents should be destroyed.”

“The problem is Commander they can always rebuild.” Araman stared at the drab structure.

“I thought you would point that out. My team is working on obtaining the prints for the secret weapon but with the activity on Oleander it’s making it next to impossible. A scan would offer more information.” Santari suggested. He watched his Commandant gaze thaw when it rested on his concubine. Araman agreed with his underling.

“I have not told Brea it is a mission to protect her. I have suggested that we are on furlough.” Araman instructed Santari. “Our meetings will have to be brief and alone. Brea must be kept from it.” He watched her plaiting her hair resisting the urge to go over to her and bury his face and hands in the soft spirals drinking in her soft spicy scent.

Santari broke into a mocking smile ignoring the pangs of envy in his own heart. “But of course Commandant.” Rolled out his mouth nonchalantly. Araman whipped his head in the commander’s lazy bored tone. His blue eyes iced over.

“Commander, I need not remind you that as my concubine, Brea is a security factor.” Araman spoke through his teeth. Santari did not miss the warning of his tone.

“Your concubine,” his words were serious, “Commandant, will be given every amount of consideration that would be given to you Sir, if anything should happen to her.” Santari gave his head a nod in salute to Araman.

“If I have it my way, Santari, nothing will happen to her.” He glanced back over to Brea as she finished her task with her hair. “She is fearful enough.”

Santari gave his superior a puzzled look. “Is there something I am not aware of and should be?”

Araman looked over to Santari’s worried expression. “My little Shinwa concubine has it firmly entrenched in her mystical head that I will bring her death.”

“No doubt my gallant Commandant that you reassured her to no avail.” Araman shot him a warning glance as Santari reached over and ejected his disk and turned off the screen. “In that case,” Santari’s sienna eyes met his superior’s “Commandant, I add my voice to yours in the pledge of protecting your little concubine.” He said sincerely.

Santari had been the one to arrive after Sonya’s betrayal and help the General in the cover up, not that his superior would have been questioned for his actions.

He broke out into a grin. “She has made things a lot more interesting around her since she has been issued to you.”

Araman scowled at his underling who was bowing to Brea as she approached. She looked shyly over to Araman dark face.

“Do I look Terrian now?” She held her hands open for Araman’s approval.

Santari took hold of one of her hands and twirled her around. He let out a whistle then leveled his gaze to Araman. A slow sardonic smile crossed his lips.

“No Terrian woman could ever hold a candle to you Brea.” Santari gave his commandant a nod before turning his smile sweetly to her.

She looked up to Araman and then over to Santari. The look the two men exchanged told her she had been correct in assuming a Terrian woman had somehow betrayed the Commandant. She smiled and put her hand into Araman’s.

“Perhaps,” her pale green eyes melted the ice in Araman’s as she looked up at him. “Terrian women should be looked upon as disposable.” The soft tone in her voice challenged.

“Perhaps.” Araman agreed looking down at her not disguising his amusement. His hand reached for her waist. “Commander, grab the grips please.” He instructed as Araman stole a kiss from her inviting lips when Santari turned his back.

“Great.” Santari said as he turned around to see the embracing couple. “Just great. I’m going to be stuck in paradise with Beauty and the Beast.” He grimaced before clearing his throat loudly. “Ahem.”

Brea stepped out of Araman’s arms blushing as Santari dropped the grips at Araman’s feet.

“I realize that you two are anxious to begin your little Terrian honeymoon but as we will be traveling in small spaces together, would you please refrain from mauling each other in my presence.”

“Is that all, Commander?” Araman asked not amused. Santari still smirking nodded. “I suggest to you grab our grips and lead on to the lift please.”

Santari snapped his heels together and lifted his knee in an exaggerated march to the three steps to the luggage. He bent with a wink to Brea and grabbed the handle of one while tucking the other under his arm.

“This way to the beach.” Santari bent for his as the lift doors opened.

Brea looked hesitantly at the lift as Araman gave her a slight push into it. She looked around at the smooth walls melting into the floor in a seamless line. She stood between the two men feeling imprisoned.

“Where does this take us?” Brea asked feeling dwarfed.

“To the flight decks where our luxury transport flyer will take us to our tropical paradise. Only don’t eat the on board meal, stick with the peanuts.” Santari made a face making her laugh.

“What is this place like?” Brea looked up to Araman flush from her laughing. Her eyes were sparkling like a gem stone caught in the sun.

“It is a planet, Lyra, that was made just for you,” Araman whispered. Tingles shot through her veins from the caress of the words against her ear. A blush rose in her cheeks as she looked away.

“Now I asked you two, to cut that out.” Santari reminded them. “Its going to be hard enough as it is.”

“No pun intended?” Araman shot at him.

A snort came from Brea. Her eyes widened at the shock of the men’s looks and immediately dropped her gaze. She covered her nose with her hands trying to hide her mortified face. The sound of rumbling deep laughter echoed around her as the men roared.

They were still chuckling at her reaction of the jest towards Santari when the lift stopped. They both led Brea off with grins as a private stepped forward to take their luggage to Araman’s flyer. Santari gladly handed the grips over as the private let out a shrill whistle.

A cart with four seats and luggage rack was driven over to meet them. Santari handed him the disk with the authorization codes to leave the convoy. The private threw the luggage without any regard into the rack, gave a curt nod before turning abruptly around and walked away.

The driver gave a slow salute of the head as Araman guided Brea into a seat behind Santari. He hopped in beside his concubine just as the driver started up the cart. The small vehicle carried them past large flying vessels.

They were all the same arrow shaped with a highly polished exterior. The wings of the ships resembled sharpened blades extending out from the sides. Each had men working above and below the black gleaming flyers. Brea wondered why they seemed in such a hurry as tools could be heard ticking and knocking.

“This is your personal flyer?” Santari glanced up at the silver triple winged vessel. “Me thinks, his import belies the size of his manhood.” He leaned his reddish brown head towards Brea.

Araman got out of the parking cart and glanced over to his commander.

“Me thinks it under estimates.” He helped Brea out of the vehicle while Santari went around the back and grabbed the luggage.

Brea stared up at the three layers of metal coming to meet in the middle of the nose of the vessel wondering where the entrance to the beast was. It was much larger than the others lined up beside its fluid edges.

“Compliments of General Herse.” Araman took Brea’s grip from Santari and led the way to a set of stairs uncurling from the underbelly of the ship.

“I think the General likes you Commandant.” Santari’s head bobbed around as though his neck was rubber. “This is some machine.” He waited for Brea to climb the stairs. He noted she did so gingerly.

“Worried Brea?” Santari asked.

“A little. I do not like this space travel.” She told him taking the extended hand at the top.

“In a couple of hours, we will be on the sandy beaches of Orpheaus Six.” Araman encased her hand with his. “Where you will have your feet firmly planted on the ground.” He promised.

An underling arrived to greet them. Two others followed and when the rigid young man snapped his fingers they reached for the luggage from Santari.

“And this one.” Araman handed the pink case to the young man. He blinked at it and then back to the Commandant.

“Your concubine carries her own,” the private informed Araman matter-of-factly with an air of disdain towards the Commandant’s concubine.

Brea dropped her head to the floor taking her hand from Araman’s hold to her own. The remark reminded her of her place. She had almost forgotten to others she was only an object; another servant. She reached for the case but withdrew under the Commandant’s icy glare.

Araman’s anger erupted up at the sight of his concubine retreating into herself. He faced the underling with a pulsating jaw. His fist clenched.

Santari looked over from Brea in time to watch the Commandant’s hand grip the orderly around the neck and then slam him up against the wall. The other orderly turned white at Araman’s fury.

“I’ll take it Sir.” He stepped up shaking.

“No.” Araman spoke too calmly for Santari’s liking. “He will take it.”

Santari relaxed. At least his Commandant would allow this one to live until the duration of the journey to the sleeping quarters. He gave an encouraging smile to Brea who was staring wide-eyed at Araman at his reaction.

“If you think the General whom you work for has that same opinion, you are sadly mistaken.” Araman growled. He threw the orderly to the ground. “Now pick it up and carry it if you value any miserable worth of your life.” He ordered. Araman’s jaw was clenched watching the young man struggling for air, scrambled for the case. He knew he should feel some remorse.

“Yes.” Santari mocked. “Blue is definitely his color.” He turned to the underling who greeted them. “You might want to let the others know, that the Commandant and his commander will not tolerate disrespect towards the woman we escort.” He said in a very serious, threatening tone. “You might add that the Commander is not so inclined as the Commandant to let someone live with such blatant disrespect.”

“Yes. Sir.” The private gave a curt tight nod and whipped around. “This way Commandant.” He started moving not caring if the others were following.

The two men stood on either side of Brea as they were led down out of the stock bay and into the internal workings of the ship. Curious glances from the crewmembers they encountered were met with the burning glare of Santari and an ice cold one from Araman as they were led down a short hall into the lift.

The lift moved upwards for five seconds before the doors opened into a lounge area. The large oval portal offered a view of the lead ship’s bay doors. The overstuffed chairs promised a comfortable trip sitting in front of the rounded window. The young orderlies put the grips by the lift doors.

“The bar is to the left. Fruits and snack trays are in the fridge underneath the counter. Enjoy you trips Sirs.” The two bolted for the opening held by the lead private as he spoke. There was a look of relief on the young faces as the lift doors glided shut.

Santari headed for the bar for a much-needed drink.

“Make it two.” Araman ordered.

“Three please?” A soft voice spoke up from behind Araman. He turned around to meet Brea’s eyes. “If that is permitted Commandant.”

Something inside of Araman snapped at her use of his title and not his name. He hadn’t realized the anger showed in the icy stare he gave her. He only knew she shrank back from him. Araman silently cursed the orderly and his big mouth.

“I’m reporting in with Herse.” The Commandant took his black mood into the lift leaving Santari to entertain Brea. He needed the distance from her cinnamon scent churning his insides prompting his behavior to act like an ancient Olean troglodyte still living in caves.

“That is the first time I’ve watched him fight the urge to yell.” Santari commented after Araman was safely behind closed doors. “Do not worry about him Brea, come sit up here and talk to me.” Santari was holding a drink mixer up and shaking it in rhythmic motions from side to side.

She stepped over and slid onto the smooth stool as Santari was pouring the frothy drink into tumblers. “I have no idea what these are called but they are good.” He handed out the glasses and raised his up. “Furlough has officially begun.” He gestured towards the bay doors outside the flyer opening.

The ship slowly moved out of the doors. Two red Beams guided the flyer out into the open where the engines roared to life. Brea felt nothing when the lights of the stars streamlined into one as the flyer jumped into sonic drive.

Brea took a sip of her drink. She coughed slightly as it burned its way down. It settled into the pit of her stomach. She could taste the fruity aftertaste of the mix.

“Brea,” Santari said watching her set her drink down. She looked up at him expectantly. “There are those of us in the military because we lack the thought for farming or industries. There are many good things about Olean and those are the reasons we are here. To protect our world but we are also the ones trying to change archaic laws that were set in place to recover a dying race. We are no longer in threat of ruination.

Marriage to a concubine was finally legalized fifty years ago. Progression of our cause is slow but hopeful.”

Brea absorbed Santari’s explanation. “I understand. No world is perfect. Even Shinwa has its problems.” She took another sip. A thoughtful expression came over her face.

Her pale green eyes glittered gold as she stared out the window into the cold darkness. “I wonder about this Terrian world the Commandant seems to like yet the women he dislikes.” Brea’s gaze turned back to Santari.

“Terra is a beautiful world. It has terrain that changes from mountains to flat lands. Thick heavy rainforests, fields of wheat and its cities are fun.” He winked at her. “Terrian culture is very complex due to the diversity of it. There are people like you and me. There are sub-cultures and within those are rank and class. Living there is a nightmare of do’s and don’ts.”

“Was it always so?” Brea asked thinking her world had never changed. But to her world, change meant danger to a fragile people.

“No.” Santari shook his head. “At one time the world was at the brink of suicide. Factions killing other factions, nations ignoring the rules of war and engaging in world domination. Even their sciences contradicted each other. The entire world was chaotic.”

“What happened?”

“That’s rather interesting. You see in the Ancient Terrian history, a dominating force called the Romans who were brought down by their own doing. They used a metal called lead to make tubes to carry their drinking water. The water became poisoned and pretty much killed off the society. Domination became survival.

Two millenniums later, a plague hit the entire world except for only a few nations. These nations closed their borders under the advisement of the United Nations Medical Agency. They were the ones to rebuild Terra.

After many years of research they had discovered that there were several reasons as to what caused the plague. Chemicals in the food they used during the manufacturing eventually poisoned their societies. More chemicals were poured into the earth from the growing processes or disposals. The old earth scientists altered and cloned food trying to improve on nature. They also suspect the industries of the time pushed governments into using more chemicals for healing rather than the natural ingredients their world provided. They perversely banned anything natural. It was a strange concept.” Santari shook his head at the backward thinking of the old earthlings. “Lead in the water all over again, only on a global level.”

“The countries that survived passed laws to protect their land and food from the poisons and genetic changes. With each new discovery of what caused the plague, laws were placed to avoid any one sector from ruling with dominance the powers to be. They managed to save and rebuild Terra into a fantastic planet.”

“Then why does he hate the women so?” Brea asked.

Santari made himself another drink. “As much as Terra is a beautiful land, the humans are the dangerous creatures of the world. Especially the women. One betrayed Araman. It was found out during a mission that our coordinates were being ambushed. Once is lucky, twice and you know, they know. Araman was nearly killed trying to save an underling.” He took a long swallow. “There was a mole in the division and Commandant could not find him. He went home early to prepare for a mission.” He poured Brea another one. “Quite by accident he discovered it was his wife who had been the Oleander Mole.”

“What happened to her?”

“Died at her own hand,” Santari lied. He was told to stick with the official story. It was up to Araman to tell Brea the truth. A twinge of guilt flashed through his heart and quickly dissipated.

Brea’s eyes slid to the smooth wall the lift hid behind. She understood his animosity towards the Terrian women. She looked back at Santari taking a swig of his drink. Brea sensed he lied but not to damage but to protect Araman.

“And yet he admires the world so.” She murmured staring at her glass.

“Terra has overcome and learned to accept differences within their own world even though they struggle with other worlds. His hope for Olean is it will accept all types of life with respect.” Santari told her.

Brea nodded and gave a little sigh. “I hope for his sake it happens,” she wished out loud.

Chapter Seven

Araman stared at the screen scowling at the General’s fleshy face as he puffed on a cigar. The eyes scanned a piece of paper. An eyebrow rose has he peered out from the side of the report and looked at Araman.

“You manhandled my orderly?” Herse asked.

“I have already taken the liberty of apologizing to the parties involved Sir.” Araman said stiffly.

“Hurrumph.” The paper shook. “It states it here.” A puff of smoke billowed above filling the screen. The sheet lowered and the general looked at him stuffing the cigar in his mouth.

“Well, let’s hear it. Your side.” He drummed on the desk with his fingers impatiently.

“The young orderly was disrespectful to my concubine. I regret to say my primal instinct got the better of me. It seems to be the effect of the Shinwa concubine on my pheromones. I tend to want to kill any male within twenty cubes of her.” His words were tight as he made his cold report. “I will accept any punishment deemed for my actions to show I am regretful of this incident.” The icy glare leveled on the large face in the viewer.

“Consider yourself chastised. Just quit mauling the underlings. I need them alive. Dismissed.” Herse punched a pudgy finger to the console and the screen faded to the insignia of the general, two golden wings extending from the O for Olean.

Araman let out a controlled breath. He rubbed the back of his neck thinking that one of Brea’s massages would do him a world of good. Preferably without the towel this time. The idea rolled through his mind of giving her the same pleasure she gave him.

He turned around and left the small meeting room onto the deck of the ship. Stepping onto the lift a button on the left of him flashed. He pressed it.

“Commander we are within twelve million cubits of Orpheaus Six. I was wondering if you would like us to drop out of sonic on the way in. Hyper drive will get us there within two hours rather than one.” He explained. “I thought your guests would like to see the view.”

“Thank you, that would be most accommodating,” Araman said.

“Better hurry sir, you don’t want to miss it either,” the friendly voice bid when he stepped off.

“It’s Master Bates, Brea.” He heard Santari’s voice say.

“Are you sure? In Shinwa it would be Master Batus.”

“Yes, but it is Master Bates in Terrian.”

Araman wondered what in the Frigg Santari was doing talking about masturbation to his concubine. He came around the bar to see the two heads crouched staring at the General’s glass cabinet.

“And who was Master Bates?” Brea softly asked.

“Some guy from an ancient Terrian story called Oliver Twist. The general has a thing for the post-medieval author.”

“What are you two talking about?” Araman asked from behind startling Brea and Santari.

“The mug.” He stepped aside and pointed to the crackled glazed piece of ancient drinking pottery with a picture of a very stout man holding up an overflowing beer stein.

Araman straightened with a wry smile seeing the humor in his error. “Forgive me. It was a rather disturbing conversation to walk into.”

Santari looked at him, then realizing the meaning burst out laughing. Brea looked at the two of them in disgust not knowing what to think. Her translator failed her once again. She did not understand what the meaning behind their words was nor could she see any humor.

“Is there something else about this that is funny?” Brea asked Santari. When Santari backed off she looked to Araman. “Well?”

“That’s your woman.” Santari pointed out flopping into an oversized chair.

Brea looked up at him, “I am curious to know what made you laugh?” She smiled shyly up at him.

“Master Bates sounds as our word for pleasuring ones self. It was why I was alarmed at your discussion.”

“Why?” Brea looked up him. “Is pleasuring one’s self not a topic for discussion?”

Araman slid an arm along the base of her spine and directed her towards the sitting area. “Not when it is with my second-in-command that you are discussing it with.” He whispered in her ear as he settled her into a seat.

“You would prefer I discuss it with you?” Her jade eyes looked at him through her lashes. Araman did not mistake her flirtatious look.

“I would definitely prefer it.” Araman took her hand and brought it to his cheek. His blue eyes locked with hers as she met his stare. The heat between them grew until a cough from across caused both their heads to turn in its direction.

Santari gave another little sound as though he was clearing his throat. He glanced up to Brea and Araman trying to feign disgust with them. His smirking at his love struck Commandant ruined the mask.

“I hate to sound like I am a broken audio disk but could you make it a little less obvious you’re ignoring my presence.”

Araman chuckled and agreed as he sat on the side of the chair with his hand lazily resting on Brea’s back. “Alright Santari, you have our undivided attention.” He smiled down at Brea.

“Some how I’m thinking it’s a little more divided.” He rolled his eyes to the viewer. “Looks like its going to be quite a show.”

The view was a fog of neon pink screen as they entered the outer territory of Orpheaus Six. The dust caught in the gas cloud reflected from the huge single sun in the center of the dancing solar system. The vessel maneuvered around large columns of gaseous billows climbing up to reach the black of space forming the gateway to the galaxy.

As the vessel straightened out, the screen filled with glittering waves of the iridescent dust of long ago destroyed asteroids caught in the outer orbit of its enchanting solar system. The teal sparkling ocean turned to sapphire blue, then emerald green and back to teal as the flyer turned towards the shimmering pearl in the center. The entire galaxy was a dance of seduction as it gently swayed in deep rich colors as the vessel neared its destination.

The pearly planet emanated curved rays of prismatic colors that flashed like brilliant diamonds when they mingled in the sunlight. Even the triple moons orbiting Orpheaus Six looked like large polished gemstones placed in a row to accent the world’s radiant ionosphere.

“Some things you just can’t see sitting in quarters.” Araman whispered in Brea’s ear.

She nodded not tearing her eyes away from the kaleidoscopic colors of Orpheaus Six. “It is truly a bewitching galaxy.”

“On the surface the air is so soft you can barely feel it and the water is like silk across your skin.” His words tickled her neck. “When you walk on the sand, you think you’re walking on clouds.” Brea glanced up into Araman’s warm blue eyes. “It’s a planet created for pleasure.” He caught her lips briefly in his.

“Remind me never to take furlough with you two again.” Santari stood up. “Does anyone else find it hot in here or is it just me?” He headed to the bar. “Drink anyone or am I still invisible?” He proceeded to add whatever he touched into the shaker.

Araman removed himself from the arm of the chair chuckling at Brea’s blushing. “Don’t worry about his moaning Lyra, Santari never suffers for long.” He moved to the bar as Santari poured out another concoction. His blue eyes watched as Brea excused herself to freshen up before landing.

“Contact will be made with six lunar hours of arriving once the target has been located.” Santari said once Brea had disappeared out of the room. He took a drink. “It should be simple enough.”

“Be careful. Never underestimate your target.” Araman warned him.

“I’m not some virgin underling.” Santari said. “I’ll watch my back.”

“That’s what I’m doing.” He took a swallow of his drink. Araman swallowed then set the tumbler down glaring. “That’s disgusting.”

“Yeah, I think it needs a little work.” Santari agreed glancing at his watch. “I’ve got to report in before landing.” He moved out from behind the bar and towards the lift doors. “Try not to steam the place up before I get back.”

Brea stepped out just as Santari was leaving. She watched him disappear behind the doors and looked at Araman questioningly.

“He is checking on the arrangements at the resort.” Araman didn’t like lying to her but he had to keep her safe. He lifted the glass to take a drink and then thought better of the idea. The moment seemed awkward.

Brea stared at the door contemplating the Commander. “He is not Olean is he?”

“Who? Santari?” Araman looked in her direction. She rested her pale jade eyes on him and gave a little nod.

“Actually he is half Oleander and half Olean.” Araman indicated to the seat beside him before continuing.

“And yet he fights against Oleander?” Brea asked sitting on the stool facing him with her knees resting against his thigh.

“He has his reasons. His mother is Oleander and when she found she was impregnated with Olean inferior seed, according to Santari, she at least had the mercy in her to give him life before disposing of him.

I have learned that he was raised by his father and was never acknowledged by his mother who now sits as the Regency of Oleander. He tried once to contact her but her reply to him was that she had no son. It is written in the records that she has daughters only.”

Brea shook her head. “Are all women on Oleander like that?”

“Oleander is a matriarchal world.” Araman shifted around to face her. He took her hands in his. “Olean and Oleander were once communal with each other. As in all democratic societies there is always one faction, which is radical. Unfortunately, they got in as the ruling party of Oleander and slowly they began to phase out much of the male influence. With the changes the males began to migrate to Olean. From there the battle of the sexes got worse. Oleander began disrupting our trade with other planets and our diplomatic missions, claiming we were not listening and giving in to their demands. They wanted sole rule of the galaxy and Olean was not about to let that happen. It became a cold war for territory.

Oleander women evolved to be hardened warriors. They will use any means to get what they want. They do not want peace with Olean. Each generation that takes over, is more determined that the Oleander race is the superior one.”

“How did he become part of the Olean military?” Brea leaned in closer intently learning about Santari.

“I convinced him. As much as the man is a pain in the ass some days, his knowledge of Oleander and Terra is invaluable. He knows what the blueprints don’t.”

“He fights against his mother.” Brea summed up.

“He fights against a society that puts one sex as superior over another.” Araman corrected.

“But so does Olean, thinking women are disposable.”

Araman shook his head. “Olean women are our equals in positions, status and work place roles. Concubines are normally Oleander and concubines are considered prisoners of war. In accordance to the war acts under the Universal United Planets agreement, prisoners are to be treated fairly and with respect to their talents, they will be put to work as the prisoner deems.”

“I was not given a choice.” Brea reminded him.

“I know.” He said. “I have tried to find the answers as to why but it does not matter.” She glared at him before Araman smiled at her and swept her onto his lap. “I have figured out that the fates were going to toss you on my lap in one way or another.”

She relaxed against his hard chest as his arms engulfed her. Brea felt safe and secure against him. He would protect her. She could feel he was still holding something back from her but his features revealed nothing when she glanced upward. Her soft green eyes rested on his lips.

She raised a hand to the back of his head and guided his mouth down to meet hers. The instant her lips met his, a spark ignited a fire that spread throughout her body. Her mouth opened to his as his tongue invited hers to dance.

Araman’s hand slid up the silky material of the jumper. He smiled to himself when Brea pushed her breast into his hand demanding to be caressed by his experienced fingers. He lost himself in her sensuous spicy scent filling his mind with thoughts of burying himself in her.

“For Frigg’s sakes!” Santari’s voice cut through the sexually energized air. “Can’t I leave you two alone for ten minutes without you mauling each other?” He grinned at Brea’s squeak of surprise.

Brea groaned and hid her reddening face in Araman’s chest. She could feel the rumblings of his amusement at her reaction deep within his chest.

“Lyra, ignore my underling's taunting.” Araman hugged her against him. “He is merely jealous of not having a mate of his own.”

“Right, let’s go with that.” Santari cracked as he pointed to the screen. “You might be interested to know that we will soon be disembarking.”

The viewer showed Orpheaus Six encompassing the entire screen. A flash of red, then orange and lastly yellow told the men they had just entered the planet’s atmosphere. The yellow burst faded revealing a lavender colored sea spanning across the horizon.

Araman helped Brea onto her feet before standing himself. He glanced casually to his commander.

“The arrangements for furlough have been confirmed?”

Santari nodded recognizing the coded question. “The rooms are waiting for our arrival and I have had confirmation the place is teeming with single lonely women waiting for me. Having caught a sneak peek via the telecom, there is one who definitely has my curiosity raised. Looks like a challenge.”

Araman shook his head at Santari with a mask of disgust. Internally he read the cryptic reply as the target was confirmed and the mission was a go. He watched over his head as the viewer went blank, mulling a gut feeling. It was a feeling as though once again things were becoming a little too easy for them.

He looked over at Santari who, by the serious look on his face, was obviously feeling the same way. The conversation would have to wait for when Brea was out of earshot.

“They are predicting a wave of storms this time of year. We have been advised to proceed on our furlough with caution. We do not want to be caught by one of these storms. It seems they can be extremely hostile and violent.” Santari’s reddish brown eyes caught Araman’s.

“Yes, having been caught in one myself, we will not be straying far from the resort.” Araman gave a slight nod to Santari. Araman silently cursed. Unidentified moles were crawling around making things a little more difficult. It did not ease the thought that maybe the whole thing was a trap.

A chime ended their coded messaging as the navigator’s voice came over the internal communicator. “We have arrived Commandant. The orderlies will be arriving shortly to escort you and your guests to the resort. We will contact you before we arrive to retrieve you. Have a pleasant stay.”

“Why do I get the feeling he used to work for the Travel Borough before his stint with the military?” Santari asked with a shake of his head at the navigator’s chipper tone.

Araman shrugged as the lift doors opened. Two nervous orderlies stood with their luggage waiting for the trio to step into the lift. Araman glared at the two underlings with daggers of ice as he led Brea into the elevator.

“This is going to be pleasant.” Santari muttered under his breath as he followed. He placed himself on the other side of Brea as the lift doors shut.

The ride of three floors was done in stony silence. Brea was relieved when the door opened to the foyer leading to the exit. Sandwiched in between the two large men, she was escorted off the flyer and into a waiting motorized cart.

The three were taken aback by the lack of a driver as the cart sped its way to the end of the pavement and down a dirt road cutting through a thick tropical jungle. The large oval leafed trees bowing above diffused birds calling and other exotic sounds from the unseen creatures lurking in the gigantic palm trees.

The air whipping her hair was warm and velvety as it hit Brea’s cheeks from the speed of the vehicle. There was a hint for floral mixed with salt water and sand in the aroma. She caught the glimpse of something soaring in the air above and craned her neck to see what it was.

Instead her green eyes looked upon pastel pink clouds drifting lazily under an iridescent pale blue sky. Brea wondered how the sky could twinkle with the hint of stars during the day. Araman caught her attention and pointed to the side of the jungle path.

He directed her attention to a large trunk where several little furry mammals were running up to the top. She saw a blond stripe against the brown down each little rodent’s back. The tails of the little creatures was larger than the body and very bushy with a curl at the tip.

“What are they?” Brea asked.

“Tree Nut Tuggas.” Araman told her. “They are called that for the sound they call out. If you listen you can hear it at night.”

The driverless cart slowed down where the trees met sand and bumped itself up onto a stone road. The creamy white sand blended into the lilac colored tides as they swelled back. The peacefulness of the water’s motion washed over her as her eyes scanned as far as she could see. The sight and sound of water lapping gently at the shore caused Brea’s heart to suddenly ache for Shinwa.

She stiffened. Cold fear washed over her as the pull for home waned. She glanced up to Araman and then down to the floor. She tried to convince herself it was only a warning and not the actual call.

Araman felt Brea go rigid beside him. He knew something was amiss all of a sudden. His eyes glazed over in ice as he surreptitiously glanced around ensuring it was safe. He caught Santari’s attention and indicated to Brea with his eyes that something was wrong.

Santari frowned as he slyly cast his eyes about. He could see nothing amiss but he automatically went on high alert for anything that was. He hated starting a mission like this. He much preferred infiltrating and retrieving. Missions like this, to Santari, had too many factors that could go wrong. Including entrapment.

Araman moved closer to Brea and placed his arm around her back as the resort came into view. It was a large sprawling and spacious construction. Backside of the building faced the thick jungle with the front exposed to the sand and sea.

The vehicle came to a stop in front of an open veranda as two young boys ran down the steps to greet the newest arrivals. Araman helped Brea to the ground as eager little hands grabbed the luggage.

“This way,” the taller of the dark-haired boys pointed through the veranda and to the outer edge of the building. They didn’t look back to see if guests were following as they headed through to the other side.

They followed the youngsters carrying their grips to the glass sliding doors of their suites. Each held up a small disc for each of the men to take after setting down the luggage.

“Your keys sirs.” They handed over the discs before scampering off.

“They didn’t wait for a tip.” Santari marveled.

“Check your expenses at the end of the trip.” Araman told him inserting the key into the slit at the side of the doors.

“Please stand for scanning of identification.” A melodic voice chimed from the smooth marble walls. A beam came down and scanned Araman. “You may enter.” The door slid open.

Araman guided Brea through the door first into the cream and silver room. Two matching sofas faced each other in the middle divided by a large oval opaque coffee table. To the left of the twin sofas sat a fully stocked kitchenette with a table for two in front of a glass wall looking onto the calm surf.

A spiral staircase leading to the sleeping loft upstairs caught Brea’s eyes. The filigree of the metal had been molded into small palm leafs fanning up and around the railing of the stairs and the edging of the loft.

She counted eleven tiers of the crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling in the middle of the room. Each level of the fixture was made up of various lengths of crystal icicles with pointed tips gleaming from the natural light through the large windows.

Araman brought their grips into the Roman style bathroom with the large round tub in the middle of the floor. He placed the cases on a large marble counter top opposite the sinks and doorway to the lavatory. The room continued the silver and cream theme with mosaic tile of diamonds framing the outer edge of the bathtub.

“Where is the shower?” Brea asked looking in the doorway.

Araman grinned. “I thought it would be safer if I requested a bathing unit to ensure no extra expenses for damages.”

Her eyes twinkled at his jest. “Good thinking.” Brea nodded as her lips pulled into a smile.

“I could use a cup of Terrian coffee.” Araman said heading back to the main area. “Care for a cup.”

“Please.” Brea’s voice followed behind him. “If it is permitted.…”

“Enough!” Araman’s sharp tone startled her. “You are my equal Brea, I will not tolerate you asking permission every time I turn around. I don’t give a Frigg where we are, you are not my slave!”

Brea drew back her shoulders and raised her chin. Her eyes narrowed and went frigid as she met his angry look.

“I was going to ask if it was permitted by the…” Her translator was useless as she struggled to remember where they were. “Resort, to walk along the shore. There are times during the mating of the sea creatures they are on the beach in my world. And considering the storm warnings I was only questioning if it was safe.”

Her nose went higher in the air as she pierced his ire, “If you wish me to believe that I am your equal, Commandant, you will stop speaking to me as though I was your underling.” The words were calm but the tone implied a boiling undercurrent.

Brea tore her gaze and left him standing in the suite as she headed out the doors for much needed fresh air. She removed her shoes without thinking to walk on the silky sand still fuming from Araman’s arrogance. There were times he was so sweet with her that it baffled her when he was acting like a rutting male left out of the mating.

The sun was setting as she stood letting her feet enjoy the sensations of the water lapping gently over them as it reach land. Brea took a deep breath of the soft floral air and held it. It slowly released taking her anger with it as she consciously pushed it from her. She brought her hands in front of her heart pressing them together adding more force as she inhaled and exhaled.

She opened her eyes to Santari watching her, obviously intrigued by her actions.

“What are you doing?” He asked with an amused smirk.

“I am releasing negative energy from my body.”

Santari nodded as if he understood. “I take it my esteemed liege is being an idiot again?” Brea nodded with a half laugh. “Yeah I know.” He sighed as he sat down in the sand. He patted a spot beside him inviting Brea to sit with him.

“And you no doubt put him in his place?” Santari was enjoying this a little too much for Brea’s liking.

“I only asked him to speak to me as an equal if he regards me as such.” She shook her head as she gazed out onto the setting sun. Hues of a prism lit up the sky as twilight approached.

“Araman is a good man Brea. If he says you are an equal, then that is how he regards you in all ways. He is true to word.” He spoke earnestly.

Brea noted the affection in Santari’s voice. “You honor him in your words.”

“I met Araman on Terra just after he married his first wife. I was in the process of rescuing a maid from a mauler who decided that I would make a good punching bag. Araman stepped in and helped out. I bought a drink in thanks. We were young and looking for our niche and being two orphans we took on the universe together. His wife hated me by the way.” Santari grinned at her.

“Orphan?” Brea turned her pale eyes to him. She ignored the prick of jealousy at the mention of Araman’s first wife.

“Araman should tell you himself.” He indicated to behind her.

“Oh.” Brea nodded at the masculine silhouette approaching.

“Well if you will excuse me Brea, I think I see a little bird I would like to catch.” He gave her a wink and got up. He caught Araman by the arm as he walked by.

“I think we have been joined by the Novena Intelligence. They seem very interested in my target.” Santari spoke in a hushed tone aware of Brea near by. “I’ve made contact but I am concerned about the extra players. They are not a threat at the moment but they do not look like they will stay that way for long.”

Araman nodded with his eyes still on his concubine. “They may be here to observe what we are going to do about their delegates. Have they confirmed the contact?”

Santari shook his head. “I don’t know if they will. I am unsure of their motives.” His lips slipped into a smile. “But there is one thing for certain.”

“And what is that?” Araman gave his Commander an impatient look.

“It’s sure to make this mission a little bit more interesting.”

“Just stay alert.” Araman instructed. Santari gave a nod before heading up to the resort’s bar.

Araman took a deep breath of the sea air staring at Brea’s backside. He had been a fool and her cool rage only exaggerated his stupidity. It surprised him when she turned and didn’t glare at him when she saw him. Instead she invited him to join her with a warm smile.

Brea turned her gaze back to the sun almost hidden by the horizon. The ocean water turned indigo against the darkening sky. Tiny multi-colored lights emerged in the deepening black background. Sheer opaque clouds above shimmered as they drowsily drifted by. The scent in the air was more spice than flower.

She could feel the energy of the world shift from romantic to mystic. She could feel her chakkras reaching out and connecting to her surroundings. A contradiction to her earlier pull for home she mused. Brea’s eyes rested to Araman who was waiting patiently for her attentions.

“I owe you an apology.…” He spoke quietly. “I should not have let go on you like that.”

“I understand.” Brea reassured him. “I forget too that sometimes my words sound more formal.” She offered shyly. Santari’s words had satisfied her enough. “You are forgiven.” She smiled at his sheepish expression.

“May I ask you a question? It is very personal.” Brea looked up at him after a few moments of awkward silence.

Araman glanced over to see a very serious expression on her face. He could see she had many questions. He could feel his body stiffen as the feeling that his judgment day had arrived seeped into his brain. He looked over to Brea who sat watching the surf gently lap the soft sands.

The night suited his Shinwa witch. Even the color of her eyes deepened to more of a sage green as they met his. Unsaid words caught in his throat compelled him to look away.

“We are on Orpeaus Six…”

“Orpheaus.” He corrected her. He smiled at her when she dipped her head to hide her blushing.

“We are here on Orpheaus Six,” Brea started again trying to recover her thoughts, “and if you and I are equals then I would like to learn about you.”

Araman’s heart stopped beating as he slowly turned to her in disbelief. “You want to learn about me?” He asked her. No woman had ever wanted to understand him. He was a credit source, a title and considered a status symbol among the female ranks.

“On Olean, I am your concubine. Here I am your equal. On Shinwa you are my lifemate. As your equal and lifemate I would like to know something about you in the same manner as you know about me.”

“Ah.” He said understanding her. He let his guard down but only slightly.

“Santari was telling me about when you two met. He said you were orphans.” Brea glanced up to him. “Are you?”

Araman nodded. “My father was the Commandant of Military Operations before he died when I was sixteen. I do not know anything about my mother.” He picked up a handful of sand and let it slip through his fingers as he thought. “I only remember her hair. It was very much like yours but not as dark.” He dropped his head and shut his eyes quelling the rising surge of emotions. “She disappeared when I was a child. When I asked my father about it, his only answer was that she was disposable.”

“So that is why you did not want me.” Brea said.

“Not want you?” Araman’s head shot up to meet hers. He was shocked by her assessment.

“You did not want a concubine. I was told I would not last long because of it.”

Araman shook his head. He hadn’t realized his opinions were that well known through out the ranks.

“You are correct. I did not want a concubine.” He admitted before taking her hand. “I did not want the responsibility of caring for another life when mine is sometimes at risk. I did not want the complications a concubine would cause.” His eyes scanned the calm water. Araman smiled.

“And there you stood in front of me,” he caught her gaze in his, “sending my emotions on a Terrian roller coaster ride. I hadn’t a clue what hit me. Still don’t.” He teased Brea who was smiling up at him. “I may not have wanted a concubine, but I sure as Frigg wanted you.”

“Then that is a good thing.” She decided out loud. Araman chuckled at her announcement. “You know you are a very handsome man when you smile.” Brea told him.

“And you are a very beautiful witch Lyra.” Araman pulled her onto his lap. “The more you entrance me with your Shinwa ways the more I want to be caught up in your web.” A finger trailed the outline of her jaw.

“Araman…” Only his name was uttered as his lips silenced Brea.

He cradled her with one arm, as Araman’s free hand roamed exploring her curves. She turned into him wanting to feel the strength of his rock solid torso beneath her hands and body. Her fingers came up along his strong cheekbones and into his blond hair. Even it held strength to her touch.

Araman’s lungs filled with her aroma of cinnamon. It was bolder, stronger and hotter than ever before as it crept into his senses. He could taste the erotic spice on her lips as he kissed her, teasing her lips with his. He felt the heat of her spicy need against his own driving him further into the volcano she was creating.

A crash from behind them drew them apart. A man’s angered voice penetrated the air but the words were lost with the distance. Only the tone carried.

“Santari.” Araman looked to Brea. “Frigg!” He cursed.

They both scrambled up from the sand and rushed in the direction of the voice.

Chapter Eight

Santari stood with a young startled woman behind him as Brea and Araman reached the resort deck. He was staring down three rather large men holding a pistol shaped weapon. Each man held the intent to kill on their expressions as they keened on the Commander.

Araman assessed the situation with a quick look. Santari had made contact with the Oleander underling and apparently so did the Novena Intelligence with both. He glanced over to Brea who stood with a rigid back as she watched with a calm face.

“Go back to the suite.” He instructed her.

Cool green eyes turned up to him and then to Santari. “I go no where Commandant.”

“Brea.” He voiced warned her.

“I go no where.” She growled with such intensity that Araman knew enough to leave her alone. He turned his look to the situation secretly proud of the warrior in her.

A weapon pointed to Brea’s direction as another aimed to Araman as two of the three aggressors greeted them. She slipped out of her shoes needing the freedom her bare feet would allow.

“I see, Commander Santari, you are not alone on the mission.” The tallest of the three spoke with his eyes on Brea. Araman did not like the look on the man’s apish face. He noted the look on her face was too intent on her foe to listen to what they were saying, much to Araman’s relief.

Brea watched as the agent moved. Despite his brawn and large frame he was sluggish in his movements. A gleam came to her eye. She could feel her muscles tighten as she positioned herself, readying for the attack.

He looked at her, with her tiny hands flat and open to each other raised in front of her chest and face. The Novenian laughed at her.

“The woman thinks she can fight me.” He leered at her. “I’ll be glad to teach you a lesson or two.” He licked his lips.

“I don’t think so.” The one with his firearm pointed at Araman said, when the Commandant moved towards his concubine.

“Enough!” An impatient rough voice shouted out. The two threatening Brea and Araman looked back to the one cornering Santari and the woman he protected. “Give us the Oleander and we will go peacefully.” He leveled a gaze at Santari’s narrowed reddish-brown ones.

Santari shook his head. “Sorry can’t do that.” His eyes never left his threat. “Araman just remember, I did not start this one.”

“No.” Brea’s calm lilt spoke up. “I did.”

She propelled herself into the air and did two back flips before her feet met with the Novenian agent’s upper torso. The impact forced the air from his lungs dropping him to his knees as he clutched his chest still holding his weapon. Landing crouched she watched as he stood on his knees with his eyes wide with surprise at her attack.

He slowly moved the weapon in her direction. She jumped up and over him with her elbow making contact with his head. He fell face first onto the floor.

“Brea!” Araman warned her. He watched as she ejected herself into the air and behind the bar for protection just as a discharge passed through the empty space where she had just stood. Her speed amazed him from the corner of his eye as he dealt with his own matter.

She peered up from the edge of the counter to see the men battling it out with their fists. The woman Santari protected was looking around frantically for a place to hide.

“Here.” Brea motioned her over. The woman looked pale and as though she was about to release the contents of her stomach.

Just as she scrambled to beside Brea, Santari’s fist gave his opponent a final blow before the man slumped to the floor. He looked over to Araman who was still embroiled in the brawl.

A beam of light shot upward, sizzling a part of a beam in the ceiling above Santari’s head just as the one Araman was fighting landed on his backside, sprawled out on a table.

“Hand over the woman.” The weapon pointed to Araman’s head. It was the Novenian that had been fighting Santari. He got up and moved carefully towards the Commandant. His weapon aimed directly at the heart.

Brea stealthy moved out from behind the shield of the bar before Santari could stop her. From her vantage point she could not see Araman but knew he stood from the height the man held the weapon. She saw him limp slightly.

Santari only saw Brea smile before she disappeared out of his sight. A scream of pain made him shoot up his head above the bar for fear it was Araman. Instead he saw Brea in her odd crouch on top of the man’s back with her fingers pointed like sharpened blades at his skull.

“Get off me, you.…”

Brea dug her feet into his spine as he screamed. Araman approached and knelt to be heard only by the Novenian thug.

“You tell your Prime Ruler if he wishes for Olean’s help not to interfere again.” He whispered against the man’s ear. Araman stood up and crushed the weapon under his foot. “Take your men and leave.”

Araman held out a hand for Brea and helped her off of the injured man’s back. He could not hide the pride in his eyes when he took her hand. Santari swore he saw the man’s chest puff out as he smiled to Brea.

The other two agents stumbled over and roughly pulled their humiliated comrade up off the floor. Araman moved Brea back with Santari who held a weapon on the three intruders. Santari tsked them shaking his head.

“Never mess with an Olean on furlough.” Santari warned. “I will be glad to escort you off the planet.”

A military squadron for Orpheaus Six showed up ready for battle. One stepped forward from the line up and looked over to Santari.

“My apologies for our late arrival. It seems you have everything under control.”

“Took you guys long enough.” Santari moved back allowing the troop to take over the prisoners.

The guard looked rather sheepish. “It is the night Commander.”

“Yeah, yeah I know. The planet of pleasures and all that crap.” He shook his head. “Just get rid of them so I can continue on with my vacation.”

“Aye sir.” The head guard started issuing orders as if he knew what he was doing. “I suggest Commanders that you retire in order for us to carry out our investigation.” He turned to Araman who answered with a stiff Olean salute. “We request you do not go anywhere for a day or two in case you are needed for questioning.”

Santari looked over to the petite curvy blonde with a smile. “I know of a great place for food and drinks.” He offered.

“Does nothing faze you?” She asked as he led her off the deck and towards his suite.

“Only you.”

Araman groaned at his friend’s attempt to be smooth and charming but the young lady seemed to melt at his words. He guided Brea following Santari’s direction to their suite wanting to get out of the investigation well on the way.

Brea slipped her hand into Araman’s and looked up at him. “We must cleanse.” She took a step and gazed up at him expectantly to follow her. He raised an eyebrow at her.

“Cleanse?”

She nodded. “After a Shinwa engages in a fight, he or she must cleanse their minds and bodies from the negative energies.”

“I see.” Araman said. “And what happens if you don’t?” He removed his hand from hers and put it around her waste as he guided her back their suite.

“I was taught that if you do not cleanse, your enemy’s energy will weaken your own.” Brea explained as her feet sank into the sand. She stopped for a moment, turned abruptly and ran back to the resort deck.

Araman was puzzled by her actions until she came running back with her shoes in her hand. She hesitated when he chuckled at her then broke out into a grin and hurried to join him.

“Tell me Brea, do all Shinwa fight like you?” Araman asked nearing the glass doors.

“No. Some fight with weapons, others fight with energy. Because I am smaller, I was taught intimate warfare. All know how to protect themselves.”

“Are the men just as venerable?” He followed her inside sliding the doors shut.

“No. Their chakkras are linked to their organs but they are not in danger of shattering like the women.” She told him looking around the room.

“Something amiss?” He headed to the kitchenette for a pot of double strength Terrian coffee.

“Yes, we will need candles, and soft drums mixed with water and wind within music.”

Araman opened a cupboard that hid a console for the internal computer. He pressed a few keys and Brea’s wishes were filled.

“Anything else?”

“Yes.” Brea smiled over to him, “food.”

Araman laughed as he opened the small fridge and brought out a plate of cheese and cold meat. “Some where there will be bread or crackers.” He opened a door beside the fridge and pulled out a basket. “Here we go.” He brought the trays over to where Brea sat looking out at the surf.

Araman retrieved a couple of glasses of white wine before settling in beside her. “I now understand why Oleander wanted you to train their underlings.” He reached for a cracker.

Brea took a bit of cheese then sipped her wine thinking before responding. “What you saw earlier was only basic. What Oleander wanted me to instruct was a more intimate form of warfare.”

“A more intimate form of warfare?” He raised an eyebrow at her.

She swallowed and nodded putting her glass down. “Most species of men have physical traits that if hit can render them.…” she thought of the word without the help of her translator, “useless?”

Araman smiled. “Incapacitated, unconscious, paralyzed?”

“Yes all three.” Brea said very seriously. “It depends on where and how hard you hit physically and with your energy. These areas cannot be hit with any effect from a distance. You must be close to execute the blow.”

“Like the groin.” Araman grimaced at the thought.

“That is not an effective area, depending on the man, he could recover too quickly. Here,” she pointed to the spot where his ribcage met, “is a much better place as it will knock the wind out of them and you can then bring them down.”

Araman looked at Brea with renewed respect for her abilities. He was thankful at the same time she did not feel the need to challenge him in hand to hand. He was unsure if he could fend off such an attack.

“Can a man defend himself against your moves?”

“It would be hard to teach but it could be done.” Brea realized what he was thinking as she reached for her wine. “You want your underlings to know how to protect themselves better than they do now.” She took a sip before deciding on another morsel from the tray.

Araman nodded. “Could you teach such a thing?”

“I could show them how to counter act.” Brea nodded savoring the aftertaste of the smoky meat, “But I would not be able to teach them to recover as I am not a Dia’Qui.” She reached for more.

“Meaning?” He set down his empty wineglass.

“A Dia’Qui is a male chakkra healer.” She explained. “Dia’Qui for males and Cin’Goh for females.”

“Because of the differences in the chakkras?” Araman removed her glass from her hand. “The techniques would be different for each sex.”

“You understand.” Brea grinned at him popping another piece of cheese in her mouth.

“I am beginning to.” He caught her hand in his. “Now exactly what is this cleansing and does it include rubbing your body down with soap.” His blue eyes smoldered as he met her gaze.

“I think we could include it another time, if it would please you.”

“It would. Why not now?” Araman stood up dragging Brea with him. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bathroom and commanded the computer to fill the tub with medium warm water setting her to her feet.

“Because, this is your first cleansing and other energies can not be mixed up with it.” Brea removed her clothing. She was looking forward to wearing her loose silk kimono. She did not like the feel of the tightness of the Terrian clothing. It explained to her why the women of the planet were nasty. Their blood flow was cut off.

“I see, baby steps.” Araman tore his clothes off and was first to step into the water. As his foot touched the edge the water began to swirl creating a surface of foamy bubbles. Brea stepped in beside him handing him a bar of soap.

“Until you are able to feel and separate the energies it would be safer. Besides, I already rescued you once today, I’m not sure I have the energy to do it again.”

His chuckling echoed against the cream tiled walls as he began to lather up his hands. Brea turned her back to him and felt the tingling in her energy the instant he touched. She could feel his energy reaching out for hers. She did so love the roughness of his hands against her skin.

She stepped away when his hands skimmed over the top of her buttocks. She turned around shaking her head at him.

“I had to at least try.” Araman shrugged.

“You sound like Santari,” she lightly accused him.

“Now that was a low blow.” He said as Brea turned him around to wash his back. It was when he faced her again she faltered letting her hands glide up the ripples of his abdomen enjoying the hard muscle beneath her touch.

His hands caught hers in his. “If you don’t want me to rise to the occasion I suggest we get on with the cleansing.” Araman’s eyes were beginning to haze over with his want of her.

“I think you’re correct.” Brea smiled, stepping back and watching him finish bathing. With a sigh she did the same. She took a few slow deep breaths to get her energy focused away from Araman.

He helped her wash her hair admiring the color under the water as the spirals relaxed under the weight. Both feeling much cleaner they got out of the draining tub and headed to the kitchen.

“So what happens during the cleansing?” Araman asked leading Brea up the staircase to the loft bedroom. Brea looked up at the glass ceiling the bed sat under. The Orpheaus night sky was twinkling above. His response was a pat on the bed in front of her.

Candles were lit on the single dresser and nightstand as the music softly drummed in the background. Brea sat in the middle of the bed, settling in with her legs crossed.

“Sit the same way and face me.” She instructed.

“Like your first night with me?” Araman asked crawling onto the bed. She nodded and waited until he placed himself.

Both began to breathe in deeply, hold it and exhale. Brea levitated her hands above Araman’s letting her energy slowly mix with his. As she inhaled her body straightened to allow his chakkras find hers. Delicate tentacles of mist formed around Araman’s meditating body and gingerly sought out Brea.

She felt the pull of her aura into his and the familiar way their energies mixed. What she was not expecting, was to be catapulted into the center of his third eye. Her mind felt like it had been sucked through a vortex as she sought to gain control over the situation.

Araman felt her presence within his mind. He could feel her moving about in his memories. He knew he should expel her but yet was hesitant to.

“Relax and breathe.” Her voice floated inside. “You can not hurt me.” She felt his apprehension wan. She also felt something within him surface immediately.

It was guilt. He had lied to her about the visit to Orpheaus Six, in order to protect her. He and Santari were on a mission. She removed her presence before he detected her. He was already searching for her within his thoughts.

As his mind relaxed, Brea was tossed into the middle of his memories as a silent observer. A woman quickly appeared then faded just as she emerged leaving a residue of familiar energy. She was kneeling down over a little boy playing with a red ball. The child looked up and by his eyes, Brea knew she was watching Araman as a child. During the brief glimpse she felt the woman’s motherly love for her son before it faded.

Brea turned around and watched as a younger man knelt in front of a wall with a flower. His hurt was raw and fresh. She sensed the burning anguish within him knocking the breath out of her. A man resembling him put an arm on his shoulder.

“Come Son, there will be other women. You’re still young.”

A boyish Araman looked at his father. “We were going to marry.” He was angry with the older man. “She was not disposable!” An intense wave of anger and hatred filled Brea’s head.

“Release it Araman!” She yelled out. “Release his poison, he is beyond your thoughts to change. Push it out with your next breath.” The emotional grip let go as she felt Araman take a deep air full into his lungs.

Things around her faded into black as another image surrounded her. This time she stood in an office where Araman was read the message that his girlfriend had been killed in a crash in the flyer her brother piloted.

The scene shattered like a glass on slate as a blonde woman approached. She was tall and curvy. Brea instantly disliked her recognizing his first wife. She had long wavy hair, wide blue eyes and full pouty red lips. She walked like she was on the hunt for her next victim.

“No!” Araman tried to pull away breaking contact with Brea’s mind but she held him there.

“It wants to release Araman.” Her calming voice penetrated his brain.

Brea turned back to the woman. The stage around them brought the memory back to Araman’s apartment. He is standing there consumed by anger at the realization it was his wife who was trying to have him killed. It was his wife who was feeding the information to the enemy of their locations.

The anger turned into molten lava brewing in the pit of his stomach when he thought of the faces of his dead men because of the treachery. The anger briefly turned to despair at the thought of the many men he lost because of her. The lava erupted. To Brea’s horror she stood watching Araman’s fingers wrap around the woman’s throat. She looked up to see Santari standing there.

Brea was thrown back from the intensity of Araman’s emotions exploding. Around her fire flared and fusillade were being detonated crumbling buildings. The tumbling rock exposed soldiers leaving them vulnerable and easy targets. Rapid laser fire showered like a heavy rainfall over the open space.

Santari’s voice made Brea turn to see him dragging Araman’s charred body through the rubble, avoiding the crossfire.

“You die on me you friggish son of a bitch, so help me I’ll hunt you down in the next realm and kill you myself.”

“Leave me, Santari.” Araman tried to push his commander away. “Get the rest out.” His breathing became ragged as his eyes began to close. “And kill the bastard that set us up.” His body went limp against Santari.

Brea opened her mind to the universe and brought down a pillar of white light over Araman.

“Push the memories into the light, feel them leave you, feel the light fill the space they left.” Her voice echoed in his mind. Brea felt his burden lift releasing her own negativity with it.

“Now here’s the part I like.” Her lilt filtered into his mind.

Araman felt her hands take hold of his before sending his mind flying against the Orpheaus night sky. He looked down to see the waves of the purplish black ocean calmly lapping at the shoreline. He could smell the spicy air as he glided.

“Follow me.” Brea led him further up into the black jeweled canvas. They pierced the atmosphere flying with their minds into the endless night of the universe. She led him past the birth of stars and through the death of solar systems until they hovered over a small galaxy.

It was made up of a small sun and five planets orbiting around. The outer edge held the same clutter of dust like the Terrian Milky Way. Stars twinkled brightly in a silver and gold spectrum surrounding the tiny solar system.

“It is a simpler world than most.” Brea thought.

“If Shinwa is like you, then it is anything but simple.”

Brea felt a sharp pain in her heart at the thought of visiting. She longed to walk through the tree roots of the trees that touch sky. The idea turned from a warm melancholy yearning into the ice-cold grip of fear at the realization she was being called to Shinwa.

Araman felt the shift in mood and in his mind reached out to her and held her. Brea’s fright was instantly gone. So long as Araman was near no harm would come to her, physically or otherwise.

“We should end the cleansing.” Brea told him.

“How?”

“You think yourself back.…” Before she could finish her sentence with the word slowly, Araman’s presence disappeared.

At the very thought of being back inside his body Araman felt something slam against him and knock him over. He wondered who hit him with the sledgehammer for all he could see was stars.

“If you had waited for my instructions you would not feel like you had a rock fall on your head.” Brea looked over at Araman sprawled onto his back.

“I’ll try to listen better next time.” He rolled up onto one elbow and rested his head on his hand. He rubbed his brow with the other.

“Next time?” Brea seemed puzzled.

“Just because I had a rough landing doesn’t mean I won’t try again.” Araman smiled to her. “What happened to you?”

“I felt the pull of home again and it startled me.”

“Startled?” Araman raised an eyebrow at her. “I felt your fear Brea. Is it the call for home you told me about?”

“I don’t know because once I am aware that you are near it goes away.” She shook her head. “I do not understand.” Brea glanced up to him. “I was hoping to find the answer to my question during the cleansing.”

“About that,” Araman started on a serious note. Brea put her fingers to his lips.

“I understand. I saw what happened.”

“What do you mean you saw what happened?” Araman sat up.

“I saw the battle that you were nearly killed in. I saw the faces of your men she set up to die.” Brea said quietly. “One’s instinct for survival can override ones logic.” She told him as he stood up. “It is over Araman. She is gone and the treachery now lies in a different face.”

“It may lie in a different face Brea, but hers still haunts me. Hers and the men I was supposed to protect.”

“You do not honor those men if you feel guilty for giving their unjust deaths justice!” She became angry at his determination to carry the pain. “Better to die at the hands of her husband than at the hands of the state. I am not so foolish to think that under the state her death would have been as kind.”

“Olean law would have demanded a torturous end for such a traitor.”

“And you didn’t love her.” Brea told him outright.

Araman was about to argue but she was right. “No I didn’t.” His voice went quiet. “It would not have mattered if I had.”

“I have seen into your core, Araman, you could not kill someone you love.…” She held up her hand to keep him from speaking when he opened his mouth. “And someone who truly loved you would never have betrayed you in such a manner. They would rather die themselves.”

“There are those who are not as honorable as you Lyra.” Araman turned towards the stairs. “You will have to forgive me, but I need a breath of the night air.” He disappeared down the spiraled steps.

Brea knew he needed some time to himself. The first cleansing is never the easiest especially so for one who has no knowledge. She sank down on the bed realizing that Araman instinctively protected her from the call of home.

She raised her gaze up to the glass ceiling and watched as the shimmering web of silken silver threaded clouds hovered above hiding part of the sequined night sky. Brea released a slow breath. In her mind she reached out to Araman and told him she would never betray him in such a manner.

* * * *

Araman stopped walking as a soft breeze washed over him. He swore he could hear Brea’s soft lilt swirling in the spicy air around him.

“You are my Chatam Pritam. Breaking faith with you would be my suicide.” The words dissipated in the rustle of the trees.

He raked his hand over his head and rested it at the base of his skull as his thoughts filled with smoldering green eyes and soft coppery skin beneath his touch. He could smell her heated scent despite the distance as her heartbeat pounded in Araman’s ears. When he closed his eyes he could feel her presence.

“What the Frigg has that Shinwa witch done to me now?” A pain in his heart started to burn intensely. Araman bent supporting his upper body with his hands locked against his knees as he fought for breath. He thought he was having a seizure as the stabbing pain increased.

His hand went to either side of his head as he dropped to his knees. All his senses seemed to explode at once inside his brain as he fell forward on his hands. His fingers clenched the cream sand as a burning energy began to shift its scorch from Araman’s heart throughout his body. Hurt and betrayal mixed with the explosive emotions of anger and rage into a vortex sucking the oxygen out of his lungs as he felt them rip from his core.

As quickly as the emotional hurricane crashed over him, it ebbed away leaving Araman feeling raw. Araman drew in a deep breath to relax his quivering body. He had never felt so vulnerable and yet it felt like his body was shed of extra weight.

As his senses settled within the rhythm of his body, there was a thrumming in his blood he had never felt before. It was as though Araman was aware of everything around him all at once. He could feel the breeze touch against his skin before it reached him and where the sound of the next birdcall would come from. He could distinguish the scents wafting through the air and smiled when he found a trail of Brea’s cinnamon pheromones.

The thought of her brought a tug at his loins. Something no other woman could do including his wife. For all the passion Sonya’s lips promised, it was his concubine who shared it with him. Brea was every bit feminine as she was a warrior. Strong as she was beautiful.

His Shinwa witch had spun a web around him and Araman knew he was caught. He had been caught the moment she lowered her hood and stared up at him with her exotic eyes. He let out a chuckle standing up thinking of her sodden and angry with his shower.

The lights of his suite lit up as a petite figure stepped out of the doorway. He turned to watch her head directly towards him.

‘Herse was right.’ Araman decided to himself as Brea neared looking as though she was made for the moonlight. ‘There are things much worse than being tied to one woman.’

Chapter Nine

“Thank you for your selection. Your account will be debited.” A soft voice came over head of Brea who was inspecting the cloth. It was soft and fine, perfect for her intentions.

“Please select your next choice from the screen.”

“Exit please.” Brea turned away from the screen. Eight rejected sets of pants and tops lay on the bed in her efforts to find the right material and shape for Araman and Santari. A couple were too heavy, another too restrictive and the last five were just the wrong materials.

The final sets were of fine woven silk of eggshell white. The tops were a loose fitting tunic held at the waist by a belt of the same qualities. The bottoms were wide-legged pants held up with a small tie. She brushed a hand over the garments pleased with her gift for the men. Brea already wore hers.

With a smile she headed to meet the men for lunch at the resort’s patio deck. Crossing the beach, she decided it would be a good spot to teach the men how to counter her skills. The sand was firm enough for balance but soft enough to shift beneath their feet putting them off balance.

“What do you mean I am over my limit!?”

Her head snapped up at Araman’s outrage.

“I am sorry sir but there have been some recent purchases that have expended your daily limit.” The dark little man explained swallowing his nervousness of the large blonde man.

Araman’s icy glare turned to Santari who was amused by the situation. He threw up his hands and shook his head at his Commandant.

“Don’t look this way. My expenses are already under scrutiny.”

“Who else?” Araman growled.

“Hello.” Brea’s soft lilt came from behind him. Araman whirled around to see her holding up neatly folded clothes that were tied with a black ribbon to hold the bundles together.

He looked down at her offering and then back to her pale green eyes sparkling. She was smiling at him. The delighted look on her face with her gifts defused some of the anger threatening to erupt.

“Brea? Where did you get these?” Araman asked in a calmer tone.

“It was very difficult.” She said handing Santari his bundle. Brea turned back to Araman. “I planned to teach you both how to counter certain intimate attacks.”

“Now there’s training that I could get into.” Santari gibed ignoring the glare from his superior.

“In order to learn you needed the proper attire. When I saw you did not have the clothes I tried using the computer.” She moved her head from side to side with a slight frown.

“I had to pick many pictures to find the right…” her voice became drowned out from the sound of Santari’s howling, “it wasn’t easy as so many appeared that would.…”

“Be appropriate.” Araman finished grabbing the metal pad from the manager’s hand wanting to see the amount Brea had spent. Santari watched as Araman began a slow burn. He didn’t have the clenched jaw or pulsating cheek, Santari noted, which to him was a good sign.

Araman stood staring at Brea. Inside, his emotions were at battle as which would surface first. He was touched by her sweet gesture and did not want to ruin the moment for her by getting angry but the sound of Santari’s chuckling was beginning to irritate him.

Araman set the clothes aside and turned to the manager. He forced a smile and pleasant demeanor across his face.

“It seems we will have some returns and please credit my account at once. I would like to eat lunch.”

The manager grinned and nodded. “I will personally take care of it myself.” He gave a slight bow and turned abruptly.

Araman gestured to Brea to sit. “Thank you Lyra.” He gently said. “It was very thoughtful of you to think of our needs.” He smiled returning to his seat. “And when did you want to commence training.” He leaned back as a waiter brought over Araman’s favorite Terrian coffee for all three.

“After lunch, if you are able.” Brea asked eyeing the tray of fruit coming their way.

“I think I am able.” Santari stretched out.

“You will need to change into the clothes for movement and allow your energies to move about freely.”

“Freely.” Santari nodded. “Duly noted.”

“Santari,” Brea’s voice softened, “I know you like to hide behind your humor but you need to be serious about this. What I will show you will save your life and somebody else’s.” She reached for a piece of yellow fruit.

“Brea, I appreciate the offer but as far as training and combat, I doubt there is much you can teach us.” Santari said. “But,” he added quickly when she started to look dejected. “I am curious after watching you fight. Can you teach me do to a flip?”

She shook her head at him. “You are too old.” Brea took a bite of the sweet fruit.

“Too old?” Santari sat up straight.

Brea nodded sucking the juice from her fingers not realizing the effect she was having on the men. Araman handed her a square piece of cloth.

“This will help.” He told her grinning.

“Not me it won’t.” Santari grimaced. Not only had he been just insulted, now he was going to have a painful afternoon standing at attention.

“I learned as a child how to move, because of that, I am more flexible in my movement.”

“Really?” Santari leaned in closer.

“Yes.” Brea took another piece of fruit. “You are not. Because you have stiff bones, you can not move the same way.”

“Stiff is a good way to put it.” Santari took a deep breath. Araman’s glare was getting hard to ignore. “I think, if you will excuse me, I will go find a cool shower and change.” He stood up slowly and with a slight nod to Araman he left for his suite.

Brea watched him leave. “He is acting odd.” She glanced over at Araman.

“He is odd.” He retorted finishing his wedge of Terrian Apple.

She dipped her head down and then back to him, “And you are fine this morning?”

Araman smiled then stole a kiss. With his hands still on her face he gazed into her light green eyes. “I am very fine Lyra.”

“I was worried your experience would.…” Her translator searched for a word.

“Put me off?” Araman finished for her leaning back. He popped a purple cherry into his mouth and enjoyed the sensation of the sweet-tart flavor bursting in his mouth.

“Sometimes when one is not used to such journey’s it can frighten them.”

He took her hand. “No Lyra, it did not frighten me.”

“Good.” Brea smiled at him. She was relieved “I want to show you and Santari what I know. It might help you.”

“Help us how?”

Brea took a deep breath. She had forgotten she was not supposed to know about the mission. She had to think carefully on her answer.

“You and Santari know how to hit. You do not know how to fight or you would not have been looking at a weapon yesterday.” She could feel no tug on her energies to indicate it was an untruth.

Araman chuckled. “Yes, and I might not have been looking down the sight line of a weapon if somebody had not started the fight. Diplomacy might have worked.”

“Diplomacy?” She questioned softly waiting for the translator to kick in. She turned surprised at him. “You think talking nicely to those…to those…Renpets would have settled the moment?”

“What is a Renpet?” Araman asked out of curiosity.

“It is a small flat headed rodent with beady bulging eyes and no ears. Its skin is covered in slime so it looks like it has no hair and it leaves a poisonous trail that smells like rotting flesh. They only serve as fodder for the larger prey as they are mentally deficient.” Her translator was barely keeping up with her thought flow. “They do nothing but eat, breathe and copulate.” Brea said in disgust.

“Lyra, military regulations state that in any hostile situation diplomacy must be attempted.” Araman explained.

“They were not looking for pretty words. They wanted to hurt that woman. Words would have been a waste of time.” She shot back.

“You’re right.” He nodded rising after a silent pause. He did not want to argue with her and when he thought about it, the thugs were a little intent on killing. “Words would not have worked.” He held his hand out to her. “You know it would not hurt Santari and I to learn another fighting technique and have a work out.” Araman gave her a smile.

She eyed him suspiciously.

“What?”

“If you are trying to appease my anger.…” Brea said as a smile spread across her face.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Santari step out of his doorway. He was struggling to keep the pants up while fighting with the belt. Brea started to laugh when a breeze caught the end of the thick tie and Santari started to chase it like Beebles chased his tail.

“We should maybe rescue him?” Araman watched his underling become frustrated.

“Brea!” Santari shouted stomping across the beach as the Commandant and Brea stepped off the deck. “I can’t keep my pants up!”

His anger was met with pale green eyes twinkling as she fought to keep her laughter at the wild man from escaping.

“Here.” Brea tugged on the tops with the ribbon. She tied a unique style slipknot to keep the bottoms up. “Now they won’t fall only loosen with your movement to allow your energies freedom.”

She took the belt from his hand and tied it around his waist holding the sleeveless tunic together again with her odd knot. “You see how it is done?” Brea turned to Araman. “You need to change.” Her focus returned to Santari.

“I’ll be right back.” Araman said ignoring the silly grin on Santari’s face from Brea’s attention as he headed to the suite.

“Can you come back as a duck?” Santari called after him. “Ow!” He rubbed his arm. “What was that for?” He looked to the spot rising in a welt. Santari was not sure whether to be in awe of her strength or fear of what she could really do to him if she chose to.

Brea was frowning at him with her hands on her hips. Her black and gold hair hung in soft tendrils around her face. Santari understood how his Commandant fell under her spell. Even angry, her pale green eyes darkening under a cloud of anger she was still beautiful.

“To get your body aware of what could come.” Brea shook a dainty finger at him.

“Pain?” His voice rose a notch. “My body is aware of pain. I think my body has had enough pain for a lifetime Brea.”

“Pain will only be a part of it if your body needs it to learn.” She explained to him as if he were a child.

“My body does not need pain to learn.” Santari began to worry about his safety at her strange method of teaching. “I can read you know.” He shot at her.

“Everything alright?” Araman wondered why his underling was acting like a schoolgirl over a horned mutant beetle.

“No!” Santari whirled around to Araman. “She thinks my body needs to learn through pain. What kind of sadist did they match you up with?”

“Santari,” Brea’s soft lilt interjected. “You are a physical being. In order for your body, not your brain, to sense and react, pain must be used as a tool for your body to learn.”

“Keep an open mind Santari. Sometimes Brea’s words sound worse than they really are.” Araman reassured.

“Great. Keep an open mind. Pain is a tool for my body to learn.” He looked over at the two of them. “You know Araman, you’re just as bad as she is.”

“Please stand beside each other with your feet shoulder length apart and relax your hands at your sides.” Brea removed her sandals waiting for the men to take the stance. She started circling them breathing in and out in a steady rhythm. “Be aware of your surroundings.” Her voice was soft. “Be aware of the sounds of movement.”

Brea brushed by Araman and could feel his energy extending out as a shield. She wondered if he could feel his immense strength. It shimmered before her like lightening. Her head snapped up to Araman who was smiling at her with his eyes.

Holding his gaze she brought her foot up to knee level then immediately lowered it. Her efforts to bring him down were resisted.

“Be aware of that which you can not see but that you can feel.” She came up behind Santari. “Be aware of touch.” She gently hooked her foot behind his knee and gave a slight push.

Santari was only aware of what Brea was saying when he felt his knee buckle and he ended up with a mouthful of salty tasting sand. It stung where her foot had made contact.

Brea knelt by Santari’s head. “No Santari, you must not fall. Even when you relax your body must be aware of attacks.”

“Do you mind Brea, I am in the middle of trying to compose my dignity. Give a guy break.” Santari spit some sand out of his mouth. He rose up to his knees and looked at the tiny woman who had the touch of a wasp.

“Why is my leg stinging?”

“That is how the Shinwa like me fight. We not only use our physical strength but we enhance it with thought and energy. I gave your body a.…” Brea gave the side of her nose a tap as her translator failed.

“Zap?” Santari looked at her with an amused smile.

“Zap?” She looked over to Araman who grinned at her. “Alright, I gave your body a zap of energy to learn to be aware of such attacks. In hostile situations, using a combination of strength and energy you can break a man’s leg no matter his size.”

Santari stood up and rubbed behind his leg. “Yeah, I believe that.” He cracked his neck and jumped shaking. “Am I able to use my energy?”

“If you become aware of the web within, you could.” Brea answered. “Again take the stance.” She stepped in front of the two men and stood facing them. She sensed within Santari that he would have to go through more pain to be aware of his energies. More than she was willing to teach him.

Araman looked over to Santari and back to Brea. “How quickly can your methods be taught?”

“Some in a day, others a lifetime. Weaker moves that command more physical strength than energy can be taught more easily. The move on Santari can be taught to physically bring down an opponent. The more energy used the more damage done.” Brea caught on to the meaning behind his question. “Oleander was only interested in the teaching of the physical.” A broad smile crossed her face. “For the type of training they insisted on, it would not have given them anymore advantage.”

Araman broke into a grin. “I thought you could not tell an untruth?” He taunted.

“I can not. I can choose my words carefully. You never asked me on the methods only what.” She smiled sweetly up to him.

“I think she got you there,” barbed Santari.

“What would you have taught Oleander?” Araman asked her wondering if she would show them.

“What I did to Santari for one.” Brea moved closer to Araman. She brought a hand up to his arm and pushed through his aura trying to reject her touch. She dragged her fingers held together like the shape of an arrow up over his shoulder to the base of his neck.

Brea felt a ball of fire form beneath her touch. She recognized the sign of energy burst and pulled away by bring her hand along to his other arm. She began to question if Araman was possibly part Shinwa and was not aware of it. Only a Shinwa male would give his mate an instinctual warning.

Araman looked down at her. He had felt her touch and he had felt her intent to give him a little sting. “How is that move easy to teach?”

“What move? I saw nothing but Brea touching you.” Santari furled his brows.

Brea moved towards Santari who jumped back. “I won’t hurt you.” She said softly. She was pleased his body was now aware that she could bring pain.

Santari looked to Brea’s sweet demeanor and then to Araman. “You know I’m going to regret this.”

“You see Araman, the physical body although as well toned as Santari, will still have various points that are weak.” She placed her hand gently on Santari’s arm. She felt his muscles stiffen under her fingers.

“Here is a very good spot to rid the air of your opponent’s lungs. In any species that relies on oxygen, the spot where the ribcage meets is a good place to hit physically.” She placed her hand on the spot on Santari.

His skin began to tingle and warm where her hand lay. It became torture when Brea slowly glided her hand downward pausing slightly at the top of his pants before she slid her touch around his waist to his backside. As her fingers ran up his spine it left a trail he could feel of tiny electrical volts.

Araman stood with his fists clenched at Brea touching his underling the way she touched him. He fought to control the urge to rip her away from Santari who was closing his eyes as her hand reached the base of his skull. He didn’t like the smile that crossed her face either.

Brea’s fingers found at the back of Santari’s neck the give away sign that he was a physical being. A small bone at the base of the skull that came to a small-blunted point. She gently started to massage it.

Araman nearly belted the man when a small groan escaped from Santari’s mouth. Brea looked over to Araman and gave him a warning glare not to interrupt her. He clenched his jaw.

Santari’s mind felt like it was melting into a mud puddle from the massage Brea was giving him. No wonder Araman was a raging tri-horned bullrus when it came to his concubine if this was the treatment he received.

Before the next thought could formulate, Santari felt his mind switch off just as the feeling of his landing on the surf hit him.

“In some species the physical beings have a bone on the skull that if pushed hard enough could kill them. I have only rendered him unconscious. When he wakes he will feel like he has had a rest.”

“Why did you do that?” Araman looked at the heap lying at her feet.

“If he should be attacked that way again, his body will remember and he will instinctively react to protect himself.” She looked down to him with a tender smile. “I worry about him.”

Araman put his hand up to the base of his skull and felt for the bone. He didn’t have one. He felt relief and then wondered about the heated sensation he felt there. He knew Brea withdrew when she could not find the bone or he would have been the body on the beach.

Santari started to move. He felt like he had been hit with a ton of bricks. He tried moving a leg but it felt too much like expanding rubber to maneuver. He laid there and grunted.

He saw Brea’s face appear to his level but upside down. “Are you ill?” She asked.

“Araman?” Santari flopped his body onto his back and looked up to his superior. “Keep her the frigg away from me.” He looked over to Brea who had straightened. “No offense, but you are going to kill me yet.”

Brea gave him a breathtaking smile. “Oh Santari,” her soft lilt chimed, “have no worries, I would never do anything that would hurt you.”

“No, just render me unconscious. Why don’t you pick on Araman while I lie here and scoop together the last remaining shreds of my male ego.”

“I can’t.” Brea’s pale green eyes shone in amusement at him.

“Oh, well in that case, so much for male ego. Please just take whatever remaining pride and dignity I have left. Why not strip me naked and sell tickets?” Santari shot at her.

“I am unsure why you would want me to do that to you.” Brea seemed confused.

“I wouldn’t. That’s the point.” Santari sat up. He used his hands to brace himself against the wobbly feeling in his spine.

“Then why ask me to do it to you.”

“Because you have done everything else to me. Zapped my leg, knocked me out, what’s left?”

“Lots.” Brea started to laugh. She offered a hand to help him up. He looked at her in distrust. “I promise no more Santari.”

“I told you I was going to regret this.” He took Brea’s offer and rose to his feet. “So explain to me why you can’t pick on Araman.”

Araman turned an inquisitive expression to Brea. Maybe she could give him some explanation as to why he can feel the next moment coming.

“Araman’s energies are blocking me. They are anticipating my actions. His energies are aware of everything.” Her jade eyes focused on him. “Araman is aware of his web within.”

“Web within?” Santari asked.

“The connections of your energies within your body but Araman’s are different somehow.” She cocked her black gold head at Araman. “You can feel it, can’t you?”

His blond head nodded. “It started after the cleansing.”

“It awakened your energies.” A wry smile crossed her face. “Would you like to test them?” Brea wanted to flex her own energies as she felt them flare.

“Now this is going to be interesting?” Santari moved back and found a comfortable seat against a trunk.

“Test?” He folded his arms and cocked a grin at her. She nodded with a challenging gleam in her eye. “Hand to hand?” He started to shake his head knowing his size alone could crush her.

Brea stepped forward, grabbed his belt and pulled him closer to her. “Araman, there will be limited contact so you will not be able to hurt me.” She let go of the tie. “Take the stance and let your energies guide your reaction.”

“Brea, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Araman became more serious.

She looked up at him with her eyes glinting like ice chips, “Take the stance. I can kill larger than you if I need too.” Brea placed herself with her bare feet firmly in the sand.

“Very reassuring of you.” Araman gently teased before following her instructions.

Brea lowered her head and took a deep breath raising her face up to the sky then released her breath. Her gaze leveled to Araman watching her closely. She raised her rigid hands held flat with the fingers lined to a point and her thumb extended out to form an “L”.

As her hands flowed up to guard and attack, she leaned back on one leg sizing Araman up.

“Let your energies guide the movement of your body. Do not think just be aware of everything around you. The smell and sounds will alert your body when and where to defend itself.”

Brea began to circle Araman. She moved crossing her feet over each other never taking her eyes off of him. Araman crouched slightly and raised his own hands in front of his chest indicating he was ready for her.

She swung around and brought her hand like an ax to his hip. His hand and energy pushed it back before she made contact. Brea moved slightly before attempting to chop at his shoulder blade but he turned and countered with a block. She was finding it difficult to bring her attacks upon him. Her hand came at his knee as though it was dragging great weight.

Again Araman thwarted the feeble attack by grabbing her wrist. He held it in his firm grip. He knew she was capable of more and he wanted to see it.

“You’re holding back.” Araman let go of her wrist. “Don’t.” A sarcastic smile came across his lips. “You can’t kill me. I am your Chatam Pritam remember.”

“This is true but I do not want to hurt you.” She stepped back. “My energies are resisting me as well as yours.”

“Do not look at it like an open attack.” Araman said. “I am the student. You are the teacher testing me.” He opened his palms to her. “I need to know Brea what I can do. You are the only one strong enough to test me.”

She looked up at him thoughtfully. “I am curious too Araman.” She drew herself up to her full height. “When you are ready.” She gave him a slight nod facing him.

Brea could test him. She hated to think he was right, but the idea was easier for her to deal with. Her thoughts rambled through her head as she watched Araman prepare. She was unsure how to test him though. She began to circle him with her eyes on his frame.

Araman’s physical appearance already announced his strength and his body was aware of energies intruding. Brea halted and glanced up at Araman. A slow small smile revealed on her lips as her tongue ran along her teeth admiring the way the sunlight bounced off of him like Elyk Llehc’Tim, the guardian of the Shinwa sun.

Araman was taken aback inwardly at the sight of Brea watching him with the eyes of a predator. The space thickened between them as energies met and sparked off each other. Araman could feel her surrounding him as a spicy floral scent filled the air. With each breath he took he could feel his energies become aware of Brea.

Neither of them noticed Santari sitting up with interest, as Araman remained focused on Brea. Without any warning the air was infused with cinnamon as Brea spun lowering her left hand to behind Araman’s knees, then rising with an attempt at his heart with a chop from the right. Her left hand came above to the base of his skull but missed from Araman spinning out of the way.

Her lightening speed was met with Araman’s own. What Araman was not expecting was the residual energies she left behind. Where her hands met with his aura, the sensations of small electrical volts warmed his skin as they traveled through his web.

He faced her with a boyish crooked lip. This was a test that Araman knew he was going to enjoy failing. He placed himself in his stance and in a fluid motion his hands raised in front of his heart chakkra as though he was born to the martial arts.

Out of the blue Araman rushed at Brea who crouched and readied to counter. As his hand came at her heart, Brea’s hand shot up and connected with Araman’s. She pushed herself off his arm and into several back flips putting distant between them.

She landed and bent at the knees with her eyes on Araman. She felt the warming of his touch roaming her body and settling in between her legs. With a ragged breath, she fought to control the energy. He made it worse by removing his tunic leaving him only in the bottoms tied around his waist. The man made others look like boys when he turned and narrowed his eyes at her.

Araman came at her. Just as he made contact, Brea dropped down like a spider and kicked his legs out from underneath him. Araman was flat on his back with another heated charge riding up his senses.

Brea rose up and in an instant was in the air with her hands out like wings and her legs drawn up targeting Araman. He could feel the laser of energy she was striking at his spiritual chakkra. He rolled out of the way before her feet connected.

Araman’s hand shot out as she landed on the beach and grabbed her ankle. Brea felt the earth move beneath her feet as the sand softened her fall. Araman pinned her to the ground by holding her wrists and sitting on her mid-drift. Tapping into his magna layer of his aura, Brea injected another charge of sexual energy.

A victorious smile crept along his face as Brea stopped her struggling against his weight. He felt a warming sensation beneath his torso spreading throughout his body and just as he relaxed slightly; she brought her knees up behind his back. Before Araman could blink, her legs linked around his neck and she was pulling him down backwards.

He grabbed her ankles straightening up on his knees to break her grip. Brea took the chance to release her hold and flipped herself upright. It was her turn to smile at his surprised expression from her escape.

Araman looked up at her from where he kneeled on the creamy surf. Black and gold tendrils of stray ringlets bounced around her face as she intently stared at him. The energies burning inside him were enough to make him mad. The sight of her parted lips and wide eyes only fueled the lava churning inside of him.

He had enough of sparring with her. Araman stood up and walked over to her. Brea held her breath as he reached out and picked her up. He slung her over his shoulders as he turned and headed back to their suite.

“Araman!” Brea thumped on his back. “Put me down!” She kicked her feet.

“Not until you are naked and underneath me.” He tightened his grip on her.

Brea stopped moving. “You feel it too?” She held herself up to try and look at him.

“Frigg Brea, Santari feels it and he wasn’t even fighting.” Araman stepped through the door of their suite.

He lowered her down letting her slide slowly against his body as the door shut behind them. The feel of his hard frame against hers stoked her fires below. Her lips met his in a frantic kiss as her hands untied the ribbon to his bottoms while his hands raced to remove her clothes.

All Brea wanted was the pulsating sensation of him within her. Her fingers roamed his lean body as though her hands were starving for the feel of him. She nipped at him, teasing Araman with her tongue and savoring ever inch of his salty skin.

A groan escaped from him as he felt Brea’s mouth reached his already erect member. Before she dropped to her knees he caught and lifted her on to him. Araman’s blue eyes bore into her dark lust filled ones as he plowed into her eagerly waiting warmth.

Brea’s entire being was sent shooting into the stars as Araman tore into her. He held her firm as her body rocked against his, meeting each hard thrust of Araman’s cock with her own savage hunger. She clenched against his hard shaft, wanting to feel the burn of his friction. She needed to taste his blood as a scream ripped from her throat.

The minute Brea’s soft inner folds gripped him like iron Araman lost control. Holding her with one hand, his other entwined its fingers in the softness of her hair grabbing, pulling her back until she exposed her breast to him. She shuddered beneath him as he caught the taunting nipple in his teeth.

Araman held onto Brea as he felt every emotion he had contained explode out of him. Each eruption was stronger than the previous until he cried out her name. He was barely aware of Brea’s primal scream as she climaxed, only that his animal lust was slaked from the sound.

Musk and cinnamon filled the air surrounding them as Araman still held Brea. Her legs were firmly wrapped around his waist. He smiled down at her as his back met the door. Together they slid down to the floor.

“You failed.” Brea shook her head at him, failing to hide her grin.

He pulled her into him. “I think I shall ask for a re-test. Somehow the odds were in the teacher’s favor.”

“Soon?” Brea’s tongue licked her lips with a devilish glint in her eyes. She already knew how she was going to test his strength the next time thinking of the way he tasted.

“Soon.” Araman’s laugh echoed through the door.

Chapter Ten

Santari leaned against the bar waiting for Araman to emerge from his suite. It had only been twenty-three hours since he had carried his concubine off the beach. In the mean time his little bird had fled disappearing without leaving a trail.

He took a sip of the strong coffee. Something didn’t sit right in the pit of his stomach. What puzzled him more was how quickly she left without a trace. He had suspected foul play but Santari could find none when he investigated.

What really ticked him off was the fact he was looking forward to seeing the voluptuous flirtatious blonde for lunch. She was bubbly, bright and with a wicked sense of humor. She had a body that was made for a man like Santari to appreciate. Her dark violet eyes held the promise of wild passionate nights while her full pouting lips begged to be kissed.

She was ready to turn. Santari slammed his coffee mug down a little harder than he intended. She bought his cover story that he was a Terrian journalist researching Orpheaus Six for an article. Although the Novena moles cast a shadow over his story.

Santari frowned. She had point blank asked him if he wanted a head liner story about the corruption of Oleander’s Government. From there was a solid hour of her venting her frustrations of her job as Sub-mistress to the weapons division in warfare.

All Santari needed was a little time and persuasion and he would have caught her. He stood up getting tired of waiting for his Commandant. He strode over to Araman’s suite realizing his target’s disappearance was more personal than he liked.

Just as he reached the threshold of the door, it opened with Araman standing in a robe holding a cup of coffee out to Santari.

“Where’s Brea?” He wrapped his fingers around the offering.

“Sleeping, why?” Araman grabbed another cup of coffee for himself.

“Paige is missing.” Santari stood at the glass wall looking at the surf. “Her belongings are gone, no one as seen her since dinner last night. The manager says she has not signed out and none of the registers list her on any flights private or otherwise leaving the planet.”

“Who is Paige?”

“The target of this mission.” Santari raised the cup to his mouth. “I was hoping to recruit her over lunch.”

“Recruit or seduce?” Araman raised an eyebrow at him.

“It doesn’t matter now, she is missing without any trace, nanoscopic or otherwise.”

“Novenians?”

Santari shook his reddish-brown head. “No sign anywhere of them.”

“When was she scheduled to leave?” Araman asked.

“Same day as us.” Santari faced his superior. “And yes I suspect foul play even though I can’t prove it.” He answered the next question before it was spoken. He took a large swallow of the bitter liquid.

“Have you ever gotten the impression there is more to something than meets the eye?” Santari set his mug down. Araman nodded glancing up to the sleeping figure in the loft. “I just have a hunch that things aren’t right here.”

“We can’t go crashing in when we don’t know even where to crash yet.” Araman told his underling.

“You don’t think I know that already.”

“Have you thought about the possibility your cover was blown by the Novenians and she got nervous and ran.”

Santari had thought of it but dismissed it just as he did at that moment. “Not this one Araman. She wasn’t afraid to piss off her superior by refusing to take part in some experimental research. I told you she was ready to turn.”

Araman lowered his mug. “She told you this.”

“She wouldn’t tell me what the research was, only that morally she disagreed with its testing. As a result she got stuck with babysitting the arsenal warehouse.”

“An Oleander with values. Remarkable.” Araman said dryly.

“That’s not the point. She’s not one to back down from a fight.” He stressed.

“I didn’t see her helping out during her kidnapping attempt.”

“Okay verbal battles. Physical violence makes her stomach queasy.” Santari shrugged.

“Is she in the wrong military?” Araman commented. He paced over to the window thinking of the situation. He rubbed his jaw as he stared out at the placid surf. “You scanned her room for residual skin cells?”

“First thing.…”

A crash from the loft interrupted Santari. A coffee mug smashed on the ground and Araman bolted for the stairs.

* * * *

The ocean was warm on her feet as she waded along the dark beach. The moon shone its pale gold light shimmering against her coppery skin. Brea reached up to touch the dull silver gray cloud with her hand when her energies poured out from her body and appeared before her like a ghost.

“Shinwa calls. We must return.” Brea’s voice spoke to her.

“I can not leave him.” Brea reached out. As she did, her energies pulled away pulling on her fragile web of chakkras. The pain was so intense she could barely breathe and her scream caught her throat.

Her hands went to her heart as her body began to thrash under the strain of her energies pulling away. She fought for control but could feel herself losing as she fell back.

“Brea!” Araman’s voice cut through. Her energies flowed back into her at the sound of his voice and the pain ebbed away. She felt him lift her. “Brea!” His voice sounded frantic.

“He’ll bring you to Death.” Her energies taunted before finally being absorbed into her being.

Brea opened her eyes and stared into worried blue eyes as Araman pulled her into him.

“Things are.…” Brea felt slightly winded from her dreamscape.

“It was a pull from your world.” Araman felt her fears. His energies instinctively picked up on the residual.

“It flowed back into me the instant I was aware of your presence.” She snuggled into him feeling the security and safety of his arms. He held her close. She looked up at him unsure.

“You bring me to Death.” Brea’s green eyes searched his. “But I do not sense it.” Her energies were not clear at the moment.

“I would die before that happens, Lyra.” Araman gave her a kiss on the forehead just as Santari reached the top of the stairs.

“I cleaned up the mess.” He felt a little awkward looking at the two of them on the bed. He shoved the envy down of Araman with a swallow. Brea was even beautiful when she woke up. “Everything okay?” He glanced to Araman.

“Everything is fine. Brea had a bad dream.” He shifted away as Brea pulled back with her eyes casting fireballs at him.

“Everything is not fine! I did not have a bad dream! Something is now off and I am getting the pull for home!” She shot at Araman. She glared at him, then to Santari and back to Araman. “You are on a mission.”

Santari sat on the corner of the bed looking dejected. “Not now, she’s missing.”

Brea looked from Santari to Araman waiting for more. She folded her arms across the sheet covering her naked body and stared at him expectantly.

Araman cleared his throat. He was not surprised by the fact that Brea knew they were on a mission. He was unable to hide anything from her. She was angrier at the tug of Shinwa more than the dishonesty. It gave him a reassuring feeling.

“Araman?” Brea’s lilt cut into his thoughts. She cocked her head at him as if he were a naughty schoolboy getting caught putting a jar of tusked ants in the teacher’s desk.

“Santari was to make contact and extract information on the Oleander Sub-Mistress of Warfare. According to Santari’s assessment she would have been a good recruit for intelligence data and now we can’t find her.” Araman reported to Brea as though she was Herse.

She sat with her brow knit in a frown as she tried to piece everything together. Brea let out a frustrated sigh. Why would his missing mission have anything to do with her pull to Shinwa? The question kept rolling around in her head.

“I think I need a cup of coffee.” Brea said calmly swinging her legs to the side of the bed under the cover of the sheets.

Santari bolted upright when he realized she was rising from the bed with nothing on. “I’ll make it.” He clamored down the metal circular staircase.

“What is causing this?” Araman asked her as she reached for her clothes.

“I don’t know.” Brea answered him honestly. “If we were to go to my home, an elder would help us to know.” She put on a simple yellow sundress. Araman came up behind and did up the zipper admiring the curves of her lovely coppery toned back.

“We have only us here and I would like to know some answers before we proceed.” He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her against him. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on the top of her head in thought. “Something went wrong and we have no idea how to prove they went wrong or where they went wrong.”

The scent of coffee wafted up and tickled Brea’s nose. Its strong bitter scent filled the suite triggering her need for the elixir. Her obsession with the brown liquid was as bad as Araman’s she chided to herself stepping out of his embrace.

“We will know soon enough.” She took his hand and led him to the top of the stairs. “So long as you and I are not apart, the pull will not threaten me.”

“That does not reassure me Brea.” Araman said descending down the rounded steps.

“It is the only reassurance I have.” She responded quietly behind him.

Santari stood with two mugs waiting for them as they reached the kitchenette. Brea took hers with thanks and sat down at the little glass table facing the shore. The water was calm and inviting. She longed to take a swim feeling the waves wash over her body like she used to as a child.

She was missing so many things that morning, she wondered if it was the remnants of the call for home. She wanted to hold Beebles, see the moons of Olean and the smell of the night air on Shinwa. She was missing her people and their customs.

Brea straightened slightly in her seat as an idea was forming into her head. She was sitting there pining for home yet the pull only came when she arrived to Orpheaus Six. It was not the constant pull that others had talked about; hers was erratic and only came when she could not feel Araman’s presence. She wondered if he was the link. Her thinking was getting too convoluted and giving her a headache as she rubbed her temples with her elbows on the table.

“Brea?” Araman broke into her thoughts. “Did you hear me?”

“No.” She dropped her hands. Her response brought grins to the men sitting down with her.

“Well she’s honest.” Santari remarked to Araman.

“That she is.” He agreed taking a swallow of his coffee. “I was wondering if there was some connection between your pull from home and our missing Oleander?”

Brea looked at him thoughtfully. “If she is a link to something that takes me away from my path then the answer to your question is yes.”

“And what if it she is the link putting you in danger?” Araman asked.

Brea shook her head. “I do not know. It is possible but I have not had such advanced training in to the arts of foretelling. Only a chosen few have the energies of the old souls who have the skills to deal with the delicate webs of the future.”

“I hate it when she talks like that. I never know if it’s a good thing or not.” Santari turned to his superior.

“I hate going in blind.” Araman said calmly before slamming his mug down on the counter. A hairline crack spiked from the bottom to the rim. As he watched the fracture climb a disoriented sensation washed over Araman.

His blue eyes glanced up to Brea as the image of her vanishing crossed his mind. The realization that they were sitting ducks dawned on him.

“We have to get outta here.”

“Too late Diago.” A female voice taunted all around them before Araman could move.

Araman flew to Brea. With his arms around her waist he pulled her to the floor, knocking the chair she was sitting on over just as she watched the reddish-haired man disappear before her eyes.

“Santari!” Brea screamed his name as she landed under Araman’s weight for a split second. She struggled to push him off.

“Move it!” Araman scrambled up, pulling her with him at the same time. He rushed her towards the door. “We have to keep moving.” He hoped it was the answer. He would worry about Santari once he had Brea safe.

Her hand in his, they raced across the beach to under the covered deck. If there were others around Brea might be shielded Araman determined but the deck was void of life. Araman paused for a moment at the top of the steps deciding which way to go. Brea pushed him straightforward towards the cover of the thick tropical canopy.

“Keep going.” She urged. “Maybe what ever took Santari will find it harder in the trees.” She suggested.

“I hope you’re right.” He said knowing she wasn’t. Araman took her hand as they ran to the other side of the deck and through the last ten feet of sand before the safety of the rainforest.

As Araman’s foot hit the creamy ground from under the covered patio he began to feel his body disconnect. The last thing he felt was Brea’s touch slip from his fingers before he stood staring at a surprised Santari.

“Where’s Brea?!” His voice echoed against steel.

“Behind you.” She said calmly.

Araman whipped around to see her behind a row of horizontal lasers. His eyes followed a red line along three sides until it hit a smooth solid steel wall. Araman looked across to see similar cells sectioned off and recognized the layout.

His gazed returned to Brea, “Are you alright?”

She nodded with wide green eyes. “Where are we?”

“In the bottom of an Oleander prison ship.” He told her walking the perimeter of the lasers being careful not to touch them. The last thing Araman wanted was to be nursing a burn or a severed arm while trying to escape. “Looks like they have tightened their security measures since our last visit.” He stopped in front of Santari.

“They have tightened alright.” He answered glancing around. “They have turned it into the Terrian Fort Knox.”

“Since your last escape cost me a promotion, I thought to err on the side of caution.” A soft voice came from behind Brea.

She was dressed in black leather, with heels that added four inches to her five foot four frame. Her black hair was pulled tightly into a ponytail and held by a metal clamp emphasizing her angled featured. From her hip hung her beloved laser whip she was rumored to use with her lovers. The Mistress of Intelligence was, as Santari put it in a briefing to his superior, all Terrian bitch with attitude of a venomous snake.

“And here I thought you would have given up.” Santari remarked off hand.

“Give up. Never.” She stood in front of him with her arms folded. “I just didn’t think you would bring along your Commandant and his slut for the party.”

Araman lunged at the red bars but Santari caught him before he fried himself. “Keep your cool.” Santari hauled him back.

“Yes Commandant Diago, I wouldn’t want to miss the chance of interrogating you myself.” The Mistress watched Araman’s display of aggression with a smile on her face.

She whipped around. “Paige!”

Santari’s eyes widened when the curvy blonde appeared beside the Mistress. He could not catch her eyes, as she would not look at him.

“Yes Mistress Asereth.” Paige spoke quietly keeping her eyes to the ground.

“Retrieve the female. Bring her to the interrogation room where I will deal with her in a moment.”

“Paige?” Santari looked at her questioningly.

She looked up and into his reddish brown eyes. Without a flinch, she said to him, “I told you before, Commander Santari, that I will always do what is right for Oleander.” Araman watched the exchange with a questioning glance at Santari’s quiet nod.

Santari watched her press a little button on a remote control and the bars surrounding Brea disappeared. She gave a motion for Brea to leave her cell and follow behind. When Brea was hesitant to move Paige grabbed her arm.

“You’re the link that brings me to danger.” Brea whispered to Paige as she neared. “It was your energies that caused the pull to Shinwa.”

Brea took a step back as Paige caught her arm. In a firm grip she dragged Brea from the cell out in front of the Mistress. “I’m the link that is going to get your ass out of here.” Paige hissed from behind as she gave Brea a push past the other grinning woman.

“Shinwa are so strong yet so fragile.” Asereth turned cold black eyes on Araman’s growling face. “And mated ones are especially so.”

Araman clenched his fists. Every inch of his being wanted to rip the woman apart. His hands unclenched as ice blue chips rested on her sneer.

“You will find, you psychotic twisted skritch, Shinwa are stronger than you think.” Araman smiled when the smirk was contorted into a glare of pure rage at the insult of being called a toothless old crone of a Terrian whore.

“You are mine, Diago. And I will so very much enjoy your interrogation.” She leaned forward and licked her lips. “I do so enjoy a good ride during the shock treatment. The vibrations get my juices going.”

Araman wanted to throw up at her suggestion. “I would think by now, a woman at your age would have dried up.”

“Oh darling, the nectar is only beginning to flow.” She shot back with a coy grin over the shoulder at him.

“From what I know of Oleander women, Araman, they not only dry up but loosen up. It’s like being flanked by pieces of wet meat clapping together.” Santari lazily added as he stepped up closer to the bar.

“Ah yes, speaks the male version of a rutting troglodyte.” Asereth shook her head at Santari, “You’re first on my list to question. And I promise you Santari, you will not be so witty when I am done with you.” She turned around and stormed out.

“Have you met my half-sister?” Santari looked over to Araman. “Just like her mother only Asereth is nastier.”

“So I’ve read in the reports.” Araman started circling the cell. “And now Brea is in her clutches.”

Santari put his eyes to floor hoping to find something along the edge of the wall that could lead to their release. “Then we had better find a way out and fast.”

“What did Paige mean that she would do what is right for Oleander?” Araman pulled his look from the wall he scrutinized to Santari.

“I’m hoping it means she is on our side.” He answered on his hands and knees scouring the metal floor for a weak spot. “From everything she said, she seemed ripe for the pickin’.”

“I am.” Paige walked up to the laser bars and put her hands on her hips. She gave a little flirtatious swivel before a broad smile crossed her lips. “It depends on who is doing the pluckin’.”

Santari stood up. His mahogany eyes narrowed watching her toy with him. “And if it were me?” He matched her stance without the wiggle.

“Ooh.” She sang out. “Now I’m definitely in if your part of the bargain.” She became more serious. “I told you Santari, I would do what is right for Oleander. Asereth and her mother, the Regency, are not right for Oleander. Sorry Sweetie.”

“No apologies. Just get us out of here.” Santari indicated to the red laser bars.

“Working on it as we speak.” Paige brought out a little metal pad. “I’ve got someone working on the code. The problem is Asereth is so paranoid these days she is monitoring everything. We can only tamper for so long in the system.” She pressed a couple of buttons then shook her head when nothing happened. “Asereth took my master key, the bitch.”

“Where’s Brea?” Araman stepped up to beside Santari.

“I’m going to take you to her as soon as I can get you out.” A light on her hand unit flashed. “Frigg it! The stupid whoreson of a troglodyte.” She stormed out furious still ranting.

Araman looked over the Santari. “Her language is worse than a Terrian transporter.”

“Only when she is ticked.”

A slight moan from the corner of their cell caught their attention. Araman whipped around to see Brea sitting against the wall with her eyes closed. Her entire body was limp. Her eyes fluttered open for a moment then shut.

He was beside her in an instant, scooping her into his arms. “Brea.” Araman gave her a little shake.

Jade eyes opened slowly. She gave a reassuring smile and raised her hand to his face resting it against his cheek. “Don’t worry. I have not forsaken you.”

“No Brea!” Araman’s voice rang out and reverberated against the hull of the vessel. “Tell them. It will kill you if you don’t.”

Her head fell against his shoulder. “I will die if I do.” Her voice was a whisper against his ear.

“No!” Araman held her closer to him. He could still feel her heartbeat against his but something was erratic. His energies could feel distortion in hers as he tried to figure out what to do to help her.

He raised her up and positioned his legs crossed putting Brea in the cradle he created. Araman held her as he hunched over her spreading a soft blanket of his energy around her. He felt the tug of hers latching on like a baby to a breast as he tried to fortify her aura.

Santari watched as Araman held Brea. He could not determine what was wrong but he knew by his Commandant’s response that his concubine was in trouble. He turned his back to the scene with his fists clenched.

“Frigg!” Araman howled like a wounded animal. He stood up when Santari whirled around and saw that Brea was no longer in his arms.

“What in bloody hell is going on?” Santari swore in the Terrian vernacular.

“I don’t know but I do know they are killing Brea.”

Santari face lost color. “How?”

Araman began pacing. “Brea explained the web within to you.” Santari nodded. “Her web is connected to all her organs but it is the heart that is the center of the web. Her heart not only pumps blood but it pumps energy throughout the web.”

“How can that be harmed? Its energy.”

“If the Shinwa tell a lie or are dishonest, their web within will start to fracture and eventually will shatter their chakkras.” Araman stopped for a moment. His intense blue eyes bored into Santari’s. “Brea is lying to them.”

“Then we gotta get out here.” Santari turned away feeling helpless. Just then the red laser bars faded and then sparked for a bit before resuming their guard.

Lights above the cells came on. Araman and Santari had not realized how dark it had been as they squinted. A door to the right opened and a grinning Paige came through holding her little metal remote.

“Miss me?” She winked at Santari.

“You bet I did.” He stepped up. “Now get us the Frigg out of here.”

Chapter Eleven

A scream invaded through the roar of the moving ship. Araman landed on the floor as he felt Brea pull on his aura for strength. Another cry of Brea ripped through the air as Araman writhed down to his knees meeting the cold metal of the floor.

Araman felt his senses being pulled out from underneath him as Brea reached for his energies. His brain felt like it was being ejected from his head as she pulled harder. He felt his legs give way as he fought to stay conscious.

His body jerked and reacted to the strain until he began to instinctively take a deep breath through his nose and released it from his mouth. With each breath he found he was gaining control. Slowly his body became calm.

“Get us out!” Santari whipped around. “Now Paige!”

Paige’s fingers rapidly keyed in the code. One by one the red bars flashed out like the filament of a light bulb. Santari rushed to Araman’s side and helped him to his feet.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

Araman nodded. “Brea’s going to suck the life out of me before I get there.” His voice was hoarse.

“Can you move?” Paige glanced to him. He nodded. “Then get out of there. I can only hold the bars back for so long. The code randomly changes and if that happens we are sitting ducks.”

The hum of the lasers returned more quickly than they powered down. Araman and Santari had to jump over the waist height bar of molten lava to escape.

“How the hell did Brea appear like that?” Araman growled feeling his strength come back.

“I don’t know, but I think it might have something to do with the experimental extractor.” Paige said leading them to the door. She cracked it opened and peeked out. “Oleander wants to use it as a means of travel and tech warfare. That’s all I know. As soon as I heard what it was I complained and ended up bait for the Novenians on Orpheaus Six.” She gave the men a nod.

The three slipped out into the walkway overlooking the empty cargo deck. Araman was thankful they did not have to be silent on the metal walkway that announced their presence with every step. They followed Paige around the perimeter to an opening on the other side.

Another scream of Brea’s broke through the noise of the ship. Araman grabbed Paige’s arm and spun her around to him. “Where is she?”

“Through there.” She pointed to a sealed door. “But you will need this.” She handed him her little hand held unit. “Hit this button.” She pointed to a little red on the end of a row. “This will automatically open the door.” She pulled away from his grip and gave Araman her keypad. “After that you are on you own.”

“Is there any way you and Santari can secure a ship?” Araman looked down at the curvy brunette. He watched as a smile crossed her face.

“And here I thought you were going to ask for something difficult.” Paige was flippant. Her soft brown eyes glanced up to Santari. “We go this way.” She took his hand and the two left Araman to find Brea.

Another scream caused a jolt through Araman’s body as he felt Brea pull on his energies for strength. He leaned against the wall and regained his control with breathing. Once his senses settled back within him he strained his hearing for any sounds of life.

When Araman could hear nothing he moved in stealth mode in the direction Paige had pointed. He looked through the opening into a closet like box. He stepped inside waiting for something to happen.

Ice blue eyes scanned the wall for its trigger. Araman could find nothing. He clenched his fists in frustration feeling Brea’s wrench on his aura readying himself for the tear. He felt his fingers wrap around the unit. He brought it up and looked at it.

Remembering the button, Paige told him to press, he hit it. The floor beneath his feet moved downward putting him off balance just as he heard another cry from his concubine. He felt the drag of her pulling but something was different.

It was weaker and less violent. Araman held his breath as he felt a fracture within Brea’s energies. A slow cold sensation ran through his body at the knowledge her chakkras were beginning to shatter. The thought of losing Brea sent his fist into the metal wall.

“Frigg! I promised her!” Araman said through gritted teeth. Putting the unit into his back pocket was the last sane thing he remembered doing.

The elevator stopped and the door opened. He stepped out to see Brea strapped to a table with various robotic probes hovering above her. Asereth stood with her back to Araman laughing at Brea. The blood in Araman’s head started to roar in his head.

“You poor little thing.” Asereth said with mock pity in her voice. “All you had to do was tell me why the Commandant and his Commander were on Orpheaus Six.” She shook her head at the woman on the table. “Instead you refuse the very ones who offered you protection.” A probe above Brea’s head started to spin in a circular motion as Asereth sneered.

“I…have…told…you.” Araman heard Brea force out. “I was…told…for…pleasure.” Her body went limp as his heart started to endure a stabbing pain. It was the beginning of the shatter for Brea. He could feel her aura diminishing within his. Araman knew he had to do something quick.

Wasting no more time, Araman crept slowly up behind Asereth. As he moved closer, he felt the heat of his aura swarming and expanding into a shield. He anticipated the fact that she was going to going turn around, and when she did his fist did the greeting.

The look of surprise wasn’t satisfactory enough for Araman after Frigg only knows what she had done to Brea. He reached down and quickly relieved the unconscious woman of her weapon. He turned his attentions to Brea failing in the attempt of straightening up. He fought the urge to kick the Sub-Mistress, raising his foot to step over her.

Brea was ashen and motionless on the table. Araman sent tentacles from his aura into hers injecting as much of his strength as he could spare. Her eyes fluttered opened and her eyes were such a pale green they looked almost white. His name barely brushed her lips as a hand reached for him.

Araman sent the spinning obstacle flying into the wall with a shot from the laser pistol. A series of sparks and flares traveled through out the mechanism disabling it into a pile of metal rods and wires. He pushed back from collapsing on Brea as it teetered above her.

“I’m here, Lyra.” He leaned over her releasing her from the bonds. Araman still held on to the weapon as he scooped her up into his arms. His back went rigid as the sound of a slight click and a soft whir happened behind him. He cast a glance to Brea who was looking up at him.

She glanced down at his weapon then slowly took it into her hand. She hid it with the folds of her dress while Araman turned around. Resting her head against his strong safe shoulder she closed her eyes. Asereth stood with another weapon facing Araman.

“Like I wouldn’t have a spare within reach.” She grinned then winced. “You pack quite a punch.”

“Not hard enough obviously, you’re standing” The words were dry from Araman.

“You know, I am really sick of you and your Commander’s sarcasm, Commandant and the insults.” Asereth spat at him.

“I would think by now you would be used to it.” He noted Brea’s grip on the weapon. “It seems to be something in your disposition that brings it out in us.” He kept her focus on him.

“I wonder what that could be. Maybe the sheer hatred for Olean egotistical males or just the hatred of a half-brother who should have died at birth.”

Brea without moving her head brought her hand out and pressed the trigger. Blasts of light shot out and hit Asereth directly in the chest before the woman could retaliate. She cried out in shock before crumpling onto the ground. Brea’s arm went limp and the weapon clattered to the floor.

He felt her body go slack in his arms. Araman wasted no time in getting Brea out of the so-called interrogation room and into the elevator. He struggled to hold her and reach for the unit in his pocket. He managed to hit the button by resting Brea on his knee as he reached behind. This time he was ready for the floor to move and push him upwards. Araman stepped off with Brea cradled safely in his arms.

The harsh sound of the warning alarm started to invade the ship as Araman met up with Santari and Paige. The petite blonde waved for him to join them as she peeked outside the entryway to see if it was clear.

“I think they know you might have escaped” Shouted Paige to the men. “This way.” She led them back to the cargo area along the metal walkway. A set of stairs put them onto the floor of the bay. Paige hurried along the bundled cargo to a hidden door.

“This leads to a docking bay.” She handed Santari a little metal bar. “Insert this into the console and the doors will open.”

“You aren’t coming?” Santari asked startled.

Paige shook her thick head of rich brown locks that bounced from side to side. “Not if we are to get rid of the extractor and save Novenian hide. You’ll need me on Oleander. Someone has to stay behind and clean up.” Her face turned over her shoulder and then back to Santari. “You have to go.”

“But...”

“Now!” She pushed him through the door then Araman and slammed it shut behind him. A troop appeared on the other side of the deck. Paige whipped around and ducked behind a sealed container before escaping up the stairs.

Santari settled into the captain’s seat of the console and popped the metal bar key into the opening. The computer’s lights blinked as they woke up.

“Code accepted,” a husky male voice came over the intercom.

Araman lay Brea down on the bench seat behind Santari. He looked around the cramped space. “An escape pod?” A thin band on the corner of the control board caught his attention.

It read, “Proudly made in Terra.”

“It was the only thing that didn’t have a guard and that we could access.” Santari hit a sequence of buttons on the pad.

“Araman…” Brea’s lilt called to him.

He was at her side within a heartbeat, taking her hand in his. “Shh Lyra. You need to rest.”

“Shinwa.” Her lips uttered before her eyes shut from sheer exhaustion.

“Can this piece of tin get us to Shinwa?” Araman bellowed at Santari.

“There and back. I was already ahead of you. Paige showed me how to input the co-ordinates. These keys here.” He indicated to the top row of the panel. Santari looked up to the screen now opening up. The bay doors were wide open.

“She needs a Cin’Goh.” Araman strapped her in for the take-off then himself beside his Commander.

“A what?” Santari pressed a key. The pod flew out of the bay doors and into the black of the universe.

“A healer.” Araman explained. “We need a miracle to get her there in time.” For the first time in his military life, he sent up a little prayer to who ever would be listening asking for the miracle.

“Well, seeing as we have company it might take us a little longer than it should. Would you mind taking the navigations?” He indicated with a square chin behind him to Brea. “I don’t think she is going to wake up any time soon.”

Araman flipped up the small clear navigational screen in front of him. Three dots appeared to be moving in one direction. “Three on the left.”

“This thing has no speed. Scan for storms or fields. Anything that will cover us.”

Araman watched the screen. “Up ahead there is an asteroid field. Within twenty.…”

The pod jolted forward. “That’s better. Now we can give them a run for the money.” Santari smiled. “Where’s that field?”

“Co-ordinates are locked in.” Araman eyes scanned the screen. Three more moving objects were blinking. “Three to right and in a minute they will flank from behind.”

A beam of laser struck in front of the little pod. It flew threw the sparks as another one hit from behind. A fire broke out from behind Araman who got up to extinguish it but the pod took care of it itself with a blast of steam.

“Better sit down, the trip is going to get a little rockier.” Santari advised as a steering stick appeared from the bottom.

“Manual?” Araman strapped down again. “Aren’t you a little rusty?”

“You trust a computer to fly us through that,” he indicated to the screen rapidly filling up with the pieces of rock, “or me?”

“Fly away.”

More fire was shot at them as they entered the craggy terrain of space. Santari maneuvered the ship like an old Terrian carnival ride including the loops avoiding the Oleander ships and their weapons.

“They have lost four to the asteroids.” The pod took another hit this time damaging it. Araman watched the blot on his screen disappear. “Make that five.”

“Hang on.” Santari warned. He jerked the ship upwards avoiding a spiraling mountain heading in their direction. The console lit up with warning lights and alarms.

“We have to land,” he looked over to Araman, “or we will not make it past this field.” The pod lurched as if to emphasize Santari’s statement. “And I can’t guarantee a soft one either.”

“Frigg!” Araman swore looking down. He pressed a button on the pad under the screen. It showed a possibility of a site before the screen popped, fizzled, and went blank. “Son of a…” His fist met the console and the screen came back to life.

“Short range scan shows a life sustaining planet.”

“Distance?” Santari asked without taking his eyes off the flight path.

“Look out the window, it’s right there.”

The escape pod shot past the hurdling boulders into clear space and turned its direction to a little world orbiting a tiny sun. As the ship neared the color of the planet turned a deep green against the stark of white.

“Can we communicate?” Santari asked directing the nose of the ship towards the round marble.

Araman shook his head as he tried hitting the unfamiliar buttons in the attempt to find the communicator. The screen flickered out and the console went dead. Both men held their breath when they heard the engine go silent. One blue light flashed over Araman’s head.

“We still have life support.” Santari said just as the light dimmed. “Make that losing life support.” He frantically glanced around the console. “I can glide it in but.…”

“Try!” Araman ordered as he started to pull glass panels from underneath the console. He slid the cover back on. He looked above Santari. The blue light burned bright again.

“What did you do?” Santari asked.

“I haven’t a clue but if it keeps us alive until you land this thing, we can figure it out later.”

The pod jumped forward as the orb in the viewer enveloped the screen.

“We are now in the gravitational pull of the planet. If I do this right, we should just be able to coast in. Look for wide open spaces.” He rolled his shoulders in an effort to relax his tense muscles.

Fire blanketed over the viewer as the ship entered the atmosphere. It lifted and tossed the ship like a leaf caught in a windstorm. Santari pulled on the controls as he fought to keep the ship level.

Thick lush forests greeted the ship as it dropped from the outer layers. The ground below sparkled like millions of crystals catching the warmth of the rays from its sun. It fanned in front of the two men for as far as they could see.

“Water, sand or snow?” Santari asked as he fought to keep the nose end up and ride the air currents downwards.

Araman couldn’t tell. He closed his eyes and sent his energy to the ground to find the answer. When he opened his eyes he glanced over to Santari. “Sand but its unstable. Try near a ridge.”

“Easier ordering than following.” Santari fought the pod as it neared the white surface. “Make sure all trays are upright and your seatbelts are tightened.” His voice mimicked the computerized Terrian voice on their interplanetary space flights.

The steering control flew out of Santari’s hands and crashed against the console causing even more damage. The men crouched into crash positions as the front of the pod plowed into the ground tossing everyone inside in spite of their restraints. Compartments above their heads flew open and objects both hard and sharp rained down.

The vessel slowed to a stop. Araman raised his head peeked above the hissing deck and out the fractured screen. Thick as his fist, twines came down from above and snaked around the metal and lifted the pod gently upwards.

Santari popped his head up. “Why am I watching the side of a tree growing at a ridiculous rate?”

“You’re not. We are being lifted by those vines attached to us.” Araman removed his belts and stepped over to Brea’s side to ensure she was unhurt from the landing. His finger ran along the side of her cheek as he wished she would open her eyes. Just as his thoughts finished, Brea’s eyes opened slowly.

“Shinwa?” The question was as soft as a sigh. He stopped unbuckling her straps and looked at Brea.

“Not yet Love. We had to make an emergency landing.” He had her free of the safety belts. “The ship is damaged.” Araman cradled her in his arms.

“Commandant!” Santari called out. “There’s a greeting party and they do not look happy.”

In front of the escape pod stood a group of men in loin clothes holding spears at the foreign object. They were dark in pallor, spindly in frame and all wore a similar haircut. It was as if a bowl had been placed on their heads and an ax was used to chop their ebony black hair. They were talking to each other discussing the new found object. One was brave enough to stab his stick at it.

Araman stared out at the odd tribe and then glanced to the woman he was holding.

“Maybe they can help us?” Araman said quietly. “Open the door.” He instructed Santari.

“Uh, Sir, they do seem hostile.” The Commander’s voice was serious.

“I will be the diversion while you get this foreign piece of Terrian shit working. I can only support Brea for so long. Now open the door.” Araman turned to the side of the tin can and waited.

“Yes sir.” Santari released the hatch. A hiss escaped and the door flew open.

Araman stepped out holding Brea. Something he sensed about these odd little people that they would not turn him away with a sick woman in his arms. He took a step towards them. A hush fell as dark eyes peered at him. Araman moved still closer. They moved back in unison.

Santari watched as his Commandant did something that he had never seen before. Araman fell to his knees and held out Brea. He decided to concentrate on repairing the pod.

“Help me.” Araman asked hoping they would understand his plea. He shuffled on his knees closer. He gently placed Brea down and pointed to her with his palms towards them. “Please help her.”

Araman watched as a figure from the back poked and prodded his way through to the front of the warriors. He was as the others only he was crooked and bent using the spear in his hand as a cane. Around his neck he wore several lengths of beads in bright colors signifying his status among the tribe. He waved at Araman to move back then moved closer to the woman on the ground.

“Shinwa.” His voice was in awe.

“Shinwa.” The men behind said in harmony in reverence. They turned to one another smiling and nodding.

Araman watched the exchange in puzzlement. He had to convey somehow that Brea was in trouble. He took a deep breath and expelled it slowly, keeping his frustration and temper at bay. He nodded and forced a smile across his blond whiskered face.

“Shinwa.” Araman repeated still bobbing his head.

The elder bobbed his back with a smile revealing large white square teeth. “Shinwa dae na opiate sha bannu.” He spoke rapidly. After a pause he put his hand under his cheek and pretended to sleep including an exaggerated snore.

Araman shook his head when the questioning dark eyes opened. “No, Shinwa…” He put his hands to his stomach and tried to charade sick.

The little man mimicked his motions before drawing back shaking his head, “Shinwa et manno nana bay inso tanay bannu.”

“Sick.” Araman said.

“I think what the little guy is trying to tell that she is sleeping because she is wounded.” Santari’s voice called out. “I found the translator.”

The dark men looked around to see where the voice was coming from.

“Ask him if they can help her?” Araman instructed not caring about their reaction to the voice in the air.

Santari spoke to the computer and the unique language was projected through the external speakers. The strange little men looked up and around the sky for the body of the voice. The older bent warrior spoke to the sky. Araman wondered if it was in prayer.

“He wants to know what is broken within her.”

“Does he know about the web within?” The question was answered with a nod from the elder. “Her web is broken. Tell him.” The response was a rapid litany emphasized by hand movements and gestures.

“He says, to sum up, they cannot heal her but they can help splinter the wound until she reaches her own healer. She will have to be brought to the sacred life flow of the trees. Only they have the energy to help.”

The elderly warrior stepped forward and tugged on Brea’s skirt with a bony hand. He motioned with his head for Araman to follow. With a sigh, Araman picked her up and stood putting a little faith into the unknown.

“I’ll follow.”

The crooked man clapped his hands together. Six pairs of hands removed Brea from Araman as the others flanked her. The elder issued directions to another who began running ahead of the procession yelling.

“Santari!” Araman bellowed.

“They are taking her to the sacred flow of the trees. Just a minute.…”Araman was losing patience. “There is a remote translator link around some where. You can use it to communicate with. I’ll link up your brain frequency with it.” Another brief pause. “Okay. Go.” Araman caught up to the elder within six large strides.

“You need not fear. We can help only to wrap the fractures. It will help. She is not meant to go to root yet.” The old man said. “I am called Dy’ Nar. I am the healer for my kinsmen and spiritual guide into the life flow of the trees.”

Araman looked up away from Brea to the man beside him “You live up here?”

“The trees provide us with all we need. The white death surrounds us and keeps us with the trees. Here we have the essence of life, including fire. The trees do not burn and only sway in storms. The white death you see beyond the leaves takes life from the ground to feed upon and grow. The trees protect us.

It was the trees that found you and brought you up. We do not have the strength,” Dy’ Nar waved his hands, “to achieve such a feat. Even in numbers. Your God seems powerful to speak with such clarity to both of us.”

“He is not a God. He is a man like you and I with a tool to help him.” Araman explained. He looked around his surroundings to the flowers and birds the trees provided for. Nestled in thick branches were large red berries the size of a Terrian grapefruit. The path seemed to spread its foliage for the procession making its way to their final destination.

In the middle of a canopy of broad-leafed trees, a pool of water fed by a waterfall sat in the middle of the glade. The fragrant combination of the exotic flowers permeated the humid air. Pearly rocks glistening in the kiss of sunlight tickling the site framed a path leading up to the mystical waterfall.

“How is this?” Araman questioned out loud.

“We do not ask how, we are thankful it is.” The healer left his side as the six men with Brea pulled away and took her into the water.

Dy’ Nar stepped into the water and took a deep breath. He placed his staff in front of him and pointed the end to Brea. He closed his eyes then exhaled. He concentrated for a moment then furrowed his brow.

“You.” He pointed to Araman. “You need to release her to me. In the water please. Come hold your mate.”

Araman was unsure if he should pull back his energies as he stepped down into the warm water. The men left Brea’s side as he took her in his arms. He gazed down at her. He couldn’t lose her. He promised her he would die before she would.

“I will not lose her. Her time is not now.” The bent old man reassured Araman. “I will catch her. We are frail only in body. It is our energies that hold the power. Now release her!”

Araman yanked on the tendrils feeding Brea’s aura. He stepped back when Brea rose from his arms and levitated into the middle of the pool. Dy’ Nar stepped forward and pointed his hands to Brea.

A pink glow surrounded the healer and his patient. As it washed over Araman he could feel his senses tingle. The pink turned to blue as the healer increased his flow. With a jolt a stream of pure energy was felt cascading down on all in the water. The air went green as the stinging of electricity crackled around them.

“It is the life flow of the trees you feel. They also heal you.” Dy’ Nar’s voice penetrated Araman’s brain. “When you are ready under the energies of the trees, reconnect with you mate.”

Under the green cloak, he moved towards Brea who was floating downward. She was placed back in his arms and when Araman felt the reconnection the trees had added their strength to hold the web within together.

When the strange green glow faded, the healer was at the side of the water’s edge stepping out. In silence Araman stepped out and was circled by the dark warriors. They were escorting him back to the ship without any detour.

Santari stepped out of the ship as the first of the warriors stepped through bowing leaves to see Brea still in Araman’s arms.

“Are we ready Sir?”

“Are the repairs done?” Araman raised an eyebrow.

“Not by my hands. A strange blue light glided over the entire ship and each thing was fixed where it touched. I would not have been able to complete the repairs in such a short time.”

Araman turned to Dy’ Nar. “It seems I owe you more than I can offer in return.”

“You have left us with your energies in the life flow of the trees. They gained your knowledge; you have gifted us as well. It is always an exchange. Your mate will make it back to her healers. You hurry though. Wounds can unwrap.”

Araman looked towards Santari heading into the ship then back to the tribal healer. “Will we cross paths again?”

Dy’ Nar gave the large man a sad smile and shook his head. “We come when we sense our need. It is the unbalance within a far greater web we are all a part of that we feel through the life force of our world. It is the way of the trees.”

Araman gave the healer a salute then turned and brought Brea in the small ship. Once she was strapped in safely he took his seat beside Santari who was already settled in punching buttons for lift off. He glanced out the window to see the last of the strange lithe warriors disappear behind the bows.

“Co-ordinates locked in?” Araman dragged his eyes from the site to the console screen in front of him.

“Locked. Ready?” Santari asked bringing his hand to the keypad. At Araman’s nod he entered the code and the engines roared to life.

The ship shot out into space like a bullet from a gun. When it cleared the planet’s atmosphere nothing but empty space lay before them.

“What happened to the asteroid belt?” Santari asked gazing out on the black spotted with twinkling dots.

“I don’t know, but the entire thing, the planet included has disappeared.” Araman hit the console looking at the navigational data. “According to this we are almost to Shinwa.”

“I think the tree huggers liked you.”

“What ever they were, I owe them an eternal debt of gratitude.”

Chapter Twelve

A single silver moon hung in the backdrop of the indigo Shinwa sky. Tiny specks of stardust rolled like a tide above pearl gray clouds performing a slow game of charades as they lolled along the night. Underneath, the calm sea reflected the vision above as it rippled against the black sandy shoreline.

The water against Araman’s fingers was softer than any fine Pix silk he had touched. His fingers gliding along the surface reminded him of Brea’s soft skin. His fist clenched abruptly rising. He slowly turned around to see Santari approaching with a grim look on his face.

“Any word on Brea?” He asked.

Araman shook his blonde head. “Only what was said when they took her. The Cin’ Goh will call for me when I am needed.” He had barely stepped off the ship when Brea was pulled from his arms.

Various heights of bronze skinned men in long flowing belted tunics blocked Araman from seizing Brea back. They stood with their arms crossed as the ones who took her rested her on a levitating reed cot. She was escorted away. All but one followed.

He was a dark somber man proudly standing with his back rigid. He keened on Araman; raised his chin with a challenging expression, then spoke.

“You were wise to return Breaha,” her name in his language softened it even more, “to her web. We sense when one of the web is becoming severed from the rest. She will be taken to the wisest of the healers. You will wait here until you are called.”

“Araman!” Santari’s voice cut in to Araman’s brain.

“What?” he growled.

“Herse wants a report.” Santari told him. “I managed to catch a weak signal but it’s a fader.”

“Strengthen the signal and give one.” Araman ordered.

“It’s a little more complicated than that.” Santari snarled back. “If by chance I do get a stronger link up, what do you want me report? We lost our target? Were kidnapped by Oleander? A tree planet that disappears? Or the fact that we are now here waiting for someone to heal some web within Brea?” Santari clenched his jaw.

“I don’t give a Frigg what you tell the General.” Blue eyes narrowed into glints of ice.

“You had friggin’ better, your authorization is on that report.”

“The only thing I care about is that woman!” Araman erupted at Santari. “Every friggin one, Santari, I lose. Two, now by my hand!”

“You didn’t kill her.” Santari said softly after a moment of silence. Araman looked over to him.

“What do you mean?”

“You didn’t kill Sonya.”

“Yes I did.” Araman argued. “Then whose hands were around her throat?” he questioned when Santari shook his head.

“Those were yours. But you didn’t kill her. I walked in to you choking your wife and I pulled you off. You kept repeating ‘She’s the one.’ I shot her when she pointed her pistol at you. The computer was hit with her laser fire and malfunctioned. The walls fluctuated as she fell back. Over she went.”

“No.…” Araman stopped for a moment. He never could remember what happened exactly. There had always been a blank spot induced by his rage at the betrayal. “Why was I never told?”

“You were there. You saw me shoot her.”

Araman shook his head searching for the memory. “I don’t remember it. I just remember the rage inside, Santari. And the men she led to their death.” He let out a sigh and looked to his Commander. “The fact still remains, I have lost every woman I have touched.”

“It is because you are Chatam Pritam.” A soft voice came from behind. The two men whirled around to see an older woman. Her locks of dark gray and white were held back in a loose tie. She stood straight with a smile. “The males of the Chatam Pritam are not permitted mates and therefore will suffer the losses. Males usually discover they are Chatam Pritam at a very young age. They avoid the pleasures of flesh and heart until they are ready to seek out their female Chatam Pritam.”

“Now I understand why Brea talks like that. They all do.” Santari muttered under his breath.

“Work on the signal and if it happens, make the report to Herse.” He stopped for a moment and thought, “And report everything.” Araman instructed emphasizing his last word.

“Yes Sir.” Santari gave a curt nod, leaving his Commandant with the curious woman.

“Your brother is very loyal to you Araman.” The woman commented. “You have grown into a fine man.”

“Should I know you?” He took a step closer. Her fragrance smelled familiar. It was warm and calming like lavender.

“Ah,” a sad sigh escaped from her, “has it been so long that a son can not recognize his mother. I should not have gone when you were so young.”

“My mother is dead.” Araman said not quiet sure of his own statement. His father had only said she was disposed.

“I suspected you would be told such a thing. I worried about you being raised with Olean traditions.” She held out her hand to him. “Come with me. I was sent to bring you to the Cin’ Goh. They are not ready yet but I wished to see you.” She cocked her head at him.

“You look so very much like your father and yet I sense you are Shinwa in mind and spirit. And yet you have had no guidance.”

“Brea.” Araman spoke her name tenderly. “She taught me what she could and explained when she couldn’t.” He looked at the tiny woman. “Why did you leave?”

Sadness filled her eyes. Pale gold green eyes looked out over the sea. “Your father sent me away.”

“Frigg!” Araman swore.

“Not for the reason’s you think. Your father loved me.” Araman’s mother said sternly. “He was protecting me.”

“From what? Olean has never been attacked.”

She let out a nervous laugh. “Not all things are as simple as the strategies of war Son. The matters of the heart are far worse to battle.”

“My father never loved a soul in his life. He only cared about military regulations.”

“He raised you a soldier as he said he would. Do not think your father did not have a heart. He did and it was mine.”

Araman wondered now about the man who raised him. There had not been father and son moments. His father was rarely around. It slowly dawned on him; his father was a Commandant. Araman’s reasons for not wanting a concubine or a family were the daunting duties that kept him away. The same duties that Araman’s father was responsible for.

“I asked him about you. I was told you were disposable. It was how he felt towards women.”

The woman smiled and put her hand in the crook of his elbow. She pointed Araman along a black sandy pathway. “Walk and I will try my best to explain.”

Araman begrudgingly let her escort him along.

“Shinwa is not as isolated as Oleander has led all to believe. When I met Diago, I was escorting my father in a diplomatic mediation. We are not as primitive as outsiders are led to believe. Your father and his comrade, a man named Herse, were placed as my escorts to keep me safe. I understand Terra has not improved with the years.

I fell in love with your father and he with I; we became lovers. Olean law would not allow any foreign women as wives only as concubines. I have been informed that the laws have since changed. That is good. Then what happened between your father and I will not happen to other young lovers.”

“What happened?” Araman demanded a little more harshly than he intended. “Sorry.” He offered sheepishly.

“That is Commandant in you. You are like your father, a born leader.” She grinned at him. “I went with your father to Olean as his concubine not wanting to be away from him. We had hoped because I was not a prisoner that we could be permitted to be married by Olean vows. Your father had been fighting for our rights, when he was sent on an extremely dangerous mission. I was to be with him.

Diago didn’t want me there. I was never told the reasons but I trusted your father. If it wasn’t that mission there would always be another. The only way to protect me was to give me up as disposable and send me to another man. But you know about Shinwa women and your father could not do it. I was his and he was mine. We had a son and wanted to be a family but your father could not leave me behind on missions.

A diversion was created and a ship was reported missing in action. The only official survivors were Diago and Herse. We didn’t know the repercussions of our actions until your father passed and I was considered dead. And you were all alone.” Her voice cracked.

“I was sixteen and in the academy. I was considered an adult and on my own.” Araman said hoping some how it would reassure her. “Herse kept an eye on me.” He smiled.

“I was never disposable in your father’s eyes. “ Araman’s mother rested a hand on his arm. “Your father loved you and was so proud of you. When you were old enough, you were going to be brought to us to learn about your Shinwa web.”

“No wonder Brea had the effect on me she did.” Araman said. “Do you know how she is?”

His mother shook her head. “I am afraid, Son, that I removed myself from Brea, in order to be with you. The Cin’ Goh who heals her is very powerful and is much stronger than I.”

They stopped in the middle of a courtyard. Araman had been so involved in his mother’s story he had not been aware of his surroundings. Large natural columns from granite like rock framed the small square patchwork of soft moss. Araman could feel the energies of the enclosure.

“Here is the heart of the web.” His mother explained gesturing with her hand. “This is Shinwa’s heart chakkra and we are connected to it. What we take, we return. We take life from here and here is where life is returned. Only the most knowledgeable and strongest of the healers are able to interact with the aura of our world.”

She pointed through a small archway. “Brea is this way.” She let her son take the lead.

Araman hesitated before moving. He took a deep breath as Brea had taught him, inviting the energies he felt to fill him. He did not understand why, but just felt the need to do so. He wanted to feel the energies flowing through, as though it were a deep craving unsatisfied. In his second breath he felt the energy fill him and strengthen the inner core of his heart chakkra.

He opened his eyes and looked to his mother waiting for him to move and took her hand in his before taking a step.

The archway led into a solid rock tunnel that descended downwards. Light was bounced off the craggy walls from tiny flecks of metal in the marbled milky surface. In the distance a chanting and drumming softly reverberated against the solid earth. A spicy sweet scent tickled Araman’s nose.

He watched his mother frown at the scent. “They are using Tunneling Seed flowers to enhance the spiritual connections.” She explained.

A flickering light from a fire exposed the entrance into the chamber that held Brea. She was laid out on a glowing slab of floating slate. She wore a sheer white sleeveless tunic that clung to her body. The air around her was energized and crackling amid the soft beat of the drums.

The Cin’ Goh stood at Brea’s head. Her hair was hidden in a tunic wrapped around her head and fastened by a large black diamond. Her light bronze skin was freckled with copper specks. Around her, smoke from the tunneling incense surrounded her as she focused on the center of Brea’s forehead.

Her eyes flew open and she stared at Araman. “You who are her Chatam Pritam come forward.” She commanded.

Araman stood himself in front of the healer. He could feel her power and the strength of the energies flowing through her.

“I am sorry.” Her words became soft. “She does not respond to me. She will soon meld with the earth and sun.”

He dropped to his knees feeling the wind knocked out of his lungs. “There must be some way. Can you do nothing? Dy’ Nar said she was not ready to go to root.”

“Dy’ Nar?” She questioned Araman. “The only Dy’ Nar that I know of does not exist. He is a myth.” The healer shook her head sadly. “I know none who can help her.”

“He was very real when I stood in the life flow of the trees with him. You must try.” Araman looked up at her. “You can’t give up.”

“You stood in the life flow of the trees?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Our ship landed on a planet in the middle of an asteroid storm.” Araman watched as she looked to his mother and then back to him. “He does exist.”

“I am truly sorry.” The Cin’ Goh turned away.

“I know of a way but it puts you at great risk Araman.” His mother stepped up behind him. The healer turned on her heel.

“He would have to be tested.” Black and shining red hair tumbled down from the wrap. “He may not be strong enough.” She challenged. “Helena, you would risk your own flesh?”

His mother squared her shoulders. “He is the son of the daughter of the greatest Dia’ Qui that served Shinwa. I know you can feel the strength in him. He may not look like one of us, but my son is Shinwa and carries the web within. Dy’ Nar appeared to him, Cin’ Goh.”

The Cin’ Goh scrutinized Araman. “He is strong I grant you, but he does not know the ways of the chakkras. The test is not an easy for one who has been raised with our ways. He may carry the web but he has not been taught even if the mighty Dy’ Nar appeared to him.”

“Give me the test.” Araman stood to his full height. “I will not fail Brea.”

Helena moved beside her son. “I can prepare him.”

The healer gave her head a slight nod. “The test shall be by his own accord.” She gazed down to Araman with eyes that matched his own. “If you should forfeit your life, then take comfort that you and your Chatam Pritam will cross together.” She gave her hand a clap.

“We will start the preparations. You have until the Moon crests the horizon tomorrow Helena to prepare your son.”

His mother put a hand on Araman’s shoulder. “Come Son.”

He put a strong hand over it. “I demand the test now. The sooner I can prove to you that I am strong enough within my web, the sooner I can help Brea.”

The Cin’ Goh stared at him for a moment before a thin smile crossed her lips as if he were a child amusing her. “So be it.” She clapped her hands three times. “In one of your hours, be prepared.” The healer turned to a younger cowering female approaching from behind. “Set the altar and light the fires.”

Helena tugged on her son’s arm. “Come, I will take you to the Dia…”

“I will not leave her side again.” Araman touched a lock of gold hair. “What is this test, Mother?” He asked softly still looking down at Brea.

“To see if the Heart of Shinwa will accept you. If it does recognize your energies you will become one with them. The pain is great and not many try it.” She answered.

“And if it doesn’t recognize the energies?”

After a pause he turned to face her. Helena shrugged. “I know not what to tell you Son. I was never strong enough to tempt the fusion. But I know strength when I feel it. You must not be afraid to give in to it.”

“Why, when I have already combined with Brea must I take this test?” Araman wanted to know.

“At this moment while Brea sleeps, the heart of our world is mingling with her energies. She is protected by the very energies that take her. It is why you must not fight, as your instinct will for control of it.” She continued quickly as Araman opened his mouth to ask another question.

“My father was the strongest of Dia’ Qui serving Shinwa for many years longer than most. His father before him was stronger than his father. It is the way with males of our kin. Dy’ Nar also appeared to him.”

“Who is this man?” Araman’s curiosity finally got the better of him.

“Dy’ Nar is a great healer and teacher. It is only a chosen few that he comes to. It is said that his people's world Abeth was destroyed by their own greed for what lay under the ground and death lay in their wake. He as a spiritual leader was not a destroyer and he with his followers was granted life among the trees. The trees provide what they need and permit their energies only to be used when there is an unbalance in the universal energies.” She gave a little smile. “For some reason you and Brea are at an imbalance that could cause a rift in the continuum of the forces.”

Santari was correct, they were hard to understand at times but he caught her drift. If he lost Brea, war would ensue for he would demand Oleander’s blood for hers. This would lead to chaos in the quadrant.

Helena followed her son’s thoughts. “You see now why Dy’ Nar came to you. It is not every Shinwa that is blessed with his help.”

“I am only half Shinwa Mother.” Araman pointed out turning his gaze to his mother.

“The outer half. Inside I feel the web. Tell me Son have you ever felt the energies exploding from within.”

Araman was about to say no when he remembered the episode on the beach of Orpheaus Six. He nodded. “It was after Brea and I cleansed.”

“That is your web.” His mother looked behind him. “In order to gain control of the web within you must give in to the web.”

The healer’s attendant came over to Araman and offered him in silence a large round cushion. He took the pillow with a soft word of thanks to the shy girl. Araman gazed down at it and then to his mother.

“It is time to ready yourself my son. Heed your great father’s words.” Helena reminded her son. “Brea knows you’re here and is searching for you. Let the heart lead you to her.”

“How do you know this?” Araman held his breath.

His mother smiled up at him with her eyes mixed of green and gold. “I can see auras.” She pointed to Brea. “Hers has only grown a little stronger since you arrived.” Helena took the pillow from him and put it on the floor in the middle beside the table that Brea lay on.

“What do I do?” He tried to hide the panic in his voice to his mother.

“Sit on the pillow and breath.” Helena instructed leading him to the cushion. “Let your energies seek her out and guide you.” His mother gently pushed him down. “The Cin’ Goh arrives. Show her what you truly are.”

Araman gave a nod as he straightened his back. He took a deep breath as he heard the healer moving about behind him. As he took his second breath he could feel his senses lighten. At first, he fought the sensation from taking over him as it burned through him.

“Become one with it.” His mother’s voice penetrated his head.

Another breath and the burning intensified.

“He is not Shinwa.” The Cin’ Goh spoke. “He will be consumed.”

“Araman.” Brea’s faint lilt called to him.

With his next inhale of spicy air, Araman felt the rush of the heart of Shinwa flowing past him. His aura instinctively reached for it and as it did, a hunger of wanting to feel the flow within him rose. As Araman released his breath slowly, more tendrils surfaced from the magma of his core. This was, he knew, his web within connecting.

The cushion rose from the floor with Araman sitting cross-legged and still, lifting him to Brea’s level. His mother looked over to the Cin’ Goh.

“You see now I speak the truth of his web within.” Helena’s voice was a whisper. “Look how he lights the chamber and you have not yet begun your preparations. He does not need the juice of the tunneling seed as you do.” Her smile widened, “And look Cin’ Goh, I see the Abeth colors coming forth.”

The healer turned to see Araman floating by Brea’s side in a soft white light that shielded both he and the woman he was trying to save. It shimmered with blues and greens as it blanketed the couple. A smile crossed the healer’s face when she saw where the energy was emanating from. The center of Araman’s heart chakkra was glowing.

Araman was not aware of the voices whispering behind him. He could only sense the rushing of energy from the planet’s core. It stood before him violently twisting upwards like the core of a threatening Terrian tornado. Columns of blood red, fleshy pink

“Araman, you must not enter.” Brea’s voice was weak.

“Brea!” Araman yelled for her. “I’m coming.”

With a deep inhale, his body became lighter as he let his energies soar upwards. He glanced at his arms that were now only rays of light spread out before him. Beams of energy extending out from his chakkras wanted to touch the flow before him. Something held him back as he tried to join with the spinning vortex.

For his human mind, his wanting to dive into the volatile energies was akin to jumping into a raging river without a floatation device. Getting in was not the problem, but getting out would be, he realized.

He let one tendril of his energy connect and pulled back as though he had been burnt. The current of the flow was faster and stronger than it seemed to move at Araman’s first glance. He felt Brea’s aura briefly in the giant swirling column. He took a deep breath and pushed himself into Shinwa’s core.

He discovered the currents of the energies inside moved at different paces. He followed the stream upwards jumping from flow to flow as though Araman were riding waves. Again he felt Brea pass by. He reached out but she slipped past.

“Brea!” A deep boom quaked the chamber from the reverberation of his voice against the energies.

Araman used every ounce of strength reaching out for her with his aura until he touched her. He could feel the weakness inside Brea. In her light the fractures to her chakkras showed in black running throughout her aura like a spider’s web. With another push Araman held her energy in his.

“Go back Araman.” Her words were soft.

“No. I told you, I would die myself before bringing harm to you.” Araman reassured her. His energies swarmed around hers.

“It’s too late Araman. I am almost one with Shinwa. I am too fractured to fight my way back.” Brea was tired and ready to give herself over.

“Then I will fight for you.”

Araman held her close. He was frantically trying to figure out a way to save her when he saw the top of the vortex. Like the eye of a storm, it was calm. Holding Brea with his aura, Araman maneuvered his energies along the flow to the center and forced himself through into the eye.

He had hoped getting her out of the core’s energies would help but the light of her aura was diminishing faster. Araman fed her his energy in the attempt to give her strength but it was futile. He was losing Brea to Shinwa.

Araman let out an exasperated sigh. “Please, not again.” He spoke out loud. “I promised her.” His words were a silent plea against the vortex as it spun around them. The energy would not heed his words.

He looked down to Brea becoming a gray shadow. An unfamiliar feeling washed over Araman. He felt utterly helpless to save Brea. Turmoil of emotions churned in the center of his heart, pushing against his restraint. It was a losing battle.

Araman threw back his head and released a scream upward through the eye of the storming energy. His being physically convulsed as his aura forced out the negative venom from within his soul. Anger, betrayal and hurt bawled into one and ripped out of Araman like a flare against the night. It burst and the tiny sparks were absorbed in the ripples of the calmer energies above.

Araman then felt a sensation glide over him like a thousand feathers touching at once filling the void left by the brutal exit of the poison. He felt warm and serene connected with all things and beings. As his mind relaxed with the tides of the ocean of energy he felt a trace of Brea beside him.

“Join with me.”

“I am too weak,” she answered faintly.

“Trust me.” Araman centered the energy from his heart chakkra to Brea’s fading essence. “Listen to my heart Lyra, it beats for both of us. It can be the web for both of us.” He felt a slight slackening within his heart as a stabbing pain sparked then ebbed away. He had found her heart chakkra and with a strand of his aura he was plugged into her.

The outer dimension of Araman’s energies surged out in threads like fine silk paving the road ahead of his web extending out. The strands connected to the walls of Shinwa’s chakkra with sparks. Once Araman’s web was completely linked, the storm swirled around the two souls in the center of a spinning sphere.

Araman felt the waves of energy using his aura as the conduit to reach Brea. With each surge that passed through him, he could feel the tie with her become stronger. He focused on Brea’s fractured web and using the energy pulsing through him he began to mend her shattered chakkras.

The light was so intense from Araman’s core the on-lookers in the room had to step back and shield their eyes from the brilliance. Inside the sphere Araman’s head was thrown back as an intense column of white energy forced its way down his throat and heart chakkras filling Brea through him.

“Araman.” At the sound of Brea’s voice, the sphere above opened its eye and resumed its cyclone. Araman’s web slipped back within his aura leaving a single strand still linked with Brea.

“Care to come back with me?” He asked holding out his hand to her. The shadow was no longer threatening to overtake her as he watched her aura brighten and become stronger. He felt the energy of her hand join before leading her up and out of the vortex into the night above.

The instant Araman thought of his body, he slammed down into it with a jolt. He was not sitting as he started out but lying on something hard and cold. He heard the soft sound of a sigh beside him and opened his eyes staring into pools of pale jade surrounded by long black lashes.

“You must learn to land softly or you might hurt yourself.” Brea smiled at him.

Araman laughed at her admonishment of him. It was so good to see her awake and looking at him. He pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her black and gold hair.

“Promise me Brea, you will never sacrifice your web again.” He begged of her in a whisper. “I am your Chatam Pritam. We go together.”

Brea looked up into his blue eyes searching hers for the promise. He had risked his own web to heal hers and called himself her Chatam Pritam. He had brought her back from the deepest shadows of her world. Her mouth met his briefly.

“I promise.”

Chapter Thirteen

Brea waded out into the ocean lifting her layered tunic up as high as she could. The hem still glided along the surface soaking up a little of the salty water. She looked up into the bright sky wishing for the calm blue of Olean. She preferred it to the purplish haze of Shinwa.

Brea could not recall much of her ordeal nor did she want to. She was content with the outcome. She smiled at the thought of Araman’s tender blue eyes staring down at her demanding she promise never to risk herself again. They sparkled with a hint of silver. The sign he had touched the heart chakkra of Shinwa.

A sigh escaped her lips. Brea was missing her Beebles. She was also missing Olean. She looked around turning and facing the black sand leading up to the dark deep green of the trees. Olean was light and colorful during both day and night. She missed the garden Araman had built for her pet and the scent of the flowers mixed with the night air.

“Brea!” His large blonde frame emerging from the path followed Araman’s deep voice. “You should be resting Lyra.” He stopped at the water’s edge.

“I have rested enough.” She smiled. “I am restless and needed to think.” She let her hem go as she stepped out of the silky water onto the cushioning sand. “I am missing your home.”

Araman smiled. “Just as I was thinking we could stay.”

Brea looked up at him with thoughtful eyes. She swayed her head from side to side slowly. “Our place is not here.” She told him thoughtfully. “We need to stop Oleander.”

“Not we, Brea but Olean will stop Oleander.”

“No Araman, I have felt what they can do to us with a machine by sending volts of man made energy through our webs. Now they have made enemies of Shinwa. Their offer of protection was false.”

“You’re right. It is why I have spent the entire morning along with Santari convincing your council to accept Olean protection against Oleander.”

Brea’s eyes widened. “You would go to war for Shinwa? Why?”

“Because, Shinwa is a treasure chest my dear.” Santari strolled up behind. “While Araman was with you, I scanned your planet. Oleander doesn’t want your teachings or to learn your skills. They want what’s underneath and on the surface. Everything here, including the people, is made up of the precious metals. Have you not noticed how even the smallest speck of dust is metallic?”

“But they told us…” Brea’s words trailed off. The memory of a woman sneering over her, as she lay strapped to a metal table, crept into her mind.

“You are too weak to defend yourselves.” The delight on her torturer’s face, Brea did not understand at the time. The thought struck her that Oleander wanted them weaker.

“They want our metals?” Brea confirmed what Santari was saying.

Santari nodded. “Oleander has a weapon that can extract anything large or small from a distance. Right now, Oleander has to trade for the metals to make such weapons. They are finding trading partners a little rare with their growing hostilities. Shinwa is rich in the metals needed and then some. Offering protection was one way of getting to it. You falling into the hands of Araman, I’m guessing, was definitely not in their plan of things and they will change their tactics.”

“Oleander knows they are stronger than us. They can come and take what they want with that machine without our knowledge. Why harm me with one of their devices?” She questioned out loud.

“You might have been the test subject. If they come and extract the riches of your planet, it will destroy it, Brea. Shinwa would collapse. What Oleander was not expecting was for you to return here as evidence they are not promising protection but a pillage.” Santari looked over to Araman. “The arms they are moving through the moons have already indicated they are gearing up.

In the mean time I have contacted the fleet and sent a message that we were safe. I did not however reveal the location and jammed the communications channel to avoid a trace back.” He grinned. “I figured Oleander might be trying to trace the pod.”

“We still need to report to Herse.” Araman reminded him.

“I’ll see what I can do to isolate and boost the signal. There is a lot of interference.” Santari headed back up the path. He gave a slight nod to an older woman passing him.

Araman approached Brea who was staring out into the sea. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her head. She was feeling the same as the council did when the same was pointed out to her. Duped.

“War is inevitable with Oleander from Olean’s point of view. I will not let them destroy Shinwa in the process.”

“I know Araman.” She held onto his hands. “I will be fighting by your side. I am your concubine remember.” She smiled up at him.

“You will not be fighting by my side. You will stay put until Shinwa is safe.” Araman said. Brea broke away and whirled around with her hands on her hips. Her green eyes were flashing with anger. She raised her chin and glared at him.

“With you or without, I will be frigging fighting for my world Commandant!” Brea cursed at him. She stormed passed him. “Ishy mae fenwae isho son bayna!”

He caught her arm trying not to laugh at her swearing at him in her native tongue. “I’m not sure a fenwae would fit up my rectum. It’s a rather large tree don’t you think?”

“You speak Shinwa?” Brea gasped. Her hand went to her translator wondering if the energies had tampered with it resulting in its abilities to translate her language to others. It should have been the other way around. He gave her an odd look at her reaction.

“Of course he does now, he has touched the Heart of Shinwa.” A voice from behind interrupted the couple arguing. Araman and Brea looked to see the Cin’ Goh standing at the end of the path.

Brea turned back to Araman. “That does not mean he can keep me in a cupboard to be used when he needs to cook something!” She marched off still fuming.

“Lyra!” Araman called after her. “I am trying to keep you safe!”

“Leave her be.” The healer stepped up. “Her aura is still settling and her emotions will be turbulent for a while. None have gone as deep into Shinwa’s chakkra as she has. There is bound to be some volatile residual energy in her. Although I’m a little confused at what she meant by a cupboard.”

“It refers to my old cooking pot.” He tried to explain. “Is there a way to remove it?” Araman wanted to know.

“The energy?” She asked. Her wild hair was tamed back into a tie lying at her back. “There is a way but Brea must be ready emotionally for the release. The energy must be isolated and then transported through the chakkras to her spiritual one. Her nectar will draw out the poison.”

Araman nodded. The healer waved her hand in a gesture to invite him to walk with her.

“Do I carry the residual energies?” He asked pacing himself with her smaller steps.

“No.” The Cin’ Goh replied. “None have survived the Heart as you have without the use of the Tunneling seed. None have had the strength to give themselves over so freely.”

“It wasn’t freely.” Araman gave a half laugh. “My only thought was to save Brea.”

She smiled at him. “It is at our weakest, that we become our strongest and when we discover what matter most.” Her eyes softened towards the man standing in front of her. His thoughts were sitting on his face. “Your mate will be fine.” She reassured him. “Brea is by no means weak. She has always been a fighter. It is her nature.”

“I have seen her in hand to hand combat. She has the touch of a Terrian wasp only worse.” Araman could not hide the admiration in his voice. “She rendered my commander unconscious.”

“Her mother was a strong fighter as was the mother before. It was Brea’s past kin that taught the others how to fight with their energy.”

“You do not understand. Brea was issued to me like a weapon. If I go to battle, she goes. If I am on a mission, Brea…” the words caught in his throat.

“Is locked up in a cupboard floating somewhere in space and time?” She shook her head at him. “Now you know why Brea is angry at you. To her, being kept safe is equal to being kept in the cupboard. Hers is a fighting spirit Araman.”

“And my quarter’s are akin to a cupboard.” He ran a hand through his blonde hair. He wanted her to have the choice. He knew he could no longer live with her as his concubine in the eyes of Olean. “Excuse me, I have to make a report.” He left the healer standing in the middle of the path as he quickened his pace towards the clearing where the pod sat.

Brea watched as Araman passed by without so much as a glance towards her. She stuck her tongue out at him, still furious with him from their earlier spat. Brea gave her head a shake and rolled her shoulders. She did not understand what had taken hold of her moods but the constant swing was irritating her. She preferred her calmer self prior to entering the Heart. It was not Araman’s fault she was out of sorts. A sigh escaped. After all, he risked everything to save her.

She glanced around. She realized she was feeling oppressed as she scowled along the path with no destination in mind. The trees bordering the narrow trail were large, deep green and brown as the branches tented those below from the purplish sky. She looked up with narrowed eyes at the dark buildings sculpted from the black earth and turned away not wanting to have to make contact. The aroma of the central kitchen wafted thick in the air. The food was heavy with hot spices and sauces. Nothing she could see was light or airy that she craved. She so desperately wanted to leave and return to his world of the moons. There oddly enough she did not feel the oppression.

Brea halted her footsteps. No, she glowered; she had to be hidden away. Her angry mood returning. She turned to change her direction and ended up smacking in a solid frame.

“Whoa Brea, what’s the hurry? You look like you want to beat the frig out of somebody.”

“Are you offering?” She asked stepping back from his touch.

Santari put his hands up in front of him. “Did that once thanks. Not in the mood to eat any more sand.” Brea cracked a small smile. “I still have a limp you know.” He indicated by lifting his foot.

“You do not.” Brea crossed her arms in front of her chest and glared at him.

“It only comes out in the cold.” Santari scrutinized her. “So who do you want to thump? My esteemed leader?”

“He seems to think I need to be kept safe.” Brea shot out.

“Fancy that after he nearly lost you.” Santari fired back. Brea’s shoulders sagged as her hands fell to her side.

“Not you too.”

“Brea, if I loved someone the way Araman does you, I would want to keep them safe too. You have no idea what the man is like when he is not with you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Brea, he is unbelievably horrid, a ranting lunatic some days.” Brea raised a doubtful eyebrow at him. “I still haven’t grown back skin from his verbal lashing.” He put his hands on his hips, “Speaking of the walking dysfunctional, where is the Commandant? I need to speak with him.”

“Right behind you.” She gave a small-amused smile.

Santari paused with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Right behind me, as in directly behind me or approaching behind me.”

“As in directly behind you.” Araman’s deep voice spoke up. A chortle burst from Brea despite her angry mood at the blanched look across Santari’s face. “A ranting lunatic?”

“Well,” He gulped, “you were a little off keel after Brea first arrived.” Santari moved over using her as a shield.

“What is it you need to speak to me about?”

“I’ve managed a secure line but it’s delicate. Maybe two or three minutes at best.”

“That will be long enough.” Araman looked over to Brea then back to Santari. “I’ll be with you shortly.” Santari gave a short nod and left the two alone.

“We need to talk, Brea.”

“I don’t think I want to talk.” Brea felt a resurgence of her anger.

Araman stepped in front of her and lifted her chin to face him, “Listen, if you want to have the freedom to make your choices on Olean you had better talk to me because we are not leaving this frigging planet until you do.” He let go of her and stepped back.

Tears started to run down her cheeks. He wasn’t leaving her behind after all. She stood staring at him waiting for him to look at her. When he did she dropped her gaze.

“I am sorry Araman.” Brea said so softly, he barely heard it. She looked around groping for words to add but none came.

He was at her side and wrapping her into his arms when she looked up at him as though she were going to run. She started to cry in his hold.

“Brea.” He kissed her forehead as she sniffed. “Keeping you safe does not mean tucking you away. I won’t risk losing you again.” He was stern in tone.

Brea gave another sniffle. “I know that.” She clung to him briefly then pulled back. “I…I am sorry. I have not been feeling right since…” She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

“I’ve noticed.” He took her hands into his. “Your aura is putting itself back together Brea, give it time.” She gave a little nod. Her hands felt tiny in his.

“I haven’t thanked you.”

“You don’t need to. Just keep your promise and never do that again.” He hugged her tightly drinking in her warm spicy scent.

She nodded resting her head against his shoulder letting out a little sigh. “I think I need a cleansing.” She spoke quietly into him. “We could both.…”

A loud crashing from behind the trees interrupted her sentence. Santari crawled out on all fours with small leaves and twigs entwined in his dark red hair. His sleeve was slightly torn and dirt smudged him from his face to his knees. He was a mess and visibly upset as he stumbled out of the tree line a few feet away from the entwined couple. Brea and Araman stared at him as he glanced behind before straightening himself out. His shirt was lacerated into fine ribbons that the soft breeze waved as a taunt.

“Problems?” Araman asked as Brea stepped away. He caught hold of her hand knowing his conversation with her would have to wait.

“No. None. Why?” Santari jumped when a high pitched shrill came from the branches above. A flash of brown wiry fur jumped from limb to limb before disappearing behind the large thick branch.

“I was just wondering. You seem a bit out of your normal self,” Araman answered, looking at Santari from top to bottom.

“Yes, well, you see there was this fuzzy little creature....”

“Fuzzy?” Araman raised an eyebrow.

“Rather like a Terrian Koala from Ancient Australia. It sat beside the ship chattering at me while I was working on the communications hoping to give you a few more minutes. The little guy started to rub up against me leg and put his head under my hand.”

Brea realizing what had just happened to Santari put her hands up to her face trying to stifle the laughter resulting in a snort that a Terrian horse would envy. Both men looked at her in puzzlement.

“And what is so funny?” Santari demanded to know as she fought her laughter.

“You…you.…” The words were struggled out. “It is the Gribid mating.…” Another snort escaped from Brea as she clamped her hand over her mouth.

“Season?” Araman offered. Brea just nodded muffling her laughter.

“Anyway,” Santari ignored the woman. “A couple more showed up and did the same thing. Then they leapt and played around my feet while in between purring up against me.”

“I still don’t see how fuzzy purring creatures can do this to you.” Araman said leaning over Brea to see if she was all right.

“That’s just it. I was so caught up in how cute and friendly these little guys were I followed them into the trees. That’s when it got ugly. They swarmed like bees and then.…” Santari gulped. “They began digging their claws into me and started…started.…” He couldn’t say the words.

“Started what Commander?” Araman used his Commandant tone.

Santari looked up at him, “Humping me Sir.”

Araman blinked and then he joined Brea in a fit of laughter. Araman slapped his hands against his thighs as his deep rumblings echoed across the dark waters. It took he and Brea several minutes to compose themselves as Santari stood with arms crossed glaring at them.

“I could have been killed.” He shouted at them. The result was more snickers and snorts. The two were acting like little children at the word ‘penis’. “Look at this, I’m suffering and you’re laughing at me.” He slapped his hand to his chest. As he pulled his hand away a sticky substance pulled with him. “Ugh.” He flicked his hand. “What is that?”

“Semen.” Brea answered controlling the urge to laugh. It was proving difficult for her. “During the Gribid mating time, when our single moon is whole, the Shinwa know never to venture into the trees. They need to enhance their male qualities to expose themselves to the females who will then choose their mate. The males need warm blooded creatures to rub up against to help with erection.” She explained.

“You mean I have been molested to a bunch of furry exhibitionists? Yuck.” He wiped his hand on his pant legs smearing into more goop and adding a touch of dirt to emphasize the stain.

“What do they do if they can’t find a large gullible creature?”

“They use each other. The females then rub themselves against the males resulting in copulation.”

Santari let out a yelp as five little brown creatures ambushed him from behind laying him flat down on the ground. The little balls of hair rubbed themselves on Santari like a Terrian cat on a cat-hater. They purred and chittered as they stretched out against him.

Brea ran over and chased them away as Araman came up behind her to help Santari up.

“You really need a shower.”

“No, a shower will not remove the oil of the musk. You must bath in specially prepared water.” Brea put her hand into Araman’s. “Come I will show you where.”

She led them back up the dark path to a ‘Y’ and veered left away from the center of their community. Instead the path lay deeper in the Shinwa woods where the trees fought for any glisten of light from above. Shrills and caterwauls came from the branches above. Santari started to get a little nervous at a familiar chittering following behind him.

The trail ended at a large pool of glowing water. It looked as though a thousand fires lit it up from below. Oranges swirled with reds as the water moved in whirlpools.

“It is fed from an underground vein.” Brea explained. “This is the blood of our world. And through here are the bathing tombs.” She pointed to a dark rocky hill with an opening that both men would have to duck into.

“Why do I get the feeling that I should be getting a little frightened?” Santari asked dryly.

“Nothing here will hurt you.” Brea paused as a group of young Shinwa women came rushing out and grouped around Santari. He looked around to each one with stark horror on his face and then to Brea.

“They will mix the oils to rid your smell and help you bath.” Brea encouraged him.

Santari looked over to Araman, “If I start screaming please do check in on me, if it’s not too much bother.”

Araman shook his head at his Commander as he was hauled off into the mouth of the hill.

“You also should bath in the healing waters.” Helena said behind the two as she came up from behind. She extended an arm out towards the cave. “I have been sent by the Cin’ Goh.”

“Why?” Araman asked not bothering to keep the suspicion out of his voice.

“Because, she is calling for a Chatam Pritam ritual.” Helena said.

“We know already.” Brea stopped short of the entryway. “We do not need the ritual.”

“It is in accordance to the council’s wishes. If you both truly are Chatam Pritam they will finally trust Araman and his words. You will need to cleanse first. Follow me.” Helena stepped in front and through the opening.

Araman looked over to Brea. He held his hand out and waited for her to take it. She paused only slightly before letting her fingers slip into the strength of his. His thumb caressed over hers before giving her hand a squeeze. He let their hands drop before leading her inside.

The dark blue marbled walls arched naturally shaping the hard material into a large cavern. The smooth rock reflected the illuminated calm water in the middle of the ground. Above on the ceiling it looked like the Terrian Northern Lights had been captured and they were dancing about looking for an escape.

Ahead, Santari’s groan rebounded, followed by female tittering and giggling. Brea grinned over to Araman.

“I thing Santari is enjoying his bath.” She leaned in and whispered to him.

“If he enjoys it too much more, he will want to incorporate it into military regiment.” He grumbled under his breath. Brea shot him a wide smile knocking the breathe out of him.

Helena waved them to where she stood by an opening. Behind her the cave’s mouth flickered in a soft pink light. As Araman come closer to the entryway, he saw the light was filled with a sheer netting of fine silver threads.

“When you are ready, enter here.” Helena turned to leave and then hesitated. She looked up at her son. “It is a journey from this point forward Araman. You must let the energies guide both your Human and Shinwa natures and in that you will find the Inner Chakkra. The center of your web, where all is held for our next life.”

Araman watched his mother leave. The old familiar sensation of wanting approval washed over him. It was not the same as his wanting his father’s for his accomplishments but deeper. Araman wanted his mother to be proud of not what he had done but for man he was.

Helena stopped and slowly faced her son. His want had struck her like a spear to her heart.

“Araman Diago, I am the mother of the son who has touched the Heart of Shinwa as if he were Elyk. I have never felt pride like I have felt looking upon you. Both now as a man and when you were a babe in my arms. It is your heart that proves the man you are, and it is the part of you that brings me the greatest joy.” She smiled to him before disappearing.

Araman turned his attentions to Brea who was watching him. Her eyebrows were pulled together as though she were thinking.

“What is it?” He brushed a stray curl from her eyes.

“Your mother referred to Elyk.”

Araman shook his head not understanding. “Elyk Llehc’Tim is the guardian of the sun.” He thought out loud. “What of him?”

“The Sun of Elyk was a long ago legend. It spoke of the next guardian of Shinwa who was described with hair of gold, eyes of silver and skin the color of the sun. He would be born out of fire and earth , but emerge from the waters. I had not thought of the legend since I was a child.” She gave a shrug. “ I imagine he would look like you.” She smiled up at him.

She slid her hands around his torso and rested her head on his chest. Brea listened to her heartbeat. His arms came about her protectively and tightly. The solid feeling of his body against hers warmed her.

“Shall we go cleanse Lyra and then become Chatam Pritam in the eyes of the Shinwa council?” Araman asked her in a deep low voice. There was something in his tone that made her head rise up. “It’s what I came to ask you earlier.”

Brea drew back and searched his blue eyes. “You wish to do the ritual. This has nothing to do with the council.” A smile tugged at her lips. “This is for your heart.” She stepped back and took his hand.

She cocked her head to one side and brushed aside a stray spiral. “I will not be locked away and left behind?”

“Only if it is your wish to do so.”

Brea looked over to the mouth spewing hues of pink and silver slivers. “I have only ever been told the waters will carry you.”

Araman gave her hand a squeeze, “Then let’s ride them together.” He led her inside the pink light.

Chapter Fourteen

The water felt like rose petals softly brushing up against Brea’s skin as she stood facing Araman in the middle of the warm humid cave. A thick steamy fog rolled about them like heavy blue storm clouds. She felt her hands reach out and take his as sweat started to pour from his brow. Both bodies became slick with their saltwater. Araman pulled Brea closer to him as he could smell cinnamon permeate his senses. His hand found the small of her back and the other roamed up to her hair. His hands needed to feel the heat of her skin underneath his fingers.

The fog lifted to a hot steam blasting around them. Araman found it hard to pull the wet air into his lungs as he lifted his head. His breathing became ragged as he clutched his chest.

“It is like this after the rains.” Brea whispered. “Your human body is not accustomed to it. Breath in pushing out your stomach and breath out pulling in your stomach.” She showed him. Araman followed her instructions while commanding his body to accept the air. After a couple of tries his breathing became easier and his chest no longer hurt.

Brea reached up and pulled his forehead down to meet with hers. Energy flared like lightening striking as their third eyes met joining and locking together their chakkras. Her body jerked against his hard body as their auras began to connect. They knew nothing but the sensation of each other; energy and thoughts intermingling as the magma cores melted into each other to become one.

Mist the hue of soft pink settled about them as droplets of water washed over their entwined bodies. The light sprinkle above became a shower of silky rain washing away their salt as they both raised their faces welcoming the cool spray.

The water they stood in flared up around them as it ebbed back leaving Brea and Araman standing in a basin of rock. A warm wind swirled about them drying their wet bodies. Araman stepped back still holding Brea by the hands. His eyes were still held with hers.

A grinding and vibrating shook the rock as it conformed itself into a staircase from large stones. They both looked to see an opening form as a bright light shone through. Two male figures emerged from the doorway holding bundles in their arms and stood on each side of the top of the granite steps. Two women appeared by their sides.

“The first part of your cleansing is complete.” One of the women spoke but the brightness concealed the speaker. “When you are ready, put on the garments left for you here and continue into the next chamber.”

The light dimmed after a few moments. One woman and one man stood waiting for Brea and Araman at the top of the steps. Each attendant held out a long sleeveless tunic as they reached the top of the stairs. Each tunic was held at the waist with a tiny gold clasp.

The attendants took a step back and with a gesture of their heads, they indicated they were to be followed. Brea looked over to Araman with an ‘are you sure look’. He took her hand and pulled her close then kissed her forehead.

“Shall we get this over and done with?” Araman grinned down at her.

“That is not the attitude to enter with.” Brea softly admonished.

“Ah, but when a man is about to lose his freedom forever, he wants to get things over with.” He smiled when he saw her lips pull upward. “It’s what comes after that which gives man a better attitude.”

“What comes after?” Brea glanced up with sultry pale eyes.

“The honeymoon?” He whispered against her ear.

Brea drew back. “You look at this as a marriage?”

Araman nodded. “In the eyes of Shinwa it is. It’s just the marriage to beat all marriages being forever and all. So Brea, Warrior of Shinwa, I am asking you to become both my wife and my Chatam Pritam?”

“Is this how it is done on Olean?” Brea asked with a smile causing her eyes to shimmer.

“It’s a little more formal with a ring and all.” He looked down to the ground and then to her eyes. “I have no ring Brea, but I have my heart, and it is yours if you want it.” Araman put it simply.

She put her hand in his and looked up at him. “Your heart is all you need.”

“And what of yours?” He asked her pulling her close.

“You held mine already.” Brea answered as he guided her to the arched rock doorway.

Araman stepped through, holding Brea’s hand into the immense white cavern. The walls were veined with streaks of gold and silver streaks. Light bounced from the smooth surface like tiny balls of energy brightening the cavern. In the middle of the naturally polished floor sat a pile of large red cushions.

“Sit.” Came the instruction from somewhere over head. The two stepped towards the pillows and sat down facing each other. An attendant dressed in white came forward with a tray of two small cups. Each cup held a small amount of a steaming clear greenish liquid. It smelled sweet and spicy. She handed a cup to each of them before retreating into the rays of bright light.

Brea sipped hers. “It’s tunneling seed.” She whispered to Araman who was hesitant to taste his.

“What will it do?”

Brea smiled at his scrutiny of the brew. “It will help you during the ritual. It will allow your human side to float with the tunneling.”

“And what does it do for you?” He asked and then took a sip. The sweet of the brew hit his tongue first.

“It helps relax my body for the tunneling process.” Brea set her empty cup beside her.

A slow low drumbeat started in the background as Araman raised his cup and drained the contents. He watched as Brea crossed her legs and rested her hands palms up on her knees. Araman did the same except instinctively he placed his hands face down over hers. His eyes held hers as their breathing fell in rhythm with the drum.

Araman could feel his entire body relax as he felt Brea’s fingers clasp around his. He smiled at the familiar scent of her cinnamon musk filling the air. He ached for her to be closer. As if Brea had read his mind she maneuvered on top of him straddling his waist with her legs. Araman’s hands slid up her spin and held her giving her support.

Their bodies began to move to the soft beat of the drums echoing from behind the cascade of light surrounding them. Skin on skin, gliding against each other as they stoked the energies lying within their spiritual chakkras.

Brea placed her hand over his heart as they rocked back and forth. She felt a surge of heat up her arm and spread like trails of fire throughout her web. She let out a cry from the intensity of the flames he was fanning with his energies. She pulled him into her needing to feel the sensation of his breath in between her breasts. She inhaled a deep breath of his sandalwood musk wanting him to fill her.

Araman felt her needs and wants in the wake of his own as the drumbeats quickened. His mind could not longer think as it melted into instinctive passion. He was only aware of Brea’s touch and her soft lips against his throat; the stimulation of her breath against his body; the sudden intense craving for the release of her nectar.

Brea gasped as her eyes flew open and met Araman’s gaze. His eyes darkened to pewter as they promised her primal passion. She leaned back letting his hands hold her weight until her back touched the silky pillow. Araman’s fingers slid down the length of her legs and gently unlocked them from around his waste. He kissed the inside of her thigh before lowering each leg down. Brea quivered in anticipation.

A smile crossed his face as she infused the air with a spurt of her cinnamon perfume. His fingers slid up her legs to the petals of the flower holding the elixir. He lowered his mouth and brushed his lips against her bud.

“I…” Araman’s voice exposed his raw need. “I must…I must…drink.”

Brea’s fingers left a sizzling trail of electrical currents along his shoulders and up to his temples where she rubbed sending tiny volts into his third eye. When her thumbs touched between his brows an explosion of lights set off in his mind. His third eye was opened.

Araman lowered his mouth aligning his psychic chakkra with her spiritual chakkra. Brea felt warm sensations wash upwards and spread through her body like the gentle waters on the shoreline. As his lips hovered above her aching bud, he intensified the energy from his third eye to her web. Brea quivered beneath him. Her breath became ragged and her hands held his scalp.

“Please.” Brea’s voice was a rasp.

It was all the encouragement Araman needed as his tongue dove into her hot wet slit. Brea writhed against him as he stroked her gently with his fingers while his tongue thrust against her inner folds. His mouth found her clit and the pull of his suckling only hardened her nub further.

Brea’s breathing became rhythmic with drums as his hands came about her waist and gripped. His strong hold on her shattered her senses as his tongue once again teased her, stoking the ache to a burn within her. He felt his loins harden at the taste of her honey. He wanted more. Araman had to have more.

One hand shifted behind Brea supporting her lower back as the other blazed a trail of fire to the top of her mound where it played and toyed with her. Gently sliding down, slipping in, stroking the hidden vessel holding the nectar and slipping out. His craving could no longer be denied as his mouth met her full red beckoning open petals.

His tongue dipped in for another taste before settling on her sweet bud. His finger took over where his tongue left off, sliding back and forth along the upper wall. His teeth grazed her nub as his finger delved deeper into her unlocking the vessel. He sucked harder as his finger pumped her nectar free. The cinnamon honey finally sated his craving.

He drew up over her and entered her hot slit with his hard cock. He slid against her, feeling the pounding need of his own release in the thrumming of his veins. Her soft walls clamped down hard as she exploded into a thousand pieces, bringing Araman with her. His seed met her flowing waters.

Araman gathered Brea up in his arms and wrapped himself around her. The energy mass their aura’s caused settled over the two like an invisible shield. Both had become one. They stayed cocooned until the last drum beat faded into silence.

Brea looked up at Araman who was smiling at her. “How do you feel?” He asked her in a low voice.

She took a deep breath before answering. “Whole.” She whispered before pausing. “How do you feel?”

“Complete.” Araman said the word slowly. He kissed her forehead.

Araman let go of Brea as she stretched her arms. He stood up and reached out his hand to help her up when the attendants appeared with more bundles of clothing.

“Please return to the previous tomb and once you are ready. The Cin’ Goh will be waiting.”

They did as they were instructed and returned to the chamber where another pool of water was waiting for them. It was cool and refreshing when Araman stepped in.

“Another cleansing?” He looked over to Brea stepping into the water.

“No I don’t think so.” She dipped under the surface then shot up. “Brrrr.” She shivered. “I think this one is to bring us from our journey. Rather like your cold showers.” Brea grinned to him as she scrambled out. She reached for a robe and wrapped herself in it.

“This isn’t as rough on the body as a blast of cold water.” Araman emerged from the pool. He took the robe Brea offered and used it to dry with rather than wear.

He held up the rectangular piece of clothing with both hands. “How does one wear this?”

“Like this.” Brea held out one end to reveal a hole at the top. She flipped it over his head then handed him a pair of loose pants that tied at the top. She handed him a silky rope to tie the garment around his waist then quickly put her garments on.

Holding hands they stepped back into the ritual chamber. Where the pillows had been, there stood a ring of white fire. Torches along the cavern’s wall reflected from the precious metals embedded in the rock. The open ceiling revealed the Shinwa moon high in the indigo night sky surrounded by sparkling stars.

In the middle of the fiery circle stood the Cin’ Goh. Her hands were crossed over her heart and her eyes were closed as if in meditation. Her face was raised to the light from the moon.

“Passion fills this rock.” She spoke softly. She gave an approving nod to the couple.

Araman stepped up to the edge and stared at the white leaping flames. He could not see anything that fed the fire but yet it still burned. He looked over to the torches and realized the room had been created out of energy, their energy. He looked over to the Cin’ Goh who smiled at him.

“White fire, the purest to burn.” She commented. Araman and Brea stepped through the ghostly flames. “It pleases the council and this Chatam Pritam union is blessed by Elyk.” She pointed towards the full yellow moon. “It will also please you Araman to know that Olean will officially recognize your union here as a marriage ritual. Olean will receive Brea as your wife and equal. Your Regent has reassured myself and the council that our request will be met.”

Brea looked up at Araman with a puzzled expression. “What request?”

“The council asked as part of the negotiations under an alliance between Shinwa and Olean, that Araman’s marriage to you, the Chatam Pritam ritual, be recognized as a marriage aligning two states therefore granting our worlds an automatic alliance.”

The Cin’ Goh turned around and took a step. “I have overseen many rituals for the Chatam Pritam. I had only been told of the white fires but until this eve, I never cast my eyes upon it.”

She gestured for them to follow and led them to the outside of the bathing tombs. The air was cooler and felt good against Araman’s skin. He turned to say something to the healer but she was gone. Instead his gaze fell to Brea who stood with her eyes up at the Shinwa night.

“I want to return to Olean.” She said quietly with a soft sigh. “I miss my pet. I miss the moons.” Her lips broadened into a smile. “I miss your cooking.”

Araman chuckled as he pulled her into his arms. “I miss my cooking. The stewed bark we ate is not what I would call tasty.” He grinned, “Although it was quite amusing to watch Santari eat three bowls of it.”

“He made the mistake of saying to the cook it was good.” She let out a small laugh at Santari’s expression of pain when the third bowl was handed to him.

He caught her face in his hands and kissed the top of her jeweled nose. “I think Lyra.…”

“Commandant!” Santari’s voice came through the dark pathway just before his shadowy frame surfaced. Araman knew the tone of his voice.

“It’s urgent,” he said to Brea before pulling her into run. Santari saw the two coming and turned around disappearing back up the path to the pod.

“Herse is waiting for you.” Santari said when they reached the doors of the ship. “He’s not happy.” Araman stepped inside and headed for the communications console. Santari came up from behind and keyed in the secure line.

Herse’s jowly face appeared on the screen scowling. “Commandant, your little detour has caused the military quite a stir.”

“The military issued a being into my care, who was injured during the mission protecting an officer of this military. I could not in good conscious continue the mission without tending to her wounds or she would have died. We were also in the process of escaping hostile territory and were unable to communicate lest we gave them our position.”

“Your Commander has made a full detailed report, Commandant. Consider yourself verbally disciplined.” Herse cleared his throat after the meaningless admonishment then leveled his eyes to Araman through the viewer.

“Oleander is protesting the alliance between Shinwa and Olean claiming territorial rights and claiming it is a political snub by Shinwa. They are fixing on a hostile exchange with us if we back the Novenians. It’s the usual double talk. They have no interest in protecting Shinwa. Santari’s assumption was correct, they want the metals. We have enough Intelligence to substantiate the claims although this is the least of the worries.”

“Least of the worries?” Araman raised an eyebrow. He got the feeling he was not going to like what he about to hear.

“At the moment we have the entire Novenian Fleet blocking our trade routes and outlying areas in demand of the return of their delegates. Oleander is remaining silent, which is antagonizing the Novenians. They are making demands on Olean to meet or we will be subject to an attack.”

“Where is my fleet now?” Araman asked.

“Sitting in between the Oleander and the Novenian fleet unable to move or either side will take it as a hostile action.”

“They are not exactly a promising ally.” He remarked. “They already interfered with our mission once, wanting the same target we did.”

Herse nodded. “The delegates were to discuss with us their concerns with the Oleander extracting experiments, hence their visit. Oleander moles discovered the agenda and they were of course effectively stopped. Your target was an operative on its first initial tests of which your ship and the delegates were the victims of.”

“Why aren’t the Novenians leaving it up to us? They admitted they did not have the Intelligence abilities we do in Oleander.”

“After you were reported missing from Orpheaus Six, they thought our means were less than satisfactory and now there is a stand off. Oleander is dangling a truce in front of us and Novena threatening to attack us if we do not side with them.”

Araman ran a hand through his blonde hair. “And because we share trade routes with Oleander either action will be seen as hostile.” He thought for a moment. Oleander is the planet they shared their solar system with but Novena supplied both protection and resources along the routes.

“It seems, Commandant, that your honeymoon will have to wait.” Herse’s tone was dry. “The Regent has been given a small window of time to answer to both parties.”

“How small a window?” Araman asked.

“Eighty-two lunar hours.”

“Can you stall if need be?”

Herse gave a snort. “Stall?” Then he paused and thought. “If need be, I think we can find a malfunction with the communications for a few hours. Don’t push it. Just get in there and get the delegates out.” He reached forward to his console. “Good luck Commandant.” Herse faded from the screen.

“Santari?” Araman called out.

“Yes?” The Commander’s red head popped through the door.

“What is this pod capable of?”

“Getting us from point A to point B Sir so long as we are not in a hurry. I could do some tweaking?” Santari offered.

“Then I suggest you do it, we leave for Oleander as soon as you’re done.”

Chapter Fifteen

The pod shot off into the Shinwa night breaking free of the dark planet and finding its way across the black of space. Santari’s enhancements to the vessel’s engines did nothing to improve the cramped quarters the three flew in.

“Entering the outer edge of Terrian space Commandant.” Santari hit a pad on the console. The engine was purring along although the crystals feeding the engine were starting to show decline. He sat figuring in his head the mathematics of the crystals endurance for the remainder of the voyage to Oleander. “We are half way.” He spoke out loud to himself.

“Uh, Santari? How exactly did you boost the speed of this ship?” Araman asked feeling more comfortable back in his uniform.

Santari hit another button not liking his calculations of coming up short of fuel. “I simply rerouted the main power of the ships computer using limited support.” He looked up. “Why?”

“Would one of the support systems be the gravity hold?” The Commandant moved his hand from the end of the armrest and a metal screw started to float slowly away from his hand.

“It seems to be happening here too.” Brea spoke up trying to gather her hair from the ceiling of the pod. She was thankful for the strap keeping her pinned to her seat.

A yellow light flashed above Santari’s head as an alarm sounded in their ears. The constant blaring was becoming increasingly louder.

“What’s wrong?” Yelled Brea.

“We are losing life support.” Araman shouted back as his finger flew across his pad trying to undo the damage. “We have ten minutes Commander.”

Santari squeezed himself between his chair and the console and ripped open the door to the inner gizzards of the console. He started ripping and pulling out wires and boards.

“What are you doing?” Araman demanded to know.

Without looking up from his task, “I’m getting us air.” He plugged in a panel and the engine began to slag. “That’s not it.” He pulled the panel out again and tried a different one. Three tries later the alarm shut off leaving only a ringing in their ears.

“Next problem?” Santari returned to his seat.

“Is this thing going to make it?” Araman asked.

“Yes and no.” Santari lit up the gauges ignoring the use of power it pulled from the engines. “Because we are on limited life support we theoretically can make it to Oleander. The crystals are only a temporary fuel source.”

“I though you said we could make it back?”

“I was wrong.” Santari shrugged. “I didn’t realize the crystals only had so much life in them. This is an escape pod, Commandant, not a winged fighter.” Santari turned the gauges off.

“I am aware of that Commander.” Araman spoke through gritted teeth. “Can we energize the crystals.” Thinking of a laser pistol.

“Too fragile, they will burst upon contact.” Santari faced Araman. “I have run the diagnostics in my head and on the machine. No matter how I figure it out, we come up eight lunar hours short of Oleander.”

Araman thought for a moment. “Can this thing give us a long range trajectory?”

Santari looked to the console and knit his brows together. He slowly started to shake his head. “This thing is your basic model. No frills.”

“Would that not bring you to your moons?” Brea spoke up from behind. The two men looked over to her. “It takes ten lunar hours to travel through your moons.”

Santari glanced from Brea to Araman, “She’s right. We would be on the outer edge.…” Another alarm lit up on the console as its baritone beep interrupted his sentence.

“Now what?” Araman demanded to know.

“It’s the crystals.” Santari explained. “There is enough power left to reach the outer moon Tetris.”

Just as he spoke the words a large bang then an ominous creak came from behind Brea. She gulped as she returned her jade eyes to Araman.

“There may be power but will there be a ship?” Brea whispered.

A ripple shook the pod knocking the three around as it began to spin out of control. It dropped several meters before lurching back up as Santari struggled to bring them out of the roll. Araman helped Brea extinguish the fires breaking out. The pod fought back with more alarms blaring, steam shooting out from snapped hoses and resisting Santari’s attempts to rein it in.

Brea managed to shut the hoses off but not before the ship decided to lash out at her. An overhead compartment opened up and dumped its entire contents of First Aid gear on top of her head. Its final blow was the door falling off and slamming into her shoulder.

“Frigg!” She swore trying to regain her balance.

Finally the pod slowly came out of the roll. Araman assessed the damage while Santari wiped the sweat from his forehead with his arm. Santari looked around and then tried to switch on the outer cameras.

“Is it me or does this thing seem lighter?” He asked punching the keypad on the console, which was not responding. He looked back out the viewer. “Look out there.” Santari gestured with his chin.

“What?” Araman stared out. “How far off course are we?”

Santari fiddled with some wires directly underneath the console managing to retrieve some power for the computer. His fingers flew across the pad seeking the data he needed.

“Looks like we are only twenty cubics off course, just enough to add to the situation.” He pressed a few more flat buttons. “Life support will hold.…” He made a face, “But the crystals have lost more power, we are down to seven hours.”

“One problem at a time. Let’s get this piece of Oleander crap back on target.” Araman ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He brought up the star charts and manually tracked their position. At the present speed and direction they would fall short of Tetris and its gravity pull.

“What’s the status of the controls?”

“Fine as long as we are manual. I have some maneuvering capabilities.” Santari answered. He looked over to the maps to see what Araman had in mind. He nodded slowly.

“Take her down, slow and easy.” Araman instructed. Santari gave a nod and gripped the ‘U’ shaped helm and dipped the shuttle’s nose a few degrees. He watched both the map and open space until they hit their mark.

“Shut down.” Araman hit the console and switched off the computer saving what precious power they had left. He released a tight breath of air as the first of the two problems was hopefully solved.

Santari turned in his seat and stared behind Brea. His fingers rubbed his chin as he thought for a moment. His mahogany eyes held fixed on the compartment holding the fragile fuel.

“I think I can get us at least two more lunar hours.” He turned to Araman.

“Do it. The gravitational pull of the moon will do the rest.”

Santari squeezed in between the chair and console and once again pulled panels and wires. Araman watched as he crossed wires with panels and then shoved the whole mess back into the cubbyhole of the console.

“What in Frigg’s name are you doing?” He growled.

“It only looks worse than it is. I’ve just cut the heat from the life support. I suggest you bundle up.”

Brea jumped up and searched the tiny cabin for emergency blankets. She found the silver foil packets in amongst the First Aid gear spread out across the floor at her feet. She could only find two and handed them to the men. Inside another compartment running vertical she found two survival jackets and decided they would work for her.

The pod moved at a steady pace while the interior shuttered and shook its passengers. Each hour was passed in silence as each kept careful watch for any more trouble from the shuttle as their breath began to condense with the air growing colder. Another cause for Araman’s concern as he heard a small cough from behind.

“Co2 levels are high, there is something wrong with the ventilator.” He undid his safety restraints and slid over beside Brea. He examined the component. “Give me power here.”

The indicator lit up then sounded the alarm for its dangerous levels. Araman could hear it working and yet the levels were not dropping. He opened up the panel and could see no damage. It was as though a part of it had some how been by-passed.

“I need to see the outside of this ship.” Araman looked over to Santari who shook his head.

“The digitals are down.”

“I need to get outside this ship.”

“Sorry Commandant, we don’t have the suits.”

Brea looked up at Araman. “You don’t need a suit. Use your energy to seek it out.”

Araman kissed the top of her forehead. “Thank you Lyra, for reminding me.” He settled back into his seat.

Santari watched as Araman slipped into a meditation. He turned and saw Brea was doing the same and began to wonder about their sanity of the situation. He stood up and slipped over to the Co2 vent and checked the gauge. It was only two degrees from the top. Santari prayed that whatever Araman was doing would work.

With three deep breaths, Araman managed to let his aura take flight and circle around the pod. It took him several seconds to get his bearings before examining the ship. He felt another presence with him and turned to see Brea’s glowing shadow beside him.

“This is why Santari thought the ship was lighter. This entire side has been sheared by something.” Araman pointed out. Along the hull sharp scratches blazed the trail.

“Could this be it?” Brea pointed to a spot near the front of the pod door. Its outer hull had been blown away. Araman scrutinized the spot.

Black around the jagged edges indicated something had exploded. He looked in further to see two worn stray wires had crossed in the vibrations blowing out part of the shell. Even at the slower speed of the pod it was still quick enough that at the time of the explosion, the ship’s ventilation system passed and was sheared.

Araman nodded before re-examining the missing section. “It’s clean and fused. Here is where the trapped oxygen lies and here,” he pointed to another section, “is where the fan is pulling for it. The friggin’ engineers designed it to flow along the outside. Idiots!”

“Can it be fixed?” Brea asked.

“I have to try.” He disappeared and managed to find a large hose dangling off the port of the pod. He reappeared and held it along the side. “This will reach, but attaching it and opening it may prove difficult.”

Araman stared at the situation for a moment, knowing inside the level has moved one bar higher. He held the hose against the hull. With the strength of his mind he imagined the hose and metal melt together. He felt Santari’s hope when the bar stopped moving. He did the same at the other end of the hose.

Brea came up in between Araman and the pod. She sent a wave of energy to act as a shield surrounding the mechanical bandage. Araman sent his own aura to reinforce Brea’s. They both felt Santari’s relief at the gauge falling as they returned to their bodies.

Santari stood staring at both of them in disbelief at what they had just done.

“I watched a hose float by the window without anyone there.” He stated. “Does anyone care to explain?”

“I’m not sure you would understand.” Araman answered. “Co2?”

“We are good. Scrubber is working like a charm.” Santari returned to his chair. “Can you do that with the crystals?”

“No.” Araman shook his head. “As you said, they are too fragile. Any fluctuation with them could damage them further.” He glanced out the viewer. The outer edges of a galaxy were growing larger by the second. “It’s looking familiar out there. What’s our distance?”

“One hundred thousand parsecs and closing. Power is holding.” Santari informed him. “Navigations are still unresponsive, on line for manual. Preparing for gravitational pull. No signs of the Oleander or Novena fleet. Looks like they left a hole for us. If this baby flies straight we won’t be detected either. Their scanners are focused on each other.”

The Commandant nodded as he looked downwards. “Life support is still operational.” Araman looked up from the console and back to the sparkling asteroid dust they were entering. “Outer hull holding.”

The ship began to slow. It was undetectable in the first few thousand parsecs the pod flew. Araman and Santari looked up at the console simultaneously then to each other.

“You felt that too?” Santari asked. Araman nodded.

“Range?” Blue eyes focused on the levels of the crystals.

“Forty thousand kilometers until gravitational pull.”

A grim expression shadowed Araman’s face. “We’re losing speed.” He stared at the gauge. A thought formulated in brain as his eyes slid over to Santari. “We could do a burn, glide off the burst.”

The reddish-brown head turned slowly to his superior officer. “That would work. We just need to be close enough to let the laws of gravity do its duty.” Santari gripped the manual controls. “On you mark.”

Araman put his finger over the flat keypad, “Thirty, twenty, ten. Fire.” He punched the keypad.

The pod jumped forward and then shot forward targeting the huge white moon like a bullet to the bull’s eye. Santari held the controls in his steel grip while Araman gave him the degrees to lift or drop the nose. The pod began to shake and quiver from the stress. The burn was enough to bring them to the outer orbit of their target when the crystals finally evaporated. The pod glided into the last thousand kilometers.

The violent tug told the men they were in the moon’s hold. Brea held her breath as the surface of Tetris filled the viewer within a heartbeat. Santari fought the tired ship against the moon’s force trying not to incinerate them upon entering the atmosphere. They punched through.

The damaged pod limped its way to the surface where it landed with a crash. Santari swore he heard the last breath of the ship escape before finally giving up its mechanical life. The three removed their restraints and scrambled out of the pod before it decided to do something like cave in on them.

“Do you think we were detected?” Santari asked looking at the crumpled pod.

“I don’t think we should stick around to find out.” Araman said as he pulled out a scanner from his utility belt. He flipped it open and slowly made a wide circle searching for the direction of the central mine. A soft beep indicated the direction. “This way.”

Darkness fell all around by the time the three reached the mine. The loud hiss of air-compressed pistons releasing filled the air combined with the screeching of wheels as they came to a slow stop. The outer lights of the gray supply shacks provided ample shadows to move through as Araman reached the first of the outer buildings.

With his back against the shell, he took a peek around the corner. Straight ahead lay the mouth of the mine and the transport ships they needed. To the right stood three more small storage buildings and to the left, the main office for the mine. Oleander officers and so-called miners seem to be milling around. The miners were too well armed for regular workers.

“What’s wrong?” Santari asked as Araman turned back.

“It’s covered. We do not have a clean break to the ship.” He gestured with his blonde head for his Commander to take a look.

“Can’t you people make an invisible shield or something?” Santari shot out sarcastically as he shifted over to investigate around the corner. He saw the same thing Araman did—no route to the bay.

“May be if we.…”

“Hush.” Brea silenced him. “Something is coming.”

The quiet hum of a gliding cargo container and footsteps grinding the fine gravel grew louder. To their relief the large metal box hid their presence.

“Halt!” A female voice shouted. The three froze instantly. “Where are you going?”

“To the loading dock. It’s designated for refill.” Came the masculine answer.

Santari didn’t wait for the other two to follow. He made his way to the back of the container and climbed in through the open top. He heard the other two shuffle in behind him.

Araman pushed Brea up beside Santari up against the closed bottom half.

“She can’t see in, even with light.” He whispered. She nodded.

The container moved with a jolt and slowly glided the short distance to the bay stopping briefly before continuing on an upward slant. Araman knit his brows before taking the slow rise up and the risk of peering out. He sank down again and looked over to Santari.

“We’re in the bay.” His voice was barely audible.

“Is it safe?” Santari whispered back.

“What are you doing?” A woman’s voice demanded, echoing against the bay walls.

“I’m labeling the containers Mistress.” Another female voice answered.

“Does that answer your question?” Brea grinned at him as though she were enjoying herself.

“Have they been inspected?”

Araman, Brea and Santari all held their breath at the same time. “Yes Mistress, I’ve inspected them myself and they are all clear for the return to Oleander.” One set of footsteps marched away.

“Bitch.” Was heard after a few moments of silence and then a slam against the exterior of the wall next to Santari causing him to flinch. Something grabbed onto the outer haul of the container and lifted it into the air.

Brea looked nervously over to Araman. “We are being loaded into the ship.” He explained.

“Gotta love it when the higher ranks piss off the underlings, otherwise we would’ve been caught.” Santari grinned to Araman.

The container was set down with a loud bang, knocking the three of them around. Araman regained his footing and snuck a look topside. He watched as another container was lifted. A quick glance around told him, they were going to be locked in if they remained.

“Out.” He looked back to Brea and Santari. With a bound Brea was over the door and was waiting for the men on the other side.

“She’s quick.” Santari blinked then scrambled over as Araman jumped the metal gated door. The huge metal box was nearly there just as Santari made it.

“This way.” Araman took Brea’s hand and led her to the right side. Santari dove as the second container was parked with a loud bang narrowly missing his feet.

“That was fun.” Santari got up and brushed his hands against his thighs. “Next I think I’d like to tackle a troop with PMS.”

“We need to find out where this ship is going on Oleander.” Araman looked around the cargo bay; “We need to avoid the digitals as well.”

“I know they love to see my face on their monitors first thing in the morning.” Santari was flippant as he gave the area a glance over before settling his eyes on Araman.

“This is a second class usually reserved for non-armored supplies, note the wall behind you.” Araman turned around to the silver smooth wall with a bluish sheen. “Only weapon carriers have the fortified barriers like this one. A clear sign that they are stashing weapons.” He paused thinking for a moment. “If it was our ship, knowing the enemy watches, we would land such a ship in an area that would be inconspicuous.”

Araman nodded following his thought. “Landing as though it were a normal supply ship.”

“And there is only one location for the ship to land, Valu.” Santari finished.

“How do you know this?” Brea frowned confused.

“Too many years studying Oleander and their methods. They have one trading port, Valu. Both sides monitor all the traffic coming in and out. If this ship landed outside its designated port, a red flag would be raised.” He looked around. “Nice disguise.”

“But I thought Novena had blocked the trade routes?” Brea looked to Araman.

“Only the outer regions. There is no way possible for them to block the inter lunar routes. There is too many. Even Oleander and Olean combined could not protect the routes from invaders.” He looked over to Santari. “Estimated time of arrival?”

“Within the hour.” Santari glanced at his watch. “It should be night.”

“Good.” Araman nodded.

The sound of a steel door opening and banging closed reverberated loudly against the steel walls. A muttering voice of a disgruntled underling reached their ears. The three slipped quietly in between two containers as the steps came closer.

Brea squeezed her eyes closed willing at the same time for her heart to stop pounding so loudly. A reassuring hand closed over hers as Araman feeling her adrenaline rush of her energy sought to calm her.

There were two muted beeps and then the chirp of a communicator opening. “Yes?”

“Keep your eyes and ears open. We’ve just received word that a crashed escape pod was found without survivors on Tetris. Possibly dangerous until identity of the pod and passengers are confirmed.”

The figure stopped in front of the crack they were hiding in. “Approach with caution. Understood. Out.” She flicked her wrist and the communicator snapped shut. The underling pulled out her hand phaser and clicked off the safety. “She didn’t say anything about killing them from a distance.” A setting on the handle was engaged before the woman slowly moved on.

“That was uncomfortable.” Santari stepped out of their hiding spot after the door slammed shut. “Are you all right?” He asked at Brea’s pale face.

“She’s not good with being confined in small spaces.” Araman put an arm around her.

“As a child I was playing in the tombs with the other children. I foolishly hid from them under an Ajon tree whose roots grow very quickly. I became caught under its roots. It was several hours before I was found and released. As a child I did not have command of my aura.”

Santari nodded as if he understood. “Hey, I have a problem with slimy things.”

Bells sounded overhead. “Prepare for docking!” More rings rattled their skulls. “Prepare for docking!” A voice boomed bouncing off the enhanced metal walls.

“Frigg! Are they bloody deaf?” Santari yelled out covering his ears. The ship slammed into place, knocking them to the floor. Araman heard the door lock into place as he regained his stand. He helped Brea up as Santari checked out the opening door carefully avoiding to be seen.

He gestured for the other two to join him by waving his arm in a forward motion once.

“Weapons on stun.” Araman instructed as they moved out with the large metal doors with Santari in the lead. He jumped down to the cement floor then called to the other two to join him. A quick glance inward told him it was safe to move on.

They passed unnoticed into the large docking bay. A Terrian seven-forty-seven could have flown and landed in the size of the steel structure. Santari made a sharp left and led the couple up a staircase that followed up the twenty story wall to the frame work of the ceiling. Across the catwalk and finally through a door.

The wind blew hard when Santari stepped out almost pushing him back through the frame of the heavy metal door. Brea braced herself against the aggressive blast of air. Once Araman stepped out, Santari pointed out the lone building they had to infiltrate. It sat behind three square buildings, connected only by a framework of ladders.

“Is there any other way?” Brea asked wondering how they were going to get into the well guarded fortress.

“One door in and one door out.” Santari said before breaking into a smile. “But there are many vents a man can crawl through.”

“Vents?” Brea knit her eyebrows at him.

“Vents.” He made a small square with his hands. “For air.”

Brea’s bottom jaw dropped at the thought of more confined spaces. Santari chuckled at her expression.

“Call it my little way of getting back for a certain defense lesson.” He teased her. “This way.” He headed down the stairs with a wide grin across his face.

Chapter Sixteen

Brea’s feet finally touched a firm solid floor and with it her relief. The crawl through the white metal tubing was slow moving at best while Santari navigated everyone through the complex system until they were above a deserted room somewhere in the middle of the building.

“All right,” Santari crouched down with his scanner displaying a plan of the plain brown building. “We are here.” He pointed to an upper middle floor. “We need to get here,” he moved his finger to the basement, “and to this section here.” Again his finger moved underground almost off the screen.

“We think this is where the delegates are being held. Twelve stories downward.”

“We don’t have confirmation?” Araman raised an eyebrow at his Commander.

“Little hard to get considering our recent locations.” Santari raised his reddish-brown eyes to meet his Commandant’s glower.

“Where are we now?” Brea asked with her head lifted, looking around the empty space.

“A utility closet.” Santari answered. “Here.” He pointed to the fifth line down from the middle of the display. Brea gulped at the seven stories they had just crawled down through the vent and didn’t look forward to the rest of the trip.

Santari gave her a wink. “Don’t worry, we walk upright from here.” He stood up shutting down the scanner and returned it to its place on his belt. His fingers grabbed his hand phaser in the scanner’s stead. He brought it up to eye level and hit the safety switch. The weapon let out a quiet high-pitched hum as it returned back down to his side.

Santari moved so his back was against the wall beside the door. He reached over and gave the handle a turn opening the door a crack. Araman and Brea moved silently behind him as the door opened wider.

Santari slipped out the door and along the hall wall stopping short of the junction. Voices were heard coming towards them and Araman opened the door nearest to him when Santari whirled around and motioned them back. A hand grabbed Brea and pulled her into the dark as Santari dove in behind.

Araman listened at the door as the discussion walked by and paused at the corner. Santari flicked his dim flashlight on and checked out the room. The desk was the indication they were in an office. He looked around on the desk to see a note signed by Intelligence Mistress Coco. He stared up for a moment wondering who this was. She had to be a new addition but from where his mind could not figure out.

Santari was on top of everything to do with Oleander. It was his obsession to know everything from their daily life to military order. His eyes glanced back down to the paper skimming the note. It was merely a formal letter acknowledging her acceptance of her post. He felt a little more relieved that he hadn’t overlooked somebody when he saw it was the present day’s date stamped at the top of the letterhead. He could not shake the feeling that something was amiss with her placement. He had never come across her name before.

“Psst.” Araman tried to capture Santari’s attention. He finally looked up from his thoughts. “Clear.” The Commandant whispered.

Santari moved from behind the desk and to the door. He gave the desk one last look before stepping into the bright hall. With the other two in tow he headed back for the small junction and took a right heading straight for a doorway at the end of the long hall.

Two flat steel doors met in the middle of a square large opening. Santari removed a small cylindrical object from his belt and waved it at a keypad on the wall beside. The doors opened to reveal a black hole extending the length of the building.

Araman dipped his head inside and then reached for Brea. “On the ladder.” He instructed and with a nod she reached for the grimy edge then pulled herself onto the metal frame. She stepped down a few rungs waiting for him to step over. Santari was last after ensuring the door was closed. Both men switched on their flashlights on their belts and secured their weapons.

“Just head down.” Santari whispered. “This shaft will lead us right on top of the delegates.”

“The lift?” Araman asked.

“Not in use.” Santari answered in hushed tones. “Hasn’t been for years. It’s mainly for cargo.”

The three slowly descended down the long ladder. Araman could feel the pressure of time as each minute passed. Brea slowly took each rung with sure footing. The idea of slipping and falling was not appealing to her. She ignored Araman’s impatience.

Santari counted each floor as they passed the doors on the way down. The eighth doorway, everything came to a halt. He couldn’t see what the problem was but knew by the panicked expression on Brea’s face that something was wrong.

Brea had put her foot down expecting another rung of the ladder but found nothing. The metal had run out. She reached up and tugged on Araman’s leg as she hugged the vertical staircase.

Araman knew what the problem was immediately. He grabbed for his flashlight and shone it around the shaft. The rest of the ladder was four feet away and to the left.

“You come up.” He instructed Brea. She gave a nod and climbed up. Araman stepped partially off the ladder holding on with one hand and one foot until Brea was beside him. He caught her between himself and the ladder regaining his position.

Stepping downward, Araman rechecked the distance with the flashlight. It hadn’t changed in the last few seconds of the shuffle. He knew he could reach with his legs but with nothing above to grip, he was not able to step over to the other side.

Strong hands gripped the rung as his blue eyes looked up to a horrified Brea. She knew what he was about to do. With her energy she connected her aura to his, giving him more strength to achieve his intent. She watched Araman lower himself using only the power of his arms to hold him from falling below.

Santari aimed the light on the target for Araman to reach as his arm reached out for the other ladder. His foot caught the inside corner of the frame and with a grunt, he pulled himself over. Araman put his hand out for Brea who was already in position to grab on and let him swing her over. Santari managed on his own, following Araman’s method.

Without any more surprises the three found the top of the lift in the basement. Araman set to work to open the ceiling escape hatch to exit out the elevator as Santari figured out the next route to the delegates. He stepped behind Araman opening the way into the lift.

Brea was the first to drop through and then Santari jumped down landing with a soft thud. Araman waited until the Commander moved aside before dropping into the lift. He reached for his weapon as he straightened.

“We’ve got movement.” Santari said quietly as he watched his scanner. He showed Araman the display of the section. In the upper left corner three dots moved as though pacing. Two more dots stood still and another was traveling along a corridor.

“We are sitting here.” He pointed to a square at the bottom in the middle of the screen. “This spot,” he dragged his finger to a square in the upper right, “is where the extractor sits. Note the guards’ line of sight.” He indicated to the dots only a couple of pixels away but within direct sight of the extractor’s location.

“Able to guard both in one location.” Araman nodded. “We have to split up. One of us has to draw the attention of the guards.…”

“While the other two get to the delegates.” Brea spoke up cutting Araman off.

He looked over to her, knowing what was in her head. “No.”

She raised her eyebrows at him. “I think you misunderstand me.”

Araman shook his head. “I saw what you had in mind and there is no friggin’ way you are going to distract the guards.” He growled at her.

“I thought we were equal?” Brea glared at him thinking he was trying to keep her safe.

“This has nothing to do with equality Brea.” He stiffened. “It has to do with the fact that I need you with the delegates; you and your translator.”

“She has a translator?” Santari looked up from his scanner.

“Her jeweled nose.” Araman answered him. “I realized it on Shinwa.” The memory of her hands flying up to her face when he understood her flashed. He focused his eyes on hers.

With his mind he said, “I did not misunderstand you. I saw your thoughts of leading the guards into another room while Santari and I sneak in after they have cleared.” She didn’t respond. “Right idea, wrong order.” Then he spoke out loud. “I need you to be able to speak with the Novenians. I also need you with them for protection. I’ll distract the guards.”

Brea gave him a rigid nod. “I apologize, Commandant,” her voice was soft, “I had not realized your intent.” She gave him a small smile. His hand caught her chin and raised her gaze to his, “Have a little faith in me Lyra.” His lips brushed hers before stepping away.

He and Santari managed to slide the door part way open manually enough for all three to slip through. Santari held out his scanner and with the other hand reached for his weapon. Simultaneously Araman pulled his out and double-checked the settings. They quietly moved down the wide corridor for the corner leading to the delegates.

“Yes Mistress.” Floated ahead.

“Frigg!” Santari uttered under his breath. He glanced down to the scanner. A dot was moving towards them. He looked up and spotted an indentation in the white wall. “There.” He pointed out.

The three hurried towards the door. Santari disappeared behind it as the Oleander rounded the corner.

“Yes Mistress Coco, I am checking the disturbance now.”

Santari recognized the voice. As the figure reached the door his hand shot out, pulled her in and his lips landed on very soft ones, squelching her scream. The curvy figure beneath him stiffened then melted against him as if recognizing her lover by his kiss. A cough from behind interrupted the passionate greeting.

Santari looked down to Paige’s gold eyes. “Guess who?” He let her go with a smile and a wink. “This is my esteemed leader, Commandant Araman Diago and his wife, Brea. This is Sub-Mistress Paige Doyle.” He made the introductions.

“So you’re the disturbance.…”

“Sub-Mistress have you located the site.” A voice from her communicator on her belt demanded.

Paige chirped it open, “Not yet, still inspecting, it looks as though one of the rooms was entered. It’s clear. Stand by Mistress Coco.” She flipped it closed. “Frigg that woman is a pain in the ass?”

“Who is she?” Santari asked.

“My new boss. Came out of no where and the Regency places her as a Mistress of Intelligence.”

“What do you mean came out of no where?” Araman asked.

“I mean no where. She was supposedly an officer with the Terrian Military but then jumped ship to Oleander. I know they trade back and forth but Coco is a little different. She doesn’t come off like the other officers.”

Santari found it hard to believe. “She’s not corrupt?”

“Could be. She has a lot of pull with the Regency, which is pissing off some of the mistresses. ” Paige shrugged. She raised a finger as she flipped her communicator open.

“Mistress Coco, Paige here.”

“Go ahead.”

“Everything is clear down here. Over.”

“Resume your station. Out.”

Paige clicked her device shut and replaced it on her belt. “So you’re going to need transportation?” She smiled when they stiffened. “Come on, you're here for the delegates not so Santari could get a kiss.” She laughed.

“Look,” Paige continued, “There happens to be a few of us among the ranks who want the old regime out. I’m one of them. And if that means conspiracy with the enemy to thwart their efforts then bring it on. And by the way I closed the elevator door for you.”

“Thanks,” Santari shifted to the door.

“We need to get to the extracting weapon.” Araman spoke up.

“Good luck. Nobody can get near that thing. It’s sealed in a room with lasers, digitals and what ever else is used to protect it. There is only one way to get in, and unless you're involved in the project at this stage, you won’t be able to. Mistress Coco has made it impossible to get any information about it either. Security has tripled, and the team has been cut from ten to three, including herself.”

Araman heard his wristband beep a quiet alarm. “The extractor is not the focus of this mission. We need to get the delegates out. Our time line has grown much thinner.”

Paige reached for the door. “Follow me but stay back.”

Paige walked down the middle of the corridor while the other three hung back and close to the wall. They stopped when her hand rose just short of the second corner. She stepped back towards them.

“When you hear them run, get in, get out and I’ll meet you at the main door.” She spoke to Santari who gave a nod. Paige disappeared around the corner. A door was opened and closed. A high pitched screaming cut through the air.

The guards scrambled into the office, leaving the corridor clear. Santari sneaked up from behind and stunned the two figures. Paige came around from behind the desk furious at him and focusing away from the slumped bodies.

“You didn’t need to do that.”

“I didn’t kill them.” Santari waved his pistol at her to move a little faster. “They’re only unconscious.”

Paige headed for the door and punched in the code on the keypad to the side. The heavy door slid opened and the Novenian delegates dressed in formal long white coats stood as Araman and Santari strode in with their weapons aimed in their direction. The three men stared unfazed at Araman from behind heavy lidded eyes.

One bore several colored bars on his shoulder. “Commandant Diago.” His voice was flat as he addressed Araman.

“Greetings later Gentlemen, please follow us.” Araman gestured with his weapon towards the door. The delegates didn’t budge. He fired a warning shot with his phaser at the nearest white shod feet. “Move!” He ordered.

The delegates fell in behind Paige who was already heading out the door and down the hallway. Santari and Brea came up the rear ensuring no one was following and Brea was within earshot of the delegates. Araman took his position to the side as Paige turned the corner back towards the elevator and stopped mid-way along the corridor. She pushed against the wall and stepped through a hidden door that led to the upward climb.

Brea kept her ears open. She smiled every so often listening to them speak in their guttural native tongue. The delegates looked curiously back to Santari and then spoke amongst themselves. They earned a sharp admonishment from Araman to stay quiet when they broke out into a hissing laughter.

Santari was aware he was the topic of conversation and felt the scrutiny of the hidden Novenian eyes on him. “Psst Brea?” He caught her attention. “What are they talking about?” He dropped back out of earshot of the delegates.

“I’m not sure I understood their language properly.” Brea said honestly.

“What do you mean?” Santari raised his eyebrows at her.

“I’m not sure how your virginity became of national importance to the delegates.” Brea gave a shrug. “Unless my translator has malfunctioned?” She shook her head and furrowed her thin brows, “but I don’t think so. All the other words were clear.”

“My wha.…” Santari let the word hang.

“Your virginity.” She repeated.

“Should I be worried?” Santari asked with a swallow. His mahogany eyes slid to the white backs of the Novenians.

Brea broke out into a smile at him. “The color of your hair intrigues them. They think it means you are a virgin.” Her pale jade eyes danced with amusement.

“I’m glad you think this is funny.” Santari went rigid. “I” he put a hand on his chest, “somehow fail to see the humor in three grown men discussing my virginity. If you don’t mind, I’m a little sensitive on the topic of sex ever since Shinwa.”

“What’s the hold up?” Araman stepped closer while trying to keep his voice low but loud enough to catch their attention.

“Apparently my virginity.” Santari grimaced as he walked by his Commandant to his position.

Araman looked over to Brea who was returning to her post with a smile. He caught her by the arm. In silence he asked what Santari meant.

“The delegates assume Santari is a virgin because of the color of his hair,” Brea answered with her mind. She watched Araman’s lips pull into a grin. “I did not think it would have been appropriate for me to tell him they also think his penis is underdeveloped because he has small ears.”

Araman pressed his lips together fighting the laughter wanting to burst out. He looked down at the ground regaining his composure as Brea took her spot beside Santari.

“Is the Commandant well?” One of the Novenians asked watching Araman struggle to win the battle against the welling laughter.

“Yes.” Brea said choosing her words. “I said something that amused him.” She ignored Santari’s scowl directed at her.

With a deep breath and in control Araman took his position along side of the entourage. “Let’s go. We have a few more floors to climb.” He ushered everyone up the stairs.

The group had been moving upwards at a steady pace. Araman halted everyone the floor just below the main door. The delegates stood trying to catch their breath while Santari pulled out his scanner and keyed the setting in to scan above. He shook his head and called Araman over when the display filled the screen.

“We have run into a problem.” Santari showed him the screen. It showed a troop of dots lined up in four rows made up of five individuals. He looked over to Paige and gestured with his eyes towards his monitor. She stepped over and glanced down.

She looked up at him and then broke out into a smile. “Good, I was hoping they would be out there.” Santari stared coldly at her thinking she was setting them up. “Watch your screen, in a couple of minutes three transport hovers will arrive to greet the cadets.”

Santari’s eyes slid to the screen. A large oval appeared moving down towards the dotted rows.

“Commandant,” Paige turned to Araman. “ When the forth transport arrives, I will go topside and have the two guards occupied. How long does that stun from your weapon last?”

“Three or four lunar hours.” Araman realized why she questioned. He glanced to his wristband. “The guards will be out for a little longer unless someone finds them.”

“Either way, I can kiss my career goodbye.” She fluttered her eyes to Santari, “Looks like I’m coming with you this time. Okay, we have a bit of breathing room.” Paige thought for a moment.

“Third transport is arriving.” Santari spoke up.

“Bring everyone up when you see me on the screen. Bring everyone out when we are positioned on the other side of the transport.” She instructed Araman before she bounded up the last set of stairs.

Santari watched the screen. “There she is.”

“Everybody to the next level and fast.” Araman ordered. Brea led the quick climb.

It was a tight fit at the landing at the top. Santari gave the signal when he saw the three dots float to the other side of the large oval in the screen.

“Now.” Santari hissed. “Into the hover.”

Brea slipped out the door and saw Paige’s back. She was giving instructions to the guards before turning to the side and disappearing behind the vehicle. Brea dove for the open back with the rest following behind her. Within moments they were all crouched waiting for Paige in the hull of the hover.

“It looks like another navigational error.” Paige’s voice neared the rear. “That’s the third one this week. I’ll deal with this one, you get back to your posts.”

The hover began moving. Paige jumped on the back watching the guards take their stance at the main door. She slowly released her breath, as they grew smaller in the distance. No one took notice of her with the hover as she sat on the large metal step that also acted as a bumper for the vehicle. She stepped in and crouched down.

Araman turned to her with his weapon pointed. “What the Frigg is going on here?”

“I ordered the hover to arrive without any supplies as though it malfunctioned. I’m merely taking it back for repairs in the same hanger that incidentally has two flyers waiting for us.” He didn’t lower his phaser. “Look, whether Olean wants to admit it or not, we have moles too. It was only a matter of time before someone was sent in for the delegates. There is a small network of us who wants this to happen as a slap in the face to the Regency.” Her eyes cast towards Santari. “I just made sure I was in your vicinity whenever you were around.” She looked up at him, “if you lower your phaser I’ll tell you I’ve commandeered two fighters with loads of power.” She forced a smile with a nervous laugh.

Araman lowered his weapon to Paige’s relief. She stood up and looked out the back as the hover turned the corner. They were almost to the other side of the compound. In the distance she heard the eerie wail of the sirens sounding an alarm. She put her head around the side to see how much further they had to go when the ground troops started heading towards the siren passed by.

“We’ll have to hurry.” She said turning back to the others.

The hover reached the doors of the bay when the overhead began to ring. Paige jumped out the back when the hover came to a stop in front of two flyers. Paige ran to a large panel by the large hanger doors and punched a large pad closing the doors.

“It won’t be long before they figure it out.”

“Other entrances?” Santari shouted to her.

“Already secured.” Paige turned back. “Get everyone aboard the ships.” She turned back to the panel and put in a series of codes on the keypad. “Vertical takeoff only guys.”

An explosion from behind caught the group unaware. Paige spun around to see a laser fire come at them. She let out a scream and with her heart pounding she hit the last few numbers and hit the main control for the ceiling to open.

“Get to the ships!” Araman roared. He shoved the closest delegate to the nearest ship. “Santari, you take the delegates!” Santari gave a nod before bolting for the closest ship while the Commandant shot back at the underlings firing behind the blast. Brea was heading for the other ship and motioned frantically for Paige to follow. She was standing staring in fright with her hands over her mouth as though she was trying to stop something. Brea called again and waved at her furiously to come. A shot caused her to squeak, forget the other woman and run for the safety of the second flyer. Araman kept firing his weapon at the troop trying to force its way in while making his way to Paige.

Santari looked up just as rapid fire hit the hanger’s control panel at the same point Paige appeared to emerge towards Araman. Sparks and flares lit up behind her before the box exploded blowing a hole in the thick wall. She grabbed something from her belt and threw it to Araman. The smoke and dust blanketed Paige catching her in the fiery grips of the blast and pulled her in.

Santari stood up and pressed his hands on the windshield screaming her name as the engines came to life.

Chapter Seventeen

“Santari!” Araman’s voice shouted through the console. “Santari you need to move!”

As if made of wood Santari sat down at the controls and made sure his passengers were strapped in during the flyer placing its engines in preparation of vertical lift off. He hit the communications pad.

“Commander here, lift off in twenty.” His throat felt constricted.

Araman didn’t like the sound of Santari’s voice. “I’ve got the rear, make for open space. Following in forty.” He sat down at the controls beside Brea and prepared the ship for take off.

Santari’s ship lifted off like an arrow from a bow while Araman followed, gearing up the weapons for the dogfight that would ensue. Oleander flyers met their ships just as they pierced the atmosphere. Santari was already firing as he greeted the obstacles.

Araman came up shooting his weapons taking one out and damaging another. The two ships leveled out in a spin and headed for the Novenian fleet as the Oleander gunners came after them. Araman turned his ship about and engaged them as he went after the nearest ship to him.

“Commandant, I have tail.” Santari’s transmission crackled.

Araman’s flyer cornered sharply as his lasers took out an opponent’s engines. He targeted the ship firing on Santari and let two Nitron torpedoes take care of the problem. The ship fell like a fly hit by a fly swatter.

“There’s more behind.” Santari’s voice warned.

“I’ll take the heat. Contact Herse, let him know we are enroute to meet with the Novenians to return their delegates.” Araman hesitated. “Santari.” His voice was softer, “I’m sorry about Paige.”

The response was slow in returning. “Yeah, so am I. See you on deck.” He signed off. His ship disappeared from both the screen and console viewer.

The flyer lurched forward as it took a hit knocking Araman and Brea forward. Araman dropped the ship down and came up behind the Oleander flyer targeting Santari. Araman fired the weapons and flew through the fireworks set off by the enemy ship’s destruction. His displays were showing signs of power loss all over the ship from the blow they took.

The remaining Oleander flyer’s took advantage of the situation and went in for the kill on the wounded ship. Araman reinforced the shields as their ship sustained more damage in the attack. He locked on the torpedoes for one ship as he fired with the lasers upon another. Both ships were disabled and the remaining ship turned around and headed back for Oleander leaving Araman and Brea stranded in the sinking flyer.

Brea looked over to Araman. “Why is it, every ship you are in” she smiled at him “is in some manner rendered useless?”

“It’s my luck with ships and women.” Araman shrugged as he concentrated on getting the flyer to move to a safer location. A damage report informed him the internal settings for the ship were functional.

“Repairs on the internal combustion chamber are recommended for further flight. Manual controls are operational.” The silky voice of the ship’s computer spoke. “Life support is operational. Navigations are operational. Communication is operational. Shield capacity is at sixty nine percent. Weapons are operational. Definitional flow is damaged. Recommend repairs.” The computer continued with her detailed report.

“What the frigg is a definitional flow?” Araman muttered rising to find the internal combustion chamber for repairs.

Brea’s eyes were held to the screen, “What are those?” She pointed to five arrow shapes moving towards them. He turned around and looked.

“Oleander scouts.” He answered. “No doubt on a seek and destroy mission of their two missing fighters.” Araman eyes watched the arrows as they glided in formation. “When you see them break apart, let me know. Don’t take you’re eyes off the screen.” He moved quickly.

Araman pulled panel doors looking for the internal combustion chamber. He located the location towards the rear of the ship. The chamber was black from a blast but undamaged. Its feed connectors to the engine were fried crispy. Araman rerouted the glass wires until he heard the hum of the wires feeding the chamber.

‘Internal combustion chamber is operational. Definitional flow is operational.” The ship’s computer voice spoke up.

“Araman.” Brea spoke up.

“Frigg!” He swore knowing what she was about to say.

“One has left the formation.” Her eyes were still on the screen.

“That’s the huntress ship.” Araman said resuming his position on the helm. “She will seek us out then call to the formation when she has discovered us.”

“That way risking only one ship in the hunt.” Brea nodded. “It’s rather like the Raula of our oceans. The predator is long, thin and slimy, hunting in large packs when the waters turn cold. One will break away and find its prey then some how signal the rest. They surround and kill. It can be gruesome to witness such a hunt.”

“Sounds like it.” Araman took the controls. He stared at the image on the screen in front of Brea. “This is one of their ships we are sitting in.” He spoke his thoughts. “They will try to use its engine emissions to locate it.” He pressed a pad on the console. A view of the surrounding space showed on the screen. “So long as there is a moon between them and us, they won’t be able to find their ship. Computer, locate the closest iron core moon.”

“Moon Aerie.” The computer spoke as the screen showed the co-ordinates.

“Lock in. Manual orbit controls. Manual speed control please.” Araman limped the ship in the direction towards the moon.

“Where’s that ship?” Araman asked Brea. She glanced over to him and then back to the console.

“It’s gone.” She said quietly.

“Frigg! Shields up! Brace for incoming.”

The ship took a hit from behind sending it rolling. Brea was thrown forward and her head smacked the keypad on the console. A whirring sound came from underneath as the front opened up and the manual weapons controls locked into place.

“Can you?” Araman looked at her while examining her forehead.

“What?” She asked getting up in her seat pushing Araman back into his.

“Use the ship’s phaser?”

Brea looked at the console. “I watch the screen and when the targets become one I fire upon them.” She cast a glance to the armrests. “This is the trigger.”

“I’ll get us in range.” Araman grabbed the controls and brought the ship out of the roll turning to pursue the Huntress ship coming up fast and furiously in his screen.

“Shields at twenty percent. Beginning internal repairs.” The computer informed him. “Life support is at minimal range. Request permission to reroute…”

“Granted. She’s coming in for another hit!” Araman roared as the target came into his viewer screen. “Are you ready Brea?”

“Do not understand command, please rephrase command.” The soft voice requested.

“Targeting now.” Brea watched as the lines on the screen became one. “Firing.” Her finger hit the smooth flat button at the end of the armrest.

“Got it!” Araman watched as the screen lit up with the fireworks from the phaser fire.

“Please rephrase command.” The computer demanded.

“Permission granted for all repairs. Now would you Frigg off.” Araman said in a gruff voice. “One hundred thousand and closing.”

“Careful,” Brea warned, “You’re beginning to sound like Santari.”

Araman shook his head then flashed a smile at her. “Santari would have had that voice in bed already.” She let out a little laugh. “What’s the status of the other ships?”

Brea looked down at her console wondering what button to push to recover the previous screen. Araman reached over and pressed a keypad on the upper right corner. The screen appeared above the weaponry console.

“Holding formation but moving towards our location.”

He nodded with his eyes glued to the screen. The moon Aerie was coming into orbital range. Araman’s strong hands gripped the manual controls as the ship shuddered and shook at the effort of its speed.

“Will it hold?” Brea asked quietly as she looked around at the vibrating metal.

“She’ll take a lot more before crumbling. Oleander makes a good ship.” Araman reassured her. “At this course and speed we should be in lunar orbit within seven solar minutes.”

“Can we call for help?” Brea asked anxiously. The idea of ending up in the hands of the Oleanders again did not sit well with her.

“Not without revealing our location.” Araman glanced over to her. He immediately tapped in to her worries. He cupped her chin with his hand and caught her jade eyes in his.

“I won’t let it happen again.”

A sad smile crossed her lips. “You could not prevent it, nor if they choose to do so again, you still could not prevent it. That machine.…”

“Emits an energy that I can connect to.” Araman said quietly. “I can prevent it.” He turned his attentions back to the viewer. “We’re coming into lunar orbit. We’ll be able to shut down systems and make some repairs.”

Brea turned her eyes back to the console. The formation of the sister ships of the huntress was one less.

“Another one is on the hunt.” Brea shifted her position into the weapons controls.

“That close?” Araman raised an eyebrow.

“I do not like to be caught off guard.” Brea spoke. She glanced up; both viewers showed the ship coming towards their direction. The ship stopped. Brea looked over to Araman who was watching.

“They’re scanning for the ship’s trail.” He explained. They both watched as the dot on the screen moved forward towards the iron cored moon. “Ever play a game called Hide and Seek? Terrian children play the game.” Brea shook her head. “We hide, they seek.”

“And if they find us?” Brea did not like the sounds of this plan.

“We play possum.”

“Possum?” Brea knitted her brows. What could the Terrian rodent possibly have to do with tactical maneuvers?

“Another Terrian trick. Possums play dead at the sign of danger.” Araman explained.

“Play dead?” Brea leaned back still not liking the direction he was headed.

Araman nodded. “We shut down all systems. Let the ship come within range for the weapons.”

She looked to the screens then quickly resettled into the weapons console. “It looks like the best plan now. The ship should come into range within two minutes.” Her heart was thumping against her chest.

“Computer shut down all system except for life and manual weapons.” Araman commanded.

“All systems shut down.” The ship seemed eerily quiet.

“Life support levels at half.” Araman instructed ignoring Brea’s questioning look. “Full power to manual weapons.”

“Complied. Shields are at nineteen percent.”

“Shut down shields.”

“Complied.”

“No shields? Barely any air to breathe? You do like a challenge?” Brea shot out at him.

“Possum.” Araman said coldly. “Dead ships do not have shields or life support. This ship can sustain us for eight lunar hours without life support. Enough time for a rescue. Now worry about that ship.”

Brea shot a dagger at him with a glare before turning to the task. The ship was appearing in her scope lines. She waited holding her breath as the ship inched closer to her range on the screen. It held its position. She watched the dot, it still never moved.

“Why isn’t it moving?” Brea whispered.

“Could be scanning us.” Araman kept his eyes on the screen. “What’s your range?”

“I’m off. I will only damage.” Brea shook her head. Her eyes widened when the dot on the display flickered. “Wait.” She glanced up. “They moved closer, I can make a clean hit.”

“Fire at will.” Araman told her.

Again her finger pressed the cold flat trigger. The main viewer filled with ball of fire as the Oleander ship exploded. Brea released her breath slowly. Her gaze rose to the upper screen.

“Frigg.” She uttered. Araman whipped around to see what was wrong. “We now have the other three coming our way. They know the location.” Brea told him.

“Computer, initiate start up sequence.” Araman instructed.

“Unable to comply. Systems are too damaged.”

“Araman.” Brea stared at the screen. As she did a cold wave of fear washed down her body. Three fighter jets were barreling down on their location in the moon’s orbit.

“Computer, reroute all power to the shields.” Brea was already firing upon the first ship as the other two came from each side. A shot knocked her back and her foot hit a lever on the stem of the console. “It moves. I can move it.” She scrambled up and took hold.

She swiveled the seat moving the target setting towards the ship coming in for another fly by. The lines on the screen slowly came together as the ship fired upon them. Araman yelled at Brea just as her fingers punched releasing the phasers. The oncoming flyer burst into an array of sparkles that slowly turned into nothing.

The fifth ship came at them from behind as the computer announced their shields had dropped to nine percent. Araman slammed the manual controls into hyperdrive and swore when nothing happened.

“She’s coming around.” Araman spoke looking at the screen.

“I’ve got her targeted.” Brea’s voice was even as she concentrated. The lines on the screen seemed to take forever before they lined up and she could take her shot. Her fingers began to shake as the other ship came closer. Finally she was given the signal to fire. She pressed hard on the pad afraid it would ignore a light touch.

At first Brea had thought she had missed as she watched for confirmation the ship had been taken out. The flash of light coming from the side of the ship’s viewer told her she had completed her mission.

She looked over to Araman with a frown. “I don’t find this as exhilarating as I do hand to hand combat. This seems so much more impersonal.”

Araman grinned at her. “Some prefer it.” His fingers pressed the communications switch. “They know we are out here. It’s our only chance.” He set the frequency. “Mayday! Mayday! This is Diago. Olean read back.” He paused, waiting for a response before repeating his words. Finally after the fourth try a response came through.

“Commandant Diago, an S and R is on its way. Is medical assistance required?”

“Negative. Estimated time of arrival.” Araman looked over to Brea.

“Three lunar hours.”

“Any word on Commander Santari?”

“The delegates were delivered and the Novenians are leaving the solar system. Oleander has denied any involvement. Oleander has been told to stand down on coming after you. Anything else Sir.”

“Negative. We’ll see you in three hours.”

“S and R?” Brea questioned when he faced her.

“Search and Rescue. Not much of a search for them.” Araman glanced up at her discolored forehead. “How’s the bump?”

“Hurts.” Brea informed him.

“How badly?” Araman moved closer.

She smiled as he inspected her injury. “I am fine.” She caught his fingers in hers. “I just have an aching head. I have suffered worse in battle.”

“I recall the scars.” Araman thinking of her in the shower with him.

“Do you think any more will come after us?” Brea asked quietly.

“Oleander has been told to stand down. With the Novenians and their penchants for war, Oleander will not take a chance. Have no worries we just have to sit here until the fleet arrives.”

Brea rubbed her temples. “I think after this I would enjoy some time away from traveling.”

Araman chuckled as he took Brea into his strong arms. She settled into his lap and rested her sore head against his chest listening to his heartbeat. She let out a little sleepy yawn.

“Oh no you don’t.” He straightened her up. “You can’t go to sleep.” Araman told her. “You’ve knocked your head and you might be suffering from a concussion.”

“You do not need to fuss.” Brea squirmed in his lap. “Shinwa are much stronger than you think.”

“I have felt your strength.” Araman held her closer in a hug. He kissed the top of her forehead and then the top of her studded nose. “Blows to the head, no matter the race, are a serious matter.”

Brea gave a slight nod. Her hand snaked up to his face and teased his lips with her fore finger. “I agree.” She said seriously. She looked down and saw the silver pad peeking out of Araman’s pocket. “What’s that?”

Araman looked down and then brought the smooth flat piece of metal. “I don’t know. Paige threw it to me before she was caught in the explosion.” He turned it over and inspected it. There was nothing on the instrument to indicate its purpose.

“Does this do something?” A slender finger pointed to the top right corner. A small raised triangle sat in the corner. She pressed it.

A screen lit up and displayed a series of lines and codes. His eyes narrowed watching the screen continue to flash geometrical shapes with various lines with different numbers. The end of the snapshots was an image of the extractor.

He looked over slowly to Brea. “She tossed me the friggin’ plans to their extracting machine”

Her pale green eyes widened. “She was going to bring them with her to Olean. I wonder if Santari knew what she carried with her?”

“I doubt anybody knew she had it with her.”

Brea shook her head with a very sad look on her face. “I worry about Santari.” She told him. “I think he may have had feelings towards her.”

“Santari will be fine. He has feelings for every woman.” Araman murmured dismissing her concerns. He nuzzled into her neck.

Brea pushed his arms away and stood up. She crossed her arms and leveled her eyes to his. “Paige meant more to Santari than just as a woman.” She dropped her gaze. “I saw the look that crossed his face Araman when she was killed.”

“He may have Lyra, but Santari knows that any fraternizing with Oleander other than missions or an assigned concubine is against regulations.”

“Did regulations stop you?” Brea asked him. “You challenged Olean’s regulations and forced them to accept me as your equal.”

“And you are not Oleander. You are Shinwa.” He pointed out to her. By her glare it was not a good enough reason. “Santari has seen the worst of what a woman can offer. I doubt very much his feelings had developed any further than what his loins felt.”

Brea shook her head at him. “Your opinion of your Commander is not very high.” She observed.

“Santari is well aware of my opinion of him. Brea, I don’t want to waste our time discussing the Commander or his emotions.” He stood up and stepped towards her. He caught her rigid body in his strong arms and pulled her against him holding her there. “All I want to do right now is kiss you.”

Brea smiled up at his admission. “Is that all?” She asked looking coyly up at him.

“In this ship, it’s all we can manage.” He brought out a little laugh from her delectable lips. “Anything else will have to wait.”

The console behind crackled to life. “Commandant Diago, do you read? Commandant Diago, come back?”

“I think the kiss may have to wait, too.” Brea grinned at him.

“Just once when I get you in my arms I would like to be left alone.” He grimaced dropping his hands to his side before turning to the console.

He punched the button, “Commandant Diago reading you, what’s your position?”

“Lead Flag here Sir and we are right behind you. We were closer than the S and R so we volunteered to pick you up along the way home.” A cheery voice answered. “We will have you in our bay within minutes. Prepare for capture.”

Brea’s eyes widened as she moved towards her seat beside Araman. “Capture?” She squeaked.

“They mean rescue Lyra.” He reassured her helping her with her safety strap.

Araman took Brea’s hand and gave it a squeeze before hitting the communications. “Diago here. Prepared for capture.”

After several long silent minutes a crashing noise of metal against metal was heard as the grappling arm took its hold on the paralyzed fighter. The ship was slowly towed upwards and pulled inside the flagship of the fleet. The passengers inside were slightly rocked at the arm holding the ship hovered above the floor waiting for the doors to lock in place. It took only seconds for the grappling arm to disengage from the smaller vessel once it was safely docked.

Araman waited for a soft buzzer to indicate it was safe to disembark. The low tone was emitted when life support in the bay reached the proper level. He took Brea’s hand and led her off the Oleander flyer.

“Welcome back Commandant.” An underling greeted him with a nod saluting the superior officer. “You and your concubine are to follow me.…”

“My what?” Araman’s blue eyes iced over.

“Your concubine Sir.” The underling swallowed as if his uniform became suddenly tight.

“My wife!” exploded from Araman. “This woman is my wife!” He held his face within inches of the private.

“I’m…sorry…Sir.” He tried to stammer out. “I…I.…”

Brea put a hand on Araman and pulled him back. His eyes softened when he turned to her as her pale jade eyes twinkled with amusement. “It’s alright Araman.” She smiled at him. “He probably does not know.”

“I…did not see a ring.” The underling hesitantly spoke up. “I do apologize.” He gave Brea a nod saluting her status.

Araman faced the young man, “Ensure that no one else makes the same mistake.”

“Yes Sir. This way Sir.” The young private turned on his heel not hiding his look of relief on his face.

“Attention all personal,” came over the internal communications, “Commandant Diago and his wife are now on board. Please join me in congratulating them on their recent nuptials.”

“It’s a little late for that.” The underling muttered under his breath.

Araman chuckled understanding that the announcement was only received after they had docked. The younger man turned and grinned stopping at a lift. Brea slipped her hand into Araman’s as they stepped onto the elevator.

“Quarters are little cramped sir.” The private offered after he punched in the destination code into a small keypad on the steel wall.

“So long as there is a shower and a strong cup of coffee, we will survive.” Araman smiled down at Brea. He glanced up at her goose egg thinking she should see a medic.

Brea caught his thoughts and shook her head. “I just want to go home.” She hesitated, “Our home.”

Araman pulled her into his arms. “Soon Lyra, soon.” He promised.

Chapter Eighteen

Brea stepped out of the shower feeling only slightly more refreshed. She towel dried her hair as she watched Araman sleep. His feet hung over the end of the small bed. A sheet lay across his waist as his hand lay on his chest. Brea couldn’t stop the burst of a half-laugh from her throat when he took a deep breath and snored.

Her eyes settled on his mouth held almost in a smile as he slept. Her heart skipped a beat thinking of those lips on the most intimate parts of her body. She felt a heat flare up in her chakkras and settle within her mound. A slow smile crossed her lips as she tossed the towel aside. Brea undid her tie to her robe and dropped it on the floor where she stood. Her eyes never left Araman’s sleeping body. The need to please him and quench the fire burning within filled her senses.

She crawled up onto the bed catching his legs in between hers. Brea drew back the sheet watching as the silky material awakened his rod. She teased the tip with a finger with her lips hovering above. As though she was savoring a delicacy for the first time her teeth grazed the head. She felt him stiffen beneath her touch bringing a wicked smile to her face.

She wrapped her lips around his throbbing cock and swirled her tongue as if to find a tickle spot. She heard a groan; she let his shaft in a little further before sucking slightly to intensify the sensations. Brea knew Araman was fully awake when his hand rested on her head, encouraging her to go deeper.

She needed no urging now that she had his full attention as she pulled her mouth back increasing his hardness. She wanted him to feel worshipped the way he had made her feel. Her tongue played with the tip toying with him. Another moan, she then slid the pulsating cock down her throat slowly wanting to feel every inch of his chakkra connecting with hers.

Araman could take the slow torture of Brea’s mouth no longer. With a fluid motion he swept her up and brought her over top of him. She screamed his name as the fire turned her chakkras into molten lava consuming her entire body; he entered her hard and demanding.

Their bodies moved in unison. Sandalwood and cinnamon filled the air as the volcano within Brea flared higher taking Araman with her as her body rocked hard against his. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he dived into her deeper sending her over the edge.

Her teeth met Araman’s shoulder as her body wracked with the explosions of her orgasm. Araman held her closer as he climaxed when her mouth met his skin. Holding on to each other they slowly came back to their senses.

“Good Morning Lyra, it was thoughtful of you to take care of my libido before arriving home.” Araman smiled at her.

“Thoughtfulness had no part.” She said smiling up at him. “I must confess it was sheer selfishness.”

“Anytime you wish to display such selfishness, feel free.” He kissed the top of her nose.

A low beep emitted from the wall by the door. “Bridge to Commandant Diago.”

Brea let out a sigh before moving off of Araman to let him answer the call. She retrieved her robe as Araman pushed a button. His eyes never left her feeding off of her glow.

“Commandant here.”

“Sorry to disturb Sir, we will be arriving within the hour and we thought we should warn you that General Herse will be waiting dockside for you and your wife.”

“Thank you Commander.” He turned his body in the direction of his eyes. Brea grinned at him.

“Our ritual must have been important for your General to greet us.” Brea’s lilt was light.

Araman chuckled. “Some how I don’t think that’s it.”

Brea frowned at him, “It means you will have another mission.” She said plainly.

“Perhaps not.” He stepped over and took her into his arms hugging her. “He maybe there to tell me of Santari’s success.” He suggested drawing back. Brea noted his change from lover to commandant. “We should get dressed at any rate.”

“I have no clothes that are not laundered.” Brea realized and looked to Araman.

“Taken care of Lyra, flag ships come with a synthesizer. What’s your pleasure?”

“Nothing Terrian.” She raised her eyebrows at him expecting his challenge. Her hands sat on her hips. Instead, her fierce look met his soft laughter.

“I thought you would prefer something lighter from Olean.” His eyes continued to laugh at her as he offered her a silky folded bundle.

“That would be fine.” Brea gave him a nod before taking the garments. The shift was a coppery color to match her shimmering complexion with a plunging neckline of the concubine clothing. The sheer opal tunic Brea belted over top gave it the respectability of being a Commandant’s wife.

“Here.” Araman came up from behind and gathered her hair into a loose ponytail and tying it with a matching ribbon. He was in his usual black flight suit when Brea turned and faced him still in his arms.

Araman could not tear his eyes away from hers. “I swear you get lovelier each time I look at you.”

Brea blushed then laughed. She stood on her tiptoes and rubbed her nose with his.

“That’s all part of Chatam Pritam.” Brea told him, and then she gave him a sly grin. “It works the other way too.”

“Ah,” Araman laughed, “So that explains my morning awakening.”

“That and wanting to please my Chatam Pritam.”

The lights dimmed and turned yellow. “We’re docking.” Araman held the crook of his arm to her. “Shall we Mrs. Diago?”

She slipped her left hand into his gesture unaware of Araman’s frown at the lack of a ring. He would have to take care of that to ensure her status as his wife. She looked up at him expectantly for him to begin to lead.

Araman gave a nod then reached for the call keypad for the lift to take them to the docking bay. Brea could feel his tension creeping back into his body as he stood rigid beside her. His hand patted hers as the doors opened.

Brea heard her Beebles barking and whining as soon as he saw her. He was straining against the lead as he struggled to get to her.

“Release him.” A gravely voice ordered. The pup headed straight into Brea’s arms. She caught him up in a hug. Beebles was all wiggles and kisses for his mistress. Araman tried to suppress the chuckles as she struggled to hold the squiggling beagle.

“I thought your wife would appreciate her pet being here.” Herse stepped up beside Araman.

“Thank you Sir.” Araman gave a salute. He turned to see Brea land on her back with her pup still lavishing frantic greeting upon her. Araman reached down out of concern but his contained laughter spilled over when Beebles turned to him still on top of Brea who was now laughing at him.

Herse stared at the scene with an eyebrow raised at his Commandant. “I see your marriage agrees with you.” He uttered dryly.

Araman helped Brea up and took a strong hold of the Beagle who was still trying to greet them. He made sure she was fine before turning back to the General looking unimpressed.

“It does Sir.”

“I wanted to be the first to congratulate you Commandant.” Herse was gruff. “A new safety policy has been put into place, that if it is determined that a concubine could place her owner at risk during a mission she will be confined to her owner’s quarters.” He gave a shrug before digging out a cigar from his pocket. “But then it doesn’t apply to you any more.”

“Cuthbert?” a soft voice came from behind the General. He shuffled around and pulled his jowls into a smile.

A petite woman with a coppery complexion, slightly faded black and gold hair, honey colored eyes and a soft smile. Herse put his arm at his wife’s back and brought her forward.

“I would like you to meet my wife. She has always stayed away from sight as her choice.” The General smiled sweetly to her as she shyly looked upon Brea and Araman. “Shea’na this is my Commandant and his wife Brea.”

She gave a nod to both but her eyes settled on Brea. “Ah, Shinwa.” She smiled up to her husband. “Chatam Pritam?” He nodded. She tossed him an ‘I told you so’ look.

Herse cleared his throat trying to remain stern under his wife's affectionate stare. “Yes.” He muttered before facing Araman. “My wife recognized you as a lost half of Chatam Pritam from my description and told me that when a Shinwa woman finds her way to Olean it will be his other half.” He gave his wife a squeeze, “She also told me to be very patient with the outcome.”

Herse turned to leave, “I expect you in my office in one hour for debriefing and your report within twenty-four hours.” He escorted his wife out the opening bay doors. “Shall we have lunch?” His hand fell a little lower on his wife’s back who blushed like a schoolgirl in response.

Araman watched his commanding officer fall to the whims of his wife. He felt a little better knowing Herse was also not immune to Shinwa witchcraft. He gave Beebles a scratch and put an arm around Brea’s shoulders.

“If I only have an hour, we’d better get going.” Araman said ushering her out.

“Why do you not have transport for such long distances?” Brea grimaced.

“Military believes walking keeps everyone fit. Everything is within walking distance. Why waste our technology on ground, when we need it for flight.”

“What if you are attacked like we were?” Brea offered as they walked.

“We have provisions for that.” Araman gave her a kiss on the forehead. “You needn’t worry.”

“I was not.” Brea was off hand. “I was merely curious why you do not have such carriers like Oleander.”

Araman laughed as he steered her to the pod that led to their home. Brea felt relief when she stepped out of the pod and onto the soft white carpet. Araman set Beebles down who immediately ran for the outdoors.

Araman gave Brea a kiss as he headed for the lift in the middle of the hallway. He glanced at the timepiece on the lift door.

“I shouldn’t be too long,” he said as the lift doors opened. “I’ll cook when I get home.”

“I’ll have your pot ready.” Her lilt trailed after him as he entered the elevator.

He was still smiling to himself when he reached the General’s office after a brief stop at the marketplace for fresh groceries. He softly knocked on the door sporting the gold winged ‘O’ and waited for the harsh “Come in.”

The usual haze of cigar smoke welcomed Araman into the office. The general was sitting behind several sheets of paper in his hand.

“Have a seat Commandant.” Herse instructed. Araman sat while Herse stood up taking the stogie from his mouth. “Drink?” He didn’t wait for a response and poured two glasses of his favorite drink, Terrian Cherry Brandy. He handed Araman a glass of the burgundy liquid.

He took a drink then cleared his throat before addressing his underling, “Commandant,” Herse began pacing, Araman’s clue this wasn’t the usual debriefing. “I was contacted by a high ranking member of the Oleander Intelligence. She wishes to speak with two of us on a secured channel from both Heads of State.” He stopped pacing and looked to Araman. “I have reason to trust this person.”

Araman raised his eyebrows at the General, “And how is that Sir?”

“She went to great lengths to hide her transmission from Oleander. All she asked was to speak with us on a safe net.” Araman shook his head not understanding.

“Safe net was the code I used with my silent partner to ensure no listening ears, just as you and Santari have your own codes.” The General sat. “I hadn’t heard that term for years and the only one who used it other than me, is dead.”

“Any way it could have leaked or been over heard?” Araman knew from his own experience even if it had the chances were remote the term would have been understood.

Herse shook his jowls before stuffing a cigar in his mouth and began chewing. “No.” It was emphatic. “If Commander Shaw left his code with this young woman then there is a reason. He was Terrian,” the general reminded Araman. “We lost contact after he retired but knowing Shaw, he would not have sat idle for long.”

A light lit up in the corner of the large heavy Terrian oak desk interrupting. Herse punched the button with a grunt of annoyance.

“What is it?”

“Santari reporting Sir, I have your long distance call on your safe net.”

“Up link.” Herse hit another button with the same jabbing as before. A screen appeared at the end of his office from the wall.

“Hello Gentlemen.” A voice purred as a pretty groomed blonde woman gazed at them with eyes shining mother of pearl. She sat tall in the chair with her shoulders held back and her chin up. The bold expression on her face showed her enjoyment at their discomfort. Her shimmering multi-colored eyes held a mixture of quiet self-confidence and wisdom. She was intriguing to both men on different levels and they knew she knew it too.

“Let me introduce myself. I am Mistress of Intelligence Coco with the Oleander Military Services of the Raylin Lunar System. As far as my superiors are concerned, they read I am making a private communiqué to my favorite Uncle.” She paused with a smile on her full lips.

“Congratulations on your recent marriage and I will assure you Commandant, that Asereth’s techniques of questioning have been abolished under my command.” Her large round opalescent eyes framed with long black lashes slid over to Araman. “I have found no need for such dramatics when I am the one questioning prisoners.”

He looked over to the General who met his equally questioning expression as to what this woman wanted. They both looked back to the screen. Coco was amused by their reactions as her crooked smile revealed. She cleared her throat and straightened her back.

“Our Government has fallen to the whims of an antiquated Regency who will not bend to the will of people and their wants. Olean seems to be progressing while Oleander seems to be regressing. Our male citizens are being stripped of more rights every day as her insanity increases. We have recovered information that our Regency may attempt a coup for solitary rulership. She is slowly eradicating both her senate and the intelligence department.”

Coco bristled. “As you know, your mission cost me Paige. The Regency has declared due to budgetary cut backs that my department will run with a skeleton crew. We all know the cutbacks are funding her treasure trove of weapons.” Her long fingers drummed with frustration on her desk. “Myself and others who will understandably remain anonymous for the time being are concerned not only for our world’s safety but for the future of Raylin. We have decided to take matters into our own hands.”

“And how does Olean fit into this scenario?” Araman asked standing up retrieving another drink.

“As part of this lunar system I would think Olean would have a vested interest in the inner failings of Oleander.” Coco’s statement was coated with sarcasm. “I’ll be blunt Boys, this one can not be done by us alone. She’s becoming increasingly paranoid and surrounding herself with those of us she thinks she can trust.” She laughed. “The woman actually thought my being Terrian would automatically align us against Olean.” Coco shook her head.

“Your Regency?” Araman asked.

Her blonde head gave a nod. “She is the reason why my department is stretched far and wide. Any more enemies the Regency makes and I won’t be able to keep the wolves at bay so to speak. I have no more people Gentlemen. She is doing the same to her Senate. We can not let her continue her destruction of our government into a totalitarian state. She has become a major liability rather than an asset. Even Terra has become concerned about her behavior. This morning she dismissed the Terrian Ambassador from Oleander. The reason explained to me was, political irreconcilable differences. I assure you the man is only guilty of not agreeing with her or submitting to her demands. I can safely say the Terrian Military is taking steps to defend against any acts of hostility incurred from her madness.”

“Oh, and I thank you for getting rid of her wretched spawn.” She said as an afterthought. Her eyes glanced towards Araman. “One less problem I had to deal with.”

“It seems she won’t be missed.”

“Not at all.” Coco said. “Gentlemen, the reason for my contact is merely to prepare you in the event that this happens. We would rather work with Olean in this matter and to be frank, any help would be appreciated.” She flashed a smile that would melt an iceberg.

General Herse gave a thoughtful nod. “I think I can accommodate you when the need arises. Keep me apprised of the situation.”

“Yes,” she gave a curt nod, “I’ll look forward to staying in touch with my favorite uncle.” The screen went blank.

The two men stood in silence for a moment each lost in their thoughts. Araman pulled the flat data recorder from his pocket and put it on the General’s desk. He sat back down on the edge of the chair looking at the silver pad.

“Do you think she knows we have this?” He gestured to it with his chin.

“What is it?” A puff of smoke billowed in the air overhead where Herse took his place at the desk.

“The plans to the extractor. Santari’s contact threw it to me before.…”

The general raised his hands. “Save it for the report. Good.” He picked it up and scrutinized it. “One less mission we have to plan. I’ll send it to white coats to handle. Now we can start working on the defenses.” He put it back down again.

“Araman,” the use of his given by the General grabbed his attention. “I am retiring in a lunar month. I have learned there is no good time for this, as I have waited already three years. The Regent will be notifying you of your promotion to Commandant General.”

Araman was glad he was sitting as he felt the floor slip from underneath his feet. “But Sir, you still have many years to offer.”

“I know, and I have given my life to Olean and its military. Its time for my wife now and a long over due vacation.” Herse gave him a wink, “Orpheaus Six is very nice this time of year.” He cleared his throat becoming more serious. “Who do you recommend for your desk?”

Araman thought for a moment. “I think Santari is ready.”

Herse shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“I do. And respectfully General, I won’t take it without him at my right hand.”

“Misplaced loyalty Son.” He sent a cloud of smoke over head. “Have it your way but my advice is to keep him leashed to the desk.” He chomped on the cigar. “You’ll receive your official notices within a week or two. Dismissed.”

Araman left the General sitting in his office as he shut the door behind him. He grabbed the parcels of cheese and meat at the door and headed in the direction of the lift home. Santari, the promotions and Oleander could all wait until the next day. He wanted to spend the night under the Olean night sky making love to his wife.

Chapter Nineteen

“I see you’re hard at it?” Santari walked into his Commandant’s office and took a seat. “I thought you were taking a couple of days to spend with that exotic witch of yours.” He rubbed the back of his leg. “You know that spot still hurts every now and then.” He grimaced.

“I think you’ve managed.” Araman said dryly. He put the papers down on the desk; he was reviewing before his underling rudely interrupted him.

“A little bird mentioned I was going to be on the move again.” Santari mentioned taking the drink Araman offered him.

“You’re not. What makes you think you’re going anywhere?” Araman asked him setting down the papers he had in his hand.

“I was told to be prepared to pack up everything.” Santari took a swallow of the almond-flavored brandy. It warmed his throat on the way to his stomach. He gave the Commandant a grin knowing he was pricking at the other man’s patience.

“Who in the Frigg said this?” Araman wanted to know.

“Your underling out there.” Santari shrugged. “She’s a bird alright. More like an old hen. What happened to the other one? She was a pretty thing.”

“I saw the nasty look she gave Brea and I transferred her to your new office. She makes for a good secretary.”

“My new office?”

Araman leveled his eyes to Santari; “This wing has been designated for Personal Warfare. Brea needs your office for her training sessions. You and I will be moving up and over apparently.”

“I’ve gotten lost. Brea will be training the men?” He watched Araman nod.

“It was deemed a part of the essentials training core. After my report, the Regent and his councilors decided that knowledge of Personal Warfare would be a good thing for all underlings to know. You may want to think about this,” he refilled his glass, “she is looking for an assistant?”

Santari choked on his swallow. The liquid stung the inside of his throat as he coughed. Araman was no help standing at the desk chuckling at his discomfort. “How about I recommend somebody? Now what’s this we are moving up and out?”

Araman nodded. “Herse is retiring and named me for his desk. He asked me to name my successor and you came up. The official notices will be announced once the Regent has signed the paperwork.”

“Well then I don’t need to panic. That should take him at least six months to get to.”

“There’s been another interesting development.” Araman informed him sitting on the corner of his desk. “A Mistress Coco from Oleander Intelligence made contact with us.”

“The up link?” Santari questioned. Araman nodded. “I thought it was his niece contacting him.”

“You were supposed to think that. And if she fooled you then she is better than we estimated. Her side thinks she was contacting a favorite uncle.” The Commandant refilled Santari’s glass of brandy. “She was enlisting our unofficial help in a coup against her Regency.”

“Possible set up?”

Araman shrugged. “Who knows but when the call comes, you’ll be the one handling it.”

“So long as I have a little time to settle in.” Santari stood up after downing his drink. “I’m not sure whether to curse you or thank you. You left big shoes to fill.” He raised his glass to Araman with a nod and downed the spirit. He stood up and set the glass on the bar.

“You just bring your own, the men will fall into line.” Araman shot back as he picked up reports to review.

Santari reached for the door and then turned back with a serious expression on his face. “You know, Araman I understand more now.”

“About what?” Araman looked up from the printed paper.

Santari gave a slight shrug of the shoulders then cast his glance to his superior officer. “Love.”

Araman’s back straightened. “Love?” He wasn’t sure of Santari’s direction of the conversation.

“I wasn’t in love with Paige like you are with Brea, but it could have gone there.” He put his hand back on the door handle, “You’re right, they aren’t disposable.” He opened the door and walked out before Araman could respond.

He stared at the spot on the floor where his commander had stood. Araman hated the fact Santari’s lesson came hard but it had been one that he had needed to learn. Santari’s use of the word ‘love’ floated around in his mind.

He had never really considered his emotions as such. Araman had accepted that fate had given him no choice but he realized he had avoided admitting to his heart, she was his choice all along. His Shinwa witch had done this to him. The papers dropped from his hands to the smooth surface of the desk. His heart pounded loudly in his chest. A cold fear washed over him. Araman was in love.

The Commandant abruptly left his office and made his way down the hall to the closest exit leading to the commerce division. He was a man on a quest. It was time for him to face the emotion fear had kept at bay. With each step he saw that he could have lost Brea but she was still with him. His pace quickened as the colored stalls of the market came into sight. He broke into a smile arriving at his favorite stall where Louie greeted him with his usual exuberance.

“I need something special.” Araman led the way into the canvas-covered stall.

“How special?” Louie followed behind.

“Love type special.” He smiled at the shopkeeper who was nodding his head.

“Ah, double or single?” A pudgy hand waved Araman to the back of the tent.

“Double.” Araman answered as Louie brought out a small box with a lock. He pulled a very small key from his pocket. He slipped the key into the hole and unlocked the wooden safe.

Inside sat velvet-covered boxes. Louie opened the lids revealing an assortment of Terrian gold rings. Some were adorned with large gems and others with pearls. Araman nodded or shook his head at each box as they were shown to him. He had narrowed it down to three sets and finally settled on one after serious contemplation.

The rings that he chose were a simple band and a very large solitary diamond. Louie nodded enthusiastically approving of Araman’s decision. He locked the rejections back in their hold and tucked the box back into its hiding spot under a pile of rugs.

“Perfect choice for your bride.”

He paid for the set without hesitation and no regard for cost. Araman put the rings into his pocket and handed back the little velvet container. He gave a nod before leaving and walked back to his quarters with a little more speed than usual. He was driven by a sense of urgency. As he reached the exterior lift he could feel himself becoming nervous. The ride up did nothing to dispel the feeling.

He chastised himself for acting like a boy. He was married to the woman for Frigg’s sake. Araman shook his blonde head at his foolishness. His nerves turned to impatience, as the lift seemed slower than usual.

Brea was no where to be found when he stepped off the lift. He called out to her and his answer came from beyond the bedroom. Araman found Brea sitting outside playing with her pet. Beebles dragged the large stick over to him and tried to greet Araman while hanging on to the toy. Finally the pup let go of the stick and wriggled at Araman.

Brea laughed at the sight getting up off the ground. “I was wondering where you were.” She smiled as she approached. “We were getting hungry.” She teased.

“And here I thought I was missed.” Araman took her into his arms and gave her a kiss on the nose. His blue eyes danced as they caught hers.

“Oh that too.” She laughed.

“Glad to be back?” Araman asked her. His blue eyes were tender.

“Very.” She gave a contented sigh ,looking around at the colors of the garden. She looked up at him. “You seem to be happy.” She told him.

“And why wouldn’t I be.” He caught her in his arms, “My boss is retiring, and I was given a promotion. I have a beautiful wife at the end of the day to come home to.”

“Did you tell Santari?”

“He will take over my position.”

“I knew that.” She put her hands around his waist. “Will you always keep him at your side?” Her expression was curious.

“He saved my life, saved my career and most of all he helped me save you.” Araman said softly. “Santari knows if he wasn’t right for the job there is no friggin’ way I would hand the reins to him.” He drank in her cinnamon essence. “I trust him with you Brea. The most sacred thing in my life.”

“You would trust Santari with me?” Brea was surprised by his admission.

“Santari understands now.”

“Understands what?” Brea knitted her brows together.

“That nobody is disposable.” He brushed a stray hair from her eyes. “Especially somebody you love.”

Brea pulled back. “Love?” Her jade eyes searched his questioningly.

Araman nodded his blond head. “Love Brea.” He answered. Behind him the Olean moons were filling the darkening sky as night descended. The garden seemed to glow as sandalwood incense filled the air.

“I could accept that we were destined for each other. It made things simpler and easier to deal with. But love always led to loss.” Araman looked down. His hands slid down her arm catching her fingers in his. “Until you.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand.

“Araman, to be a half of Chatam Pritam…”

He hushed her with a soft kiss. He pulled back watching her green eyes turn a shade deeper. “Lyra, I maybe half Shinwa and Chatam Pritam but I am also half Olean and as Olean I also believe in love.”

She smiled and shook her head at him. “You must, to be Chatam Pritam. If there is no love then there can be no lover.” She brushed aside the gold tendril that fell hiding her eyes. “And without a lover, there isn’t a soul for the bond to carry on into the next life. It is the essence of all bonds.”

“Brea, I’m trying to tell you that I love you.” Araman said impatiently. He softened when he looked at her. “I need to hear myself say the words to you.” She heard him softly plead. “So would you please shut up?” He lifted her chin with the crook of a finger. “And I do Lyra. I love you.” He sealed his words with a light kiss releasing his gentle hold.

His hand slipped down into his pocket and retrieved the rings. They fit like a glove on her finger as he placed each one. He watched in amazement at the stone turning indigo upon contact of her skin. He frowned staring at thinking he would wring Louie’s neck for the imitation.

Brea stared at Araman then glanced at her hand, admiring the delicate bands on her finger. She smiled up as the light colored gem turned to black noticing Araman’s displeasure of his gift.

“Do not fret,” She grinned at him, “Jewel rocks like this from Shinwa always change color when they are placed near our bodies.” She could see Araman’s relief cross his face.

“That’s why Louie said it was perfect.” He chuckled. “And here I thought it was a Terrian diamond.”

“Shinwa gems are more precious.” Brea said up to him.

Araman smiled down at her taking the breath from her lungs. “I would agree with that.” He pulled her in closer to him wanting to feel her curves against him. “I love you.” The whisper caressed her ear. All that she was to him, he let his inner web carry into hers. A small gasp escaped from her when she felt the warmth of his energy.

Her green eyes were caught in pools of warm blue searching her for a response. “Oh Araman,” softly sighed from her lips, “I love you.”

His mouth came crashing down on hers pulling her closer into him. Brea’s arms coiled around his neck drinking the masculine sandalwood musk permeating the air. His kiss became soft, tenderly making love to her mouth. His lips parted from hers and moved to the top of her collarbone teasing the spot with his tongue.

A moan from her lips encouraged Araman; his free hand cupped a breast. He smiled at her pressing it into his palm. Cinnamon burst into his senses. His thumb grazed the hardened nipple sending energy waves to wash over her soft body.

Brea dropped her head back as the tingling spread throughout her. She looked up at him through her lashes and enjoyed the slow burn he was building. She guided his head to where his hand had played wanting to feel the pressure of his mouth.

Araman gave a quick tease with his teeth sending a shudder through her. Brea pulled his lips to her breast demanding his mouth’s attention. He complied to her wishes as his massaging fingers undid her belt on the tunic, freeing the material. His hand sensuously caused a trail of electricity to go up her thighs, gliding across the silky barrier between them.

He dropped to his knees and pushed up the garment needing to taste her nectar. His tongue dipped into the velvet folds holding the sweet honey wine. A groan escaped from Brea’s throat; she parted her legs giving him access to the juice he craved.

Strong hands grabbed the top of her thighs; a hot tongue tasted her. Brea’s hand flew to the top of his head arching her back. Flames shot through her body and web when he gently began sucking her aching nub. A hand left her side and found its way to the dam. A finger explored the opening of her slick slit stoking her heat. Her spice filled his nose as his tongue erotically danced with her clit.

His aura invaded her; Brea could no longer think. Her mind was only aware of the burning sensations that Araman’s seduction was having on her body. The primal need to release her flow was becoming all consuming. His fingers slid deeper; his sucking pulled on her need. A husky growl invaded the night.

Araman supported her back and lifted her before lowering her to the grass. He ignored the colored moons watching above or the dance of the pearly clouds against the shimmering stars; he had to drink from her waters. His tongue dived in.

The growl ebbed into a soft plea. His cock hardened. He had to taste her first. His fingers replaced his tongue as it returned to its sweet assault of her bud. Two fingers stroked along the velvet encouraging the flood.

Brea could no longer hold back. Her body arched and let the dam overflow as Araman continued to urge the release. The longer she flowed the harder he sucked savoring the sweetness of her nectar.

“Araman.…” His name was a plea from her lips.

He rose up as she arched. Her warmth gloved him upon his entry. His hands held her hips positioning her facing him upright. He shuddered at her soft walls squeezing against his sensitive skin. She glided up and down his slippery shaft. The friction spread molten lava across the combining bodies. Their chakkras pulled them closer together causing Araman to plunge deeper and deeper into Brea. Each thrust sending their bodies further into the need for flight.

Arms wrapped tightly around each other as their energies swirled in an opalescent turbulent mist. Araman’s name ripped from Brea’s throat and cut through the silence; she felt her surroundings burst into millions of stars. She was caught in the middle of fireworks as her orgasm tore through her entire being.

Araman joined her in the crossfire with his own explosion. His masculine voice rose over hers as his seed spilled into her. His song echoing his love broke the quiet of night. Their energies sparked as the climax reached its peak then settled about them like the morning’s breath on soft petals. They sat holding each other under pastel colored moonbeams while starlight danced in the playground of their souls.

* * * *

Against the backdrop of a perfect Olean night sky he heard Araman’s aria. Santari stopped and looked up at the tall building hating and envying his superior. There was no way to bring back the one he lost.

A stab of pain hit the lone man’s chest. An image of Paige with her smiling violet eyes and inviting lips flashed through his mind. He missed the feeling of her soft blonde hair on his shoulder and the way she felt against his skin. Santari knew he missed most of all the complete way he felt when he was with her. A curse was uttered.

He faced his direction home with a heavy heart. Santari was very envious, indeed.

The End

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen