Prickly sensations crawled up the back of Chandar’s skull then branched out like ribbons of fire. She moaned and tossed her head, but her movements were restricted. Something restrained her wrists and ankles. She tensed then stilled, trying to remember where she was and why she was bound. She carefully opened her eyes, trying to peer through her lashes without letting the doctor know she was awake.
Doctor? What doctor? Was she ill—or deranged? They tied up lunatics not medical patients.
No! She wasn’t mad. She was a captive.
She’d been a captive her entire life.
Digging her fingernails into her palms, she used the pain to force a moment of clarity.
Escape. The concept screamed through her spirit, sharpening her senses and focusing her mind. It wasn’t a new goal, but it had never been more important than now. She was in danger as she had never been in danger before.
But she was so weak, and so tired of fighting. Wouldn’t it be easier just to let go?
Something stubborn and hard surged within her hopelessness. If you give up, they win. They cannot be allowed to win. You’re stronger than this. Now stop sulking. The voice was female, but it wasn’t hers. The tone held conviction and command, two qualities Chandar had long since abandoned. She tried to summon an image to go with the voice, but pain rushed in and scattered her thoughts.
Where was she? There was no hope of escape unless she figured out her situation.
She blinked, trying to see through the shadows. She was on a bed or treatment table. The cuffs binding her wrists were wide yet padded. She was thrilled to find she was fully clothed and her body was arranged modestly. Thank the gods this wasn’t sexual.
Images flashed through her mind, like random stills from scattered vidfiles. Hurtful hands tore at her cloths. Then pain, so much pain. Faces contorted with lust as bodies strained above her. Hitting, pinching, laughing. Always laughing, yet they were deaf to her screams.
She closed her eyes, but the specters followed her into the darkness, twisting one scene into the next and the next. Revulsion surged, burning away the past until all that remained was ash. It swirled around her, filling her nose and mouth. She coughed and spit, barely able to breathe.
The door on her right opened and the past horror blended with the present. She commanded her muscles to relax and her features to go blank.
“Will she tolerate another dose?”
Her fists clenched tighter until fire spread across her palms. Akim. Her tormentor, her captor, her enemy.
“I’m not sure.” That voice belonged to the doctor. She didn’t waste energy trying to retrieve his image. His face was irrelevant. He was irrelevant. “I’ve already given her more than I’ve ever used before. This woman is incredibly strong and stubborn. I’ve never encountered someone with this much fight and I’ve done this procedure countless times on war-hardened soldiers.”
“Why isn’t she conscious? I need to determine what she remembers.” Akim moved closer to the bed. His scent reached her nose and Chandar fought back a gag. Evil had such a distinct stench and it permeated each molecule of Akim’s body. “If she remembers anything, you must continue. There is no other choice.”
“I really don’t think there’s a reason. I wasn’t able to wipe her memory clean, but only fragments and flashes remain. Without context they’re meaningless.”
Akim was staring at her. She could feel his vile gaze on her face. She wanted to scream, needed to scream more than anything she could remember, but she held perfectly still and endured. As she always endured.
“I’ll allow her to sleep until morning,” Akim decided. “Then you will awaken her so she can be interrogated.”
“Understood.”
She heard their footsteps as they crossed the small room and then the subtle swoosh of the door. Then silence, blessed silence. She was finally alone.
But she wasn’t alone. She was never truly alone. It was the secret that kept her going. She could reach out at any time and touch the minds of those with whom she shared blood ties. She immersed herself in their lives, combating her own misery with their happiness, escaping her trials just long enough to muster her defenses once again. Her family was unaware of her visitations, of course, because she carefully shielded herself each time their minds merged.
Well, the time for protecting them was over. If the doctor gave her another dose of his corrosive chemical, she would lose herself completely. She could buy some time by playing the part Akim needed her to play. But her nemesis was cunning and cruel. It wouldn’t take him long to see through her pretense. Which left her with no choice but escape and she couldn’t accomplish that goal alone.
She cleared her mind, forcing her chaotic thoughts to still. For just a moment she hung in tranquil silence, savoring the velvety nothingness. Then she gathered all her fear, years of fury and desperation and used them to propel her signal across the vastness of space. She allowed her mind to scream, though her voice remained silent. She screamed with all the anguish of her tortured life and then she screamed again and again. When the cosmos vibrated with her fury and fear, she projected the only two words that mattered into the minds of her family. Help me!
A shrill scream jarred Raina awake. She sprang up in Kotto’s bed but he was already across the room pulling on his uniform bottoms. Damn the man moved fast, or was he already awake? She rushed into the bathroom, but couldn’t bring herself to don her filthy cloths, so she grabbed his bathrobe off the hook by the door and hurried after her mate.
By the time she reached the corridor a small crowd had gathered outside Bandar and Ashley’s cabin. “Is she all right?” The screamer had definitely been female.
Raylon looked at her and nodded. Kotto was nowhere in sight, but she heard his voice inside the cabin. “Chandar sent out a psychic call for help. She’s in trouble,” Raylon told her. Someone inside the cabin said something and Raylon motioned her forward. “They need you inside.”
Raina hurried into the cabin and her heart lurched at the scene. Bandar sat on the floor with Ashley more or less on his lap. She wore what looked like one of Bandar’s shirts and she sobbed against his bare chest. Her entire body shook with the force of her emotions.
Bandar motioned her closer as Kotto explained telepathically. She’s locked in some sort of trance. See if she’ll respond to your voice. She’ll accept Bandar’s touch, but male voices upset her.
Happy to help, Raina knelt beside them and carefully touched Ashley’s shoulder. “Ash, it’s Raina. Come back to us, sweetheart. We need to know you’re okay.”
“Raina,” she made a mournful sound and twisted away from Bandar so she could hug her friend. “How has she survived… I can’t get the images… It’s worse than we ever imagined!” Then she was sobbing so hard her broken words became unintelligible. She shook her head then fisted the front of Raina’s robe as she cried on her shoulder.
Is she talking about Chandar? Raina asked.
Neither of the men spoke aloud, but she could only hear Kotto. I think so.
Well, she’s not in a trance. This is psychological trauma. I think Chandar sent more than just a cry for help.
Irron touched Raina’s shoulder, obviously having been warned not to speak. He held out an injector.
Ask him what’s in that. She looked at Kotto expectantly.
It’s a mild sedative. Her blood pressure is dangerously high. She needs to calm down. Kotto was obviously passing on the doctor’s words.
She rubbed her hand up and down Ashley’s arm, moving the shirt sleeve out of the way in the process. The doctor smoothly used the injector then immediately stepped back.
It took a few minutes to work, but Ashley finally calmed enough to want Bandar again. Raina knew that was an improvement.
“Are you back?” Bandar asked softly when Ashley looked into his eyes.
“Yeah.” She shuddered then looked around, likely seeing her audience for the first time. “We have to get her out of there, and we have to do it now.”
“We all agree,” Bandar assured her, “but did she tell you where she is?”
Ashley shook her head and wiped the last of her tears with the loose sleeve.
“I might be able to help with that.”
“How the fuck did you get on this ship?”
The second voice had been Raylon, but Raina didn’t recognize the first.
A man stepped into the open doorway, but came no farther. Like most Rodytes, he had wavy dark hair and blue rings in his dark eyes. He wasn’t as tall as Bandar or as intimidating as Raylon, so why were the others even listening to him?
“Letos,” Bandar sneered. “Uninvited as usual.”
This was Letos? The technomage? She looked at him with new interest, but her original assessment remained. He looked like any other Rodyte. Handsome by human standards, but nothing special on Rodymia.
He rolled open his fingers with a dramatic flourish. A small black box rested on the center of his palm.
“What’s that?” Bandar still sounded annoyed by the other man’s appearance.
“It’s a simple receiver, but it happens to be tuned to the frequency Akim uses when he contacts Quinton.”
Kotto snatched the device off Letos’s hand and looked at it more closely. “If this thing is legit, why haven’t you given it to us before now?”
“I just received the frequency.”
“From whom?” Raylon demanded.
Raylon moved up behind Letos, but the technomage didn’t even bother to turn his head. His gaze focused on Ashley. “The frequency is legitimate, but I’m not allowed to reveal the source. Suffice it to say, the provider has a vested interest in this rescue.”
“Pyre,” Kotto snapped, clearly upset by the possibility.
Bandar eased Ashley off his lap and stood. All he wore was the skin-toned undergarments all Rodytes favored, so Raina quickly looked away. Even on a spaceship it was rude to ogle your best friend’s mate. “You expect us to trust anything that comes from that bitch?”
“Did she feel it too?” Kotto’s question didn’t make sense to Raina, but Letos seemed to understand.
“Pyre said she sent the burst across a familial strand. That’s why everyone received it.”
Familial strand? They had to be talking about Chandar. Kotto was her uncle and Pyre was her mother, but why did Ashley receive an SOS sent out to Chandar’s family?
“I don’t care if they are related,” Bandar persisted. “I don’t trust Pyre Sterling.”
“I have more reason to mistrust her than anyone, but the ugly truth is we have no choice.” Kotto faced Letos as he went on. “You said receiver. There is no way this thing will reveal our location?” He held up the mystery device.
“It will pick up Akim’s signal when and if he contacts Quinton. Unfortunately, that’s the best we can do.”
“No it’s not,” Raina dared. “If we know the frequency they use, we can send a message that seems to be from Quinton and requires an immediate response.”
Letos looked directly at her for the first time and Raina took an automatic step backward. The power he wielded and the knowledge he held shimmered in his gaze. She’d been wrong. There was nothing ordinary about this man. “Very good, little lab rat.” Somehow he made it sound like an endearment. “At least someone is still using their brain.”
“Sending a message is no problem,” Raylon predicted, “But the response will need to be intercepted at this point not just monitored. If Akim realizes Quinton didn’t send the message, he’ll know we’re on to him.”
“A surprise attack is definitely our best option,” Bandar added. “However, we’ll be able to track the ship as soon as they activate the frequency regardless of what happens after. First and foremost, we have to make that bastard activate the frequency.”
“Let’s get started,” Kotto suggested. “Gods know I’m not going back to sleep after this.”
“I’m with you,” Raylon said, most of the resentment gone from his voice. “But you might want to finish getting dressed.”
Apparently past conflicts were unimportant when faced with a common enemy.
Raina hesitated a moment longer. She reached over and took Ashley’s hand. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine. Whatever Irron gave me is making me nauseous. If I stop fighting it, I’m sure I’ll fall asleep.”
“Which is exactly what you need right now.” Bandar swept her up in his arms and gently placed her in their well-rumpled bed. At least they hadn’t been naked when this crisis began. Raina allowed her gaze to sweep the length of Bandar’s body before she guiltily looked away. Damn these Rodytes were well made.
“I’m going…somewhere else.” Bandar chuckled then waved as she hurried from the room.
Seven hours later Kotto paced the conference room as Sental and Fintor, the ship’s communications expert, argued about the best way to intercept the return message when and if Akim activated the private frequency. They had yet to send the message, because the techies were still fighting about how to accomplish the desired outcome.
“They have three more minutes and then I’m bashing their heads together,” Raylon grumbled as he joined Kotto on the far side of the room.
Raylon’s threat so closely mirrored Kotto’s thoughts that it allowed him to relax, or at least begin to relax. “Make a decision, gentlemen. Every moment you waste is a moment Chandar is in peril.”
Sental stood and ambled toward them, leaving a red-faced Fintor alone at the table. It didn’t matter how hectic the situation became or how frantic everyone around him was, Sental remained cool and composed. “We have two possible options. One is more efficient, but has a higher probability of being detected. The second is less elegant, but there’s no way that bastard will realize what we’ve done.”
“Sneaky yet ugly works for me,” Kotto told him. “A surprise attack is our only real option.”
Sental shot Fintor a triumphant smile. Not surprisingly, the more complicated route had been proposed by Sental. “It shouldn’t take long to set up. I’ll notify you when it’s ready.”
“Com me. I’m not sure where I’ll be.”
Raylon chuckled as Sental hustled into the adjoining command center. “I know where I’d be.”
“Exactly where I’d like to be, but we’re in the middle of a crisis.”
Raylon tilted his head and glared. At least he’d been doing less of that over the past few hours. “I’m well aware of our situation.”
“I wasn’t inferring you weren’t. I was explaining why I’m not with Raina. She’s a constant temptation.”
“Undoubtedly.”
Pep talks weren’t his strong suit, especially when the person who needed encouraging had recently punched him in the face. Still, Kotto felt like he needed to say something. “According to Irron, every battle born male is likely compatible with more than one female. This isn’t the end.”
Raylon’s eyebrows arched, nearly touching his hairline. “Do I look like I’ve given up? It’s been forty-nine years since I lost my mate. I can survive a little while longer.”
Kotto had no idea what to say to that so he was relieved when Bandar pinged him. This is Kotto. Go ahead.
Is the planning session finished?
More or less.
We have visitors.
Bandar had accessed a private link, so Kotto forwarded the exchange to Raylon rather than taking time to explain the situation. There hasn’t been an alarm, so I’m presuming they’re friendly.
Bandar chuckled. Their friendliness is debatable. Come down to the concourse and decide for yourself.
The ship was still docked inside Lunar 9, so whoever their visitors were knew about the outpost and possessed the skill needed to navigate the challenging entrance. More than a little curious, Kotto left the conference room with Raylon on his heels.
“Was another ship expected?” Raylon asked as they reached one of the utility ladders. They were often faster than competing with elevator traffic.
“No one’s on the schedule, but General Nox warned me that the situation was fluid.”
There were airlocks leading to the main concourse on decks three and four. Even though it was one level farther down, the exit on deck four was farther forward, which made it closer. Raylon followed Kotto through the narrow airlock then moved up beside him as they reached the spacious walkway.
Directly across from the Crusader another ship had docked. With sleek lines and a sweptwing design, the agile covert strike ship or CSS could only be the Phantom. But this ship wasn’t supposed to go into production for at least another year.
“I’ll be damned,” Raylon muttered. “How in all of hell’s rings did Garin pull this one off?”
The airlock attached to the side of the Phantom hissed and three men immerged, Bandar, his younger brother Zilor, and Kotto’s nephew Danvier. Kotto didn’t need to wonder why Chandar’s brother had left the safety of Garin’s ship, but Kotto was dying to know how they’d gotten here in a few short hours.
After Kotto clasped arms with Danvier, Raylon repeated his question. “How was this done? Last I heard the CSS line was months away from even trial runs.”
“Some secrets Garin can share and some he can’t,” Zilor told them with a characteristic grin. “Not only is the Phantom operational, she’s one of six ships bearing the same name. She’s been equipped with a covert shield generator that works even better than the Crusader’s, bio-streaming technology, as well as a jump drive far more powerful than anything we’ve ever used before. We left Rodyte space six hours ago.”
“Unbelievable,” Kotto murmured as he stared in awe at the ship. If pushed to her limits, the Crusader could make the trip in around twenty-five hours. Generally, the trek from Rodymia to Earth was considered a two-day journey.
“The new system can’t propel anything larger than a CSS,” Zilor cautioned.
“But who needs a clunky old fighter when you can arrive in style.” Danvier allowed himself a quick smile as he looked at the Phantom. “These ships are like nothing you’ve ever flown before. Every pilot in the fleet is going to trample each other just to sit in the cockpit.”
“Are all six operational?” Raylon wanted to know.
“Four are ready now,” Zilor told him. “The other two are days away.”
“And no one but us knows about this?” Kotto glanced at Danvier then turned back to Zilor.
“Us and your crew.” Zilor motioned to the people gathering on the concourse and standing at the large viewports inset in the hull of the ship.
Kotto clasped his hands behind his back, annoyed by the subtle accusation. “Every member of my crew is already a traitor to the crown. We only survive if we keep each other’s secrets.”
“You really got here in six hours?” Raylon sounded skeptical.
“It took approximately an hour to make preparations after I received Chandar’s cry for help.” Danvier had retreated behind the stoic mask all harbingers employed. “How long ago was that?”
Sental activated Kotto’s com-bots, so he moved slightly away from the others. This is Kotto, go ahead.
The trap is ready. Shall I insert the bait? The excitement in Sental’s voice was undeniable.
You have the message Raylon and I worked out?
Of course, sir.
Kotto shook his head. It had been a foolish question. Sental was the most proactive person on the ship. Then bait the trap.
Off it goes. I’ll contact you as soon as I hear any sort of response.
Copy that.
When he returned to the others Raylon asked, “Was that Sental?”
“Yes. He just sent the message.”
“What message?” Danvier moved closer to Kotto. “Does this have to do with Chandar?”
“It does.” Kotto quickly explained what had transpired since Chandar sent out her distress call. “The private frequency Letos gave us will lead us to the Relentless, but we cannot let Akim know we’ve found him. A fast clean rescue is our only hope.”
“That’s why we’re here,” Danvier assured. “Using the Phantom for the mission will protect the Crusader. Not only is the Phantom shielded, Akim has no idea she’s operational. If something happened to the Crusader, we would lose a serious advantage. Four hundred people depend on the Crusader for survival. With the Phantom, we’ll only be risking three.”
“And you’ll not be one of them.” Zilor crossed his brawny arms over his chest and rocked back onto his boot heels. “Garin has forbidden you from being directly involved.”
Danvier had to unclench his jaw before he could speak. “It’s a ridiculous dictate. I’m her brother.”
Zilor waved away his objection and went on as if the harbinger hadn’t spoken. “The final choice is up to us, but Garin suggested Raylon, Kotto and me.”
“Kotto is every bit as invested in Chandar’s rescue as am I,” Danvier objected.
“I’m not a harbinger,” Kotto returned. “Garin’s right, as usual. We can’t risk a harbinger to rescue a harbinger. It doesn’t make sense.”
“But why is Garin okay with Kotto participating when he took Keyran’s command for attempting the very same thing?” Bandar asked his brother.
“There were two females at risk before,” Zilor pointed out. “Keyran was forced to split his attention and it led to the mission’s failure. Kotto will be utterly focused on the one and only goal.”
“Besides, Keyran disobeyed a direct order,” Raylon reminded. “There will always be consequences for that.” When no one argued, Raylon went on, “Three-man team. Who would stay with the ship?”
“Me.” Zilor didn’t look pleased with the decision, but he obviously agreed. “I know the Phantom better than anyone.”
“Except for me,” Danvier muttered.
Raylon looked at Kotto. “Are you good with this? Are we finished with the hostilities?”
“I am if you are.”
Raylon shrugged, but the tension in his shoulders made his indifference hard to believe. “I know where she spent last night, so it’s water under the bridge for me.”
“This sounds interesting.” Zilor moved up next to Kotto and casually draped his arm across Kotto’s shoulders. “Fighting over a female, I presume? Can I meet her?”
“They’ve already started to bond, so you’re too late, puppy.” Only Raylon or another Nox could get away with the nickname, but it always made Kotto smile. Zilor might be the youngest, but he was also taller than his brothers and more powerfully built.
“If you’re already linked,” Zilor persisted, “then there is no reason to keep me away. Besides, I want to see the outpost.” He swept his free arm toward the other end of the concourse and the massive buildings beyond. “Show us around.”
Seeing no help for it, Kotto reluctantly started for the outpost entrance.
Zilor lowered his arm as he looked behind him. “You’re coming too,” he told Danvier. “There is nothing we can do until we locate the Relentless. Now get your ass over here.”
With a frustrated sigh, Danvier obeyed.
“Is it all right if we take a look?” Raylon called out.
Zilor paused and made a quick adjustment to the subdermal control band on the inside of his forearm. “That should get you in. If it doesn’t, I’ll take you aboard when we return.” He looked back as they reached the outpost entrance and Raylon and Bandar were nowhere in sight. “Looks like it worked.”
“Good. Then you can let me on board when we get back.” Zilor nodded, so Kotto motioned for his guests to precede him. “Welcome to Lunar 9.”
Feeling a bit excluded, but refusing to be useless, Raina quickly dressed and went to work. She’d check on Ashley later to make sure a few hours of sleep was all she needed. Raina was pretty sure Kotto had received the same message as Ashley, yet he’d hardly reacted at all. Or he had meticulously internalized the pain so no one else would know he was in distress. Unfortunately, the second option seemed more likely.
Their emotional link was still active. She could feel it spanning the distance between them, but that was all she could sense. He was shielding his mind and emotions from her, which was further indication that Chandar’s message had upset him a whole lot more than he’d revealed outwardly.
Well, there was nothing she could do about it until he returned to her and that was likely to be hours from now. Bandar had released the workers back to their usual duties, so Raina had the jungle to herself. It was actually sort of peaceful. The inventory was complete and she had compiled a list of the things she’d need to make the jungle functional again.
The schematic diagrams and detailed documentation had helped Raina unravel the design. Despite some unfamiliar components, the jungle was a combination wick/drip system with a recovery mechanism that allowed the excess nutrient solution to be recycled. Though much more expansive than any of her projects, the concepts were basically the same.
Toward the end of the day yesterday, she’d noticed an unmarked lever on the corner of each plant tray. She tried moving several, but they all seemed jammed or perhaps rusted shut. Curious about what the lever controlled, she knelt at the corner of one of the trays, hoping to discover its secret. This tray appeared newer than the others, as if it had been replaced. She pushed on the lever, but it wouldn’t budge, so she pulled on it instead. The lever gave just a little and the entire tray rocked. How strange. She tried again and something below the tray gave off a deep, metallic groan.
“They definitely do something.” Energized by the partial progress, she went to the storeroom and found a can of spray lubricant. She wasn’t sure it would help, but it couldn’t hurt. After lubricating the mechanism as best she could, she crossed her fingers then tried again.
The horrible groaning/scraping grew so loud she almost let go of the lever. But then the plant tray rose from its base, dragging three additional plant trays with it. “Holy crap.” She stared up at the stacked plant trays and shook her head in wonder. Lighting fixtures were inset in the bottom of each tray along with several drain tubes to accommodate runoff of the nutrient solution. “Why didn’t I think of this?”
If each of the plant trays was actually four, she needed to rethink her inventory. She tried three more levers before she found another tray that was willing to expand, but then she found six more that were still functional. If she could eventually open all the trays, she had just quadrupled the capacity of the jungle.
She made some notes on her datapad then sat in her office and poured over the documentation. There was no mention of the multilevel plant trays. Was the practice so common it wasn’t worth noting or did the documentation predate a multi-level modification?
Scrolling through article after article, she found numerous references to “the reservoirs in the grotto”. The entire room was sort of cavernous, but she had yet to find reservoirs large enough to service the entire operation. Which led her to believe she had yet to find the grotto.
Well, she had time to kill and not much to do until her supplies arrived, and they had yet to be ordered, or scavenged, or stolen. She wasn’t sure how the rebels would deliver the goods without setting off alarms, but Kotto assured her that she would have everything she needed. So she started at the front door and worked her way around to the right, opening every door and examining every room that was adjacent to the jungle.
It took the better part of four hours, but her tenacity finally paid off. She opened an unmarked door in the back of one of the storerooms and found a staircase that led to the lower level. She spent the next two hours exploring the new territory, but she’d forgotten to grab her datapad before she started her search, so she returned to the upper level to retrieve it.
She was headed back downstairs when the main door to the jungle opened and Kotto ushered two strangers inside. Using Kotto’s descriptions as reference, she concluded that the man on his right was a harbinger. Was this Chandar’s brother? It made sense that Danvier would come running, but how had he gotten here so quickly. Harbingers couldn’t teleport, could they?
After wiping her hands on her jeans, she reworked her ponytail and prayed she didn’t smell too much like sweat. Perspiration was basically unavoidable in this warm, humid environment.
“This is Danvier Evon, my nephew.” Kotto confirmed her supposition.
With his long silver hair pulled back into a thick braid and sculpted features, Danvier looked like a resident of Rivendell or one of the other elven cities in Middle Earth. All he lacked was pointed ears. He was tall and lean, not nearly as muscular as the battle born soldiers. Danvier looked at her for the first time and she felt deeply uncomfortable. He hadn’t done or said anything threatening. It was just the intensity of his penetrating stare. His eyes were sky blue and the rings glistened like polished silver. Without speaking or acknowledging her in any way, he simply walked off down one of the aisles. How rude.
“He’s not much of a conversationalist on a good day and this day is far from good.”
The comment drew Raina’s gaze toward the other guest. She felt her eyes round, but managed to keep her jaw from dropping. Holy Mother Mary. Who is this?
“‘This’ is Zilor Nox. Bandar’s younger brother.” Kotto’s gruff tone warned that he’d heard her mental outburst.
And she’d thought Bandar was handsome. Zilor was half a head taller than the other men and she’d never seen shoulders that broad. She swallowed past the sudden dryness in her throat and gave herself a firm mental shake. She would not make a fool of herself just because Zilor Nox was easily the best-looking male she’d ever seen in her life.
Zilor stepped forward and shook her hand.
Much to her mortification she blushed to the roots of her hair. “Raina Solano.” Her voice sounded mousy. She was all but soul bonded to Kotto. What was wrong with her?
“It’s nice to meet you.” Zilor bowed as he let go of her hand and hurried after Danvier.
“Don’t worry about it, sweetheart.” Kotto reached down and pinched her ass. “Zilor has that effect on everyone. And he’s right. Danvier’s not himself right now. We’re all worried about Chandar, but he’s torturing himself with guilt.”
“None of this is his fault.”
“I know, and so does he, but knowing and accepting are two different things.”
Zilor and Danvier meandered around for a few minutes then made their way toward the door. “We’re going to head back. Danvier needs to meditate.”
Kotto nodded. “If you need anything, com.”
“All I need is for Akim to activate that frequency.” Danvier took off without making eye contact with anyone.
“Nice to meet you,” Zilor said then hurried after the harbinger.
A millisecond after the door closed, Kotto pressed in close behind her and lightly cupped her breasts. “I’ve come to ravish you.” He spoke the words against the side of her neck as his warm breath caressed her skin.
“And if I’m not in the mood to be ravished?” She arched her neck, offering him more skin to nibble.
“Then I’m not doing it right.”
“Good answer.” She turned to face him then looped her arms around his neck. “Can I show you something first or are you desperate for me?”
“I’m always desperate for you.” He demonstrated his desperation with a lingering kiss. She started to melt into his embrace then he nipped her lower lip. “You better show me now. Once I get you naked, I intend to keep you that way until tomorrow morning.”
“But we haven’t even had dinner yet.”
“We can eat naked.” He flashed a wolfish grin.
She brushed off her knees and tucked a strand of damp hair behind her ear. No doubt she was a mess, but he didn’t seem to care. He insisted that physical appearance wasn’t important to him, and she was starting to believe him. She had no doubt that he found her attractive. And he was the only one that mattered.
“The documents kept referring to the ‘reservoirs in the grotto’. According to the original plans, that’s the best place to alter pH levels or adjust various nutrients to produce the desired result. The problem was no one I talked to knew anything about holding tanks or where I could find the grotto. So this afternoon, while everyone was gone, I opened every door and entered every room that branches off from this one.”
“And you found the grotto?”
She grinned and pushed her excitement across their link. She needed him to understand how important this was to her. “I found the grotto.” She took his hand and led him into the dingy store room. All of the shelves were empty and it looked as if one of the workers had started scrubbing decades’ worth of grime off one set of shelves then either ran out of time or gave up.
Beyond the last set of shelves, in the back corner of the room, was a nondescript door. It wasn’t labeled, but a security scanner activated as soon as she stood directly in front of the barrier. A beam swept her face and then the door clicked as the locking mechanism disengaged. She opened the door and motioned him inside.
He stepped through the threshold and onto a small metal landing. They seemed suspended in midair. A closer look revealed a nesting staircase directly below them that led from the landing to the floor. It was cooler here, but equally humid. He grasped the railing and started down. She quietly followed. The stairs turned back on themselves three times before they reached the bottom.
Raina was close behind, a smile still curving her lips. She took his hand again and led him around a corner on their right and into the “grotto”. Long narrow pools stretched out before them like ribbons of light. The liquid shone with greenish-gold luminescence, but there was no detectable light source.
“Where is the light coming from?” He bent and turned his head, peering down into the liquid.
“I haven’t figured it out yet and I’m not sure if it has a purpose other than keeping people like me from ending up in the reservoirs.”
Shadows and shimmers reflected all around them, dancing on the rough-hewn walls and ceiling. “It’s beautiful,” he whispered.
“And this isn’t even the best part.” She motioned him onward as she led him to the far side of the room. They walked along one of the long narrow tanks, the walkway forcing them to continue single file.
“These pools contain the liquid used to fertilize and sustain the plants in the room above?” Perishable food of any kind was impractical on a spaceship. Replicated meals were palatable and nutritious, but they would never replace the real thing.
She nodded. “I’ve never worked with this solution before, but if the documents are accurate, it’s much more efficient than anything we have on Earth.”
“In what way?”
“I wasn’t sure how hydroponics would work in an environment with limited water, but apparently this solution has a ninety-three percent recycle rate.” His confusion must have shown because she smiled then elaborated, “This liquid provides the plants with the nutrients they need to thrive while very little of the actual liquid is absorbed by the plants. Anything the plants don’t use drips back into the reservoir and is recycled over and over. All we’ll need to do is add highly concentrated nutrients from time to time and keep an eye on the pH levels.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying the project. I was hoping you’d find it interesting.”
She glanced back at him, her expression suddenly cautious. “There are many regions on Earth that would benefit greatly from this technology. People are literally starving because they can’t grow their own food. Will I ever be able to share this with my people?”
They’d reached the end of the pool and he moved up beside her again. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer. “We have to take this one step at a time. There’s much we can offer humans if they’re willing to cooperate with us, but trust must be established before my superiors are going to share any of our secrets.”
“The Rodyte government hasn’t done right by the battle born. I understand why you’re hesitant.”
“But.” It was obvious she had more to say.
“But it’s not government officials who are starving.”
He curled his fingers around her neck and tilted her face up with his thumb. “I’ll do everything in my power to influence the negotiations but there is only so much I can control.”
“I know. And I know you’ll do your best. I just hate to see these things left in the hands of bureaucrats. Earth’s governments haven’t done much better than the crown stirate and his council. Politicians all claim to protect the common man, but their actions seldom support that assertion. Anyway.” She motioned to the alcove on his right. “This is why I brought you down here.”
The area was dimly lit compared to the outer chamber or the sun-simulating lights in the jungle. It was also larger than she’d first thought. Stepping into the area made her feel as if she were passing into another dimension. Thick grass cushioned their feet and verdant greenery surrounded them. Leafy trees and flowering bushes were intermixed with fanlike ferns and ambitious vines. The air seemed fresher and the light fragrance of flowers and water, floated on the breeze.
A rhythmic burble drew them deeper into the surreal cavern until they stood at the edge of a pool. Water, or some sort of clear liquid, ran down the back wall in a continual stream. The pool wasn’t large, but it was so clear they could see the rocky bottom.
“How?” His expression reflected the same wonder and awe she’d felt when she first discovered the cavern.
“Good question.” She smiled at him. “Any chance your people have been messing around with terraforming? This is more like a biosphere, but there’s no way this cave is natural.”
He just shook his head, clearly at a loss for explanations. “Is this really water?”
She nodded. “I tested it myself. It would have to be boiled before anyone could drink it, but it’s definitely water. The only thing I can figure is that it’s being fed by condensation. But that’s not generally sustainable, so why is it still here after forty years?”
He turned in a slow circle, taking in the lush beauty of their surroundings. “I can’t begin to explain this. To my knowledge, no one in my star system can accomplish anything like this. Some Bilarrians can command the elements, but they are harnessing energy that already exists. This… I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Willing to let the mystery rest, for now, she moved to his side and he draped his arm around her shoulders. “So were you able to send the message to Akim?”
“It was more complicated than we first thought, but the message was sent about half an hour ago. Now it’s the waiting game. If Akim doesn’t respond, we’ll know he spotted the trap. If he responds too quickly, he has likely set a trap for us.”
Stepping in front of him, she slid her hands up his chest. Their gazes locked and the warmth and affection so clear in his expression tightened her chest. So why was he still shielding his thoughts?
“I know you’ve kept yourself busy since the vision, but are you all right? You saw the same thing Ashley saw and you know Chandar a whole lot better.”
His shields weakened just enough to let her feel his calm. “I’m not hiding from you, love. I was just trying to stay focused. That’s all. Rodytes are used to mind-to-mind communication. I was able to shield myself in a way Ashley couldn’t. I’m more determined than ever to rescue Chandar, but I was insulated from her pain.”
“I’m glad.” She rolled onto her toes and brushed her lips against his. He started to deepen the kiss, but she pulled back. “One more thing before I forget.”
He chuckled as his hands stroked her back. “Make it quick. I’m losing interest in conversation.”
“Me too.” She unclasped the first fastener on his uniform top as she asked, “Why did Ashley receive the vision in the first place? How is she related to Chandar?”
“Raise your arms.” She did and he pulled her shirt off over her head. His gaze immediately focused on her breasts. She hadn’t bothered with a bra and her nipples tingled beneath his heated stare. He surrounded one gentle mound with his fingers then bent to sample the tip.
“Ashley,” Raina prompted as desire rushed through her body. “Why did she get Chandar’s family message?”
Without raising his head, he muttered, “The DNA Ashley’s father used to modify her genetics belonged to Pyre.”
Her fingers tangled in his hair and lightly pulled until he looked at her. “How did Daniel Kane get Pyre’s DNA?”
“From Pyre.” He was starting to sound impatient, but it still didn’t make sense. And Raina hated unanswered questions. “We think they were lovers.”
“Damn that woman gets around.”
He grinned as his thumb stroked over her nipple. “You have no idea. She’s an ambitious bitch who has no problem using her body to get what she wants.”
“If she’s so powerful, why didn’t she protect Chandar in the first place? Even now, why isn’t she here beside Danvier, using every ability she possesses to get her daughter back?”
He sighed. “Thoughts of Pyre Sterling usually make me want to smash things, not make love to my mate. But I understand your curiosity and I don’t want you distracted by anything while we join. For a long time I’ve suspected that Pyre exaggerates her abilities. Like the Dread Pirate Roberts, her power is largely hype.”
“You looked it up?” She smiled, pleased by his initiative.
“I had seven long days to fill while we were cruelly kept apart.” He wrapped his arm around her hips and slid her up his body until their faces were on a level and her breasts pressed against his chest. “The motion picture is charming, but I preferred the text. And the comparison between Pyre and the pirate is accurate.”
“Was Pyre born or transformed?”
“Transformed. She tried to take control of the Harbinger Guild three times and was voted down twice. The third time, the votes came in her way, but there was rumors of tampering.”
“But harbingers are psychic. Wouldn’t they know when they were being cheated?”
He pushed her body higher and latched on to one of her nipples. She braced her hands against his thick shoulders and arched her back. “Keep talking and I’ll find something better for you to do with your mouth.” He moved to the other side and sucked hard enough to make her gasp.
“You make it sound like a bad thing.” She paused for another gasp before adding, “I happen to like driving you crazy with my mouth.”
He pulled away and looked into her eyes. “Is that an offer?”
Her teeth pressed into her bottom lip and mischief made her eyes gleam. “All you have to do is ask.”