Chapter 21

MARTIN’S STRIKER DT MARK II

SIX HOURS FROM RENDEZVOUSING WITH ARC ROYAL

Though it was one of the new STRIKER DT Mark IIs, the inside of the ship was still packed pretty tightly with the addition of half the Kavalian crew. Yuriko returning to OMEN THREE with her people and half the Kavalians had freed up some space and now everyone was able to stretch out on what benches and seats there were. Many even chose to sit on the floor and catch the sleep they had not had in several days since their escape from the Kavalian fleet. Now both ships were moving under Shroud after making two short LSD jumps to move quickly out of the area. Kalis was amazed at how easily he was accepted by those in his Uncle’s team, their banter with him alluding to the fact that they respected what he had done. They were all sitting around the opening into the Dragon pen where Torma and Aurith sat side by side. Serale rested comfortably between Kalis’s legs as if it was the most natural thing in the world and she absently stroked his forearm as they listened to them trading jabs back and forth now that the rush of the combat high had worn off.

“ ... Make sure I tell Anuk and Nayeca all about how we found their big, bad Spartan mate stuffed in the cargo hold of the STRIKER because he felt left out.” Julie was speaking with a large smile as she held a canteen of water.

“I didn’t feel left out!” Dan protested. “You guys needed me!”

“Correct me if I am wrong Simpson...” Kenny spoke with his customary smile. “The Skipper did order you to remain behind.”

“You should have seen the look on your face when Master Chief opened the cargo hatch door!” Pablo said with a wide grin. “You looked like we had caught you stroking...” He stopped his comment before finishing and let his eyes dart to Serale as he turned red under his tan. “Ah ... never mind.”

Serale burst out laughing and the others quickly followed at the look on Pablo’s face and then on Danny’s face. Martin shook his head in mock disgust. “Bunch of reckless, over eager kids is what you all are.” He stated. “No wonder I spend half my time babysitting you.”

“So ... does that mean you are gonna ground him Skipper?” Kenny asked with that mile-wide grin.

Martin nodded. “Damn right I am.” Martin exclaimed loudly. “He disobeyed my orders to remain behind. We can’t have that kind of action without consequences.”

“Hey! I saved your ass out there!” Danny protested once more ... but did so much more weakly than before.

“We were handling it just fine Simpson you ass!” Julie spat. “All you did is provide a bigger target for the bad guys and make it easier for us.”

“See!” Danny barked. “I told you I helped!”

“General Simpson...” Martin spoke. “I sentence you to three solid days making sure that your mates know how much you have missed them. You were supposed to meet them on the ARC ROYAL and now they’ll be pissed at me because you weren’t there.”

Danny chuckled and shook his head before looking at Martin. “Hell ... you get blamed for everything anyway fervon. How is that any different than now?”

“I don’t need you adding to my own screw ups and then leaving me to explain it.” Martin said with a smile. “Three days. No work. And if I discover you don’t comply with that ... then I will turn your discipline over to Anuk and Nayeca.”

Danny looked at him with a twinkle in his dark brown eyes. “That sounds promising.” He said.

Julie shook her head. “Please ... we’ve seen you buck ass naked Danny.” Julie spat. “You aren’t all that.” This comment caused all of them to burst out laughing heartily, even T’lolt could not contain the laughter this statement caused and he too joined in the after action cool down period that always occurred between warriors.

Martin shook his head slowly reveling in the feelings of having them around and then he looked at Kalis and Serale. Their faces were bright and happy with a new-found future together that both of them were eagerly waiting to begin. Martin leaned over towards them and saw their eyes shift to him.

“Serale ... I’m going to borrow Kalis for a little while if you don’t mind.” Martin said. “There are some things we need to talk about.”

Kalis leaned close to her and nuzzled her cheek, his hand coming up to stroke her chin as he kissed her. “I will be back shortly.” He said.

Serale nodded her head, the smile never leaving her face as she watched Kalis get to his feet. She was still in somewhat of a state of shock considering she had never once thought she would ever meet the King of the Lycavorian Union. Nor did she expect the many statements about the Royal family being no different than normal families to hold any weight. Yet here she was, the King of the Lycavorian Union not a few feet away and acting as no King she had ever seen or read about in history. And doing so with a group of men and women who treated him no different than they treated each other. Serale’s green eyes glowed in happiness as she looked up at Kalis for this was going to be her life going into the future and that made her giddy. Kalis squeezed her hand gently and then turned to look at his uncle as Martin turned and headed for the cockpit. Kalis followed without hesitation and watched as his uncle motioned to where Mata sat alone along the bulkhead. The Kavalian quickly got to his feet and moved to follow them. Serale glanced quickly to where her mother sat on one of the couches in the STRIKER. Her legs were drawn up under her and she was tucked very intimately against Nedoli’s side, her head on his chest and her eyes closed as she slept peacefully for probably the first time in weeks. And Serale knew her mother’s peace now was because of Nedoli. That much Serale knew without question. Knowing that her mother, as well as herself, had found love out of the horror they had endured showed Serale that hope was never dead. It just came in many different forms, some of which you could not understand right away.

Martin took the four stairs into the cockpit in one step and before Kalis thought about it he had followed and moved into the spacious cockpit. He came to an abrupt halt when he saw For’mya standing and leaning against the human woman’s chair and holding a large mug of coffee in her hands. Kalis suddenly found himself wanting to be anywhere but here. He was sure his uncle didn’t think of how he would react, but given how he had changed in the recent weeks, Kalis could feel nothing but shame for how his father had abused this woman and forced himself upon her. She had every right to hate him for his part in her imprisonment and his subsequent actions on Hadaria and Kalis did not know what to expect. He watched as his uncle moved right up to her and even with the coffee in her hands, she was able to fold her lithe form against his as they shared a warm and emotion filled kiss. Her dark brown eyes cut to him when they parted and she handed the mug to Martin as she turned to face him. Kalis lowered his eyes, unable to face her, but he would not back down from her fury for his part in what was done to her.

For’mya stepped up to Kalis as Martin took a sip of the coffee and saw that he would not meet her gaze. She could sense the embarrassment and ignominy filling him and radiating from his pores. His wolf aura trembled with regret and a small amount of fear, but she could also detect the overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment within him. It was part of her ‘gift’ to be able to sense strong emotions and For’mya could feel them easily from Kalis. She could sense the unequivocal love for the young Hadarian female and how she was now the center of his life. Given what For’mya now knew, what Martin had allowed her to see within his many memories, and knowing firsthand what a monster Pusintin was, For’mya could not bring herself to feel anger or hate towards Kalis for what had happened. No matter what, he had been used by his father in a vile way, just as she had been, and he had experienced it for far longer than she had. For’mya reached out and placed her hand on his cheek and let his aura swirl around her, focused and pure now, just like one of their sons. By instinct For’mya allowed her own wolf aura to cascade out, the same motherly sensations and emotions that filled her aura whenever she was around her children.

“Look at me Kalis.” She spoke softly.

Kalis shook his head slowly. “I am ... I am too ashamed.” He spoke in a soft, trembling but completely honest voice. “After what I...”

For’mya reached up with her other hand and pulled his face up. Like her own sons with Martin, he was taller than her, but his eyes told her just how much awe he held her in. It was the same look they gave to her and not one she was altogether comfortable with.

“You bear no shame or responsibility for the actions of your father Kalis.” For’mya told him. “None whatsoever.”

“I ... I allowed him to do the things he did!” Kalis began to complain. “I allowed him to dishonor you and...”

“Kalis...” For’mya said softly with a warm smile. “I held no malice for you then and I certainly hold none for you now. Not after knowing what you have endured your entire life and then what you have accomplished in these last weeks. You allowed him to do nothing because if you had tried to stop it you would be dead. I do not blame you in any way.”

“You should.” He told her.

For’mya shook her head. “If there is anything I have learned after all these years of being a Leonidas, it is that we do not hold hate within us for mistakes or actions that were never in our control to begin with.” She told him. “Your father and your father alone bear the responsibility for what he did.” For’mya dropped her hands to his and took them in her grasp. “You have ... you have evolved far more than I ever had hope for you.” She told him honestly. “That you have cast aside the man you were and embraced the blood within you says all I need to know. All your brother and sister will need to know.”

Kalis met her gaze now and in his eyes For’mya saw concern but also want. “Will ... will they hate me?” He asked softly.

For’mya smiled again and shook her head. “No Kalis.” She said without hesitation. “They will be very curious no doubt, you are their brother after all, but they will not hate you. When they discover what you have endured and tolerated for most of your life and then seeing how you were able to break those chains ... I think you will find them to be very happy to know that you will be there for them.”

Kalis glanced at the deck quickly and exhaled. “I can only hope my mother; Karun and Nikkei feel the same way one day.”

For’mya squeezed his hands tightly. “I think you might be very surprised.” She told him. “But now ... now I want you to let go of whatever guilt you think you need to bear. You have walked through the door into a new life and that is what you should be concentrating on.”

Kalis took a deep breath and squeezed her hands tightly. “I will. You ... you are my Tenna For’mya.” He said proudly. “I will never disrespect any of my Aunts. I would be a poor excuse for a Lycavorian and a Leonidas if I did.”

For’mya smiled at him and held open her arms which Kalis stepped into without question. For’mya embraced him and as she felt his aura swirling with new emotions and pride she found once more that she could hold no hatred for him. As she had told him, he had been used by his father just as she had. They were both victims of the same depraved man and quite surprisingly she felt a genuine connection to him because of this. Without knowing why, For’mya knew that Fedor and Eirene would feel the same way and embrace him far more easily. She hugged him tightly as his wolf aura burned and told her everything she needed to know and she allowed her own aura to speak for her. It was filled with love and support and great confidence in who he had become. She could almost feel the tension leaving his body and his spirit brighten. For’mya stepped back after a moment and planted a kiss on his cheek much like any she had given her children through the years.

“Welcome to your family Kalis Leonidas.” She stated with a smile. “It is so very good to have you among us.”

Kalis nodded his head. “I will carry my name proudly.” He said.

For’mya nodded. “As you should.” She stated. She turned back to Martin. “Now ... why is it that you have brought him up here Martin? Aside from the obvious.”

“The obvious?” Martin asked with a grin. “When have I ever done the obvious?”

For’mya was about to answer but Kalis looked at his uncle and reached towards his belt. He withdrew the small disc and stepped up to him. “This is why.” He said holding out the disc to Martin.

Martin reached up slowly and took the disc in his fingers. “This is not something that I asked for you to do Kalis.” He said. “In fact ... I distinctly remember saying don’t do anything that puts you in danger.”

“No Uncle ... you already told me that.” Kalis said. “It is something I felt I needed to do however. And you did not say I should not do anything either. In fact, I remember you said if I felt the need to stick it to my father without endangering myself or Serale then feel free to do so.”

Martin shook his head. “Jeez! Why is it that no one can do what I tell them anymore?” He rasped in frustration.

For’mya looked at Martin. “Wait ... you’ve been communicating with him?” She asked. “You did not tell us this Martin Leonidas.”

Martin shrugged his shoulders. “Short bursts on the P1.” He replied. “Nothing important and only after I knew for sure what his intentions were.”

For’mya reached out and took the disc from his fingers, her dark brown eyes scanning it carefully, and then growing a little wider. “This is ... Kalis this is a D7 encrypted Kavalian Central Core Communication Disc.” She said. She looked back at him. “This is the central processing core of all communication devices on a Kavalian ship.”

Kalis nodded his head in the affirmative. “My father’s ship to be more precise Tenna For’mya.” He told her with a certain perverse happiness in his voice. For’mya looked at him and saw the look of satisfaction on his face as well as the pride. She didn’t know that saying that one word meant everything to Kalis. Knowing that he could speak that word with respect and honor made him swell with confidence.

Kalis glanced quickly back to where Mata stood in the doorway of the cockpit and saw his Kavalian mentor nod his head in approval. “Well done Kalis.” Mata told him. “Well done indeed.”

Kalis turned back to For’mya. “Every communication my father has had in the last ten years from his ship, encrypted or otherwise, is on that disc. The activation codes for the Long-Range COM array as well. Which they will not be able to use now by the way.” He looked at Martin. “I did as you asked Uncle Martin. I sabotaged the main circuitry board in the way you suggested, as well as all the backups. They will not be able to utilize the long-range array without docking at a Kavalian ship yard and having the entire network replaced.”

For’mya looked at Martin with questions in her eyes. “I thought you said you told him to remain safe!” She hissed.

“I did.” Martin protested.

“By having him sabotage their main Com array?” For’mya demanded.

Martin grinned sheepishly as Kalis watched in amusement. This was something he did not expect to see and he was discovering what many others already knew. His uncle’s wives and mates went out of their way to keep tabs on him.

“It was Avi’s idea actually.” Martin said finally. “I only suggested if he was thinking of doing something that this would be it. Switch three of the four power crystals and when they activate the Long-Range COM array the reverse polarity of the crystals will short the entire COM grid. Fry it beyond repair.”

For’mya shook her head. “Martin Leonidas ... your other wives and mates and I will be having a talk about this with you. You put Kalis and all he has been able to accomplish at risk!” She scolded him.

“I did not!” Martin protested. “I put it forth as a suggestion. That’s all.”

“That does not excuse it! You knew he would do as you ‘suggested’” For’mya hissed.

“I was glad to Tenna. Really.” Kalis spoke up.

“That does not excuse it.” For’mya answered him. She looked back to Martin. “I don’t understand why though. Why have him do this?”

Martin reached up and took the disc from between her fingers. “I’ll show you why.” He stated as he turned and held the disc out to Tina. “Tina ... plug this in and initiate a short-range COM signal to my brother’s ship.”

Tina met his eyes with a stunned expression. “You’re serious Skipper?” She asked. “Why in the holy billy hell would you want to talk to that scum bag?”

Martin smiled. “Trust me.” He said.

Tina shook her head as she turned and slipped the disc into a slot on her secondary COM console. “Ok.”

“This ought to be real entertaining.” They heard Endith speak from the pilot’s seat.

Martin looked at Kalis. “You are sure you want to do this?” He asked.

Kalis moved closer to him with a nod. “Now more than ever Uncle.” He answered with no small amount of confidence.

Martin nodded. “Ok...” He said. “Tina?” He asked turning to look at her back.

“Syncing up the transmission variables now.” She spoke. She reached up and touched a panel near her head. “Initiating the COM pulse. This will fucking wake them up something good.”

Endith laughed softly from her chair. “I think the best show is yet to come lover.” She stated.

Tina chuckled. “Ain’t that the truth.”

ARC ROYAL

ENROUTE TO PRALOR DESIGNATED WORLD

MANNE

“ ... will you tell father?” Mari asked her sister as they sat in the largest of the Mess Lounges on the ARC ROYAL and enjoyed a hearty breakfast meal. Kesyla sipped her mug of coffee slowly, savoring the flavor. She had discovered this liquid since coming to the ship and had become addicted to it almost immediately. The rich, dark flavor was decadent and it had succeeded in calming her nerves on many occasions since coming onto the ship. It was her first time away from her father on an extended diplomatic trip, and unlike her sister Mari, Kesyla was somewhat homesick. This was very different from the times they had traveled to the other Pralor worlds. Kesyla was thoroughly enjoying her time among the Lycavorians and elves on the ship, as well as the assortment of other species, but she still missed her home. The coffee, surprisingly, helped Kesyla to remain calm and stay focused on her duties. Mari on the other hand, she relished in the excitement and the unknown of being out here among the stars with people they barely knew. She had always been far more open and adventurous than either her or Doran.

Kesyla met her eyes. “What do you mean?” She asked.

Mari rolled her eyes. “It is me sister.” She said. “I know you have communicated with father on a secure channel outside of their ability to monitor. At least that you know of. What have you told him?”

Kesyla looked around quickly and then back to her. “Mari ... keep your voice down!” She protested.

“Why?” Mari asked her with a grin. “You think they don’t know?” She said with a shake of her head. “You do not give them enough credit sister.”

“You are wrong.” Kesyla said. “I give them every credit due to them.” She spoke. “I am not Doran Mari, you know that. I have only used the communicator father gave to me twice since coming here. I am not reporting to father anything that Martin Leonidas has not already talked to him about. Each time I used it, father had already talked to Martin.”

Mari tilted her head slightly. “You are serious?” She asked.

Kesyla nodded her head. “It appears father has talked to Martin Leonidas more than I have talked to father. They are communicating on a very regular basis. To be honest, since Onterom, I think father has had his eyes opened.”

“Then why...” Mari began.

Kesyla shook her head. “Because father does not want Doran having access to the COM device. He is afraid he will use it to inform Lorendo of what we are doing. He does not trust our brother Mari ... and nor do I.”

Mari’s eyes were wide. “You think he is working to help usurp father?” She gasped.

Kesyla shook her head. “No ... I think he is working to help Lorendo however he can and to further his own aspirations, whatever they may be.” Kesyla told her honestly. “I think, if he knew about the COM unit and was able, he would report anything that could be construed as supporting Lorendo’s assertions about these people.”

“He has not tried to...” Mari began.

Kesyla shook her head again. “I don’t think so.” She answered. “He has remained quiet since that day in the conference room. But that will change. He has already begun roaming the ship looking for information he can use against them and for new women to bed.”

“That would not be the wisest of actions on his part sister.” Mari said. “His propensity to think that others are beneath him will only get him in trouble. As well as his inflated ego when it comes to women.”

Kesyla nodded. “I agree.” She said. “I know ... I know he has attempted it with one or two of the female elves he has seen on the ship but I do not know the outcome. And they were not attached. That I am sure of.”

“If he attempts to bed a married Lycavorian female, the result will not be good sister. For any of us.” Mari said quickly. “If the woman does not kill him outright, then the husband most assuredly will.”

“I am watching him.” Kesyla said. “You know he likes to use his abilities to manipulate the Etheric realm to make himself appear more attractive to his conquests. Especially the ones who are married. I don’t know how it will work with Lycavorian females.”

“Kesyla it won’t!” Mari hissed softly. “They ... they mark each other when they mate. They have ... they have auras that they utilize to show affection and love. Nearly imperceptible pheromones that are used between each other. Once they mate they are bound to each other very happily. If he infringes on that ... they will not hesitate to strike him down.”

“I know Mari!” Kesyla spoke with some force. “Give me some credit sister.”

Mari stared at her for a moment. “Forgive me Kesyla.” She said softly and with some embarrassment.

Kesyla smiled at her and reached across to place her fingers on Mari’s knuckles. “There is nothing to forgive sister.” She stated. “In your position, I would have thought the same things and acted the same way.” She told her. “Being among these people though ... seeing how they treat one another, how they interact with each other, it is enlightening to say the least. I was frightened at first ... but not anymore.”

“They are fascinating, aren’t they?” Mari said. “Uncle Murano was right.”

Kesyla nodded her head. “I have never been as close to Uncle Murano as you ... but I think I would like to change that.” She stated. “He is the only one they have fully accepted you know. They still view us as something of an oddity I think. They do not know what to make of us ... but Uncle Murano ... he is fully accepted among them.”

“He is a Praetorian ... just like Martin Leonidas and his sons.” Mari said. “And he has fought beside them without question. To Lycavorians ... to their Spartan heritage ... that is the highest honor and duty one can exercise. The moment he did that our Uncle became one of them.”

Kesyla looked at her oddly. “How did you find that out Mari?” She asked quickly. “I have questioned four different people as to why they view Uncle differently and none of them gave me a straight answer.”

Mari shrugged her shoulders. “I went directly to the source.” She answered her. “I asked Wayonn and the woman they call Helen. She is Wayonn’s granddaughter you know. Two or three generations down the line, but she is of Wayonn’s blood. And she is the Praetorian Mage for Martin Leonidas. Just as Wayonn was for Sumar. And Wayonn’s great grandson Dutkne is now the Praetorian Mage to the son Androcles. It seems their bloodlines are tied to each other somehow. Just as it was for our people in the early times of the Praetorians sister.”

“So it would seem.” Kesyla said thoughtfully as she sipped her coffee. “You noticed the new arrivals that boarded yesterday?”

Mari nodded. “Most of them are wives of the crew.” She answered. “The King did not feel right having all of his wives with him while the others were away from theirs. There were not many married crewmembers ... but he had the wives of those brought here.”

Kesyla tilted her head as she looked at her sister. “And just how did you discover that?” She asked.

Mari blushed and looked down at the table quickly and shyly. “I asked one of the elven transport pilots during dinner last night.” She replied. “I think ... I think he was attracted to me. He acted like it I think. And he was very forthcoming with the information.”

“Mari!” Kesyla exclaimed but with a knowing smile.

Mari smiled brightly at her as she looked up. “I only asked the questions!” Mari told her. “Don’t worry sister ... I have no interest in any man at the moment.” Mari spoke. “I have yet to meet one who stirs my mind as well as my passion.”

Kesyla grinned. “Yes ... they are hard to come by aren’t they?” She said. “I have spent quite a bit of time with the Queens Dysea and Isabella. They are extremely intelligent and very well versed in politics; though I do think Queen Isabella would rather remain out of political discussions from her demeanor. I found that so very refreshing. Not enough women take an interest in our politics if you ask me.”

“Maybe you will.” Mari said. “Surely being by father’s side you have learned much?”

Kesyla nodded her head. “Oh yes ... but I wish to take a more active role.” She answered. “For example, Queen Dysea in particular is very active in governing. She is considered the Union’s High Education Leader. Her mandates dictate what is taught in all of their schools. The red haired one, Queen Anja, she is the one who decides everything about medical practices and policies; Queen For’mya is the political liaison between all of them and the Prime Minister of the Union and she is also considered the Royal Family’s Ambassador. If any of them think an issue needs to be brought to light, For’mya is the one they have address it.”

Mari nodded her head in agreement. “Wayonn and Helen have said that For’mya is the most patient of all the Queens. She is the one most able to cut through the governing red tape so to speak.”

“She is also widely renowned as one of the three or four finest pilots in their entire Fleet.” Kesyla said with some wonder in her voice. “She is not simply an figure head. None of them are Mari. That is what I find so intriguing about them. All of them are respected in the fields of what they do, but all of them are recognized as exceptional warriors as well. Queen Aricia most of all, with Isabella and Anja not far behind her. I could learn so much from how they do things Mari.”

“Then learn from them sister.” Mari told her confidently. “They would not refuse you. And none of them are shy about voicing their opinions according to Wayonn and Helen.”

Kesyla shook her head. “I am father’s aide and...”

“Father would not expect you to be stagnant Kesyla!” Mari exclaimed. “He did not make you his aide to simply run errands for him or to be his buffer between rival positions. If you can learn from them he would expect you too.”

“Perhaps you are right.” Kesyla said.

“You know I am Kesyla.” Mari told her firmly. “I am spending as much time as I can with Wayonn and this Helen. They work quite a bit with the Avatar they call Avi ... and the dragons. The Dragon Elder Mother is amazing. She is so much more comfortable around non-dragons than Teniri. You should hear her instructing the adolescent dragons in the hanger bay. She never raises her voice within the Etheric Realm when talking to them, but they know by her tone and what she says whether she is pleased or not.”

“I gather from Elder Mother Teniri’s reaction when we first met them that she was very shocked how some Lycavorians and elves have bonded with her species within the Etheric Realm.” Kesyla said.

“She had never seen it before. She did not think it was possible until she saw the King and his dragon Torma.” Mari said. “Not in the way it occurs. We have never seen something like that Kesyla.”

Kesyla nodded. “True.”

“It is even more incredible when it comes to Martin Leonidas’s oldest son.” Mari said. “He bonded with his dragon while he was still within his mother’s womb. He was born fully aware sister!”

Kesyla looked at her with wide eyes. “Wait ... you mean...”

Mari nodded. “Wayonn and Helen explained it to me as best as they were able. Even they do not understand fully how it happened. He was still within his mother’s womb and he had all the knowledge of his father and mother, as well as his dragon sister. Elynth I think they said her name was. She in turn had all the knowledge of her father and mother. They shared all of this knowledge with each other before he was even born!” She said. “And just recently ... Queen Isabella’s unborn son Dorian experienced the same thing with his dragon. Wayonn believes it stems in some way from what they call the Paladin gene. The extra set of chromosomes that grant Praetorians their abilities. They have never really studied it extensively because up until their son Dorian was born, only the son Androcles had ever experienced it.”