Chapter 24

PRALOR DESIGNATED WORLD

MANNE

Martin held the mug of coffee in his hands while his dark brown eyes scanned the very detailed holographic depiction that they had made of the deserted Pralor base on the chart table. Julie Collins was leaning over the table, her eyes focused on one portion of the station as she slowly turned the image in several directions, while Daniel and T’lolt stood on either side of Tony just behind her as they softly discussed approaches to the base. Pablo and Kenny leaned against the far wall holding large glasses of orange colored juice. Cody and Colin Walsh were next to them going over something on the data pad Colin held in his hand.

Kalis took all this in with a sense of utter awe. He now knew these men and women to be his uncle’s personal team. Men and women who had fought with him since the very beginning of him discovering his past and his future. While the woman Julie and the man Colin used to be wolves like them, they had died at some point and High Coven experiments had brought them back to life as vampires using DNA and clones. They had regained the memories of the former lives they had lived and while they were now vampires, they were still an integral part of his Uncle’s team. The Immortal appeared to have been accepted completely into their small group and they discussed tactics and many other things among each other that they would not discuss with others. They acted casually with each other, the vulgar barbs and comments almost always intended and succeeding in bringing forth laughter. Yet they were also the most dangerous and diverse group of men and women that Kalis had ever seen in his life. Even the few senior Puma Bane teams under his grandfather Keleru’s direct command did not compare in any way to these men and women.

Kalis glanced at his Uncle’s face as he stood beside him silently, a mug of coffee in his hand as well. Kalis had not been much of a coffee drinker before joining his uncle, yet the rich, smooth flavor of his Tenna Aricia’s blend of coffee almost seemed to energize him in many ways as it did so many of their people and he loved it.

Kalis knew from assorted Intelligence reports submitted by the few Kavalians who had actually fought against Martin Leonidas and lived that his Uncle was a masterful tactician and a man who was exceptionally accomplished in lethal ambushes and the art of warfare. Many of the Kavalian military leaders hated his Uncle, yet they also held a grudging respect for him and his unique ability to deal out death and destruction on a colossal scale should it be needed. Kalis also knew that many of them secretly feared his Uncle immensely even though they would not dare speak of this openly. Looking at the situation he found himself in now, knowing what he did about Pian and those that followed him, Kalis believed these were just the men who were loyal to his father and grandfather. He now believed that many more Kavalian leaders had no desire to meet his uncle on the field of battle.

Kalis was quickly becoming accustomed and skilled at using the new Etheric Mindvoice abilities that he had discovered buried within his blood and he felt his uncle throw up incredibly powerful shields but not look at him as he initiated the conversation.

[You don’t have to be here Mandri.] His uncle’s voice filled his head as clear as if he was speaking out loud.

Kalis didn’t flinch at this anymore, amazed at how quickly he had been able to pick it up, and he turned back to look at the chart table. [Yes, I do Tenne.] He answered softly even though no words were spoken. He and Serale were practicing as much as possible at learning the old language and they knew it only helped to use it as often as they could. [All I have accomplished, everything you and Andro and my Aunts have opened my eyes too these last weeks, it will mean nothing if he is not ended once and for all. If his hate and foul presence is not removed from this life permanently.]

[That doesn’t mean you have to take part in it.] Martin told him.

[It will be the only thing that will ... that will cleanse my soul Tenne.] Kalis told him in a soft voice. [And allow me to begin the life I want to have. Does that make sense Tenne?]

[More than you know.] Martin told him.

[I will ... I will always bear some shame for what he did to Tenna For’mya no matter that she does not see it that way. The only way to rid myself of that is to see that he pays for what he did. In some way ... in some way his death will purge me of all the vile things I have ever done to innocents ... just as Tenna For’mya suffered at his hand.] Kalis said.

[Never put yourself in the same category as him Mandri.] Martin told him firmly. [You acted in such a way because he did not do what it was his duty as a father to do. To show you the correct path and the path of honor. He lost that a long time ago. He bears the blame ... not you. You have found that now ... and what is most important is that when you discovered it, you grasped onto it tightly.] Martin smiled at him and nudged him with his elbow gently. [You look worn out Kalis my boy. I assume you spent the night claiming Serale?]

Kalis smiled and felt the warmth course through him. [I made her mine Tenne. I made her see that there was nothing else in this universe that I wanted more than her love. I cannot ... I cannot describe it Tenne. Her scent, her skin, the color of her eyes, even her hair ... I just want to... ]

[Wrap yourself around her and bask in what she makes you feel? To lose yourself in her scent?] Martin said.

Kalis looked at him. [Is this ... is this what you feel for my aunts Tenne? What Andro feels for Sadi and his other mates? To just lose yourself within their scent and their arms and hear them whisper love into your ears. To feel their body against yours? I can still feel the beating of her heart against my chest even though she is not here? Is this ... is this what it means to love a woman?]

Martin nodded. [Feels pretty good, doesn’t it?]

[It cannot be described.] Kalis said. [She swirls all around me.]

[You bit her?] Martin asked.

[I could not ... it wasn’t deep Tenne. I could not help myself. She wanted me too.] Kalis answered.

Marti nodded his head. [Then that is why your aunts were up early. They wouldn’t tell me, but now it makes sense. They will see to Serale. Help her to adjust quickly. You and Serale are now family and they will help her to adjust quickly as a new wolf.]

[Did I do something wrong?] Kalis asked.

[You followed your instincts ... and I truly believe that is what Serale wanted.] Martin spoke. [That young woman worships you Mandri. It oozes from her pores and you can see it in her eyes. She won’t be fully like us, but she will be able to shift and take on some of our traits. Your traits. Our blood ... Leonidas blood ... it is potent Mandri. The most potent of our kind according to Anja and many other medical scholars. Though you are half Kavalian, your wolf blood will always be dominant. Your aunts will teach her and help her to adjust. Then the two of you can learn together as you explore.]

[Tenne ... you have been with my aunts for so long... ] Kalis asked timidly.

Martin nodded his head as he sipped his coffee. [Over twenty years now. Best damn years of my life too. Every single one. And there are many more to come.]

[You never ... I have heard whispers among the crew ... all of you act as if you have just discovered each other. It never ... it never gets old, does it? I do not want this to end and... ] Kalis said.

[Kalis ... each and every time I have any of them in my arms it is brand new.] Martin told him. [Part of it is our culture and our blood ... we crave the touch of those we call mate and that we love ... but each of them is part of me inside. In my heart ... in my mind. When you love her Kalis hold nothing back. Give her all that you are. Love her like it is the very first time all the time. Touch. Taste. Nuzzle. Do that Kalis and the desire and passion will never wane. It will always simmer and burn within you both. They are the bearers of our future my boy. Without them we are nothing. Never forget that.]

[I won’t Tenne.] Kalis said softly.

[And to answer your question ... no.] Martin told him. [Each of them holds a part of my soul Kalis. Aricia is my Anome yes ... the one I will always reach for first ... but all of them ... I am not complete without each of them. Each of them is a part of me. They are my strength.]

[The crew speaks in whispers of who you favor most after Tenna Aricia.] Kalis said with a smile.

Martin chuckled softly. [That has been going on for many years now. Drives people malda. Don’t know why.]

[You do not favor one or the other do you Tenne?] Kalis said. [If they are all part of you as you say ... how could you?]

Martin looked at him and let his eyes smile for him. [That statement tells me just how far you have come in so short a time Mandri. That makes me very proud of you.] He said. [And you are correct. In the heat of passion, I will admit to you what everyone is so damn interested about. The only other people I have ever told this are Andro and Danny. In the heat of desire and passion your Tenna Anja’s scent calls to me the strongest after Aricia, especially when she is in phase. I believe it is because I discovered her long before I ever found out who and what I truly was and I burned her scent into my brain without even understanding why. And she just smelled really good.] Martin grinned at that. [However ... each of their scents are like drugs to me now. How each of them tastes, how their skin feels, these are things I could not live without now. Not after so long together. Remember it will always be that way. Love her like it is the first time Kalis. Hold nothing back as I said and always honor her ... do that ... do that and the desire and passion will never die.]

Kalis looked at the table once more. [After discovering what I have in these last weeks Tenne, I don’t think that will ever be an issue going forward.]

[Good.] Martin said. [Many a pleasurable night will be had in the arms of your mate and it will always leave you craving more.]

Kalis looked at him. [Tenne ... will Andro ... what I did... ?]

Martin shook his head. [There is nothing you need concern yourself when it comes to Andro Mandri.] He said. [My son and I share a special gift ... because of this damn unique gene we carry. He knows what has happened with you and believe me Kalis he approves. As does Sadi. When you see them ... well ... you will know what I mean. He is saving a place for you on his team.]

[His team?] Kalis asked. [You mean like Uncle Daniel and the others are to you?]

Martin nodded. [I told him it was high time he formed his own team. And believe me when I tell you ... Andro is who you want to be around. As he does with your brother Karun, he considers you a brother. Probably because he has more sisters and they drive him crazy.] Martin chuckled.

[And Fedor and Eirene?] Kalis asked.

[They are still young emotionally though they are fully grown.] Martin replied. [Both of them are gifted and they will come to see the man you have become. Give them time and always look out for them.]

Kalis nodded his head. [That is something I have not always done with my siblings.] He said. [I intend to make sure that never happens again.]

[It is a new world Kalis.] Martin told him. [Embrace it. Enjoy it. The rest will come in time.]

Kalis nodded his head. [But first ... first I intend to help you destroy the last piece of my past that so shames me.] He said firmly. [The stain upon the honor you have showed me.]

Martin nodded slowly at him and turned his eyes to look up finally. “Kenny?” He asked.

Kalis turned and watched the man push off from the table behind Daniel. “I’ll have to confirm the dimensions with For’mya and Endith Skipper, but I am seeing only one place they could set down their transports within ten klicks of this place.” Kenny spoke as he moved up to the table. He reached out and adjusted a portion of the map they were looking at. “It’s the same clearing we landed in. Three klicks northeast of the station. You’re sure about their numbers Kalis?”

Kalis nodded his head. “Yes ... a full ship board complement and Combat Unit of Puma Bane. Two hundred and fifty.”

“That means at least five ... probably more like seven or eight transports.” Kenny said. “Given the size of Kavalian Troop Carriers ... this is it Skipper.”

“And you’re sure he will bring them all Kalis?” Daniel asked.

Kalis nodded again. “Without question Uncle Daniel. And whoever else he may be able to draft into service that can hold a weapon. He will have learned from Enurrua. Even if he uses them as meat for the grinder, he will not care. He may split the Puma Bane unit somewhat ... but the majority will remain under his direct control. The reasons we are giving him will make it so he has no choice.”

Julie pointed to the map. “The fastest and clearest path is the most obvious.” She spoke now tracing her index finger along the map. “Right down this lightly forested ridge, directly to the east side of the station. The same one we took.”

“Which is right where he will send his fodder.” Martin spoke. “The most obvious and exposed route to the station.”

T’lolt hissed. “Coward.”

Julie nodded her head in agreement and looked up at Martin. “There are two other routes Skipper, but the terrain isn’t as agreeable. Down along this riverbed, lots of rocks and marshy land, and then around this ridge here...” She traced her finger. “That would require a lot of climbing and some serious leg work but...”

Martin nodded his head. “It would also drop them right over the top of the entrance to the facility.” He spoke moving his hand and indicating with his finger where that path came out. He turned his head when the door to the portable building opened and Wayonn led Murano and Mari into the structure. He said nothing and moved around the table to stand between Daniel and Julie. “They’ll scan the planet once they are in range ... and they’ll determine the same things we are seeing. He isn’t stupid.”

“But he ain’t half as mean and nasty as you Boss.” Pablo broke in from where he leaned against the wall.

Martin looked at Danny and grinned. “Me?” Martin said. “I hate violence.”

Julie snorted in disgust and shook her head as the others chuckled. “As if anyone with half a brain will ever believe that.”

Danny met Martin’s eyes and grinned now. “Honduras?” He asked.

Martin nodded. “Honduras.” He said.

T’lolt looked between the two men as he saw Julie and the others smile in a predatory manner. “More information would be nice for those of us who are uninformed.” He spoke finally with a grin. “What is this Honduras?”

Tony looked at him. “An Op we did a long time ago T’lolt.” He spoke. “Little piss ant of a country back on Earth. A drug warlord thought he was the finest thing to hit the pages of Mercenary Magazine. Had this single battalion of butchers he called his Hunters. About nine hundred strong. Bunch of cutthroats and murderers is what they were. Gathered them from all over the world. He killed upwards of five thousand innocent civilians before someone had the balls to send us in.”

“Ah ... you ended him then?” T’lolt asked.

Tony nodded. “With extreme prejudice.”

Julie looked at Martin. “We had a full team back them Marty.” She said.

Martin nodded his head. “I know. Kalis has talked to Mata and General Koguth and both have already volunteered to go with us. Along with a dozen of his most experienced men. All of them with a grudge against Puma Bane troops and all of them seasoned fighters.”

Julie turned back to the holoimage and nodded. “Ok ... we’ve seen what they can do. That will even the odds.” She said.

Wayonn remained silent as he listened for he had seen Martin and his team in action on more than one occasion. Murano had only seen them in action against the Svorag, but Wayonn had witnessed firsthand what they had done to the Kavalian base on the planet where they had rescued Iama. He had seen them plotting the operation and planning every detail. Murano however stepped forward not believing they were actually going to fight a superior force such as it was.

“Martin ... this is crazy.” He said “You will be outnumbered four or five to one!”

Pablo chuckled again from the wall. “Hell ... the odds will be in our favor.” He said.

“Your favor?” Murano gasped.

Martin moved closer to the table and motioned to the map. “He’ll send the troops he has no use for straight up the gut thinking we’ll believe they are the main force and attack them. He’ll split his Puma Bane force into two sections ... each one moving quickly to these two locations.” Martin said pointing to two different points on the map near the actual Pralor Science Base. “I said he wasn’t stupid Murano ... I never said he planned outside the box. He thinks one dimensional ... he always has. He thinks brute force wins the day all the time.”

“This is very true.” Kalis spoke up. “Overwhelming force has always been his pattern. There is no reason he would change now.”

“In this case it could succeed!” Murano spoke.

Martin shook his head. “No. Not this time.” Martin shifted around the table. “When he splits his Puma Bane troops, I intend to channel them into the places I choose. Then I will roll them up and kill them.” He stabbed down on one point. “The terrain limits from which direction he can come. One group he will send to this point here. To cover his approach. He will lead the second group to the entrance his sensors and his nose will direct him too.”

“His nose?” Murano gasped. “How do you know this? What if he swings his forces in another direction? What if he does not act in the manner you predict? This is insane!”

“He’ll act just how I know he will act.” Martin said calmly. “He’s obsessed Murano. He’ll think he is outsmarting me ... but he won’t. He’ll go right where I know he will go.”

“How?” Murano demanded.

“Bait.” Kalis spoke almost casually. “Something he can’t resist.”

“Bait?” Murano snapped. “What is this bait you will use? What will cause him to do exactly what you say he will? You cannot predict this. Not if he is as twisted as you say.”

“Yes I can.” Martin spoke confidently.

“How?” Murano barked.

“Because I’m going to use the two things he wants most of all as bait.” Martin said. “Just as Kalis said.”

“What could possibly make him do exactly as you want him to do?” Murano snapped. “What does he want so bad that he will do as you say?”

“Us.” The female voice spoke drawing all their attention. Everyone turned and watched as For’mya came up beside Kalis confidently. “He wants Kalis and I Murano. And we are going to give him what he wants.”

Murano looked stunned as he moved closer. “How do you propose to fight such odds?” He hissed. “Even a ... even a Praetorian would not willingly fight such odds. You risk two of your family in this act! We cannot afford to lose you Martin ... not in ... in such a reckless act of vengeance! Not now!”

“Vengeance?” Martin asked as his brow furrowed. “You think this is about vengeance?”

“What else would you call it?” Murano spoke harshly.

“This isn’t about vengeance Murano. And I am not a Pralor.” Martin snapped back at him quickly. “I am a Lycavorian and a Spartan first! A Praetorian second. This has nothing to do with vengeance.”

“Murano... ?” Wayonn began.

“Then what is it about?” Murano demanded ignoring Wayonn. “You are plotting the deaths of perhaps hundreds of men!”

“Yes I am.” Martin said.

“Then explain to me what this is about?” Murano demanded again.

“This is about justice.” Kalis was the one who spoke now, his voice firm and filled with resolve and commitment. “This is about justice.”

For’mya slipped her arm around his waist and nodded her head as she pulled him close to her side. “Avoi.” She said softly.

“ ... Are his Praetorian Mage!” Murano spoke fifteen minutes later. “You must tell him this course of action is ill-advised and wrong!”

Helen looked up from where she sat on the ground slowly chewing the fresh fruit that Iama had given to her last night. It was bright pink in color and it tasted so very much like the sweet apples she used to eat on Earth. Arzoal rested on the ground near her, her flame colored eyes staring at Murano as her Bonded sister mulled over what he was telling her. Wayonn and Mari were silent as they stood nearby, Wayonn already knowing what his granddaughter would tell Murano. Mari, Helen sensed, was suddenly and quite surprisingly caught up in the sense of honor and duty that these men and women so easily projected outward from themselves. That was something she would have to discover the why for.

“Carians ... why would I tell him such a thing Murano?” Helen asked softly turning her attention to Murano.

“You are his Mage! His moral guide!” Murano snapped. “This is what a Praetorian Mage would do! Advise him against such actions!”

“I am many things ... but I am not now and have never been Martin Leonidas’s moral guide. He does not need one.” Helen replied.

“What he is doing is wrong!” Murano hissed. “This is the very thing my people feared would happen if this power we command ever found its way into the hands of...”

“Of what?” Helen asked him as she climbed to her feet. “Of those species that you view as less than your vaunted Pralors?”

“I ... I did not say that!” Murano snapped.

“That is what you were going to say!” Helen snapped right back. “Do not lie to me! That is what you were going to say isn’t it?”

Murano looked at her taking a deep breath before speaking. “I am only ... it is what my people would say.” He said more gently this time. “It is not a way of thinking that I follow Helen.”

“So far ... the only lesser species I have seen on this misbegotten trip are Pralors!” Helen hissed at him. “The actions and words of your own people towards us have been nothing short of arrogant, deceitful and excessively violent! How dare you stand there now and profess to me how Martin Leonidas should act simply because it is how you would act!”

“That is not what I meant!” Murano spoke.

“Yes, it is!” Helen barked at him. “Martin and his sons bear the blood of Sumar in their veins and by virtue of that, the many gifts that Sumar had. The Praetorian gene as you call it. They did not ask for this gene within them Murano. They did not ask for this power that they have and I can tell you there are many days when they wish they did not have it!”

Murano looked at her shocked. “What?” He gasped.

“You did not know this?” Helen rasped at him. She looked at Wayonn. “You did not tell him grandfather?” She asked.

Wayonn shook his head. “It is not my place to put words into Martin’s voice.” He told her.

“What are you talking about? Why ... why would I even think this?” Murano asked. “This power we have is ... it is a gift.”

“You have known since you were very young that you carried this gene Murano.” Helen told him. “You have adhered to a code of honor that your people with this gene followed. I tell you now, Martin ... Androcles ... Denali ... Dorian ... Jomann and all those who carry this gene within them now and are discovering what it allows them to do; they did not have the luxury of knowing what you knew so long ago. They only knew that they were different in a way they could not explain. And that did not sit well with them.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Murano asked.

Helen looked at Wayonn. “Grandfather?” She asked softly.

Wayonn nodded his head. “I am more Lycavorian now than I am Pralor Helen. I have been for many thousands of years.” He said softly. “I have tried to determine how to explain it ... perhaps it needs to come from you.”

“Explain what?” Murano snapped loudly. “Praetorians do not actively plan vengeful acts! It goes against everything we were taught! That is what Martin is doing!” Murano looked at Arzoal. “Arzoal ... you were a Pralor once. You know what I am speaking of. You knew of the Praetorians back then. What we stood for.”

Yes, I was. Arzoal answered. However, I have been gifted with the experience of being a member of two different species Murano. I have seen many events through two sets of eyes and two completely different worlds.

“You don’t think this is wrong?” Murano asked shocked. “Martin is planning to destroy hundreds of lives. He is going to lure them into an ambush and then destroy them! That is not wrong to you?”

If you had asked me that question before I became a dragon ... I would have said yes. Arzoal answered him. However, I have spent the better part of the last forty millennia as a dragon Murano. It is who I am now. I have had to do things that many Pralors would be aghast at in order to save others of my kind. I would do it all again if need be. This is who I am now. Perhaps who I was always meant to be. No ... I do not agree with you now my friend. I am sorry.

“This is insane!” Murano spat. “He risks the lives of one of his wives and his nephew! One of those he professes to care for more than anything! He needs to exercise restraint and control! And you will do nothing to stop him?” He looked at Wayonn. “None of you?”

Mari stepped forward now and placed her hand on Murano’s arm. “Uncle ... perhaps ... perhaps you are viewing things through your eyes and forgetting that they are different than us. They have lived different lives and different worlds. Their view and their culture is not ours and never will be.”

Helen smiled and looked at Mari. “And the child among us understands more than the elder at this point.” She stated softly. She turned back to Murano her face growing harder and tense as she did.

“Do not stand there and preach to me Praetorian Murano of the Pralor people! We are not Pralors! We are Lycavorian! That is the blood that flows proudly within our veins. We honor our Pralor heritage ... revere it even ... but that is not who we are. We have always been a very instinctive people; it is why you see us drawn to each other so much. We crave the closeness and warmth of family and friends. We need it. Yes ... we were a barbaric species at one point, not one Lycavorian alive today would ever deny that. But the day Sumar joined with our people that all changed. He did not try to change who we were Murano ... he embraced our ways! He became one of us! Through the centuries he was able, along with Wayonn and so many others, they were able to enlighten us to so many different ways of things because they now understood us! Because they understood us ... then they were able to effect change that mattered. Why do you think Sumar’s first born son was revered among our people as King? Yes ... he guided us through the Black Day ... through the millennia of slavery to the High Coven ... but he never forgot what he was. He stayed true to the instincts of our people while balancing those same instincts with the more benevolent nature of his Pralor blood. But he was always a Lycavorian first. And when I found the Spartan people on Earth, I saw the same thing in them that Resumar saw in our people. That is why we blended their culture into ours and finally ... completely ... made it our own. That Spartan culture and way of life allowed us to remain true to our instincts and still become what Sumar and Resumar hoped we would become.”

“Our people lost that for a time Murano.” Wayonn spoke now. “It is why I kept those Lycavorians with me within the Beta Quadrant, away from those in the Alpha. They did not deny their instincts, they just suppressed them in a way Sumar and his son did not want us too. It wasn’t until Martin returned to claim the throne of our people that it changed.”

Helen nodded her head now. “When he returned to us on Earth he had no idea who or what he was Murano. I could feel the power within him ... such staggering power...”

“You ... you knew then?” Murano gasped.

Helen looked at him. “I suspected he was different. That we were different then. We were too closely tied together. Something drew him to me and me to him. Thanks to my grandfather, we discovered what that was. That power he commanded, it was simmering just beneath the surface, boiling to come out, but he had no knowledge of his history or his blood. Yet he had done without thinking what so many of our people had forgotten through the years; what first Sumar and then Resumar taught our people. He had balanced the instinctive and sometimes violent nature of our people and the Spartans with the compassion and thoughtfulness of the Pralor blood within him. He never wanted to be King! He never wished for the position that was thrust upon him when he discovered who he was. He denied it at first and because he denied it as you suggest he do now, it almost cost him the very core of his heart and soul.”