Chapter 26

ARC ROYAL

ORBITING MANNE

“...Make sure the defensive emplacements are finished when I get back.” Martin spoke as he heard the engines of the Pralor corvette begin to spool up.

“Marty... I got it.” Danny answered him with a smile. “You sure you want to go through with this? You hate that woman.”

Martin looked at him. “I trust Andro.” He said. “And she gave him the code word we used in The Teams to signify that something had gone to shit Dan.”

Danny nodded his head slowly. “I know... it’s just hard to believe that she could have changed so much. At least not like what Andro has said.” He looked at Danny. “Could Xaxon really have had that much control over her?”

Martin nodded. “Murano and Wayonn both say yes. I tend to agree with their assessment because of their previous experience with that asshole.” He replied without hesitation. “Given her upbringing Yuri had already been exposed to some seriously twisted sibfla by the time he infected her. Murano says he probably latched onto that and made it a hundred times worse. I ain’t making excuses for her... just that it is possible.” Martin smiled. “Besides, she knows how I feel about her, and that I won’t hesitate to slit her throat. But for her to use that code phrase just to get me somewhere where she could try and kill me is plain stupid. And Yuri may be many things, but stupid isn’t one of them.”

Dan nodded. “Agreed.” He said. “You still want the facility prepped as we talked about?”

Martin nodded. “We’ll have one chance to make this work. If it doesn’t... we are gonna be left scratching our balls and wondering what the hell happened.”

“I’ll take care of it.” He said.

“We may have to hold out longer than we expected fervon. Andro has to take care of that problem before he can leave.” Martin told him. “Since General Koguth and his people are really good at making defenses that blend in with the terrain, let them have at it. I want every square meter of the camp covered. I should be getting back about the time the ships start arriving from Ceneu. If not... have Akemi take command of the fleet under my order. I want her to disperse them however she deems prudent. And if anyone gives her any shit, bust them back to buck as nothing and let them rot in the brig. We don’t have the time to fuck around.”

Danny nodded. “I already sent Yuriko on ahead to do thorough scans of the first planet. She will be done when you get back and then we’ll deal with pus nuts and then go and check it out. Murano and his niece Mari left with Kasdan an hour ago on your STRIKER. He wasn’t real happy about it.”

Martin shrugged his broad shoulders. “He thinks I sent him away so he didn’t have to take part in what we are going to do.”

“Did you?” Danny asked.

Martin shook his head. “Not entirely.” He replied. “I think seeing Andro and the others will be good for him. Wayonn agreed with me. Murano needs to know that we are not like the Praetorians of his time. We are different. And being with Andro even for a shirt time will allow him to see that. Besides... who better to help Andro deep six Xaxon then Murano?”

“True enough.” Danny said.

“Prepare our people for the worse Danny.” Martin told him. “Lorendo lied to us and I got a feeling we aren’t going to like what we find on those planets. Our people need to stay focused and remember that Lorendo is not indicative of the Pralor species.”

Danny grinned. “I’ll take care of it. Besides... when have we ever really liked what we found somewhere new?” He asked.

“Avoi.” Martin said. He looked at the only man he would ever call brother and knew he had something to say. “Spill it fervon. What’s up?”

“Marty how do I... Delnash’s daughter Kesyla.” Danny began slowly. “She is getting really close to Anuk and Nubian. I don’t know what to make of that.”

Martin looked at him. “She has got the hots for you fervon.” He said. “It pours from her scent.”

Danny nodded his head. “I know and it seems like... it seems like Anuk and Nayeca are encouraging that.”

“You find her attractive fervon?” Martin asked him.

Danny met his eyes. “Yes... very much so... but you know I would never...”

Martin shook his head. “That never crossed my mind Danny. Let it play out fervon.” He said. “Believe me when I tell you if Anuk and Nayeca approve and they want her as part of your lives... then there isn’t going to be much you can do.”

“You think they do?” Danny asked.

Martin shrugged. “I gave up on trying to figure out women when Cirith came into our lives.” He stated. “They sense things we don’t. It’s a female thing.’

“What’s a female thing?” Anja’s voice carried to them and they turned to see her walk up with Dysea and Isabella in tow.

“Nothing.” Martin said quickly.

“You don’t lie very well you big lug.” Anja snapped as she stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Dysea reached out and took Danny’s hands in hers. They all knew what Martin and he had been talking about immediately for they had seen it in how Anuk and Nayeca were acting with Kesyla. “Do not listen to this one Daniel.” She said with a smile. “If Kesyla is meant to be part of your lives, then it will be so. Anuk and Nayeca will sense this before you. Just follow your heart.”

Danny smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Thanks Dy.” He said softly, calling her by the nickname she had earned so long ago.

“And be yourself goof ball!” Anja popped from within Martin’s embrace.

Danny grinned and leaned over to nuzzle her cheek in a family way. “Now where would the fun in that be Red?” He asked.

Anja laughed as Danny looked back to Martin and nodded. “Watch your six. And get back as soon as possible.” He told him.

Martin nodded. “I will.”

Danny turned and took Isabella’s hand and leaned over to kiss her cheek. Isabella smiled and returned the kiss. “Watch his lard ass Bella.” Danny said to her. “Make sure he doesn’t do something entirely stupid.”

“We shall see.” Bella answered. “We shall see.”

Martin watched as Danny moved off and began to bellow orders at several of their team that was loading another STRIKER. He turned to look at Anja, Dysea and Isabella as they closed in around him. “We’ll be back in three days. Four tops.” He said.

Dysea pressed up against Anja’s back as his arm encircled her waist and then pulled Bella close with is other arm. “Just keep an open mind Nauta Melme.” She said.

“I always do.” Martin said with a smile.

Anja snorted and slapped his hard abdomen. “Yeah... tell that shit to everyone else. Not to us.” She spat with a grin.

Martin smiled and looked down into her jade colored eyes. “Don’t kill him Firecracker.” He said. “He is Delnash’s son... and no matter how much a fool he is... that would not be very good for our relations.”

Anja looked at him with wide eyes. “You... you know about that?” She gasped.

Martin chuckled. “You don’t actually believe I didn’t see and smell his intent do you?” He said.

“Why... why didn’t you...” Dysea began to ask.

“You are the six strongest willed women I have ever known.” Martin said. “Not including my mother. If I did not think my wives and mates could take care of one male who thinks with his dick more than his brain I would be a sorry individual.”

“I have already told her she can not kill him.” Isabella spoke with a small laugh. “Hurt him a little... but not kill.”

Martin laughed and leaned over to kiss Anja hard on the lips. Her hands grasped his face as his aura swept around her and delighted her senses. He then shared a similar kiss with Dysea, the feeling and emotion passing to all his wives and mates through their Etheric connection. Aricia was still on the surface of Manne helping to prep the base with Cirith, while For’mya was in the cockpit of the corvette with Endith and Tina. They all felt the emotion of the kiss as if they were the ones partaking of the physical delights of the act. They could not explain it, but it was one of the main reasons their love had persisted through the years and had only grown more intense.

“Maybe one of you could talk to Fedor and Eirene while I’m gone.” Martin said as he drew back. “About Kalis.”

Dysea shook her head. “That will happen of its own accord.” She spoke wisely. “They reached for and found your essence within For’mya Nauta Melme. Remember that.”

“And never has a more stubborn man existed than you.” Isabella chimed in. “They will see the type of man Kalis has become now that he has found his balance and purpose in Serale. Just as we all did. Give it time Martin. I think you will find that Kalis will win them over in the end.”

Martin nodded finally. “You’re right.” He said softly.

“Any ideas on what Yuri might want?” Anja asked him.

“Not a clue.” Martin answered.

“Whatever it is... she must deem it important enough to face you directly.” Isabella said thoughtfully. “And I can only assume it is something that our son would not react well to. That he is involved in.”

Martin met her eyes and nodded. “That’s what I was thinking too.” He said. “That by itself tells me it is not good.”

“I still don’t trust her no matter what Andro says. Just watch your back Lover.” Anja told him.

“I’d much rather watch yours.” Martin spoke with a grin as he stared at them lustfully.

Anja pushed away from him playfully. “God... you are such a pervert!” She exclaimed as they all laughed. Dysea grasped her hand tightly.

“Come Melyanna.” Dysea spoke as she pulled Anja back. “We will let Bella discipline him. We have work to do.”

[Be safe.] Martin pronounced to all of them.

[We love you big boy.] Anja answered for all of them. [Even if you are sexually perverted and always in rut.]

Martin chuckled as Isabella stepped close to him and he pulled her tight. They watched until Anja and Dysea had made their way out of the bay and then he looked at her. He caught her soft lips in a sizzling kiss, one hand coming up to caress her face. Isabella melted against him and felt the love they all shared swirl around them, delighting her senses. He pulled back after too short a moment and met her hazel green eyes.

“Shall we?” He asked.

Bella smiled and stroked his jaw. “I will follow you anywhere.” She said softly.

Martin grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Really? That has promise written all over it you know.”

Isabella saw the look in his beautiful eyes and she leaned back as she slapped his face lightly. “Melyanna is right!” She exclaimed. “You are a pervert!”

Martin laughed as they turned and headed up into the corvette hand in hand. He didn’t see Anja lean affectionately into Dysea as they turned the corner out of the bay and walk down the corridor nor did he hear her words.

“So... we have three hours before we meet Aricia and Cirith.” Anja told Dysea looking at her with glittering jade green eyes. “It’s been a long time since I have had you all to myself Dysea. Have anything in mind?”

Dysea smiled at her. “Melyanna... are you propositioning me?” She asked with a laugh.

Anja chuckled softly. “Call it what you will but I have three hours with you all to myself! I intend to make you scream like I did when we were in Eden City all those years ago.”

“Anja Leonidas... you are such a pomai.” Dysea told her playfully.

“Yep!” Anja admitted freely.

“What are we waiting for?” Dysea exclaimed.

HIGH COVEN ORIC CLASS HEAVY CRUISER

RETRIBUTION

“... not be very large.” Yuri was speaking as they stood around the star chart in the ship’s main officer conference room. “They did not want to draw much attention to this colony so the numbers are low. However... they are some of them best trained troops my mother had. At least as far as I could remember. And totally loyal to her and now Robert no doubt.”

“Numbers?” Dorian asked.

“No more than two hundred.” Yuri answered. “It is set up as any other colony world... to give the men and women at least some semblance of order.”

“Will they be friendly to us?” Andro asked.

Yuri shook her head. “Doubtful. They would have been told that their child is involved in very covert operations and their silence and loyalty was needed in order to keep them safe. I can’t see them risking that. After all this time I don’t doubt that some have begun to question that... but you will not know who or how many. It would be too much of a risk to try and find out.”

“They could help us.” Sheva spoke. “Maybe...”

“Yuri is right Sheva.” Andro spoke now. “If they have not begun to question what is going on by now then they are not going to do anything to put their children at risk. Once you are on the ground avoid contact at all costs. Grab an officer, find out where your parents are and then extract them.”

Sheva nodded knowing he was right. “Very well.”

Yuri looked at her from across the table. “Do not worry Sheva Leonidas.” She spoke evenly. “What you are going to do will accomplish what you are seeking.”

Sheva looked at her. “I’m not seeking anything.” She said rather defensively.

Yuri smiled. “Yes you are. You want to expose this wretched program to everyone who may be involved for what it truly is. A means to control men and women and make them do the bidding of fools. Pulling your mother and father off this planet will accomplish that all by itself believe me.” Yuri said. “These men and women are all very prominent members of the High Coven... or they were at one point. No doubt they have been listed among the roles as killed in one attack or another. If they suddenly began to question what is going on and begin to make inquires of their own, you will accomplish this goal. Robert will not be able to keep this secret for very long once these men and women begin to ask questions. And he will not risk killing any of them if their loved one is in place already.”

Andro nodded in agreement. “He’s committed to operating as he has been for decades.” He said.

“He cannot change now.” Yuri said. “These men and women will have any number of means to get their messages off world if they needed to. He can not risk exposing this, nor can he kill these families outright.”

“What will he do mother?” Onera asked from between Carisia and Lucia.

“If I had to guess he will have his people say that your parents are traitors of some kind.” Yuri explained looking again at Sheva. “He keeps his control and the remaining families will tighten their circles. But it will also make them begin to question the way of things behind his back.”

“And that is just as good as exposing it.” Lu’ria said softly. “It will eventually destroy itself from within when the truth is slowly learned.”

Yuri nodded. “Yes it will.” She said. “Then... someone will contact my sister and we all Narice will never allow this to exist. And once she discovers it... the game will be up.”

“Narice will never order an attack against this colony mother. The families are innocent of wrong doing.” Carisia spoke up now.

Yuri shook her head now. “She won’t need to. I expect that once whispers of this certain program begin to filter about, those agents like Sheva will take notice. They too will begin to question their orders and then it will commence to fall apart from the inside.”

“If we haven’t already found Moran and Dante by then and killed them.” Andro spoke.

“Very true.” Yuri echoed.

That statement caused everyone to look at Andro and Yuri oddly but Deion coming into the conference room caused them all to turn.

Deion moved up next to Andro and nodded. “The refit is nearly done fervon. The Worker Drones made it go a lot quicker than we expected. Another three hours and they should be set.”

Andro nodded his head. “Good. We’ll return to the SCIMITAR and then Dorian and Sheva can put their team together.”

Yuri turned to look at Norev. “Norev?” She asked.

Norev moved up to the board. “I have already dispatched a BLOOD RUNNER-Class Heavy Frigate to the coordinates you gave us in The Wilds. They will rendezvous with your STRIKER and then proceed to the target. Travel time should be no more than thirteen hours.”

“You’re sure you can trust these men and women?” Dorian asked.

Norev nodded his head without taking offense at the question. “The Captain is my former XO. I was very careful when I first left the High Coven and the crew of my ship were all chosen very carefully. Most of them have families at our main base, including me. They know what is involved in what we are doing and what it means.”

“I did not mean to imply anything Captain Norev...” Dorian began.

Norev shook his head quickly. “No offense was taken young man. In your position I would be asking the same questions. Over the course of the last two decades we have become very good at hiding from the Kavalians and our own people. My people will get you where you need to go and they will bring you back. How many in your Strike Team?”

Dorian looked at Andro. “A dozen?” He offered.

Andro nodded in agreement. “Sounds good.” He stated. “You and Sheva... Normya and Tir’ut flying the STRIKER...”

“I wish to go as well.” Onera spoke up.

“Onera!” Pa’cour spoke for the first time as he pushed off the wall.

Onera looked at him. “Papa... I can do this.” She told him. “I want to do this!”

“There will be no Immortals on this world!” Pa’cour spoke. “If you are spotted...”

“I am very capable of remaining among the shadows.” Onera told him. “I can blur as well as any vampire and use the shadows as mother taught me.”

Pa’cour looked at Yuri as he came up beside her. “My wife?” He spoke.

Yuri looked between him and Onera for a few seconds and then back to Pa’cour. “She is far more capable than even we know my love.” Yuri told him. “Isn’t that why we have asked Androcles to train her?”

Pa’cour knew Yuri was right and he stayed silent for a moment before looking at Dorian. “I have your promise to insure she does nothing brash?” He asked.

Dorian smiled. “You do.” He said.

“Papa!” Onera exclaimed loudly. “I can take care of myself! I do not need a babysitter! Especially one who I can no doubt defeat easily!”

“Onera!” Yuri barked.

Dorian chuckled softly. “I do not fear my brother’s sword Onera.” He said looking at her. “When you feel you are ready... all you need do is challenge me.”

Onera looked at him with confused eyes. “Your brother’s sword?” She questioned.

Pa’cour looked at his daughter. “You asked me once where I got the swords that you and I use daughter.” He said as she turned to look at him. “He stands before you now.” Pa’cour motioned to where Andro stood.

Onera looked quickly at Androcles with wide eyes and he smiled warmly. “They are good blades aren’t they?” He asked.

Onera blinked several times and then lowered her eyes. “Yes.” She finally said softly. Andro turned and looked at Yuri. “Zarah, Lucia and Carisia have requested to remain here with you.” He said seeing Yuri’s eyes grow wide in astonishment. “They will remain with my father when you return.”

Yuri looked at Carisia and the Lucia. “But... why would you...”

“We wish to try and make up for the time that was lost to us.” Lucia spoke. “Xaxon may have taken away our past... but he will not touch our future. We want to know who our true mother is.”

Yuri’s eyes became moist and she took a deep breath, gripping the side of the table with one hand while wiping her eyes quickly. “I would... I would like that very much.” She said softly.

Zarah stepped close and Lucia drew her even closer in a very intimate manner, wrapping her arm around Zarah’s waist and kissing her warmly. “And I wish to stay because Lucia wants to stay.” Zarah spoke.

Yuri didn’t blink an eye and nodded. “You have become one.” She said in understanding. “I...” She looked at Pa’cour and then shyly looked over to where Nameia sat against the far wall and had remained silent up until now. “I am beginning to understand that myself.” Yuri said as she turned back.

Andro nodded his head. “I suggest you depart immediately when the Drones finish the refits. My father will have already departed for the rendezvous and he will not wait too long.” He told her. “The extraction of Sheva’s parents should be complete by the time you return and then we will meet again to go over whatever Intel we have gathered by then.”

Yuri met his eyes. “What are you going to do to the Control Agent?” She asked.

Lu’ria pressed up close to Andro with a dazzling smile and bright amber eyes. It was not a smile that Yuri thought to be very pleasant. “We are going to question him until he tells us everything we want to know.” She stated confidently.

“And then?” Pa’cour asked.

Andro met his eyes. “Then I am going to vent his carcass out of the nearest airlock I can find.” He spoke. “What happens after that well, we will decide that when we meet after you return from your trip.”

Yuri nodded. “Fair enough.”

“Onera... why don’t you get your things together and say your goodbyes to your parents. We will wait for you in the landing bay.” Andro said.

“I am ready now.” Onera announced.

It was Lucia who reached out and took her hand. “You will be away from them for some time sister.” She said softly. “Spend a few moments to remain with them a time longer. We would like to know you a little better as well. Take my advice...” Lucia looked at Yuri. “We should always cherish the time we have with our parents.”

Onera smiled brightly at Lucia. She had not known what to expect upon meeting her half sisters, and she still had yet to meet Lisisa, but so far the reunion had gone far better than even her largest hopes. She glanced at Andro.

Andro nodded again. “We’ll meet you in the bay when you are ready.” He said. He looked at Pa’cour. “I have some equipment for you Pa’cour... if you will accompany us back to the ship.”

Pa’cour nodded and squeezed Yuri’s arm as he kissed her cheek. “Do not be too long my wife. There is much we must do.”

Yuri smiled and brushed her lips across his cheek. “We will.” She said.

Pa’cour nodded and turned to Andro. “Follow me.” He said.

SLEKON CLUSTER

ARTAAYA

DRAGON HALL EXTERIOR

Delnash walked confidently along the stone and steel skyway that led to the main Dragon Hall on Artaaya. The massive domed structure filled the horizon in front of him and yet the sense of fear that had always gripped him on this walk was no longer there. This was the place where the members of Teniri’s Dragon Council resided and met nearly every day. It was built for the dragons by his people for their part in saving the Pralor people in their flight from the Scourge so long ago. The stone and steel walkway was exactly three hundred feet above the colossal courtyard below where Delnash could easily see several hundred adolescent dragons being instructed by dozens of adult dragons. The trumpets of those hundreds of dragon voices as they talked in dragon speak could be deafening to anyone on the floor of the courtyard, but up here on the bridge it was a chorus of deep rumbles and deeper bellows that was strangely comforting to Delnash. As Delnash walked the stone and steel bridge he let those voices truly ripple through him for the first time in his life. He had made this same journey across the Dragon Bridge, as it was now called, hundreds of times in the past but this was the first time he had ever really heard the voices far below. The adolescent tenor and resonance was so very powerful and confident. Lately it had grown even more as word had begun filtering among the dragons here on Artaaya of the discovery of Arzoal and those they thought lost so very long ago. Though it was not common knowledge among the Pralor people, he saw no reason why Teniri could not share it with the dragons who called Artaaya home. Only a select few Pralors communicated with them on a regular basis and those men and women were chosen by Delnash himself and totally loyal to him.

These last days and weeks had been a turning point in his life and Delnash could not have been happier about that. The news of the Svorag advance Martin had told him the moment his people had determined what was going on. In the second breath Martin had told him he would see to the defense of Honelze and now Delnash knew that dozens of Martin’s ships and his men and women were on their way to fortify that colony. Martin had asked for nothing in return and Delnash would not insult him by inquiring if there was something Martin wanted. Delnash knew what the answer would be for it was the same answer Sumar would have given to anyone who asked him that question. The Svorag advance on Honelze was known by only a handful of his most trusted advisors. He did not need Lorendo causing a panic among their people. He had also begun discretely shifting what few ships he could closer to Honelze in order to assist whatever Martin was able to send. He had been in contact with the leader of the Honelze colony and advised hi of what was happening, but also the need to insure calm. He also told him that soon they would be getting reinforcements from a very unlikely source and that he should not hesitate to accept and befriend them.

As far as Martin Leonidas was concerned, he had Pralor blood flowing within his veins, as did the vast majority of his people. That made them Pralor in his eyes, and that made their defense his duty. Delnash could only shake his head in awe at the complete and total acceptance of that fact by Martin, and how it seemed to resonate among his people. In the discussions they had had over these last days and weeks, Delnash had discovered just how intelligent and truly knowledgeable Martin Leonidas really was. His sometimes laconic attitude in many things was like a breath of cold mountain air in a stale room and Delnash had come to welcome it no matter his words. He could be a serious man when needed, but Delnash had also seen a part of Martin that he sincerely doubted very few people had seen. Martin Leonidas was a deeply spiritual man and while he doubted many knew that, Martin was a man who believed in what he was doing. He led his people with his heart first, and he had told Delnash on more than one occasion that when the day came where he could leave it all behind, he would. And he would never look back.

The Lycavorian people were unlike anything Pralor records, history and studies showed. Of course they were forty thousand years outdated, but not one had ever predicted they would rise to the level of prominence and culture that they had now. Like their King, they were all deeply spiritual, no matter what Gods they worshiped. They deeply believed and completely trusted in their King and their Queens for they knew not one of them would do anything that put the future of their people or their Union at risk. The love that Martin shared for each of his very beautiful Queens was written on his face every time he looked at any of them. Aricia was the most powerful in physical and Etheric terms as well as being his Anome. His soulmate. There was always a singular glint in Martin’s eyes whenever he mentioned her in their conversations or looked at her, but that did not diminish the staggering love he had for all of them. Delnash knew Martin’s five other Queens gravitated to Aricia as their combined voice, but the love they all shared for each other and for Martin was without question.

Delnash turned his head and looked at the seven foot figure of his constant shadow now. Avatar 27 now went with him almost everywhere he went. He had taken Martin’s advice and ordered the avatars be allowed far more freedom in what they did. Avatar 27 had announced that he would be the Chief Elder’s constant companion when they returned to Artaaya and that had not changed since. In truth, Delnash had grown accustom to the massive avatar, and to be very honest, he had begun to enjoy his company. Yes... Delnash was very happy about how things were working out so far. Things that he would have never discovered had a wild looking Praetorian not shown him the light. He lifted his head when he saw Teniri waiting for him on the opposite side of the walkway and he quickened his steps. He finished crossing the bridge and came to a halt in front of her as she lowered her massive head to gaze at him.

“Teniri.” Delnash spoke with a friendly tone. “It is good to see you.”

Teniri met his gaze and nodded her huge head. I am beginning to very much enjoy our talks Delnash. She spoke to him.

Delnash nodded. “As am I.” He told her. He glanced once more into the courtyard. “The adolescents are advancing rapidly I see.”

Teniri nodded. They are excited. They want to impress the Elder Mother when she does eventually arrive here. The Talon Guardians as well. Delnash laughed loudly, making a very obvious show of it, and Teniri knew immediately why. How many and where? She asked.