Chapter 6

ROAN PLATEAU

Dysea's guards had cleaned out the small structure for her to use, washing down the blood stained floor and ventilating the smell of death from the home. Dysea now sat at the main table, her eyes focused on the small screen of her mobile data receiver. Plugged into the data slot was the pad the Holy One had given her just before they left. Dysea had spent the last two hours reading all the information on the pad, almost all of it relating to Martin. The last portion of the data chip was information on Queen Tarifa of the High Elves, and her rise to position of Queen. Dysea now had a small picture of both of them up on the screen side by side and she gazed at the photos as she sipped the steaming mug of tea.

Dysea had only seen pictures of Tarifa that were taken from a distance, but she was always able to recognize her due to the billowing raven black hair she had. Now, seeing the close up photo the Holy One had given her, she could put an actual face to the name. Dysea had to admit, Tarifa was exceptionally beautiful, even for an elf. Her face was exotic looking, and her sapphire colored eyes were large and bright. She had an almost identical figure to her, but Dysea estimated her breasts were slightly larger than Tarifa's. They both had the elegant and supple curves that human men and even elf men found nearly irresistible. Dysea suddenly found herself wondering what Tarifa looked like without clothes on, and that thought stunned her. Looking at Martin's photo caused Dysea to fidget in her seat. She could tell he was tall, and his bio said he was over six feet and over two hundred pounds. He looked heavily muscled, even wearing the dark uniform that he was wearing in the picture, yet it was his eyes that caught her. She had never seen such deep brown eyes before. They shimmered in the light of the picture as if they had a life all their own.

"Milady... ?" The male voice broke her concentration and she turned to the doorway of the home to see Leland.

"What is it Leland?" She asked, casually shutting down the portable computer.

"Milady we have word from one of our agents in the Alliance capital." Leland told her coming forward into the room and holding out the datapad. "A messenger delivered it to us a few moments ago. He came directly here, per your orders that the Council not be informed of your whereabouts."

Dysea took the pad and activated it reading the report as the information came up on the small screen. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly and she looked up. "Send for the Holy One Leland." She ordered.

The male elf nodded and stepped out of the house as Dysea continued to read. Within three minutes Walter was entering the house and she turned to face him. Walter saw the look of confusion on her face.

"What is it Dysea?" He asked.

"I just received a report from one of our agents within New Richmond." She told him. "He is a high placed mole, and would not have risked this transmission without cause. What does it mean Holy One? EDEN discovered and active, Alliance has established contact with human named Graham. Intercepted coded transmission containing the phrase Genomes have escaped with Queen Tarifa. Will attempt to clarify and informed you of additional information."

Walter took the pad and read the contents quickly. "This is not good." He spoke. "EDEN was the name of the base on the moon that you saw in the cube I gave you. It appears the Alliance has discovered it exists and is active. Graham is the name of a Senator from my time that was on the station at the time of the Great Fire."

"And Genomes have escaped with Tarifa?" Dysea said. "That is what Martin and the others were called isn't it?"

"Yes."

"And it appears Tarifa is with them, whatever that means." Dysea spoke. "Escaped? Escaped to where?"

"Somehow Martin must have already contacted her, and she accompanied him back to EDEN." Walter spoke. "It would have been Martin's first plan, to come here and discover what they could once they returned to normal time."

"There were reports of Tarifa's forces clashing with Alliance units led by Marcus in the west." Dysea told him.

"That was us. She sent me on ahead and took a small force to lead Marcus and his animals away from our location." Walter spoke. "Somehow she must have come in contact with Martin and his team while they were on the surface."

"It would help to know what it is they were escaping from." Dysea spoke. "We will have to wait and see if my agent can obtain any further information." Dysea looked as Leland led the Tomea into the house. "Leland?"

Tomea stepped forward before Leland could speak. "Milady I have finished a preliminary investigation into the clearing we found." She spoke.

"And what have you discovered."

"I don't know who or what killed our people milady, but I can tell you one thing with the utmost certainly ... this act was not committed by High Elves." Tomea told her confidently.

SALMON RIVER MOUNTAINS

IDAHO

300 MILES NORTHEAST OF BOISE

SIX HOURS AFTER LANDING

Martin knelt on the ground at the edge of the large clearing that held the two massive Mark Nine transports and seven of the nineteen Raptors that had escaped EDEN with them. The other twelve Raptors had landed in a similar clearing a quarter mile to their west near a fast moving stream. Tarifa stood respectfully behind him while kneeling or sitting on the ground in front of him in a semi-circle were three dozen human men and women who had held seniority while on EDEN. Tarifa and the elves with her party had assisted in offloading enough equipment for Anja to establish a small trauma center that was now being used to give medical check-ups to the civilians. The elves had been surprised at the reaction they received from the mostly human refuges. They were accepted almost without question, and it was not a feeling the elves were used too. There were the looks of desire from many of the men and even some of the women when they gazed upon the male and females elves, but from what Tarifa and the elves could determine, these men and women, even though they knew what the elves had been designed for, respected them enough to not act on any urges they might have had. It also helped that a female elf had shown the amazing reflexes and speed of her species when a mother was carrying her children down the tall stairs of the transport. While wrestling with several items, her three year old son had slipped from her grasp over the railing, and it was only the speed of the female elf that saved the boy's life. She had leaped from the stairway and got under the small child in time to catch him.

Hundreds of men and women had witnessed this act, and it only confirmed to the elves that these men and women were different. They were treated with respect and as equals before, but they were kept at arms length because most people were not curious enough to come forward and speak with them. When the female elf had saved the child's life, the floodgates opened, and greetings and handshakes were exchanged among hundreds of them.

" ... don't know how long we are going to be here." Martin was explaining to the gathered men and women. "Some of you know me, many of you do not, and for those who don't my name it is Martin Hunter and I am a Genome." He saw the looks pass between some of the civilians, but nothing that was openly hostile. "Apparently we all felt the same way," Martin continued. "Or you would have stayed on EDEN and watched Senator Graham turn it into a dictatorship. We will work on finding permanent living quarters for everyone, but right now, this is going to be the safest place for us. This earth is not the same as we once knew it, and we all need to be extra careful. I have three points where everyone can be issued a weapon for protection." Martin saw the looks on some faces and held up his hand. "I know many of you are scientists and civilian techs, but as much as I would like to be able to protect all of you all of the time, I'm not superman." Martin looked at them and flashed a smile. "Ok ... maybe just a little."

Tarifa noticed that his easy going manner and the small joke had the desired effect and many of the men and women began to relax. She stood behind Martin and simply watched him. He had confidence in what he said and he always conveyed a positive attitude even though he knew they were in a perilous situation. Tarifa could not help how her eyes followed the outline of his muscular arms and back, and she remembered how they made her feel when she was wrapped in those same arms.

"Commander Peterson has set up a small trauma center near Raptor Two. That's my bird." Martin was telling them. "I suggest you all get to see her within the next day or so just to be safe. This beautiful young lady here," Martin motioned to Tarifa behind him, "Is Tarifa. She is the Queen of the High Elves, and she will be leaving in a few hours to try and get us some better accommodations. It seems they weren't expecting guests."

This brought another round of soft chuckling and laughter. A hand went up in the back of the group and Martin looked at the nerdy scientist. "Yes?"

"So it is true what we heard on EDEN? There is a population of real live elves here on the surface? Just like in the books we all used to read as children." The young man asked.

Martin looked at Tarifa, who up until this point had allowed her flowing raven black hair to cover her ears. She now drew that hair back and pinned it behind her very elfin like ears, as she stepped up next to Martin. "It is true." She spoke. "We were created after the Great Fire, which is what you know as the comet passing between earth and the moon. The man who created us modeled us after the elves of his time and legend." Tarifa took a breath before looking at them. "Forgive me ... I have only just discovered how we were truly created, and it does take some getting used too. Our ... our purpose, as our creator meant us to be, was to assist the survivors of the Great Fire by doing things humans were not capable of. We were made with increased strength and endurance, allowing us to work harder and longer to ease the burden on humanity. Somewhere along the decades that followed, we became seen as possessions and slaves. When the existing government decided it was ok to enslave my people, we decided we would not let them. We have been fighting ever since."

"How many elves are there?" A woman asked.

"There are elves of all kinds across what remains of the planet. It just so happens the two largest factions are here in what was once the United States. I am Queen of those referred to as High Elves. The man who created us, we refer to him as the Holy One, he established our form of government to be similar to what the elves in your books and legends had. It is not exactly the same, but it is similar as I said. We make our homes and villages in the mountains and forests. It is mainly for our protection, as the ruling government does not often venture into the deep timber and mountains. It is here where we are strongest. The other faction lives mainly in the plains and uses caves as well as forests to live. They are referred to as Wood Elves. Our relationship with the Wood Elves is tenuous, as we do not see eye to eye on many things, but they fight the same battle we do. We do not want to be slaves. There are dozens of elfin breeds if you will, across the globe, and some have been brought here to this land as slaves."

"Are all elves as gorgeous as you baby?" A man called out.

Everyone noticed Tarifa's eyes darken just a little bit, but the smile remained on her face. Tarifa did see many of the men and women present roll their eyes and shake their heads at the comment from the man, which again showed her that there people were different. The men and women noticed that Martin had begun to rise from his kneeling position, but Tarifa's small hand on his shoulder stopped him.

Tarifa looked at the man from where she stood. "Female elves were created to be perfect in every way." Tarifa spoke looking at the man. "The Holy One had hoped that humans would take us as wives and we would have children. In his mind this would make our children stronger and better able to adapt to the world we now lived in." Tarifa bent over and picked up the small stone almost casually. She moved it around in her hand as she continued, looking directly at the man who had asked the question. "What he failed to account for was the seemingly inbred arrogance of some humans. Unfortunately, those in charge saw a way to gain the upper hand over others and decided they would make us slaves instead. They now force female elves to live in squalor in brothels and whore houses that are used and regulated by the government. Even those who are not part of the Alliance government regard elves as nothing more than property."

Tarifa's hand flashed out with elfin speed and the stone she had been holding whizzed through the air with deadly accuracy. The man who had called her baby staggered back as the stone impacted his jaw, snapping his head around and making him see stars.

"We are not however, the property of anyone!" Tarifa snapped. "All we want is what you want, and that is a chance to live in peace and raise our children. And we do not take kindly to disparaging remarks, as I'm sure you do not as well."

"Can you tell us numbers?" The nerdy young man asked.

Tarifa smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry ... that is not something I will reveal."

"You have children?" Another woman asked.

"Do I have children personally?" Tarifa smiled and shook her head. "No, but that will change someday, but to answer your question, yes there are many children among my people. And I imagine among the Wood Elves as well." Tarifa answered. "They have a Queen like the High Elves, but I have never met her."

"How old are you?" Another question was tossed out.

Tarifa blushed at the question. "I am considered very young by elf standards." She replied.

"You look like you are in your mid twenties." The woman who had asked about the children spoke from the front row.

"I am one hundred and twenty-seven years old." Tarifa told them, seeing the looks of astonishment on their faces. "The oldest among my people is nearing four hundred years old."

Martin got to his feet. "Ok ... I'm sure you all have lots of questions, but Tarifa needs to return to her people soon. You are the senior men and women in the group, and I expect you to lead by example. My team member Julie is waiting to give all of you assignments that you can distribute and handle yourselves. Do not take it upon yourselves to suddenly become gods in a new land, because that is not something I will tolerate. We need to work together in this, or none of us are going to make it. That's it ... let's get to work."

Martin turned to look at Tarifa as the men and women began to get to their feet and break up and he spoke softly into his implant. "Cody there is a Sweeper moving away from the gathering here; kind of nerdy looking with glasses and brown hair."

Martin heard his ear piece cackle. "I got him boss." Cody's voice responded.

"Mark him and take him out earliest." Martin spoke.

"I copy that Skipper."

Martin looked at Tarifa, her eyes full of questions. "Is there trouble?" She asked.

"Someone who would like to cause trouble I'm sure." Martin told her. "He won't be around long enough to do anything however."

Tarifa nodded her head in agreement. "Good."

"How far do you have to go?" Martin asked.

"Our city is in the next valley over." She answered stepping closer to him as they moved behind some stacked crates. "Technically, you are in our territory already and I'm sure our own scouts have no doubt reported back seeing the ships land. That is why I must go."

Martin reached up and caressed her face. "When will you be back?" He asked.

Tarifa looked up at him, her hands pressed to his chest and her eyes gazing at him with undisguised desire. "I will return as soon as I am able Martin. I wish to continue what we have discovered as well."

"So you want children uhu?" He said to her with a smile.

Tarifa looked at him shyly and kissed him. "There will come a day when I will have children, yes. But do not worry ... one of the advantages the Holy One gave to female elves is the ability to regulate our systems very well. I will not become pregnant."

Martin took a small silver coin like object from his vest and gave it to her. It resembled a medallion and glittered in the sunlight. "It's a waterproof transmitter and receiver. It has a twenty kilometer range. If you need to talk to me, press the red button. It's already set to a channel in my implant and as long as I am in range I will pick it up."

Tarifa smiled and closed her fingers around it tightly, reaching up on her tip toes to kiss him again. Martin lifted her into his arms easily and Tarifa wrapped her arms around his shoulders as the kiss deepened.

"Ahem!" The voice interrupted their moment.

Martin lowered her back to the ground slowly and they saw the male elf smile gently and bow his head. "Forgive me milady, but we are ready."

Tarifa nodded and squeezed Martin's hand. "I will see you soon. I promise."

Martin nodded with a smile and watched as she turned to the male elf and they began sprinting into the forest with the other elves spread out around them. Martin felt a strange emptiness in his chest as he watched her disappear into the trees, but then he turned and saw the massive job ahead of him. He looked at the Master Chief who walked up next to him.

"Let's get busy Master Chief." Martin exclaimed.

Martin didn't noticed Anja standing by the ramp of the Raptor and watching him. She had seen everything, and had also felt the sliver of jealousy course through her.

ROAN PLATEAU

"I have determined that all of our people, with a few exceptions were killed in this clearing Milady." Tomea told her. "We discovered drag marks that had been covered up, but due to no rain for several days, once we removed the top layer of leaves, they were easy to discern. The exceptions were the patrol guards Milady. They were killed with 6.7mm rounds, the same as the High Elves weapons, but the bullet strikes were careless and random."

"Random?" Walter asked.

"We have known for some time that the High Elves have been running low on ammunition for their weapons." Tomea spoke. "The human settlements will only accept elf slaves in exchange for ammunition, and that is something Queen Tarifa will not barter. They have learned to become precise and absolutely perfect shots with their weapons. High Elves would not shoot a target fifteen times, as one of the guards was hit."

Dysea lifted her tea as she listened in silence. "Go on Tomea." She spoke.

"The one other thing that I found is quite possibly the most important Milady." Tomea said. "I took shavings from the stumps that were found to dismember our people. In the shavings I found shards of metal. As you know, all High Elf bladed weapons are forged with a titanium/iron alloy. Their weapons are extremely sharp and rarely lose an edge, since they are refined with lasers, and they are almost impossible to break."

"Their blades would not leave shavings." Leland spoke from where he stood against the wall. "I have used High Elf blades Milady; they are perfect in every way. We have even begun to retool our own Smiths to use their process."

Tomea nodded. "Leland is correct my Queen. The composition of the steel consisted of aluminum and nickel. This act was not committed by High Elves Milady. Someone else attacked this village and attempted to make it look like Tarifa's forces. They did an outstanding job of it as well, which means they were well trained, but they expected rain to wash away most of the evidence before anyone discovered what they did."

"And the Council directed that only the bodies were to be recovered." Dysea said softly. She looked at the Holy One for a long moment. "Thank you Tomea. Continue gathering any evidence you can, and catalog all of your findings."

Tomea bowed her head, "As you order Milady."

Dysea watched her leave the small home and then turned to where Walter sat. "The Council knew!" She hissed.

"We don't know that Dysea." Walter spoke.

"There is no other explanation. Why order that only the bodies be recovered? Why not investigate the scene as we have done?" Dysea's emotions were coming to the surface, and Walter knew that of the two Queens, Dysea was the more emotional one, at least when it came to anger. "There is something else at work here Holy One. I can feel it."

"That is the answer we must discover." Walter spoke.

Dysea looked at Leland. "Where was the last attack prior to this one Leland?" She asked.

"It was three weeks ago just north of Jackson Wyoming Milady." He answered almost immediately. "It was on the very edge of High Elf territory. It was nearly identical to this attack Dysea, in every way."

"Where is our nearest storage site with Hoppers?" She asked.

"There are three captured Hoppers at our site in Grand Junction." Leland replied.

"Contact them. I want one of the Hoppers here in the morning to pick up half our party. Tomea will accompany us. The others will return to the Compound and say nothing to no one about where they have been." Dysea spoke.

Leland nodded. "We will be going very close to High Elf territory Dysea. Is that wise?"

"What are you thinking Dysea?" Walter asked.

"I want to investigate one more site where our people were butchered." She told him. "Now that Tomea knows what to look for, we can do so quickly and spend as little time as needed so close to High Elf territory."

"Then what will you do?" Walter asked.

"I intend to find out who is behind these attacks and why they are pitting us against Tarifa's forces Holy One. And I want to know who on the Council knows what is going on." Dysea answered. "For when I discover them, I will personally flay them until they are on the verge of death before I give them to the elements."

They turned as Leland motioned the young elf into the home. "It is another transmission from our spy in the capital Milady." He spoke holding out the pad.

Dysea read the pad before handing it to Leland and looking at Walter. "Our spy has discovered that there has been some sort of coup on this EDEN base. Commander Hunter escaped with almost two thousand men and women. He is now wanted by the Alliance for the brutal murders of this Senator Graham's son and nine other men. Apparently Tarifa was with him, and their ships were last detected entering the atmosphere before they were lost."

"Wanted by the Alliance?" Walter asked.

Dysea nodded. "According to this, the Alliance has open negotiations with this Senator Graham and they have established a temporary treaty. Commander Hunter and the genomes are wanted alive, as well as Tarifa and a dozen elves that were with her. If they were lost entering the atmosphere..."

Walter shook his head. "They deactivated their transponders so they could not be tracked." Walter told her. "Martin and those with him are not fools. They are all combat experienced men and women, forged in some of the most vile hell holes of the time they came from. What you and the other elves have seen pales in comparison Dysea. We should try to contact him."

"Holy One we don't even know where they are." Leland spoke.

Walter nodded. "Yes I know, but we should use some assets that we do have to try and discover his location."

"I will direct two technicians to begin monitoring all unused communications traffic, but until we know what is happening here, I can spare no more." Dysea spoke.

Walter nodded. "Direct them to scan the low band frequencies Dysea." He told her. "If Martin communicates with anyone, it will be very low band and highly encrypted."

Dysea looked at Leland and nodded. He returned the nod and headed out of the home. She returned her gaze to Walter. "Can he help us Holy One?" She asked.

"We need to find him first." Walter spoke.

SALMON RIVER MOUNTAINS

HIGH ELVES RULING CAPITAL

MOUNTAIN CITY

Two days later

" ... have to tell me sister!" The dark haired female elf spoke as she waited for Tarifa to come out of the adjoining room where she was drying off her body from the steaming spring shower. "The rumors are spreading like wildfire through the entire city. They've even reached as far as Pacifica."

Tarifa stepped out of the shower room, her sapphire eyes wide. "Pacifica!" She gasped, holding the towel around her body and gazing at her younger sister. "You jest!"

Tarifa's youngest sister Zaala shook her head, her dark eyes bright and animate. That they were related was easy to determine as Zaala had the same hair and figure of her older sister, with the same facial features and contours. "It is the truth!" Zaala exclaimed.

"What are they saying?" Tarifa asked as she began to dress.

"That you were saved twice by a man who is half Wolf, and who came from the moon. That he is nine feet tall, and that he claimed you for his own." Zaala spoke. "Even mother and father are coming from Salem to get the real story."

"No!" Tarifa spoke looking at her sister.

Zaala nodded. "It is the talk of our people. You will not be able to deny it for long. Too many of those who were with you have spoken about it."

Tarifa sat on the edge of the bed next to her sister. "What have they said Zaala?" She asked softly.

"That this man and the people with him are different." Zaala replied. "That they are even older than the Elders, and they sheltered you and the others. Rescued you and returned you to us." Zaala looked at her sister. "They say he looks at you with unabashed love and desire in his eyes, and that he killed nine men in seconds to save your life. That he wiped out a full squad of Alliance Assassins as if they were children. They ... they..."

"What?" Tarifa asked.

"They also say they heard you screaming out his name in passion." Zaala told her.

Tarifa blushed quickly even under her dark tan and she looked away from her sister, her hand going to the silver medallion that Martin had given her. She had added a glittering silver chain to the medallion and had not taken it off since she had returned. Zaala saw this and smiled. "So it is true." She said. "Oh don't torture me sister. Tell me!"

Tarifa looked at her with a small smile. "They are called Genomes." She told her, taking her hands. "They were genetically engineered to be the finest soldiers in their time before the Great Fire. Martin and his team were feared by many for their skill and prowess."

"His name is Martin?" Zaala said smiling. "Tell me of him Tarifa. Did he make you scream his name in passion?"

Tarifa grinned. "You have a one track mind Zaala."

"I've never screamed any man's name in passion." Zaala told her. "Most of the elves I've bedded were terrible lovers anyway."

"Zaala you are so bad!" Tarifa exclaimed.

"Don't change the subject sister!" She said with a smile. "Tell me! Is he very large?" She asked with wide eyes.

Tarifa smiled and shook her head. "He is not nine feet tall." She said. "I'd say he stands about six foot two or six foot three. He is..."

"That is not what I meant Tarifa!" Zaala spoke, playfully grabbing her hand.

Tarifa looked at her with a girlish smile and she lifted her hands palms facing towards each other until they were about a foot apart. "He is this big." Tarifa said.

Zaala's eyes grew wide. "Tarifa now you are jesting with me!" She looked at her sister. "Aren't you?"

Tarifa shook her head slowly and with a dreamy smile as the memories of what Martin's cock had made her feel caused her skin to feel warm. "He is so thick Zaala. I thought I was going to split apart."

"It did not hurt?" Zaala asked amazed.

Tarifa shook her head quickly. "He ... it..."

"What sister? Tell me!" Zaala asked urgently.

"He kissed me Zaala!" Tarifa said.

"Kissed you? That is all?"

"Zaala ... I ... I have never kissed a man." Tarifa told her. "It was so powerful, so passionate. He ... he possessed me with his kisses." She looked at her sister. "He also ... he used his lips and tongue ... on my..."

Zaala's eyes grew even wider. "He licked you? Down there?"

"Zaala I was so wet when he finally entered me ... all I felt was this blissful sensation as he filled me completely." Tarifa told her. "It was divine."

"He didn't force you?"

"No!" Tarifa told her. "Zaala I wanted him from the first moment I saw him. When I look at him, it is almost as if I need him to live. When I was wrapped in his arms I never felt more loved and protected. He refused to even allow me to clean him. When he caresses my skin he ignites fires within me that I am powerless to control, fires that only he can extinguish."

Zaala held up her hand. "Enough!" She spat with a smile. "I hate you! Does he have a brother?"

Tarifa laughed and squeezed her sister's hands. "You are so bad!"

"You must know that mother and father will demand to meet him Tarifa." Zaala said. "He is the first man to share your bed that they have not approved."

"I am a hundred and twenty-seven years old." Tarifa said. "I can decide for myself who shares my bed and who doesn't. Martin will share my bed as often as he likes, at least until the time fate takes us in different directions."

Zaala looked at her. "What do you mean sister?"

Tarifa looked at her. "He is different Zaala." She replied softly. "There is a beast inside him, a beast desiring to get out. I do not think ... I do not think even he knows who and what he truly is."

"How can he not know what he is?" Zaala asked.

Tarifa looked at her sister. "I saw him change into something up there that was fearful and frightening Zaala, yet it is something he controls with his will alone. I do not know if the others with him besides the ones I saw can do this as well, but something inside me tells me I did not see everything."

"Yet you let him have you?" Zaala spoke. "Why?"

Tarifa smiled. "Because he is very handsome ... and I wanted to." She replied. "That is usually how it is done."

Zaala's face turned serious. "There are some on the Council that are not happy you led them here and allowed them to remain in the next valley."

Tarifa nodded as she took the dress and started to pull it on over her naked skin. "Those humans among his group are not like any we have ever met." She said. "They accepted us without question and helped us to escape imprisonment and worse. They come from an age where slavery was not allowed, and it disgusts them that humans have resorted to it once more. Elves existed only in their legends and myths, so it is understandable that they view us with curiosity, but many of them have known Martin for years and they seem to expect the unexpected."

"What will you tell the Council?"

"That Martin and those with him could be powerful allies in our war with the Alliance." Tarifa said. "And we should make every effort to see that we extend to them the hand of friendship."

"Do you think they will listen to you?" Zaala asked.

Tarifa looked at her. "We shall see."

The chamber was well lit with nearly three dozen glowing orbs all around the large room. Twelve high backed chairs occupied one side of the massive polished granite table, with water pitchers and data pads neatly stacked beside the five male and four female elves that occupied the chairs. They were the oldest and wisest of the High Elves, and as such had seats on the Council of the Elders.

The Council of Elders was a body of government for the elves that made the laws and sat in judgment of those who broke the laws. All of them wore elaborate robes, the female members wearing provocative dresses that left little to the imagination. Many of them were over three hundred years old, yet none of them looked older then fifty. They were elected to the Council of Elders for life appointments and aside from the Holy One himself and Tarifa, they were considered central to the High Elves way of life. They were also very controversial, as many of the younger elves that were Tarifa's age and younger had begun to rebel against many of the laws that had been in place for centuries.

This was Tarifa's realm. She was an accomplished warrior without a doubt, but her skill in politics far surpassed her fighting skills. She had been elected Queen with the highest popular vote of any Queen in history, giving her unprecedented influence and power. She had instituted many changes that had been looked on warily over the years, but had made the High Elves even stronger in the long run. Most knew her as someone of unquestionable honesty and integrity, but she was also considered to be someone you did not wish to cross. In her reign as Queen, the High Elves had increased their number by three fold, building eight new cities and opening diplomatic talks with many of the free human cities. While they traded supplies and equipment, Tarifa never once would consider trading her people's freedom for more advanced weapons to fight the Alliance. The autonomous human cities were too powerful for the Alliance to defeat with direct military confrontation without taking massive losses in men and equipment, so they allowed them to go about business as long as it didn't interfere with any Alliance controlled territory east of the Big River.

The Elves however were a different story, and the Alliance routinely conducted military operations against High Elf strongholds. Tarifa knew that her feelings for Martin aside, an alliance with those that followed him would only make the High Elves more self sufficient and provide them the tools to better defend their homes and strongholds. She only hoped that the Council felt the same.

Tarifa watched the senior Council member and Chief Minister set the data pad on the table and turn to look at her.

"We have reviewed the reports you have kindly given to us Majesty." The Chief Minister spoke. "We do have some questions, but first allow me to say we are all extremely pleased that you have returned to us safely and unharmed."

Tarifa nodded at the man. "Thank you Chief Minister." She answered. "It is good to be home."

"I must say, we were all a bit distressed that you took it upon yourself to lead Marcus's forces away from the Holy One. You could have allowed a Lieutenant to do this you know." The Minister spoke.

"I could have." Tarifa nodded. "However Marcus would not have followed unless he knew he had an opportunity to capture me. The Holy One's safety mattered more than my own."

The Minister nodded. "Of course you are right." He said.

"And you encountered this..." He made it a point to look at the pad before continuing. "You encountered this Commander Hunter at the sacred ruins?"

"As my report indicates Minister, there was a traitor among my party. He was able to signal Marcus's forces and they sent an Alliance Assassin unit who subsequently attacked our position within the ruins yes."

"And that is when this Hunter person appeared and dispatched the Assassins. Rather easily as your report indicates."

Tarifa nodded. "There were others with him, but yes." She told them.

"And it was shortly after this that you discovered Commander Hunter and the others came from a base on the moon that was thought destroyed during the Great Fire?" The Minister spoke.

"I do not understand the physics of the incident, but apparently when the comet passed between the earth and our moon; it caused the moon to essentially stop spinning as it orbited the earth, while our planet went faster. This in some way caused time to move much slower on the moon then it was here on earth." Tarifa told them, trying to explain it to them as Admiral Wallace told her. "The moon's rotation did not come back into sync with the earth until recently, and that is when Martin and the others came to earth."

Tarifa noticed that several of the Elders gave her odd looks when she spoke Martin's name with such familiarity, but she had already decided she would not hide her relationship with him in any way.

"And this is also when you took it upon yourself to return with him to this base on the moon." The Chief Minister spoke.

Tarifa nodded. "Yes."

"You do realize your Majesty that any new political contacts must be approved by this Council." The Minister spoke.

"I was not in a position to inform the Council of my actions. You received the messenger we sent back before leaving informing you of my decision to go." Tarifa said. "I determined that Martin and his superiors could very well turn out to be allies against the Alliance."

"A prospect that did not go as you had planned." The Minister spoke almost arrogantly. "This alone should tell you that the Council of Elders should have made the decision and not you."

"Chief Minister I am Queen." Tarifa spoke, her words firm. "The last time I read our constitution; military decisions are the arena of the Queen and not the Council of Elders. At the moment I made the decision, I was in a military situation and not a political one. I was well within my rights to do as I did."

"And yet that decision almost cost you your life as well as the lives of the others within your party." The Chief Minister replied, his words just as firm. "And it resulted in you being sexually assaulted by half a dozen humans at least. This is all in your report to us your Majesty."

"I am well aware of my report to you and this Council Chief Minister Raloa!" Tarifa snapped. "I wrote it! If you have some issue with me Chief Minister, may I suggest we get it out in the open now so that it does not fester?"

The attractive female elf leaned forward. "Please your Majesty, the Chief Minister is only attempting to express the worry and concern that we all had for your safety."

Tarifa looked at the woman. The Council of Elder's Minister of Justice was known to be a supporter of Tarifa's and a friend to her father. She was also fair and impartial to everyone, regardless of his or her status. She was a tough woman who had fought for decades before being elected to the Council. She had sided with Tarifa on many issues, and also sided against her on some others, and it was one of the reasons that Tarifa respected her so much.

"Minister Thalami speaks with great wisdom your Majesty." Another of the Elders spoke. He was the youngest of the Council at three hundred and fourteen years old, but he was also an avid supporter of Tarifa and all her policies. "All of us were greatly concerned for your safety. Minister Raloa only wishes to see you safe."

Tarifa took a deep breath and nodded her head. "I understand that." She said.

"Then you must understand our concern for what you were thinking when you allowed this Commander Hunter and those with him, including over a thousand humans, to set up camp so close to our capital?" The man continued. "This action, after the events on the moon dictates that we question what you were thinking."

Tarifa looked at him closely and saw in his eyes only the honest concern she had always known him for ever since joining the Council. "I do understand your concern and questions Minister Treblar." She spoke. "I supplied you with the information given to me by the human Admiral Wallace, as well as a copy of the message the Holy One left for Martin."

"Yes we have reviewed it extensively." Treblar spoke. "All of us are concerned as to why the Holy One himself did not tell us this. Why would he not inform us of beings he created before the Great Fire? Especially beings that have the obvious skills and abilities you have described to us. They are able to alter their very bodies to take on the forms of animals that are still considered to this day to be extremely dangerous. Their strength and speed far surpasses that of any elf, and we are generally considered to be superior to humans in every way. They are soldiers with a skill that surpass even those of your father's own Elite Dragoons."

"I do not presume to know why the Holy One does what he does." Tarifa said calmly and with no hostility. "And neither should anyone on this Council. It was the Holy One who created us, and it was the Holy One who started this war on our behalf against the Alliance. I can only guess that perhaps he thought them to be dead and there was no reason for us to know about them."

"They are not dead however." Raloa spoke looking at Tarifa. "And now we have made a new enemy, and potentially a more deadly enemy than even the Alliance."

"Commander Hunter is not our enemy!" Tarifa spoke. "He saved the lives of not only me, but all my soldiers with me. And he did so without question or regard for what would happen to him."

"He could also prove to be a new ally perhaps?" Thalami spoke from her chair. "Dismiss this we can't."

"We have only the Queen's word to prove that." Raloa spoke. "And if what the Holy One says in his message is true, then the Queen could very well be bias. It is written in her own words that she felt pulled by this Hunter. Draw to him."

Tarifa's eyes flared briefly and she opened her mouth to speak but never got the chance.

"Does this Council now challenge my daughter's integrity?" The male voice bellowed from the back of the room.

Tarifa's mouth snapped shut and she watched the shadowy figure come into the light and all the heads at the table turned. Tarifa hid the small smile that split her lips when she saw the male elf step into the light, the very attractive and much shorter female elf beside him.

"War Master Tareif!" Thalami exclaimed as she came to her feet. "Mistress Palina! We were not aware you had come to the capital."

The male elf stepped even further into the light, his uniform bearing gold shoulder boards, and glittering silver clusters on them. His cloak was dusty from traveling, his dark hair hung almost to his shoulders, and braided tightly in three rows on either side of his face. His face was deeply tanned from years of exposure to the sun and elements, but his sapphire eyes were blazing points of light. He was tall for an elf, at five foot ten, and the resemblance and height Tarifa inherited from him was uncanny.

The female elf stood proudly beside her husband, and one had only to look at her mother to see where Tarifa got her exceptional looks. She had the same enticing figure as her daughter, and it was not hard to see why she had given birth to nine children during her two hundred year marriage to the man she still looked at with love every day.

"I do not need to announce where I go to anyone!" Tareif's deep voice spoke. "When we learned our daughter had returned safely to the capital, I gathered my finest Dragoons and came to see her. What I find is the Council of Elders questioning my daughter's integrity. When did it become commonplace for the Queen of our people to be questioned in such a way?"

"War Master ... it is not as it seems." Thalami spoke.

"Isn't it? Perhaps you should explain it to me then."

Tareif was a legend among the High Elves and a man not to be trifled with. He had trained over half the High Elves army personally, and many of the senior officers had served under him at one point or another. He had won countless battles against the Alliance, even when he was heavily outnumbered. It was well known that he had taken it upon himself to school his daughter in the arts of war, and it was one of the reasons she had been elected Queen with such a margin of victory. There were only four officers with more knowledge and experience in war then Tarifa, and all of them served her father.

"We were only expressing to the Queen our concern for her safety and her actions in the last few days." Thalami spoke.

"If even half the rumors that are spreading among our people are true, then the allies we have waited so long for have finally appeared." Palina spoke softly next to her husband. "Are we in such a position of power that we can simply dismiss them?"

"We do not dismiss them." Raloa spoke now getting to his feet. "We question the way they have been obtained. We know nothing of these ... Genomes they are called or the humans with them. The Queen has admitted in her own words that she allowed one of these Genomes to bed her!"

Tareif moved with a speed that belied his age, and in a blink he was standing in the Chief Minister's face, a scowl etched into his features. "Tread carefully with your words Chief Minister, for it is my daughter and your Queen about which you speak!" Tareif growled. "It is my understanding of our law that she must submit to any man who saves her life. A law that you started centuries ago I might add, and a law most of our younger people and many of our older citizens see as no better that how the Alliance conduct themselves. It is also obvious to me that you failed to read her entire report. When this Hunter person saved my daughter the first time, he had an opportunity to take my daughter by force and he did not."

"He did not know of our laws at the time!" Raloa spoke.

"That is of no matter to me, and if what my daughter has said is true, and I do not doubt my daughter, this man would have refused even had he known." Tareif spoke. "That he did not act like the animal you seem to think he is speaks volumes of his honor. That he could have escaped this EDEN station and left my daughter at the mercy of those pigs and he did not says even more. And the fact that he killed every single scum who violated my daughter and our Queen is all the information I need to make a decision."

"She led him here to Mountain City!" Raloa nearly yelled, "To our very capital! They have set up a compound in the next valley! The Alliance has declared them enemies and his presence here threatens us! We do not even know what he and his people are doing right now because she left him alone."

Tareif shook his head. "Your lack of military knowledge and Intelligence gathering never ceases to amaze me Raloa, even after all these years. Tarifa contacted me within four hours of landing in the valley, with this Commander Hunter's permission. Regardless of what she may feel for this man, using coded words that only she and I know, she ordered me to dispatch our best scouts to maintain a constant vigil on the newcomers. I did so immediately, and they have been watching this Hunter and the humans for two days now. And that does not include the three elves from her own command that she left with them. Do you think my daughter is a fool?" Raloa looked stupefied, and he was unable to speak. "The Holy One's reasons are not for us to question and Tarifa knows this. It is she that the Holy One confides in and she alone. If there was something we should have known, he has always told us. Nothing he has done has ever put our people at risk. To question him now is heresy."

"And yet he is now with the Wood Elves." Raloa spoke, though his words were much more subdued.

"This is the order of things and has been for centuries. The Holy One travels and spends equal time with all his creations." Tareif said softly. "That Tarifa arranged for him to be spirited to safety with the Wood Elves means nothing. Or would you rather he now be in the hands of the Alliance?"

Treblar stepped forward next to Tareif. "War Master Tareif I believe the experience of almost losing our Queen has shaken us somewhat. Please ... perhaps we should recess for now until tempers cool."

"Father, Minister Treblar is correct." Tarifa spoke, stepping forward and taking her father's arm. "We can adjourn until later today, and at that time I will suggest to the Council that they appoint two members to accompany me back to Martin's camp and they can determine for themselves if he is a friend or foe."

Tareif looked at his daughter and nodded, "A fine idea." He said.

Treblar nodded his head, a new respect for Tarifa in his eyes, "A fine idea indeed." He spoke. "Your majesty ... you have not seen your parents for some time, may I suggest you visit with them, and the Council will select two members to accompany you when you return. We will do nothing without your consent except decide who will travel with you."

Tarifa nodded and slid her arm around her father's waist. "Thank you Minister Treblar, I believe I will take you up on that offer." She looked at her father, "Papa?"

Tareif looked at her and smiled. "Lead away! I'm starving! Politics make me hungry!"

Raloa didn't see the smiles from several of the Council Elders at Tareif's words, but neither did they notice that his eyes burned with hate as Tarifa led her parents out of the meeting chamber.

"Ugh! Papa you're crushing me!" Tarifa croaked with a smile as her father gripped her in a bear hug embrace, lifting her from her feet.

Palina watched smiling, her arm around the waist of their youngest daughter. Tareif set his oldest daughter down and held her at arms length, as if searching for injuries of any kind.

"Papa I am fine." Tarifa spoke squeezing his arms, "Really."

Tareif looked at her now. "That was the craziest stunt you have ever pulled!" He scolded her now that they were alone and in private. "Have you completely lost your marbles?"

Palina cluck clucked and pushed her husband away hugging Tarifa just as tightly. "Quiet Tareif, you'll make a scene." She said, kissing her daughter's cheeks and looking at her with her dark eyes. "You are truly fine?" She asked.

Tarifa smiled and nodded. "Yes mama, truly."

Tareif looked around Tarifa's small living quarters. "Bah! Where is the wine? Don't they have wine in the capital?"

Tarifa smiled and squeezed her father's arm. "I keep it in the next room Papa!" She said. She smiled and watched her father stalk off in search of a glass of wine. She turned back to see her mother staring at her. "What?"

"You are not injured Tarifa? He did not hurt you?" Palina asked again.

"She's in heat mama." Zaala spoke with a sly grin. "But definitely not hurt."

"Zaala!" Tarifa exclaimed looking at her sister but blushing red.

"So the rumors that we have heard are true?" Palina asked her. "Tarifa ... did this man ... force you to..."

"No!" Tarifa spouted. "By all that is holy ... I gave myself to him! I practically had to assault him to make him come out of his shell!"

"Tarifa ... you hardly know this man." Palina said.

"No ... that is not true." Tarifa said speaking softly. "I feel like ... I feel like I've known him all of my life. It's as if he and I have always been together in some way. It is ... it is something the Holy One did to all of us."

"But to let him bed you... ?" Palina spoke.

Tarifa smiled as she looked at her mother. "It was exquisite mama." She said.

Palina grinned. "You will have to tell me when your father is not around." She said softly. "The Holy One ... what..."

"The Holy One," Tareif asked coming back into the room a large goblet in his hand. "What do you mean, what about the Holy One?"

Tarifa looked at her father. "I will explain everything." She said. "But first papa, I never contacted you to send scouts to spy on Martin."

Tareif looked at her sheepishly. "No. I sent them immediately after discovering you had returned to the capital."

"Papa!" Tarifa spoke firmly. "You had no right!"

"I am your War Master Tarifa! I had every right." He replied.

Tarifa sighed heavily. "You ... you are right. I am sorry. I could have handled Raloa though." She said.

Tareif nodded. "Of that I have little doubt!" He told her with a smile. "But ever since I stole your mother from him all those years ago I have always relished the opportunity to spar with him whenever I can. He is so predictable."

Tarifa chuckled and hugged her father again. "You are a bad man papa." She said shaking her head.

"Yes ... so your mother continues to tell me even after two hundred years of marriage!" Tareif said waggling his eyebrows.

"Papa," Tarifa nearly yelled.

"Tareif... !" Palina exclaimed, stepping forward to slug her husband in his shoulder. "Our children do not wish to hear of our escapades! You hush now!" Palina took her daughter's hands and directed her to the couch. "Tell us Tarifa. Tell us everything."

"There was really no need to dispatch scouts papa." Tarifa told him as she settled onto the couch next to her mother. "I left Endith and two others with Martin's group and I have talked to them each evening."

Tareif grinned. "That's my girl." He said pulling up the chair.

"I am less concerned about the political as I am about this fellow Martin." Palina spoke. "I want to hear about him."

Zaala laughed from where she sat. "And what a story it is!" She said.

EDEN REFUGEE COMPOUND

Anja looked up when Martin entered the make shift clinic they had set up in the belly of one of the Mark Nine's. Anja had spent the better part of the last two days treating minor injuries and making sure that the men, women and children were inoculated against every known disease. She had no idea what sort of diseases roamed the world now, but it made her feel a little better knowing that the people with them were protected against what they knew about. The small clinic was empty now, as Anja was simply compiling the information onto several data pads for filing and storage. She watched Martin come in and pull up the chair next to her where he promptly sat down and just stared at her.

Anja tried to ignore him, and she succeeded for a few moments before tossing down the pad and looking at him. "What?"

"How are you doing?" He asked her.

"I'm fine." She snapped. "I've done over seven hundred physicals in the last three days and my eye balls are about to start shriveling up, but other than that I'm just ducky."

"Doesn't sound like it." Martin said.

"Martin what do you want?" Anja asked.

"It's eating away at you Anja." He said softly. "I can see it written all over your face."

"They ... they should have told me!" She finally retorted.

"And how exactly do you tell someone you are sharing a bed with that you can change into a humanoid version of the animal whose DNA was grafted to yours?" Martin asked her.

"What ... what they did..." Anja began.

"What they did is what they have always done and that is back me up." Martin told her. "If you want to blame someone blame me. I'm the one who lost it and initiated my change first. Listen ... it is part of who and what we are Anja. We don't change often, but yes when we do it is not a pretty sight what we are capable of doing. Our ability to change has saved our lives on countless missions, and is the reason we are still here now." He explained to her. "I am not ashamed of what I am, and neither is Danny and Julie or any others of my team. They are not any different than they were three days ago Anja?"

"That is why your team wasn't affected by the Purge." Anja said looking at him. "The other teams couldn't change like you."

Martin chuckled softly. "You don't know the half of it." He said.

"Then tell me." Anja told him.

Martin looked at her. "Initially it was just me, Danny and Julie. And yes ... we made it so the others would not be affected by the disease that ravaged the Genomes."

"How... ?" Anja asked quickly.

"That doesn't matter now." Martin said. "What matters is the here and now. And you are avoiding them like they have the plague. They are the same people Anja. They haven't changed have they?"

Anja looked at him and slowly shook her head. "No."

"You have changed though." Martin said. "You aren't the Anja Peterson who came to EDEN."

"Did they send you here?" She asked quickly.

Martin shook his head. "I sent them out on patrol so we could have this little talk." He told her. "You've become a fine officer and a good friend. I don't like seeing my friends in pain. We live in a different world now Anja, one that we are new to. A world where we are going to see a lot of strange things if what we've seen so far is any indication. It's time to let go of what you know and embrace what you don't know."

"When did you suddenly become a shrink?" Anja asked.

Martin shrugged. "I had a talk with Tina. She told me what to say." He said with a smile.

Anja burst out laughing at the expression on his face and felt all the unease of the last three days simply evaporated into nothing. After a long moment, her face became a little more serious and she looked at Martin. Familiar feelings rushed through her being so close to him, and they were not at all unpleasant. In fact they were down right wonderful. "What ... what do you want Martin?" She asked.

Martin looked at her. "Me? We are talking about you."

Anja shook her head quickly. "Um ... I mean what do you think I should do?" She said.

Martin met her jade green eyes and fought down the urge to crush her to him and take what he so desired was his. "I ... I think you should do what you want." He spoke finally.

"And ... and you don't have a problem with me sleeping with them?" Anja asked him, mentally kicking herself for asking that stupid question.

"That ... that is none of my business Anja." He replied not able to meet her gaze. "They are good people ... and if you are comfortable ... if they..."

"Thank you Martin." Anja said smiling, reaching out to touch his cheek and feeling the stubble beginning on his skin. Anja suppressed the shiver that rocketed through her just by touching his skin. "I ... I saw you with ... Tarifa. She's ... she's very beautiful."

Martin nodded. "So are you Anja." He told her.

Anja's eyes grew a little wider at his comment and then he got to his feet quickly. "I need to check the work logs." He spoke. "Just remember what I told you ok. We might just be out of the war business."

Anja laughed softly and shook her head. "Don't quit your day job. I wouldn't count on that." She told him.

Julie lowered her combat vest to the ground outside the tent she and Danny shared, but her eyes were fixed on the duffel bag and vest leaning against the pole of the tent. She reached over to it and turned it over to see Anja's name stenciled into the fabric.

"Danny?" She called softly.

Dan turned to look at her as he lowered his gear to the ground and saw her holding up Anja's vest. They both looked at the entrance to the tent and moved closer to the opening. Danny pulled back the flap and what they saw made both their hearts sing. Anja was lying across their sleeping bags, wearing only a t-shirt and her panties. She was clutching the large blanket they used tightly to her chest, her face peaceful as she slept soundly for the first time in three days.

"It took her some time to accept it." Martin's voice spoke from behind them.

They turned and saw Martin squatting on the ground a short distance away. "Marty?" Julie asked.

"What we are capable of doing frightened her a little. It wasn't something she expected to see. She's good people guys." Martin said. "Make sure you don't hurt her."

They watched Martin stand back up and then walk off into the night around them. Julie looked at his back until she could no longer see him even with her wolf vision. He still loves her, Julie thought to herself. She turned at the movement and followed Danny into their tent and quickly removed their fatigues. Danny stretched his body out on one side of Anja as Julie lay behind her. Anja stirred and her eyes fluttered open.

"Danny?" She said softly, looking into his face.

"I'm here Red." He spoke settling next to her.

"Julie?" Anja turned her head looking for Julie.

Julie spooned against Anja from behind and lowered her face over Anja's shoulder. "I'm here lover." She whispered into her ear.

Anja's eyes blinked rapidly. "I'm ... I'm so sorry. I..."

Danny put a finger to her lips silencing her words. She looked at him, her green eyes blurry with forming tears but so very bright. "We should have told you." He said softly.

Julie draped her long legs over Anja and kissed her neck gently as Danny enveloped them both in his arms. "Tonight we sleep." Julie spoke. "Tomorrow we can talk. Right now we just want to enjoy smelling you back with us."

Anja's face beamed as she smiled. She nuzzled her head against Danny's chest and closed her eyes again. Danny looked at Julie and saw the single tear rolling down her cheek as she smiled in happiness. Danny smiled as well and the three of them fell into a contented sleep.

WOOD ELVES CAPITAL

The Alliance captain leaned casually against the cool wall of the cave while smoking the foul smelling cigarette. His eyes kept going to the bevy of female Wood Elves who were sitting at several tables outside the small café shop that had been built directly into the side of the mountain. This level was closest to the surface, and he could feel the wind moving through the tunnels and hitting his face. He hated staying underground with these savages, yet his orders were clear, and the blond haired Wood Elf Queen would be his reward. The captain didn't turn his head as he heard the figure move up on the other side of the wall. That side was shrouded in shadows, and it was impossible to tell who was standing there.

"Have you discovered her location yet?" Roger Thorn asked.

"One of the soldiers she sent back had an unfortunate accident when he returned and broke his neck." The voice said. "We attempted to treat him, but there was nothing we could do."

"And this is of importance to me why?"

"He was sworn to secrecy, but with the right drugs he told us everything." The voice spoke. "The rider returned from the Roan Plateau, the sight of the last attack by your special unit. He said she departed two mornings ago for the village on the border of High Elf territory that your unit attacked last month."

"For what purpose... ?" Thorn asked. "The sites were purged and the only clues left were the ones we left implicating the High Elves in the attacks."

"Dysea found something." The voice continued. "Something she was not happy about, and that is why she has gone to the village in Wyoming."

"She will find nothing." Thorn said again.

"The soldier indicated it was some information that exonerated the High Elves. He was not privy to the information, but it was enough for her to go to Wyoming." The voice said. "You give Dysea too little credit my friend. She is as cunning as she is beautiful. The Holy One told her something, and she is acting on it."

"So ... the good Doctor Carson is traveling with her?"

"He is ... and our mutual employer has suggested an accident now would be perfect so that we may elect a Queen more amiable to the Alliance. And it will also eliminate a certain doctor that has been a thorn in both our sides for quite a number of years." The voice said.

"Does our employer have any suggestions as to how he wishes it to appear?" Thorn asked.

"Only that she was killed by the High Elves. You may fuck her as often as you like, but she must not be found under any circumstances."

The Alliance officer nodded again. "I think I can arrange that." He said with a wicked grin, "How soon?"

"Our employer would like to see it done within the next week if possible." The voice told him softly. "I can provide data if she moves again. She is using one of our Hopper craft now for transport."

"Excellent. Consider it done." The Captain said.

"Very good, text me with any information you may need. The usual frequency will suffice."

The Captain smiled and didn't bother checking to see whom the voice belonged too. He was too good an agent for childish stunts like that. He had a mission now, and a mission he was going to enjoy.

WYOMING

THIRTY-NINE MILES NORTH OF JACKSON

SOUTHERN TIP OF JACKSON LAKE

Dysea stared across the calm surface of the lake as the sun began to set in the horizon. It cast a red glow across the sky, which reflected brilliantly over the water. They had been here in this place for the past day, Tomea collecting evidence while her remaining five soldiers and Leland apprehensively stood guard. None of them had ever been this close to High Elf territory before, and it was trying their nerves. It had taken Tomea only six hours on the site of the village to know that the High Elves had not committed this attack either, and now all she was looking for was some sign of who would do such a thing and try to blame elves. Dysea already had a good idea in her mind, and it did not please her in the least.

Dysea felt the Holy One approaching her from behind and she turned to watch him come up next to her.

"It's beautiful." She said softly.

Walter nodded. "Yes it is." He agreed.

"This is what my people are missing." She said to him. "They are missing the beauty of such simple things as sunsets and the fresh air blowing against our skin."

"You could always change that Dysea." Walter told her. "There is no need for the Wood Elves to remain underground and hidden in the forests. Half of your villages are built above ground, and all you need do is move them all out of the caves. I never intended you to be different from Tarifa and the High Elves. And now I can't even remember how it all came to be."

"Leland told you?" She asked.

Walter nodded. "He did." He replied. "What is going through that head of yours Dysea?"

"Why would the Alliance conduct attacks in such a manner? Why go through all the effort to destroy our villages and make it appear as if the other did it?" Dysea asked.

"I think you know the answer to that." Walter spoke.

"They're using us aren't they?" She said looking out over the water. "They are using us to destroy the High Elves by offering us a false treaty."

"They know that only the Wood Elves can go into the deep timber, to the heart of the High Elf domain and be victorious." Walter spoke. "And they will not simply bombard the cities because of the high concentration of natural resources Tarifa had the cities built on. They know the Wood Elves are more militaristic and their training superior to the High Elves. If they supply you with the weapons needed, there is a strong possibility you would defeat them."

"And then they would turn on us despite this foolish treaty the Council of Elders wishes me to sign." Dysea spat.

Walter nodded. "That is my guess." He answered. "The Wood Elves are smaller in number than the High Elves, and even though you would no doubt gain victories against them, in the end they would overwhelm you."

"And we would all be slaves again." Dysea said with a snarl. "And the cycle would be repeated once more."

Walter nodded solemnly. "Yes."

"Some of the Elders must be entwined in this plot." Dysea spoke heatedly. "There is no way the Alliance could do this without some support from the Elders."

"I'm afraid the possibility of that is also very real." Walter told her. "And if the Alliance has penetrated the Wood Elves Council of Elders, it is safe to assume they have done the same with the High Elves."

"Would Tarifa see this?" Dysea asked looking at him.

Walter nodded. "I believe so yes. Both of you have unique skills Dysea. Tarifa's skills reside mainly within the political realm, while yours are more military related. She is an excellent warrior, and you an excellent politician don't doubt that, but each of you has your strengths. I would imagine she has her suspicions."

Dysea turned back to the lake surface. "The Hopper's sensors can detect infra-red signatures twenty kilometers away. We will remain here until Tomea is able to determine with no doubt who conducted these attacks." She looked at him. "When I return to the capital, I want to have proof, and then I will find the traitor on our Council. And they will pay."

REFUGEE VALLEY

SALMON RIVER MOUNTAINS

Tareif and Palina watched with wide eyes from the backs of their horses as their daughter led them into the refugee camp. It had taken them only three hours to traverse the distance to where Martin had established the compound, and even Tarifa was amazed what he had accomplished in that time period. They could see the neat rows of large tents that had been staked into the ground, with quiet running generators powering the lights and computers that men and women had set up. Tarifa had forgotten that most of the men and women who had escaped with Martin were the best minds of EDEN's crew, and they had used their minds and their hands to put together this temporary base. The Mark Nine transports were the center of the compound, as that is where Anja had set up the lone medical clinic. Spaced at even intervals all around the huge diameter of the perimeter were the Raptor transports and at least one heavy weapon. They covered the two layers of triple strand razor wire that surrounded the compound. At one end of the compound they could see sixty or seventy men and women training under the watchful gaze of three of Martin's team.

They had not been challenged when they got close to the compound, and the six of them and twenty Dragoon soldiers had been able to ride directly into the camp through the wide opening in the wire fences. There was a large stump by the entrance and the three genomes guarding the entrance nodded to Tarifa as they rode by, but ignored the others. They passed dozens of humans as they made their way toward the two Mark Nine's, and received smiles and waves.

Tareif nudged his horse closer to his daughter's and leaned over. "I had imagined a huge sprawling mess with no organization." He spoke quietly. "And they ... they are not gazing upon us as if we are freaks."

"I told you Papa, these men and women are different." Tarifa said with a smile.

Tareif dropped back to ride next to his wife who looked at him, her eyes wide. "I've never seen anything like it." Palina spoke.

"They have no security! No guards!" Tareif spoke. "This Martin Hunter character does not appear to be the military mind that our daughter led us to believe."

"Behave Tareif." Palina spoke turning her head as the horses came to halts because Tarifa had reined her mount in.

They followed their daughter's action and dismounted from their horses as the red haired young woman in black fatigues came walking up to her. An automatic pistol was strapped to her thigh, and the large assault rifle was slung across her back.

Anja forced a smile at Tarifa as she saw her eyes searching the area for Martin. "He's on the other side of the transport." She spoke keeping her voice even. "They are rigging a long range transmitter."

Tarifa smiled and took her hand without thinking or noticing the look Anja gave her, motioning to the half dozen horses loaded with equipment. "I was able to bring most of the items you requested, but many of the medicines we do not have access too. Our chief physician suggested herbal remedies and gave me a list of what you can use and how to mix them. He said they are not as powerful, but they do the same thing."

Anja nodded. "Thank you Tarifa. It will fill out our stocks."

Tarifa took her mother's hand. "Anja this is my father Tareif and my mother Palina. I have brought two members of our Council of Elders, and that smirking dark haired girl is my youngest sister."

Anja nodded. "I am Commander Anja Peterson." She spoke looking at them. "Welcome to ... well welcome to your valley."

Palina smiled and took an immediate liking to Anja. "You ... you are human?" She asked softly, seeing the aura Anja projected but detecting something faint and almost unnoticeable.

Anja nodded. "Yes."

Treblar stepped forward. "You have built all this in only three days?" He asked.

"Many of the men and women who left EDEN with us were tops in their fields, Scientists and researchers and inventors. They know how to get things done." Anja answered. "And Martin likes to be prepared for everything. Come with me and I'll take you over."

They fell in behind Anja and began to traverse the distance to the transports, which towered above them. None of them had ever seen such a massive flying craft, the front of the transport was flipped up revealing the cavernous interior of the ship, easily two hundred meters long, and the rear of the craft was also opened to the sunlit sky.

As they came around the front of the transport all of them stopped at what they saw, their eyes going wide.

"We should stop here until they get it anchored." Anja told them. "It has already fallen twice."

There were six Genomes holding thick ropes tied to the hundred foot high steel pole as they lifted it into the air. All of them were shirtless, their skin glistening in sweat, and their muscles rippling in effort. In the middle of the six was Martin, easily discernable by the black flame tattoos that decorated his chest and back. They could see the ropes stretching out from the top of the transport and Tareif looked surprised to see the shirtless male elf, one of the soldiers his daughter had left, holding one of the ropes, while two male humans were anchoring him on top of the transport. Standing near the bottom of the pole was the short female elf, another of the soldiers Tarifa had left no doubt, and she was holding the long black cable and waiting to pounce.

Palina stepped closer to her daughter, who was gazing at Martin's sweaty body with desire. "Which one is he Tarifa?" Her mother asked, "This Martin Hunter?"

"He is in the middle." Tarifa replied. "He has the tattoos on his chest and back."

Palina followed her daughter's motion with her eyes and her breath caught in her chest when she saw him. He was huge, easily over six feet tall, and the muscles in his arms and shoulders were bulging in effort, the rope looped around his arm several times. His abdomen could be described only as perfection, the "six pack" clearly defined and ripped in a way Palina had never seen before. Zaala had come up next to her sister and mother, her eyes also focused on Martin.

"By the gods Tarifa, he's ... he's ... huge!" Zaala spoke with a large smile. "And so very dreamy."

Palina looked at her daughter, her dark eyes scolding her. Zaala became quiet but continued to watch while Anja stood to the side and could only smile.

"Go!" Martin's voice barked out, drawing their attention back to what was going on, "Now!"

He had been yelling to the female elf with the black cable in her hand, and she sprang into action milliseconds after Martin had yelled for her. She gripped the bottom of the pole and began to scamper up the smooth surface with no effort in the least. It took her only a few seconds to reach the top of the pole, and she secured the black cable to the top before turning and using her elfin strength she heaved it to where the human female and Endith stood on top of the transport. They caught it easily, and the female elf slid down the pole quickly.

"Anchor it!" Danny bellowed from where he stood next to Martin, his own arms and shoulders rippling in effort.

A dozen human men and women rushed forward with long stakes and heavy hammers to anchor the ropes that the Genomes were holding. In less than three minutes, the steel pole was solidly anchored into the ground, and the gathered elves, humans and Genomes shared a shout of victory as Anja motioned Tarifa and the others forward.

Martin turned quickly when he detected Tarifa's peach scent and his dark eyes lit up. He gazed at her for a long moment, taking in the way the light blue shirt she wore tied just underneath her beautiful breasts, leaving her abdomen bare, and the way the black pants clung to her hips and long legs like a second skin. Martin also saw the others with her, and quickly deduced by their similar scent that they were related to Tarifa in some manner, as was the tall male elf with full body armor on. Martin also realized that this was not a social call, and he straightened his pants as best he could, brushing off the dirt and leaves and looked around for where he had tossed his t-shirt.

This did not go unnoticed by Tarifa or her mother, and Palina hid the smile she wanted to express. This young man was not just muscles and good looks, she concluded. He somehow knew that this was an official meeting and was now trying to at least make his appearance presentable. She watched as he failed to find his shirt, took a breath and simply stepped up to them his broad chest glistening in sweat.

"Good day Commander." Tarifa spoke, forcing herself to use her most professional voice. Her mother was the only one who noticed this and she saw Tarifa clenching her hands behind her back in an obvious attempt to not throw herself into this young man's arms. Palina was very surprised at this, as she had never seen any man affect her daughter as apparently this Commander Hunter did.

Martin bowed his head slightly to Tarifa. "It is good to see you again your majesty." Martin spoke, controlling his own voice Palina saw.

"Allow me to introduce Chief Minister of Justice Thalami, and Chief Minister of The Interior Treblar, of the Council of Elders." Tarifa spoke motioning to where Thalami and Treblar stood slightly behind and to her right.

"I hope you'll forgive my appearance." Martin told them. "We have been attempting to put up our long range transmitter all morning."

"There is no need to apologize." Thalami said with a friendly smile. "We understand you have duties."

Treblar stepped forward and looked at the towering steel pole. "I noticed you were using the elves that the Queen left with your group."

Martin nodded. "Yes sir. I needed someone to scale the pole to attach the cable to the top, while someone held the pole steady from the top of the transport. Lieutenant Radama offered to steady the pole from above and Lieutenant Vowiel offered to attach the cable."

Treblar looked at him. "And your people could not have done this?"

"We could have, yes." Martin spoke calmly. "However, Vowiel is considerably lighter than any of my team, and her agility on the pole was perfect. Radama did the work of four humans by holding the pole steady from the top with his strength."

"The Queen told us there were close to sixty of your kind ... Genomes I believe she called you ... in your team." Treblar said turning to face Martin. "Would you mind if I asked where they are if you are using elves to assist you?"

"They offered to help, I accepted their offer Minister." Martin said calmly.

"That does not answer my question." Treblar spoke.

"No sir it doesn't." Martin replied. "I have fifty-three Genomes in my team sir. Six of them have been tracking you since you left your city gates, and the others are on different patrols throughout the area."

"You've ... you've been tracking us since we left the city?" Thalami asked shocked. "How is that possible? We were at a gallop for a full third of the trip here."

"He is bluffing." Tareif spoke from behind his daughter.

Martin turned his head to look at the grizzled elf. He was a soldier by anyone's standard with the way he carried himself. "You stopped to relieve yourself approximately thirteen miles from the city sir. When you did you pissed on one of my people. She was not at all happy about that. Would you like me to tell you how big your dick is as proof?"

Tarifa and her mother could barely contain the laughter that threatened to escape their lips, and Zaala simply stared at Martin in disbelief. She had never heard anyone talk to her father in such a way.

Martin stepped up to Tareif. "You are Tarifa's father. It's an honor to meet you sir. I see where she gets her eyes." Martin turned to Palina and bowed his head to her, holding out his hand. "And you are her mother. I see where she gets her beauty." Palina took Martin's outstretched hand with a shy smile and he brought it to his lips where he softly kissed the back of her hand, "An honor to meet you ma'am."

"My daughter, the Queen..." Tareif spoke putting particular emphasis on Queen, and causing Martin to turn back to him. "She spoke highly of you and your skill. I have seen nothing to substantiate her claims."

"Papa... !" Tarifa snapped, her eyes growing angry as she glared at her father.

"Tareif... !" Palina followed suit.

"It is the truth!" Tareif barked. "They have no security out! We rode into their camp without challenge! If I was an Alliance Assassin I could have wiped out half their force before they knew what hit them. As it is, he leaves himself undefended to the point that my small force of twenty Dragoons could easily take this entire compound."

"Martin this is War Master Tareif." Treblar spoke. "He is our most senior Commanding Officer, and he is also the Queen's father as you have already noticed."

Martin smiled and clasped his hands behind his back. "With all due respect sir, if you were one of those ugly fuckers we ran into a few days ago, you would have been dead six miles ago. Master Chief!" He called.

"Target!" The Master Chief spoke into his implant.

Martin stepped closer to Tareif. "There is a little red dot between your eyes right now. A dot that tells exactly where the 20mm sniper round will impact when it is fired. All of you with the exception of Tarifa have the same dots. Look around if you like."

Tareif allowed his eyes to travel to where Palina stood and he saw the small red dot centered between her dark eyes. Thalami and Treblar, as well as the twenty Dragoons with them all had similar dots as well. He looked back to Martin.

"I said my people were on patrol, sir. I did not say where." Martin told him with a smile.

"I see no defenses here except for the wire. A true leader would defend his base and make any enemy pay for it with blood." Tareif spoke, though his confidence was slightly shaken.

"Yes they would." Martin said. "Deploy!" He barked into his implanted radio mic.

Tareif and the others watched with amazement as men and women appeared from almost everywhere and within ten seconds the entire perimeter was manned and every heavy weapons platform was warmed up.

"Shield!" Martin snapped.

They again watched in amazement as the shimmering blue field sprang to life from the top of the two Mark Nine transports and extended to encompass the entire diameter of the compound. Tareif looked at Martin.

"A level two Force Shield." Martin spoke. "It is strong enough to repel all types of shrapnel, and disable any type of electronic device when passed through. One of my tech heads came up with the idea and it took him four hours to install. Pretty shade of blue isn't it?"

Tareif only grunted in reply and Palina stepped to her husband and took his arm. "We are impressed Commander." She said.

"We are not in any way shape or form like the humans and other people you have dealt with in the past sir. All I ask is a chance for us to prove it to you. I put together a place where we could talk with some refreshments." Martin said, motioning to the closest Mark Nine. "We have only rations at the moment, but the coffee and tea is fresh."

"You knew we were coming?" Treblar asked surprised.

"As I said sir, we've been tracking you since you left your city." Martin replied. "When I was informed Tarifa was with you I assumed one of two things was going on. You were either coming to meet with me, or you were using her to gain entrance to our compound knowing I would not harm her."

"And what if it was the latter?" Treblar asked.

Martin smiled and they all noticed the slightly extended fangs protruding from his mouth. "Well sir, then you would be dead and Tarifa would be with me, and it really wouldn't matter would it?"

Treblar couldn't help but laugh and nod his head. "You are very right Commander, very right indeed."

"Please ... I don't much care for pomp and circumstance. And considering the situation I find myself in, my rank no longer applies now does it? My name is Martin."

"With the Queen's permission I humbly accept your invitation." Treblar said.

"Minister Treblar has my permission of course." Tarifa spoke, taking Martin's arm and glaring at her father with a look that would have dropped a Grizz beast in its tracks.

"This way please." Martin said.

" ... so your Admiral Wallace remains on this station on the moon?" Thalami asked Martin.

They were sitting on the top deck of the transport in the small conference room. Martin had washed quickly and put on his fatigue top, much to Tarifa's disappointment, and he now sat at the table with them. They had been talking for nearly four hours, with Martin telling them everything that had happen since coming to earth. He left out the part about him and Tarifa on the Raptor however.

Martin nodded. "He was able to insinuate himself within Graham's trust, and he still continues to feed us information on a low frequency band every few days." He told them. "His last report spoke of a meeting with this Minister Deval of the Alliance. They have been able to repair three of the five Raptors we left and are bringing him up to EDEN."

"And you trust this man?" Treblar asked.

"We would not have gotten off the station without his help." Martin replied. "Yes I trust him."

"You realize that your actions have made you a wanted man by the Alliance." Treblar told him.

Martin looked at him with a smile, "Really?"

"They are offering five million credits for delivering you to them." Treblar said.

"Only five million... ? Jeez ... I feel unwanted." Martin replied sipping his mug of coffee. "I guess I'll have to work on that."

"You don't seem concerned." Palina asked genuinely curious as to why.

Martin looked at her. "I have been at war for the majority of my adult life ma'am." He answered slowly and with great respect everyone noticed. "In the time we came from I had prices on my head from nearly every major terrorist organization on the planet, not to mention several countries. It doesn't really bother me in the least."

"Your actions however have broadened the intensity of the Alliance's attention on our people." Treblar told him.

"Would you have preferred I let those Alliance fuckers have Tarifa?" Martin asked with more heat in his words than he intended.

"Well no of course not!"

Martin nodded. "I didn't think so." He said. He got to his feet slowly. "Forgive me but I am not a diplomat in any way. What I have seen and heard in the last few days leads me to the conclusion that I want nothing to do with this Alliance government. They are lower than even cockroaches as far as I am concerned. If remaining here puts your people at greater risk, then all I ask for is some information about areas that I can take these people and be able to protect them and I will gladly leave. I've never commanded this large a group of people and many of them are not fighters. I'm learning as we go."

"You ... you would just leave?" Palina asked surprised and seeing the look on Tarifa's face.

"I had thought we could teach each other quite a bit." Martin replied. "But if by us being here, Tarifa and your people are in greater danger, yes we will leave."

"Please Martin do not be so hasty." Treblar told him. "This is a matter for the entire Council of Elders to decide, and it can not be made overnight. Would you accept an invitation to our city so that we can discuss this more fully?"

Martin nodded. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt."

"Excellent! Would we be able to remain here for this evening and we can return to our city early in the morning?"

Martin turned to Danny. "Dan ... we have anymore tents?"

"We can put one up in no time Skipper." He answered getting to his feet. "We can strip a few cots from the transport so the ladies don't have to sleep on the ground."

Martin nodded. "Take care of it Danny." He turned back to Treblar. "We have set up one tent and turned it into a galley of sorts. Some of my techs are pretty good cooks and they have offered to cook for everyone. I believe they are serving dinner at seven this evening."

"You seem to have things very well organized Martin." Palina told him.

Martin chuckled. "I have good people, and they do the most work. Please feel free to talk to anyone you wish. I need to contact the teams I have on patrol, so if you'll excuse me."

"You really have men patrolling the mountains?" Tareif asked, his surprise not completely hidden.

Martin nodded. "They are patrolling the mountains north and west of here. I assumed since your city was east I would keep them away from the area to avoid any accidents."

"Why not keep everyone inside the perimeter?" Tareif asked.

"You should know as well as I do War Master that you should always remain vigilant if you wish to survive." Martin spoke.

Tareif nodded grudgingly. "This is true." He finally said.

Martin smiled and looked at Tarifa for a long moment. Palina saw the look that passed between them, and then Martin turned and headed down the stairs.

" ... believe we can trust them." Thalami spoke, looking at the others who sat around inside the large tent. "Does anyone disagree?"

All of them had spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening mingling among the humans and Genomes within the perimeter. It was a new experience for all of them. There was not one instance that any of the humans had been anything other than polite and down right friendly. It was not something they were used too, and only Endith, Radama and Vowiel seemed to be at ease with it. Tareif would admit it to no one, but after viewing the defenses of the compound, and seeing the very businesslike manner of the Genomes he encountered and talked with, he concluded that these Genomes would make powerful allies, and the humans with them could prove invaluable in their expertise.

Thalami and Treblar spent most of their time asking questions of any human they could find, and not once was any question refused. They had been offered refreshments and even food from men and women who did not even know them, yet extended the hand of friendship.

Treblar sat back in the chair he occupied. "I admit I was very wary when we first arrived, but after what I have seen, I am leaning very strongly towards agreeing with you Thalami."

"I've been trying to tell you that." Tarifa spoke, exasperation in her voice.

"Milady, our visit here only strengthens your argument." Thalami told her. "For my part it was not because I didn't believe you Milady ... it was because I wanted to see it for myself."

"We must remember that these men and women are from a different time." Palina spoke now. "Slavery to them is just as abhorrent as it is to us and with the skills that some of them have, they could make powerful allies indeed."

"War Master Tareif?" Treblar asked looking at him. "What is your assessment?"

Tareif looked at him as he sipped the tea. "I can not speak for the political side of things, but militarily ... I could hit this compound with four legions of my Dragoons and artillery support, and we would still not win. Did you look at their eyes? The Genomes especially, have an almost fanatic loyalty to Hunter. The humans ... the humans may be the lynch pin. Hunter did not have to follow his Admiral's orders and take these people with him. They know that. He and his Genomes could have survived anywhere on this planet had they chosen. He brought these people with him because he knew it was the right thing to do. They have no idea what their future holds, but as long as Hunter leads them, they know they will prevail." He looked at Treblar, "My assessment? We would be fools to turn them away."

Tarifa could stand it no longer and got to her feet. "Did I miss something here?" She snapped. "I was elected Queen! Does anyone care to hear my assessment, or does anything I say matter anymore!" She turned quickly and ran out of the tent, tears forming in her eyes.

Zaala moved to follow her sister but Palina shook her head. "Zaala let her go!" She spoke rising to her feet. She looked at the others who had surprised expressions on their faces. "She has been through a lot these last few days." Palina said. "She will be fine. I will see to her."

Palina moved to the front of the tent and stepped outside into the cool night air. The stars were out in full force, casting their brightness through the trees and into the huge clearing that was now the compound. Palina's eyes went wide when she realized Tarifa was not outside the tent. Her sharp ears caught the sound of a female voice and she reached out into the night with her keen elf vision to see Tarifa holding the hand of Martin as they ran towards the transports with a speed no human could match.

Palina smiled gently to herself and realized that this was what her daughter needed right now. To be a woman and let desire and lust take control. She turned as the Dragoon Guard appeared from the darkness.

"Is everything alright Mistress?" He asked.

Palina nodded. "Yes Captain, everything is fine. Have you seen anyone nearby?"

"No one Milady," The Dragoon replied. "The Genomes raised the shield around the compound and I doubt even a full brigade could get past their perimeter."

"So a walk under these beautiful stars is safe?" She asked, already knowing the answer. If Martin was able to come this close to their tent and take Tarifa from under the noses of the finest troops her husband commanded, they had nothing to fear.

"Very safe Milady, I just came out to share a pipe. The rest of us are already bed down."

"Thank you Captain." Palina did a slow count to sixty and then began walking a slow path towards the transports.

"Ahhhhhhh!" Tarifa gasped softly as she sank completely down on Martin's pulsing, rock hard twelve inch cock. She grabbed Martin's head, entwining her fingers in his hair and pulled his face away from where he was sucking hard on one of her sensitive nipples.

"I ... I have missed ... missed you so much Martin!"

Martin gripped Tarifa's perfect ass in his hands and pulled her down tightly on his cock, flexing his buried meat inside her while clenching his teeth. This action caused her to dig her sharp nails into his shoulders almost painfully as her eyes fluttered, "Almost ... almost as much as I ... have missed you." He hissed.

Tarifa looked into his gorgeous eyes, her face contorted in pleasure. "More!" She nearly screamed before covering his lips with her own and plunging her tongue into his mouth. She rocked her hips forward as she kissed him, wrapping her arms around his head. The base of his huge cock was rubbing abrasively against her engorged clit and it was driving her mad. Martin lay back on the soft blankets he had spread over his small lean-to, pulling Tarifa with him and feeling her breasts flatten against his bare chest. Her hard nipples burned against his skin, the velvety warmth of her pussy exactly as he remembered. He took her face in his large hands, stroking the tips of her elf ears and seeing her face smile and her body shivered at the sensations it caused when he did that. He pushed her silky hair from her face and ran a finger over her soft moist lips.

"You are so beautiful." He said softly.

Tarifa looked at him, feeling his throbbing cock so deeply inside her it made her head pound. She still could not believe she could accept all of his enormous size within her. Even the smallest of motions when he was buried this deep caused orgasm after orgasm to course through her. She had practically thrown him to the ground in his lean-to and pulled his pants from him before he had time to speak. She tore her own pants from her body and grasped his hot, steel like shaft in her small hands and poised her already soaked pussy over the huge head. When she felt her cunt open to accept the large head, it was as if her pussy had conformed to his exact dimensions. As she sank onto his pole she felt every thick inch and pulsing vein against the walls of her overheated pussy and she knew then she could not survive without Martin. The sex between them was unlike anything she had ever imagined yes, but she knew theirs would not be a lasting relationship. Something pulled at Martin ... something or someone far stronger than her.

She looked at him, stilling her hips on top of his, his cock anchored inside her. "You ... you said you would leave me Martin! Why?"

Martin gripped her face tighter, his own expression becoming more serious. "I ... I can't lose you Tarifa." He spoke. "If ... if my presence here puts you in danger, I don't ... I don't want that."

Tarifa nearly began to cry at his words, and she shook her head quickly. "Let me decide what puts me in danger Martin. I am quite capable of handling myself." She told him. "I have practically a full company with me even when I go to clean myself." She said with a grin.

Martin chuckled and pulled her face to his and kissed her quickly. "I bet that is something to see." He said.

Tarifa looked at him her eyes darkening. "I'll give you something to see." She said and lifted herself from his chest. Her hands pushed against his chest keeping him from sitting up. "No!" She gasped. "I am Queen ... you will stay there!"

"Tarifa I ... Uhhhhhhh," Martin grunted and his hands slapped onto the ground next to them when Tarifa clenched her pussy muscles around his shaft, her silky thighs pressing tightly to his naked hips.

Martin looked up into her face and saw her sapphire eyes alive with passion and desire. She smiled down at him and reached up to cup her 34C breasts in her hands, lowering her head slightly and extending her tongue to lick her own nipple. "Be still Martin." She told him seductively. "Tonight I will show you why female elves are so desired."

Tarifa laid her hands along his powerful abdomen and began to ride Martin for all she was worth. She lifted her hips until only the tip of his massive cock was inside her and then drove herself down upon him, impaling herself deeper and deeper each time. Sweat began to pour from her face and trail down between her breasts, and her breathing was coming in short gulps as she used all of her strength to draw out their pleasure as much as possible. She squeezed her pussy muscles every time she withdrew, her mouth open in delight as she felt every pulsing vein on his thick shaft. She was shuddering in a continual orgasm, her pussy juices pouring out of her, drenching his manhood and lower abdomen in her sweet cum. She looked at his face, seeing his eyes closed tightly, the muscles in his neck extended as he tried to control himself and give her as much pleasure as she could stand.

"No ... no Martin," She gasped between clenched teeth. "Don't ... don't hold back! Fill me ... fill me with your cum! Fill me!" She almost screamed, moving her hips faster, slamming them down on his huge cock in almost a blur.

Martin's eyes popped open and Tarifa was momentarily shocked enough to stop plunging her pussy down on him. His eyes stared up at her and she watched them change from liquid dark brown color to the yellow and black orb. She gasped when she felt his huge cock expand within her, its pulsing heat penetrating her even deeper. The massive head of his cock ballooned and Tarifa felt his boiling cum racing up the entire length of his cock. Just as Martin erupted into her pussy with a force greater than their time together on the Raptor he sat up, driving his cock far up into her belly. Tarifa's eyes rolled into the back of her head as her pussy lips spread and wrapped around the base of his massive pole and she felt the first explosion from his cock blast deeply into her womb. His lips covered her left nipple and he sucked painfully hard, his fangs biting down, but not enough to break the skin, and that sent Tarifa into her own explosive orgasm.

"Yes!" She cried weakly. "Yes!" Leaving one arm wrapped around Martin's shoulder, Tarifa reach down behind her to find his seething balls, bloated and planted snugly against her firm ass cheeks. She cupped his balls in her hand and felt cum erupting from them in spasms. She dragged her manicured nails across the tight skin on his large nut sack and heard Martin hiss in delight. His next eruption into her pussy caused her to squeeze both her arms around his shoulders and clutch his sucking mouth to her breasts as her orgasm ripped through her very being, taking her breath away.

It was over far quicker then either of them desired and Martin nuzzled her throat, his fangs nibbling her skin in delightful nips that made Tarifa smile in contentment and hold his head even tighter. His hard cock was still buried within her, but it was slowly softening. Martin's hands clutched her ass, with no intention of letting her rise from him, not that Tarifa had any desire to change their position in the least. She milked his thick cock with small squeezes of her pussy, eliciting small gasps from Martin whenever she did that.

"I ... I don't suppose we could stay like this forever?" Tarifa whispered to him.

Martin looked up into her face; his eyes now back to normal and his fangs only slightly longer than normal. "Nothing would make me happier." He told her, burying his face into her sweat dampened hair and inhaling deeply.

"We can't do that can we?"

Martin looked at her again, taking one hand off her ass to push some long strands of her black hair from her face. "No."

"I've had a dream Martin. It is a strange dream. I see you and me, and a beautiful blond elf. And I see children; many children." Tarifa told him softly. "I can feel her love, for you. Ever since I met you I can feel her almost as if she is a part of us." Martin looked at her oddly and she reached up to stroke his face, her sapphire eyes bright. "What is it?"

"I have had the same dream Tarifa." He told her. "Every night since we first met it is the same dream."

"That is no coincidence Martin." She told him. "We are having the same dream for a reason. The ... the Holy One said there is another for you; and that together we would set each other free."

"And that frightens you?" Martin asked.

Tarifa shook her head. "Strangely, no it doesn't. There is someone for me out there. I have not found them yet, but if by being with you, helping you to find this blond elf brings to me what I desire, we both win in the end don't we?"

Martin nodded slowly, "And until then?"

Tarifa grinned. "I suggest we continue to share these wonderful meetings."

Martin grinned and chuckled softly once more. "I kind of like that idea too." He said.

"Martin ... what if the Holy One made another for the both of us?" Tarifa said.

Martin took her face in his hands. "We'll cross that bridge when or if we ever come to it. Agreed?"

Tarifa nodded slowly, her fingers caressing his shoulders. "I must get back before I am missed." She said disappointment clearly in her voice. "If my mother or father discovers I came here to be with you they would be very upset. I am supposed to be a Queen ... not some sex hungry vixen."

"Hey ... there is nothing wrong with sex hungry vixen!" Martin said, causing her to look at him.

"With you ... no there is not." She said with her own smile as she began to extract her body form his.

Tarifa kissed Martin deeply outside his lean-to as he held her suspended in his arms. She had taken one of his fatigue tops because Martin had shredded her blue shirt trying to get it off her. He lowered her to the ground slowly and smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry about your shirt." He said.

Tarifa smiled and kissed his nose. "I like yours better anyway. I can smell you on it, and it soothes me." Tarifa saw his eyes change quickly, and then return to normal. His smile had faded as well. "Martin ... what is it?"

"Your mother is not far away. She's watching us." Martin told her quietly.

Tarifa made no move to remove her hands from where they rested on Martin's bare chest, and she leaned forward to place her head there as well, a sigh of disappointment escaping form her lips.

"You can come out of the shadows mother." Tarifa spoke loudly. "We know you are there." Palina's figure took shape as she walked from the front of the transport slowly. "How long have you been there mother?"

Palina stopped and looked at them. "I've been here long enough to hear what I needed to hear." She replied. She stepped forward and removed the shawl she wore from around her shoulders. "Come Tarifa, we must get you back before your father realizes you are gone." She draped the shawl over Tarifa's shoulders effectively hiding Martin's fatigue top in the dim light.

Tarifa turned to look at her. "Mother I..."

Palina shook her head. "You do not need to explain anything to me Tarifa. I have been and still am a female elf and I am not unknowing of the desires that run in your blood daughter. Your secret is safe with me child."

"Mama..."

"Go on now! Before your father notices you. Zaala waits for you by the side of the tent." Palina spoke. "Go!"

Tarifa turned and kissed Martin softly one last time before turning and moving quickly off into the night. Palina watched her daughter until she was gone and then turned slowly back to Martin. He was watching her with those eyes, his face unreadable.

Palina looked at Martin and spoke softly. "Her position does not grant her very much freedom, and even less emotion Martin Hunter. I ... you have given her back her virtue and her inner strength. I thank you for that."

Martin stepped up to her and looked down into her face. "I can not begin to explain what I feel for Tarifa ma'am." He said softly. "It has taken me all of my life to begin to understand the emotions that I feel." He saw Palina look at him.

"I do not understand." She said.

"The Holy One as you call him, he was like a father to me." Martin said. "I was the first of my kind, and some things were left out when I was born. The ability to understand emotions was one of those things. It wasn't done on purpose, it was simply forgotten. My interaction with others throughout my life has taught me to understand what I feel. I can not put into words what I feel ... but I can tell you this. I would gladly give my life without a second thought if it meant Tarifa would be safe. I do not know what the future holds for either of us ... but I do feel that we will always be there for one another."

Palina gazed at Martin for a long moment, knowing he meant every word he had just spoken. "I believe you would Martin Hunter. I believe you would." She said. "You must hide your liaisons with Tarifa for now. It would seem you need each other now, if for nothing else than the touch of another."

"Palina ... I did not..." Martin started to say.

Palina shook her head. "Your words are not needed Martin. I have seen for myself what type of man you are. And you are not entirely human either. We are elves Martin ... and the Holy One created us to enjoy sexual relations with another who stirs us, not hide them or be ashamed of them. At this moment in time, the two of you have found a rock of sorts anchoring both of you, and that rock is each other. The physical pleasure is merely a way for the two of you to deepen that relationship."

"I will never hurt her." Martin said.

"I know. I must get back before Tareif sees that I am gone as well." Palina spoke. "I hope we see more of you Martin Hunter." Palina turned and headed back quickly towards their tent.

Tarifa and Zaala were still outside the tent when she returned and Tarifa came up to her immediately. "What did you say to him mother?" She asked.

"Now is not the time." Palina told her.

"I want to know what you said to him mother!" Tarifa asked again, her voice a little louder.

"What's going on out here?" Tareif's voice interrupted them. He pushed aside the tent flap and looked at them.

Palina stepped in front of Tarifa and looked at her husband. "Is it so difficult to understand that I am having a mother to daughters talk with my children Tareif? Go back inside husband, we will be in shortly."

Tareif grunted and did as Palina told him. Tarifa gripped her mother's arm.

"Mama," She pleaded.

Palina looked at her and touched her face with a warm smile. "You must hide your meetings with Martin Tarifa." Her mother told her. "It will cause problems with the Council. They will think he is using you."

"Mother he is not!" Tarifa insisted. "I go to him because I chose too. He makes me feel ... he makes me feel..."

"He makes you feel normal. Like a woman again?" Palina said with a smile. "Your soul mate will come in time daughter. For now ... enjoy your liaisons with Martin. You deserve to be normal as well."

Tarifa looked at her surprised. "I ... I did not think you would tell me that mama." She said.

Palina smiled. "I was your age once Tarifa and I have not always been married to your father. And he is very handsome."

Tarifa looked at her mother stunned, "Mother!" She exclaimed.

Palina chuckled and tucked her arm under Tarifa's. "So tell your mother ... how is he in bed?"

MOUNTAIN CITY

To call the capital of the High Elves enormous would be an understatement. As Tarifa led Martin and the others up to the front gate, they could clearly view the city stretching as far as they could see. Much of the city was built into the trees themselves, while a good portion also occupied the ground. There were massive bridges spanning hundreds of feet across, and huge walkways that circled upwards around the centuries old trees. There were parts of the city that had metal and concrete foundations, and others still that appeared built from the very roots of the trees themselves. Impressive would not have been a word that described it well enough and it showed on their faces, making the Dragoon soldiers smile to themselves. The Dragoons had seen many impressive things at Martin's compound, and seeing his reaction to their city told them he was not as arrogant as they had first thought.

Tarifa, her mother and half the Dragoons went in one direction, with Tarifa casting a longing look back at Martin. He smiled to her, and did not pay attention to where he was going. The thick low hanging branch hit him square in the face and knocked him backwards out of the saddle to land on his back. Tarifa and her sister had been watching and they both burst into laughter, as well as the Dragoons that had remained with them. Even Martin's team could not contain their laughter, and watched their Skipper sit up on his ass, a very embarrassed grin on his face.

Martin looked up at them. "Not much of a horseman I guess." He spoke a huge smile splitting his face and then he was laughing along with the others.

This did not go unnoticed by the Dragoons or the elves that had seen his mishap, and it showed them that Martin could joke about himself easily, and did not think of himself superior.

Martin had brought eight members of his team, including Anja. They had been the first to come to earth, and they almost always worked together. Anja had become their defacto medic, and by now everyone knew she was sleeping with both Danny and Julie, and while that did not bother them in the least, to a man and women they all knew she was still madly in love with the Skipper. All of them wore complete body armor and carried their weapons slung across their shoulders. It apparently was not uncommon to move about on the planet heavily armed, and the elves did not seem at all bothered by the fact they were all very heavily armed.

Their horses were led away by half a dozen elves and they entered into a large lift near the main entrance. Martin's eyes expertly took in the defensive positions and the weapons emplacements that were set up, his face showing no emotion. He knew his team was doing the same. One of the very first things they had been taught was how to survey an objective and how to make it more defensible. The lift carried them straight up at incredible speed, and they realized it was powered by what sounded like a hydraulic platform. Radama had returned with them and he saw Martin's surprised expression as they ascended.

Radama had learned a great deal in the three days he had spent with Martin and the Genomes, as well as the humans. He was a Lieutenant in the Queen's Royal Guard, and one of the most highly trained elfin warriors within their ranks. He realized three things in the first few hours walking with Martin around the compound. He learned that Martin abhorred any type of pomp, and most of his team and many of the humans called him not by his rank, but by his name. He learned that the man he walked with was the quintessential warrior, and Radama learned that his combat training was completely inferior to what these Genomes knew and were capable of doing. Knowing that Radama had set out to learn all he could, and he was ecstatic when he realized the Genomes were more than willing to teach him.

"The lift is controlled by a central control computer located on the third level." He spoke, stepping up beside Martin.

"How many levels are there?" Martin asked.

"Nineteen total, but that includes the very top level which extends above the trees and is nothing more than observation and landing platforms for the air ships we have. We can raise and lower them if Alliance aircraft are detected by our radar." Radama answered.

"Your defensive arrangements are excellent." Martin told him honestly. "Who designed them?"

"I did." Tareif answered gruffly from behind them.

Martin turned to look at him. "Impeccable sir." He said.

"Lieutenant Radama, you will reveal nothing more to our guests unless specifically given instructions to. Is that clear?" Tareif spoke.

Radama bowed his head to Tareif, "As you order War Master." He spoke.

Martin met Tareif's glaring eyes with a calm gaze of his own, completely unafraid of the man. "It was meant as a compliment sir." He said.

"I do not need your compliments on my defensive positions Commander." Tareif barked. "You know nothing of me or my people and their capabilities. You are an outsider!"

Martin nodded slowly. "Yes I am. An outsider who can tell you if you trim back the branches on some of the trees you can set up the mortars you have to cover the entire valley as well as a three mile perimeter around this city."

Tareif's eyes widened, as did the eyes of several Dragoon soldiers and Radama. "How ... you know nothing of our defensive capabilities! What you say is nonsense!"

Martin smiled. "The markings of a 120mm mortar make very distinct marks in any surface where they sit, sir." Martin told him. "So far I've seen nine..."

"I've marked six." Danny spoke.

Martin smiled again. "That's fifteen mortar positions we have detected and we've only been here twenty minutes. I assume you use them for direct fire support of the wall, and that you have enough of them to circle the city. As I said ... if you cut some of the branches from above say a third of the positions, you can cover the entire valley as well as a three mile perimeter around the city and triple your defensive capabilities." Martin shrugged. "But that is just an observation from an outsider."

Martin turned back around to face away from Tareif, his face emotionless to everyone. Tareif could only stand there, his eyes still wide but growing angrier by the minute.

Martin looked around the quarters he and his team had been provided and he could only smile. The large central room was very well furnished with several couches and chairs and a small counter bar in one corner. There were half a dozen smaller doorways off the main room that led to small but comfortably furnished sleeping rooms. There were four windows, and a door that led out to a balcony. The room was circular in design, and was built into the tree they were in, but also equipped with very modern amenities.

Martin looked at Radama as he stood in the doorway with a smile at the reaction of the others of Martin's team as they set about exploring the room. "Thank you Radama." He spoke.

"The Queen apparently does not share her father's distrust of you Martin Hunter. She ordered you be escorted here. These are the finest guest quarters that we have in the city, and only the most honored of elves have ever stayed here." Radama told him.

"What about you Radama?" Martin asked.

"I have seen first hand what you are capable of Martin Hunter, as well as saving the life of the Queen I am sworn to defend. You earned my trust the moment you killed those who assaulted her on your station." Radama told him. "Milady asked that you be allowed to settle in and then she requested that I escort you to the Grand Chamber to meet the Council of Elders."

Martin dropped his pack and nodded at Radama. "Let's go." He said, "Master Chief, will you make sure the children don't break anything?"

Tony smiled from where he stood and nodded his head, "Got it Skipper."

Martin left his HK leaning against his pack, but still had the K12 strapped to his thigh, as well as a large fighting knife strapped to his other leg. Radama motioned him out into the corridor and they began walking towards the sunlight at the far end.

"Do you have relations with any of the human settlements Radama?" Martin asked.

Radama shook his head. "There are several smaller human settlements that do not agree with the way elves and others are enslaved and used, but they are powerless to stop it. They sit in the shadow of more powerful settlements and are protected by them, and so must conform to their laws." Radama replied. "The Queen has forbidden all contact with human settlements for this reason. She will not trade our people or any elves into servitude or slavery just for arms and ammunition. We have learned to become expert weapons masters, with blade and guns."

"This forest and these mountains must be overflowing with natural resources." Martin said.

"They are." Radama told him. "There is gold and minerals and all types of resources that the humans need. They are becoming bolder in their forays into our land, taking what they can not produce themselves. We beat them back when we find them, but our territory is vast, and what many do not know is that not all of our people are warriors."

Martin nodded. "That is usually the case." He spoke softly.

"The Alliance will not come into the deep timber and mountains after us." Radama spoke. "Every time they have we have slaughtered them. But each battle has losses, and slowly our army is shrinking in size until we can no longer cover all of the human excursions into our lands."

"What do they do to your villages if they are discovered?" Martin asked.

"Those they do not kill are sold into slavery after they are broken." Radama answered.

Martin looked at him. "Broken?"

"The females are raped repeatedly until they are near insanity. Then they are injected with a very addictive drug that keeps them submissive. They use this drug to then control the females, most of them ending up sold to slavers in the large cities of the Alliance east of the Big River." Radama answered.

"And what happens to the men?" Martin asked.

"They are beaten and whipped and subjected to even more horrible tortures." Radama answered. "Some are raped as well and turned into sex slaves for the Alliance citizens who prefer men over women. Most are sold into forced labor camps and relegated to working the most dangerous mines that are left and they are used as beasts of burdens on the Western Island."

"The Western Island ... what's that?" Martin asked.

Radama nodded. "It was once called California, but after the Great Fire caused a massive earthquake, a chasm was created and the ocean rushed around the land and formed the Western Island."

"What's on the Western Island?" Martin asked him.

"It is where all of the slaves are processed." Radama answered. "From the Western Island they can be sent anywhere in the world on the big ships or flying craft. It is maintained by the Alliance, but everyone uses it. At any given time there are thousands of elves and other new species waiting for shipment."

"Wait a minute ... new species?" Martin asked him surprised. "You mean like that thing you call a Grizz beast?"

"Yes. They were designed to hunt whatever they are programmed to hunt." Radama answered. "There are rumors that some escaped the genetic facility due to their intelligence. They supposedly escaped into The Wastes and were never heard from again. The radiation that saturated The Wastes denied access to it for hundreds of years. It is only recently, the last sixty years or so, that anyone has been able to go into the area. It is here that the Alliance discovers some of their fiercest monsters, mutated by the radiation"

"Exactly how old are you?" Martin asked him.

Radama smiled, "One hundred and fifty-three." He replied. "But I am young by elf standards. The oldest among us has four hundred and forty-one years. He was one of the first created by the Holy One. He served on the Council of Elders until he stepped down last year due to illness. It appears however, Martin Hunter, that you and your team are now older than even our oldest Elder."

Martin grinned. "Yeah ... I kind of guessed that."

Radama motioned through the double doors they had arrived at. "Inside you will find the Council of Elders. They are similar to what in your time would be called a Senate." Radama grinned when he saw Martin roll his eyes. "Each one represents one of our twelve major cities, as well as the surrounding smaller villages and towns. Ministers Treblar and Thalami you have already met. Some of them you will find to be openly friendly, others not so friendly."

"I get that a lot." Martin told him with a smile. "Is Tar ... the Queen with them?"

Radama did not allow the smile he felt show on his face. Radama had heard the howls of pleasure from his Queen on the Raptor, and he had seen flashes of the incredible attraction between them as well. He nodded. "The Queen presides over every meeting of the Elders. She will be present."

"Ah ... cool." Martin said turning as the doors opened and another Royal Guard came out dressed very similar to Radama.

"The Council will see you now." He spoke.

"We will talk again Martin Hunter." Radama said.

Martin nodded. "I'd like that."

Martin watched him turn and head back down the corridor, and then he looked at the new guard who was directing him inside the room. Martin shook his head.

"Man I hate politicians." He muttered to himself before walking into the room.

EDEN

She opened her eyes to the glare of false light and the feel of soft clean sheets against her skin. As her eyes focused she was able to make out more detail of the room she was occupying. There were pictures of strange men on the wall, as well as a long bookshelf filled with what appeared to be ancient copies of writings in pristine condition. Her oriental features were quite obvious due to the darker color of her skin, and the slight slant of her brown eyes. Her shiny black hair had been washed and now smelled slightly of cinnamon, and was splayed across the pillow. She was naked underneath the full length white sheet, and she clutched the sheet to her very firm breasts, the coolness of the room causing her nipples to stand out prominently against the fabric. She sat up quickly, her mind clearing even more and she remembered the strange looking flying craft that had picked up her and twenty of her fellow elves from the Alliance's finest brothel in New Richmond. They had flown into the sky and landed many hours later at an unknown place. The Alliance Minister Deval had been traveling with them, and all they knew was that they were being offered as gifts to new allies.

Anisa turned her head quickly when the door to her right opened and the tall human exited what appeared to be a bathing room. He was clad in Khaki pants and black boots, his upper body bare. She took in the graying hair on his chest and his almost entirely bald head. He was lean for a human, not overly muscular, but Anisa could tell he was in superb physical condition. He lowered the towel from his face and she saw his eyes settle on her. Anisa had to hold back the gasp, as his eyes were the deepest blue she had ever seen.

"You're awake?" Admiral William Wallace III spoke tossing the towel over a chair and moving to the side of the bed.

Anisa scampered to the far side of the large bed as he sat on the edge and held up his hand.

"I am not going to hurt you." Wallace spoke softly. "I know the hatred and mistrust you have of humans, and I now know why, but I can assure you I will not hurt you."

Anisa bowed her head, "As you say Master." She spoke timidly.

"My name is William Wallace or Bill for short. My name is not Master." He told her.

Anisa looked at him, sensing something very strange about this human. His weathered hand reached out slowly and gently took her chin, lifting her face to look at him.

"Don't do that." He said to her.

"You ... you are my Master. It is forbidden to look at you directly!" Anisa spoke quickly, casting her eyes downward again. She heard him sigh heavily. "May I ask ... may I ask where I am Master?"

"These are my quarters on EDEN." Wallace replied. "You arrived two days ago with that sick Alliance bastard Deval."

"My Lord you must not speak of the Minister in such a way!" Anisa spoke quickly, expecting the slap at any moment.

"I'll speak about that perverted sonofabitch however I like." Bill responded. "He makes me sick. What is your name?"

"I am called Anisa Milord." She answered.

"Are you hungry?"

Anisa felt her empty stomach begin to growl with hunger. It was unlike anything she had felt at any time in the past fourteen months of her captivity. She reached up to a spot on the back of her neck where the drug dispenser was, only to discover it was missing. The dispenser was something all slaves had implanted upon their capture. The drug that was pumped into their system made them more docile and unresisting, but it also acted as an appetite suppressant, and Anisa had grown accustom to it.

"It's gone." Bill spoke softly, getting to his feet. "I had it removed. I also had you pumped full of a detox solution to purge the drug from your system. That's why you are still groggy and weak. Your natural elf healing ability will begin to assert itself soon enough." She felt him settle back to the bed and hold out the shiny red apple. "You need to eat to regain your strength, but you need to start slowly."

"Milord ... I ... I don't understand." Anisa told him, her voice quivering in fear.

"You came here two days ago with Minister Deval. This facility is called EDEN and it is on the moon. He brought you and twenty others as gifts to the man who now controls this station. You were offered to me as part of that gift." Will told her. "I accepted as a way to earn and keep his trust."

"You ... you are my Master then." Anisa said.

"No I am not. I don't own you! Nobody owns you." Bill said. "Look at me."

"It is not allowed Milord!" Anisa said.

"Look at me!" Anisa took a deep breath and slowly lifted her face towards him; her eyes closed tightly, expecting the blow to come from any direction. "Now open your eyes."

Anisa felt the tears well in her tightly shut eyes. "Milord ... please, it is ... I..."

"Open your eyes Anisa."

Anisa dropped the sheet, exposing her firm breasts and smooth flat abdomen. "Please Milord ... I will do whatever you wish. I will suck your cock! I ... I am considered an expert at sucking cock Master! Or you can fuck me! Whatever you desire, but please..."

"Open your eyes!" Bill spoke more forcefully now. "And stop talking like that!"

Anisa's eyes popped open at the obvious command tone of his voice, and she saw him holding something in his arms. It looked like a bundle of clothes that rested in his lap and his blue eyes gazed at her. She watched those eyes take in her nakedness; saw the flash of desire in them, and then it was gone. He leaned over and brought the sheet back up over her nakedness.

"Listen to me. I am playing a role." Bill told her. "You are now part of that role. I will not hurt you, or force you to do anything. That part of your life is over now. I got these clothes for you. I understand that slaves are not allowed to be fully clothed, but I did the best I could in trying. I hope you like them." Bill set them on the bed in front of her, and drew back his hands. "I had a female friend bath you, but if you wish to shower, it is through that door. I'm going to make you some breakfast so that you can regain your strength."

"You ... you don't wish to take me?" Anisa asked with clear surprise in her eyes.

"No. Breakfast will be ready in about twenty minutes." Bill answered her. He smiled at her before getting to his feet and walking out of the room without a second glance back at her near naked form.

Anisa sat on the bed dumbfounded and staring at the door as it closed behind him.

MOUNTAIN CITY

"I would personally like to extend to you the gratitude of this entire Council for your actions in saving the life of Queen Tarifa Commander Hunter. On two separate occasions I might add." Treblar was speaking from his chair.

Martin was shown into the Council of Elders Chamber and offered the single chair on the end of the table. The row of twelve Ministers sat along the right side of the table, while Tarifa occupied the single seat on the left side. Martin had to force himself to look away from Tarifa due to the dress she was wearing. It was a floor length white mesh dress that hugged her body like a second skin. The dress ended at her neck in a choker collar, and the brief glance he had before sitting down told him it was split very high up on her lean muscular thigh. The dress also did not do much to hide her firm breasts, and only a small patch of material hid her sweet tasting nipples from plain view. The same nipples he had sucked and nibbled on the night before. Tarifa had smiled inwardly to herself, knowing the reaction she was having on Martin, yet she admired his control.

Martin looked at Treblar and nodded his head. "I am glad I was able to help sir." He finally spoke.

"As Minister Thalami and I explained to you yesterday during our visit to your encampment," Treblar went on. "This Council is willing to hear your petition for remaining within High Elf territory."

Martin looked at him puzzled. This was not discussed yesterday. "Excuse me sir, my petition?"

"Minister Treblar, as well as others of this Council, wants to know why we should allow you, a human, and nearly two thousand other humans, permission to remain within the safety of our domain." Raloa spoke now, the tone of his voice undoubtedly hostile.

"We escaped EDEN, as Queen Tarifa has no doubt told you. I am now responsible for over a thousand men, women and children." Martin said. "I need to insure their safety."

"You are humans!" Raloa spoke the word as if it was a vile thing. "Who are residing in the next valley, only six hours riding from this very city? Very convenient if you ask me."

Martin stared at the man. "I understand the situation that you and you people have had with humans in the past sir, but I don't understand where your distrust of my particular group comes from. We have only just arrived in this time period, to discover that a race of beings we thought to be only myth and legend now existed. We have seen some things that none of us could have possibly imagined, and we are still in a state of shock. What exactly have we done to earn your distrust?"

"You are human!" Raloa spoke. "That is enough."

"I and the other members of my team, we are only partially human sir." Martin told him. "As you no doubt already know from the Queen and two of your own Ministers who visited us, and I'm quite sure have already discussed with you. We are genetically engineered humans, all of us designed as soldiers during my time period. And all of the men and women who came from EDEN with us are non-combatants; scientists, doctors, researchers."

"We know what you are Commander." A female elf spoke now. She was lighter in skin tone, with flowing brown hair and shiny brown eyes. "That is what concerns us."

"And you are?"

"I am Chief Minister of Medicine Carina, Commander Hunter." She answered.

Martin nodded his head to her in a show of respect, which did not go unnoticed. "Ma'am if you will forgive me, I am not a politician. I'm what we used to call an Operator. I was Chief of Security for EDEN, an International base on the moon, when the comet came. I understand you call it the Great Fire, but to me it is just a frigging comet that ended up tossing us over four hundred and fifty years into the future. I don't know the mechanics of how ... and to be honest ... I don't want to know. Quantum Physics gives me a headache." That statement caused several of the Elders to smile. "I am a soldier ma'am ... I came down here with my team, looking for some answers and lo and behold, we find that things are really fucked up. We discovered that people who like to play god have invented some really nasty critters that just happen to smell as bad as they look. We discovered that there is now a large population of Elves across what remains of the planet, a race of men and women that as I said existed only in children's books in our time and they are now used for any number of reasons to include slavery and forced labor. Things that did not exist where we came from, and were not tolerated. We also discovered that the government we used to serve has evolved into these Alliance idiots, and they have helped the one political asshole we had on EDEN to gain control of that station and force us to leave." Martin took a deep breath. "Now I find myself in command of more men and women than I have ever been asked to command, men and women I might add who do not agree in any way with the assholes in charge of this Alliance government, and I need to keep them protected at all costs. With all due respect, the least of your concerns is what I am."

"Do you think us fools Commander Hunter?" Raloa asked.

Martin looked at the man. "I don't follow sir."

"Do you think that we do not know what you are?" Raloa pulled the data pad from his robe. "We have an extensive library Commander, a library that I have spent the last two days in researching records, records that date back five hundred years. Do you want to know what I discovered?"

Martin folded his arms across his chest. "I'm sure you are about to tell me." He said.

"The Holy One ... the man you know as Doctor Carson ... the man who created the elves, left us an extensive library as I said. In those records were the unrestricted files on every member of your team, yourself included, as well as the entire history of the Genome program." Raloa spoke.

Tarifa looked at Raloa, her sapphire eyes suspicious. The Holy One had never told her about any such records, and he would have shared this information with her.

Martin shrugged his broad shoulders. "I don't see what relevance that information would have now. That's ancient history it appears."

"It is relevant Commander, because it shows what you and your team truly are." Raloa said.

"What are you getting at Chief Minister?" Thalami asked, leaning forward in her chair.

"I'm trying to show that we can not trust this man, or any of those with him." Raloa spoke.

"By doing what exactly Chief Minister," Tarifa asked calmly. "Commander Hunter has shown he is no friend of the Alliance. They have a price on his head of five million credits, and a price on the head of all the men and women in his team. Whatever history you have discovered has no bearing on why we sit here now."

"I believe it does your Majesty." Raloa spoke. "Commander Hunter ... how many men have you killed in your lifetime?"

Martin met his eyes. "Why does that matter?"

"It matters a great deal." Raloa said. "Please answer the question."

"I don't keep count." Martin told him.

"According to these records you are personally responsible for the deaths of seven hundred and nineteen men and women." Raloa told him. "How does that make you feel?"

"I was genetically engineered to be the best soldier the United States government could produce." Martin said. "I did not choose my way of life, it was forced upon me by others. From the day I was sixteen years old I was fighting in one war or another because there were people who did not like our way of life."

"Did you enjoy killing them Commander?" Raloa asked.

"Chief Minister you are out of line!" Treblar snapped from his chair.

Martin smiled at the man, and the smile sent shivers down the backs of many present. "Chief Minister Raloa is it?" Martin asked. "You have a hard on for me, that much is obvious. I don't particularly care why you dislike me so much since I have never met you before today, and that fact by itself tells me you are not the person you want everyone to think you are. My past does not matter sir. What matters to me now are how do we make a life for ourselves now, and how do I take care of the people that have been entrusted to me."

"Commander Hunter, I believe what is the foremost concern of everyone at this table is how do we know we can trust you?" Carina spoke again. "There have been many times in the past that we have offered humans and others safe haven within our lands, and they in turn have betrayed us. It is not something we take lightly."

"As well you shouldn't." Martin said calmly. "But what you should consider is this. Put yourself in my position for a moment. You have been warped forward in time to find everything and everyone you ever knew is gone. The environment has changed ... the people have changed, and the one place you thought was safe is now in the hands of a seriously deranged shit head that seems to think he fits right in. You discover a race of people who seem to have their shit together and are organized and discretely friendly, not to mention they outnumber you five hundred to one. You have technology you can share as a way of showing them that you are friendly, but they just want to lump you into the same category as the rest of the assholes they have dealt with through the years." Martin got to his feet to the surprise of all the Ministers. "You should consider that." He said. "As I told Ministers Thalami and Treblar ... if you don't want our friendship ... then all I ask is for information on an area where I can take my people and try to live out our existence. You want to judge us ... then judge us for who we are ... not for who you perceive us to be based on bad experiences. You never know ... you might be surprised."

Martin turned to the shocked expressions on their faces and headed for the door. Raloa leaned forward. "We are not finished Commander." He stated.

Martin stopped and looked back at him. "Yes we are Chief Minister." He turned back around and looked at the guard by the door. The man nodded his head to Martin in a show of respect and pushed open the door.

Tarifa watched Martin walk out, pride swelling her chest at his words. He had spoken the words with deep feeling and honesty and she could tell they had shaken all the Ministers right to the core.

EDEN

Wallace could not help but smile as he watched Anisa put away five eggs and six slices of bacon, along with three large pancakes and four slices of toast with butter. He had heard the shower running for a long time, while he cooked her breakfast and she had finally appeared dressed in the clothes he had gotten for her. The outfit was a dark blue floor length dress that was practically transparent. The dress did nothing to hide her very firm upturned breasts, her nipples pushing against the fabric. Wallace would not admit to her that he found her almost irresistible, and it had taken all of his will power to not accept her offers to him while she sat on his bed naked from the waist up. He could not bear the thought of having her completely exposed underneath the sheer dress, so he had obtained several pairs of panties from Commander Peterson's old quarters because he thought them to be nearly the same size, the lone exception being that Anja had much larger breasts. The panties Wallace saw seemed to fit her perfectly.

Anisa finally had to stop eating because she felt as if she would explode. She had spent quite a bit of time in the shower scrubbing her body in the steaming hot water, attempting to purge herself of the vile stench of the men that had raped her over the last fourteen months. Now that she was no longer being fed a constant stream of the addictive mind drug, she had regained many of her elfin talents as her normal metabolism began to reassert itself. When she finally looked up from the plate, she saw the human man watching her with a gentle smile and holding a mug of coffee in his hand.

"Forgive ... forgive me." She said quickly wiping her mouth with the cloth napkin.

"Forgive you for what?" Bill told her. "You were hungry."

Anisa looked cautiously around the room and she heard Bill chuckle to himself. "No one is watching you Anisa, of that I can assure you."

"Who ... who are you?" She asked haltingly. "What is this place?"

Bill smiled and got to his feet. "Let me show you."

Anisa watched him walk to the bare wall across the room and touch several buttons. She heard a soft humming sound and a three meter section of the wall lifted, revealing the blackness of space, the gray color of moon landscape, and the blue green colored planet in the distant background. Anisa got to her bare feet slowly, her eyes wide as she came over to the wall.

"Is ... is that earth?" She asked in a soft voice.

Bill nodded. "It sure is. It's beautiful isn't it?"

Anisa nodded slowly. "It's ... it's breathtaking."

"Until you remember what is happening down there." Wallace spoke softly, turning to go back to the table.

Anisa turned to watch him sit back down. "This ... this is a test isn't it Master?" She asked softly.

"I asked you not to call me that." Wallace spoke, taking another sip from his mug.

"I ... I was given to you. You are my owner now. Of course you are my Master." Anisa said, moving closer to him. "I am your servant. I will do whatever you ask of me Master." She got down on her knees next to him. "What will you have me do?"

"There is something I want you to do." Wallace told her.

"Anything Master ... do ... do you wish me to please you with my mouth? I ... I have been told I am very good at that as I said. I will do anything." Anisa said.

Bill took her by her arms gently and prodded her to her feet, standing in front of her. He was easily eight inches taller than Anisa, and he estimated she barely topped five foot three. "What I want you to do is think." Bill told her.

Anisa looked up at him slowly, her dark eyes filled with questions. "My ... My Lord ... I don't understand." She said. "Please ... I do not want to be punished. Tell me what it is you desire of me."

"I want you to think." Bill said again, moving her to the chair and gently making her settle back down while still looking up at him. He pulled his own chair closer to her as she watched him. "Have you stopped to wonder why I removed your drug dispenser?"

Anisa looked at him and shook her head slowly, realizing for the first time that she was actually free of the mind controlling drug. She could feel her elfin system rapidly regaining her normal strength and abilities. Realization slowly appeared in her eyes and she looked at Wallace.

"Who are you?" She asked.

"I told you ... my name is William Wallace the Third. I was once commander of this station until a certain Senator Richard Graham led a coup of sorts against me. I helped some of my people rescue a young lady named Tarifa, and they escaped..."

"Tarifa," Anisa spoke quickly. "She ... she is the Queen of the High Elves. She is very well thought of by all elves across the planet because she fights the Alliance."

Bill nodded. "Yes she is. I assisted my people in getting her off this station, and I made a decision to remain behind. I have been acting a part since that first day, so that I could gain the trust of the man in charge. When you and the others were brought aboard, your Minister Deval gave you to me as a gift in the hopes of furthering our relationship."

Anisa's eyes narrowed slightly. "He is not my Minister!" She spoke softly.

"Yes ... well he has a position of power within this Alliance government." Wallace told her. "And I intend to use that to regain control of my base."

Anisa's eyes filled with understanding now and she looked at him clearly. "You ... you want me to help you?"

William nodded slowly. "Yes I do. That is the reason I had the dispenser removed and your system purged of the drugs. I may not be in command anymore, but I still have many friends here on EDEN who follow me and think the same way I do."

"Why ... why should I trust you?" Anisa asked. "You are human! They have done nothing but enslave my people for centuries; used us as nothing more than sexual objects or expendable labor! For that matter ... why should I believe anything you are saying? This could all be an elaborate plan to speak out against the Alliance, and then I would be given to the Alliance Assassins to be endlessly raped and beaten."

William nodded. "It could be ... but it isn't. In your drugged state I could have raped you myself, countless times in the last two days. I did not. Instead ... you are rapidly regaining your strength and your mind is becoming clearer as your system recovers. If I was trying to do as you say, why would I remove the drugs from your system? Even for your small size, your elfin strength is far greater than mine is. You have the speed and reflexes I could never have. Why exactly would I want a fully healed female elf helping me if I wasn't telling you the truth?"

William got up and went to the small counter and took the red disc from the case. He held it up for Anisa to see. "What is this?" He asked.

"That ... that is my ownership disc." She answered.

William nodded. "Yes it is." He spoke. Anisa's eyes went wide as Wallace crushed the disc in his hand, breaking it into three pieces. One sharpened edge cut his palm deeply and blood rushed out over his skin to drip to the floor.

Anisa sprang to her feet, taking the cloth napkin from the table and going to him, wrapping it around his hand tightly. "What ... what are you doing?" She gasped at him.

"I'm trying to prove to you that I need your help." William said. "I am not your Master, or your owner. I'm asking you to play a role, just as I am so that we can drive the bastards from my station. When I have control of my base back, I will insure you can go wherever you wish, and I will take you myself."

"You ... you are asking me to fight the Alliance." Anisa said.

"Yes I am."

"Many have died attempting the same thing." She told him.

Wallace nodded. "I have no doubt about that." He said. "But they have never met a man like me. I don't like to lose. In fact, I fucking hate it. You have a choice to make ... you can decide to help me ... or you can attempt to escape, in which case I will help as much as I am able without cutting off my own arm. If you manage to escape, and they recapture you, you will be a slave again. And I don't want to imagine what they would do to you."

"If you are discovered ... if I am discovered helping you, it will be no different." Anisa said.

Wallace nodded. "Perhaps, but at least if you help me, together we might be able to save hundreds of others, your people as well as mine."

"You are either very brave or very foolish." Anisa spoke looking at him.

William chuckled. "Yeah well I guess coming four hundred and seventy eight years into the future kind of makes you a little crazy; or senile; or both."

Anisa looked at him, her eyes confused. "I don't understand. What do you mean you've come into the future? How is that possible?"

"It's a long story." William said.

"It appears we have nothing but time, since I have decided to help you William." Anisa replied.

Wallace nodded. "Good ... for a minute there I thought you would consider me a crazy fruitcake."

Anisa allowed the small smile to split her lips. "That is still a distinct possibility." She told him.

William laughed as he moved back to his chair. "Sit down. This is going to take a while."

Anisa did as he asked and moved to the chair next to him.