Tracy St. John's Blog, page 11

Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War - Chapter Two Scene One

 

 Clan Tranis lures Cassidy into taking a break from work.

* * * *

Cassidy dictatednotes on the computer she worked from home on. She lived and breathed hercareer, when Degorsk wasn’t on her case to relax.

She worked in heroffice, which was part of a three-room suite used by her alone. Each member ofthe clan enjoyed his or her own space to indulge in individual interests.Cassidy had a sitting room, where she viewed the latest science vid journals byexperts in a variety of fields. She had a small lab for studies not related toher actual job. The office was the smallest of the three, furnished with adesk, two computers, and shelves displaying awards, mementos, and certificatesshe’d earned.

It was to her suiteshe’d gone after dinner. Tranis had asked her to excuse them for a discussionon the Darks which had no need of her scientific expertise. She wasn’t hurt tobe banished; after all, she’d been lucky to have learned what she had about thepotentially extradimensional and dangerous aliens. She would have loved to beprivy to the entire story, however. The concept of such creatures fascinatedher. The vid Tranis showed her boggled the mind.

What she’d beenoffered was enough to occupy her rapacious brain. While she snuck in a fewobservations on her official lab tasks since Degorsk wasn’t around to complain,she researched organisms who could survive extended periods in space.

Searing cold, a lackof pressure, a star’s ultraviolet rays, absence of oxygen and water…could therebe a more hostile environment? Yet bacteria, lichen, tardigrades, and similarorganisms had the ability to do so, some for years. It was the multicellularcreatures who showed the least ability to do so.

“It divides itself,as a cell does,” she mused to herself as she rewatched the footage of the hugeentity disgorge a number of smaller aliens, which did the same in turn. Notexactly as a cell divided…but it was the closest explanation for what she’d observedin any living being. “A monstrous, intelligent single-celled creature? Is itpossible?”

The sound of herclanmates talking in the hall warned her they’d finished their privateconversation. Cassidy ordered her computer to save everything and shut down.She’d had enough of Mother Hen Degorsk pecking at her for the day.

She reached the doorof her suite just as the men arrived. “Have you solved the galaxy’s problems?”she asked brightly, pretending to jab at Degorsk’s eyes as he suspiciouslylooked over her office for signs she’d been working.

“I’m settling forworrying them to death,” Tranis chuckled. The shadows under his eyes werepronounced despite his joking.

“As long as youdon’t follow suit.” Cassidy sighed. He fretted enough for the four of them,this stunning man who took on far too much blame when things went wrong.

She glanced atLidon, who apparently was as informed of the Darks as Tranis. A deeplyspiritual man, he managed all the serenity a fierce Nobek was capable of. Hewas forever ready to fight for his clan, empire, and honor, but he was capableof accepting what he couldn’t change.

It was his welcomehome Cassidy felt was due, but he wasn’t the clanmate who needed an escape,temporary as it might be. Degorsk, who appeared to be a bundle of nervesdespite Cassidy’s pregnancy only being in its early second trimester, also hadhis equilibrium intact. If he was blustering or telling bad jokes, Degorsk wasfine. The rest only worried over their Imdiko when he turned quiet or withdrew.

 Cassidy briefly grasped Lidon’s fingers andsqueezed. He’d understand why she concentrated on Tranis. He returned thepressure and released her hand.

She cupped Tranis’bearded jaw. “You’ll do whatever’s in your power to safeguard the empire, asyou always have. For now, our clan is together, and we should enjoy it. I doubtthe end will come tonight.”

“If it does, we’llgo out on the best ronka ribs ever.” Degorsk patted his stomach, beaming andready to be silly for his clanmate’s benefit. “They were the tastiest,tenderest ribs you’ve had in your life, right? Right?”

Tranis laughed, thecorners of his purple eyes crinkling as he let them lure him from the darkerpart of his personality. “They were amazing, my Imdiko. If you get sick ofcuring the emotionally unstable, you could become a chef.”

“Sick ofcuring…ha-ha, and you say my jokes are bad.”

“They are,” Lidonsmirked. He chuckled at Degorsk’s fake outraged expression and dodged ahalf-hearted swing.

Tranis was stilllaughing as they sparred for his enjoyment. Cassidy joined in when Lidonallowed Degorsk to get the upper hand. The Imdiko took the opportunity to heftthe bigger man on his shoulder and spin around. It was Degorsk who staggereddrunkenly from dizziness afterward. Lidon slipped from his grip and steadiedhim.

“It’s good to haveyou home, even if you’re a jerk,” Degorsk grinned.

“I’d like to extenda proper welcome, if you three could escort me to the boudoir?” Cassidy shovedat the muscled bodies in her path. They yielded to let her lead them, delighterupting on their equally handsome but dissimilar features.

They had separatepersonal suites, but there was only one sleeping room and one bed they shared.Cassidy reached the luxurious chamber. “Lights on, twenty-five percent.”

It was impossible totell the room was part of a cliff complex. The portions of the walls notcovered by lighting panels, which emitted a soft golden glow, were draped inmaroon floor-to-ceiling curtains. Cassidy’s bare feet sank into lush blackcarpeting as she approached the massive bed for four, covered by linensmatching the curtains. The head and footboard were hand-carved wood, the postselaborate depictions of twining bodies, between which thick railings gleamed asif daily polished. The bed screamed decadence, and Cassidy loved they’d heededits message often over the years.

She turned towitness her clanmates follow her in. She burst out in laughter to discover thetrio had shed their clothes on the way to the room, no doubt leaving theuniforms of their positions puddled on the hallway floor.

“You can’t say wemake you wait.” Degorsk’s smile was bright, his twin cocks leading him towardher like divining rods.

“Turn around and letme unbraid your hair.” She sat on the edge of the bed and waved him over. Heobliged by turning his back to her, which gave her an uninhibited view of whatshe believed was the nicest ass in the universe. There was a plaster cast of ithanging on the wall of her sitting room, which a youthful Degorsk had made on adare. It was lovely to contemplate when Cassidy needed a break from herstudies.

She set his flood ofblue-black hair free from its waist-length plait. Her own platinum blondtresses, as long as his, were loose. She loved it when one of them hovered overthe other, their curtains of hair hanging, offering the illusion of privacy.

He turned andgrinned at her, any angst over his clanmates erased. Maybe it was because hiscocks were level with her face. Cassidy quelled an urge to check on Tranis, tosee if lust had eased his constant worries. Watching her pleasure theirclanmate would help him set aside concerns for a little while.

Her gaze locked onDegorsk’s, Cassidy leaned forward and delivered a slow lick to the tip of hissmaller secondary. He growled softly, his cat-slit pupils widening. He liftedhis upper cock toward his abdomen to give her better access. Obeying the unspokencommand, Cassidy filled her mouth with his heat. His flavor, sweet and spicylike cinnamon, exploded on her tongue.

The others undressedher as she sucked the tapered length, her head bobbing to meet Degorsk’s slightrocking. His palm cupped the top of her head, and a thrill shot between herlegs. Continued thrills darted through her as Tranis and Lidon fondled the skinthey exposed.

Degorsk’s griptightened, and she readied. He pulled her head forward, thrusting at the sameinstant. She swallowed the twitching shaft. At the same instant, someonepinched her nipple hard, and a hand dove to rub her clit. The bed linensbeneath her were abruptly soaked.

“Has our lovely girlbehaved herself in my absence?” Lidon rumbled on her left.

“She could use areminder,” Degorsk gasped as his cock slid partly free of her sucking mouth.

“Reminders arealways a good idea.” Excitement colored Tranis’ tone.

Cassidy couldn’thave agreed more. She offered no resistance as they shifted her, making hercrouch on the bed on all fours. She still faced Degorsk and his eager need.This time, he guided his larger primary to her lips, a bead of pre-cum waitingfor her to taste.

Lidon and Tranisrubbed her ass as Degorsk fucked her mouth using shallow strokes. Cassidytrembled at the feeling of calloused hands on her soft flesh, kneading it inpreparation of Lidon’s spanking. She imagined her white skin reddening underhis discipline, making her ass hot for their enjoyment.

She was certain shewouldn’t have to imagine long.

Tranis’ well-knowntouch drifted to her clit to stroke her so she gasped around Degorsk’sthrusting cock. Eager warmth spread through her pussy. He knew exactly how tohandle her, to arouse her so she nearly forgot the coming hurt of Lidon’spunishment. She moaned, her hips moving to welcome his attention.

The first slap rangin the air, just ahead of the stinging pain that suffused her rear. Her yelpwas muffled by Degorsk’s insistent flesh, which continued to feed her itsspicy-sweetness. Tranis rubbed her harder, intensifying both pain and pleasure.

“Ours to reward andpunish,” he whispered.

Yes. Forever.Cassidy’s ass thrust higher in the air.

Lidon’s swats camefaster, heavier, testing her obedience to their demands. Cassidy couldn’t helpbut voice the delicious torment no more than she could stop passion fromshoving her closer to orgasm.

She’d been capturedby them during the Earth-Kalquor war, spoils they’d eagerly claimed. What hadshocked her was how she’d responded to their insistent seduction, how easilyshe’d succumbed to the brutal desire they’d awakened.

The thrill ofsurrender to their strength and lust had never dimmed. She often imaginedherself as the confused, angry young woman they’d found, pretending they taughther anew the excitement of being forced to acknowledge her desires, of beingaroused until she had no choice but to submit to passion’s siren song.

It was why Degorsk’sfingers tangled in her hair, holding her so she must accept his craving for thewarmth of her mouth and throat. It was why Lidon spanked her, reminding her tobow before the delicious strength of the men who hungered for her. It was whyTranis determinedly rubbed her clit and shoved thick fingers in her pussy whileshe was punished, to show her how she couldn’t deny the pleasure they offeredno matter how terrible her repressive home planet had taught her sex was.

They knew her well,and they gave her exactly what she needed to bring her uncompromising ecstasy.

“I’m so glad to behome,” Lidon sighed over his smacks. “Her ass is red and hot and perfect. MyDramok, I wonder…?”

“By all means. Shehad me that way last night, so feel free to indulge yourself right away.”

“Merciful Mother ofAll, I thank you.”

The spanking ended.Lidon’s thighs wedged between Cassidy’s, and she shuddered, thinking of histhick primary cock.

“Enjoy it while youcan,” Degorsk said, filling her mouth and pausing as his twitching shaft spatsweet-salty warmth on her tongue. “As her pregnancy progresses, such activitywill have to stop until the baby arrives.”

“Then I willappreciate this more.”

A questing touch toher rear hole reminded Cassidy to relax there. Lidon’s slick, hot heat pressed,forcing taut muscle to yield. He invaded her not roughly, but steadily. Cassidytrembled as the ache of taking him there grew thanks to the widening girth ofhis larger sex, but she didn’t resist.

His smaller cockspeared her pussy an instant later. He filled her, his grip on her hips keepingher in place when she instinctively jerked against the growing hurt. Just aspervasive as the distress was hungry arousal, fed by the incredible fullness ofdouble penetration, Tranis’ tireless stroking of her clit and the strange butundeniable thrill of what had once been taboo brought her to heady heights.

“That’s it, littleone. You belong to us and will give us whatever we wish.” Tranis’ hot breathagainst her ear woke shivers. “There’s nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. You lovebeing made helpless. You love being made to fuck us. To suck our cocks, to surrenderyour pussy and ass.”

Every filthyutterance brought a shock of excitement through her, adding to the fleshviolating her mouth, sex, and ass. She clenched around Lidon’s shafts, and hechuckled.

Friction found herinner sweet spot, made stronger by the dual impalement. She wailed as a burstof rapture filled her, bringing orgasm close. Degorsk gasped, and his cock gavea jerk.

“Fuck yeah. Make hercome, my Nobek. Make her come screaming for us.”

“Gladly,” the deepvoice answered.

His groin slapped abrutal tattoo on her sore ass. As when they’d captured her years ago, she wastheirs to seduce, to be shown how helpless she was against their enticements.Cassidy was crumbling as she always had, forced to give in to unstoppable bliss.Climax was moments away, the proof of their mastery over her.

Lidon rutted her,grunting in animal excitement. Degorsk was almost as loud, his gaze hectic ashe shoved between her lips, his jaw tensing. Tranis pulled insistently on herclit, delivering excruciating pressure to the sensitive nub. It registered aspart pain and all rapture.

Exaltation seizedCassidy, held her in its clutches for an eternal instant. Then it broke herwide open. Violent shocks tore through her, rending her to pieces as the worldturned a blazing white.

The magnificentheaving thrills hadn’t dissipated when a voice demanded, “Again.” As if hecommanded her primal instincts, Cassidy was consumed once more. During thewaves of exquisiteness, a sweet-spicy-saltiness flooded her mouth, and sheswallowed convulsively. As if fed by the river flowing down her throat, shecame.

She was justemerging when a shout sounded. The fullness in her pussy and ass jerked. Heatbillowed in her, then ran to paint her inner thighs. A distant part of her mindregistered Lidon was coming. Degorsk had already done so, his flavor heavy onher tongue.

She’d been utterlyclaimed, the pair’s possession once more asserted. There was yet one master todeclare his right to her.

Lidon had no soonereased free of her when she was flipped onto her back. Weak from orgasm, she wasunable to offer the resistance that had fled years ago.

Tranis, dark andbeautiful, loomed over her, lustful intent stamped on his bearded face. Hedraped her trembling legs on his shoulders and pinned her limp arms over herhead. She was still shaking when he plunged in her, his larger cock spearingher pussy and secondary driving in her ass. She cried out at the jolt of sheerecstasy barreling through her, her body arching beneath him.

Having watched hisclanmates take their pleasure, he was ruthless to claim his own. Cassidy’sbreasts bounced under the driving assault, and he mauled them. Excited growlsbroke free as he lunged. She yelped in mingled fright and excitement as hefucked her relentlessly. Orgasm was already returning, promising destruction.She struggled to defend herself against it, but she was no match for the demonpounding her.

Climax leapt uponher. She screamed under its violence, which seemed to have no end. On and on,it swept through her, fed by the snarling beast riding her.

“Who does this pussybelong to?” he demanded.

“You!” shestrangle-screamed.

“Who does this assbelong to?”

“You!” Another spasmtore through her, and she shook her head wildly.

“Who do you belongto?”

“You. Forever. Sweetprophets, please.”

His eyelidsfluttered, and he uttered a groan. His cocks rippled in her, filling her withhis cum. Marking her as he had so many times over the years.

I love you, mybeautiful, tortured Dramok.

Minutes later,Tranis lay next to her, his arm slung over her waist. Lidon sat on her otherside, his smile sly as Degorsk laid several objects on the foot of the bed.

“Don’t mind me. I’mjust preparing for Round Two,” he said brightly.

Cassidy groaned tonote he was erect. She groaned again at the sight of a crop, a vibrator, cuffs,and a butt plug he’d arranged in a neat row.

“Was that acomplaint?” Lidon asked. He grabbed the vibrator.

“No! Just…just giveme a minute!” She struggled to sit up, but Tranis held her down effortlessly asLidon brought the humming device to her clit.

The worlddisappeared in a rush of bliss.

* * * *

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

 

Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War: Chapter One, Scene Five

 

 You're invited to dinner at the home of Clan Tranis.

* * * *

Cassidy was hangingout with her Imdiko clanmate Degorsk, who was cooking dinner in the clan’sroomy kitchen, when her other clanmates came in.

Both of them.Cassidy shrieked in delight and leapt in Lidon’s arms. “My Nobek! When did youget in?”

He beamed at herenthusiastic welcome. “Less than an hour ago. I went straight to Tranis’office, hoping to catch him before he came home. How are you? How is our littleone?”

He caressed herbelly, the evidence of the baby just beginning to curve its surface.

“We’re fine.”

“She’s tired,”Degorsk groused. He squeezed Lidon’s arm in greeting. He flipped hiswaist-length braid over his shoulder as his handsome face skewered her with aglare. “I had to threaten to fetch her from the lab to get her to come home.”

“I’m not tired. Itold you the tests I was running might go late.” Cassidy’s eyes rolled, but herirritation was slight. She’d known her clanmates, particularly Degorsk, mightbecome overly cautious when she’d decided to continue her pregnancy rather thanfreeze the embryo. Kalquorian men were notorious for becoming mother hens insuch situations.

“You were at workfor ten hours today. You have to be tired.” He scowled and returned to bastingthe ronka ribs on the kitchen island.

She shook her head.Her position as a microbiologist was exhilarating, far from tiring. “You won’tbe happy unless you can keep me in bed all day.”

“That would make mehappy.” Lidon’s brows wiggled to show her the scenario he had in mind waslascivious. He sniffed the air appreciatively. “After dinner.”

Cassidy laughed andpressed a kiss to her warrior clanmate’s lips. “I might actually be tempted tospend less time in the lab in such a case.”

Tranis stood apartwatching them, his expression lit by a slight smile. Cassidy detected thedarker emotions beneath his pleasure to have his entire clan home, however. Healways carried a tinge of regret like a second skin. It was stronger than usualdespite Lidon’s return.

“You didn’t bringbad news?” She asked the question of their Nobek, casting a significant look atTranis.

“On the contrary.Our clan leader has had a difficult day at headquarters, however.”

“Top secret fleetstuff,” Tranis sighed as Degorsk turned from the oven where he’d stuck the ribsin to look him over.

“Which I’m clearedto hear about as one of the fleet’s on-call psychologists.”

“You’re no longerofficially a fleet operative. Particularly when it comes to the spydepartment.”

“No, but I wasinformed I might be tapped to help a young ensign who went through a nastyexperience in the field.” Their Imdiko popped a small salt potato in his mouth,eyeing Tranis. He sidled closer.

“Should I leave theroom?” Cassidy was willing to step away if it meant Tranis could lessen hisburden. He assumed responsibility too easily, including for matters he had nocontrol over.

Besides, she couldsneak a peek at her remote reports on her latest lab tests beyond Degorsk’ssight.

“Maybe youshouldn’t.” Tranis’ answer surprised her. “It might be helpful to get yourprofessional opinion on the scientific end of what’s confronting me. You’llhave to sign a note of confidentiality, on pain of prosecution if you discussthis outside of us.”

“Oh, sounds soclandestine. Give me the contract and tell me more.” She beamed, curious aboutwhat was going on.

He did so but waiteduntil they were seated at the table for dinner to talk.

The dining room wasas snug as the kitchen, where Degorsk and Lidon cooked amazing meals when theyweren’t too busy to settle for ordering in. Cassidy thought it was wonderfulLidon had been able to return to a homecooked meal. It almost felt like a celebration,which she believed the occasion warranted. Two months of her Nobek’s absencehad been a trial, the small polished table for four feeling empty without hispresence.

Tranis’ worry tooksome of the festiveness from their reunion, however. He told her what little hedeemed necessary to gain her opinion. “There’s evidence a lifeform from anotherdimension has crossed partially over into ours. You’ve heard rumors of phasingtechnology?”

“They’re true? Haveyou done it? I’ll have to run tests on cellular samples.”

“I haven’t, butLidon has as part of his latest mission. There are plenty of studies done onthose who’ve phased, short and long term. I’ll get you the particulars.” Tranisoffered her a bite of ribs.

Cassidy waspractically dancing on her floor cushion and talked between chewing. “This isamazing. So this new lifeform, it’s noticed when you phase? Because you’relooking in another dimension?”

“It’s unclear whatexactly is going on. Sometimes we can see them. Most the time we can’t, exceptfor a few who catch them in their peripheral vision. One of our operativesbelieves there’s a sort of ‘between’ place separating dimensions, and that’swhere most of our encounters are taking place. From there, these Darks, as mosthave taken to calling them, can affect our side of things.”

“Is it natural tothem, or do they need the use of devices as we do?” Questions were arrivingfaster than Cassidy could catalog them.

“Unknown. My biggestquestion for you is what sort of lifeform can live in the vacuum of space?”

“It was observeddoing so?” She pushed aside the forkful of potatoes Degorsk waved in front ofher face. The Kalquorian tradition of the men feeding their female mate wasoccasionally a pain in the ass.

“A huge entity,bigger than our spyship, was indeed living in space, as did the miniatureversions of itself that left its body. It seems to procreate by releasingsmaller, identical pieces of itself. The smaller pieces can do the same, untilthey’re around the size of my fist.” He clenched his hand to demonstrate.

“Wow. That’s…that’sastonishing. Did anyone get samples?” She grabbed Degorsk’s wrist to keep thepotatoes at bay.

“You have to eat.Can’t this wait?” he grouched to Tranis.

Their Dramok ignoredhim. “No samples, but we do have video footage.”

Video. She couldbarely breathe. “I have to see it.”

Tranis nodded. “I’llshow you after dinner. You’d better eat before Degorsk has a heart attack.”

“Apparently I’m theonly one who recognizes she’s feeding two. Does anyone else care she’s pregnantand already overworking herself? Now you’re bringing her in on this?” Degorsklooked ready to fling his plate at someone.

“My Imdiko, this isa matter of great urgency,” Lidon soothed.

“Do the entitiesconstitute a danger to the empire?” Cassidy asked, her excitement quieting.“They do, don’t they? Are they here?”

Tranis gazed at hishalf-eaten meal. “Maybe. They could be a threat to the entire galaxy.”

Degorsk stilled, hisirritation shifting to concern. “How sure of that are you?”

Tranis looked at hisclanmates, and ice stabbed Cassidy’s heart at his expression of open fear.“They already wiped out Bi’is.”

“What do you mean,‘wiped out’?”

“Everyone on theplanet is dead. Admiral Hobato doesn’t seem to care.”

* * * *

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

 

 

Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War - Chapter 1, Scene 4

 

Lidon's home.

* * * *

Tranis’ teeth weregrinding hours later when he straightened his desk in preparation for leavingfor the day. He shut off his computer by pounding his fingers on the keyboardrather than ordering it off.

“How many keyboardshave you gone through in the last week? At least half a dozen, if you’vetreated them the way you’re treating this one.”

Tension drained fromTranis in an instant as his Nobek clanmate walked in. The admiral hurriedaround his desk to fling his arms around Lidon. “You’re back! Thank theancestors.”

“Was there doubt I’dreturn? Unless you feared I’d die of boredom while I was on my mission.” Lidonchuckled at the enthusiastic greeting.

His feral featureswere handsome in a very Nobek fashion, framed by shoulder-brushing black hair.Lidon was thirty years older than Tranis, but they were well matched.

Tranis gazed at him,his affection undisguised. “I’m glad it was boring. Piras was the same as ever?No sign of anything off from him or anyone else?”

“Nothing out of theordinary. Everything seemed well in hand.” Lidon’s smile lessened in voltage.“I understand word has leaked he and his clan are assigned to the spacestation.”

“It was inevitable.You know we’re trying to make it so he can return home someday. He’s stillbeyond empire borders.”

“But closer than hewas…and now his location is public.” A muscle twitched in Lidon’s jaw.

Tranis tried toignore a jab of jealousy. Piras had been Lidon’s promised clanmate prior toclanning with Tranis. The pair had a long history.

I trust Lidon. Otherwise, Tranis wouldn’t have sent him toplay Piras’ bodyguard while the other man’s Nobek was off on a mission. Still…

“No threats to theTerror of the Fleet while you were there. Good. Captain Kila will be back intime to deal with the fallout of Piras’ presence being leaked.” Tranis finishedshutting his computer down.

“I battled only thethreat of overwork and Earther drama. I’m dying to hear the latest about theBi’is situation.”

They started for thedoor, and Tranis huffed a depressed snort. “Good, because I’m ready to give youan earful as soon as we leave headquarters.”

* * * *

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

 

Dark Empire: Secret War - Chapter One, Scene Three

 

Admiral Tranis and Rear Admiral Hobato are far from being on the same page.

* * * *

Kalquor

“But sir—” Tranisbegan a protest.

Rear Admiral Hobatoheld his hand up for silence. “I know how it appeared, but there have been noreports of trouble from our station orbiting Earth. No sign these Darks arrivedthere on Captain Kila’s vessel. I see no cause for alarm.”

He didn’t botherlooking at Tranis as he spoke. The younger officer fought off a wave of angerto be summarily dismissed. It wasn’t as if Hobato spoke condescendingly. Hesimply wasn’t taking the situation seriously.

“I showed the samesigns of those who’d been overcome by the Darks. The low blood sugar, absenceof memory for a certain amount of time. Identical symptoms.”

“They are alsosymptoms of inadequate rest and eating.” Hobato finally gazed at him, hispurple, slit-pupiled eyes meeting Tranis’. It was a friendly look, perhaps evenpaternal, but there was a flatness behind it, devoid of warmth. Tranis hadwitnessed too much of the emptiness there as of late.

Hobato’s lack ofreal concern when it came to the Darks baffled Tranis. Bi’is had been wipedout. Tranis had little sympathy for a race determined to destroy the KalquorianEmpire in its not-so-distant past, but it was still a horrifying final chapter.Bi’isils had been technologically advanced, a culture existing for nearly amillion years. That they’d been eradicated so suddenly was terrifying.

 “We have to know for sure,” he insistedthrough gritted teeth.

“How do you proposeto do so? You’ve been subjected to every test the fleet can think of. YourMatara, a biogeneticist, acknowledged as among the best by her peers, has alsorun tests. Did she find anything amiss?”

“No, but it doesn’tmean—”

“We can’t cause apanic in the empire over a possibility for which we have no evidence, AdmiralTranis. If we do, we’ll be inundated by those promoting conspiracy and invasiontheories. We’ll be accused of promoting them ourselves. The fleet needs to presenthard facts rather than theories. Right now, theories are all we have.”

“The exterminationof the entire Bi’isil population isn’t a theory, sir.”

“What proof do wehave these ‘Darks’ did it? We only have the brief appearance of an unknownspecies and a traumatized ensign’s confused account of alien takeovers.” Hobatoshook his head. “Bi’is was cut off from the rest of the Galactic Council ofPlanets after their attempt to destroy the Kalquorian Empire. They sufferedhorribly for their crime, deservedly so, but given how rigid and ritualistictheir society was, would it be out of the question they’d decide toself-destruct?”

“Every last one ofthem? It’s impossible.” Tranis couldn’t believe he’d suggest it.

“It’s what we haveproof of, however. Mass destruction, wholesale murder, then suicide by theperpetrators. How different is it from the course the original Earth’s leaderstook?”

Tranis couldn’t finda clear argument for him, despite the two worlds Kalquor had warred against onseparate occasions having taken different courses to annihilation.

“We have to be sure.A Galactic Council inspection team was on Bi’is just prior to its peopledying.”

“I spoke toSecretary-General Mereta this morning. I’ve known him for decades, and he wasthe same as ever. If he’d noticed anything off, he would have told me.” Hobatocontinued to give Tranis his kind but blank regard. “We’ll continue to monitorthe situation. If something comes up warranting real concern, we’ll act atonce. For now, it’s all we can do. Dismissed, Admiral.”

“Sir—”

“Dismissed.”

* * * *

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Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

 

Dark Empire: Secret War - Chapter One, Scene Two

 

Dramok Ilid's troubles are over...or are they?

* * * *

Captain Kila’sspyship

Ilid opened hiseyes, grateful to escape sleep and its horrors. He discovered greater terrorawaiting him in the waking world.

The Darks wereeverywhere, surrounding the sleeping mat in his quarters aboard Captain Kila’sspyship. Their shadow tentacles slithered across the sheets covering him,reaching for him.

How do you seeus? We will open your skull. We will cut your brain to pieces to find out,slice it and dice it until we know the secret.

Ilid screamed,pushing at tentacles his hands passed through, kicking at and through them aswell. He screamed as they crawled onto the mat, as they scuttled toward hishead where they’d claim control and hurt him…

He screamed and wokeup for real, flailing violently to escape the tangle of sweat-drenched sheets.He fell off the bed, landing on his ass on the narrow strip of floor betweensleeping mat and wall.

His gaze flew overthe room, which he kept fully illuminated as he slept, so when he woke therewouldn’t be shadows to frighten him. Unfortunately, his nightmares providedplenty of darkness.

The instant Ilidrecognized there were no Darks in his stark, undecorated room, it was safe tolet tears blur his vision. It was safe to cry the tears he should have beenashamed of, he, an adult Dramok.

He consoled himselfno one was there to witness his shame, Darks or Kalquorians. He hadn’t admittedto the nightly bouts of childish weeping to the psychologist on board thespyship. Only the nightmares, which refused to grant him peace.

He was beginning tobelieve the hell in his mind would never be over. He hadn’t escaped the Darks.Not truly.

Once the storm ofsobbing ended, Ilid dragged himself to his feet and dressed in his black fleetuniform. He had given the time a cursory glance and knew it was early yet, buthe’d never get back to sleep. He didn’t want to, though he’d been forbidden stimtabs to combat the two or three hours he was unable to avoid succumbing to eachnight…more when his exhaustion caught up to him after a week of sleep denial.

Being fully dressedhelped his mindset. It meant facing his nightmares was over for a little while.Coffee, the weak but still lovely Earther drink he used in place of stim tabs,would complete the transition. Until his daily therapy session, he’d be able topretend he was recovering from his ill-fated trip to the planet Bi’is.

Glancing outside theship, viewing the vast panorama of constellations on an endless field of blackspace, also helped. Ilid found comfort in no sign of Bi’is, a world now as deadas those on the ship he’d served aboard. He hadn’t yet really thought about anentire society being erased in a matter of days. His mind was already bucklingunder the strain of nearly being eradicated too. Adding the deaths of billionsof others was more than he could cope with, so his brain, in a supreme act ofself-preservation, refused to truly note the event.

The psychologist onboard the ship that had rescued him, the sole survivor of its twin vessel, toldhim it was perfectly normal to do so. “They’re beyond saving, Ilid. You aren’t.You have to concentrate on yourself and not feel guilty for doing so.”

He looked at themetal frame on the wall. He could have left it on to spot space at a glance,but its comfort often turned to another source of terror. Yes, it was wonderfulto no longer see he was in orbit around Bi’is, but it was awful when he thoughtof what lurked among the stars. Out there existed an unbelievable entity. Ithad sent its emissaries to torture him, take over his shipmates, and kill theresidents of an entire planet.

It was out there.Somewhere.

But not here. “Vid, show exterior view.”

He very nearlyscreamed at the planet that appeared, filling the vid transmission. Ilidstaggered back several steps before he realized it wasn’t Bi’is.

It was Kalquor andits green-tinged seas and greener lands. Kalquor and its five orbiting moons.Kalquor, where Captain Kila was dropping him off before the spyship moved on toits next destination.

Ilid was home atlast. Safe at last.

He reached atrembling hand to the vid, as if he could stroke the beautiful world itself.

* * * *

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

 

 

Dark Empire: Secret War - Chapter One, Section One

 

Dramok Mereta, secretary-general to the Galactic Council of Planets, is down but certainly not out.

* * * *

Galactic Councilspace, planet Jedver

Dramok Mereta,secretary-general of the Galactic Council of Planets, caught a glimmer of lightand welcomed it. As it grew larger and brighter, he sent waves of calming blissto the mind that had invaded his.

The alien presencewas heavy, suffocating as Mereta’s Kalquorian consciousness emerged. He felthis opponent stir, reacting to the soft blurring of focus he fed it. It knewsomething was wrong, but it had no idea what.

Mereta found itsache, its loneliness, its separation. He fed it warmth and a sense ofbelonging. It submerged into the sensation, hungry to be one with the alien Allagain, from which it had sprung.

Having successfullydistracted it for a few precious moments, Mereta looked out onto the world heknew only in bits and snatches nowadays.

He was in hisoffice, seated at his desk. His computer was on, a holographic screen hoveringover it. He read it over quickly, knowing control of his body was brief,counted in minutes. Perhaps seconds.

It was a disturbingmessage to the heads of member planets, not only from himself but from manymembers on the council, urging them to relax sanctions against the planet Trag.The Tragooms were a troublesome species, mere children in a spiritual sense butdestructive. Experience had taught most sentients the Tragooms were best keptto their own area of space.

There was littleMereta could do to keep such nonsense from being sent. Doing so would awakenthe creature riding him to the fact he was overcoming it on occasion. Hemarveled for an instant at how the tone and speech of the message it hadcomposed sounded just as he would…if he’d indeed supported such nonsense. Howcould anyone believe he’d want to ease the boundaries keeping the Tragooms apart of the rest of the galaxy’s society without allowing them to do too muchdamage?

He had no time toruminate on the matter. He opened a new document and typed a hurried message,the latest in several. He noted the date as he did so. Had he really beenlocked away in his own mind for so long? Apparently none of his earlierattempts to communicate had been discovered by the recipients.

Then again, hisactivities had yet to be discovered by the creature running his body, so therewas still hope. More hope since Kalquor had yet to be overcome.

“Send via com routelabeled Mereta Home Path,” he told the device when he was done.“Recipient, Nobek Emperor Bevau.”

The com beeped itscompliance in the nick of time. The room was fading from Mereta’s vision, hisdark passenger waking from the mists that turned their attention to Mereta’sconsciousness.

He returned to thequiet deep, where the true All awaited him instead of the territorialother-dimensional being his rider had emerged from. Mereta drifted in peace,waiting for the light to beckon him to his next chance to warn the galaxy ithad come under attack.

* * * *

Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26.

Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Coming January 26 - Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War

 

Hi everyone! I hope my U.S. friends had a lovely Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe the holiday season is upon us already! May it be magical for all of you.

I'm currently working on a few things, including a new Clan Beginnings featuring Clan Erybet from Alien Redemption. I'm still early in the first draft, so it will probably be out late in 2024...but it's coming!

Meanwhile, the Dark Empire series rolls on. Book Three is now available for pre-order (print is on sale now), and next week begins the usual sneak peek. Here's a taste of what's to come in the latest book, Secret War:

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers? 

Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Until next week! Take care.

On Sale Now - Dark Empire: Infiltration - Chapter Seven Scene Two

 

Here's your final look at this extended sneak peek of Infiltration! Keep an eye out for news on the next book in the Dark Empire series, Secret War.

For now, Clan Nako deals with postponed and immediate gratification.

** * *

“Postponedfor how long? And why?” Ulof stared at his clan leader.

Nakoglanced at Terig, who lurked behind Ulof in the main room of their quarters. Nodoubt Terig was ready to take him down if he gave in to his quick temper. They’dshooed Piper back so she stood behind Nako.

Asif he’d hurt her. Ulof had punched Nako in the past. He respected and cared forhis Dramok, but sometimes Nako had it coming. Terig too. All three, half orfull Nobeks, could be absolute bastards to each other when the notion took them.

Neverto Piper. Ulof wouldn’t touch his Matara, even if she came at him holding aknife and a blaster.

Sheknew. It was in the glare she leveled at Nako for being overly protective. Herbelief in him made Ulof feel a little better.

“Iwish I could tell you the reason for the delay, my Imdiko. The truth is, Ibarely know the mission the spy division of the fleet has forced on me. They’repretty much in the dark on what’s going on themselves.” Nako’s own temperhovered, leaving him glowering.

“Spies.”It explained a lot, including his Dramok’s obvious frustration. “Does thisdetour have something to do with the deep-fried shuttle you picked up?”

“Ithas everything to do with it.” There was a hint of relaxation from Nako atUlof’s reasonable tone. “We picked up a survivor. He started babbling weirdshit, then Captain Kila sent me a report detailing even weirder shit…fuck, Ican’t tell you since you aren’t a member of this crew any longer.”

“Youwouldn’t be able to if I were. I was just a cook when I was part of the fleet,not command staff,” Ulof pointed out. “I’d be in the dark no matter what.”

“True.”Guilt filled Nako’s expression. Ulof realized it wasn’t merely the mysterioussituation upsetting his clanmate. He hated keeping Ulof from his hard-won dreamof terraforming work. “I swear, the instant they cut us loose, I’ll get you toyour assignment. That’s a promise.”

“Don’tworry about it. This isn’t your fault.” Ulof refused to tell them hisdisappointment was tempered by a wash of relief. He’d begun losing sleep due tofears he wouldn’t be able to do well at the moon.

Hewas full of ideas when it came to bringing a dead rock of a planet or moon tolife. Good ideas, if he were to believe his supervisor’s praise. It was intheir execution Ulof fell short, due to a significant learning disability. He’dmanaged to contribute to the birth of Earth II, but his role had been extremelylimited. If his clanmates hadn’t been acknowledged heroes, he’d probably have nevergotten a toe in the terraforming team. He damned sure wouldn’t have beeninvited to work the next assignment.

“Thanksfor being patient. I…I appreciate your understanding.” Nako did his best tocover his surprise, no doubt to keep from insulting him.

Ulofsmiled wryly. His short fuse was legendary. It had put him in prison at onepoint. Frustration at always coming up short and assholes who teased him forhis difficulties had led to a lot of trouble throughout his life.

ThenNako and Terig had come along. They’d seen beneath his infuriating limitationsand accepted him for who he was. Piper had gone beyond acceptance; she’dencouraged him to reach past where he’d believed his weaknesses were.

He’dmanaged some success, he admitted. Given another five lifetimes or so, he mightmake it as a terraformer.

He’dbeen given something more precious than the ambition to work in his dream fieldin recent weeks, however. A hope that had committed him to reining in his urgesto break objects or punch his male clanmates, more than anyone or any fantasyhad.

Thenew beautiful desire brought him to his greatest concern. “Is it dangerous?Will it endanger Piper? Will we have to put off having a baby?”

Theyglanced at their golden-haired Matara. Five years after clanning her, she’dmade the decision she was ready to become the mother to their children. Thenature of Ulof’s work and the safe environment it offered had sealed the deal.Nako and Terig were members of the fleet, which wasn’t always conducive to maintaininga clan in the same place. They’d set aside perilous assignments to allow Ulofto chase his goals, which in turn allowed them to remain together and offer astable household for a family.

Piperblushed under their regard. Nako slipped his arm around her, and she molded tohis side.

TheDramok pressed a kiss to her forehead and smiled at Ulof. “I think we cancontinue to try for our child. We’re only in this because we found the missingspyship’s shuttle and recovered its crewman. No other spyships are in thevicinity, but the fleet will be sending one or two soon. I wouldn’t besurprised if we’re on our way again in less than two weeks. Three at the most.”

Ulofliked the sound of that. In three weeks, the initial phases of theterraforming, the tasks of which he was worse than useless at performing, wouldbe well under way. He’d have little pressure except to attend meetings wherehe’d keep his mouth shut. Afterward would come designing the moon’s newlandscape, the part he enjoyed the most and was actually good at.

He’dhave three weeks with no other demand than making a baby. He looked overPiper’s slight but deliciously curved figure. “I suppose Nako and Terig havework to do, thanks to this whole spy nonsense. Meanwhile, I’m ready to do myduty where my Matara’s concerned.” He gestured to the large lounger, whichdominated the sitting room’s space. “Shall I report for the task here or in thesleeping room? Your choice, my love.”

“Hey,barring an emergency, we’re off duty for a few hours. Don’t think you’regetting her to yourself tonight.” Nako pulled Piper out of Ulof’s easy reach.“No wonder you’re agreeable to delay our arrival at your post. You’re hoping tokeep her in bed the whole damned time.”

“Asif you’d do any different in my place.” Ulof made a grab for their gigglingMatara.

Nakoretreated, taking Piper along and grabbing her breast with a proprietary air.“I wouldn’t.” Grinning, he nuzzled her ear. “What do you think about being keptin bed day and night, fucked for hours on end?”

“Exactlymy plan.” Ulof gave chase, and Nako picked up the laughing Piper and tried tohead for their sleeping room.

“Um,there’s another man who needs his share of sweetness.” Terig pursued the rest.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Want the rest of the story? Now on sale!Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

On Sale Now - Dark Empire: Infiltration - Chapter Seven Scene One

 

On sale now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

An unforeseen and unwanted assignment.

* * * *

“Iunderstand your concerns, Captain Nako. I’ve just received a report fromCaptain Kila on the matter, and I’ve issued clearance for you and your commandstaff to be informed of what’s going on.”

Itdemanded every ounce of Nako’s self-control to keep from telling Admiral Traniswhat he could do with his clearance. Terig had been forced to physicallyrestrain Zo when Kila’s medical staff had arrived to take Ilid to the spyship.Nako hadn’t been able to do anything to stop it because they’d had an executiveorder countersigned by the bearded admiral who appeared to be sitting on theother side of Nako’s desk. Kila hadn’t left anything to chance in his bid tograb the senseless ensign from Zo’s protective custody.

Powerlesson his own ship. Nako thought back to the days when he’d gone rogue on his oldraider, free of the fleet and its fucking chain of command. He’d been pardonedand decorated as a reward for his part in ending Kalquor’s civil war and savingthe empire from certain doom from Bi’is. Commanding a marauder had been theicing on the cake.

Itwasn’t feeling much like a reward at the moment.

Heunclenched his teeth. “I look forward to hearing the full story, sir.”

“I’msure you do. Kila should be sending you the file on the dark ship his vesselencountered at Bi’is and what followed. He may wait until after he consults hiscommand staff on Ensign Ilid’s account of what happened to his ship.”

Suspicionreared its head, and Nako inwardly cursed himself for not seeing what washappening. Admiral Tranis wouldn’t be sharing spy information unless…

“You’reredirecting my ship to join Captain Kila’s.”

“Affirmative.He’s in charge of the mission. It’ll delay your assignment to safeguard themoon your Imdiko was tasked to assist terraforming.”

Fuck.Ulof would lose his shit to hear his joining the team would be postponed. Itwould be a blow after Nako’s and Terig’s insistence his career would takecenter stage after years of him sitting in the wings.

“Admiral—”

“You’rethe only vessel in the vicinity available to help Kila in this matter. You’llbe going to the site of the spyship’s destruction, then on to Bi’is toinvestigate. If it’s true the ensign’s superiors were controlled by an unknownand hostile species, if those entities have taken control of Bi’is, if they’vemanaged to reach the Galactic Council…”

TheGalactic Council? Tranis’ horror transmitted to Nako. “Mother of All.”

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

Now on sale!Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

On Sale Now - Dark Empire: Infiltration - Chapter Six Scene Five

 

On sale now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

A tug of war ensues between Kila, Nako, and an irate Dr. Zo for Ilid.

* * * *

“Ithought Imdiko Ulof cooked better than this.”

Nakogrimaced as Kila’s chief engineer and clanmate Lokmi stared at the shuttle. “Ulofno longer works in the kitchen. He’s a terraformer now. It’s burnt to a crisp,isn’t it?”

“Thescorch marks have scorch marks.” Lokmi rubbed his jaw. “The aft section is theworst. It’s a definite sign it was fleeing at the moment of explosion. Did yourforensics guys confirm plasma burns?”

“Wedid.” One of Terig’s team stepped forward.

“Consultthem and go over their findings, Chief. Captain, I want to see this survivor ofyours, Nako.” Kila’s trademark sneer was in place, but it had a sickenedquality. Maybe he imagined his own ship disintegrating with his clan on board.

“EnsignIlid has been placed in a medical coma,” Nako said. “I may have to torture myhead medic to convince him to wake the boy. He’s in bad shape.”

“Ilid?Dramok Ilid?” Kila’s interest sharpened.

“Youknow him?”

“Iknow of him. Has he spoken of what happened to him?”

“Nothingthat makes any sense. Something about being afraid of the dark and the commandstaff becoming shadows. It was a lot of disconnected jabbering from a man onthe brink of death.”

“Maybe.”Kila’s expression closed off. “Let’s go to Medical, and I’ll tell you what Ican on the way.”

Kilafilled Nako and Terig in on the spyship orbiting Bi’is going silent. “I was onmy way to check on it when Admiral Tranis contacted me and diverted me to yourposition. When Captain Abgi failed to report on schedule, we feared there was aproblem.” There was no hint of his usual smile, worried or otherwise. “I servedunder Abgi early in my fleet career. He was a dedicated officer, committed tohis crew. He refused promotion to admiral five times. If he died, the fleet hassuffered a major loss.”

“We’retracing the shuttle’s flight path to discover where it left its ship. It seemsit must have drifted following the damage it took, so it’s taking us some time.All indications show it came from Bi’is’ general direction.” Nako preceded thegroup into Medical. “Dr. Zo!”

Thephysician came from behind a partition separating the main admittance area fromprolonged care. His guarded expression was no doubt brought on by Nako’sdon’t-fuck-with-me tone.

Nakorespected Zo. He thought maybe the sentiment was returned. The jury was stillout, even after decades of serving together, on whether they liked each other.

“It’stoo dangerous to wake him, Captain. The slow bleed from his internal injuriesdamned near killed him, and he’s too weak for more than one surgery every fewdays to repair the damage and stop the bleeding.”

“Yes,I gave blood and ordered everyone in the crew compatible to do so as well tokeep him from dropping dead, if you’ll remember.” Nako felt terrible to riskthe young Dramok’s life when he’d barely survived long enough to be rescued. Itmade his temper flare, and he fought to not snarl at Zo. “This is Captain Kila,from the spyship fleet.”

“Doctor.”Kila nodded to him. “I appreciate your wishing to maintain Ensign Ilid on theroad to recovery—”

“I’mtrying to keep him alive, Captain. The stasis coma is my one sure way ofdoing so.” Zo’s growing anger was evident in his tone.

Kila’sbrutal smile was nowhere in evidence. The man was capable of perfect diplomacywhen it was called for. “I want nothing more than to let you do so. However,the situation is far beyond the suspicion of a ship’s mere destruction. Theship Ilid came from was orbiting Bi’is, making sure our old friends weren’tconstructing weapons to use against the empire. Weapons we think they weredeveloping, thanks to evidence my own crew uncovered.”

“Mypatient—”

“Ispotentially the sole survivor of a phased spyship the Bi’isils supposedly hadno idea was orbiting their planet. If they somehow discovered its presence, itputs the whole spy program in danger. If they turned a weapon on it capable ofdestroying it despite its being phased, it puts the Kalquorian Empire indanger.”

Nakosighed. “One man versus the empire’s welfare, Doctor. We have no choice but toallow Captain Kila to interview Ensign Ilid.”

Zoreddened. He could be as volatile as Nako’s clanmate Ulof when it came to hispatients. Nako could sense him searching for a valid argument, but the doctorknew when he was beaten. He settled for, “Under protest.”

“Noted.”

“Ifhis vital signs dip to a dangerous level, I’m putting him back under.”

“IfCaptain Kila is satisfied.” Nako said it apologetically.

“Ifhis vitals drop. You’re welcome to court-martial me if you don’t like it.”

Zoswiveled on his heel. He stalked to the prolonged care ward, muttering underhis breath. No doubt he was calling the two captains every name in the book,but Nako didn’t reprimand him for it.

“Dedicateddoctors are a blessing and a curse to fighting ships,” Kila murmured to Nako asthey followed Zo to a small room.

“Iagree. The blessing part has kept this particular doctor alive longer thanexpected.”

Kilachuffed laughter. The humor died as he got his first look at Ilid.

Theyoung man had been cleaned up, which should have helped his appearance. ToNako, he looked more wan and depleted than when they’d pulled him out of hischarred shuttle. More a vulnerable boy. He lay still beneath the medi-bed’scomputer arms, which shielded much of his naked body from view. They fed himmedicines and nutrients while tracking his vitals. A containment stasis fieldshimmered around him.

“Ifound evidence he was operated on recently.” Zo bared fangs for an instant. “Operatedon and left scarred. He’d been healed just enough to maintain a reasonable levelof health.”

“Whatsort of surgery?” Kila’s steps were slow as he approached Ilid’s bedside, as ifhe could hardly stand to come close.

“Asfar as my equipment could tell, it looked exploratory, as if he were a lab animalsomeone was studying. Samples were taken, including from the brain.” Zo brushedIlid’s hair from his forehead to show the livid scar close to his scalp.“Nothing extreme enough to leave him lobotomized, thank the ancestors. I’d saythey were after cell samples. There’s no other reason to go to such extremes,thanks to our scanning equipment.”

Nakoswallowed a rush of nausea. Thinking of what Kila had said about the Bi’isils,he asked, “Is this typical of the testing of previous Kalquorian subjectscaptured by Bi’is?”

“No.”Zo’s stare skewered Kila. “This is nothing like what they did to the prisonersthey experimented on.”

“Ifit wasn’t Bi’isils, then what the fuck was happening on this kid’s ship?”

Kiladidn’t answer. Instead, he flashed his dangerous grin, which warned he mightresort to violence soon. “Wake him up, Doctor.”

Zoscowled and glanced at Nako. When his captain nodded, Zo forcefully punchedbuttons on the bed’s computer arms.

Theshimmer of the field vanished. “Give him two minutes for the stasis’ effects towear off,” Zo snarled. He hovered over the controls, ready to replace the fieldat a second’s notice.

“Doctor,if you insist on remaining, I’ll allow it for this crewman’s sake. However,this is fleet spy business. You are therefore ordered to not speak of anythingyou hear during this interview. If you or Captain Nako discuss it with anyone,including each other, you’re subject to a court martial and twenty yearsimprisonment in a military workcamp. Do you understand?”

Seething,Zo showed no sign he was intimidated despite the clear danger emanating fromKila. He’d been around Nako’s tempestuous clan too long to be easily impressedby anyone, even someone as threatening as the bearded spy. Nonetheless, hesnapped a nod. “Yes, Captain.”

“Doyou acknowledge my warning as well, Captain Nako?” Kila’s intent regard turnedto him.

“Ido.”

“Good.How much longer until I can talk to him?”

Zoglared at the readings. “Another minute.”

Theywaited in silence until the head medic’s nod. Kila’s vicious leer disappeared.He stepped forward and gripped Ilid’s shoulder. His voice shockingly gentle, hecalled, “Ensign Ilid. Dramok, wake up.”

Ilid’seyes moved beneath their lids. He gasped, and they flew open. He blinked atKila, then his gaze moved to Zo and Nako. Nako noted how the youth’s focusremained on his face for only a second before shifting to a point over hisshoulder. The tension that had appeared the instant he’d woken eased.

“Wheream I?” His voice was barely a breath.

“Onboard a fleet marauder. I’m Captain Kila, assigned to the spy division. My shiphad the Bi’is detail before yours.”

Ilidlooked at Kila again, then over his shoulder, as he had with Nako. “Did you seethem? Did you see the Darks?”

“Isthat what you were trying to tell your father?”

“Hegot it. He got my message.” Ilid managed a smile. A tear leaked from one eye.

“Yes,and he passed it on to the fleet. Tell me of these Darks. Were they blobs? Didthey have tentacle-like limbs?”

Moretears. “Was your ship taken over by them?”

“No.I had command the whole time. Was your ship seized by these dark entities?”

“Thecrew. All but a few of us grunts. Captain, can I go home now? Can I see myparents?”

Nakodidn’t remember crying once in his life, but the damned kid was putting a lumpin his throat. Ilid’s plaintive request tore at him, threatening his hardassreputation and delaying reaction to the strange tale.

“Soon,Ensign. What did the Darks plan to do on board your ship?”

“Idon’t know, sir. Imdiko Darir said we’d left orbit…can I talk? I was on aspyship. I can’t give away secrets.”

“You’refine. I’m aware of where your ship was, because I’m part of the spy fleet. Asfor Captain Nako and Dr. Zo, they’re sworn to secrecy.”

“Okay.”Ilid’s eyelids drooped.

Zowarned, “He needs to go under again. Wrap this up.”

“Ilid,what happened next? After you left orbit?”

 “Darir helped me escape Medical, where theywere keeping me in stasis. They operated…wanted to learn why I could see themwhen most couldn’t. They…we…”

Hewas fading. Kila prodded. “Ensign? What happened after your ship left orbit?”

Ilidtwitched. His gaze wavered from side to side, as if he searched for something.It ended on Kila. “We went to Engineering so I could disable the phase andplasma generator. So the ship wouldn’t go where they might spread to others.The Darks attacked Darir. His blaster went off and hit the conduit. Iran…couldn’t help him…took a shuttle…”

Hiseyes were rolling, and the medi-bed’s alerts began to sound. Zo’s fingers flewover the controls. Kila was repelled as the stasis field reappeared and Ilidlapsed into its medically induced coma.

Thedoctor shot Kila a challenging glare. “You wouldn’t get another word out of himanyway. He’s in no shape for an interrogation.”

Nodoubt Kila knew as Nako did that shooting Ilid up with stimulants would havewarded off unconsciousness for as long as needed…or until the poor kid died.

Kiladidn’t tell Zo to do so, but his next order fell like a hammer. “Prep him fortransfer to my ship, Doctor. My medical staff will arrive shortly to takecustody of Ensign Ilid.”

Horrifiedfury filled Zo’s face as Kila swiveled and marched to the door. His gaze jerkedto Nako. “Captain, he can’t—”

“Later,Zo.” Nako raced after Kila, who’d already disappeared into the corridor.

Hechased him down in Medical’s admittance area. “Captain! What’s going on? Whatare these ‘Darks’ Ensign Ilid was going on about?”

Kila’svicious grin returned in full force. He looked ready to tear into someone’sthroat. He muttered, seemingly to himself and not Nako. “The fucking spacesquid’s entities got to them. There was a Galactic Council inspection team onthe planet days later. If the things attached to them and made it to Jedver,who knows…” He grabbed his com off his belt. “Chief, we’re returning to theship now. As in, two seconds ago. Get your ass to the shuttle.” Not waiting fora reply, he clicked the com for another frequency. “Com Lieutenant, alertcommand staff to meet me in the ready room the moment I’m on board. Tell Dr.Hadlez to bring his scans on the away teams we sent to Bi’is. Kila out.”

“CaptainKila!” Nako snarled to be ignored.

“Notnow, Nako. I’ll get back to you later.”

Kilasuddenly took off, blurring into a dark smear as he ran at top speed toward theshuttle bay. Nako gaped for an instant, then rushed to catch him.

Itwas to no avail. Kila’s shuttle was flying from the bay as Nako arrived.

* * * *

The alien force dubbed the Darks has grabbed control of keypositions on Kalquor and the Galactic Council of Planets. Other leaders arestill unaware of the threat among them. The galaxy is wide open for destruction by an unfathomable enemy.

Former emperor Nobek Yuder has suspicions, but due torestrictions placed on him after his prison sentence, he can only stand by andwatch helplessly. A renegade Royal Councilman has designs to bring him back tothe political arena, but doing so could destabilize the Kalquorian Empire,leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

Meanwhile, one man on the brink of death, the only man whocan detect the nearly invisible Darks, is pulled from a lifeless shuttle byCaptains Kila and Nako. His incredible story tells them they’re in a raceagainst time to save not only the empire but the whole galaxy…but are theyalready too late?

On Earth II, Governor Stacy Nichol’s relationship with ClanRihep continues to grow. So does the danger, as opponents make deadly movesagainst her and the orbiting Kalquorian station where the clan lives. NobekKuran is determined to keep his clanmates and would-be lifemate safe, but howcan he stop a faceless enemy?

Relationships, old and new, are strained to the breakingpoint at a time when Earthers and Kalquorians need each other more than ever.The Darks are closing in, and no one is ready to oppose them.

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