Tracy St. John's Blog, page 5

Two More Days! Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Three, Scene Three

 

Youthful rebellion looking for fun in all the wrong places.

* * * *

After his com to Shalia, Betra went for a walk through thetransport’s crowded promenade. Resan had rolled his eyes at Betra’s mumbled “beback soon,” no doubt discerning his clanmate’s troubled feelings after speakingto Shalia. Oses had merely gazed at him levelly. Betra imagined he had sensedhis Nobek’s understanding mixed with a note of judgment…and an unspoken pleafor Betra to let it go.

The Imdiko knew he should. Hadn’t he told Shalia his careerwas too important to leave the fleet for? Betra couldn’t imagine another lifefor himself. Shalia and her oldest child Anrel, who’d been an infant whenthey’d gone to live on Kalquor, had deserved a real home. A clan who wouldadore them and give them everything they deserved. They’d found exactly that,and he should be thrilled to his marrow it had happened.

I am. I just wish we could have had longer than ninemonths. I wish we could have had a lifetime.

 The intervening yearshadn’t changed his feelings in the slightest. Usually, he could accept fate’sdictate. But as he neared another visit, the old regrets crowded in. He foundhimself flailing in a sea of memories and wanting what he’d let go.

For her sake. For Anrel’s sake. I did the right thing insending them on. Why can’t I—

Betra’s morose thoughts cut off as he caught sight of agorgeous human female, who was winning the attention of the off-duty Kalquoriancrewmembers crowding the promenade and its complement of shops and attractions.Charity Nath, her shining chocolate hair framing an exquisite face, was avision indeed. Her lush, curvaceous figure stunned several men to a standstill.

Betra hurried to her, his gaze sweeping for her fellowEarther refugees, who were cleared to frequent the promenade at the moment. Hesaw none, thank the ancestors. He had to restrain himself from grabbing her armand dragging her from the promenade anyway.

“Matara, this isn’t your scheduled hour for recreation inthis area. Allow me to escort you to your quarters.”

Her smile was sweet and cajoling. “Aw, Imdiko Betra. Thereare numerous friends to make at this time of day. Tons more excitement. Ihardly saw anyone when I came in the middle of the afternoon yesterday.”

“Which was the idea. If anyone recognizes you—”

“Don’t you know Charity Nath is dead? Everyone thinks so.”She was barely paying attention to him, her greedy gaze sweeping the crowds andshopfronts, gauging where the most fun was to be had.

Betra felt a pang of sympathy. Charity was young, at the agewhere she was testing the waters of adulthood, chasing formerly forbiddenattractions. She was due the enjoyments a woman in her early twenties should beindulging in freely.

There was no denying his responsibility as her liaison,however. “Everyone thought Borey and Hope Nath were dead too. They now knowyour sister is a member of Clan Piras and suspect your father didn’t dieeither. Sooner or later, your picture will surface, and you’ll be identified.Please, you must return to your quarters now.”

Her façade of sweet appeal vanished, replaced by animpatient scowl. Betra was suddenly reminded of Shalia when she’d first boardedthe transport nearly ten years prior despite there being no true physicalresemblance between the women. Charity was apparently capable of changing herattitude just as quickly as Shalia had been.

“It’ll be a matter of days before we reach our destination.”Charity spoke in the firm tone Betra had heard from Resan and other Dramoks.“No one is outing me on such a short trip.”

“You’d be surprised how quick circumstances can change,”Betra argued. He realized he probably would have to physically remove her toher section of the ship. Which brought the concern of how those passing andwatching them with interest would react, especially if she struggled or shoutedfor help.

“Nothing of the sort can surprise me, I’ll have you know.Listen, nursemaid, I’ve faced danger you can’t imagine—”

“Is there a problem, Liaison?” Oses’ cool, rough voicesounded behind Betra.

Charity’s eyes widened at the sight of the huge, muscledwarrior. Oses was impressive, more so than a number of his fellow Nobeks, andnot merely for his incredible physique. He had a forceful stare, greater thanany Betra had ever encountered. His glare alone was capable of cowing most.

Charity recovered, or she pretended to. She snorted. “Ishould have figured you’d bring backup.”

Betra fought off a scowl. Why did the majority of Earthersand unclanned Kalquorians equate the Imdiko classification with pushovers? Healmost resented Oses in that instant for commanding the immediate respect Betraoften had to fight for.

“I was escorting Matara Charity to her quarters. There wassome confusion as to when she’s free to leave her safe area to explore thepromenade,” he told his clanmate.

“I see. I’ll help you see her to where she should be.Matara?” The Nobek bowed and gestured in the direction she was to go.

Charity pouted, but she offered no further argument.

Once they’d returned her to her aunt and uncle’spresence…voicing a careful reminder to all as to when the young Matara Nath wascleared to roam the ship’s public areas…Betra and Oses set off for theirquarters.

“Your walk happened at an opportune moment,” the Nobekobserved.

“I have a feeling she’ll try her luck again. Can you assignsomeone to keep an eye on her? I hate to keep her a virtual prisoner whileshe’s aboard our ship—”

“It’s for her own good.” Oses suddenly smiled, his roughfeatures softening.

“Remembering your misguided youth?” Betra guessed andchuckled.

“Unfortunately for my pride, yes. Those were tempestuousyears. At least I didn’t have to fear people hating me simply because of myname.”

“No doubt you gave them plenty of reasons to come for you.”

“Every chance I got.”

The two men laughed and continued to the small quartersthey’d happily called home for so many years.

* * **

 All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing Friday, July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Three, Scene Two

 

Hello again, Shalia.

* * * *

“It’ll be so good to see you and Oses! A hunting trip soundsfantastic.”

Betra grinned at Shalia’s enthusiastic reply to hisinvitation. “Do you think your clan can make it?”

“We’re in the middle of the slow season as far as the cruiseline is concerned,” she said, referring to the ocean-going line of vacationships her Imdiko Cifa owned. Shalia was in charge of vid promotions for CifilerCruises. “Seot said only last night he needs to take time off. That goes doublefor me. Larten would stop whatever he’s doing to go on a hunting trip.”

“Excellent.” Betra beamed at her.

Shalia, appearing to stand before him thanks to the com vid,was as beautiful as ever. Ten years had passed since he’d first met thetroubled young woman fleeing a dying Earth. She’d had a penchant for gettinginto life-threatening scrapes, often through no fault of her own. She’dcertainly kept Betra and Oses on their toes and had brought them together asclanmates. In a way, Betra thought she’d had a hand in making Resan theirDramok too, though the eternally at-odds pair would have hotly denied it.

Maturity, motherhood, and career certainly agreed with her.Beyond her work at the cruise line, she also ran a fertility foundation, whichprovided Earther eggs to the many infertile Kalquorian women who wished to bemothers. Despite having five children of her own, she was in incredible shape.It was clear she’d kept up the workouts Resan had bullied her through duringher stay on the ship.

Betra marveled for the millionth time that though they’ddiscovered an instant mutual antipathy, Resan and Shalia had done each other alot of favors. He suppressed a sigh.

“I’ve missed you,” he said.

Her smile was warm, reminding him of the occasions he’dearned it. Of the days and nights he’d been fortunate to have her love. “It’llbe wonderful to spend a few days with you and Oses. We have a lot to catch upon.”

How he wished they could have more. If he’d been a differentman who could curb an insatiable wanderlust that kept him from putting downreal roots, if she and Resan could have dropped the visceral dislike even theyadmitted they had no real reason for…

If only.

* * **

 All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing Friday, July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Releasing Friday! Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Three, Scene One

 

Betra bargains for a chance to see Shalia.

* * * * 

Anger heated Betra’s gut. Careful, he cautionedhimself. An argument would keep him from what he wanted.

“We always do something special for the children. You enjoyspending time with them.”

“I do. They’re a delight to be around. Their mother, not somuch.”

“Ancestors,” Betra snarled, his anger matching hisclanmate’s dislike. “Why is this still an issue? You and Shalia do a wonderfuljob of ignoring each other.”

“It’s a problem because you don’t ignore her.”

“How can I? We have a history!”

“Which is where the trouble lies. You don’t always seem torecognize she’s your past.” Resan flung his cleaning cloth to the floor. “We’lltake the children hunting. No one else.”

“Evelyn begged to go last time. She’ll be devasted if she’sleft out again, and her parents will insist she’s too young to go withoutthem.” Shalia’s youngest daughter was a precocious four-year-old who found iteasy to break her Uncle Betra’s heart when she cried.

Her Uncle Resan wasn’t immune to the tot’s entreatieseither. The Dramok was a hardass who wanted no offspring of his own, but hemelted around Clan Seot’s children.

He groaned at the thought of being on the receiving end ofEvelyn’s tears. “Damn it. We can’t leave her at home.”

“Five kids under the age of ten would be a lot for the threeof us and your grandmother to handle in any case,” Betra noted. “Anrel andNayun handle themselves pretty well, but Jordan, Ejia, and Evelyn runeverywhere according to…according to their mother.”

“Fine. Invite Clan Seot along. But Betra,” the warning tonewas obvious, “don’t expect me to go out of my way to be her friend. We don’tlike each other, and we never will.”

Even though she once saved your life. Betra knewreminding Resan of the fact would result in a major fight, however. Itirritated the Dramok to no end that he wouldn’t be standing there now if ithadn’t been for Shalia Monroe’s heroics.

Besides, Resan had agreed to the arrangement. It was as muchof a victory as Betra could hope for. Maybe, after so many years, the enmitybetween his Dramok and former lover would finally disappear. 

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing Friday, July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

 

Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Two, Scene Three

 

Resan isn't fooled when it comes to Betra's hopes.

* * * * 

Transport MT-118

“A word, my Dramok?” Betra ventured after the transport’sgym emptied for the day.

“That was four words.” Resan’s tone was gruff, but his eyestwinkled as he regarded his clanmate. “Of course, Betra. What’s on your mind?”

“Our itinerary for our leave on Kalquor. My mother isplanning the usual—”

“A big party to celebrate yet another safe return of herdarling son to her embrace, brief as it’ll be. Matara Elwa throws a terrificparty. Will Oses’ parent clan be there?” Resan tossed him a cloth in unspokenexpectation of Betra helping to wipe down the equipment, as he usually did whenhis duties permitted time to do so.

“I believe they will. Naturally, Mother’s invited yourparents and grandmother.”

“And naturally, my mother and fathers are too busy to breakoff from work.” Resan made a face. His parent clan often put their careersahead of all else, including family. His more family-oriented grandmother couldno longer see well enough to pilot a shuttle herself, so she wouldn’t be ableto attend the party either.

“It’s never a problem for us to visit them.” Betra pausedand plunged in. “In fact, I’m looking forward to it. I’m in the mood for ahunt.”

Resan grinned, his good humor restored at the idea. “Soundsright. Grandmother commed to tell me the senilows are due for a culling again.The timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

“Can we bring guests?” Betra concentrated on the paddedbench he cleaned, his demeanor as offhand as he could manage.

He sensed his Dramok’s attention intensifying. “Who?”

“Nieces and nephews. Clan Seot’s children. We haven’t seenthem in about a year.” He was careful not to mention Shalia herself.

There was a chill in Resan’s voice, nevertheless. “They’llprobably be at your mother’s gathering.”

“Yes, but I’ll be catching up with my parents, adultfriends, and so on. I’d like some one-on-one fun with the kids.”

“Betra.”

A Dramok’s commanding tone was nearly impossible to ignore.Betra had never been able to successfully fight off responding to Resan’s. Hestraightened and faced his clan leader.

“Yes?”

“Tell me this isn’t about her.” Resan’s expressiondripped acid.

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing Friday, July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

 

Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Two, Scene Two

 

Goodbye to Kalquor, hello to the unknown

* * * * 

Kalquor

“I’m sure you’re looking forward to reaching Alpha Station,”Admiral Tranis told his Earth II-assigned counterpart as the men’s clans begantheir goodbyes in Clan Tranis’ greeting room.

“Eventually,” Admiral Piras chuckled. “Since we’re takingthe scenic route, home is still a distant dream.”

“It’ll give Lokmi and me a chance to investigate the Darks’space more thoroughly than if we were to go straight to our duty station.” HopeNath’s dark upturned eyes sparkled in anticipation. Piras’ Matara was abrilliant engineer, as was his Imdiko, Lokmi.

“You’re continuing to work on extending the nanobots’ range?How is the assignment coming?” Tranis asked.

“Not bad. The trick is improving their energy efficiencyrather than increasing solar generation.”

“Bigger solar collectors mean the nanos aren’t so micro,”Tranis guessed.

“Less is more,” handsome Lokmi sighed.

“See? I told you size matters.” Tranis’ irreverent ImdikoDegorsk smirked at their Nobek, the stoic Lidon. “Of course, this is the onlyoccasion smaller is better, so—”

“How much longer do you wish to live?” Lidon asked mildly.

Even Piras, no fan of Degorsk’s jokes, quirked the slightesthint of a smile. Tranis suspected his former rival and present ally hadloosened up since his ‘Terror of the Fleet’ days.

“At any rate,” their Matara, Dr. Cassidy Hamilton,interjected, “I’ll continue to test the Darks we captured in hopes of finding away to destroy them before they finish the galaxy.”

Perhaps Hope noted the tense set of the platinum blondwoman’s shoulders. “It’s hard to concentrate on this mission and ignore thecalls to help where the pandemic is concerned, isn’t it?”

“It’s spreading like wildfire on the other continent. Thefirst cases are showing up on ours. A quarter of a million hospitalizations andcounting.” Cassidy rubbed her gently rounded stomach. Protectively, Tranisthought. In some cases, the virus dubbed RCN-16 was also affecting hybridchildren of Kalquorians and humans. Fortunately, those cases tended to be mild,thanks to Earther genetics. The virus had no effect on Earthers.

It was having a huge impact on Kalquorians, however. Tens ofthousands had died from its ravages before containment protocols had slowed itsspread. It was unclear what factors had mutated a rather common flu-like virusto the deadly version.

“On that note, we’ll say goodbye for now.” Piras alreadylooked tired, his combination of a strong jaw and otherwise delicate featuresdrawn.

“Be careful,” Tranis said, echoing his formal bow.

Cassidy and Hope had become fast friends in the weeks they’dworked together to find a way to stop an enemy unseen by most and impervious tostandard weaponry. They hugged and shed a few tears. The men exchanged morebows.

“I wish you the chance to fight and win against ourenemies,” Lidon told Piras’ Nobek Kila.

The bearded spyship captain, who had the most terrifyinggrin Tranis had ever seen, flashed his trademark leer at his counterpart.Though there’d been a sense of challenge between the pair throughout Kila’sstay, he said, “I wholeheartedly wish the same to you. Glory, honor, andempire…and as much blood as you can shed.”

Tranis exchanged a glance with Piras, who shook his head androlled his eyes. No doubt he’d been as concerned as Tranis the two warriors whobarely tolerated each other would find a reason to come to blows…and Nobeksrarely needed an actual excuse to fight.

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing Friday, July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Releasing in One Week - Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Two, Scene One

 

Cheryl takes Besral's mind off their troubles as only she can.

* * * *

Cheryl was exhausted at the end of the day. The children inher charge were wonderful and usually easy to manage, but they’d picked up onthe tension of their caretakers. Or perhaps they’d noted the few grimindependent news reports drifting the orphanage’s way, which spoke of what thelarger agencies ignored or weren’t allowed to acknowledge. In any event,there’d been instances of surly behavior from the teens and crying jags fromthe younger residents. Ever watchful over their charges, the Kalquorian staffhad managed to head off a couple of impending fights before fists could fly.

Adolescent hormones blended with uncertainty made for a longday. Cheryl wondered how many upheavals the children and staff would have toendure until the GC regained its sanity or the residents could leave for a lessnerve-wracking location.

If the Galactic Council allowed them to leave.

Stop it. There was no valid reason for it to refusetheir departure. Cheryl thought she was letting Marci’s and Darci’s growingconspiracy theories color her thoughts, though the atmosphere in the rulingbody’s space had become decidedly odd. Having endured oppression on theoriginal Earth, Cheryl had to admit it worried her.

Upon reaching the quiet of her own quarters for theremainder of the day, she would have been grateful to crawl in bed, pull thecovers over her head, and escape in the peace of sleep until it was time to getup and face the uncertainty again. However, Besral would also be home soon, andhe’d be tense. He’d have repressed his concerns to keep from upsetting thechildren more than they already were. Since she was the only person he feltcomfortable sharing his stress with, sleep would have to wait.

She searched the kitchen cabinets and found a package ofstim tabs. She dropped one on her tongue to dissolve. As she waited for it tosend energy flowing through her, she searched the cooling unit for something tocook, in case he’d missed dinner. She hadn’t seen him in the cafeteria for theevening meal.

As she mused between the remains of a turkey she’d roastedearlier that week and the ronka ribs he’d grilled the day prior, muscled armsslipped around her waist. “Don’t worry about it. I grabbed something in thecafeteria as they were putting the food away,” Besral rumbled in her ear.

She nudged the cooling unit’s door closed as she turned tohim. His kiss was shockingly gentle…or maybe it would have been for anyone whodidn’t know the scarred Nobek as she did. Despite Besral’s warrior Nobekstatus, he was capable of the tenderness Cheryl’s first husband had lacked somany years before. Burt Wooton’s physical brutality hadn’t been the entirereason Cheryl had rejected his name and retreated to a convent to become a nunfollowing their divorce, but it had played heavily in her determination tonever marry again.

She still marveled such an imposing Kalquorian had managedto change her mind and how quickly it had happened. Mere days had elapsed afterthey’d met when she found herself eagerly anticipating being in Besral’spresence. When they’d crossed paths, his gruff expressions had instantly easedinto warmth. Kindness showed through despite his harsh exterior. He’d made itclear she was to come to him when facing any problem she needed help solving,no matter how trifling.

A lump rose in her throat as she recalled those early days.Her fears of men had turned tail and run whenever Besral showed up. Herinstincts had been accurate. He was strong and showed it by being unafraid tobehave compassionately.

She melted in his arms, loving him so intensely its forcethreatened to shatter her. No matter: he’d put her pieces together if she did.

“How are you?” he asked when the kiss ended.

“On the whole, I’m all right. Worried, but who isn’t thesedays?” She smiled and brushed his silvery-gray hair from intelligent purpleeyes. “What about you?”

“The message to the fleet has been sent, and contingencypreparations begun if the Galactic Council’s forces should come knocking on ourdoor. Would you call me crazy if I told you I’m actually excited?”

She laughed. “Action is a Nobek’s calling card, isn’t it? Aslong as you remain in one piece, you can be as crazy as you like.”

He grinned, the creases in his weathered face lending itcharacter. “I can’t promise that. No self-respecting Nobek would. But I’ll domy best.” His tone turned businesslike, in contrast to the rigid interest shefelt a certain part of him proclaiming. “In anticipation of the fleetresponding swiftly to my com, we need to ready for a quick evacuation. I hateto upset the children, but they’ll have to travel light. They should bringalong only what they can carry in their arms.”

“In other words, their go bags.” Emergency preparednesshadn’t yet come into play at Open Arms, but Cheryl had once been trapped in herhome on Earth during a wildfire crisis. The terror of those hours and lack ofsupplies afterward had taught her well. Not only did each child have a carrysack of a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and identification, butthey were drilled on evacuation procedures to safe zones quarterly. She thankedthe prophets she’d kept up readiness protocols despite ten years of neverneeding to use them in a real disaster.

“I suggest we postpone regular school lessons in favor oftraining to escape. If the kids know what they’re supposed to do, there’ll beless panic when the time comes to do it.”

“I agree. We’ll cancel tomorrow morning’s classes to draw upthe plans. If we’re ready by afternoon, we’ll start then.” She tweaked hisslightly crooked nose. “We’re quite the team.”

“Indeed.” Affection shone in his eyes. When he kissed herdeeply, she clung to him. She moved against the hard prod of his interest, hoton her belly even through their clothing.

He’s excited to be facing a threat. She had no qualmsabout taking advantage of it.

Still kissing her, Besral scooped her off her feet and trodthe hall to their bedroom. They’d come to know the steps of the intimate danceso well, he had no need to tear his lips from hers as he lowered her to herfeet and began undressing her. She also had little trouble parting man fromclothes, until warm bare skin met warm bare skin.

From there, they parted to gaze at each other. Despiteadvancing years and scarred from a battle-heavy past, Besral remained muscledand strong. His erect cocks, the foremost slightly thicker and longer than itstwin, proclaimed his virility. Cheryl’s heart quickened as it always did whenshe contemplated his feral magnificence.

She felt no urge to hide her own body from his intenseconsideration despite having passed her sixtieth birthday. Her breasts nolonger stood up perkily. Her belly, always having tended toward softercontours, had curved more as the years had passed. Nonetheless, Besral showedno less than lustful admiration when he looked at her. His spicy arousal scent,rising from the wetness coating his shafts, filled her senses.

He repeated a statement she’d heard often through the yearsthey’d been together. “Mother of All, you’re beautiful. And you’re mine. Allmine.”

He lifted her onto the bed they shared, and she sank intoits softness, a delightful counterpoint to the granite physique covering hers.Besral resumed kissing her, as if her lips and tongue alone were the sole itemshe desired in the galaxy. She wound her arms around his neck, her mindrepeating his joyful declaration: mine, mine, all mine.

He rushed nothing, taking his leisure until he felt the urgeto roam lower. His teeth scraped her throat excitingly, sending shivers downher spine. If he weren’t careful, she’d have to wear high-neck blouses to hidethe evidence of his passion, but she was willing to make the sacrifice. Sheenjoyed his ardent worship too much to urge caution.

His rough tongue traced her collarbones. His lips nuzzledthe hollow between them. Cheryl’s respiration quickened. How often had Besralmapped her thoroughly, yet she never failed to respond? She’d lost count.

His arms, which had surrounded her from the start, slid outfrom under her. His calloused hands cupped her breasts, molding them so heralready flushed and taut nipples pointed toward the ceiling. He gazed at themas if regarding rare treasure before his head sank down to devour.

Cheryl’s breath caught as his hot maw enclosed the top halfof one mound. The sensation of sparks flew straight to her womanhood, where herpulse already throbbed. Besral hungrily tasted her breast’s entirety, histongue setting fiery trails where it lapped. At the same time, he rubbed theother breast, his thumb teasing the peak as his tongue did to its twin.

He drew on her, sucking her pliable flesh deep, as if he’dswallow her. When he drew off, his teeth dragged light furrows. The agreeableache curled Cheryl’s toes. She recalled a word from her mother’s secret stashof illegal vintage paperback books, which she’d stumbled upon as an adolescent:ravish. She believed it an apt description of what Besral did to her. Hedidn’t merely make love. He ravished her.

His head reared up, and his gaze held hers. His lipswrinkled back, displaying his blunt, humanlike teeth and the long, needle-sharpfangs that had appeared behind them, descending from his palate.

Cheryl watched as his mouth sank toward her breast again.She offered no resistance when the fang tips dimpled her lush flesh. She didn’tcry out at the darts of pain as he bit and they pierced her skin. The hurtended in an instant, thanks to his saliva, which anesthetized the wounds.

He kept his fangs embedded as his tongue danced on hernipple. After a few moments, misty euphoria wafted through Cheryl’s brain. Herarousal increased, and she spread her legs for Besral.

He wasn’t yet ready to accept her offer. Instead, he kissedand nuzzled his way to her other mound. A second bite, and the elation and lustincreased until she was dizzy. She moved against him, squirming and grindingfor better contact.

He released her and grinned. “What are you doing, my love?Is such behavior worthy of a dignified former nun?”

Yearning lit her entire body, and it goaded her to fulfillits hunger. “Touch me. Touch my pussy,” she begged.

“I will. When I’m ready.” The tip of his tongue teased hernipple.

He knew full well the effects of his venom on her, howdesperately needy it made her. Her gyrations increased. She tried to push herhands between their bodies, to grasp her clamoring clit for the relief shedesired.

The brute on top of her merely chuckled and grabbed herwrists. He pinned them to the bed and continued his slow, meticulous mauling ofher breasts. She squalled and jerked in an effort to escape.

“I feel the earth trembling beneath me so very slightly,” hesnickered amid sucks that left her tingling from head to toe. “Don’t worry, itisn’t nearly enough to move me from where I am.”

She wailed, though she knew from past experience it would dono good. Besral wasn’t a rough lover, but his provocations could be brutal. Heloved to make her helpless and rouse her so she screamed when she came.

He toyed with her breasts until they heaved at her everybreath. At last, he began to kiss a slow, torturous path down the center of hertorso. He paused at her bellybutton to swirl his tongue over it. He knew howcrazy it drove her under the intoxicant’s sway to pay attention just inchesfrom where she wanted it most. Trapped beneath his weight and by his casual butunrelenting grip, she could only endure as her clit and pussy throbbed. The bedcovering was wet beneath her from excitement. Yet Besral refused to hurry hispace. He was content to nuzzle her navel, then lick the folds between herthighs and mound.

Her entreaties for him to fuck her went unanswered in thoselong minutes of erotic torment. They seemed to goad him to linger on the creaseseparating mound and belly.

“Please!” she cried as passion rode her hard despite thelack of direct contact to where she burned for him. His venom had erased allcontrol, all dignity. She had to have him.

“I smell a hungry little cunt,” he whispered as he nuzzledher pubic curls. “I smell a delicious cunt. Should I taste it?”

“Yes!”

“Should I lick every luscious inch of your gorgeous, wet,swollen pussy?”

“Yes!”

“Should I eat this pussy until you come screaming andcreaming on my face?”

“Sweet prophets, yes, yes, yes!”

“Who am I to deny you when you’re reduced to blasphemy?” Hisdeep chuckle rumbled her bones.

He moved so fast, she neither saw nor felt the change inposition. All at once, she found her legs draped over his massive, scarredshoulders. He must have let go and regained control of her wrists to pin themagain, but Cheryl had been unaware of it. Nor did she care, since hislascivious smirk hovered inches from her clamoring sex, which was left open tohim.

His first lick was leisurely, starting from the bottom ofher slit, then moving up to scoop her wetness on his tongue. She felt everybump of his rough, hot flesh as it carefully abraded her tender inner petals.Cheryl forgot how to breathe as excitement rushed her to the peak in a matterof the three or four seconds it took for him to reach her clit.

His tongue stroked the engorged nub, and she detonated.

Exquisite ecstasy crashed through her in waves. She archedand pealed a high-pitched scream as white blinded her vision. Another blast asBesral continued his deliberate licking, each lap culminating when he paused tosuck her clit. Her feet kicked the air at the tremendous surges. Besral kept ather despite her frantic jerks, demanding more.

He only quit when he discerned she was reaching the pointwhere pleasure approached agony. Somehow, he always intuited where the line wasbetween delight and too much intensity, when continued contact to her clitapproached pain.

As Cheryl gasped in the aftermath, her muscles slack anduseless, Besral settled in for a long interlude of eating her pussy. His tonguereached deep as she trembled from numerous and extended climaxes. Hisbreathing, the wet sounds of his tongue fucking her, and the slurps and happymoans as he devoured her juices were a lullaby while she drifted in the warmaftereffects of incredible release. It also meant arousal, while greatlylessened, continued to hum in the background.

He indulged his enjoyment until, once again obeying uncannyinstinct, he paused to lick and suck her clit. Though the effects of his bite’svenom had been eradicated during the profound release, Cheryl gasped when ajolt of bliss woke her nub. How Besral knew the timing of her recovery betterthan she had always perplexed her.

He was as unerring as ever. He prodded her toward rapture.When she trembled, he returned to hungrily mouthing her entrance.

He’s so good. He drives me crazy, and I love every secondof it.

When he returned to her clit, he gathered her wrists in anenormous paw, holding them prisoner on her stomach. As his tireless tonguestroked her clit, two fingers dove deep in her pussy. He found the sensitiveplace inside and rubbed it. Excitement leapt, and she moaned under hismanipulation.

When her sex clutched a warning, his fingers continued tofuck her, but he released her sensitive nub. He dropped a soft kiss on theblatantly swollen red flesh before gazing up at her. “My most precious,” hebreathed. “How I love seeing your eyes glazed from pleasure while I fuck you asyou were meant to be fucked.”

“Besral,” she moaned, his name a benediction. His words werecrude, and she often thought she shouldn’t like them, but they excited her. Heknew it.

“I worship this cunt. I love how it tastes. How it feelswhen it grabs my tongue, my fingers, my cocks when they’re in you,” he growled.

She shook her head, but her sex clenched on his fingers asthey drove in. Her heels dug in the comforter, creating shallow ruts as heatbuilt.

“That isn’t all I love,” he said, and his lips enclosed herclit again.

As a surge of bliss leapt from his wicked kiss, he pulledfree of her pussy. She offered no resistance as his slick fingers eased intoher back passage, preparing her for what would come next.

The ache of being filled there was negligible, more an oldfriend than irritant. It was fully in the background as he lavished attentionon her clit, until the invasion became agreeable. Then enthralling.

When her pleasured whimpers grew in volume, Besral haltedhis luscious assault. He rose and pulled her onto his scar-patterned thighs, soher ass rested there as he knelt. His cocks were livid exclamation points,slick and eager for her. He adjusted them with one hand, the other continuingto imprison her wrists.

He wasn’t rough, but he enjoyed making her helpless. Whenthey’d initially become intimate, Cheryl had found to her surprise it excitedher too. After enduring abuse at her first husband’s hands, she’d been beyondsurprised. She’d been astonished.

Besral hadn’t given her any reason to doubt her welfare wasever at the forefront of his interests. Trust had been instinctive for someunknown reason, but she’d made him earn it, nevertheless. He’d set out to do soeagerly. He loved challenges, and he’d seemed to take delight in having to winher for his own, no matter the obstacles her rocky past had put in his path.

Her legs were still draped over his massive shoulders,holding her open for him. He guided himself to her warmth and effortlesslyslipped in. Cheryl groaned a welcome at the double impalement. The fullnessmeant he rubbed her inner spot with fierce strength, no matter how carefully heproceeded. A blast of pure elation sang through her core, and she cried out asorgasm approached.

Besral sighed as he embedded himself in her and joined themas a single entity. “My Matara. My only love.”

“My husband. My life and joy,” she answered, her lashesfluttering as thrills coursed the length of her spine.

She forgot how to speak as he rocked, moving in the age-olddance of intimacy that somehow never lost its special joining. The Nobek’s gazeroamed at will: now gazing in adoration at her face, now admiring how herbreasts bounced as he drove in her, now fixated on watching himself disappearand reappear from her yielding flesh. He turned briefly to kiss her pale,dimpled thigh on one side, then the other.

He wasn’t rough, but he was strong, and he was thorough. Shemoved back and forth on the mattress as he thrust in growing excitement. Thesparks flew, catching fire in her, growing hotter as they journeyed towardfulfilment together. Their gasps filled the air, louder at every exhale. Shewas approaching the nova of ecstasy when she saw the crease between his browsdeepen and his jaw tense.

“I love you,” he cried and pinched her clit.

“I love you!” she screamed as rapture laid hold of her andtore her apart.

Somewhere in the midst of the cataclysm, she heard his shoutand felt the pulse of his warm release flooding her.

Later, enclosed in his arms, Cheryl thought of the comingdays and their uncertainty. It was a matter to worry over. There was no doubtof that. But in the moment, held by Besral, she couldn’t summon fear for thefuture.

Smiling, she let sleep take her.

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

 

Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter One, Scene Four

 

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral have to evacuate the orphans of Armageddon from the Galactic Council before the Darks discover them.

* * * *

Mymah, moon in Galactic Council Space

Former nun Cheryl Taupin began the meeting she’d called.“The orphanage continues to be beneath the notice of the Galactic Council,thank God. Unfortunately, we can’t continue to count on it.”

Her husband Nobek Besral glanced around the conference tableat the four others who’d joined them: two human women and two fellow Nobeks. Heconcentrated on Ocri and Norev, next in line in the security hierarchy of thesmall defense force employed by Open Arms Orphanage. “No doubt the GC wouldleave this moon alone if it weren’t for our presence. But we’re needed heremore than ever, especially now when it seems the ruling council has lost itscollective senses.”

“They said they’d arrest any Kalquorians unaffiliated withthe council who remain in GC space,” Cheryl needlessly reminded them.

“I don’t plan to budge unless the children leave too,” Ocrisnarled. “They’ve been my responsibility for ten years. I’ve watched thousandsgrow and embark on successful lives thanks to our care. I refuse to walk away.”

“As do we all.” Besral offered a grim smile.

The Kalquorian men were impressive muscled beasts despitetheir heads full of gray hair and advanced years. Discounting Besral, none ofthe dozen remaining to guard the orphanage was a day under the age of onehundred ninety. Besral was one hundred sixty himself. He wasn’t old, but he waswell into middle age for a Kalquorian.

Their official function was to guard the orphans ofArmageddon, as the parentless children who’d survived in the wake of theEarth-Kalquorian War were often referred to. The Nobeks would have long retiredif they’d remained in the empire’s fleet or ground troops.

They typically had little to do as far as actuallyprotecting the mere five hundred children left from the original thousandswho’d sought refuge after losing their families and world. The space belongingto the Galactic Council of Planets had historically been as safe a haven ascould be found in the galaxy. Besral’s men were more apt to teach math,science, meditation, or physical exercise classes than challenge unknown craftsveering too close to the moon facility.

Still, their mandate was to keep the children safe above allelse. They’d become de facto father figures for those who hadn’t been adoptedor attained adulthood yet. When the Galactic Council had ordered allKalquorians out of its space subsequent to dubious revelations of wrongdoing,those who’d made the orphanage their lives had been besieged by demands fromtheir charges to stay. When days, then weeks slipped by and no one enforced theeviction, the atmosphere of grief and fear had lessened.

The orphanage’s first headmistress had tearfully left whenher clan had been assigned elsewhere by their military supervisors. Cheryl hadsuccessfully headed the orphanage for the past three years. When troubleerupted between the Galactic Council and the Kalquorian Empire but no onedemanded the Kalquorians at Open Arms leave, she’d agreed with Besral theirbeing overlooked would be brief. Sooner or later, the GC would remember itssmall orphanage colony and those who staffed it.

“There are reports some planets, stations, and moons in theGC’s system have come under martial law following protests against recentrulings,” she told the two young women on her staff.

“I heard there’ve been riots.” Marci Soames, the younger ofthe pair, held Cheryl’s gaze. She exuded a forthright directness, challengingher supervisor to not sugarcoat the situation. Bold and mature beyond hertwenty years, she could be trusted to speak her mind.

Her sister Darci looked like her twin rather than an eldersibling. Only two years separated the Soames. Neither wore makeup, nor did theyneed it. Theirs were lovely, proud features, left bare thanks to their blackcurls cut close to their heads “Homes are being searched on Shiwin and Taheg,according to a couple of news reports on the secret channels,” she added.“Neither were known to have Kalquorian residents, so no one is sure what thereason is.”

“No one’s suggesting the secretary-general be booted, andhe’s Kalquorian.”

“He’s been seen less and less in these past weeks,” Besralmused. “It makes me wonder.”

“He probably knows you guys might show up to kick his butt.Didn’t he ask for leniency toward the Tragooms a few weeks ago?” Marci’s tonewas sharp. Most sentients were no fans of the aggressive race from Trag. She inparticular loathed them utterly after they’d attacked their old orphanage onEuropa when she was ten.

Cheryl often mourned the Soames sisters had elected toremain at the orphanage rather than pursue the successful careers she knewthey’d have elsewhere. Dedicated to their fellow refugees, they’d vowed toremain until the last orphan of Armageddon left. The youngest of the residentswere ten, having been infants when the original Earth had been renderedunlivable. Darci would be thirty and still part of the orphanage if thosedidn’t find homes prior to reaching legal adulthood.

However, the sense of an emergency descending upon them madeCheryl grateful to have her most dedicated assistants at her side. Sheappreciated them almost as much as she did Besral.

“Neither Secretary-General Dramok Mereta nor the Tragoomsare the issue where we’re concerned,” she said to re-direct the discussion towhere it needed to be. “I believe we’re in imminent danger, and we shouldevacuate before the GC remembers our tiny population here.”

The rest murmured their agreement with her assessment.Having established they were likeminded on the issue, Besral spoke up in hisgruff voice. “I can send a message through secret channels to Kalquor’s FleetCommand. They may not be able to send help, but perhaps our allies can do so.”

“Why not alert Earth? They’re most likely to have a placefor us to set up a new facility,” Darci said.

“Except for a few thousand independent operators, Earth hasno military ships. They haven’t yet established the infrastructure to support afleet. Kalquor is in charge of keeping your new home planet safe.”

“Funny to call it a home planet when I’ve never been there.You’re right; we need the empire to figure this out,” Marci said. She grinnedat Besral in obvious appreciation. “As they’ve done for us time and timeagain.”

“We’ll continue to shore up defenses ourselves,” Besrel toldOcri and Norev. “I have some ideas on how we might conceal our presence here incase the GC decides to remember we exist.”

“Let’s get to work.” Norev grinned, as if they planned a funouting rather than courting death.

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing July 26

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter One, Scene Three

 

Charity Nath isn't a happy traveler as she evacuates from Galactic Council space, and she lets Betra know it.

* * **

“There’s nobody on board to talk to. To hang out with. Am Ireally supposed to keep to myself all the way to Alpha Space Station?”

Charity Nath heard her voice rising, but she couldn’t seemto rein it in. First, she’d been forced to take leave from her universityclasses on Jedver. Now she was being compelled to run from the planet she’dcalled home for the last six years. She wasn’t even allowed to go to Earth II.

Heaven forbid she be allowed to enjoy the world terraformedspecifically for her fellow humans in the wake of the original Earth’s demise.Instead, she was to be shoved onto the cold, dark space station orbiting it.

She was twenty, but she had the urge to throw atoddler-worthy tantrum. Her whole life was being upended because she bore thelast name Nath. It wasn’t fair. No one knew her actual name, so why should shehave to worry about her identity being discovered?

She had nobody she could truly blame either. It wasn’t herfather’s fault, despite there being those among the Earthers who’d branded hima traitor. It wasn’t her sister Hope’s fault, though she’d clanned Kalquoriansequally despised on their home world.

It most certainly wasn’t the handsome Kalquorian liaison’sfault. He’d delivered the bad news she and Aunt Ruth and Uncle George would bekept secluded from fellow Earthers running from the Galactic Council while itand the Kalquorian Empire had their spat. Liaison Betra was a reallygood-looking guy, worth a serious flirtation if Charity hadn’t felt soput-upon. If he hadn’t been the person to tell her she was to be isolated fromeveryone else.

“It’s a necessary precaution,” Betra soothed. “We’re underorders to keep you safe, since your fellow Earthers might be upset over theallegations my people and your father are supposedly holding the former leaderof old Earth as a prisoner.”

“About that. Why didn’t you execute the old tyrant? Or lethis former wives do so?” Or his would-be wife. It had been a fateCharity had nearly been damned to at the age of fifteen.

“Copeland died in the battle at Haven, despite the GalacticCouncil’s allegations,” Betra said. “The vid footage was faked.”

He’d think so. Betra hadn’t been on the battlecruiserrunning for his life during its final seconds, alongside Charity and the resthauling Copeland to a Kalquorian spyship so the bastard could face realjustice.

Justice that hadn’t come to pass, as far as Charity wasconcerned.

“Of course he died,” Uncle George said, his wide grinbeaming in his trademark friendly fashion at Betra. “We drink a toast to it onthe anniversary each year.”

“Sweetie, this is for the best.” Aunt Ruth was pleasant, butthere was a warning in her soft brown eyes for Charity.

“We don’t want any Earthtiques who might be on boardrecognizing you. Borey Nath’s youngest needs to keep her presence quiet.”George was equally kind and just as insistent.

“No one knows I’m a Nath,” she protested. She’d used heraunt and uncle’s surname after moving in with them.

“I’m sorry, Matara.” Betra’s tone was unfailingly kind, butthere was a steel beneath it that said he wouldn’t be swayed. “I have myorders. You can’t mix among the rest of the Earthers on this transport. Perhapsthe matter will be different on Alpha Space Station.”

He took his leave soon afterward, having given them the tourof their quarters on board the transport…which were admittedly nice consideringit had once been used to ferry troops who weren’t afforded many luxuries.

Charity flounced on the lounger in the sitting room. “All Ican say is Hope better not think I’m staying isolated on the space station forany length of time. It’s bad enough to have to pull a disappearing act.”

“The station is Kalquorian. Few Earthers visit, I’m told.I’m sure you’ll be allowed to move about it freely,” her aunt said gently asshe inspected the kitchenette. She brushed her dark hair, showing its firststrands of gray, from her eyes as she examined the automatic cooker.

“Why shouldn’t you? After all, Clan Piras lives there, andthey’re unpopular with their own people. We haven’t been called to a funeralyet, so it must be okay.” Uncle George grinned as he ogled the entertainmentsystem a few feet away.

Charity hoped he was right. She was a firm believer inliving for today. She’d learned the hard way tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed.

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

Releasing July 26.

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

 

Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter One, Scene Two

 

Imdiko Betra has hopes of reconnecting with an old flame

* * * *

Yentwa Space Station, Galactic Council Space

Captain Wotref’s Kalquorian transport had just docked on aspace station orbiting the planet Jedver. The massive vessel had started lifeshuttling Kalquor’s ground troops from battlefield to battlefield, but it hadlately been ordered to evacuate Kalquorians and empire-sympathetic Earthersfrom Galactic Council space. The crew, which had more than its usual complementof Nobeks, was on edge. Theirs was the last Kalquorian transport allowed inGalactic Council space to carry out such evacuations. The border would slamshut behind them once they’d left.

Over a decade prior, the transport had taken Earther womenfrom their dying planet to Kalquor to join clans eager for female lifebringers.One of those women had hilariously dubbed MT-118, the ship’s officialdesignation, the Pussy ‘Porter. Some of its crew from those days stillreferred to it as such, chuckling at fond memories of the long-ago journey.

One of the liaisons responsible for the care of the latestEarther passengers was on edge too, but his was of an anticipatory nature.Imdiko Betra had just learned there’d be a layover of a couple weeks onKalquor. He’d visit his family, always a plus.

He’d also be able to see the woman he loved.

He checked the time. The three people who’d been grantedlate clearance to join the trip weren’t due to board for half an hour. It wouldtake that long for them to jump through the hoops of the suddenly hostileGalactic Council’s departing protocols. He eyed his Dramok clanmate Resan, whomhe was helping to clean equipment in the transport’s gym. Head trainer for thefleet troops assigned to the transport, Resan was as exacting of himself asthose he pushed to sweating exhaustion. Metal parts gleaming a mirror finishshowed the man’s determined scowl as he wiped them down. The expression failedto mask the man’s striking looks, framed by shoulder-length black hair.

Betra had nowhere to be until the evacuating Earthersarrived, and Resan knew it. Hence, the request he’d made for the Imdiko toassist him. Betra fought to keep his excitement over the upcoming shore leaveto himself. If Resan were given any clue of Betra’s hopes to visit a certainEarther female for an extended period, a female the Dramok had no liking for,he’d hit the roof.

Their Nobek clanmate Oses, the transport’s weaponscommander, chose that moment to join them in the gym. “I was sent to tell youDr. Tep would like a word, my Dramok.”

Resan slowly swiveled to face him. His brow was raised, andhis gaze was cool, but a smirk played on his lips. “Since when are youMedical’s messenger boy, Oses?”

The Nobek’s craggy but attractive features were stone-like.It was at such times Betra was grateful Oses was so much older than hisclanmates. He had the stoic reserves to draw on a younger Nobek wouldn’tpossess. Resan’s occasional barely veiled insult, a knee-jerk reaction when hewas upset or anxious, failed to elicit the warrior’s temper.

His tone even, Oses said, “I was on my way here and passedthe department. Tep saw me and requested I tell you to ‘get your ass toMedical’ to meet him right away.”

“Because of Lieutenant Yulg, no doubt.” Resan’s eyes rolled.

“I didn’t ask. Tep seemed rather irate and apparentlydecided against comming you for fear of what he might say. Was Yulg’s injuryworsened by his physical therapy? It would be his second setback.”

“He was, and it was his own damned fault both times. If Tepwants a shouting match because the asshole won’t do his exercises properly, I’mmore than happy to give it to him.” Resan flung his cleaning cloth aside andstarted for the door.

“Actually, his anger appeared not to be for you. Perhaps hebelieves both of you shouting at Yulg at once will set the lieutenant on theproper path to full recovery.” Oses’ expression remained stoic, but Betra wascertain there was amusement dancing in his purple eyes.

Resan stopped and huffed, planting his hands on his hips.“I’m doing it again, aren’t I? Assuming the worst of a situation before I learnwhat it is.”

“You could always discuss the matter with Dr. Feru,” Betrasaid in his most helpful tone. When Resan turned on him, his face darkening inanger at the intimation he required emotional therapy, the Imdiko smiled. “Justjoking.”

Resan growled and shook a finger, but a grin erupted. “Damnit, why won’t you let me have my grouchy morning? I was in such a fine temper.”

“I’m sure you’ll recover it when you and Tep speak to Yulg.I doubt I can keep you from wallowing in grumpiness for long. You’re too meanto be affected by the likes of an Imdiko made of sunshine.”

Resan laughed, his handsome features enhanced by outrighthumor. “Sunshine! In your dreams, angsty one. Ah, what would I do without youtwo?” Still chuckling, he left.

Oses gave Betra a smile. “I’ll tell Tep he owes you. Whetherhe’s mad at Resan or not, you’ve at least spared him being skinned alive themoment our clan leader walks in Medical.”

“Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. If Resan unloads onsomeone else, he’ll have less for me.”

“Because? Ah, the shore leave on Kalquor. You’re hoping wecan visit Shalia.”

Betra managed to keep from cringing under his Nobek’s sharpand disapproving gaze. “The kids too. We always take our nieces and nephewssomewhere.”

Oses roused to anger was the fiercest man Betra had everencountered. He was more brutal than Resan in a bad mood, but he could beshockingly gentle when he wished it. “She’s Matara Shalia of Clan Seot. What wehad with her ten years ago was incredible…but it’s over, Betra. We’re lucky tohave any part of her life now.”

“I know.” Irritability akin to his Dramok’s rose to have toface the truth. “Just as I understand I’d never have made her a properclanmate. And Resan…”

“Respects but hates her. As she respects but hates him. Evenif she left her clan, which would be wrong because they’re perfect for her, itwould be impossible for us to claim her. Resan’s the ideal Dramok for us, butthose two together?”

“One would die, and the other would be in prison for themurder before a month was out.” Betra sighed. “Is it so wrong I still care forher? That I can’t wait to be near her?”

“You know I feel the same. But she’s our friend now, Betra.She can’t be more.”

Betra marveled at Oses’ understanding and patience. “I’mstupidly excited to see her every time. Why can’t I let go? Why do I want whatisn’t right for any of us?”

“Because love has no use for good sense. As we’re wellaware.” Oses, who’d loved Betra long before the strictly heterosexual Imdikohad realized he could negotiate a clanship including men, wore a wistful smile.It sat strangely on his strong features. “Who would have thought Resan, you,and I could make a relationship work? Somehow, we do. But you must bow to theimpossible, my Imdiko. Shalia isn’t for us. She never will be.”

“Yeah.” The voice of experience and reason was right, butBetra’s heart stubbornly refused to hear it.

* * **

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

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Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter One, Scene One

 

In this first excerpt of the latest entry of the Dark Empire series, the Darks strike at Earth II

* * * *

Gateway Station, orbiting Earth II

“We were always planning to move from Galactic Councilspace, but we had hoped to do it in our own time.” Joe Allen spoke to thedoctor on the small space station orbiting Earth II. Not the massive KalquorianAlpha Space Station, though he would have liked to have been invited on boardit for a look. It was impressive, dwarfing its Earther sibling, Gateway.

The man who’d introduced himself as Dr. Fazir cluckedsympathetically as he adjusted the medical scanner’s parameters. “The businessbetween the GC and Kalquor is disrupting a large number of people. Were youliving on Jedver?”

“No, Akdesh Colony on the moon Atoc. We had a population ofseveral races, including enough Kalquorians to rival Haven, I bet. Even afterthe GC tossed them all out after the supposed footage of Copeland leaked, therewere a lot of GC troops patrolling the colony.” Joe frowned. Things had gottenweird in a hurry on Atoc. Kalquor had lobbed its share of accusations at theGalactic Council of Planets, foremost of which was the assertion its leadershad been taken over by an interdimensional alien force they’d called the Darks.

He didn’t know what to believe. The secretary-general, aKalquorian himself, had decried his home empire for its “attempt to redirectattention from the criminal detainment of the first Earth’s former HolyLeader.” All Joe knew was the sight of armed soldiers prowling the neighborhoodwhere he and his wife were raising their three young daughters was too much.Especially in light of the rumors that a number of planets, stations, and moonsin Galactic Council space had come under martial law after a series of riots.

The Allen family had applied to Earth II for emergencyrefugee status, and it had been granted. His family had left behind their home,jobs, schools, and most of their belongings to escape a steadily darkeningGalactic Council atmosphere.

A couple of Joe’s friends had ridiculed him for running offand dragging his family to an uncertain future. Maybe he was being dumb,depending on meager savings and six months of government funding while hestarted from scratch. But his wife Randi had agreed the situation felt bad, sothey’d fled a seemingly secure footing for the unknown.

Better to goof up and end up scratching for a few years thanbe caught in the middle of another war. Joe had been a teenager when theoriginal Earth had been rendered lifeless from a series of nuclear blasts. Hehad no idea how bad it could turn in Galactic Council space, and he didn’t wanthis daughters to find out because he’d failed to bring them to a safe place.

“All right. Scans and bloodwork look excellent.” Dr. Fazirsmiled at him. “I’ll check on your wife and daughters, then you’ll be clearedto go on to Earth. Hopefully—”

“What’s that?” Joe interrupted. His gaze swung to where he’dthought he saw a shadow, a glimpse of moving darkness at the corner of his eye.

Then all was quiet.

 

The entity who’d grabbed control of Joe watched unfeelinglyas the human doctor jerked to see what had attracted its mount’s attention asplit second before Fazir was also taken.

The two motes of the All had no need to speak. They’d begunperforming their task once the refugee ship they’d been aboard had docked.Their mandate was simple: hiding, coming out and puppeting the human men whoseldom had the ability to detect them until it was too late, doing their workfor the few seconds it took, then hiding again until the next male patient.

No speech was needed. It was good to be together, thoughtheir companionship couldn’t approach the natural belonging when they werefused with the All. Still, other motes were isolated alone, so they claimedwhat scant pleasure they could in having each other near.

Dr. Fazir went to the closet as he had dozens of times sincethe first refugee had dropped off the All’s supplies taken from Bi’is. From theback of the tallest shelf, he claimed an ampule and loaded it into an injector.

The entity controlling the unaware Joe Allen held his mountstill as the injector was held against the human’s neck. A click as the triggerwas pulled, a soft hiss, and the job was done.

The injector was put away, and Dr. Fazir resumed theposition Joe had last seen him in. The Darks withdrew at the same instant.

 

Dr. Fazir blinked at his patient. “I’m sorry. Did you saysomething?”

Joe gazed at him, then looked around the room. “I thought Isaw…” He stopped and laughed. “Jumping at shadows. Or the idea of them. Youknow, I glimpsed one of the damned things on the news vid where they showed theKalquorian admiral being used by a Dark. It’s given me nightmares.”

“The ability is noted in your file. You may be able to trainfor a security detail on Earth. They’re calling for people who can spot thealiens. You should check into it. Your wife too. She no doubt hears the doubledvoices of the Dark-ridden.”

“We will. Thanks.” Joe appeared brighter at the suggestion.Many of the refugees streaming to Earth II were frightened and depressed athaving to leave the lives they’d built elsewhere. Having the opportunity to hitthe ground running gave the approximately five percent who could spot Darksbadly needed hope.

“Make sure to get some rest, nightmares or not. Okay, let’sevaluate your wife and girls and send you on to Earth.”

* * * *

All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in thecrossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral,in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terribleevents unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquoriansin Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate andmartial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to theKalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but howcan a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of theGalactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Stationto hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young andirrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stiflingrestrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, herKalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending withher stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behindhim. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the bestcourse of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speakslouder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’sbuilt, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing theunthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquorand Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re onlybeginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip onthe galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

 Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print