Striker

by Charmaine Ross

  “Are you sure?” he asked, serious now.

  She cupped his cheeks, waiting until she had his full attention and pinned him with a sombre gaze. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my entire life.”

  The kiss her gave her was also serious. And needy. And deep. Full of unspoken emotion. Her arousal exploded back into a bonfire. “I need to get you alone. We’re going to my cabin, where you can show me just how serious you are.” His husky voice sent expectant shivers down her spine.

  “When can we get there? If I have to wait any more to make love to you with my body and not just my mind, I’m going to explode,” she said.

  He spoke into his Seeker, “Reed, ready my shuttle immediately. I’m heading back to the ship. With one extra.” Then to her he said, “What about right now?”

  * * *

  Under normal circumstances, she would have been fascinated shooting out of the atmosphere from the surface of an alien planet, but all she could think about was Striker’s huge body sitting in the seat next to hers and the way her body was filled with pins and needles, her mind with all the things she wanted to do with him.

  She had an impression of a massive form, almost invisible against the backdrop of the starry sky, before being enveloped into a massive utilitarian hangar. As soon as the craft landed, Striker threw off his harness and kissed her senseless while he fumbled with hers. As well as working the straps, he managed to light her on fire with caresses all over her body.

  When he’d unstrapped her, he’d lifted her from the seat and proceeded to walk off the small craft, kissing her all the way. She was vaguely aware of a cacophony of voices, a surprised silence and a smothered giggle before Striker strode past a multitude of people, through winding corridors and through a door that slid open silently. Without a pause, Striker lowered her onto a soft mattress and followed her down to cover her with his body.

  “I take it we’re in your cabin?” she asked, not able to tear her eyes from his.

  “It’s not much, but its home,” he said, lowering his mouth to capture hers.

  He worked her shirt buttons, and when he fumbled a little too long, he simply grabbed the sides and ripped it open. Lifting up with just enough time to shuck off his own shirt, he returned to stretch over her. She sighed with pleasure at the skin-to-skin contact.

  His palms travelled over her arms, stomach, ribs and slid beneath her bra to her breasts. “This has to come off,” he said.

  She quickly worked her way out of the elastic and was rewarded with his mouth ravishing one breast, then the other. She tossed her head against the mattress and arched her back, offering her chest to his attention. His hot breath caressed her skin, and he slowly kissed a trail of heated, feather-light kisses down the centre of her stomach until he came to the waist of her pants.

  “These. Off.”

  He didn’t have to ask twice. She worked the button and slid down the fly, pausing for a second. “You’re also wearing far too much for my liking.”

  His face lit with a lop-sided smile. “Yes, soldier.” He stood and without ceremony shed the rest of his clothing. She gasped and stared. Without his clothing, he was absolutely spectacular. Broad shoulders, lean, muscular, ripped and downright too damned sexy for his own good. She unconsciously licked her lips that seemed too dry all of a sudden.

  He bent to work her pants off her hips and down her legs, helping her shed her clothing until she was as naked as he. Air cooled her body and managed to notch her arousal up a level. There was nothing between them, physically or emotionally. She was bared, but in an empowering way.

  There was nothing left to stop her from enjoying every moment of the rest of her life.

  She held her arms open. He didn’t hesitate to come to her. His long fingers slid from her ankles, up her calves to stop on her thighs. He paused, circling his thumbs over her skin, driving her wild with anticipation. “You are mine, Vivien. Now and forever.”

  She didn’t resist when he gently parted them. “And you are mine, Striker. We are each other's.”

  Her head fell back as he pressed a kiss to that intimate part of her body. His tongue slid along her seam, delving through her folds to circle her clit. The air went out of her lungs as tingles erupted from the erotic mix of heat and warmth.

  She spread her thighs further. He settled between her legs, parted her lips and sunk his mouth onto her core. She cried out as an immediate orgasm cascaded through her body. He worked his mouth, lapping at her clit while she rode those glorious sensations.

  “I couldn’t hold on...” she gasped when she came back to herself after moments.

  “You know that’s only the first of many,” he said.

  She glanced up over her prone form at his face, still in position between her spread legs. Holding her gaze, and with a smile that bordered on devious, he inserted a finger into her while she watched. He worked in and out. In and out. A heated glow quickly spread, and suddenly she was on the edge of another orgasm.

  She clutched his wrist, the sensation almost too much to bear. “Striker… I...”

  He didn’t stop invading her with his fingers. She felt the muscles beneath the skin of his wrist as he slipped another finger inside. His thumb found her clit and circled it. Following the movement with her hand clutched to his fractured her into a million pieces again.

  She felt his weight settle over hers. She opened her thighs, allowing his cock to kiss her entrance. He waited as she panted, slowly coming back to her senses. She was washed out, wrecked physically and emotionally, but still she wanted more. Needed more.

  She gazed up, caught his eyes, and as she did, he slid fully inside her. She was so wet, so ready that he entered her in one, long, slow slide. She groaned with the blissful sensation of being filled. Thousands of nerves lit with a fire that blazed through her entire body. He withdrew to the tip and slammed back, pelvis to pelvis.

  “Oh my god. I’m not going to last,” she whispered.

  “I won’t either, but I will the next time we make love… and the next… and the next.”

  He perched above her on extended arms on either side of her as he withdrew and slammed back inside her. He dipped his head, watching as he slid in and out. The sight of him watching brought on another wave.

  “God. Striker. I’m...”

  She couldn’t finish. Sensing her desperation, he increased his rhythm. His thrusts became harder, faster. Beads of perspiration appeared on his forehead, and as she reached another wave of bliss, his eyes closed and tipped back his head and roared his release, joining in with hers.

  Epilogue

  Striker stood at the helm of the Starlight. It was amazing that life could change so much in just a handful of days. From not quite living his life to looking forward to each and every moment. The object of change stood thigh to shoulder with him. He wound his arm around her waist and tugged her more snugly against his side.

  Vivien peered up at him, love and tenderness shining in her eyes. He couldn’t resist bending towards her and pressing his lips against hers. He’d never get enough of her. She was a gift given to him by the gods for who knew what reason. He wasn’t going to ask why. He was going to accept because she was the best damn gift in his life.

  The sound of a throat being cleared brought him back to the moment. He faced Jo’Aquin, or his virtual form, standing in the centre of the Bridge. Only a slight greenish tinge could discern it was a hologram and not the man himself. Next to him, Hemy stood as a holographic projection sent from the surface of Callisto.

  “The wormhole?”

  “Vanished as though it was never there. Not even a residual space particle,” Striker said.

  Jo’Aquin ran his thumb along his bottom lip as he thought, “And Captain Demazi...”

  “Vivien. Please call me, Vivien.”

  Jo’Aquin sent her an understanding smile. “Vivien, you say this force worked through you from another dimension.”

  Vivien nodded. They were speaking about the deve
lopment with Jo’Aquin via the ships commlink, as his old commander had chosen to stay on Florn with Lauren, who could not leave the surface because of Reptile intervention. “Hemy told me the Reptiles need human women to bridge dimensions because of our energy fields, or something similar. In short, we are particularly good conduits. More so than any other species.”

  “That is correct,” Hemy said.

  “Do we know the purpose of the entity, or entities, who tried to connect into this dimension?” Jo’Aquin asked.

  “None that we can discern, although we can assume that the reason is motivating enough for it to go to the effort of mind-enslaving billions,” Hemy said.

  Striker thought he looked as confused as the rest of them. He shouldn’t be surprised of the existence of a multiverse, but in the light of irrefutable proof, he was more than a little on edge. There were so many more unanswered questions than there had ever been.

  “And it’s completely evil.” Vivien shuddered, and Striker firmed his arm around her waist.

  “Commander, she's been through enough...” Striker began.

  “Former commander, my friend. I’m very happily retired, as you well know,” Jo’Aquin said.

  Striker nodded, understanding how the right woman made life so much brighter. There was an inner peace he’d never felt before, and it all had to do with the wonder standing by his side.

  Vivien squeezed his arm. “I slept for three days. I’m not exhausted anymore.”

  “Well, if you’ve got energy to expand, I know a great way to tire you out all over again,” Striker said.

  He loved it when she blushed so beautifully. He ignored the stifled twittering from his crew, mainly from the females. He didn’t know why that should shock them; he did have a reputation to uphold, one he was more than happy to be, just for one woman from now on.

  “If we could remain on topic,” Jo’Aquin said.

  Striker snapped to attention, even though he really didn’t need to anymore. Military life was ingrained.

  “Why would the Reptiles would help this entity, or entities at all?’ Jo’Aquin mused.

  “They were told they would be made kings of this universe by invading planets. It appealed to their small brains. The entity provided technology to enable mind-enslavement which they acted upon,” Hemy said.

  “Have we been able to get word out to the Council?” Jo’Aquin asked.

  “Negative, sir. There is still interference from this galaxy, and no way to travel back since the wormhole’s collapse,” Reed said.

  So, they were still on their own. They had to find a way to get this information back to the Council. It was vital. This information would tip the scales. Mind-enslaved worlds could be freed. Billions of lives reclaimed.

  “There is more. We have discovered from the Reptiles here, that many more human females have been abducted. They plan to open another interdimensional door on Annexor. This is extremely bad news,” Hemy said.

  “Reed, where is Annexor located?” Striker asked.

  “In the Sevian Quadrant. Two galaxies away from this location,” Reed said.

  That was close. “Why choose Annexor in particular?” Striker mused.

  “Annexor is a planet that is known for its innate energies. It’s also under Reptile occupation,” Hemy paused. “The planet’s energy combined with the Earthian energetic field would be the perfect location to breach an interdimensional barrier between this world and the next. If that happens…it will be unstoppable. I have to warn that time is of the essence. Now that this entity knows we are aware of it, I fear it will endeavour to do anything in its power to get through. It needs to Earthians to open the door, but they are also the key to stopping it as well. Not are the Earthians in grave danger, I have to say the rest of the universe is as well.”

  Striker cursed under his breath and Vivien stiffened at the news. She held a trembling hand to her mouth. “We can’t let that happen!”

  “I will do anything in my power not to let that happen. We will go there immediately,” Striker said.

  There would be no telling what might happen if this – thing – got through. The war had taken a twist no-one could have seen. They were balanced on a precipice that could go either way. Their next steps were crucial.

  “An element of surprise could be more effective than showing up in the Starlight with all guns blazing. May I suggest you send a scout, gain some intelligence so we may organise ourselves for battle? We are one Starship without the force of the Council behind us and no way to send word to them,” Jo’Aquin said.

  “We need someone able to pick up on dimensional changes, someone aligned to the finer elements of existence,” Striker said.

  “I’ll go. I already know what this thing felt like. And it wasn’t good,” Vivien said.

  “May I also suggest you’ve risked your life enough for one lifetime? Besides, with your connection being linked Callisto, it would be best for you to be available to speak with the Reptiles under your persuasion if we need more information,” Jo’Aquin said.

  There was movement in their small audience, and Alastor stepped to the front. “It would be my pleasure to scout this planet.”

  Striker paused, considering the man. Alastor was their head of combat. Tall, lean, and an experienced scout, he possessed excellent skills, as well as being intelligent and quick witted. He’d also been amongst the first to lead the recent battle with the Reptiles.

  “I thank you for your offer. It is accepted.”

  “I don’t know,” Vivien said.

  “You don’t approve?” he asked her.

  “Oh, I do. He looks like an excellent soldier. It’s just that if there are other abducted women on that planet and they come face to face with them, it would be best if he went with a woman – err, female,” Vivien said.

  “I will go with Alastor.” Minta, a tall female soldier, stepped forward.

  “Thank you, but I think a human woman would be better. No offence, but a familiar face would go a long way to allay fears. If you have the chance to help them, they won’t panic as much if the see a human amongst you,” Vivien said.

  Striker spoke, “Vivien, I think the human women have gone through enough...”

  “I’ll do it,” a soft voice said from the back of the group.

  Striker watched as an extremely petite woman with straight platinum hair, made her way to the front.

  “I’ll go. I think I may be your best choice.”

  “Sir, I don’t think...” Alastor began, but Striker held his hand and faced the woman.

  “What is your name?” he asked as gently as he could.

  The woman seemed uncertain and extremely shy. “It’s Marie. Marie Sinclair.”

  Vivien frowned. “I recognize your name. You're the...”

  Marie nodded, a small, nervous smile touching her mouth. “Psychic. Yes. That’s why I think I may be a good choice. I can help. I felt that thing while it was tied down. It touched the edge of my higher mental body.” She clutched her elbows and held them tight over her chest, looking about her as though she expected to be ridiculed. Striker felt no such need. Only intrigue.

  “You felt it? Without being connected?”

  “Oh. We’re all connected. The power of thought is the glue. That’s how I was able to feel it.” Marie trailed off after her momentary burst of enthusiasm. “Anyway, I just thought you might need someone with a connection, since we're dealing with inter-dimensional beings. That’s all.” She dropped her gaze to the ground.

  “Sir, we’ll be going into occupied territory. She’s a civilian. Untrained. If I take her with me, she’ll put us both in danger,” Alastor said.

  “I understand, but in this case, I think her other skills would be very beneficial. If communication occurs energetically, rather than physically as we now know, Marie could prove very helpful,” Vivien said.

  “If nothing else, at least I won’t scare the other captives,” Marie offered.

  “You can’t be serious.”
Alastor looked aghast at Marie, who tried to make herself look even smaller.

  “That’s enough, Captain. I agree with Vivien. You have the skills to keep Marie safe, and she has the skills to gain important information in a way others cannot...” Striker said.

  “Actually, anyone can do it. It's just a matter of practice, which might take years… depending on how open you are...” Marie trailed off and looked apologetic for having spoken up in the first place.

  He understood Alastor’s reticence, but he also knew if he’d been a human, it would have saved a lot of Vivien’s terror.

  “Then it’s settled. Captain, assemble your gear. You can also provide gear for Marie. Take a scout ship and leave ASAP,” Striker said.

  Alastor saluted. The only way Striker knew he didn’t like the order was his eyes bounced to Marie and back. “As you wish.”

  “I’ll go with Marie and help her with her gear,” Vivien offered. “And also some advice,” she muttered under her breath.

  A growing pit of apprehension grew in his gut. Although they had made some headway, the war had reached a new level. The humans, and the universe, were in greater danger than ever before. They were in a dead zone and stuck here indeterminately. For all intents and purposes, things didn’t look good. He only hoped the shy human could use her talents and gain some more intel, and that Alastor could put aside his differences to let her.

  While they went on reconnaissance, he would assemble his teams and prepare the Starlight for the battle of a lifetime.

  As Vivien looked over her shoulder and winked at him before she disappeared around the corner, he also knew he was the luckiest commander in the fleet. Despite all the negatives, he’d found the love of his life. The reason to keep going, keep trying. Keep fighting.

  Because he knew what he’d found with Vivien was the true reason they were all fighting for.

  The adventure continues with Alastor…

  She’s been abducted by the evil Reptiles, rescued and now she’s being sent on a dangerous mission to save the known universe.