by L A Warren
The gown, as with all his selections, cascaded to the ground in a fall of shimmering silk like fabric. Otherwise it was unadorned. A tight sleeveless bodice, no corset, and a slightly flared skirt made this the simplest gown he’d ever chosen. She stood and took the fabric from him. Under his arm, he clasped a black case. This, she eyed speculatively, but refrained from asking what it contained.
At his urging, she pulled his shirt off and slipped into the gown. It fell to her feet in a shimmering cloud. He stepped behind her and fastened the long row of buttons along the back of the dress. It felt tighter than the corsets he’d routinely dressed her in. She turned and didn’t need to see her reflection to assess the effect of the dress. Gregor’s expression of heated lust was enough of a mirror. He ran his tongue across his upper lip and whistled softly.
“Nice.” He spun his finger in the air.
Grateful he was putting clothes on her and not taking them off, she obliged his request by twirling in a slow circle.
“You look amazing, but there is something missing. I have something else to give you.”
She arched a brow in silent question. He lifted his finger indicating she should follow. Gregor walked to the far end of the room and placed the case on the top of the bar and opened it.
Elise’s heart sank. Inside were two items nestled in a rich chocolate-colored velvet. The first looked very much like the misted veil she’d worn on the flight deck, except much more ornate. It was a half circle of silver metal, encrusted with diamonds and emeralds. The other item was a necklace. She had seen one like it before.
It was a Binding amulet.
A large walnut sized gem encased in silver filigree hung from a linked silver chain. Inside the gem, colors swirled in a miniature rainbow.
She stood unmoving, uncertain what he expected. The fingers of her left hand fiddled with the fabric of the dress. Her right hand went to her neck. Elise’s gaze shifted between Gregor and the box. His eyes narrowed briefly. Elise looked back to the box and took a step toward it, pretending interest. Out of the corner of her eye, he relaxed.
“A Binding amulet?” She raised a hand to rest on the counter, next to the opened box, but did not touch the contents.
“I thought maybe you wouldn’t remember.” He came to stand in front of her. “This is a new part of your wardrobe. It signifies your status as a bound WOR. You’ll wear it as a symbol of our Bond. Most s’vlor chose to activate the veil only during formal occasions. Unlike the mask which we both wore for the jump-jet competition, the veil doesn’t hide your features. It’s symbolic only.”
Gregor placed the circlet on her head. She touched the cool metal and ran her fingers over the gems. He lifted the necklace out of the box, undid the clasp, and placed the gem around her neck. It dropped and nestled within her cleavage.
She remembered an earlier conversation about the purpose of the low-cut gowns worn by the WOR. He fastened the chain and traced the links all the way down to the crystal. The light of the colors danced in his eyes.
Elise held her breath.
Gregor brought his other hand to cup her chin. He brushed his lips across hers in an incredibly gentle kiss. He groaned and then pulled her toward him. She thought he’d kiss her more, instead he whispered in her ear.
“Elise, I hope to show you the man I can be and not the monster you believe you see. Everything I’ve done, from the very beginning, has been for my people, for all of humanity. I hope we are done fighting. I . . .” his voice broke, “I . . . hope, not all of last night was the Bond. I would like to think some was you.”
“Gregor, please.” She placed a restraining hand on his arm.
“Listen,” he said, “I don’t expect you to suddenly change how you feel, but with time I hope you will look at me with affection and not the way you do now.”
Had she been scowling?
“You ask too much,” Elise breathed out in a low whisper, her words barely heard.
“We are linked. Through ties stronger than any other bonds between a man and a woman, our relationship transcends such concepts. We will be together centuries, Elise. Centuries! Can you maintain your hatred for that long? Can you sustain it? We can be so much more together, if you would only try to see me as something other than this monster you perceive.”
“If it’s what you want then I must obey.” You will never have that chance. Her linked sisters echoed her thoughts.
“I don’t want it because I’ve commanded it. Obedience, service and submission, I demand, but not your affection. What I want is a promise to consider the possibility. Don’t give me your love because I command it, but rather, because you choose to bestow it upon me.”
“I don’t know if I can do that,” she said.
“I only ask you to consider it. We have plenty of time. Enough time that it would be easier to enjoy each other, rather than not.” Gregor released Elise and stepped away.
He headed to the bedroom. He didn’t demand an answer, but she knew, deep down, he would eventually. Even her affection would be taken by force, unless she gave it willingly first.
A short time later, the shower turned on. Elise felt the moment the warm water hit Gregor’s skin. Their link was that strong. Her entire body shuddered.
They were undeniably connected, but he’d answered her question. The Binding had failed.
They were truly free.
The next disaster belonged to her, the WOR-skill, and the linked power of ninety Fifth Ranked WOR, because Elise wasn’t done fighting, not when she had all of humanity to save.
Chapter Seventeen
Gregor restricted Elise to their quarters as he now referred to his suite of rooms. She shivered with the implication of the tiny pronoun. WOR weren’t supposed to move in with their masters. They were supposed to complete the Binding Rite and reside in separate residences. Most vlor’lords had wives who found the entire Binding Rite difficult to endure. They, and their husbands, were usually happy to put the whole affair behind them.
He left Elise with an educational instruction plan and a gel-interface. With a kiss, he wandered off to a Ruling Council meeting, saying only that he would be back by dinner. She had no intention of following his instructions.
Elise sat down to the gel-interface and set up a virtual ghost. If Gregor checked in on her, he would see her dutifully following his lesson plan. Then, she checked on Bobo and the other subroutine constructs she’d planted in the am-net months ago. Despite their efforts, Carek and the other am-net conclave members had been unsuccessful in eliminating her viral subroutines. All was in place.
She needed to reach Alice. A plan had formed in her mind. Now to see if it would work. She stretched out, mentally attempting to contact Alice using the WOR-skill.
After several false starts, she brushed up against a familiar mind.
Alice.
Being nighttime on the Fifth Rank Deck, Alice was asleep. She rolled over and swatted at her ear. Elise repeated the call several times before Alice woke.
Elise? Alice sat up in bed, rubbing at bleary eyes.
It’s me!
What happened? You disappeared and we were so worried.
Oh, Alice, it was glorious. I won the jump-jet competition!
Then you have the money and we’ll get a ship?
Elise scratched her head. Ah, no. She had to catch Alice up on everything, but how much to tell? I beat that pilot I told you about. The one that was real cocky?
Yeah?
Well, guess who the bastard was? Elise didn’t wait for Alice to respond. None other than our favorite emperor. Needless to say, he already knew it was me. He figured it out before the finals.
O-oh, came the halting response. Is that what happened, Tender Training?
Elise chuckled and her amusement transmitted through the link.
No, you won’t believe what happened.
If you don’t tell me right now, I’m going to scream. Are you okay?
You don’t understand. Gregor took me off th
e winner’s platform and straight to his quarters. High Tender Marcus was there with his braklav. He and Gregor fought over me. Gregor won. He dismissed the High Tender and then proceeded with the Binding Rite.
Alice went deathly quiet.
Elise didn’t think it would be funny to drag out the suspense, although she thought about it for a moment.
I beat it! Elise paused for a moment to let that sink in. I found a way around the Binding Rite. I’m still me. I’m free!
More stunned silence greeted her and Elise wondered what Alice thought. More than likely, Alice was trying to figure out if this was a trap.
Elise proceeded to explain the link she’d formed with her other-selves. That took time because she couldn’t describe the link without revealing the existence of her sisters. Describing the split of her mind into separate personalities, and eventually into five independent individuals, sounded crazy, but it had worked. She had to dredge up memories of Tender Training to explain how it had broken her mind and given birth to her sisters.
Alice did not interrupt.
By the time Elise came to the end, she felt like she’d gone to confessional and had come out the other side feeling cleansed. Keeping all of the pain and terror bottled up to be strong for the other s’vlor had taken more from her than she had realized. Finally, her words slowed and eventually stopped.
Alice, the ultimate pragmatist, gave a simple response. I knew it had been bad, but I had no idea how bad. I understand better what you said about Paula. Tell me your plan.
Elise breathed a sigh of relief. Alice hadn’t judged her crazy.
Well, that brings up another problem. We can’t leave . . . at least not just yet. We have to save the Vendel. Elise paused and gathered her breath. She began the next story, the story of the S’Lorek, of Bobo’s creation, and how she would solve two separate problems at once. Only when Elise’s story came to an end did Alice speak.
Very well, when do we begin?
Tonight. The S’Lorek will be here sooner than the Vendel think. I intend to go out and greet it.
How do you plan on doing that?
Elise grinned. That, my friend, is something new. I’ve got something better than the WOR-drive. I just need enough ships to get us all there together.
Show me.
Elise transmitted the details of the WOR-step, something never before devised by any WOR. Alice grappled with the intricacies of the construct.
I see it, but Elise, I can’t handle that much power.
Probably not, Elise agreed, but a linked circle can.
Alice thought for a moment.
Elise waited patiently.
Yes! I think so. She paused and then asked, Elise, can you handle that much power?
Yes, and more. My sisters and I are discovering a lot of new things.
I don’t understand these sisters of yours, but I would like to learn more of them. I’ll go wake Aomi and Chandra. We’ll be ready. Nighttime for you will be morning for us, right? Won’t you be busy with Gregor?
He won’t be a problem. Now pay attention. Learn this. Elise sent an image of a new construct. When I contact you, use it to confuse the WOR-guards. You should be able to walk right by them. All they’ll see is a peaceful room of s’vlor, business as usual. Bobo will take care of the gel-pads and give you access down the service corridors. Divide yourself into groups. It will make it easier to travel. I’ll tell you where to go when I contact you again.
Nice little trick to hide from the WOR-guards. How did you . . . never mind. I’m not even going to ask anymore.
Wake Aomi and Chandra. Oh, and you’ll need Paula. Work quickly.
I’ll be ready, Alice said. Are you really ok? If you’re worried about Paula’s sanity, shouldn’t I be worried about yours?
I’m good. New. Different. More than what I once was, but still me, human and flawed. I remain committed to you and the rest, but also to the Vendel. They need our help.
I’m worried.
Don’t be. We are fine. We are free. I’ll introduce you to everyone later . . . when this is all finished. Don’t worry for me. I am free. Have hope, because I believe all our dreams are possible.
Make me a promise.
Anything.
When it gets to be too much, when you need a break, or feel yourself slipping away, promise you’ll tell me? Please.
Elise paused to consider Alice’s request. Would she know when that time came? I give you my word.
Then let’s do this. Alice couldn’t hide the eagerness in her voice. After the S’Lorek, then what?
We take our freedom from our masters.
Chapter Eighteen
Elise tapped the gel-interface and dialed in Champion’s Riot. When she didn’t get a response, she put in the code for the Spider Devil. Dove’s ugly face popped into view within the surface of the gel.
“Dove!”
His eyes widened, bushy brows shooting up with surprise. He opened then closed his mouth, twice. Dove rubbed his eyes.
“Chickadee? How is this possible?”
She ignored his question. “Listen, I need to talk to you.”
“How is the Emperor allowing this?” Dove paused and gestured behind him. “Jeena, it’s the kid.”
Jeena pushed Dove to the side. It took a few seconds for the video feed to readjust.
Moistness pooled in the corners of Elise’s eyes. It had only been a day since she’d been ripped away from Dove and Jeena, yet it felt like years. She missed her friends terribly.
“Kid?” Jeena’s eyes were bright. “I didn’t expect to ever see you again.”
“It’s good to see you too.”
“How did you convince him to let you talk to us? I’d think after—” Jeena waved her hand around, searching for words, “—well, after everything, we’d be the last people he’d let you speak to.”
“I didn’t ask, and I don’t plan to. I need a favor.” She couldn’t help the grin spreading across her face. Dove and Jeena exchanged glances, communicating in that silent way of theirs.
“Just so we know what we’re getting into, do you mind answering a few questions?” He rubbed his nose with what appeared to be an oddly clean hand.
“Let me start with the obvious.” Elise took in a deep breath. “I have endured Vector, Activator, Blood Rite, WOR-skill training, Tender Training, and more. I have worked at one purpose and that is restoring my freedom and that of my fellow Earth WOR. This explains how I met both of you. I needed a way off the Gambit. Sadly, that didn’t work out as planned. But in meeting you, I gained new friendships and a new purpose. The S’Lorek is coming and I believe I can stop it, but I need help. Gregor doesn’t know what needs to be done, or what I can do.”
Dove and Jeena remained silent, heads pressed ear-to-ear. Jeena placed a hand on Dove’s forearm. He placed his over hers.
“Go on,” he said.
“Gregor took me to perform the Binding Rite.”
She paused to assess the reactions of her friends. They knew what Binding meant, and exchanged another of their private glances. Worry and concern filled their faces, but they hadn’t activated any alarms. They appeared willing to listen to what Elise had to say. She rushed to explain. Time was limited.
“Tender Training did things to me, to my mind, bad things, but some good came of it. Turns out, I can’t be Bound. He has no idea that the Binding failed.”
Jeena gasped.
“And how does this affect us?” Dove’s eyes narrowed.
“I need your help.”
“What you’re asking is treason. You saw what happens to Vendel traitors. You ask too much. I’m sorry, but we’re loyal Vendel citizens. We have to tell the Emperor what you’ve shared.”
“I’m going to tell you why helping me serves the Vendel, and why Gregor and the Tenders can’t know any of it. You won’t be traitors. You’ll be heroes. I need ships and pilots, enough to carry ninety Fifth Rank WOR out to meet the S’Lorek threat.”
“Kid, maybe you did
n’t hear Dove. We won’t commit treason.”
“Let me finish. If you still feel that way once I’ve explained, then go ahead and report me.”
“Chickadee, there’s nothing you can say that can change our minds.” Dove rubbed his chin.
They hadn’t broken off communications. Elise took this as a good sign and pressed her point. She needed their help.
“What if I told you the S’Lorek is coming to Malbra? What if I told you I’ve communicated with it? What if I told you it—and it’s a single entity—was coming to devour Malbra and every living thing in Malbran space? What if I told you I can stop it, but only if I get my WOR to it before it arrives in Malbran space? What if I told you the only way to do this is with Earth WOR who are not yet bound?”
“Enough already with the ‘What if I told you’ crap,” Dove said. “What are you trying to tell us?”
She breathed out. They were listening.
“The S’Lorek is looking for sentient life. Life like itself. The fact it ran across something messy, called biologic life, is irrelevant. We’re not sentient rocks. That makes us insignificant. It calls us slime and considers us pests, and unfortunately for us, we taste really, really good. It’s addicted to the taste of biologic life. Even worse, it’s only one of hundreds of its kind, and it shared the taste of us with its Clan. We’re not looking at just one massive eating machine. We’re looking at hundreds of them descending on the Milky Way. We’re looking at extinction. If Gregor and the Tenders Bind the Earth WOR, we’ll have no defense, but I have a chance, and I need your help.”
“Dear gods,” Jeena whispered.
“What do you think you can do?” Dove covered his mouth, then grabbed at Jeena.
“I’m going to fight it, but not with Gregor. He and High Tender vlor’Vardhal don’t understand, and they never listen to me. What they made me into may very well save humanity. In that small thing, Gregor has succeeded. But I can only do this without him.”
“Sounds whacko, kid,” Jeena said.
“I would think so too, but trust me. Gregor would never approve of what I intend, and he would never allow it. I’m going to take the WOR to meet the S’Lorek.”