Gladiator: A Rough Sci-Fi Romance

by Piper Stone

  He nodded, looking more exhausted than I’d seen him. “King Rajah isn’t a bad man, just overwhelmed with sadness and anger.”

  “One hell of a father you got there. Tell me. Did you share every detail of our conversations with him?”

  Dakar sighed. “No. I considered you my friend even though my father considers anyone from Cryton an enemy.”

  “Well then, friend. Are you going to stand by your father when he storms this facility, killing all of us after the serum is developed?” He seemed to have no answer.

  “No.”

  I chuckled, guzzling a good half of the drink. “Then what the hell are you planning on doing?”

  “My father is going to betray you, all of you. However, I can help.”

  “Because you’re his son?” I heard the disdain in my voice.

  “Because I have the backing of our people. They have lost confidence in my father, in his barbaric ways. We do not long to have another galactic war, which is what will occur under his command.”

  I closed the distance, glaring into his eyes. “You want me to buy this shit? Really?”

  “I do not blame you for being so untrusting, but you do not have anything to lose, my friend,” Dakar said quietly.

  “Then what are you trying to tell me?”

  “As you made a deal with my father, I will make one with you, but I will need something in return.”

  I held my breath, trying to figure out if he was simply playing another role. If I made the wrong decision in trusting him in any regard, Earth could be destroyed. “What do you want?”

  “Peace among our kind, along with the cure. I will make certain the treaty you proposed is followed. No harm will come to Earth or to Cryton.” He held out his hand in a very human gesture. “My father will no longer be in command. That is already in process. I am next in line to the throne.”

  “And what makes you think that anyone from Earth is going to listen to a known alien criminal who supposedly betrayed the human race?”

  “Because you and your mate will be sent back to Earth, along with the human prisoners you insisted were to be set free. I will also make certain your soldiers are found and released.”

  I laughed again, lifting my glass instead of shaking his hand. “And just how to you propose to get us back to Earth?”

  “I will take you in one of our ships. You will be labeled a hero. You will provide a drug to save every human being as well as freeing hundreds of prisoners. Then you have the choice whether you want to return to Cryton. Fair enough?”

  “And your father?”

  “He will create no difficulties, I assure you. The soldiers all follow my direction. My father’s time is finished, his reign concluded. We are in a sense seeking some level of asylum.” He outstretched his hand even more, locking eyes with mine.

  I had to be a fool, some dumbass who honestly believed I’d have any control over the various governments on Earth. I’d been a risk taker my entire life. The odds were completely against this succeeding.

  Then again, what choice did I have?

  And so, I shook his hand.

  “You are very lucky, Thor the Gladiator,” Dakar mused.

  “And how is that?”

  “You’ve found a woman that you can love and who cares for you deeply.”

  “And you are very well aware that our love isn’t real, a product of your Dr. Tamborka.”

  “I can tell otherwise. You are a true alpha, my friend, a man destined to change your world. Your Cryton leaders should be very proud. Never forget your worth.”

  I had nothing to say to him. As of this moment, I felt I had no worth.

  Dakar shook his head. “I will make certain the prisoners are freed and prepare the ship.”

  I watched as he walked away, trying to garner some level of hope in my heart. I loved Katarina, and whether our love was contrived or not, she’d broken through the horrible barriers; chains I’d wrapped around myself for so many years.

  She was my light, my very salvation.

  But she didn’t belong to me.

  If a cure was found and proven to work, my ultimate duty was to my planet and my people.

  May our gods be with us.

  * * *

  “Do you really believe this is going to work?” Katarina asked in such a quiet manner, her face shimmering from the waning Zatan sun.

  I studied her, the beautiful woman standing by the window, dressed as a uniformed officer instead of a scientist on the verge of providing a powerful cure.

  “The tests have all received positive evaluations.” My answer sounded as programmed as it was in my mind. There was no way of knowing without months of testing.

  She smiled, shaking her head. “I don’t mean the serum. I’m talking about getting back to Earth, remaining alive.”

  I walked closer, easing my arms around her waist and pulling her close. I knew that I would lose her once we returned, but she deserved to have her life back. She’d worked so hard to achieve that. “I believe in hope and at this point, we have nothing to lose.”

  “Hope. I never thought I’d hear that word coming from your mouth.”

  “Yeah, well, there are a lot of things that I wouldn’t have perceived only a few weeks ago.” She remained in a weakened state from the long days, her once bright eyes dull from fear and worry.

  She rubbed my arm absently, still gazing out at the lush landscape. “How are you going to get through to anyone of importance? All your evidence was destroyed.”

  “No, not everything.”

  A chuckle under her breath, she turned, giving me a mischievous look. “You still have secrets.”

  “I was cautious. Years of military training will do that to you, even if on another planet. I have full documentation of what General Barker and his department were planning on doing. Given the added fact he’s been doling out serum that is killing people, I believe I will be heard by your true leaders. Do you think you can handle the notoriety?”

  “I only want to help our people. I understand that there are some very destructive groups on Earth, but the vast majority are innocent, trying to enjoy their life. If I can do anything to help, then my life will have satisfaction.”

  There’d been no real talk of happiness. We knew the odds were against us. I lowered my head, kissing her lips gently. “We’ll get through this, and it’s time.”

  “Xander, what if we really were engineered to be together and nothing more?”

  I knew the question would arise, a hard truth neither one of us wanted to face. “I’m never going to force you to be with me. You have a life to get back to.”

  “And what about your life on Cryton?”

  “I don’t know yet, Katarina.”

  There was such tension between us. How could I tell her what my plans were?

  “What if we realize we can’t stand each other?” She tried to smile but I could see real concern in her eyes.

  “Then we go our separate ways.”

  She nodded and her acknowledgment crushed my heart and soul.

  “Are your parents ready to leave?” I managed.

  “I think so. Dakar has been helpful, his men working to make certain we have everything on board that I’ll need. With my father’s other journals, we’ll have more than enough scientific evidence to prove our cause if necessary.”

  To Dakar’s credit, he’d kept his word, enabling the prisoners to escape from the tyranny as well as keeping his father in a lockdown.

  I took her hand, guiding her toward the door of our suite. The nights we’d spent together had been bittersweet, a reminder that our connection had been engineered. I would never forgive either her father or the Zatan species for what they’d done, but as I’d been reminded more than once, now was the time for peace.

  Another new beginning for Earth, my people as well.

  Our lives meant little in comparison.

  We would see.

  The loading site was busy with activity, even though the ma
jority of passengers were already on board. I noticed the contrite look on Thomas’ face, the way he was staring at his daughter. I’d once promised that I would destroy him, but he’d already done that to himself, aging several years in a span of days. What Katarina didn’t know is that he’d refused to take a dose of the serum. Not because of fear it wouldn’t work, but from the need to find solace in accepting blame.

  “We are prepared for departure,” Dakar stated, giving me a nod. He walked away, giving us space.

  “Another adventure begins,” Katarina said as she smiled at her mother. “Let’s go home.”

  Thomas reached out, taking her hand into his. “We’re not going, daughter.”

  “What?”

  Thomas glanced at his wife and I could see tears in his eyes. “We’re going to stay here and finish what we started. You have everything you need, including some of our finest scientists going with you should any complications arise. I have made copies of the most important formulas that you will need. The rest is up to you.” He took a second journal from one of his fellow scientists.

  “No! You can’t stay here. I just found you. I know now that you had reasons for what you did. We can do so much good work together. I can’t do this alone.” Katarina gripped his hand, pulling his fingers against her lips.

  “This is our home, Katarina. It has been for over twenty years,” her mother said, blinking several times as tears slipped past her lashes.

  “You won’t be alone, my daughter. You’ll always have us in your heart. We will talk at some point.”

  “I don’t understand,” Katarina whispered.

  “I think you do. You’re a scientist. We can still do so much good and the Zatan species need guidance. Only we can provide that.” Thomas inched closer. “Never forget that we are so very proud of you.” He pushed the journal into her hands.

  “Will I ever see you again?” she asked, reaching out for her mother.

  Thomas lifted his head toward me, a questioning look riding his face. “When the time is right you will see us again. Don’t fear the unknown, my daughter, embrace the opportunity and your destiny. There will be great things in your life.”

  Great things.

  I remained behind until the others were transported onto the ship, taking another look at the surrounding area. Perhaps I wanted to remember every detail of this wretched place. Perhaps I needed to release my mind from its demons.

  Either way, I wanted some level of peace.

  As if that was possible.

  I heard a rustling sound in the background and turned. “I know. We need to leave.”

  He walked closer. In his hands he held a sword, the metal gleaming in the waning light. “I once met a mighty warrior, one who refused to give in to man or beast, one who also had a giant capacity for love. Against the odds, the warrior beat out a true enemy. On that very day, I knew I’d met a man of great honor, a man I hope to always be able to call a friend.”

  As he held out the sword, he lowered his head, their greatest sign of respect.

  I knew this was the exact sword that I’d been forced to use, a powerful weapon that had started this entire journey. “Thank you, Dakar, for everything.”

  “It is I who should thank you. You gave me the courage to fight for what I’ve always believed was right. Because of that, I must tell you two truths before we go.”

  I held the sword, removing it from his sheath and holding it into the light. “Truths. All right.”

  “You were chosen for a reason including your military background on Cryton as well as your work with a group of humans that we knew were preparing to destroy us. To my father, you were merely a monster that he could torture information out of, learning every detail to help us with a planned attack.”

  “That’s why you became my friend.”

  Dakar nodded again, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Yes, but I learned quickly that my father was wrong about you. You are truly a good man. Listening to your stories helped me understand that our species are not all that much different, both desiring a good life for our families. I hope to have a mate one day and even children. We now have hope that can become a possibility. I will forever be grateful for your help as well as Katarina’s.”

  “She is indeed just as special as you warned me about,” I said, laughing almost bitterly. I could tell he wasn’t lying. “I appreciate you telling me that. What’s the second?”

  “Are you certain you want to know, my friend?”

  “I’m tired of secrets, Dakar. I’m ready to move onto a simple life, if that’s possible.”

  “Understood.” He smiled as he walked closer and when he spoke, his words were whispered.

  Ones that could alter the course of the future.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Katarina

  There were people who had reminded me that great strength lies in one’s ability to forge through any nightmare resolute. Others applauded me for my fortitude as well as my dedication to the human race. Various governments had given me other honors, my work even being considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.

  None of that mattered.

  I’d become nothing but a machine since arriving back on Earth, working to destroy those who’d attempted to take away our freedoms. Perhaps General Barker and his drones hadn’t fully understood what they’d done. Perhaps those above their pay grades, some dead and some still alive, had believed they were doing the right thing.

  In the end, Earth almost paid the ultimate prize.

  “General Simon Barker, you are under arrest for crimes against humanity as well as betrayal of your government position.”

  I would never get tired of hearing the same repetitive words, the man’s actual arrest splashed across every social media site. Yet every time I heard the news, I shivered. I stood at the window to my home office, staring up at the stars just beginning to light up the sky. I loved this time of the evening, even though I often wondered whether or not the people on the planet known also as Zatan were doing well.

  The last communication had been a week earlier, our two teams collaborating on final details of the new inoculation. I was a nervous wreck, the weeks spent honing formulas and calculations, doing press conferences and answering another series of question for the various law enforcement agencies. I’d had very little time to myself, only two days prior having finally moved into a brand new apartment, one with sweeping views.

  A new city.

  A new life.

  Restored hope in humanity.

  And almost desperate loneliness.

  I hadn’t seen Xander in almost as many weeks, his work taking him to other countries. To repair damage. To work alongside government leaders on the treaty he’d developed with the Zatans. Important work.

  I knew in my heart he desired to return to Cryton. I knew if the testing worked, he would feel obligated to leave.

  I still missed him even though I understood fully that the chemicals within our bodies had dissipated over time, reality settling in. We had never been a true couple, merely pawns in a vicious game. I’d been able to tell that he’d wanted to move on and I didn’t blame him, although I’d cried myself to sleep so many nights, fantasies filled with images of his gorgeous eyes and rugged body. I could almost feel his lips pressed against mine, the taste of him unlike any other man.

  Dakar had been a friend after all, making certain our return was safe, promising to look after my parents. And the beautiful gift he’d given Xander would remain as one of my good memories. The mighty sword.

  As I pressed my fingers across my lips, I shivered almost uncontrollably. My God, I had to get over this and move on with life. I was a big girl and had huge dreams.

  Yeah, right.

  I was nothing but a scared little girl, pretending to be a scientist.

  Angry with myself, I couldn’t stand the noise any longer, turning off the broadcast. Maybe quiet time was more important. Tomorrow was the first round of testing.

  Then the real work b
egan.

  My nerves were frazzled. Maybe a glass of wine would help. Maybe I needed something stronger. I laughed as I walked past the boxes of new dishes and bedding, items my assistants had purchased for me since everything in my little world had been destroyed.

  Thank God, I’d had the forethought of hiding my father’s journals. Oddly enough, I’d chosen my old bedroom at my aunt’s house. No one would have suspected.

  The kitchen was sparse, devoid of any life. No plants. No artwork. No pots and pans in the beautiful wood-stained cabinets. But I had unpacked the new wineglasses. Priorities. I laughed as I moved toward the bottle of wine that had been left on my counter, no doubt by the management company running the dazzling and very posh skyscraper.

  The box holding the bottle was ornate, the carved wood intricate in design. It was no doubt expensive, as if I was some kind of celebrity. I struggled to lift the lid. When I did, the name of the wine brought back too many memories.

  Paradise.

  While spending time on what Xander always called the godforsaken planet had been anything but paradise, getting to know him, to share in every aspect had been special. As I lifted the bottle, a folded note drew my attention. An actual note. With real handwriting.

  I was floored.

  Until I read the words.

  I can’t promise you forever, but I can promise you a lifetime...

  I ran my fingers over the beautiful crafted words, even though the handwriting was little more than that of a child. A cold chill trickled down my spine, a knowledge blasting inside of me that was so innate and so very real that I couldn’t stop the tears as they slid past my lashes.

  “Xander.”

  Wait a minute. Could he be responsible? Could he actually care about me? There was no chance he’d stay on Earth. Would he? I held my breath, becoming lightheaded. This was crazy. This was stupid.

  No, this was exactly what I wanted.

  What we both deserved.

  I was no longer thirsty. I knew that I had to find him. Somehow. I would hunt him down. I grabbed my jacket, heading for the door. I realized at this time of day, I might not get anywhere, but someone had to know where he was.