Weight of Gravity

by Sheron Wood McCartha

  “Thank you, Mr. Wood.” She held out her hand.

  “Call me Adrian.”

  “Then, call me, Elise.”

  Richard sighed. At least they were off to a good start. He hoped it would continue.

  Chapter 24

  Alysia Station

  Elise strode out of the refresher feeling much better after the long flight. This trip had come up unexpectedly and caught her off guard. All the hurried, last minute arrangements had been stressful. While Amanda was competent, Tempest was a handful. She felt a twinge of guilt at leaving her alone yet again. Still, it felt glorious to be free and on her own. She checked her caller, noting an invitation from Adrian to join him in his conference room in a half hour.

  “Adrian has invited us for cocktails and a small buffet.”

  Richard wrinkled his nose and tightly pursed his lips. “My stomach hasn’t settled yet. Besides, now that I’m unpacked, and the refresher is clear, I might want to take a long cleanse.”

  “Oh.” Her shoulders slumped as disappointment replaced eager anticipation. Now she would be sitting around forever, waiting for him to get ready.

  Richard noticed her reaction and waved a hand. “Go ahead. Run along. I’ll join you in a little while. Go charm the stationmaster and get a feel for the station’s layout. This one is far different from the Terran station you are used to.”

  Her spirits lifted. “You won’t be long?”

  “Give my regards to Adrian. Tell him I’ll be there as soon as I can get rid of this headache and get dressed.

  A chime sounded at the door, causing Richard to wince. He rubbed his forehead. “That will be your escort.” Already headed into the refresher, he picked up a shirt and pants to lay on the holding shelf.

  She palmed open the slide and greeted the grinning faces of Merek and Deuce. She couldn’t help but return their smiles with one of her own. Her spirits lifted.

  Merek nodded at his companion. “Deuce offered to show me around. It’s very different from our station.”

  “But not difficult to navigate.” Deuce shrugged. “It’s easy, once you understand the layout.”

  A sense of adventure gripped her at the prospect of a station tour. “Lead on. Richard will be along momentarily if he doesn’t melt into a puddle of relaxation in that fancy refresher.”

  Deuce laughed. “He’ll be awhile, then.”

  After a short walk around the carpeted circular edge of the guest module, they turned into a hallway which connected to the main hub. At the end, a rail car resembling a rollercoaster, slid up to meet them. Elise hoped the ride would be easier than what was portrayed in her ship’s vids.

  Sitting down in it, she gripped the handrail as they lurched forward. On their way, they passed by several modules while Deuce served as a tour guide. “There’s the community section with restaurants, entertainment kiosks, and lounges.” He swiveled to point out several attractions. “The next connecting module contains daycare centers, sleeping pods, and bathing rooms.” The car whizzed by.

  Elise could hardly catch her breath as they came to the central cylinder and swooped upward, causing gravity to push down on her, making it difficult to breathe.

  “Other areas in that module are labs, offices, utilities, and recreation facilities. Deuce’s voice took on a strained tone due to the forces pressing on him as they chugged upward. A flash at his wrist signaled Adrian calling. After answering, he said, “Adrian is looking forward to talking with you, so we’ll head to his conference room now. I can give a more extended tour tomorrow if you want.”

  As the car slowed, Merek’s eager voice asked, “Did I hear you say that Adrian is serving t’aile at this gathering?”

  Deuce furrowed his brow. “There was a mention he might distribute some to special visitors.”

  “Oh.” Merek’s tone came out a bit dejected, but Deuce shot Elise a secret wink.

  “I’m certain he’ll find some for you.” Elise patted Merek’s arm and winked back at Deuce.

  “That would be great!” Merek’s voice brightened.

  The car spiraled up, stopping at two sealed metal doors.

  After a hop out of the car, Deuce thrust his face at a monitor and slapped a palm on a wall plate, causing the doors to slide open.

  “You guys have facial recognition?” Elise asked.

  “New tech, thanks to the Terrans.” Deuce displayed his famous wide grin.

  From inside, Adrian waved them forward. Elise strode straightaway to Jacob to hug him, then acknowledged his wife, Abbie. Obviously knowing what she wanted, Carter came up and handed her a drink. When he placed a shot glass of t’aile in Merek’s hand, her escort’s face lit up.

  “You know to sip that easy,” Adrian warned, shaking a finger at him.

  “Bashar de Fyre Elitas recently introduced me to this,” Merek admitted as he took a dainty sip.

  “Ah then, he will have taught you proper, as he is a connoisseur of the drink.” Adrian raised his glass.

  Elise looked around to see if she recognized anyone else. “Are any crew off the Seeker here?” she asked. “I’d heard they lived on this station.”

  Noticing her scrutiny, he said, “Few are here at present. Braden left on The Seeker with Commander Bradly and the rest of your fleet. Icabar Haskins is with Tate Chatham co-lecturing at Tygel University in alien communications. Thankfully, Liana is on some secret mission for Trace and not on board. Her mind-reading skill makes people uncomfortable, me included. Solanje and Bashar are living in the Ching T’Karre. I believe Richard visited them not long ago. I don’t know where Joel DeLande is. He was invited and may come later, but he isn’t much for gatherings. Don’t take it personally if he doesn’t show. And that sums up the remaining crew from the Seeker. Ah, here’s the Monroes. You’ll want to talk to them.”

  As Jacob returned from a conversation with Carter, Elise noticed Adrian signal a slender woman over to their group. As the newcomer walked toward them, Elise took note of long, dark hair, a dusky skin tone, and cold blue eyes.

  Adrian put a hand on the woman’s back and steered her towards Elise. “Deidre, I want you to meet Mrs. Richard Steele. Elise, this is Deidre Starre. She helps me run this station.”

  A strong hand thrust out to grip hers. “Ah, you must be the Commander Fujeint who created quite the commotion on this station a while back. Your invading fleet terrified us.”

  Adrian nodded. “To protect Alysia, Richard put my station in the path of your ships without blinking. I’ll never forget how relaxed he appeared facing twenty-eight unknown alien ships.”

  Remembering Richard’s account to her of the moment, Elise said, “He wasn’t as calm as you might think.”

  “Well, that may be, but he appeared very composed considering the circumstances. I’m just glad things are back to normal, and we don’t have to worry about any more alien invasion.”

  Elise almost choked on the comment but managed to keep her composure. She smiled and took a sip of her drink, finally looking away and around the room.

  Adrian tossed back his drink and put up a hand for a refill. “Speaking of the devil, where is our man of the hour?”

  Elise rolled her eyes. “Recovering from the trip and taking a long cleanse. He’s been on a hectic schedule lately.”

  “Trace informs me that conflicts between the Terrans and Alysians are getting worse. You’re not here to take over my station, are you?” The last statement held a bit of heat in it.

  Startled at the accusation, Elise hastily answered, “Heavens, no. Richard only wants to check on the station and ask a few questions.”

  A wrinkle appeared on Adrian’s forehead. “What kind of questions?”

  She paused, realizing that it wasn’t the moment to get into a discussion about station weapons. Richard was the person for that discussion. Avoiding a direct answer, she said, “Oh, he has a list. You know Richard and his lists.” Her hand waved about indicating an unknown agenda.

  “Mmm.” His face puckered into a fro
wn.

  Watching from over the rim of her glass, Deidre said, “We certainly would like a reciprocal visit to your station to check it out.”

  “You would be most welcome. Maybe Jacob can set one up for you.” Elise lifted an eyebrow at him.

  Jacob nodded. “I could do that.”

  “So, how is the little one?” Abbie inquired. “I find Ellie’s new baby a handful.”

  “Do you have any pictures?” asked Deidre. “You should show us pictures.”

  Elise remembered that she had left her wrist computer with her picture gallery back in the room. Looking around, she realized that Richard was taking a long time and wondered what was keeping him. He should know his way around the place since he claimed to have built it. She signaled Merek with her eyes. He noticed and worked his way over.

  “What’s up?”

  “I’m going back. I left pictures of Tempest at the unit. Also, I want to find out what’s keeping Richard.”

  “Let me finish this drink, and I’ll go with you.” He took a large gulp and handed off the glass. “Okay, I'm ready.”

  They rode the rail car back down, past several modules until they arrived at the guest area where they were staying. Merek stepped out first and offered a hand to Elise. They entered the bend, heading to their unit when Elise heard Richard’s voice talking to someone. She halted, putting up a hand, causing Merek to stop short behind her.

  A stunning blonde female was approaching Richard as he exited the unit. “Wait, don’t close that panel,” she said.

  Richard appeared startled and backed up against the wall as the panel closed next to him. “Who are you?”

  The mysterious female put a hand on his chest. “I need to talk to you in private,” she said in urgent tones.

  A surge of anger flooded Elise. What was going on here? Her first instinct was to shout at the girl to take her hands off of her husband. But, how complicit was Richard? Elise wanted to see what Richard would do.

  Behind her, Merek twitched. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head at him. “Wait,” she breathed, touching his arm.

  He nodded as if he understood, but his body tensed, ready to move if needed.

  The stranger pushed harder and rubbed at Richard’s shirt. She grabbed his hands, massaging them.

  Richard jerked his hands back and rubbed them down his pants. “What are you doing? What’s that stuff you’re smearing all over me?”

  His body language made it plain to Elise that this wasn’t a lover’s meeting, rather more like an ambush. Richard expressed confusion at the young woman’s actions.

  The stranger leaned in closer. “Hurry. Open your unit. We must talk now.” She peered up and down the corridor as Elise flattened against the wall, trying not to be seen. Thankfully, there was a sufficient curve to the corridor outside their unit for them to remain hidden.

  “Stop wiping your hands all over me! I just got all clean,” Richard protested, batting her back.

  Elise peeked around the corner to view a dazed expression crossing Richard’s face. He made a groaning sound and the batting turned into patting.

  “Yes,” she whispered into his ear. “You’ll like what I have to say. Better what I will do.” She brushed his hair, smoothing it off his forehead. Richard gasped and pulled the woman toward him, grabbing her shoulder. “Stop.”

  At first perplexed, Elise soon recognized a familiar odor. Her body throbbed in response to the distinctive fragrance of a gebbit’s elixir.

  “That smell,” Merek muttered. “There’s no mistaking its musky stench.”

  Elise stiffened. “Stop her. She’s a honey trap.”

  The woman was scrabbling at the door pad, still urging Richard to open the panel.

  “Leave my husband alone,” Elise shouted in full throttle. From behind her, Merek jumped forward and pulled out wrist restraints.

  The girl backed up and shrieked, “He attacked me!” With a strong push away from Richard, she declared, “He grabbed me and made horrible sexual suggestions.” She turned to a bewildered Richard. “Pervert! I’m going to report you to station security.” She started to leave.

  However, Merek grabbed the girl and snapped on the plastic restraints. By now, Richard stood totally confused and flushed. “She attacked me,” he protested indignantly. He glanced back and forth at them, looking for confirmation of his innocence. A startled expression passed over his face as he paused and sniffed. Rubbing his face and wrinkling his nose, he said, “Frag, is this that gebbit stuff?”

  “Merek, take that piece of trash to Adrian and explain the situation while I try to get the hormone out of his clothes and off his skin.” She eyed the indignant female and wondered why she was so coherent when covered in gobs of the hormone. A grab at the girl’s nose revealed two nose plugs and gave the lie to her protests of innocence.

  Merek caught on to Elise’s discovery, having his own suspicions, and popped out the plugs.

  Rapidly, the effects of the aphrodisiac started to percolate throughout Elise’s body. Her face flushed hot, and her midsection throbbed under a rising ache of desire. Richard’s hot breath caressed her neck, causing her to shiver, as emotions clouded her thinking, and she lost the thread of what was happening.

  A powerful lust washed over her, and all she could think about was a driving need for sex. She slapped at the entrance pad, and as it opened, she pushed Richard through. Twisting around, she warned Merek. “Be careful, that girl is loaded with gebbit hormone. It could affect you.”

  Merek’s eyes widened in alarm. He turned to stare at the moaning girl, who reached for him and began wiping her hands on his face. Quickly, he dragged her, loudly protesting, toward the rail car.

  Next to her, Richard grabbed Elise’s arm to pull her into their unit.

  “Don’t wait on me,” she cast over her shoulder as they both fell inside. Her last glance through the closing door was Merek wrestling with his captive, pushing her down the hallway. Then, Richard’s body slammed against hers, almost knocking her off her feet. He squeezed her tight.

  “Ah, Elise,” he gasped.

  “Ooooh, Richard.” Her skin flamed hot as he undressed, tossing his contaminated shirt onto the floor. Eagerly, he yanked her top up over her head, and it joined the growing pile at their feet. Never had she shed clothes so fast. Pulling her to him, her breasts rubbed against his bare chest as their bodies collided.

  She was on fire and couldn’t stop.

  “Ahhh, Elise.” His lips closed on hers as he picked her up and swung her onto their bed. Falling on her, she felt his rough entry and any more thoughts vanished as a reciprocating desire overwhelmed her.

  ***

  Their lovemaking was wild and passionate with lots of panting, licking, and sliding through moist places of hidden delight. Exhausted and spent, Elise drifted into a blissful sleep until awakened by a loud pounding at their entrance. At first, she ignored it, hoping it would go away. Gaining clearer consciousness, she felt completely wrung out and sore. Her memories were a blur of moaning and groping.

  A muffled shout could be heard from outside in the corridor. “Adrian’s coming with his override.”

  “Oh frag,” she muttered.

  Next to her, Richard moaned and blinked open his eyes. He stared at the ceiling as though trying to collect his thoughts.

  She rolled out of bed and grabbed for a robe, tossed over a chair. Hurriedly, she slipped her arms in and was just tightening the sash when the entrance panel crashed open. She stood facing Adrian who two-handedly pointed a stunner at her, his eyes wide and mouth open.

  His gaze roamed over the rumpled bed, the jumbled pile of clothes on the floor, then a red blush suffused his face. He slowly backed up, waving his hands. “I thought you were in trouble,” he choked out.

  Richard levered up onto an elbow, a grin on his face. “It was a close call.”

  “Too close,” she accused. A thought occurred to her. “Where’s Merek? Didn’t he tell you what happened? He brought you the g
irl, didn’t he?”

  Adrian shook his head and turned to the three behind him. One was the dark-haired Deidre who frowned at her. “This just looks like some wild marital romp. What a waste of our time,” she commented. She crossed her arms and glanced away, a look of disgust on her face.

  Reaching for his robe, Richard shook his head. With a quick flick of his wrist, he slipped it on and stood on shaky legs. “I was set up.”

  “Set up?” Adrian tilted his head and wrinkled his nose. “What’s that smell?”

  Richard’s lips pressed together. “You noticed? A strange female accosted me at my door and smeared a ton of gebbit hormone all over me.”

  Elise picked up the story. “Most likely the idea was for me to return and find Richard in bed with her.”

  “I can’t tell you the commotion that would have caused.” Richard grimaced.

  With a nod, Elise added, “It would have caused a split between us with the result I might have turned against Alysians and gone over to the Terran side. I believe that was their goal.”

  Richard walked up to her and put his arm around her. “I hardly think they would have succeeded. You have a temper, but you also are too smart to get duped by such an obvious ploy.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for saying that.” Abruptly, she raised her head and looked around. “You said Merek didn’t return with the girl?”

  Adrian holstered his stunner and shrugged. “I have no idea. The last time I saw him, he was leaving with you. None of my guards have noticed a strange blonde female, either.”

  Elise turned to Richard. “No, no, no. This is bad. We need to find Merek. Did you have Trace put a tracker in him like he does for most of his operatives?”

  A scrunched-up face revealed that Richard wasn’t sure. “I think so, but he’s your guard, not Trace’s.”

  Adrian pointed at two men behind him. “Find her guard and the girl.” He pulled out his caller. “Organize a search party and fan out. Contact each module and identify the two of them. Check all the security footages. No one has left the station recently, so halt all traffic. They’ve got to still be here. I’ll call I.N.Sys and see if they can activate a trace.”