"It is possible that a device was hidden in one of those shipments. If so, it was done cleverly, as all crates are checked before storage. But that is a good idea, Starla, one we will watch more carefully in the fiiture."
"There's another plausible angle, Tochar," she continued. "What if the crystals require special handling or storage measures to prevent destabilization when kept close together for a long period and out of their rock casmgs? What if they overload with some type of energy force that must be restrained in a particular manner? Perhaps your contact could investigate that angle, since we know so little about them. If they're dangerous when mishandled, they could ex-
plode on the ship before we reach base. Especially if secret devices are being planted in the cargoes."
"I have not been alerted to any new security measures, but it is a possibility I need to study," Tochar stated. "But from here on, all crates will be examined before loading them on the ship, and all crystals will be stored in separate containers, with space between them and preferably in their rock casings. Each cargo must be stored in different locations to prevent such a massive loss again. If another incident occurs, we will know which item and person caused the trouble."
"It would be wise to get a list of the ships in orbit and names of visitors in the settlement," Dagan said, "then we can make sure they're all trustworthy. Was there more than one entrance to the cave?" he asked.
"No, and without the right coordinates, it would be dangerous for anyone to transport into a cavern. He could materialize inside solid rock."
"Somebody might have thought that was a risk worth taking or might have found a way to get the coordinates. The items stored there were of enormous value. On the other hand, perhaps one of the weapons or other containers had a beacon implanted for obtaining the right coordinates."
"That is excellent reasoning, Dagan. Auken, get that list of ships and names for me. But there is no way we can look for trickery this time."
"Which caves will we use in the future?" Sach asked.
"Not those with water; their resources are too precious to imperil."
"Using more than one will spread the Enforcer guards thin."
"That cannot be avoided, Sach; safety measures must be taken."
"At least you didn't store those crates in your dwelling."
"Perhaps that is what an unknown enemy hoped I would
do and that I would be destroyed. I will not take any risks in the future."
"It could have been nothing more than an accident."
"That is possible, Auken, but I want to make certain it was, and it does not happen again."
"What about the Destructoids? " Auken hinted. "Do you think they're unstable or will become unstable? If so, we'd be defenseless."
"So far, nothing suspicious has occurred. Examine them tonight."
"But they're kept covered with their rock casings," Starla reminded. "Maybe that controls their energy force. Yet, if transporting crystals out of their casings were dangerous, they would be ensheathed when we steal them. Perhaps it has to do with a certain time span of safety."
"I will check into that matter immediately. Starla, Dagan, you two can leave; there is nothing more to be done here. Auken, Sach, you two handle those other matters for me. Tell Nypeer to put the Enforcers on full alert and watch everybody's comings and goings for a while. Find Moig and see why he did not join us; his absence is strange."
"I saw him enter the Skull's Den earlier and go to the second level," Dagan said.
Auken frowned. "He must be engrossed in one of those virtual-reality games with a drug inducer; he's becoming addicted to them. If he's in one of those cubicles and dazed, he doesn't know what's going on."
"Make certain that is where he is," Tochar ordered.
Dagan and Starla returned to the Skull's Den to purchase meals before entering Dagan's chamber. They sat down at his table to eat and drink.
To lessen any uneasiness she might feel, he remarked, "That was some unexpected excitement, wasn't it?"
Starla finished chewing before she said, "Yes, and Tochar is lucky he didn't have those crystals stored in his abode or he would be dead "
"If the moonbeams were responsible for that blast." Da-gan could not divulge that he had not heard of such a possibility. If the Serians knew that secret, they had not shared it with his people. Yet, if Nature was giving them a helping hand, he did not object and was grateful. The first moment of privacy he obtained, he would inform Phaedrig of the strange incident. With the thefts destroyed, that left only the Destructoids to handle. He hoped those weapons would self-terminate and make Tochar vulnerable.
Starla was thinking along similar lines, yet, she could not imagine how she could destroy those weapons. If she did find a way, she could finalize her mission soon and be gone. No, there still remained the mystery of who was supplying Tochar with secrets. "I wonder if Tochar knew or suspected the crystals were dangerous," Starla mused. "If so, he didn't tell us and he put our lives at great risk."
Dagan shook his head. "He might endanger us, but I doubt he would imperil his friends. I think those two explosive episodes have him confused and worried. I'm sure he assumed he had lucked out on a valuable, powerful, safe product."
"I wonder if his contacts know the truth, but took a chance they could make a large profit before the crystals' flaws were discovered," Starla said.
As Dagan poured them more Clearian wine, he reasoned, "If that were true, they wouldn't have let him get his hands on such powerful weapons, then provoke him to revenge. That would be stupid."
They ate for another short span before Dagan looked up at Starla and suggested, "Maybe you should think about leaving the settlement. If those weapons malftmction, To-chara will be vulnerable to attack. Anybody here when that happens will be slain or captured."
"What about you?" she asked. "Are you thinking of leaving soon?"
"I can't; I have to stay until I earn what I came after.
You have a ship, so you can depart at any time, work or resettle somewhere safer."
Finished with her meal, Starla stood to discard the container. "Is there a safe place for people like us?" she asked.
Dagan rose and tossed away his container as he answered, "You could change your identity and begin a new life, a legal one."
"So could you," Starla retorted with a smile as she took a seat in the adjoining area. "For now, this seems to be the best place to stay."
Dagan sat down and eyed her. "I don't want you to get hurt, Starla."
"That's nice of you to say."
"It has nothing to do with being nice or with you saving my life."
"What does it have to do with?"
"You, as a person, as a woman, as a friend, as a . . ."
"A what, Dagan?" she asked, locking her gaze to his.
"Somebody I want to get to know better."
"How can you if I take your suggestion and leave?"
He stroked her cheek under the guise of pushing aside a stray lock. "I'd rather see you live and be happy than to . . ."
"Why do you keep stopping? Than to, what?"
"Than to have a chance to get closer to you."
"How close do you want to get?"
He grasped her hand and held it, noticing its sudden chill. "I want to make love to you; I have since the first deega we met."
Starla stared at him, surprised, and yet not, by his words. She no longer needed him as an alibi, so she could escape his temptation. But she needed—wanted—him in another way. How else could she discover what kind of man he truly was unless she stayed with him tonight? "What if it doesn't work between us and complications ensue?"
"How and why would that happen?"
"I don't know. It's hard to think of a good reason with you looking at me like that."
"Like what?" Dagan murmured in a husky tone.
"Like you want to kiss me, devour me."
"I do," he murmured, then slowly leaned toward her. When she did not retreat, he seal
ed his mouth to hers. He pulled her into his embrace and savored the taste and feel of her.
Starla looped her arms around his neck and guided her fingers into his dark mane, drawing his head closer. She loved his soft, tender kisses. She was both weakened and enflamed as his mouth roved her face and neck. She felt his embrace tighten and his kisses become urgent and deeper after his lips returned to hers. His strong and gentle hands stroked her arms and back, making her aware of every part of her yearning body. When his hand roamed over her shoulder to her breast and cupped it, heat and tingles raced over her flesh. Her nipples grew taut. The core of her being called out for appeasement.
Dagan halted his actions, stood, and extended his hand to her, his message clear and enticing. He hoped she would respond to it because he craved her beyond belief. "You don't need to be afraid of me, Starla; I would do everything within my power never to hurt you in any way."
Starla gazed at his hand, then looked into his beckoning blue eyes. "Your skills and experience in this area far outweigh mine, so you might be disappointed you initiated this encounter." As he shook his head, she placed her hand in his and was helped to her feet, her knees shaky and weak. She let him guide her to his sleeper, where he halted to kiss her.
As he had dreamed of doing many times, he peeled off her garments. To lessen the tension he sensed within her and read within her green eyes, he kept his gaze fastened to hers as she lay down and he removed his boots and
jumpsuit. As fast and smoothly as possible, he joined her, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her again.
"Relax, Starla; I do want to devour you, but it will be a painless deed."
The warmth of his breath and huskiness of his voice in her ear caused her to quiver. Somehow she knew his promise of ecstasy would come true.
Together they surrendered to their soaring passions. They yielded to the glorious torment of wanting each other so deeply and strongly they would risk complications with their missions. Fervent needs consumed them as they kissed countless times and fondled scorching bodies. They savored the wonder and rapture of this compelling episode. It seemed right, natural, for them to bond in this physical and emotional manner. Embers of desire were fueled to ignite into a roaring blaze which neither could nor wanted to douse or control.
Starla felt the sleek strands of his black hair as she twirled them around her fingers. She eyed his perfect features, and her fingers and lips trekked them with ardor. She relished his kisses and caresses, which were slow, seductive, and dazing. There was not a spot on her that did not bum or quiver with longing and pleasure. Nestled in his strong embrace, his fingers wandered over her from head to knee— admiring, teasing, enflaming. Her head lolled on the pillow as his deft lips fastened to one breast and tantalized its peak to taut eagerness as his hand kneaded the other mound to anticipation of that same action. She wanted this man with all of her heart and soul. She responded to the signal from his nudging hand to part her thighs so it could drift up and down those sensitive lengths before one tenderly invaded her woman's domain. She sighed in bliss as the peak hardened under his masterful touch. There was a quickening in her stomach and a sweet tension building in her loins. His finger slipped within her, delving, thrusting, moistening her, assailing her very core. She moaned and thrashed and drew
every drop of splendor from that new experience and eagerly awaited many more.
Dagan brushed his fingers over her rib cage and traveled the curves and planes of her pliant body. She caressed his shoulders, arms, and back with light but highly arousing gestures. He ached to bury himself inside her, but he did not want to rush this cherished event. First, he wanted to titillate her to great heights. His fingers dove into the shiny, thick waves of her brown hair. Her lips brushed kisses over his neck, throat, and face while he did the same to hers. He loved feeling her naked flesh next to his. Once more his mouth captured her breast and claimed its nipple. He kissed, teethed, and brought it to full attention.
Starla savored the magic of his deft tongue and talented hands. A blast of searing heat stormed her body, one so potent and demanding and swift that it astonished her. She felt the tautness and erotic heat of his protruding desire against her hip. "Take me, Dagan," she coaxed.
He moved atop her, the force of his weight controlled. She wrapped her arms around his back and pressed her fingers near his spine to entice him to unite their bodies and relieve their longings. His mouth melded with hers as their lips tantalized and their tongues teased. He slid the tip of his erection into her, paused a moment to draw a deep and needed breath for renewed restraint, then thrust further past her delicate folds until his arousal was concealed by her soft and damp haven. He was stimulated by the way she captured him between her legs with overlapped ankles.
Starla felt no shame or modesty with the man she loved. Yes, she admitted, loved. A flood of suspenseful rapture washed over her, one so powerftil that she could deny him nothing he wanted fi-om her. The proof of his matching hunger feasted on and within her. She trailed her fingers over the rippling muscles of his back where no scars marred
his flesh. He entered and departed her open body, making many journeys to and from it as their mutual passions soared. It was as if primal urgings trapped within them surfaced and demanded a swift mating. She matched his pace and pattern, clinging to him, reftising to allow him to withdraw for any distance or any length of time.
Dagan's ravenous appetite for her only heightened. When he felt her stiffen and heard her gasp for air, he knew she was in the early thralls of sweet release. He hastened and strengthened his thrusts to give her supreme pleasure; as she writhed and moaned, he knew he had succeeded, and joy suffused him. He was so enraptured by her and their wild bonding, that nothing else could have seized his attention at that moment.
A spinning vortex of exquisite splendor carried them away as they climaxed within minutes of each other, their releases overlapping, then subsiding as one. Their greedy mouths and questing hands continued to send delightful and receptive messages; signals of satisfaction and serenity. They remained cuddled and quiet for a time.
Dagan propped on his side, leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. "I was right," he murmured.
Starla eyed his confident expression. "Right about what?"
He caressed her flushed cheek. "Us being a perfect match."
"In what area?"
Dagan trailed his fingertips over her collarbone and grinned. "In every area. Don't you agree?"
Starla captured his hand to halt its distracting motion. "I think it's too soon to make a judgment; we don't know each other that well"
"If your instincts and impressions are as good as mine, I'm right." He pulled their clasped hands to his lips and kissed hers.
His mood and motive confused her. "Have you ever been wrong?"
He chuckled. "Not many times, and they weren't important." All except one, yings ago, and I'll correct that error very soon . . .
"What if this—I'm—one of your rare mistakes?"
"Is it? Are you?"
"As I said, I don't know, yet. We're aknost strangers."
"Then why is it that I feel as if we've known each other a long time?"
"We have been working together and closely for quite a while."
Dagan noticed she was contradicting her earlier statement, that they were "almost strangers." They had known each other for over seven wegs. "Working together doesn't explain our quick and easy rapport."
"Have you forgotten we haven't been friends for very long?"
"There was a spark between us the first time we met, Starla."
"I don't deny I found you attractive, but . . ."
"But, what? Continue. You have my full attention."
"I never expected this to happen between us. In fact, I never expected to see you again after our initial encounter on that vessel"
"Perhaps fate brought us together for a purpose."
"What kind of purpose?" she asked.
"That's something
we'll have to wait to learn."
"Perhaps you're reading too much into what just happened."
"Perhaps you're not reading enough into it," he reftited.
"You're confusing me and making me nervous."
"Why, because you don't want to get this close to any man? You're the most fascinating, beautiful, and enchanting woman I've met. I don't want you to slip through my fingers." Or get hurt by your connection to Tochar
Starla was bewildered and alarmed. This was not how he had behaved with Yana, even while dazed by the phero-mone! Was he being honest or was he trying to beguile her for some reason? Either way, she could not fall under his spell and become disarmed. "Don't expect me to become your lover, Dagan; I'm not ready for that kind of commitment."
"Maybe your head isn't, but your heart and body are."
As he leaned forward to kiss her, Starla placed her hand on his chest to stay him. "Please, don't do this. I can't begin a relationship with you."
"You already have, Starla, so why run scared now?"
"You don't understand."
"Then, explain what you mean so I can."
"This is . . . too sudden, too . . . unexpected, too . . . frightening."
"I promised not to hurt you, so trust me."
"I can't, not this soon. Give me time, Dagan, or it's over now."
He studied her panicked expression, then took a deep breath. "I won't pressure you, but I will continue to pursue you."
"To what end?" The question leapt from her mouth.
"To become my mate one deega." He hadn't meant to go that far, though the words were true; yet, he didn't retreat from his statement.
Starla's gaze widened. "You can't be serious?"
Maybe that was the only reason she would leave Tochar and the colony, so he continued. "Why not? We can't live this kind of life until death."
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