Afterward, almost breathless from their exertions but sated to a supreme level, they cuddled in each other's arms, sharing and savoring their closeness and serenity.
"You're miine, Starla, tonight and forever."
"If it's possible one deega, I do want a future with you," she said with certainty.
"As soon as I earn enough to buy another ship, we're gone from this perilous place and existence." What if, he worried, she offers you her ship? Clear your head, Curran! He tried to prevent that predicament by saying, "Call it ego or male pride, but I have to get on my feet again using my own skills. Right now, I have little to offer you except me, but we can't live on love, as delicious as it is. When I'm
back in full control of my life, I'll have the means to support and protect you."
Starla was relieved he gave her an excuse not to suggest they depart on her ship, as she had not considered that complication when her last words escaped from her lips. Un-cloud your mind, Bree, and get back to work; that's why you 're here tonight! "I understand and agree with your reasoning and motives. We also have to be cautious, Dagan; we can't flaunt our relationship or it might worry Tochar; he could think it might be distracting for us or may fear we'll pair up and leave him." She faked soft laughter and a jest, "He needs us, so we wouldn't want him to be tempted to harm one of us to keep the other here. Seriously, those recent incidents might have his thinking reality impaired. If he has an enemy or rival working against him, the man is clever and leaves no clues. I'm afi*aid that if anything else happens, suspicion could fall upon either of us as the newest members of his unit. In view of those two explosions and my thwarted raid on Zumali, Tochar might use that truth serum on us again. If he does, there is no guessing what we would say if our feelings and thoughts have changed since joining up with him and after meeting each other. Too bad there's no way around such a powerful and precarious probing." Starla knew she was immune to Thorin, but she could not reveal anything to Dagan that might be extracted by the flendal, which was why she had changed her mind about mentioning a suspicion about Moig's death.
Dagan was thinking much the same; he must not tell Starla anything that Tochar could learn ft-om her during another drug questioning. "Tochar knows I'm working for him only for a limited time, so my eventual departure won't be news to him if he tests us again, and I'm always loyal to whomever hires me."
"Tochar is my first leader, but I would never betray him after I've given him my word of honor," Starla fabricated.
"and I try to do everything he expects of me. It wasn't my fault that drug raid failed and Moig died from his injury, so I hope he doesn't blame me or think less of my skills."
Dagan caressed her still-flushed cheek. "There's no way he or the others could blame you. I'm happy you escaped alive and unharmed."
"I'm glad you weren't harmed. In my opinion, it's risky to send small teams on raids, so I hope he doesn't divide us again. Where did your team go? What did you do? To-char wouldn't give me any details, as usual. I was worried about you facing perils with only two men as back-up."
"I didn't know why you and Moig weren't along until we were heading back after our raid. Then I couldn't get here fast enough to check on you. I suppose Auken didn't reveal that news so I wouldn't be distracted. They kept me in the transporter room during our approach; I don't know why Auken doesn't want me to wimess the initial contact with our targets. We made a raid on Orr; we pretended we were there for a secret pick-up of crystals. We had convincing papers, codes, watchword, identification, and uniforms which duped the guards. It was quick and simple, and the crystals were handed to us without trouble. That's terrible security for something so valuable."
"You're right. We've never raided at a mine before; that boldness surprises me. I wonder how and where Tochar gets his information."
"It has to come from somebody in an elite and trusted position."
She nodded agreement. "I would rather be a pirate than a traitor; a betrayer's fate is worse than death if or when he's exposed."
Dagan concurred, then posed a query. "Is there any way I can persuade you to go some place safe until I can join you later? With all these strange incidents occurring, I don't like you taking so many risks."
She trailed her fingers over his collarbone. "How can we
get to know each other and test our feehngs if we're separated? It would be a long and lonely time before you could join me. Besides, you need somebody you can trust completely to guard your back, especially if matters worsen. It's naive to believe the Sedans and Kalfans and I-GAF will continue to allow us to raid them without taking action against us, despite our defense system here."
As she played with dark curls on his chest, she ventured, "In fact, I'm amazed that at least one if not all of those forces hasn't laid traps for us; our goals and tactics must be clear to them. If they have set snares, Tochar is kept informed about how to elude them; that's probably what Auken checks on when we're exiled from the bridge, some unknov/n measure he doesn't want us to discover."
When Dagan failed to respond to her evocative statements, she said, "There's another angle to consider: Tochar may not allow me to leave or he could send a team of his men after me if I did. With his elite sources, I'm certain he could locate me wherever I went. Until he has the invincible power he wants and I'm no threat to him, he might refuse to release me, refuse to release both of us."
Dagan was impressed by Starla's perceptive wits. "You're right. Be careful you don't do anything to get into ti'ouble with Tochar or to make your record worse. When we leave, we don't want anybody in hot pursuit of us."
"The same applies to you. So far, our records aren't that bad, so let's keep it that way. No life-taking charges against us, agreed? As long as we don't do anything to get us terminated if we're captured, there's always a chance for escape or rescue and being reunited."
He nodded compliance. "That will be our safeguard for survival. You're a smart and intuitive woman, my love."
Starla's yearning for him was enflamed by his endearment. "You're an intelligent and clever man, so perhaps we are a good match as you claimed."
He smiled and murmured, "Trust me, m.y ravishing delight, we are."
As he kissed and caressed Starla, he planned, Before our next trek and after I see if Tochar will use Thorin to interrogate you again, I'll set up a meeting place in case we get separated. Since she had a ship and possessed great prowess, there was a strong possibility she could escape during a crisis or attack, especially if he decided to warn her about one in advance, and if that daring assault came from I-GAF teammates. What concerned him was an unexpected intrusion by the mysterious person also working on this mission, one whose name and goal were still unknown to Phaedrig. At least only his superior and other Inter-Galactic Alliance Force members had access to the I-GAF computer files which contained their personnel and assignments records, so his identity and mission were safe. Their headquarters—computer/data center, strategy chambers, medical labs, between-missions quarters, armory, recreation and training facilities, and ship storage—were located underground on a barren-appearing planetoid in Kalfa; it was protected and hidden by an impenetrable force shield, and only I-GAF members knew the entry code. Even if an enemy learned the password, no one could get beyond the main portal without the proper retinal and digital scans. If only he had a Spacer at his disposal, he could stay prepared to thwart trouble, but his was in a storage bay at headquarters until he completed this mission and retrieved it—a swift and sleek craft with advanced cloaking ability to conceal his comings and goings, and a weapons system that could defeat any force except Tochar's.
Dagan couldn't help but wonder if Starla would find Cur-ran Thaiter as appealing as she found Dagan Latu, as their looks and characters were so different. He also wondered if he was deluding himself about her feelings for him and about sharing a future with her. There were many barriers between them and many hurdles to vault. After this mission
was over, a difficult talk with h
er loomed before him; he was certain she would be angry and hurt and would feel betrayed and used. Somehow he must find a way to convince her he had no choice except to do his duty: to destroy Tochar and his tlireat to the United Federation of Galaxies, and to seek personal revenge against the fiendal for a lethal crime against his loved ones. Yet, the joy of having justice within his impending reach was overshadowed by the grim possibility of his victory costing him the woman he loved.
He didn't know how he was going to accomplish the gigantic task, but he was determined to find a way to save Starla from a black fate so she could share a golden one with him. He loved her; he wanted her; he needed her; and with Kahala 's help, he would have her at his side forever. / can't lose you, Starla, but neither can I fail my duty and the UFG. I hope and pray it never comes to a choice between you and them because there s far more at stake than just our lives and our love.
Dreamily her fingers grazed through the ebony waves on his head, deserting that location only to roam a supple terrain of bronze lean and hard flesh. She adored the smooth and strong body touching hers. Yet, she was painfully aware this could be the last time she enjoyed such a union if anything went wrong during her mission or if it terminated soon. She didn't know how she could exist without him and didn't want to envision that horrible event, not tonight.
Dagan trailed his lips and hands over her face and throat, returning time and time again to her tasty mouth. He had never taken such a perilous risk during a mission but he could not help himself. His kisses became deep, greedy, as were hers. She had become a vital part of him, one he could not excise from his life without slaying his soul. His hand cupped a breast and teased its taut nipple before sliding past her hip to grasp her buttocks to lock her groin snugly and possessively against his. He savored the way her legs imprisoned him and the ardent way she surrendered to him.
Love her? his mind asked. Yes, his heart repHed, with all his being.
Starla writhed in exquisite delight, as if it had been wegs or malees since they had last united their bodies. She could hardly believe such a great hunger had attacked her again. She knew his restraint was stretched tightly, precariously, and she soared with pleasure at his great need of her. She meshed her mouth to his as the sensations mounting within her waxed achingly sweet and potent. Her hands pulled him closer, and Dagan's mouth fastened to hers as their passions burned higher and hotter until they were engulfed in rapturous flames. He felt her tense, arch her back, and cling to him as she moaned a glorious victory. Without delay, he rushed to join her, to conquer the same pinnacle of magic. When the last spasms ceased, he rolled to his back and carried her with him, cradling her in his strong arms.
Spent and sated, neither spoke nor moved for a long while.
Finally, Starla lifted her head and looked at him. Her heart warmed at his glowing smile and tranquil gaze. "I have to leave now; it's late."
"Will I see you tomorrow?"
"Yes, about this same time, and same place," she added, smiling.
Two days later while en route from the landing grid to the settlement, Starla saw Tochar and a group of well-armed Enforcers leave his dwelling to rendezvous with Koteas and Terin near the shattered rock formations where the last thwarted encounter had been held. Since she could not destroy the nev/ supply of crystals, she prayed the I-GAF team was standing by to defeat the Thracians and to send the crystals hurling into the vast Cosmos where they would float forever among space debris. She was certain that the I-GAF commander must wonder who had gathered that data
and how it had been entered into his communication system, one which Raz Yakir was privy to with its files and secret code; the leader had performed the task through an untraceable method. By now, the commander must have initiated an investigation into the mystery and possibly changed the password. Even so, she reasoned, a man of that elite rank would be compelled to check out the anonymous lead in case it was authentic. Soon, Duald Phaedrig would be convinced, and one more victory would be obtained for her side. Perhaps at this very moment, a cloaked I-GAF ship and team were witnessing the exchange of crystals for payment.
Once Syrkin and the Kalfan mine were eliminated from Tochar's reach, Starla deduced, the fiendal would be constrained to lean toward his Serian nexus. When that happened, perhaps a slip would be made by the conspirator. If that source could be eradicated, that left only the indomitable weapons here to be obliterated. Without his De-structoids and contacts, Tochar would be vulnerable to a full-scale assault.
Starla wanted her work on Tochara to be finalized fast and soon, but she cautioned herself against reckless action and rash mistakes. She was getting too close to victory to risk a setback or defeat. Success, she was aware, limited her time with Dagan, perhaps limited his existence in the universe. She didn't want to think about that grave complication and shoved it from her mind.
She headed for Dagan's chamber to spend the next few horas with him before their scheduled departure for Zumali in the morning. Her lengthy union with him last night had been as wonderful as the two couplings the night before. She didn't know how it was possible, but each ftision of their bodies was more exciting than the last. They had shared new and daring experiences only horas ago, seeking and exploring various carnal delights. It was as if she had become insatiable, though every climax was rapturous and
satisfying. The way he touched her, kissed her, looked at her drove her wild with desire. There were so many ways to make love and she wanted to enjoy every one of them with him.
She knew Cypher was concerned about her behavior. He had warned her not to trust Dagan completely, as a proud man who felt betrayed and used would not protect her or take her side during a crisis. She did not know how her lover would react if she were exposed and imperiled, but she hoped he would stand by her, v/ould believe she loved him. Even so, she took Cypher's cautions to heart and kept Dagan ignorant of the truth.
At the landing grid the following morning, Tochar told Starla to remove her wrist device and leave it in her shuttle since she was traveling with Ajaken on the Adika and it would not be needed for communication v/ith her android.
Starla concealed her sudden tension. She smiled and shrugged. "I wear it all the time, so I never think to remove it. If it concerns you, I'll leave it behind. Do you vvant to examine it for a problem?" she asked as she held the wrist monitor/communicator out to him, knowing it would not function without contact with her right forefinger and certain signals.
"That is unnecessary. I just want to prevent any frequency it might emit from, being detected by the wrong person and endangering miy team."
"Is that what you think happened on Zumiali last time? You think that Serian patrol picked up the communication betvveen me and Cypher?"
"I do not know, but it is not v/orth taking a risk. Correct?"
"Of course, you're right, and I'll comply since it isn't needed this time." Starla entered her shuttle and placed the device in her pilot's seat. As she did so, she whispered to
Cypher, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Don't follow us; Tochar is in an odd mood and might check on you." Even without a response, she knew the android heard her and would obey. Starla closed the shuttle door and joined the others to leave in another craft for Auken's ship in stationary orbit over the settlement. After boarding the vessel and as she was settling in to her assigned quarters for the trek, she relaxed by envisioning the lovemaking with Dagan last night. She tried not to fret about Tochar's motive for his odd request and told herself it was nothing more than a precaution following several strange incidents. She hoped the fiendal was not suspicious of her or testing her. No matter, she would be on constant alert against a slip; she would be on her own this time without Cypher's guard, but she had Dagan as a back-up if needed.
A weg later and beyond the Free-Zone on the snowy surface of Zumali, Auken told the android guards at the complex that they had been sent to transfer the drugs stored there to another location because a second raid would be attempted within a few deegas. Using of
ficial-looking papers and uniforms and issuing the proper code words, they were given access to the structure and its valuable contents. The minute they were inside, the androids were disabled and their memory chips were dissolved by a highly corrosive acid. The video/audio monitoring system was destroyed in a similar manner to prevent their exposure as the perpetrators.
Auken, Starla, and Dagan gathered the drugs for conveyance to the Adika while Sach stayed aboard to watch the sensors for danger and to be prepared to transport them to safety fast if trouble arrived.
During their task, Starla and Dagan were given their first moments of privacy since leaving Noy. "Why was Tochar so interested in your wrist device?" he asked.
Starla noticed his anxious expression. "I don't know, but it was strange and scary. Maybe he's only looking for someone or something to blame for those weird incidents. We'll discuss it later. We don't want Auken to catch us whispering and think we're sharing secrets or conspiring."
"Be careful, love, and I'll watch your back. I won't let them fault you or harm you for what's been happening."
She sent him a radiant smile of gratitude and love.
After the drugs were transferred to the ship, Auken took one final precaution: he placed explosive sunbursts —^those stolen by Starla and Moig when she met Dagan—around the complex and set their timers to destroy it, to make certain all evidence or clues were eliminated.
"Let's go!" he shouted to Dagan and Starla to his rear. "We want to be far away when this place blows."
As they were leaving, Dagan snagged his shirt on a sharp object and cut his arm. He wrapped his fingers around the area to halt the bleeding.
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