“I think I’ve got something.” Her voice raised a decibel drawing Delvin’s full attention. Her Rem-Com flickered momentarily and then went black. “Wait… not yet.”
She reworked the tiny wires causing it to flicker and die again.
“Here, use mine,” he suggested, handing her his Rem-Com.
She tried again with the same result. “Sorry, Sir, it’s no use.” She kicked at one of the many components scattered about them.
Delvin placed a hand on her shoulder. “Perhaps we should wait for the sun to rise. This is a solar panel; maybe the reserve has been depleted. Let’s secure the shuttle and get some rest. It’s been a long day and both of us are tired.” He patted her shoulder. “Come on,” he said, nodding his head and moving back into the shuttle.
They worked to remove the cushions from the seats and cleared the debris. After stacking what they could across the entrance, Delvin secured the hatch and pushed the remaining components against it. He checked the engine compartment once more before the light faded. The compartment was intact, bringing some relief to the both of them. Without the help of Mirsux’s family, however, he didn’t know how they would acquire the parts needed to repair the shuttle. Shaking his head at the thought, he moved to join Ariella.
She was more exhausted than she realized. Neither of them could tell how long they had been awake. With no source to tell the time, or whether it was day or night, the day was continuous. Ariella was frightened, more than she would allow Delvin to know. Fear gave way to exhaustion; sleep overcame them.
She could not have been asleep long before she felt fingertips tickling her face. “What is it, Sir?” she mumbled through a sleep-filled haze. “I’m trying to sleep.” She waved in the air, attempting to push him away, at the touch of something on her arm.
More cold fingers began touching her, every part of her. Ariella’s eyes flew open. Hundreds of bugs were crawling over her body. They looked like golf ball sized cockroaches with armored orange plates. The constant clicking noise they made was maddening. They seemed to be nipping at her flesh. All the blood drained from her face before she released a blood-curdling scream that reverberated off the shuttle’s walls.
Delvin sprang from his pallet, bumping his head on the roof of the craft. “Dammit!”
She screamed again, frantically brushing the creeping, crawling things off her body.
“Sub-Commander, get a hold of yourself!” he said, trying to rise and bumping his head again.
She shook her head, pointing a quivering finger towards him. Looking down at his body, his screams joined hers. His hands flailed, and his body spasmed, as he fought to flick the creatures off of himself. His efforts caused him to strike his head a third time. She kicked the hatch open and broke through the barriers. She scrambled outside, still screaming and trying to get free of the bugs. He followed, kicking and swearing. The bugs continued to advance into the shuttle.
“What the hell are these things?” Delvin shouted, crushing them beneath his feet.
“Get them off! God, get them off me!” She shrieked, thrashing about and slapping everywhere her hands could reach.
As the bugs continued to enter the shuttle, he grabbed her wrist dragging her towards the trees. Whatever they were, they appeared attracted to the shuttle or something inside the shuttle. At that point, he didn’t care. They ran towards the trees and climbed up as high as they could.
“You think they’ll stay down there?” she asked, still slapping at the imagined lingering bugs.
“I don’t know,” he said, peering behind them. “Oh God, they’re headed our way!”
The bugs had turned from the shuttle and now swarmed towards them. Ariella cried out, trying to climb higher.
“Get them off me!” she shrieked, as they began to crawl up her leg.
The feel of them crawl up one leg and then then other sent shudders through her. They overran her despite concerted efforts to shake them off. They quickly covered her body, and started up her neck. She closed her eyes as they covered her face. Desperation set in. Slapping at them, she lost her grip and fell from her perch.
Her screams echoed all around them. The branches whipped about her face as she plummeted to the ground. The regrets, her father, her mother’s death, all of it bombarded her thoughts once more as she crashed through the branches. Then, it was Mirsux’s face she saw. That she regretted most of all. She wanted him near, wanted him to save her, to bond to her.
She almost lost consciousness when she landed hard. Ariella groaned and then felt a jolt of energy surge through her. She was not on the ground, not dead, nor being devoured by the bugs. When she opened her eyes, the golden eyes of Mirsux were staring back at her.
Without thought, she wrapped her arms around his neck, weeping.
“You—you saved me,” she said nuzzling into his neck.
“It is not safe in the outlands.” Ariella didn’t notice that he wasn’t using the translator. She didn’t notice much at all except tantalizing feelings that he evoked in her each time they touched.
“Come,” he said, lowering her to the ground.
“What are those things?” Delvin asked, coming alongside them.
“They will not come near as long as I am with you. Come.”
“Wait,” she said. “You—you are speaking our language.”
“Our brain processes information differently. Your manner of speech is not a complicated one.” He turned, heading back towards the palace. “Come, the Migrels will soon return.”
Delvin’s eyes widened. He grabbed Ariella’s arm, pulling her behind Mirsux.
When she thought how she’d left the palace, she was saddened and ashamed. It was not her intent to insult the prince or his parents. Now, in spite of her behavior, he came and saved them again. With that thought, she quickened her pace to walk beside him.
“Thank you,” she said, “I appreciate you coming to help us. You didn’t have to. I won’t forget what you’ve done. But, do you understand my refusal to wed?”
“Do not worry. My parents will not hold you against your will,” he replied with a smile. “Come, before the creatures return.”
“Thank you,” she said. “Your kindness is appreciated.”
Mirsux offered a nod as they continued to the palace.
When they arrived at the palace, Mirsux escorted them to their chambers and instructed the attendants to draw warm baths. Once again, Ariella felt as a princess, being pampered by the attendants and gifted a beautiful sleeping gown. When she gazed at her reflection, she could not help but smile. The gown was stunning and nearly sheer. The neckline accentuated her full bust. It hugged her shapely hips, yet did not feel tight or constraining. Its emerald and gold coloring matched her eyes perfectly. She wondered if Mirsux had selected the garment for just that reason.
The room was sparsely furnished with small elongated beds. The sheets appeared to be cotton, but were silky soft. A faint lavender smell filled the room. Glass roses were in a vase on a single shelf.
In one corner, a small transparent screen with no cords, wires or antennae was mounted on the wall. Walking over to it, she touched it lightly. Images of earth appeared on the screen. She smiled and touched the screen again. This time the image switched to a planet she’d visited before. On instinct, she tapped it twice causing the screen to go black.
As soon as she reclined on one of the elongated beds, the lights dimmed. Within moments, she was asleep.
Chapter 5
Ariella yawned and stretched, wiping the sleep from her eyes. A quick glance around the room brought a smile to her face. When she sat up, however, that smile faded and was replaced by a feeling of uncertainty. Although Mirsux had come for them, she couldn’t forget how she had left the palace. She was relieved remembering Mirsux had told them his parents would not force her to wed; however, she still dreaded the prospect of facing them.
He didn’t speak much after their return to the palace. He did, however, give them some insight into
where this planet, Nabalar, was located. Mirsux explained that it was not too distant from earth. Many things on the planet actually mimicked that of earth. He had called it, “The Forgotten Planet.” He explained that the Galaxy Council had abandoned it. It was now treated as a wasteland and used as a dumping ground for mutated creatures such as the Migrels. The people who lived here, especially his parents, had worked tirelessly to create a thriving civilization. The lands had not flourished. And though the women were fertile, a royal heir was needed for his people to carry on. A female of special breeding was needed to produce a royal heir. Feeling a tinge of jealousy, Ariella had wondered what kind of special breeding was required.
She had been tired and did not comprehend all he had spoken but she would ask more about it as time allowed.
Rising from the bed, she walked towards the bath chamber. A garment that had not been there the night before was laid out across a settee near the door caught her eye. Fingering the delicate fabric, she smiled. It was an elaborate gown, much like the one the queen had worn. Its deep emerald color matched her eyes perfectly.
After freshening up, she slipped into the gown. The delicate fabric flowed down her body, hugging every curve. The hemline was split in the front, generously exposing her long shapely legs. Admiring her reflection one last time, she exited the room. Bowing as she entered the corridor, two guards led her to the same hall where the failed ceremony had taken place.
“Wow, you’re even more stunning than before.” Delvin came forward, offering his hand. “You look splendid in that dress, Sub-commander.”
“She is magnificent,” Mirsux agreed, his golden eyes smoldering.
She blushed, smiling up at them. “Thank you. You both are quite dashing as well.”
Mirsux smiled, reaching out for her hand. She moved from Delvin’s arm to Mirsux’s feeling as if returning to a place of belonging. Upon his touch, she felt an increasingly familiar tingle of energy ignite within her. Leading her to the table, he took a seat next to her.
Ariella looked at the abundance laid out before them. There was enough food to feed at least two dozen people. Mirsux poured an orange liquid into a triangular shaped goblet. Though apprehensive, she took a small sip.
“Orange juice?”
“It is a similar fruit that grows on our planet. It is larger than that of earth’s fruit, and sweeter.” Smiling handsomely, Mirsux raised his goblet to hers.
“Yes, much sweeter,” she agreed, trying to control the flutter of butterflies in her stomach.
Throughout their meal, Ariella formulated plans necessary to repair the shuttle. Although Mirsux’s company was always intoxicating, she could not forget what was most important. They had to get home.
“I need your help,” she said quietly, leaning towards him.
“Ask anything of me,” he said as his parents entered the room. Offering low bows, they stood until the King and Queen were seated. Once Ariella took her seat, she leaned towards Mirsux again.
“We need help fixing our shuttle so we can get back home.”
Mirsux stared at her mesmerized. “You have the most beautiful eyes,” he said tenderly. His fingers gently brushed her forehead as he pushed a ringlet from her face.
His touch left a tingle of heat in its wake. Her lips parted slightly as her nipples grew rigid and a wave of intoxicating twinges flared between her thighs. “Oh, God,” she thought. If the tips of his fingers made her erupt with such feelings, what pleasures awaited should he do more?
Ariella noticed Delvin’s stare and shook the thoughts from her mind. “Thank—thank you,” was all she managed to squeak out past the lump in her throat.
Even with her growing fascination, she did not miss the fact that the alien had avoided her question. She did not know if that was done purposely or if he had simply been distracted. Either way, she had to have answers.
With any luck, they might get the communication devices to work with the mini solar panel she found. Perhaps it needed the direct sunlight to work. This planet was not like earth. There, even if the sun was not direct, the panels could charge. Not so here, she surmised. They would have to find a way.
“Mirsux, would it be possible to explore parts of the planet,” she asked. “There must be others who live here, aren’t there?”
“If that is your desire, I will be your guide.”
Ariella smiled and then met the eyes of Delvin. He offered a wink, and she knew his thoughts were the same as hers.
This was the first meal Ariella enjoyed. The breakfast reminded her of earth, however, and made her homesick. After they finished eating, Mirsux held true to his word. Their attendants supplied them with clothing that matched the sweat-suit type garment, which seemed to be Mirsux’s favorite attire. After speaking briefly with his parents, they left the palace accompanied by three male guards.
Ariella and Delvin inspected the new areas they visited. The beauty of the planet was better appreciated when they were not fighting for their lives. The flora was reminiscent of earth, except for the various variety of flesh-eating plants. They both took note to stay as far from that section of Nabalar as possible.
To their disappointment, the tour didn’t reveal much. Other than learning more of the landscape and the proper names of its plants and animals, little was revealed. They hadn’t even seen any of the inhabitants. It appeared those of Nabalar would only surface when the queen demanded it.
After granting them the tour, Mirsux allowed them to return to the shuttle. He watched them curiously for some time. Their attempt at harnessing the solar power failed, so they concentrated on the engines. There was no physical damage and the fuel container registered nearly full. Delvin decided the main issue was getting power enough to fully engage the engine. When he readjusted the panels, Mirsux moved forward.
“That will not function here,” Mirsux said.
Both Delvin and Ariella turned to regard him. “What do you mean?” the Captain asked.
“There are natural barriers in place that keep it hidden from your sensors. This is why it does not register during your scans or appear on any spectrometer. This is also why the Galactic Council uses it as their personal salvage dump.” He shook his head. “Our planet is protected from detection by your outdated machinery.”
The Captain stared at him for a moment, digesting all that he revealed. “What about solar power?”
“Nabalar does not have a solar system. Your technology will not function properly on our planet if at all. This is not earth, Captain McTaggart.”
They of course knew that, but had not taken it into account. And they certainly could not have known about the protective barriers. There was much to consider and overcome. The technology was but one issue.
“Please help us, we need to return home.” Her voice was soft and pleading. In that instant, she was willing to fall to her knees offering whatever genuflections his position demanded.
Mirsux smiled down at her seductively. She tried to turn from his gaze, yet seem transfixed by it. What is wrong with me. She closed her eyes to break whatever hold he appeared to have over her.
“I will assist you,” he continued, smiling. “Your shuttle is of little use to you now.”
“It can’t be repaired?” Delvin asked, moving forward. He didn’t like the prospect of abandoning his vessel.
“No. Your transport is of little use on Nabalar. If it is your wish to leave, it will not be on your shuttle.”
Delvin sighed. “Ok,” he relented. “When, and how, can we leave this planet?”
Mirsux motioned forward. “We shall leave at Darzoz.”
Delvin and Ariella increased their pace, catching up to him. They exchanged questioning looks and Delvin nodded.
“Darzoz? What is Darzoz?” the captain asked.
“It’s the equivalent to your sun’s set on earth.”
“We leave when the sun has set,” Delvin said, then moved past her and headed to the complex.
A sigh of relief escaped her l
ips as she followed behind the lead of Mirsux. She couldn’t help but admire his perfect form. Never had she seen a man so desirable. Every move he made was perfect and his tight ass beneath his fitted trousers was even more so. She continued her stare, not noticing they had arrived at the palace. Until his movement ceased, her eyes never left his body.
Mirsux turned and her blush was immediate. Oh no! she thought. His knowing smile caused her blush to deepen.
“I will escort you to your chambers,” he said. Mirsux’s eyes studied every part of her before he turned and led them to their chambers.
“Are you alright?” Delvin asked when they were alone.
“Yes—yes, Captain. I’m thinking about returning home.”
“As am I,” he cocked his head and grinned. “However, I don’t think our host is looking forward to your departure.”
“What?”
He scoffed. “Ariella, he tried to marry you for God’s sake. You would have to be blind not to notice the attraction. Hell, I don’t know whose is worse, yours or his.”
“I’m not—”
He waved a hand to her. “I’m just your Captain, not a chaperone, so be careful. We don’t know what these Nabalarians are capable of. Let’s just get off this garbage heap. We can sort the rest out later.”
She nodded. “What will we do until then, I mean, until the Darzoz?”
“We wait. What else can we do?”
“Mirsux told us that it was safe to travel eastward. There are no Migrels there and the gardens are beautiful. Since we came here, we haven’t enjoyed anything. I’d like some good memories to take back to earth as well.”
It was not his desire to stray past the borders of the complex. However, Ariella had made a good point. Most of their experience on Nabalar was dreadful. He could understand why she would like to explore some of the good. When he gazed over at her, he felt a twinge of guilt. She was beautiful and like a niece to him. He had to tell her. He had to tell her his secret before they left Nabalar.
Chapter 6
Ariella enjoyed their walk on Nabalar. The planet did have a subtle beauty. The crystal-like roses were by far her favorite. Mirsux had called them Alzanuas. That name was just as beautiful. She admired them as she continued to stroll through the gardens. Although her thoughts were often of Mirsux, she also wondered about the absence of the other inhabitants of the planet.
Awakening: The Prince of Nabalar (The Princes of Uvieroein Book 1) Page 5