Striker

by Lexi Ander

  A wailing moan of pain met Zeus’s ears as the doors slid open. He gazed quickly about the room, taking everything in. Amlyn sat perched upon the mezzanine, partially hidden by the foliage with two long daggers drawn as if she would leap upon an enemy. Nodding at him, she spun both belt knives in her palms before resheathing them. Madux reclined on the sleeping platform, his arms and legs protectively cocooning Dargon, who lay with his back against Madux's massive chest. Dargon appeared small and frail against Madux. And even though he knew it was because Madux towered over all of them, the sight still gave him pause before he turned his gaze to the medic, Mayra, who monitored Dargon's vitals.

  "Have we landed? Are we done being jostled about?" Madux asked. The last word was cut abruptly off when Dargon groaned and squeezed Madux's dark hand.

  Zeus crossed the floor, crawling carefully on to the sleeping platform to grasp Dargon's free hand. At the touch, the sensations from their link amplified. He heard more clearly the white noise Dargon and Alpha minds projected as they processed the pain.

  Knowing what Alpha told him earlier about the birthing process, he did not understand what caused them to experience such pains. Did it have to do with the type of musculature Alpha had, or was it due to gravity and his lack of skeletal structure? All he knew was that his Amors were in agony, and he sat there helpless to make the pain go away.

  "We have landed, but we overshot our designated landing site, and lost an engine. The Fal'Amoric are preparing to evacuate. It may take a while to shuttle everyone to the capital. I want Dargon on the first shuttle out."

  "Too late," Dargon whispered. His bright green eyes open to look at Zeus, the pain all too evident. "They come."

  Zeus accepted a cold cloth from Mayra and pressed it against Dargon's sweaty forehead. "We have just enough time to get you two aboard the transport to Haven."

  "No, Zeus, they are coming right now, and I cannot move. Madux quickly, leave me now." There was more weakness than bark to Dargon's command, but Madux responded as if Dargon had screamed.

  Zeus scrambled back as Madux untangled himself from Dargon, rolling to the opposite side of the sleeping platform. Catching the sight of the colored liquid pooling in the hollow at the base of Dargon's throat, he barely registered Madux's movement until Madux bumped Dargon in his haste. The liquid dripped down the side of Dargon's neck, leaving behind a blue-stained streak against Dargon's light, golden fuzz.

  He scrambled back to Dargon's side. "Amlyn, something is wrong. I think Alpha is bleeding."

  Barely-bridled hysteria became full-blown panic when Alpha's skin erupted, splitting from the bottom edge near Dargon's upper sternum to the middle of Alpha's form.

  Something wild and dangerous broke open within Zeus upon seeing Alpha almost ripped in two. The white noise of their shared pain beat at the edges of his mind, calling to him, demanding he protect what was his. A protracted rumbling fell from his lips. His visual acuity intensified, the blue of Alpha's blood becoming more brilliant as more of the liquid painted Dargon's chest.

  Zeus tucked his chin, hissing as he fought the desire to maim any who dare came near his mates while they were vulnerable.

  "Zeus." Dargon's whisper was faint, only just audible.

  He glanced up to meet Dargon's eyes. "This is normal. Call Mayra back into the room. Alpha, he needs her."

  Dargon grasped his hand, drawing his gaze from Alpha, and the pooling blood, again. For the first time, he noticed they were left alone in the cabin. He needed to pull himself together enough for the others to be able to enter, or he would jeopardize his family.

  He concentrated on slowing down his breathing. He was a prince of the Mar'Sani people, and he would conduct himself with some decorum and not behave like a mindless beast. Zeus pressed his lips to Dargon's forehead. Alpha was lost in the fog of labor pains. This close to Dargon, the scent of blood became stronger, causing his vision to switch again.

  "I will be right back." His voice sounded hoarse to his own ears.

  Dargon nodded and closed his eyes. He refused to examine how frail Dargon appeared, even without Madux next to him as a comparison. The image of sweaty skin and trailing blue blood called to his protective instincts which he forcibly stamped down before he turned away, crossing the room on unsteady legs.

  When he pressed the panel to open the cabin door, he stared at the packed hallway.

  Warlord Sohm'lan was speaking to Mayra. "When a Mar'Sani bull's mate is in labor they become distraught." Sohm'lan glanced at him and gave a kind smile. "Especially in the presence of blood. Males will gather at the opposite end of the house, while others take up a perimeter around the estate to ensure the safety of the mated pair while they are vulnerable. Females will attend, but they do not meet the bull's stare, for it is seen as a challenge. If the bull is overly agitated, they will drop to the floor and make themselves small to appease the bull's need for control."

  Glancing cautiously in Zeus’s direction and away again, Mayra gave a shaky nod.

  "I promise to behave better. I am told Alpha needs you. Would you please help him?" He hoped his words would reassure her, even if his voice sounded rough.

  He stepped aside to allow her to enter the room. A movement in his peripheral vision caught his attention: Amlyn still crouched upon the mezzanine, as the only one who had not left the room. She gave him a slight nod before she sat back on her heels.

  He turned his attention back to the packed corridor. "Why are there so many people here?"

  Sohm'lan looked right, and then left, as he surveyed the number of Monticore who stood shoulder to shoulder, as close as they could be and still allow a person through. "They are here to bear witness to the birth of the younglings, the first of the next generation of the royal family. Those who stand here worked hard,"—Sohm'lan flashed his needle sharp teeth in a feral grin—"fought, and won many rounds of unarmed combat to have the honor to be here at this momentous occasion."

  Clasping his fists at the small of his back, Zeus swallowed thickly. "No, it is I who is honored by the gift of your presence."

  He bowed low, the depth a mark of his respect for the warriors before him. The corridor filled with hisses of approval.

  Mayra called from within his and Dargon's quarters. "Zeus! You are needed."

  "We will wait and observed here," Sohm'lan reassured him when he paused.

  Returning to the room, he trapped a snarl in the back of his throat, unprepared for the sight of Dargon's chest and throat covered in Alpha's blue blood.

  "Is this normal?" he asked Mayra as he gently climbed onto the sleeping platform, taking Dargon's fevered hand, his golden color now pale and pasty.

  Glancing at Alpha actually hurt. The split in his skin seeped so much that Zeus wondered where all the fluid was coming from. Mayra worked quickly next to them, starting a line of fluids to keep Dargon, and therefore Alpha, hydrated.

  "There is more blood than I anticipated, but I believe it is because he carries twins." With the line in place, she began to quickly and efficiently wipe down Dargon's chest.

  Dargon's eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling steadily. The pressure on his hand let him know Dargon was awake, easing some of his worries. Alpha continued to be a bundle of pain in the back of Zeus’s mind.

  Mayra gently ran a clean cloth around the split on Alpha. "Oh, here we go."

  His breath caught and held. The skin around the split moved and undulated, pushing together and then pulling apart again. The knot of static from Alpha grew louder in his mind as something very dark, small, and round peeked from the opening. More fluid seeped out and suddenly the rounded protrusion was expelled, revealing the full length of the miniature body.

  The kit was tiny, smaller than Zeus’s own thumb and yet, there before him, were arms and legs with nubby little fingers. Another of what Zeus considered a 'push' and the feet were free. Unexpectedly, the kit rolled over onto his back.

  His back.

  "A boy," Zeus barely forced the wo
rds past a throat tight with emotion, but those in the corridor heard, for a loud and mighty cheer when up.

  He stared, mesmerized by his youngling, who had Dargon's teardrop-shaped ears, a slender tail, Zeus’s alabaster skin, and what appeared to be stripes of dark green scales. With the kit's size and the amount of blood, Zeus was fairly certain he was mistaken about the scales, though. The youngling's facial features were delicate—perfect—as he scrunched his nose, and his tiny mouth yawned open into a small O. He had never seen anything so wonderfully beautiful in all of his life.

  "I need to cut the umbilical cord."

  Zeus had forgotten they were not alone. Mayra waited for him to nod his acceptance before approaching with clippers. Dargon opened his eyes, distracting Zeus enough to cut off his warning hiss. He put on his most charming smile, although with the riot of warm, rich emotions currently sitting in his chest, the grin splitting his face was only the tip of what roiled beneath the surface.

  "Is he—" Dargon licked his lips and blinked slowly.

  "Here." Mayra handed Zeus a small cup of ice and he moved carefully into a position to be able to feed a couple to Dargon.

  "He is beautiful." Belatedly, he realized Mayra had cut and pinched off the cut cord while Dargon distracted him. Sneaky male!

  The corner of Dargon's lips tipped up as if he read Zeus’s expression, or maybe heard the thought in his mind. "Guilty," he whispered as his eyelids drooped down.

  Liquid began to escape from Alpha again. Mayra used a clean cloth to catch the fluid. "One last time."

  Another small nub protruded as Alpha's body moved and pushed. Zeus held his breath as he watched the second youngling come forth, feet first. His cheeks began to ache as he grinned harder at the sight of his second youngling, a male, began to move and stretch; only the hind end of him had emerged. The little tail moved sluggishly, the feet kicked as if he panicked. Then the strangest thing happened. The first kit suddenly rolled until he touched his twin. The contact instantly calmed his sibling. When Alpha finally pushed the kit completely out, the youngling slid right into his brother's embrace.

  Zeus did not know how long he watched as the twins worked to get the second born turned around until he lay in the firstborn's embrace, cheek to cheek. Both had to be exhausted. Their pale skin was translucent, the quick pulse discernible to the naked eye. Were they too tired to make the journey to Dargon's pouch? His eyes measured the distance, a new worry building.

  He must have telegraphed his thoughts, for Dargon answered. "This is why my immobility is important. If I pick them up and place them into the pouch, they will die within hours. The struggle is necessary for them to kick-start their bodily functions. It is no different than hatchlings. If you break the shell for them and ease their way, you have weakened them and doomed them to die. The journey will strengthen the kits. Have faith."

  The sound of a throat clearing politely came from the doorway. Warlord Sohm'lan stood there waiting, a silent reminder that Zeus had other, urgent responsibilities to attend to.

  "Go on. We will not be going anywhere soon." Dargon chuffed weakly at his own joke.

  Zeus pressed a soft kiss against Dargon's lips. "Promise to call for me if you need anything."

  "I think we will simply rest. We are both very tired."

  He stroked Dargon's cheek with the back of his knuckles. Every fiber of his being longed to stay and watch over his family. He wanted to be done with duty, the damned Terrens, the bugs, and the looming threat of invasion.

  "We will guard your mates, Zeus." He glanced up. Amlyn's body was still well-camouflaged by the fauna, with her face barely discernible. The assassin who had once attempted to take his life stared back at him with calm surety. In that moment, he knew she would protect his family with her very life.

  "Leave," Dargon urged. "We will be fine here."

  He glanced at Alpha. The ripped section seemed to be pressed together and on the mend. Sohm'lan had not moved. Zeus was acutely aware of him waiting. "I will check back soon." He gave another quick kiss, and carefully scooted off the sleeping platform.

  After entering the corridor, he closed the door behind him. The hallway still had too many Monticore, and now Abechan, too. He had forgotten he had requested updates. The Monticore saluted smartly, their joy for the new members of the family plain to see on their faces.

  Abechan bowed. "Prince Zeus, I hear congratulations are in order. I wish I had better news for you."

  "Thank you, Abechan. What news has come from Air Defense?"

  "The last two ships were shot down, but not destroyed. Air Defense returned to the capital. The majority of the military personnel are stationed on the orbital space station. Those who were planet-side have been reassigned to Haven for the protection of the city. From what the scans tell us, the Terren ships carry an alarming number of V'Saar, as well as human, military personnel. The last communication said an army from both ships marched toward each other. Air Defense suspect they will join forces and head toward Haven."

  "And we are in the way?"

  "Yes. The only pass through the mountains is right behind us. Air Defense cannot spare any craft or personnel to help us at the moment. They do not have the ground troops to spare. The planetary shields are in place and will keep more Terren forces from coming planet-side. The Feteine were able to bring down the devices that locked down communication. Haven contacted Galactic Patrol. Once they arrive, Air Defense will send us reinforcements. Until then, we are on our own."

  "What about our shuttles? How long will it take to transport people to the capital?" Zeus’s thoughts sped, making plans, tossing away futile ideas; he almost did not hear Sohm'lan answer. "What?"

  "The landing caused the restraints to break, freeing one of the shuttles, and they collided. Only one shuttle has been cleared by Otho for flight. He is working on the second one now."

  "So we can only shuttle five people at a time to the capital?"

  Abechan nodded. "Two to three trips per hour, on my calculations"

  "Do we have an anticipated arrival time for the bugs and Terrens?"

  "The computer estimates three to five hours, depending on how fast the humans can navigate the jungle and whether the V'Saar leave them behind to make their own way. We have some two hundred Fal'Amorics aboard. We will not be able to wait for the shuttle to carry them all to the city," Sohm'lan replied.

  Zeus grunted in agreement. "Then we will transport those unable to walk first. With luck, Otho will repair the second shuttle soon. Everyone else will have to go through the pass on foot. Ready the Monticore to guide them. Prepare the Oethra 7 for evacuation."

  "And what about you?" Sohm'lan asked, his blue eyes pinning Zeus in place.

  "I cannot leave until Dargon can move. I will ask for a handful of skilled males to help me block the pass. The ship carries two battle mechs, so I will need pilots and about a dozen others."

  "Prince—"

  "I will stay until every last person is gone." Zeus gave Sohm'lan a hard stare. He considered Sohm'lan family. Having trained Zeus, he had to have known that Zeus would not budge. He would not leave anyone behind, family or not.

  "I will make it so." Warlord Sohm'lan turned and began issuing orders, the crowd dispersing to begin their assigned tasks.

  Zeus pressed his palm against the cool metal of the door to Dargon's quarters, imagining he could feel the life forces of the four most beloved people in his life. His love for his meme and father, for his brothers and sister, would always be fierce and unwavering. He never believed until then that he could love anyone more. The day he committed himself to Alpha and Dargon was the day they rose above all others. Now, they had added two more souls to their small circle. He could not have been more afraid, because if he failed, if he faltered in his duty, their lives would be the price.

  Murmuring a soft prayer of protection, Zeus forced himself to turn and walk away. Many things had to be accomplished before he could return to them. Four Monticore fell into step around, him
with Abechan keeping pace.

  "Abechan, I would like for you to stay in contact with Air Defense. Relay our plans. Keep a finger on what is going on so we do not send the Fal'Amoric into a more dangerous situation. Is there any word on my brothers or Meme?"

  "No, sir. Air Defense said the battle is being fiercely fought. I will include them in my updates."

  Zeus searched his pockets, found his com-link and fitted it to his ear. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

  Abechan split away without another word. Zeus entered the shuttle bay amid a flurry of activity. Sohm'lan stood to the side, head bent down, speaking with Athena, who was the de facto leader of the Fal'Amorics. The Ursid brothers unlocked the travel cages holding the two battle mechs. Otho crawled over the obviously damaged shuttle. Gaex recorded the list of items Otho called out, so that with a brief, expert glance, Zeus would know which parts would be needed to make repairs.

  Hadon, Zeus’s bodyguard, assisted the Ursids until he noticed Zeus come on deck. After speaking quickly to Al'haska, he made his way across the floor, dodging people. Anger rolled off of Hadon, his brow scrunched into harsh lines below his domed skull. His long, silky fur fluffed with agitation. Zeus stopped and waited for the explosion of words.

  "I am not going to let you send me away. If you stay, then so do I, and nothing you say or do—"

  Zeus grinned as Hadon's tirade caught the attention of half of the people on the dock. He shook all four fists at Zeus.

  "I did not plan to." Hadon's rant stopped mid-sentence, his bushy brows raised even further. "I would be appreciative if you would stay and guard Dargon and Alpha."

  "Of course." Hadon's reply was quick and automatic.

  The Ursid brothers approached. Zeus gave them a calculating glance. The rotund, bear-like males were rather fond of Hadon. He imagined they would not appreciate Hadon being kept behind when an unknown danger approached.