Beating on the door, she concluded, “And I haven’t heard from you since! What happened with Mikael? Did you kick his ass? Did he kiss you again? Why didn’t you come to my room last night?”
The door opened to the bathroom and Mahoney calmly made her way over to the replicator to order a veggie omelet, turkey bacon, fresh fruit, and a cup of black coffee. When she sat down to her meal, she finally answered. “Everything’s fine, Jess. We fought, he won, and I came back to my room. I was exhausted and fell asleep. I’m sorry if I made you worry,” she explained, her eyes on her meal.
Jessica took in the unusually subdued manner of her friend including her averted gaze, busted knuckles, and purple goose egg on her forehead and reached a conclusion. “Oh, my God. You two totally knocked boots, didn’t you? What was it like? Did he have any weird alien stuff going on downstairs? Even more importantly, did he rock your world?”
Mahoney sighed wearily and rubbed her eyes to buy time. Jessica was picking over her leftovers and waiting impatiently for an answer. Before she could fire off more questions, Mahoney decided to appease her curiosity, knowing it was the path of least resistance.
“Yes, we had sex, Jess. It was passionate, amazing, and the best orgasm of my life. There is nothing weird about his penis, except it’s quite large, and then I came back to my room for a shower and to sleep. That is all, I swear,” she divulged, her tone emotionless.
“That doesn’t sound like that’s all that happened,” her friend shot back. “If you just had the best sex of your life, then why are you so upset? If I were you, I would be waking up in his bed for some more of that hot alien loving, not sitting here moping in my own room.”
Mahoney pushed back from the table to pace across the room. “You don’t understand, Jess. He said he would never let me go. He kidnapped us, and we still don’t know why. I am no more than his property with no control over my life. How can I ignore all that just because he’s good in the sack?”
Jessica tucked an auburn curl behind her ear and her face lost its animation. “I see your point,” she conceded, running a fork through the uneaten eggs. “Maybe you should talk to him and tell him how you feel. I saw the look on his face every time he watched you yesterday, Mahoney. That man is smitten with you. And I have to be honest here. I’ve never seen you this tore up over a man in the years that I’ve known you, either. He’s the first man to come along that has been able to challenge you and catch your eye. That has to be worth something, right?”
Mahoney absently ran a brush through her shoulder-length hair and pulled it away from her face with a tie. “I just don’t see any way around it. There can be no future for us without equality. As long as I am his property, I will never be happy. As long as he keeps us from returning home, I will continue to fight him.”
“Has he tried to talk to you since last night? I assume that you told him some of this since he has given us our freedom on the ship. That’s a step in the right direction, isn’t it?” her friend asked, hopefully.
“I guess so,” she hedged, before adding, “No, I have not seen him or talked to him. However, the computer relayed a message from him. He is inviting me to his quarters for dinner and to talk. He made sure to stress the point that it wasn’t a command.”
Jessica’s face lit up with excitement. “He asked you out on a date?! What did you say?”
“I said I would think about it.”
Jessica’s face was a mask of disapproval. “Oh, you’re going, Mahoney. He’s put forth an effort to be accommodating, and the least you can do is show up to hear him out. If you don’t like what you hear, you can just leave and come hang out with me.”
She paused for a moment, before capitulating. “Fine. I’ll go, but if I don’t get the answers I need, then I am declaring war on him. I will make him sorry he ever brought me on board this ship,” she swore, her eyes darkening with purpose.
Jessica clapped her hands and rose to her feet. “Good! Now that that’s settled, I say we go exploring! Let’s go!”
For the next several hours, they wandered the large warship and poked their heads into every room they came across that allowed them entrance. Some of the crew shot them nervous or curious looks, but others greeted them warmly and introduced themselves. Many of the warriors that had been present during the training eyed her warily when they crossed her path, but several that she hadn’t met yet stopped to ask her if she would be coming back for more training that afternoon.
When they reached the medical ward, Mahoney stopped at the door and said, “Hey, I’m just going to run in and have them check out this bump on my forehead real quick. Can I meet you in half an hour in the cafeteria for lunch? We’ll try out some authentic T’Kalan cuisine if you’re feeling brave.”
“I’ll just come with you,” she offered, as she made to pass by her.
Mahoney stopped her with a hand on her arm. “That’s okay, Jess. I just need to…ask a few questions of the doctor. Can you give me a few minutes?”
A look of comprehension came over her face. “Got it. No problem. Cafeteria in 30?”
Mahoney nodded in the affirmative and entered the sliding door into the medical ward. She looked around in awe at the sight before her. Rows of hi-tech beds with built in scanners, flashing lights, computer screens running foreign characters, and devices she’d never seen before were spread out across the large room. There were at least three different crew members spread out around the space wearing royal blue lab coats and protective equipment.
At her entrance, one of them, a Harani male from the looks of him, glanced up to see who had entered the ward. He took in her appearance and smiled revealing sharp fangs. His fur was burnt orange with white stripes and his paws held a device that was beeping with a readout.
“You must be the human female that so many have been talking about,” he greeted her. “My littermate, Felonia, has told me much about you. I am Fallon, an intern medi-tech. Are you here to have your wounds treated?”
Mahoney froze, not expecting this development. The last thing she needed was gossip about her and Mikael to spread across the ship via siblings. Scrambling for an excuse, she stammered, “Uh, I was just-“
“Thank you, Fallon. I will take it from here,” a familiar, lilting voice interrupted.
Mahoney peered around the feline man to see a T’Kalan female approaching. She was slightly different from the other T’Kalan females she had met on board. She was shorter even than Mahoney who had been several inches shorter herself from the other T’Kalan women. Her hair was an unusual color, too. It was light brunette with blonde streaks that was pulled back into a no-nonsense bun, where the others had hair as dark black as her own. Her eyes were shadowed by goggles, so she couldn’t tell their color, but they appeared to be as pale as the others and her skin was a light, tanned imitation of the tawny skin she had come to recognize.
The Harani male nodded respectively and went back to his task while the woman ushered her into a private room. “I must admit that I am surprised I haven’t seen you in here before now, Katsuko. I expected you to arrive last evening after I finished healing the three warriors and the commander. Although, looking at you, I can see that my worry was greatly misplaced,” she added, gesturing her patient to lay back on a bed.
“You saw Commander Mikael last night?” Mahoney blurted. “I mean, has everyone recovered from their wounds?”
A secretive smile dimpled the medical officer’s cheek. “Rest assured, while their bodies may have been restored, their pride has not. T’Kalan warriors are hard-headed, full of arrogance, and ruthlessly lethal. They have also never been bested by a woman before. The whole ship is talking about you, Katsuko.”
Mahoney blanched at that news. She had never been comfortable with being the center of attention. That’s why being a stuntwoman was the perfect job for her. She could still be in movies, but no one would recognize her on the street. “Please, call me Mahoney. The only person who calls me Katsuko is my haha,” she replied automat
ically. She paused for a second, then added, “And the commander.”
The medical officer picked up a handheld device and pressed lightly on the screen and the bed hummed to life. Moments later, a red, horizontal laser passed over her head and continued down her body until it disappeared past her feet.
“As you wish, Mahoney,” the female complied, her head bowed in concentration over the screen of her device. “It appears that the damage to your body is not too bad, and definitely nothing compared to your first scans. Your forehead is deeply bruised and the skin crushed, but there is no concussion or damage to the cranium. There are several stretched muscles, some irritated tissues, and the skin of your knuckles is shredded in several places. Your feet have some minimal bruising and there are myriad other minor abrasions and contusions. Shall I proceed with corrective treatment?”
Mahoney struggled with her next question, but necessity forced her hand. “Does the scanner tell you if there are any…diseases present in my body?”
A soft, motherly hand reached for hers and squeezed it firmly. “Yes, the medi-bed scans for all viruses, bacteria, chemical imbalances, and bloodborne diseases. That includes any sexually transmitted diseases, as well. I want to assure you that all members of this crew are scanned routinely and corrective treatment given for any irregularities. We tolerate no illness or incapacity on this ship.”
An audible sigh of relief whooshed out of her body. “Thank God,” she murmured, giving the woman’s hand a return squeeze. “Please proceed with the treatment.”
The woman picked up a different device and pressed several buttons before moving to stand behind Mahoney’s head. She moved the device slowly over her body and the only thing she felt was a slight warming sensation and the relief of eased pain.
“You know, it took all four of us and almost a full day to provide corrective treatment when you first boarded,” the officer commented as she worked. “You have been very hard on your body, young woman. May I ask how you received so many injuries?”
Mahoney shrugged and then answered, “I don’t mind. I began training in the martial arts when I was only five years old, much to the displeasure of my mother. My father, however, was a military general and he insisted that his only daughter should be able to defend herself should the need arise. I loved it from the first lesson. From there, I moved on to other styles of fighting as they caught my interest, and competed for titles around the world. I got into stunt work when I met a competitor and she hooked me up with an agent. About four years ago, I was doing a dangerous stunt involving rock climbing when I suffered a nasty fall. It took me almost a year to get back into top form.”
The woman chuckled and replied, “You remind me so much of my son. He was always seeking the next adventure, even as a small boy. It wasn’t enough for him to be a warrior. No, he had to travel the galaxy and pilot his own ship while searching the worlds for new thrills and danger, just like his father.”
A prickling of unease traveled up Mahoney’s spine as the woman finished her procedure and placed the device back in a charging station. “Your son is a pilot, as well as a warrior?”
Removing her tinted goggles, the woman faced her with eerily familiar icy green eyes. “I realize I have been remiss in introducing myself, as usually happens when I get absorbed in my work. My name is Ax’Sandre R’Varsel. Not only am I the chief medical officer, but I am Mikael’s mother.”
Chapter Fourteen
Mahoney paced the floor of her room nervously. It was close to 7 o’clock and almost time for her to have dinner with Mikael in his quarters. Her stomach was a fluttering mess of nerves, and she twitched and straightened her clothes over and over. Jessica, who had been conspicuously absent the rest of the day, had arrived an hour ago and insisted on helping her replicate the perfect outfit. Much to Mahoney’s consternation, Jessica chose a black, one-shouldered dress that cinched at the waist of a skirt that was gauzy and fluttery and stopped a few inches above her knee. She then paired it with black, peep-toed heels and a silver bangle for her wrist. Mahoney had showered, shaved with the help of the hi-tech laser, and brushed her hair until it was sleek and shiny, and Jessica had helped her apply light makeup to enhance her Japanese ancestry.
She had almost changed her mind about going after discovering Mikael’s mother was on board the ship. She was mortified that she had discussed STDs with her, but had found that Ax’Sandre was a refreshing mix of candor and maternal guidance. She had encouraged Mahoney to give her son a chance to explain about their laws without pressuring her into divulging details of their encounters.
With a deep breath for courage, she left her room and followed Jarvis’ directions to Mikael’s quarters. She stood outside his door and debated whether or not to go in, but the choice was taken out of her hands when the door slid open. The room was pleasantly low-lit with the flicker of candlelight and soft, classical music played from hidden speakers. She walked further inside his spacious apartment until she rounded a corner and came to a shocked stand-still.
In the middle of an open space, there was a table draped with a starched, white tablecloth and there were lit candles and a bottle of wine chilling an ice bucket. There were also two plates with silver domes covering them, and the delicious aroma of seared steak scented the air.
The most astonishing sight, however, was Mikael himself. He stood before the table looking devilishly handsome wearing creased, black slacks and a white button-down shirt opened at the nape of his neck, and there were shiny, wingtip shoes on his feet. His hair was tamed and slicked back, and his beard was groomed and trimmed. Mahoney’s mouth went dry at the sight of him with his muscles outlined in the fabric as if he stepped off the pages of GQ. In his large hand, he was holding a single Stargazer lily.
Apparently, she had been silent for too long, because he shifted his stance uncomfortably, and said, “Did I do it wrong? Command assured me that this was the acceptable atmosphere and clothing for such an occasion according to your Earth database.”
Mahoney shook herself out of her daze and replied quickly, “No, everything looks perfect. I’m just surprised, is all.”
Relief swept over his face, transforming him into a roguishly handsome man. His long legs ate up the distance between them, and he handed her the flower before bending down to brush a kiss along her cheek. “You look stunning, Katsuko. Never have I seen a woman as beautiful as you.”
She fought off the uncharacteristic blush, and smiled at his compliment. “Thank you, Mikael. You look quite fetching yourself.”
With a solid, warm hand against her lower back, he led her over to the table and held her chair for her as she sat. He picked up the wine bottle and poured a glass of fragrant, deep red wine and handed it to her. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. I have given you no reason to trust me or my actions, yet you came anyway. I am humbled by your presence.”
She took a hesitant sip of the wine, and then a larger one, when the flavor burst across her tongue with a mix of dark chocolate, cherries, and the smoky accent of aged wood. “I almost didn’t come,” she admitted. “But I have to admit that I am intrigued by you.”
He took his seat and faced her across the table. His hauntingly pale eyes were full of heat and appreciation. “I wish to give you the explanation for your capture that is long past due while we eat. If you wish to remain with me afterwards, we will continue this ‘date’. Jessica MacGregor has been very forthcoming with the proper way of things regarding courting rituals for your race.”
She smiled wryly and shook her head. “I should have known she had a hand in this. Thank you for the effort you put into planning this.”
He smiled like a pleased teenager at her compliment. “Come. Let us eat while we talk,” he offered, leaning over to remove the dome from her plate.
Their dinner looked and smelled divine. The plate held a juicy steak, medium rare, with a side of grilled asparagus and a baked potato dripping with butter. Her mouth flooded with saliva and she wasted no time in cutting
a piece of the meat and popping it into her mouth. She moaned as the juice and rich, meaty flavor suffused her taste buds. It was tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned.
Her enjoyment was interrupted when Mikael said, “Katsuko, if you continue to make those noises, we will not make it through our meal.”
Her heart pounded at the look of predatory lust in his eyes. She smiled a knowing smile, and responded, “I make no promises. This is the best steak I’ve ever eaten.”
He swallowed roughly and dropped his gaze back to his own meal. He cleared his throat, and began to speak. “Command has relayed to me all that he has told you of our home world of T’Kala, so I know that you are familiar with our young king, Korian Ak’Falin and our ruling class of nobles. Do you remember me telling you that the nobles were very enamored with Earth’s entertainment broadcasts?” At her nod of agreement, he continued. “They have recently become obsessed with a popular Earth movie about a young, beautiful officer of your laws that becomes the target of a demented killer. I have not seen it myself, but it has been quite popular among the nobles of our world.”
A lightbulb went off of her head. “Oh, my God. You’re talking about Taking Heat, aren’t you? That was the first movie that made Jessica a star. We met on the set of that movie when I was her stunt double for some of the action scenes,” she explained.
“Yes, that is the name. In order to give more context to this tale, I must explain the situation we are currently facing on our world. T’Kala has never had a king so young as King Korian. Our rulers usually live long and rule for generations. However, the former king, Korian’s father, was killed in combat along with my own father during a brief invasion by a hostile species called the Warfarers. While our forces were ultimately successful in defeating the scourge, we lost many of our seasoned warriors and our king,” he explained.
“I am sorry for the loss of your father, Mikael. I, too, am the child of a military man and am well aware of the danger and threat of losing your loved ones too soon to war,” she added, her eyes full of compassion.
Fighting Chance Page 8