by Toni Sands
‘You’d do better to travel to another settlement.’ Molan’s voice is calmer now. ‘We’ve spoken of this before. It’s unfortunate we can’t find you a wife. But you’d find one further afield. You could bring her back. It’s what your brother had to do. It’s what man has been doing since time began.’ Molan’s eyes narrow as he watches his son’s reaction.
Conall imagines himself riding to another settlement. Further along this coast there are two possibilities. His father’s right. That’s the way to solve this dilemma. The wild ones mustn’t let their race die out. But it’s hard for him to ignore the image of that lovely, lithe body dancing ahead of him towards his cave. It’s still so recent. Still so vivid in his mind’s eye. And it’s not just the lovemaking. Though his father would probably scoff at his protests, Conall knows this isn’t just about lust. He’s greedy for more than simply sex, fabulous though it was with Zia. Conall’s gut feeling is that he’s found a soul mate.
‘Your mother has prepared a meal. Now, I imagine you’ll receive a message soon. If they need you to perform again, they’ll seek you out. You know that. While you’re young and virile, they’ll take what they want when they want whether you’re married or not. Find yourself some peace, my son. Please don’t torment yourself.’
Molan’s voice trembles as he turns to watch the newborn foal attempt to stand. And his eyes melt with tenderness as he watches the mother nudge her baby’s legs into a standing position. ‘How could anyone turn his back on such a thing?’ He puts his arm around Conall’s shoulders.
Conall’s eyes well. It’s as if yesterday’s visit from Zia has unleashed something long-buried. And now his desire to change his circumstances is strong. His father’s words are wise. But how can he forget her? And wouldn’t some other woman always have to accept second place now that the star sister’s shadow must lie between them? Conall’s well aware of his own emotions. Love has never been a possibility until now. But still it seems it must elude him. Is settling for contentment really the sensible option? Deep-down he knows his father’s talking sense. But somehow his heart won’t heed it.
Conall has been well-fed and carries packs of food and water back with him. As he heads for his cave, he sees the messenger approaching. Conall greets him, accepts the letter then offers a cool drink. Despite his thoughts, he has to hide a smile at the apprehensive expression on the young man’s face.
‘Come, Star Brother. Take some refreshment before those hover boots take you back up the cliff path.’ Conall knows the clone’s auto pod is parked high above the beach, as was Zia’s.
The messenger drinks the cordial then glances at the ocean and frowns. The waves are boiling this evening. He places his palms together and murmurs a farewell, hot-footing it back to civilisation. Conall stands in the entrance of the cave, his packages at his feet and tears open the old-fashioned envelope, the Collective’s polite concession to the old ways. The message is brief. A star sister is to visit him tomorrow morning at high tide. He too gazes at the turbulent sea. Marine serpents have been known to haunt this stretch of coastline. The messenger was probably briefed to keep strictly to the cliffs and not wander down to examine the ever-changing ocean. Did clones benefit from the same aura shield as the one protecting Zia? Now there was a thought …
Shara X stares into the distance. She has thought long and hard before making her decision. Zia is to visit Conall. She has one more chance to conceive and is ordered to focus totally on that. The Regulator’s ambition and greed drive her to send her favourite star sister on a mission that will hopefully result in a new embryo and almost certainly recreate, or even better, the blazing and raw acts of sex that so recently blew Shara X’s mind away.
The Regulator is also prepared to put her credibility on the line by involving the Galactic Suprema, inviting her to participate in a breathtaking demonstration that Shara X dreams will enhance her own already strong position. Women have forged to the forefront below ground. Males know their place. And above ground? This wild male must know his place too. He must jump to her tune and fulfil his destiny. She’s made it plain to Zia that there must be no mistake this time.
Shara X believes her proposed pleasure program will take voyeurism to a different plane. When she has input from Zia’s next meeting with Conall, she’ll have enough energy stored to power simultaneous explosions of ecstasy which will surely rock the participants and make them eternally grateful for her expertise. Her need to re-enter the star sister’s body and mind is urgent. She must sleep now. And rise early tomorrow to supervise Zia’s preparations for her journey above ground. The girl is aware she’s to be Conall’s receptacle once more. Afterwards? Shara X knows Conall’s strong bloodline. If Zia doesn’t conceive this time, then there’s another method of addressing the problem. And for that, Conall would have to be received, albeit briefly into the world below ground – such ignominy for a proud beast like this one and such a satisfying procedure to watch on camera – the wild man spilling his seed, but fruitfully this time. Shara X is determined to achieve success in every way, even if it means draining Conall’s essence and humbling his proud persona. She licks her lips at the thought.
Planet Earth has undergone a massive trauma. Forces honed over centuries of discontent and human vandalism have conspired to fracture the earth’s crust, slicing a vast fissure across the globe and dividing the planet, sending the two halves spiralling into another galaxy. Survivors on this portion of Earth found each other gradually and formed colonies. Fear of the elements and the swiftly-evolving new species above ground sent engineers, architects and designers straight into overdrive. The underground communes became Collectives of humankind desperate to avoid further mayhem.
But nobody imagined what life would really be like once stripped of danger. Adrenalin slowly dwindled. Passivity spread like lichen in a tropical forest. Alpha males were cloned. Then fertile females were cloned. When biologists and anthropologists insisted new blood was imperative, delegations visited the above ground world that now seemed so hazardous, and a bargain was struck with men who wanted to retain their individuality but also knew that superior knowledge and technology could create desperately dangerous situations for them. It was safer to acquiesce rather than risk retaliation from the Collective. The scientists of the largest commune, where Shara X lives, have perfected a virus, the menace of which they retain as a weapon of mass destruction.
So it’s not surprising that Conall, while despising the hypocrisy of this, rises at dawn and jogs a mile to a freshwater pool where he bathes, striding back naked in the sunshine, his long limbs propelling him back to the shore to prepare for whoever visits today. And common sense tells him that if Zia didn’t conceive at their first meeting, the Collective will hardly give the pair of them a second chance.
This morning he’s calmer. He’s turned over in his mind what his father has said. And he’s minded to heed Molan’s advice. The Collective can’t force Conall to remain where he is. He’s allowed to travel though he’s well aware of the possible perils. There are many predators out there but the Collective would never pursue him, wasting time and energy and risking danger. His smile’s rueful. He may come of a lusty bloodline but he’s not so important that the Collective would vent its fury on those wild ones he leaves behind. Super Stud he may be but there are others.
Conall knows he must be pragmatic about the situation. But now he’s met Zia, the thought of her being impregnated by some other wild one – maybe even a man he fishes or dines with – is abhorrent.
In her cube of a room Zia too wakes early. At once she recalls what today will bring. Artificial sunlight and dawn chorus sounds filter into her surroundings, designed to ensure a natural awakening. Within a few short hours she’ll feel real sunshine; hear the beat of the ocean and the haunting cry of sea birds hovering above the waves. With each beat of her heart she moves closer towards seeing Conall again. Zia prepares herself to visit the cleansing area where again she’ll be waited upon by loyal Status Four star s
isters.
Conall waits at the foot of the cliff path this time. His face registers uncertainty as he scans the shapely figure approaching, her face concealed, except for the eyes, by her helmet. It’s too soon to be sure yet. He clenches his fists either side of him as the star sister descends. Suddenly she stops and raises her arms, releasing a strap and pulling off the headgear. The cloud of silky, dark hair settles round her face as she gazes at Conall. He starts racing up the path, devouring the distance separating them. She lopes towards him. And then they’re in each other’s arms.
As they walk along the shoreline, he carries Zia’s silver boots so she can let the wavelets tickle her toes. His other hand holds hers. There’s no need for words. Each knows this must be their last meeting, irrespective of the outcome. The sun, too powerful to look at, floats in a lemon yellow sky. Puffs of apricot cloud drift across the horizon and the ocean, palest pink today, shimmers.
‘Almost there.’ Conall squeezes Zia’s hand.
She stops walking, reaches up to press a kiss on his cheek.
‘Kissing me like a sister?’ His tone is rueful but his grin’s cheeky.
‘Just you wait,’ she says. Breaking away, she runs towards the entrance to his hideaway.
As Conall watches, he finds himself wishing things could be different. Very different. Although recalling his father’s warning words, he realises it’s too late to turn back. Because, as he knows to his cost, the emotion he feels isn’t just the lust of a young man for an attractive young female. Conall knows that what he feels for Zia is something deeper. And as he follows her to the cave, joy fills his whole being. There’s no time for wishing and wondering: no use cursing the Collective. He and Zia must make full use of the precious hours allocated: live for the moment and shut out the rest of the world.
In her quarters, Shara X sits, fine-tuning devices. Her pale, haughty face contorts with a mix of puzzlement and restrained rage. She’s unable to tap into Zia’s mind and until she can, the Galactic Suprema must contain her desire to test this startling new program.
There appears to be nothing wrong. The symbols on screen are in synch. But there has to be something blocking the channel. And Shara X’s face is grim as she realises what the problem must be. The girl, by doing something incredibly stupid and falling in love with the wild man, has created the emotional equivalent of a white-out. And there’s nothing Shara X can do about it. The show is over before it’s even begun.
Shara X snatches at the tiny device secreted behind her ear. Her long red robe billows behind her as she strides to the door. The sensor picks up her command to open. But she ignores the transportation pod that will whisk her to the section below. Walking will allow time to prepare her explanation to the Galactic Suprema.
‘Some wine?’ Conall faces Zia, having followed her into the cave.
‘Not just now,’ she says. Her eyes glint.
‘Ah, you’re hungry?’ He loves teasing her. She’s so different from others of the Collective he’s met and struggled to understand. She’s so feisty. And he’s more and more convinced she’s wasted in the world under ground.
But this is no time for contemplation. Unlike on her previous visit, Zia seems a tad shy. As if fearful this time won’t live up to her recent experience of their lovemaking.
‘Oh, my sweet one,’ he says as he kneels before her. ‘Don’t you trust me?’
Her fingers smooth his tawny mane and she hugs him to her so his head nestles against the beautiful body he knows awaits him underneath her severe tunic. ‘Of course I trust you,’ she says. ‘But this time, they expect us to conform to the rules. And I’m afraid it might spoil things for you.’
He’s bowled over by her perception and her sensitivity to his feelings. He, the uncivilised cave-dwelling male, knowing the beautiful star sister, who lost her virginity to him so recently, worries about him. For a moment he’s unable to speak.
Conall gently releases himself from Zia’s arms and rises to his feet, knowing she’s watching his every move. He can feel his linen pants tight around his groin. He aches to possess her. But her gaze is cool and slightly sorrowful.
‘Please take a little wine,’ he says, pouring two glassfuls. ‘It’ll help relax you.’
She smiles at him. ‘Thank you. It’s so delicious. Made from?’
‘Honey and fresh herbs and grapes and well-water.’
‘Almost medicinal,’ she says.
They clink glasses. They drink. And Zia feels her fears dissolve as the rich liquid warms her throat and the rush of alcohol eases her tension. Seashore sounds fuse into a seductive harmony as the waves pound the shore: the rhythm of the ocean obeying the tidal pull. Then there’s the gust of wind that allows sea birds to ride on its balmy back. Zia experiences such a feeling of release that she knows it isn’t just due to what she’s drinking.
‘I want to undress you this time,’ Conall says after they’ve drained their glasses. ‘But first I shall remove my own clothes.’
She blushes. Can it be just a few time segments ago since they were naked together? She doesn’t turn away as Conall slowly peels off his shirt and unhooks his belt. Nor does she attempt to help him. Just watches and waits. When he’s totally bare he reaches for her, frowning at the unfamiliar fabric he feels under his hands. She guides his fingers to the fastenings and when she too is naked, they sink to the floor.
Zia gently overpowers him though he makes no attempt to resist. When he’s lying on the fur rug she straddles him, leaning to kiss him, her tongue tracing its way over his lips and across his throat ’til she’s sucking on his nipples. She licks her way down the arrow of hair leading to his groin. His cock is fully alert and she moves her mouth to it, her mind already engaged in the game of love not the Collective’s heartless idea of union.
Conall groans with pleasure as she gently cups his balls in her hands.
But he can’t let her continue. ‘Enough. I daren’t let you.’
With one fluid movement, he manipulates her so she’s under him and he can touch the wet softness between her thighs and know she’s ready for him. He knows she wants to ride him and he can’t rid himself of the image of her pushing down on to his hard cock and making her own rhythm – sliding up and down, gasping at the sensation she so enjoys. But these two are not their own masters. So he eases himself into her hungry cunt.
Zia closes her eyes as she feels his cock first nudge then penetrate her, gently but firmly. When Conall’s entire length fills her, he moves slowly at first, waiting until she picks up his tempo. Now she moves her hips, instinctively matching his movements. He hardly has time to marvel at this newly-educated virgin before he realises his body’s on fire.
‘I’m sorry.’ He whispers to her as they lie panting together. ‘Too soon.’
Her chuckle is soft and knowing. ‘Not at all. It’s why I’m here.’
And Conall’s heart contracts. Because he knows she’s right. And he doesn’t want it to be like this. Yesterday was a delight. Today is … different. Unless he does something about it.
‘Lie still,’ he croons. And anticipating her need, he doesn’t bother with tender kisses. Nor does he caress her breasts or explore her smooth-skinned thighs. Gently, he probes one then two fingers inside her and with the other hand, he eases her legs so they’re bent and she’s flat on her back and at his mercy.
He puts his mouth to her ear and whispers. ‘You’re beautiful, Zia. You make me want to fuck you. My cock leaps and I can’t think straight. Except I think you like to feel me ramming myself up inside you … like to feel me throbbing against you … don’t you? But you like me to play with you, my sweet one? Make you come? Don’t you? Is this what you like, my lovely one?
Zia’s eyes are wide open, pupils dilated, showing her arousal. Conall’s fingers move slowly and skilfully, in and out, in and out. He thumbs her clitoris, just a butterfly graze at first. Then he increases the pressure and the strokes become firmer … purposeful.
She shuts her eyes, thr
ows back her head. Her breaths tear the air. Her hips writhe. As he watches spasm after spasm tug her, she cries out, totally uninhibited beneath his touch. Conall is again highly aroused but this time he keeps control. And doesn’t have long to wait. Zia opens her eyes, calling out. He plunges his fingers inside her and feels her muscles close around them, contracting as she squeezes the last ounce of satisfaction from her climax. When she’s totally still he slowly removes his hand, noting that his cock’s more than ready for action.
But he goes to the entrance of the cave, leaving her to rest. Containing himself and not moving out of her sight. He is, as is Zia, still totally oblivious of the fact that were it not for the intensity of her feelings for him, that explosive orgasm of hers would have fed the Collective female hierarchy’s voracious appetite for something more stimulating than tender petting.
Shara X is back in her quarters. The Galactic Suprema listened to her explanation in silence before making a comment that still echoes in the Regulator’s head.
It is perhaps best not to pursue this project of yours, my sister. You have our welfare at the heart of this, of that I am sure. But such liaisons with the people above ground can only lead to mixed messages – to the re-awakening of emotions best left undisturbed. Or is it that you seek something different from your life here? Do you secretly desire to go above ground and lie with this wild man?
For a moment Shara X wasn’t sure if the Galactic Suprema was serious or not. And she could not bring herself to meet the older woman’s eyes as she murmured, ‘No. Of course not, Highness.’
Now Shara X awaits Zia’s return. She has no doubt that she can raid the cranial chip and download the star sister’s new experience. But this time she’ll keep this pleasure totally to herself.
Zia and Conall fuck so passionately that their bodies are slippery with sweat. Her hands clutch his buttocks as he moves in and out of her, piston-like and filling her totally. Their mutual pleasure takes them to higher and higher levels of satisfaction. It’s as if they can’t get enough of one another’s bodies. When he comes in her this time, he unleashes a massive grunt and she shrieks, wrapping her legs around his sweating body. He rolls her over, returning her on to her back again, so he can kiss her eyelids, nose and full mouth. His need to tell her of his love for her is so strong that he’s forced to close his own eyes and clamp his jaw.