by Shae Mills
She nodded to him and gave him a weak smile. "That's all I wanted to hear, a dream to hold on to."
Fremma looked uneasily at the floor. Then he straightened and turned to Dar. "Are you going to be here a while?"
Dar nodded. "A few hours. Why?"
"Well, then, I'll go check in with some of my men and arrange some shift changes along with some other work before it gets too late. Then I'll take the night off," he added, smiling at Chelan.
Dar nodded to him, and Chelan watched him go. She turned to Dar. "Do you mind if I change back into my gown? Then I would like to come back here and talk to you, if you're not too busy."
Dar kissed her forehead. "Of course I don't mind. I have some time before I need to return to the Bridge."
Chelan smiled at him and then left the Command Center. She was positively bursting with questions, and now was her opportunity to fill her mind with the knowledge born beyond the stars.
Chapter 35
Chelan was gone only a few minutes. When she returned she found Dar working at one of the consoles. She pulled up a chair next to him.
She remained quiet as she watched him work for a few minutes more. Then he turned his attention to her. "So what did you wish to talk about?" he asked.
"Tell me more about RIBUS 7 and 8."
Dar settled himself. "Well, I guess you could call us the last resort backbone of the Empire. We are sent out after all other avenues have been exhausted when it comes to Imperial matters, and we force issues if necessary, or eradicate the problems if need be. The battleships in the Empire's service are not an international peacekeeping force. We do not negotiate. There are many more RIBUSes stationed throughout the galaxy at all times, ready for mobilization to a warzone whenever required. But the Empire is a very fair regime, and it has numerous allies. As a rule, it polices itself and keeps most problems in check."
Dar continued. "At the moment, each one of us actively employs approximately five hundred thousand military personal. But Iceanea is a vast planet. Our population and resources are just as vast, and we have branch colonies throughout the galaxy. At practically a moment's notice, speaking in galactic terms, we can mobilize a military force numbering in the hundreds of billions. Right now, we are on the remote edge of the Empire, so we would be a little hard-pressed to draw on such resources. That's why there are three RIBUSes in such close proximity here."
He smiled at the expression on her face. "So don't be lulled into a sense of complacency by looking at the number of men on this ship and the size of the galaxy. You are merely looking at a period of relative calm within the Empire's brief history, and you are looking only at a very small portion of the galaxy."
Chelan was captivated. "What are the most men you have ever commanded at one time?"
"I guess the most would have been about ten years ago during a severe uprising. I had close to ten million personnel under me."
Chelan shook her head. "How can you command that many people?"
Dar chuckled. "I do the strategic planning, Chelan, and then I command the highly competent officers that in turn command the hordes. In the case of Korba, he commands RIBUS 7 when she is called to battle. But the rest of the time he is occupied overseeing and training the new Warlords. That is why he alone bears the title of Imperial Overlord."
"Overlord," she repeated quietly. Once again, another confirmation of how special Korba was, and her heart gave a telltale thud.
Dar reached forward and ran an ebony-gloved finger down her cheek. "What are you thinking?"
Chelan blinked back to the conversation. "What would happen if Korba perished?"
"I'm next in line for that title."
Chelan looked up at him with renewed awe. She had only recently begun to fathom the true extent of the power these men held, but to process the term Overlord rendered her almost numb. She stared into Dar's glowing azure eyes. These men held dominion over all life and death. Their knowledge was all encompassing, their physical might supreme, their military prowess unsurpassed. Simply put, they were gods.
"Chelan?"
Chelan shook herself out of her thoughts as she reached for Dar's hand. "I was just thinking about how privileged I am to be with you," she whispered. She looked at the surprise written over his handsome features, and she blushed. She knew that the next few hours would go by quickly as she talked to the exalted Warlord, but for the moment she was humbled to her very core.
* * *
Fremma had completed the check of his men and decided to return to his quarters to freshen up. He rounded the arc of the corridor and was halted by the sight of a shrouded figure pacing outside his doors while his guards blocked entry.
Fremma approached warily. The figure turned to him and withdrew her hood. Fremma nodded. "Well, Lena, what brings you to this area of the ship?"
Lena made no attempt to cover her vexation with the situation. "Well, originally it was you, my friend. But judging by the unfriendly response I have received from your men, I would now say that curiosity has brought me."
Fremma regarded Lena's defensive stance circumspectly. She crossed her arms over her chest, her voice low and imposing. "I assume that since my access to your new quarters has been barred, you have taken it upon yourself to hide contraband." Lena hesitated as she looked toward the diplomatic suite. "And very important contraband, I might add."
Fremma finally waved his men aside and ushered Lena in. Automatically, his mind did a mental assessment of when Chelan could arrive.
Once inside, Lena took a brief look around at the plush surroundings and gasped at the beauty. Fremma removed his shroud and turned to speak to her, but before he could utter a word, Lena moved quickly and seized his lips with hers. Fremma stiffened slightly at her familiar touch, responding slowly at first.
Lena pulled back. "It's been a while, my friend. I was worried that you had gotten away from me. It took me some time to locate you. And you seem so busy. Whenever I do learn of your time off, you seem to disappear into oblivion."
Fremma simply nodded, deliberately not elaborating on his movements. Lena cocked an eyebrow at him, realizing he was not being very forthcoming. She moved over to the main dispensary and poured two drinks. Returning to him, she handed him one and then raised her glass to him. "Here's to a renewed friendship."
Fremma raised his glass to her, and they both took a sip. Lena then snatched his drink away and set it down on the table. She turned to him and wasted no time. Her kiss was passionate.
Fremma's thoughts were suddenly derailed, Lena's aggressiveness temporarily confounding him. He found himself hesitating as thoughts of Chelan flashed through his mind. But Lena was a force to be reckoned with, and she did not allow him time to dwell on any diversionary thoughts. Her carnal lust invaded him, and he finally released himself to her. He reached for her uniform jacket and tore it off her, his mind and body caving to her feverish need.
* * *
Dar filled Chelan in on a few more facts about the Empire just as a light on the console flashed. "Yes?"
"New data pertaining to the Rigilean mission arriving, Sire. I think you should have a look at it immediately."
Dar glanced at Chelan and then responded slowly. "Keep it on the Bridge. I'll be right there."
"Yes, my Lord."
Dar stood and raised Chelan up with him. "I'm sorry, Chelan."
"It's okay," she smiled. "Besides, you've done so much for me already today."
Dar smiled warmly at her and hugged her close. "Fremma should be back by now, or will be shortly, so I don't feel too bad about leaving you this time."
Chelan reached up and kissed him gently. "I hope I'll see you again soon," she whispered.
Dar returned her kiss and then tore himself from her. He picked up his shroud and left the Command Center quickly. Chelan felt warm. At least she didn't have to be alone tonight, and a smile touched her lips.
She hurried out of the Command Center and approached Fremma's quarters, but she was slowed by what s
eemed to be the guards' indecision over letting her pass. She was instantly nervous. She watched as they glanced at one another, and then parted hesitantly. Unwilling to ask them any questions, she moved up to the door, her heart pounding. Silently, she stepped inside.
Chelan's heart sank. She raised her hands to her mouth, stifling a cry and fighting back tears of anguish. She looked to the bed, her eyes beholding Fremma, his body fully immersed in another woman's passion. Chelan was shocked into motionlessness as she watched him, his powerful pelvic thrusts pumping the woman full of his desire and lust, their bodies glistening with moist heat.
The woman's hands coursed down Fremma's muscular back to his buttocks, urging him deeper and harder. She cried out in ecstasy, raising her legs and arching into him.
Chelan was mortified. She simply took a step backward, the doors parting for her. She retreated into the corridor, trembling with gut-wrenching agony. Then, for the first time, one of the guards spoke to her. "Are you okay?"
Chelan paled as she fought for both control and for words. "Yes, I think so," she whispered, looking up into the blackness of the shroud. "I just feel a little ill, that's all." She tried to edge away from the guard, but she felt her knees giving away.
He lurched forward and supported her. "I'll help you to the Command Center," he offered.
Chelan nodded to him as he took her by the waist and ushered her into the Center. He aided her down to the front console and sat her in the main chair. Kneeling in front of her, he removed his hood. She looked up at him; her eyes were glazed with pain.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" he asked quietly.
Chelan blinked and then looked for the first time at his face. There before her were the same handsome features, the beautiful metallic blue-black hair, and the azure eyes. "What's your name?" she asked in a hoarse whisper.
"Yanis."
Chelan felt her world tilt, but she kept her eyes on him. "Are you one of Fremma's men?"
"Yes, I am," he replied softly.
"Thank you for helping me here," she said quietly. "I appreciate your concern."
Yanis smiled at her as he studied her features. He noted her excessively pale complexion and the tremors that periodically shook her small frame. He was worried. "Maybe I should get Fremma for you," he said, standing suddenly.
"No!" Chelan asserted, grabbing his arm in panic. She sprang from her chair and hugged into him, preventing him from moving.
Yanis was surprised by her physical contact, but he held her shaky body firmly.
Finally, Chelan looked up into his face and managed a small smile. "I'll be all right, Yanis. There's no need to disturb Fremma. I'm feeling better now, thank you."
"You're sure?" he queried, scrutinizing her features, and knowing full well that she was not being genuine.
"Yes, thank you for your help," she uttered. "Please, please don't disturb Fremma."
Yanis released her slowly and backed away hesitantly. He did not know anything about the alien, including where she had come from or what her purpose was. But he did know that she was important, for she occupied the Warlord's domain freely and unattended, and his Commander, Fremma, had been released from most of his duties to care for her. He felt that he should alert Fremma to her condition, but something about her forced him to respect her wishes above all. "If you require anything, you have but to ask."
Chelan nodded weakly as she watched him turn, throw his hood over his head, and exit the Command Center. Immediately, she was raw with grief, her body wracked with sobs. All Dar's words crashed into her head, but to no avail. It was impossible to sort through her emotions. All she knew was that Fremma was making love to another woman, in her bed, and she could never return there.
Chelan staggered into the dark workout area and slowly traversed its length. She sagged down against the far wall by the security entrance, her heart and mind literally sick with despair. She swallowed hard to keep from vomiting, and then drew in several large breaths in a panicky attempt to get air; the pain in her chest was nearly suffocating. It was then that she realized that she was still not able to accept the Iceanean value system. Her only defense now was to cut herself off from Fremma in an act of self-preservation.
Chelan looked down through blurry eyes to her clenched fists. How could he do this to her? How could he have sex with another woman in the bed she shared with him?
Chelan hugged herself tightly, rocking incessantly. Time passed dreadfully slowly, and she was becoming desperately tired, but she had nowhere to go, as she still could not bring herself to enter Korba's chambers. Deciding to simply wait, she prayed for Dar's return. She would then obtain permission from him to sleep elsewhere, and to sleep alone. In the meantime, she felt as though her heart was about to wither up and die, and with it, her very soul would perish. Her swollen eyes were now dry, every tear spent, and she felt fatally weak. But most of all she felt frightfully alone.
* * *
Fremma collapsed on top of Lena once again before abruptly rolling off her and sitting up. Lena pushed herself up onto her elbows. "My, that was fast. Do you have another date tonight?" she quipped, smiling.
But Fremma was not smiling. He glanced at her and then stood. "I have to get back to work, Lena. Get dressed."
Lena was taken aback by his curtness. Fremma had always been one of her most caring and gentle lovers, and his behavior mystified her. She rose up beside him and confronted him. "I know you have tonight off," she stated defensively. "So don't lie to me, Fremma. We go back too far."
"I'm not lying," he replied, deliberately softening his tone. "I have to do some work for Dar that has nothing to do with my normal command."
Lena looked down and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't pry. I should have known something was going on by the change in your duties arranged by Korba. I assume that what you do for Dar is a continuation of your new undertaking?"
Fremma simply nodded and strode off to the en suite. He showered quickly and returned to the bedroom to find Lena dressed.
She watched him closely as he slipped into his uniform. While he secured his gloves, she stepped up to him, touching his chest tenderly. "Another time?" she asked quietly.
Fremma looked down at her, his thoughts scattered. "Another time," he whispered as he turned away from her and grabbed his shroud.
Lena watched him for a moment longer, wondering what preoccupied him so. But it was not her place to question her superior officer, and she wisely decided to take her leave.
Fremma watched the doors close behind her, his relief palpable. He sat down heavily on the bed and let his head fall into his hands. He didn't understand his feelings. The whole time he had been with Lena he could only think of Chelan, his gentle Chelan.
Then he jumped to his feet and took a deep breath. All of a sudden, he felt anxious for Chelan's return. He knew it was close to the time that Dar would be leaving, and Fremma couldn't wait a moment longer. He wanted to feel her in his arms, only her, and he wanted her now.
He started toward the doors and then halted. Returning to the bed, he stripped away the sheets and replaced them with fresh ones. He picked up the soiled linens and held them momentarily. He did not know why, but he felt they had to be discarded totally, for Chelan.
Fremma cast the sheets into a depository chute leading to an incinerator and then exited the room. Stepping into the corridor, he stopped and turned to the guards. "Has Commander Dar left the Command Center yet?"
"Yes, Sir, he has," replied Yanis.
Fremma smiled momentarily, but something in Yanis's voice caused him to falter. A pit immediately formed in his stomach. "How long ago?"
Yanis flinched. "Nearly two hours ago, Sir."
Fremma's face went pallid. "Has Chelan come out?"
Yanis shifted his weight uneasily, and Fremma's heart dropped.
"Yes, Sir. She came out shortly after Commander Dar left, but she returned promptly to the Command Center."
Fremma felt his throat tighte
ning. He looked intently at Yanis. "Did she enter my chambers?" he asked in a hoarse whisper.
Yanis hesitated. "Yes, Sir. But she came right out. She said she wasn't feeling well, and I escorted her back to the Command Center." The warrior paused, watching his Commander's face fall. But he continued. "I asked her if I should summon you, as she did not look at all well. But she said no, that you were not to be disturbed."
Fremma felt himself dizzying. Instantly he bolted for the Command Center. The doors parted but revealed nothing. He ran to the entrance of the workout area, his eyes instantaneously adjusting to the darkness. He could see her crumpled body at the far end, her white dress accented against the inky blackness.
"Chelan," he breathed as he began toward her. "Chelan," he called softly. He approached her cautiously. Kneeling by her, he looked down into her solemn face. "Chelan," he whispered as he reached for her.
But Chelan pressed back against the wall, turning her head away and closing her swollen eyes.
"Chelan, I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Go away," she uttered weakly. "Please go away."
"Chelan, come with me, please. We both need some sleep."
Chelan bristled. Her eyes sliced into him. "No! You were doing her in our bed!" she shouted. She nearly choked on her words. She clutched at her stomach as she tried to get to her feet.
Fremma grabbed her. "Please, Chelan. I'm sorry you saw us."
Chelan fought against him, attempting to strike him. "Go away!" she seethed. "Go away!" She twisted one last time and then ceased her pointless struggle.
Fremma released his grip on her arms and sat back, trying desperately to contain his emotions.
"Please, leave me alone," she beseeched. She drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them. She hid her face, allowing her long strands of golden brown silk to cascade about her protectively.
Fremma's breathing came in irregular spasms. He was at a loss as to what to say or do. "Chelan, I never intended to hurt you," he pleaded in desperation.
Suddenly, she glared up at him, her face wet from renewed tears, her eyes cold and hard. "You never intended to hurt me?" she challenged. "Just what did you intend, then?" Her voice was low and cutting. "And do you really think I would share your bed with you..." Her voice began to break, her chest rising and falling sporadically. Then she raged at him. "Do you think I could share your bed with you after you just fucked another woman in it?"