“Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia, I hope this message finds you well. Duke Zehman's fleet attempted to penetrate the sovereignty of the Earth star system and I'm pleased to report he was successfully repulsed. The TSB fleet engaged in a passing battle with the larger HZBF invasion fleet, sustaining the most grievous of losses. However, their actions slowed the enemy fleet enough to allow the Alutia Battle Fleet to arrive before any additional TSB starships were lost.
“Four ABF battle groups, the two we expected, and two more which had been transferred from the King's Fleet as a gift from your brother, under the command of a Knight High-Admiral Baric, successfully entered close range combat with seven battle groups of the HZBF invasion fleet. The HZBF forces were taken by complete surprise and almost totally annihilated, with the survivors surrendering.
“Unfortunately, Duke Zehman's personal super-capital and escort retreated before the final battle and was able to escape the system during the fray. A small force has been sent in pursuit, but a successful interception is unlikely.
“A report has been received of an occurrence on Earth and we are currently on route to investigate. I hope you will join us once the shuttle I sent arrives at TSB Fleet Base. I look forward to seeing you safely. Knight Admiral Bhool.” The news was better than she ever expected. Little hope did she have that they could defend against the larger HZBF force, their resources only allowing them two trustworthy battle groups. But thanks to her brother's strange definition of...not getting directly involved...they were able to close the gap in firepower and win the day. She would have to remember to send her thanks as soon as able.
She hastily dictated a response to Knight Admiral Bhool informing her of their current location, and the treachery on the TSB Fleet and Earth Bases. She thought of including the information on the Human Devolution Phenomenon, but decided against it, knowing it would be best to deliver that particular piece of news personally.
“We won,” she said plainly. Tiana grinned, Regalia smiled, but Vickie looked dubious.
“Is he dead? Did they kill him?” Vickie asked, voice of ice and eyes aflame.
“Duke Zehman escaped,” Sasha answered.
“That traditionalist bastard. Let me guess, he sacrificed his fleet so he could flee?” Vickie seethed, like a vengeful god ready to smite any who dared oppose her.
“Yes,” Sasha nodded.
“And Sir Simwa?” Vickie growled.
“I do not know. I assume he fled to TSB Fleet Base before Earth Base was destroyed,” Sasha let a snarl cross her lips to match Vickie’s. “But do not worry, Lady Vickie. He will be held personally responsible for everything that has occurred....he will pay, oh yes, he will pay,” Vickie held her fury for a moment longer, then, like it had never existed in the first place, it faded, a smile of pure pleasure breaking through to the surface.
“That, dear Sasha, is the greatest gift I have ever received. I thank you,” she lowered her eyes in reverence. Sasha could only nod back, knowing the gift yet to be delivered, then turned her attention to Tiana.
“Tiana, could you inform the crew to expect company? It seems our escort fleet will be arriving shortly,” Tiana nodded, rushing from the bedchamber. Regalia stood as well.
“May I join her, Sasha?” she asked politely, there being no way Sasha could refuse her.
“Of course,” Regalia smiled, jumping down from her chair, curtseying swiftly, but graciously, before skipping out behind Tiana. Was it just her imagination, or had Regalia seemed happier? She wondered if it had to do with spending time amongst children close to her own age, which as she knew well, was difficult for most noble girls of ruling nobility. She glanced to Vickie, who was “node locked”. A wicked smirk appeared on her lips.
“Now Sasha,” Vickie spoke while still using her BC node, an impressive feat usually taking decades of practice, “I hope you do not mind if I refer to you without honorifics from now on,”
“Not at all,” she responded. “I actually prefer it,” returning a smile she hoped was just as impish. Vickie laughed with delight as she released her node.
“Good! I requested some beverages. It seems you and your boy here have yet to get intimate?” Vickie asked, matter-of-factly. Sasha's jaw dropped. “I'll take that as a yes,” Vickie grinned mischievously. “Shall we discuss your first evening together? Let us start with the best way to make Trent putty in your hands. Men, you must understand, really love it when you...” Vickie, with a clarity that painted vivid images within her mind, explained acts of such depravity, such carnal desire, that her body flushed, heart and mind running free through a field of flowers. In that field, Trent chased her like a wild beast, taking her in ways Sasha could have never imagined on her own. Then, like Vickie held control of her flesh, she took control, no longer a woman of little experience in love, but one that made Trent a slave to her flesh in a way, again, she could never have done on her own.
A knock ripped her free of the Vickie’s trance. She looked up to find a smiling Tiana at the door.
“Well, well, well, Your Highness, I hate to disturb your fantasy, but it appears they have finally arrived.” Sasha looked to Vickie, finding her staring longingly at Trent, her dress askew.
“About time,” Sasha exploded to her feet. “Vickie, you shall accompany me,” she ordered, storming from the room, ignoring the feigned cries of protest from Vickie as she marched off to greet her victorious fleet.
*********
Vivid visions of he and Sasha passionately embracing, making love in ways Trent never before imaged, appeared within his dying mind. They seemed, at first, figments of his imagination; such carnal acts of eroticism beyond even his wildest fantasies. But he quickly realized the origin beyond him; being born of a story told by a mysterious woman, with such a sensual and seductive tenor, that all rational thoughts fled at its touch, unrestrained desire flowing to take its place. He drowned himself in the voice until it vanished, and the total darkness of final death returned, his consciousness fading for the last time.
A gentle swaying broke him free of the prison that held his consciousness captive for years eternal. A sharp pressure pressed against his distant skin, forcing the glacier encasing his flesh to slowly melt away. His senses gradually returned, but his mind still felt detached. His eyes wouldn’t open, and his limbs wouldn’t respond to his thoughts, but he could clearly hear, discerning individual voices, while feeling the temperate air tumbling across his skin.
“...I agree with Medical Officer Quo’Moy,” a woman’s voice he didn’t recognize became crystal clear, like someone had just turned up the volume of the world around him. “It is the wisest course of action and will speed up his recovery time considerably,”
“I understand,” a voice he would never forget responded, “but if we can do without tubing, I would prefer to pursue that option. Trent may have witnessed something that I missed or have forgotten. So it is paramount that I can call upon his testimony once he awakens,” a gentle touch caressed his arm.
Sasha, he wanted to cry out. The knowledge that she was safe, alive, calling forth a sense of relief beyond anything he had ever felt before. He wanted to see her, touch her, hold her in his arms, to pour out his soul, and beg her forgiveness for failing to protect her.
“If you believe that best, Your Grace,” the other woman responded reluctantly. “Medical Officer Quo’Moy, escort Trent to the medical bay and let us know when he awakens,” the thought of being separated from Sasha again caused the relief of moments before to vanish, “Your Grace, I shall escort you to your temporary apartments, if you would please follow me,”
“No,” he forced his eyes open against their will, “I will stay with her...always,” his voice cracked painfully as he spoke with all his strength.
Sasha appeared before his clearing eyes, concern overflowing as she stared down upon, but also love. Beside her stood a hard faced, but attractive woman, with shoulder length brown hair and eyes that showed wisdom well beyond her physical appearance. Next to her
stood a thin man, a head shorter then both Sasha and the older woman, who at first glance appeared malnourished. But as he leaned over, studying a projected diagram of Trent, he found that tight bunches of muscles flexed against his olive skin.
“I'll leave it up to you, Your Grace,” the thin man, obviously a doctor, turned to Sasha, running a hand through his ear length silver hair, “but he must rest as much as possible, preferably sedated in bed, for at least the next month,” he glanced back at the projection, zooming in on what looked like Trent’s left lung, discolored and swollen. “I will also require access to him at least six times a day, every day, during that time. So if you do not mind my constant interruptions, Your Grace, I see no issue allowing him to rest within your temporary apartments,” Sasha only glanced to the doctor, her gaze dragged back to Trent like they were two opposing magnetic poles. A single tear rolled down her check to drip upon his nose. He raised a trembling hand, ignoring the waves of pain it called forth, to wipe away its mate.
“Bring him to my quarters,” Sasha commanded, easing the pain of his heart that formed at the thought of being separated.
“Your Grace, I must remind you,” the older woman stepped closer, voice low, “such an unorthodox action may cause unfavorable rumors to spread within certain ruling noble circles, including your fathers,” Sasha tensed, “though I do not imply to interfere with your command in this matter, it being your noble right to decide the path you’ll pursue. But it is my duty, as the commander of the Alutia Battle Fleet, Countess of the Alutia Court, and oath bearer to King Johan Vn’Oco, to inform you that if knowledge of you “inviting” a petty into your bedchamber becomes common, your reputation could be irreversibly tarnished,” the woman stepped back, expression unchanged.
“I understand, Knight Admiral Bhool,” Sasha stood up straight, “though even if I and Sir Trent cared for such rumors, if they do spread, they will not last long, for nothing in my actions will warrant such scrutiny, no matter the affiliation,” Sasha explained cryptically. Knight Admiral Bhool kept her expression solid, but her eyes showed both surprise and understanding of the hidden meaning in Sasha’s words.
“As Your Grace commands,” she crossed her arms before her chest in a type of salute, “I will inform the ABF commanders to await your summons,” Knight Admiral Bhool moved out of sight, “though, Your Grace. Please try to avoid being “sidetracked”, we have much urgent business to discuss,” Sasha blushed, Trent thinking he caught a hint of humor in Knight Admiral Bhool’s parting words.
The bed on which he lay again began to sway gently as a dull white ceiling passed overhead. Sasha walked slowly at its side, her hand entwined with his. The soothing rocking pulled him slowly back into darkness, but this time not of one eternal, but one of pleasant dreams of a future he thought lost forever.
Jostling woke him and his eyes shot open to a dimly lit room fully decorated in a dark red motif, with rose covered crests adorning the doors, walls, and furniture. Sasha stood by the entryway, talking quietly to the thin man he recognized as the medical officer. After a moment, he bowed, exiting, and Sasha glided elegantly to his side, sitting lightly on the beds edge. With a smile that could melt anyone’s heart, she stared down upon him, placing her hand over his. Trent flushed, enamored by her goddess-like beauty.
Every part of her made his heart to race. Her long, silky black hair flowed over her feminine curves, while outlining her soft features that begged for his touch. Her emerald eyes swirled with her love, and an intelligence he had only begun to explore on Earth, one that when taken with her strength, sense of humor, and kind nature, made her looks all but meaningless.
Well, not that meaningless, he realized when his gaze lingered on her cleavage when she leaned towards him. She grab his chin and turn his eyes to look into her own, leaning in to kiss him deeply. Searing warmth flowed from her lips, momentarily washing away the pain that still gripped his flesh, before vanishing as she removed them.
“How do you feel?” she questioned with obvious concern. Trent forced another painful smile.
“Horrible,” he wheezed, laboring ov er his words, “like something tried to eat me from the inside,” Sasha put a finger to his lips and he tried to nibble it playfully.
“Do you remember what happened?” she asked, running her finger down his chin with a mischievous grin. He shook his head. “According to the medical officer, what you are experiencing is the side effect of the treatment to destroy those nasty HDP spores we were exposed too,” she pulled back her hand, pointing to her bracelet, “the Emperors Jewelry has an antimutagen protocol delivery system built-in that was able to destroy the spores before they had a chance to start the alteration process, “ she shivered, laying a hand on his chest. “I was fine after only two treatments, since somebody who seems to be trying his very best to get himself killed took the majority of the spores into himself, requiring so many treatments that his body was severely damaged!” Sasha leaned in close, her breath caressing his ear.
“Did I not tell you I would not forgive if you tried to throw your life away?” she scolded, the pain in her words making him want to embrace her, but his arms barely moved.
“If me, trying to save your life, is considered throwing it away, then I will gladly do it a million times over,” he responded weakly, but from his heart. She embraced him fiercely, sending waves of pain, intermingling with a calming warmth, throughout his body.
“I do not want to lose you,” her breath caressed his neck, “I do not care if it's selfish! But I let you into my heart and I do not think I could bear the pain of...of...” her trembling words caused him more grief then he could bear. Struggling against his bucking limbs, he reached his hands around her.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry,” he apologized, over and over, with all his love and all his caring. She pulled away, the look in her eyes telling she wanted him, as he wanted her. She climbed atop him like she was mounting a horse, pressing her lips against his, trying to devour him whole, and he let her.
The door chimed.
Sasha tensed, releasing her lips, a look of confusion passing within her eyes. She climbed off the bed, her skin flushed crimson like her dress, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in attempt to regain her composure. He smirked, repressing a laugh as he watched her confused embarrassment; she is beautiful, both body and mind, and I love her.
“Enter,” she squeaked. Trent couldn't suppress his laughter any longer. A very light, but painful blow struck his arm, Sasha’s gaze scolding him playfully. A moment later, three ladies, in dresses of green and white entered. Trent tried to stay awake, but felt himself being dragged back into sleep’s embrace, like a drug overwhelmed his mind.
“Well, well, well,” the sultry voice he remembered from his dream returned, “I'm not sure what's redder, Sasha, your face or your dress. What exactly were you doing to poor little old Trent?” joyous laughter followed him into a dreamless sleep.
*********
An oppressive silence hung over the ABF Alutia’s fleet command strategy room, like those present just stood witness to the star funeral of the emperor himself, and not Sasha’s recount of the events that took place at TSB Earth Base before its destruction.
She glanced to the left, letting none of her curiosity show, to where sat Knight Admiral Bhool, commander of the Alutia Battle Fleet and 1st ABF battle group, flanked by her second, Vice-Admiral Jia'Tog, and the commander of the 2nd ABF battle group, Vice-Admiral Sys’Kol, their expressions unreadable. She shifted her glance to the right, where the commander of the Terra Space Battalion, Knight Captain Quinn, sat beside the TSB’s vice-commander, Commander Daiyu, both appearing deeply troubled. Finally, her glance fell upon the single man seated directly across the table, Knight High-Admiral Baric, commander of the fleet gifted to Alutia by her brother, Crown Prince Kohan, sitting rigid, glaring in her direction.
“Forgive me, Your Grace,” Knight High-Admiral Baric started the moment their eyes met, “but I find this all very hard to believe
,” he stated with a dismissive wave.
“It is hard to believe, Sir Baric, but are you insinuating that Her Grace is lying?” Knight Admiral Bhool responded sharply, the ABF officers who lined the wall behind her, shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
“Of course not,” Sir Baric responded curtly, “it is just that Princess Sasha came into contact with a level one quarantine agent. It is highly probable it caused delusions or affected her memory of the event in question,” he explained, like he was stating the obvious. Sasha sighed, having already come to dislike Sir Baric, since every time they spoke he’d act as if she was a child playing grand duchess.
“I agree with Knight Admiral Bhool,” Knight Captain Quinn stated, his deep, overpowering baritone making those officers seated behind Sir Baric shrink back into their seats, “as farfetched as it might seem, we must take Grand Duchess Sasha's word in this matter and act immediately,” he nodded in her direction, caressing his dense grey beard. She smiled graciously, returning the nod.
“Regardless,” though it appeared Lady Bhool’s and Sir Quinn’s opinions matter little to Sir Baric, “I will not chance sacrificing my people in an attempt to contain a viral outbreak on an insignificant petty planet,” Sir Baric flipped his hand absently at the projection of Earth floating high above the large conference table.
“It is a shame you do not believe me, Sir Baric,” she started calmly, it taking her entire will not to shout, “but I have testimony which you will have no choice to believe,” Sasha placed her arm atop the table so all could clearly view her bracelet. But Sir Baric not only refused to look her in the eye, but started whispering with one of his officers, ignoring her completely. As she was about to explode to her feet, Tiana and Vickie squeezed her thighs, stopping her before she reacted as the man hoped, like spoiled child unfit to rule. She took a deep breath before clearing her throat loudly.
Alutia Rising, Anniversary Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 1) Page 41