In the Arms of the Dragon Princes

by Jessica Miller

“Oh yes Fonte, oh…oh… yeeees!” she cried out as he entered her, and like Cardel, he filled her completely as no one but they ever had. His pulsing desire sent her own body pulsing faster until she stiffened with a cry of pleasure. Then another and another before the final explosion that was again body shaking and left them both gasping for air.

  “Damn guys, that was…was…” she had no words.

  “Fun?” Fonte said.

  “Needed?” Cardel asked.

  “Yes,” she answered them both.

  *****

  Melissa watched as the captain drove up late in the afternoon. She had changed clothes and was feeling ready for anything. Her new friends had been right; she had needed that time with them. As the captain got out of the silent sled she noticed he was no longer limping and he looked healthy and focused. He smiled up at her and she returned it. She guessed Ilona agreed with him too.

  “Hello Captain. It is good to see you. Any news?” she could not help asking. He nodded as he came up the steps.

  “You’re looking good Mac. The healers here are amazing. Our doctors could learn a thing or two. I have no worries about the ambassador.”

  She grinned and agreed.

  “Your people are healing up as well I hope.”

  He smiled and nodded.

  “Yeah, almost back to normal. Is there a place we can go to talk?” he asked. She led him into the house. He had been gone all day.

  “Sure, I have some food on the veranda. It is about dinner time I think. I am hungry anyway, you?” she asked. He was.

  They loaded plates with a meat and rice dish the cook, Daria, had made for them and went to a little table on the far side of the veranda. He launched right into it.

  “I understand that your bosses don’t fill you in on things, but for me to work with you I need to keep you informed. If something comes up I don’t want to have to explain. Are you alright with that?” he asked.

  A year earlier she might have had an issue with the breach in protocol. Now though, it was a difficult situation and she needed the information. So she agreed.

  “Good. First off, they have tracked the separatists to some underground tunnels. There are parts of this planet that are riddled with them. It looks like they are closing in and I have several of my people leading the team that is searching,” he said and she nodded.

  “Ok, how come you are not leading them Captain? I am sure your soldiers are good, it is not that, only I would have thought you took command privilege,” she told him.

  “Priorities Mac. Ultimately my responsibility is security for you and the ambassador. There is no telling if there is something we are missing about these guys. I don’t want to find out too late, so I will collect my data here. Closer to you and the boss. This village is safe and the inhabitants have all checked out with the Ilona government. The ambassador is doing better than we thought. They say now she will be up tomorrow,” he said. Melissa gave a little cheer and he grinned. Then his grin faded.

  “Yeah it is good news. I have been hearing some things I don’t like though, rumblings from above. Scuttlebutt has it that your home office is thinking of scrapping the whole idea of keeping an embassy on Ilona,” he told her and Melissa was shocked.

  “That isn’t what they told me earlier. They were pretty determined that no terrorism was going to cause us to change course. There is too much at stake with the trade deals and all,” she said with a frown. He shrugged.

  “It could just be rumor, but I know my superiors have been asked to come up with an extraction plan for everyone in case this thing goes further south. The ship we came in was damaged beyond repair during the attack. I think it is stupid. Trade aside we need to have our healers study with theirs. I am serious about that too. Half of my people that were injured would not have made it with our own doctors and the ambassador herself would have been D.O.A.” he said with conviction.

  “Well, I am not in a position to advance anything, but I will mention it to Rosanna when she is up and around. I am sure she will be into that. It is right up her alley and I would guess the Ilona would have no problem with it either,” she told him. He nodded and they fell silent for a time. Then a thought struck Melissa.

  “Hey Captain? Is it just me or does it seem like any separatists from earth would need someone familiar with Ilona territory to pull this off?”

  His eyebrows raised slightly and he gave a grim smile.

  “Yeah I have wondered about that. Everyone thinks it is impossible but it seems likely. I mean, no humans have been on Ilona for twenty-five years and that was the first contact team. They would not have been able to advise separatists about where to hide or how to disappear so fast. That really gets me too. We should have had them at the landing field, but no, they disappeared so fast it was like they weren’t there. It is difficult to believe that both separatist groups are communicating with each other but I don’t know what else to think,” he paused then smiled.

  “You are good at this. I hope you don’t mind if I hit you up for a chat now and then. It helps me think things through.”

  Melissa smiled and said ok. She was flattered he would want her opinion. She remembered her friends Fonte and Cardel telling her to think better of herself.

  “If you have the time Captain, could you use a drink?”

  He agreed and they went into a larger gathering room that had a bar.

  Melissa’s liaisons joined them, as did the captain’s Ilona military liaison. A tough looking Ilona woman named Mistally. She managed to keep her comments on that to herself. It would be a bit hypocritical. A few off duty soldiers came in and were offered a drink and it was a nice relaxing time. Sergeant Jones had seemed a bit morose, but perked up after a drink and something to eat. The other two soldiers were in good spirits. Melissa broke the little party up early because she wanted to get some work done the next day. Especially if Rosanna was back in the saddle again.

  ***

  “Miss Mac? Miss Mac?” Melissa heard as she was waking up. It sounded like Lenah outside her bedroom door.

  “Yes Lenah, what’s up?” she asked stretching and bumping a sleeping Cardel next to her.

  “Your ambassador, she is asking for you,” she heard her say and immediately sat up straight.

  “I will be right out, and thank you,” she told her sliding off the end of the bed and going to the closet.

  Melissa quickly chose some clothes and got dressed. Her choice was more formal than the previous day so as not to freak out Rosanna. The guys got up as she was pulling her bodysuit on.

  “My boss is up; I have to go. Sorry to sleep and run,” she told them smiling. They laughed.

  “It’s your home. We will join you there Melissa. I hope it goes well,” Fonte said as he got out of bed and headed for the facilities.

  She had not planned on sleeping with her liaisons again but after the get together the night before, they had been so sweet and kind. So attentive to her every need that one thing had led to another. It was odd having two boyfriends when she had not actually had one boyfriend since she got her job.

  Melissa pulled on blue silk trousers and a silk blouse that she tucked in. She did keep it unbuttoned to between her breasts since she was decently covered by her bodysuit. A quick brush of her hair and a head band completed her preparations for work. She kissed the guys and left quickly. She was amazed that the captain was waiting on the steps.

  “That was fast. Great, let’s go,” he said and she jumped into the vehicle and they were off. It was just getting light and there were few people on the road so they made good time.

  “When did she wake up?” Melissa asked.

  “Not long ago. The healer was giving her the once over when I got the call. I came right here. She did ask for us specifically,” he said with a glance. Both of them, she thought to herself. That was odd. Melissa was usually the go between with her boss and the guards. They pulled up to the medical center and her liaisons were waiting. She wasn’t even going to ask how they bea
t her there.

  “Before we go in Mac I wanted to ask you to keep your eyes and ears open. Something doesn’t feel right about this. I am glad your friends came. They will be extra eyes on your behalf,” he said with a slight smile before leading her up the steps. Cardel and Fonte fell in behind her.

  So the captain guessed she was spending time with them. She was beginning to get nervous about what her boss might think. She wasn’t specifically breaking any regulations beyond, maybe, her appearance the day before. Technically they could have sex with who they wanted. For some reason Melissa did not think that would be the woman’s reaction to her assistant playing with the aliens.

  They turned a corner going down the hall and saw the king, with a few of his people waiting by a door as well as a human guard, Sergeant Jones. The captain nodded to the woman and she returned it.

  “Greetings Your Majesty, you honor us with your presence,” Melissa said as they got close and bowed. Captain Lancer followed suit.

  “You are welcome. I came as soon as I heard she was well. I have a request if I may. She said she spoke to your home office and the plans for an alliance have been set aside. I would very much appreciate it if you would talk to her about that. I do not understand. Despite the horrific events, this alliance is good for both of our people. Please remind her of that. She will not discuss it with me and I am disturbed,” he said. Having a king of a whole planetary system ask for her help was a little alarming to Melissa. Fortunately, she did agree with the king’s point. She was disturbed by it too.

  “I will speak for you Your Majesty, I promise,” she told him.

  Entering the room, her boss was in a chair by the window signing off a communications system. She looked flawless, as always, except she was looking worried and scared.

  “Ambassador,” both she and the captain greeted her.

  “It is good to see you well Ma’am,” Melissa told her.

  “Thank you. I am glad you both came out alright. Sergeant Jones has been filling me in. It is a horrible thing that happened. Just horrible. I understand why the council has decided to back off of the full alliance with Ilona. We will still be able to do some trading, but having an embassy here is just too dangerous,” she told them straight out. It took Melissa a moment to think of something to say. The captain did not have that problem.

  “That is ill advised Ambassador. I am certain most of the trading they do with us outside of any alliance will be inconsequential. The big problem is caving in to the separatists. If we back out once, they will do this again and again, knowing we will give in to their demands. Not only that, we have not caught them yet. Until we do, trying to leave the planet will be dicey at best. Since your security is my responsibility, I would advise against it,” he said.

  “I have always admired your focus on your duty. It did not detect the separatists though, did it Captain?” the ambassador said tactlessly. There was a growl from Captain Lancer.

  “Those were my troops, not yours, that died out there saving your life Ambassador. Whoever is behind this has help from high up and probably Ilona help as well. It is the only thing that makes sense. Especially since the council changed their tune overnight. There is more going on than meets the eye. Even if you want to scrap the alliance, leaving any time soon could be suicidal.”

  The ambassador’s eyes narrowed and Melissa spoke up.

  “May I have a moment with the ambassador, Captain?” she asked him formally. He glanced at her and nodded. He glared at the ambassador and turned on his heel and left the room.

  “I am your assistant Rosanna. Are you going to tell me what is going on? You have the king freaking out over this and are on the edge of creating an intergalactic incident. Does the council not understand this? We need to stay and see this through, whether we stick to the alliance or not. The Earth Federation is not the only one who lost people. The Ilona lost as many personnel as we did. Not only will this destroy any good chance at trade with Ilona, no other planet is going to want to have anything to do with us if we cut and run so fast.”

  Rosanna sighed and shook her head.

  “Where ever did you learn ideas like that?” she asked.

  “From you!” Melissa told her coldly. She did not understand what was going on and her boss was not making any kind of diplomatic sense.

  “Things change and we must change with them. Besides, from what I hear you have been going native here on Ilona.”

  Melissa’s eyebrows went up.

  “Actually, Madam Ambassador, I have been continuing the only work allowed me. I have been studying the culture and discussing the differences with our liaisons. Exactly as I was ordered to do yesterday by the council. I have only been on my feet for a day. I do not understand the problem with my work,” she told her boss firmly.

  “I don’t remember your instructions involving sleeping with your liaisons!” Rosanna said coming to her feet. Melissa felt a blush come to her face and Rosanna pointed at her.

  “See, I was right. What have you to say to that assistant!” she yelled at Melissa.

  Any embarrassment she might have had paled by hearing Rosanna Torrance raise her voice. She never raised her voice in any situation. Melissa cocked her head to the side and she glanced at the communications equipment, wondering who the woman had been talking too. There was something very wrong with the ambassador.

  “Nowhere in the regs or protocol does it say I cannot choose my own bed partners, if it suits me. I do not require your approval,” she said softly.

  “No it does not. You will, however, need my support if you ever want another job after this because I assure you, you do not have one with me anymore,” she told Melissa. It left her stunned that after three years her boss would say that to her. She held firm however, supported by her anger.

  “I don’t think I have to worry about my career, after you pull out of here my name will forever be attached to your name. So my career will be as dead as yours will be. Whoever is pushing you into this knows it too. So maybe you want to ask yourself, who is trying to destroy you Ambassador. I am a small fish, no one is after my job,” she said. “I will go back home and wait for you there, Ambassador. Let me know what you decide to do,” Melissa finished.

  “The decision is already made,” Melissa shook her head.

  “I doubt it, because you really are not as stupid as you are acting. I know that much. So are you going to come to the residence they have set aside for us?” she asked sourly. Remembering she would be sharing the same house with her. The woman shook her head.

  “No, the king has said I may remain here until a ship comes for us. I have what I need,” she said. Melissa turned and walked out of the room afraid of what she might say to her former boss and friend. The king and the others had moved down the hall, out of earshot. Sergeant Jones was the only one directly outside. She smirked and went in when Melissa left. That seemed strange to her and Captain Lancer was furious. The king was worried. As she approached he bowed low.

  “My apologies my dear. I did not wish to begin any trouble between the ambassador and you,” he said. Melissa let out a deep breath. The king’s kindness helped her.

  “No worries Your Majesty. Your request only reinforced what was already in my mind to say. Unfortunately, I may be out of a job. Since she is staying here, is it permissible for me to remain at the residence for the time being?” she asked and he smiled slightly.

  “Of course you may. As long as you like. The staff and liaisons love you, so you are no bother,” he said.

  “Thank you Your Grace. I will continue trying to figure out what is going on because none of this is making sense,” she told him and glanced at the captain. He was staring at the ambassador’s door.

  “Thank you. Your communication device at the residence can reach my people. Feel free to contact me if something occurs to you. I could use any insight you may have. I will do the same.”

  She thanked him and bowed with the captain. Then they left. They went a few turnings an
d then stepped into a vacant room.

  “Ok, what the hell happened Mac? I thought me leaving would calm things down,” he stated.

  “Me too. Funny how things work out. Somebody is pushing her buttons. It has to be, because I realized there at the end that Rosanna Torrance is not that stupid or reckless. She is getting pressured. It is weird. Speaking of weird, what is up with Jones?” she asked him he snarled.

  “She came here last night and accepted the ambassador’s offer to be her guard. Personal guard. She never said a word about it to me and now will not take my orders. I told her to find another uniform,” he said disgustedly. Melissa did not blame him.

  “I would suggest cutting her out of the information loop. It just occurred to me that she may be the one telling tales to my boss. Or old boss. She knew all about the use I put my spare time to yesterday,” Melissa told him.

  “So what. It is none of her business is it?”

  Melissa sighed at his words.

  “Technically no, but she is making it so.”

  “Actually, I am now beginning to wonder about Jones. If we believe the separatists had help from Ilona and as I mentioned to the ambassador, from our team as well, Jones could be part of the problem. Damn I am not trusting anyone right now. We have to get to the bottom of this. You are almost the last one I trust so don’t go doing anything weird, ok?” he told her jokingly.

  She started laughing and it snow balled until she actually had to sit down until her laughter retreated to giggles. He was watching her with his arms crossed, waiting for her to calm down.

  “It wasn’t that funny,” he told her when she had.

  “You want to hear weird Captain? In just about twenty-four hours I have: nearly been blown up, became temporarily head of our embassy, dated two men at once, got fired, lost a friend over it and now, I am apparently advisor to the King of Ilona when I have no idea what is actually going on,” she finished. It was his turn to laugh. She started up again and by the time they were done it was time to go home.

  It was strange, but after a day the villa did feel like home. She saw Cardel and Fonte at the vehicle and felt a warm flush in her center. She realized she was really falling for those two guys. In one day’s time!