Haven 1: Ascend

by Sandra R Neeley

  Chapter 16

  Vivian was dozing when Quin entered his bedroom that night. He was tired, exhausted from spending the afternoon and evening both preparing for Ambassador Bartholomew’s visit and again fielding questions from his too-perceptive mother. She knew he was hiding something from her. But he didn’t feel he had a choice. He’d not rightfully claimed Vivi, and until he did, he didn’t want his mother sniffing around. He entered his quarters half expecting Vivi to be missing again, but was pleasantly surprised to find her asleep — in their bed. He removed his clothing, stripping down to his underclothing, and climbed in bed beside her. He did not touch her, only tucked her purple blanket more tightly around her, then pulled up the coverlet as well and tucked it around her, too. He lay down beside her and closed his eyes, sleep very quickly taking him.

  Vivian woke when Quin entered the room. She feigned sleep when he disrobed and got in bed with her. She remained alert in case she needed to defend herself, but he lay quietly beside her and went to sleep. He didn’t try to take advantage of her. In fact, all he did was insure she was warm enough before he went to sleep himself. One corner of her mouth turned up in the darkness. She was beginning to think he was a good male — an honorable male. And she really, really hoped she was right.

  The sounds of humming and buzzing, along with the voices of several different males, woke her the next morning. Once awake the scent of hot metal assaulted her as well. Her Uncle Andrus had been an iron worker and blacksmith back on Earth. She’d watched him make many things from heated iron and steel — she was very familiar with the scent. She looked beside herself, hoping that Quin would still be there. Her heart pounded at the thought of males she didn’t know in her apartment — well, Quin’s apartment. Her heart dropped when she saw that he was not still beside her. She sat up quickly, looking for her weapons. There, they sat on the pillow Quin had slept on last night. He was always careful to leave them where she could easily find them. It was as though he knew she needed them to feel safe. But why would he leave her alone in the apartment with males when he was so insistent that she be with him or her guard. Her guard… maybe the voices were her guard. Then she heard a familiar voice, followed by a laugh. She smiled, her fear evaporating. It was Quin’s voice, and he was laughing. I like his laugh, she thought, smiling. She pulled on her socks, gathered her weapons, and went to find out what was going on outside the bedroom.

  Quin was laughing at a joke Ba Re’ made, teasing him about having so many human children he’d need ten cleansing tanks, when the men installing the tank stopped laughing and just stood, staring behind him. Quin turned to find Vivi, her weapons drawn, standing there in only his shirt and socks. Thankfully the shirt fell below her knees.

  Quin smiled, “Vivi! Did we wake you, my little one? We are installing a cleansing tank in our cleansing chamber so that you may clean as other women of your species do. I am concerned the cleansing foam we use will be too harsh for your skin, my Ehlealah.”

  Vivian didn’t answer or acknowledge that he spoke to her, she just stood, watching the males watching her. Slowly her eyes slid to Quin’s, then back to the males still watching her.

  Quin realized they were all staring at her, “Get back to work! You make my Ehlealah nervous.”

  The men returned to the task at hand, removing fixtures from the bathroom, cutting holes in the walls and running piping. She didn't know what they were doing, but from Quin’s words, apparently they were installing some new device for her to bathe with. She watched for a moment longer before gradually looking back at Quin. He smiled at her. Slowly she smiled back, then went to the kitchen looking for her bread rounds. She was trying to decide how to ask Missy to open the refrigerator without alerting Quin to her ability to communicate, when she heard Quin’s voice say from the other room, “Computer, open the food storage unit.”

  Vivian smiled to herself; he took care of her so well. She took her platter of bread rounds and one of the carafes of juice from the fridge, then went to sit on the sofa. She sat down and started eating. She stopped eating only to turn to face the back of the sofa she sat on and hold out one of her treasured bread rounds to Quin. He was surprised, but happily took it from her. “Thank you,” he said, smiling, as he inclined his head.

  “Told you she trusts you,” Ba Re’ said softly, a smile on his own face.

  Vivian spent more than an hour watching their bathroom being disassembled. And when she was about to go out of her mind wishing they’d all leave, so she could go check on her kitty, more males arrived. She was ready to scream until she saw what they were hauling. Her eyes grew large, her mouth dropped open, and she jumped up from the sofa. “Is that a bathtub? Oh my gosh! It’s a bathtub!” she shrieked happily. She jumped up and down, clapping her hands, then ran over to Quin, hugging his waist, “You got us a bathtub! Thank you, thank you!”

  Zha Quin wanted to answer her, but now he was the one pretending he didn’t know her language. So instead he just hugged her back, smiling at her indulgently.

  Ba Re’ chuckled at her excitement. “Seems she’s very excited about her cleansing tank.”

  “She is,” Zha Quin said. Then, “I wish we could understand her words,” with a pointed look at Ba Re’.

  Ba Re’ rolled his eyes, “Soon, Sire. I have no doubt.”

  Three hours later all the males were gone, and Zha Quin was demonstrating how to use the water controls. He couldn’t help but smile at the giggles that poured non-stop from his Vivi. She was so excited to be able to lounge in the cleansing tank. As soon as she was sure she knew how to control the water and the water temperature, she shooed Quin from the bathroom and stripped. She had no doubt that he wouldn’t hurt her. He’d had plenty of opportunity to take advantage of her and had been a complete gentleman. Even assigned her her own guard. She knew she was safe with him. So, when the tub was filled, she slipped into the water and lay back, groaning at the feel of her body being enveloped by clean, hot water. She laid her head back and closed her eyes, then almost jumped out of her skin when the doors whooshed open. She jumped to her feet reaching for her dagger with dripping hands as Quin entered the bathroom backwards. She watched him, confused, wondering, What is he doing? His back was to her, and he was slowly inching into the room backwards. He tossed something over his shoulder in her general direction. She didn’t even try to catch it. Still he didn’t turn around, but she laughed. So he knew she realized what it was. Vivian saw what landed in her bathwater and laughed — soap — it was a bar of soap. Then he tossed something else over his shoulder, this time she did reach out to catch it. She gasped, “It’s shampoo!”

  Quin then stepped sideways ‘til he stood beside the counter top. He placed the small brush at the end of a small plastic handle along with the tube of heavy mint flavored cream that Kol had told him was used to clean her teeth on the counter, beside the new sink they’d installed for her. He made a pointed effort not to look at her naked body in the mirror. He wanted her to see that he did not invade her privacy in any way. He wanted to earn not only her trust, but her respect. And his mother had taught him well; one must give respect to earn respect.

  Vivian watched Quin place a toothbrush and toothpaste on the counter top. “You even got me a toothbrush,” she whispered. She didn’t know whether to smile or cry happy tears.

  Quin’s teeth were on constant display because he couldn’t stop grinning — he was happy that he’d be able to please his little mate. He snarled at her, then left the room, the doors swooshing closed behind him.

  Quin said, “Enjoy your soak, my Ehlealah. I must go see to other things,” then left the room.

  Vivian decided she would do exactly that, then, she’d go feed her kitty.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  “There’s the ship, Sire. Ambassador Bartholomew is aboard.”

  “Open communications with them. Advise them I will deny all of them access if Malm is aboard,” Quin snapped, before mumbling, “Or blow them into fucking oblivion.” He sat tensel
y in his command chair, not looking away from the raised podium at the front of the room, where the image of the transport bringing the Consortium's ambassador to his Ehlealah’s aid was displayed.

  Almost immediately his ship received a return message. “We carry only Ambassador Bartholomew. We request permission to dock.”

  Zha Quin gave his transport officer one single nod, giving the male permission to proceed with standard docking protocol. His officer took over communications with the ship as he leaned forward to pinch the brow between his eyes at the top of his nose. He was stressed. He wanted to hold his Vivi, soothe her, show her what she meant to him, but she didn’t return the sentiment. True she did show signs of trust, and she’d been thrilled with his gift of her cleansing tank, but she just wasn’t at the same place he was. He needed her to understand that she was his. He needed her to look at him as he did her. He needed to feel wanted, loved. He’d waited so long for her. And now that he’d found her, she wasn’t invested in this as he was. In fact, he’d just confirmed that she’d been deceiving him. He’d been angry at first, then, he’d thought about it and realized that had he been in her place, that was exactly what he’d have done as well. Know your enemy. What better way to know your enemy than to watch, learn all you can. The only problem was that she considered him an enemy. But then he’d think of all she’d survived — all the things that he’d seen on the vids the twisted bastards had made of her abuse — and he’d send up a prayer of thanks that she even survived, and vow yet again, that he’d wait as long as it took for her to heal enough to realize that he was safe. He was home. He was her haven.

  “Sire, the Consortium ship has been confirmed in our gravity beams. The docking process has begun.”

  Zha Quin stood, “General, the Command Deck is yours.” He reached up clicking the portable comm in his ear, “Portable comm is active and online. I’ll be monitoring should I be needed. I’m going to greet the Ambassador.”

  General Lo’ San took the place Zha Quin vacated and smoothly, capably assumed command of the warship.

  Zha Quin exited the Command Deck and spoke to the ship’s computer the moment he stepped into the corridor, “Computer, secure comm.” He didn’t want any other to know of her deceit. Or to know that she wandered unescorted on his ship. He’d given her guard the command to stay far enough away from her that she could wander unhindered. He’d told them to oversee from a distance. If that meant they didn’t have eyes on her at all times, then so be it. But she was never to know that she was being observed, not even from a distance. They’d argued, but he’d insisted — she needed her freedom. He fought his every instinct to allow her the choice to move about at will. But he had to. His instinct was to hover, to protect her obsessively at all times. But he knew that she was safe aboard this vessel. All aboard had sworn allegiance to Cruestace in order to be in their military, aboard their premier warship. And, all had been advised that she was not only his, but nobility, his mate. Even if the rare occasion arose that some would decide to be less than kind to her, they’d never get off this ship. There was no escape, and they all knew there would be no mercy. He needed to allow her to wander so that she could figure out that she was not a prisoner. So, he relied on the computer to keep tabs on his wayward mate.

  “Done, Commander,” the computer responded via the comm in his ear.

  “Where is my Ehlealah?”

  “She is on the storage deck, Commander.”

  “What is she doing there?” he asked quietly, though a tense tone entered his voice.

  “She is sitting, Commander. Should I advise her that you have inquired?”

  “No. Do not advise her of anything regarding my inquiries. She is to believe that I am still unaware of her ability to communicate with you or to understand her words.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  “Is she alone?”

  “There are no warriors with her, Commander. Her guards are waiting one level up, in case they are needed.”

  “Very good. You will continue to update me through private comm as her movements change.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Ambassador Bartholomew’s stomach dropped as their ship was locked into the tractor beams of the Cruestaci warship. He hated the feeling of the sudden gravitational pull of the warship on their own. Moments later he could hear the scrape of metal as their small transport was pulled into the belly of the warship and locked into place. They waited as the pressure equalized, and the air lock was secured. Then the door raised, and the ramp unfolded, snapping into place on the docking podium they’d been secured against.

  The pilot and navigator both stood to precede him through the door, but he stopped them, “That won’t be necessary.”

  “We’re not only your pilots, sir, we are your security team. The Cruestaci can’t be trusted.”

  Bart smirked and stepped in front of the two, stopping them from walking in front of him, “They are warriors. Warriors have honor. They will honor you as long as you honor them.”

  “But, Sir, we were particularly chosen for this assignment, we speak English — we can help with interrogating the human female.”

  Bart turned on them, “We are not interrogating! We are counseling, healing. And in case you’ve not noticed, I am human and speak English as a first language. You will stand down. Your assistance is not required!”

  Chapter 17

  Zha Quin stood on the catwalk just above the docking podium, very easily hearing the conversation taking place inside the open door of the small transport ship they’d received. He gave no indication he’d heard, but was intrigued by the response of the Ambassador he’d yet to meet. Then the door was shadowed as a male stepped into view. He looked around as he exited the transport, a travel bag thrown casually over one shoulder. Dark hair, strong jaw and cheekbones, dark skin and large, dark eyes — not unlike his Vivi, though she was small in stature. He was dressed casually, wearing blue breeches like those that Kol had purchased for Vivi, and heavy black boots.

  Zha Quin stepped forward, “Ambassador Bartholomew? Welcome to Command Warship 1. I am Commander Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok.” Translations immediately followed his words in several languages.

  Ambassador Bartholomew stepped through the door to the transport he’d arrived on, and immediately locked eyes on the huge, red, horned alien awaiting him. The male was massive, extremely intimidating. He had two sets of horns proudly displayed on his head. One set grew from his forehead just at his brow bone. The second set grew from further back and curved toward the front of his head as an armor of sorts to protect his head in battle, no doubt. He was tall, at least seven and half feet, and red-skinned. His eyes were red, ringed with a circle of black, and he had long, long lashes framing them. His lips were full, his face intense, but not unpleasant, and it was impossible not to notice that every inch of this male was heavy with muscle, the striations clear under his skin wherever it was exposed. He stood strong on thick powerful legs encased in tanned leather-like breeches, heavy boots on his feet, a deep emerald-green cloak clasped about his shoulders with a single, thick golden chain. He was flanked by several warriors, all dressed similarly, sans the cloak. Some were obviously Cruestaci, others were not, but all were very threatening in their presence, both individually and as a military unit.

  Bart found it interesting that though he introduced himself by name, he claimed only the title of Commander of his ship, not Sire, future Sovereign of his planet. Bart was very pleased when the computer translated in his native language, English, so he responded in the same language. He spoke several, but it was the most comfortable for him. “Commander Tel Mo’ Kok, thank you for allowing my presence. I am Ambassador Victor Bartholomew,” he performed a deep bow, “Please, call me Bart.”

  “Very well — Bart. Please,” he indicated with a wave of his arm, “walk with me. Allow me to advise you of our situation as we walk.”

  “Thank you, Commander Tel Mo’ Kok.”

&n
bsp; Zha Quin regarded the male for a moment before deciding he liked this male. He smiled, displaying all his teeth, “You may call me,” he paused, thinking of the name that Vivi had assigned him, “Quin.”

  “Thank you, Quin. I appreciate the familiarity and your hospitality.”

  As they walked, Bart listened intently, not interrupting a single time. Quin explained how they overtook the ship, freed the women and killed the slavers. He described the various stages the women were in, and was wrapping up the briefing just as they approached an intersecting corridor. Quin said, “Of the more than thirty that we rescued, there are thirteen women left aboard. They either don’t want to go back to their home worlds, or refuse to interact enough to let us know what they want. I will give you access to all their medical files and the females themselves so that you might determine what is best for them. Help them. They cannot live here indefinitely. We are a warship.”

  Quin stopped walking, he stopped talking, and pressed his fingers to his ear, pursing his lips together. He watched the intersecting corridor up ahead as though he was expecting something or someone. Bart, surprised at his sudden stop and perusal of the corridor intersect up ahead, also turned his attention to the corridor crossing.

  Then, like a flash, a tiny, dark-haired, sprite-like girl, dressed in very over-sized clothing, ran past with what looked like a huge cat — it was almost half her size — in her arms. The cat’s front paws were draped over her shoulders on either side of her head and hanging a good way down her shoulder blades. The cat was facing behind her and glared at them as she ran past, not noticing them herself.