Gigi
Page 13
In hindsight, he understood she’d used sex to control him. How was that even possible? Pendo’rahns dealt with each other honestly. He’d thought she’d really enjoyed their sparring, going as far as taking his ro’traal into her mouth several times. Pendo’rahn females considered oral sex disgusting, leaving the task to surrogates. Every time she’d performed it he’d foolishly thought she’d felt deep friendship for him.
She’d schemed, using her body to turn him into a traitor willing to bring shame to his family. He couldn’t go back home. By now everyone believed he was part of the plot to attack the prison. Of that crime he was innocent. No one in Pendo’rah would show him mercy once they learned of his disloyalty.
He’d misappropriated sensitive information concerning the branded couple. Gaal’ya had convinced him it would prove her innocence. What he’d done was considered a crime punishable by toq’ma’lal. The jid’rahal wouldn’t kill him so easily. He was a superior warrior. His days might be numbered, but he’d die trying to restore his honor. If he survived his injury, he’d make sure Gaal’ya paid for ruining his life.
Time slowed as he fought to stay awake. He didn’t know how long he’d been unconscious. He sat up gingerly and touched his chest, feeling the wound. It was closed, but by no means healed. It was partially covered by a patch of gel that didn’t belong to him. Memory of Gaal’ya’s attack rushed back. Groo’lat should be dead, but T’nbros had saved him.
He stood on shaky legs, then made his way to the comm panel. The council needed to be alerted before it was too late. After reaching the comm, he discovered a portable satellite with a holovid on standby. The transmission had been programmed with a forty-eight-hour delay, giving the fugitives a headstart. Security Chief Mah’yanna’s time might be running out. Working as fast as he could, Groo’lat activated the signal.
On his way out, he saw T’nbros lying on his side. Groo’lat noticed the scorch mark left by a pulse weapon. It was a horrible way to die, organs dissolving inside. Pendo’rahn warriors used their ro’traal for hand-to-hand combat. Only a merc or coward would possess such arms. The irony of it was T’nbros died by his own daughter’s hand. Perhaps there was justice after all, because of the way his life had come to an end.
Lord T’nbros was beyond his help. He needed to find an escape pod. Flying to Pra’mm would be dangerous, security would be tight. He didn’t know how he was going to stop the Kreeh-nosh, but he had to try. Restoring his family’s honor was all that mattered. One way or the other he was as good as dead. For Groo’lat this was a suicide mission. He’d reached the point of no return.
* * * *
The council chambers were packed to the limit the following morning. It was all so new and exciting like one of those spy movies. To avoid the holo-heads the warriors took them through a series of underground tunnels. Ooh-Baak’s office had a hidden entrance. How cool was that?
Gigi and Amada sat near the windows, which shielded them from prying eyes. They could still see the entire capital city, but the holo-heads—as Gigi liked to call them—couldn’t see inside. Ju’nii constantly took readings of her, which according to Amada, was just normal for Glaxians. Apparently, Ounna had done the same while she was pregnant.
Yesterday’s family reunion after ten years had been hard on Briq. It’d taken Gigi’s voice a little longer to relax him. He was edgier since breaking his addiction to the chemical inhibitor. She’d just kissed him and caressed his chest while singing his favorite aria. An hour later, he’d fallen fast asleep with a peaceful look on his face.
Now she and Amada waited in Ooh-Baak’s office while the men had their meeting. She was surprised to see Dru-lah so upset this morning. He was a very easy going guy. When she asked the reason, her sister mentioned something about Mah’yanna’s mission to the maximum security prison.
According to Amada, Dru-lah had the major hots for their sister-in-law, Mah’yanna. He expected to become permanently mated to her when he got back. Instead, she’d been sent on a recon mission. They were now hashing it out, because time was running out for Mah’yanna to complete her mating cycle.
“I’m so excited! I barely enjoyed my joining ceremony. It happened so fast.” Her new sister didn’t do anything halfway. She was either really mad or ecstatic. She wasn’t mellow.
“What do you have in mind for them? I’d like to help Dru-lah. He’s been very kind to us.”
“You’re not doing a thing, Gigi. I’m planning a double joining. It’s going to be one for the books. Mark my words. A thousand years from now they’ll still be talking about it.”
“Now I’m scared. Imagine the strokes my Briq, your giant and O’frahm will have trying to keep us safe. That’s a security nightmare in the making.”
Her sister grinned impishly, and said, “I know Zaaq-niq is so freaking cute when he gets in defense mode. Teasing him is easy, but I enjoy it, if you know what I mean?”
They kept talking in their corner while Amada fed the babies. The Glaxians hovered nearby with their scanners always on hand. The meeting with Dru-lah seemed to take forever. Gigi wanted to do something for him since he’d been there to plead their case.
Maybe she could arrange a soiree. It’d be an evening of dinner and songs for the couple. Her sister nodded in agreement at the idea and they settle in to plan the party. Gigi lost track of time. The men came back late in the afternoon. Ooh-Baak apologized for the delay, but after the meeting with Dru-lah they’d gone directly to meet with the Council of Six.
Mention of the council made her so nervous. O’frahm explained how the council represented the maximum authorities in the Protectorate. They were either the original founders or a direct descendent of one. The number six was due to the original six races who had founded the Protectorate—Glaxians, Quiinlyx, Trac’xians, Labonians, K’luk and Pendo’rahns.
The beliefs that Labonians were all smugglers without morals and Trac’xians surrogates or nannies were a misconception. Like Earth, every race had their good and bad. Many of the races were law-abiding members of the Protectorate. Just as many countries on Earth, some people were just out for themselves and didn’t represent what the majority stood for.
The Trac’xians, for example, lived by a strict class society. It was their way. No one had the right to dictate their traditions. Theirs was a warrior society much like Pendo’rah, but unlike Pendo’rahns, their females weren’t allowed in.
Trac’xian females served three basic roles—caste breeders, nannies and sex surrogates. A female born from the surrogate caste wasn’t allowed to take a mate. Sometimes a female from another caste could be indentured by a male in their family to pay a debt. It wasn’t fair in Gigi’s eyes, but who was she to judge an entire civilization?
The Labonians were considered by most as smelly and amoral. Reality was, they were excellent builders and engineers. When the Kreeh-nosh first invaded their home planet, many had been used as a food source and others as hard laborers. Their society had been sinking deep into anarchy by the time the Glaxians had found them. Order was restored, but those who were scattered throughout the galaxies survived by becoming mercs and smugglers.
“I apologize for the delay, but the Council of Six decided to move up the meeting. They were anxious to learn more about the conspiracy threatening the Protectorate.” Ooh-Baak explained how upon receiving preliminary reports they’d sent Mah’yanna on a factfinding mission and to gather more intel.
“The council should’ve waited for us to arrive. For all we know she could be walking right into a trap.”
Dru-lah’s outburst was unexpected, but they all knew why he acted out of character. Mah’yanna needed to complete the purification ritual and mate with him, but it was deeper for him. He was in love with her. Even knowing she was a skilled warrior didn’t matter. His instinct was to protect her.
“Brother, you know my sister is the best security chief in the armada. She won’t go blindly into a situation she can’t handle.” Zaaq-niq patted Dru-lah’s shoulder.
“My lords, please follow me. The council is calling an emergency session.”
Gigi had a feeling things were going to take a turn for the worse.
* * * *
Briq looked around the room, feeling the tension mounting with each step. The council rarely called emergency sessions.
“Hear all, the emergency session of the Protectorate council is now in order. You have been summoned because we’ve received an urgent message from K’luk’s moon’s prison.” The prime minister’s voice rang through the cavernous chambers. The holovid hummed to life and the message played out in front of a shocked crowd.
The images were too disturbing to be believed. Briq’s intel had been correct. A pack of Jog’nafan mercs had been hired to attack the prison that held Zu’thro and Gaal’ya. It clearly showed T’nbros’ and his daughter’s involvement in the strike.
What angered the assembly the most was T’nbros’ death by his own daughter’s hand. She’d fired on him in cold blood after he’d tried to take her away. She refused his offer, killing him with a pulse weapon.
“Protectorate council, I’m T’zaal, scientist and overlord of two powerful colonies. This message is for the House of Prahn-kril. Relinquish the Earth female in exchange for Security Chief Mah’yanna’s safe return. If you don’t comply, I’ll make sure her death is a shameful one. Her body will be used for my experiments. Just ask Briq how persuasive I can be. Yes, I know you and your mate requested sanctuary on Pendo’rah. My spies also reported she’s breeding. Briq, I’ll be waiting for you at the badlands. The sooner you bring Gigi, the less torture the security chief will endure. Gigi, her life is in your hands now.”
Not a single word was spoken while the holovid showed a pack of Jog’nafans ganging up on his sister. She tried to fight them off, but they were too many. The pack leader pointed a pulse weapon at her neck and disabled her biosuit neuro-link. In seconds, they had her collared and her arms maglocked behind her back.
Briq’s rage rose as he relived his capture and torture by the same monster who now had Mah’yanna. How could he choose between the brave warrior and the mate who’d given him back his life?
Tactical Officer Zu’thro had a personal vendetta with Amada after she’d stabbed him. The incident had left him minus an eye and a growing hatred for Zaaq-niq’s mate. Like T’zaal before him, his demand was clear—Mah’yanna’s life. This time in exchange for Amada’s.
“I’m free at last from your so-called prison. You should know I’m coming for the human called Amada. Nothing will stand in my way. I’ll kill her and consume her soul during dh’ram. Her strength will be mine. Her soul will be my fuel. To the House of Prahn-kril, we’ll make you pay for interfering with the empire. By the time we’re done, your security chief will be nothing but another whore.”
The House of Pran-kril watched stoically as Zu’thro held Mah’yanna by her neck. It took all their training as warriors to stand by and witness her abuse at the hands of the enemy. Briq held back his anger for Mor’u’s sake, but the beast clamored for revenge. Watching T’zaal threaten his sister’s life, offering her in exchange for his mate, filled him with terror. What if the council agreed to hand over Gigi to save Mah’yanna?
In an act of pure courage, his sister looked directly into her enemy’s eye. With the last of her strength, she spat in his face, then uttered the Pendo’rahn battle cry. “Drac’yaa, dra’lyaa, dra’ehn!”
An anguished roar escaped Briq’s lips. Time rolled back in a succession of disjointed images. He was once again a prisoner at the hands of the cruel scientist, forced to watch the young warrior’s rape. Her image was forever burned into his mind as T’zaal slit her open. The battle cry her last act of defiance.
* * * *
Briq’s fear rolled through like a thick mist, choking her. The despair pouring out of his soul threatened to consume her. There was no way out. She couldn’t breathe. The myriad of emotions were so conflicted Gigi didn’t know how to help him.
There were times at night when he’d toss and turn, whimpering. Others, he’d wake up drenched in sweat, screaming incoherently. Sometimes, she’d awaken to find his body tightly wrapped around hers.
Even the night she’d found him crouching in a corner growling didn’t compare to what he felt right now. It was raw, like having her soul ripped out over and over again. The image of a lost soul in hell condemned to relive the same pain for all eternity flashed in her mind.
Another loud roar joined her mate’s, followed by another until all the warriors joined in. Pretty soon the entire chamber reverberated with battle cries. In the back of her mind Gigi knew something had to be done. Her mate was entering a void that she couldn’t follow. Never, in all the time they’d shared, had she felt the darkness engulfing him as it did at this moment.
“Lady Gigi, my readings indicate your mate’s hormones are spiking dangerously.” Sweet Ju’nii with its endless scans. It was always hovering over them like the proverbial mother hen.
“Tell me what to do. I can feel the creature trying to take over. The pain is excruciating.”
“Just do what you always do, my lady. Hold him. Let him feel your presence. We know your voice calms him down. Just sing.”
Ooh-Baak held out his arms, trying to pull her away, but Gigi sidestepped him. Unsure of what to do, she reached for Briq’s hand and placed it on her rounded belly. He was feral, growling at anyone who dared approach him. He stiffened, ready to strike, but the beast scented her.
His growls became soft rumbles as she drew closer. She brought her arms around him and caressed the brand. He was still shaking, reason fighting against bloodlust. Gigi wasn’t aware of what transpired around. She focused on her mate.
A soft whimper gave her hope there was still time. “I know you’re there, my champion. Fight the darkness and come back to me. I need you. Your daughters need you.” She whispered, knowing how keen his hearing was.
She was vaguely aware of the cries for justice around her. In the background, Gigi could hear Dru-lah’s impassioned cry for swift justice. Dru-lah’s demand to head a rescue mission filtered through like in a dream. Ooh-Baak denied his request, claiming he was in no condition to go. None of them were, she thought grimly, but they were Mah’yanna’s best hope.
The song started as soft soothing whisper to ease her mate. It was the only thing that brought him out of his nightmares. She’d spent many hours locked in their room, rocking him to sleep as she sang lullabies. Without the chemical inhibitor, her voice was the only thing that kept him from spiraling into madness.
“Mor’u, my mor’u…”
“Shhh, it’s all right. I’m here, champion. I love you.”
“Daughter, I don’t know what you’ve done, but the council owes you a debt of gratitude.” Ooh-Baak gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head. Gigi looked up, her gaze traveling around the council chambers. All the lights from the signs representing each member were on. Everyone stood, their gazes riveted on her. “You’ve accomplished much today,” her father said. “For the first time in history, we’re of one mind. All the lights are on in agreement.” He grinned and patted her hand.
“Father, we must depart immediately. My sister is in the hands of two of the most brutal monsters in the Kreeh-nosh Empire.”
“No, your place is here with your mate, Briq.”
“You’re wrong, Father.” Gigi shook her head. “His place right now is on the Toq’ma’lal with Zaaq-niq and Dru-lah. Go, my champion, get your sister back. It’s time for you to face your monster. Let your healing begin.”
“I promise you, Mor’u, I’ll come back to you and our daughters.” Breaking convention, he reached out and held her face between his strong hands. What did he care if the entire council watched
as his lips touched hers?
More news came pouring in as it reached Ooh-Baak’s private chambers. According to reports streaming from the prison, the Kreeh-nosh colony had left the area without attacking. They were now battling against the Jog’nafan who’d stayed behind.
Media frenzy caused delays in communication. There were thousands of reporters swarming the area. It was only a matter of time before news of Mah’yanna’s capture reached all corners of the twin galaxies. Intel from her tactical cruiser was similar. The prison had suffered extensive damage and casualties.
A special crew from Pra’mm was dispatched to retrieve the fallen warriors. The council wanted T’nbros’ body brought to them. The elite warriors had lost three, including their commanding officer. They requested permission to follow the colony, but the council ordered them to stand down.
The goodbyes were bittersweet for both branded couples. Gigi saw how hard it was for the jid’rahal to leave his children. Underneath the fierce warrior exterior beat the heart of a loving father totally devoted to his family. It was the same with Briq. His love kept her firmly anchored.
The suns were setting by the time they made it out of the council building. Words failed to describe the scene before Gigi’s eyes. The troops assembled in textbook formation marched in perfect synchronization as far as she could see. Each clan was represented, their flags waving in the evening air. The warriors’ ro’traals gleamed against the Pendo’rahn twilight’s bright backdrop.
Gigi couldn’t help but compare them to a host of angels. Her champion was stunning in a new armor made with the best nanotech credits could buy. Xy stood beside him, looking imposing dressed in traditional Galadonian clothes.
“Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll look after the poor infatuated moron.”