“Yes I will put it to the Council members. We meet later today. I think we have a lot to talk about. But now I’m afraid I must leave you, I have patients to see before the Council meeting” and Ileya stood up ready to leave “Go to the door please Julie, and ask for my scooter”.
Julie hurried to the door and one of the guards brought in Ileya’s little scooter. Julie said her goodbyes and followed Ileya out. Kylie went to her room to feed Anna and have a rest, so only Acorus and Jo were left. Turning to Jo, Acorus said “I need to go and make sure that my ship is ready to leave. We are leaving for Earth, in three or four days, after you have met the Queen and Council”.
“Are you going for more girls?”
“Yes, but don’t worry. I hope I can put your ideas in place”.
“Can I come with you?” Jo asked “I only saw a little part of the ship, when I was on it”.
“Won’t it be too tiring for you?”
“Well I expect I can sit down on the ship, can’t I? Please let me come. I have nothing else to do today” Jo pleaded.
“All right, but put on some sturdy outdoor clothes, while I call for transport” and Acorus headed for the door.
Jo hurriedly changed into some plain outdoor clothes and put her hair up. Pushing her feet into strong shoes, she hurried into the main chamber. She had expected Acorus to be waiting for her so when she discovered that the room was empty; she was at a bit of a loss about what to do. Just as she had decided to go and ask the guards where he was, he came out of Julie’s old room, which Jo realised, he must have taken as his own.
He was wearing his armour and Jo couldn’t stop herself from asking, why, when he was in his own city, and going to his own ship? He explained that body armour was just like being in one’s own skin. It breathed as skin breaths, kept him cool in hot climates and warm in cold climates. It was not like clothes, that could get in the way. The scales that could stand up, did that, when he flexed certain muscles, plus as General Acorus he needed to appear all powerful, easier to do in his armour than in a kaftan! When he completely closed his helmet, he was in a controlled environment, wherever he was.
They went out of the villa and the usual army vehicle and guards were waiting for them. Acorus helped Jo in and climbed in himself. Within seconds they were above the tree tops heading for the port. Landing on the jetty next to the most enormous awe inspiring machine, Jo gaped at it open mouthed. She knew that she had travelled on a large ship, but hadn’t envisaged anything like this. Knowing that she had been too frightened to take in the appearance of the ship when she disembarked, she wasn’t surprised that she hadn’t realised how awesome it was.
It seemed to hover above the water, as high as a hundred storey skyscraper and was, what seemed to Jo, to be miles long. She couldn’t see all of it so couldn’t tell whether it was round or oval. When Acorus lifted her out of the transport she just stood there gazing at it. To her surprise Tchu and Tjai joined her, when she expressed her surprise she was told that they must always be with her, now that her pregnancy was becoming obvious. It was one of the rules laid down by the Council, to make sure nothing was done to harm the baby.
As Acorus and his party headed towards the entrance hatch, a group of soldiers came out to meet them. They saluted Acorus and the chief officer spoke to him in Sceria, then he turned and led them into the ship. They stood in what Jo could only think of as an elevator, but it had no walls. When Jo put her hand out, into what she thought was empty air, she touched a material that seemed to wobble under her fingers. When Acorus saw her testing the sides, he told her that they were in a beam of energy, that would take them up exactly as Earth’s elevators worked. Jo could feel no movement although she knew that they were moving, and feeling a bit travel sick she put her hand out to him. He took it and drew her to him and once again she felt safe. He was telling her that it was this system that carried them from the shuttle ship down to Earth and back up again. This enabled them to take the girls without having to land.
Jo could see that all the officers on the ship were highly respectful of Acorus but not uncomfortable around him. As they moved into an area that she surmised was the flight deck, the heart of the ship, the soldiers and officers saluted but quite naturally returned to the job they had been doing.
Acorus moved from station to station talking to the soldiers easily and they answered quite freely. His men obviously liked their General. When he had inspected each operation on the deck he returned to Jo and said “Everything is good, no problems, so would you like me to show you the living quarters etc?”
Jo replied that she would love to see more of the ship, so he told Tchu and Tjai to take their ease; they were close enough to their Lady if she needed them. He led her back to the ‘elevator’, saying that the crew’s quarters were on the floor below. As they stepped out of the elevator, Jo could see a corridor going left and right. Acorus turned left and said that if they followed it round, they would return to where the ‘elevator’ was.
All along the corridor were doors, Acorus knocked on one and entered. It was a small room, like a cabin on a ship, there was one bed, a tall cupboard and an easy chair. Although it was furnished very simply, it felt cosy and comfortable, very tidy, as soldiers’ quarters were everywhere, nothing was lying around and the bed was made, tight and neat. Acorus explained that on a flight to Earth or any other planet, each crewman had a room to themselves, but for dangerous forays into unknown or hostile territory, another bed fitted over the one already there, making bunk beds. The beds and other items were stored in a building on the quay. Each ship could if necessary carry a thousand soldiers comfortably, with more; the lower ranks would be roughing it.
Between every twenty five doors were bathrooms, giant communal showers, latrines and separate cubicles. Everything was made of the substance Jo had first felt when she was abducted. One side of the corridor was blank wall, which curved very slightly, making Jo ask if the ship was circular.
“No it isn’t circular, more like a flat oval, with an oval hat on”.
When it seemed that they had walked miles already, they came to an open chamber, set up with tables and chairs, and the deep couches that Jo remembered. Acorus told her that this was the dining and recreation room for all the soldiers. Officers and other ranks all mucked in together, including Acorus. As with everything Sceriae, even in the army they all lived to the same standard.
Finally they arrived back at the ‘elevator’ and were taken down another floor. This level was where the kitchens and hospital were. The kitchen was enormous, spotlessly clean and Jo could smell delicious food being cooked. Her tummy rumbled and Acorus laughed and said that lunch would be ready soon; they would eat with his soldiers. Then he took her to see the hospital, which again was all perfect. The many machines, strategically placed, made her gasp with wonder. The testing machine, that had been used on her, was just one of dozens. There was also lots of pain relief machines as well as many she didn’t recognise.
After the kitchen and hospital deck they descended once again and Jo found herself back where it had all started. This was the deck where the girls had been kept. Seeing it reminded Jo of how frightened they all had been. She went very quiet and noticing this Acorus told her that this deck was usually used for transporting dignitaries from other planets or the Sceriae Council.
Jo was pleased to leave that deck, but found an even grimmer place one deck below. This deck was built like a prison, with cells simply furnished with a bed and some with nothing at all. Acorus explained that this was where they carried dangerous species, and that was all he would say. After looking at that deck quickly they got into the ‘elevator’ and rose to the dining room deck. Soldiers who were not on duty were heading in to lunch, so many ‘monsters’ at one time made Jo hang on to Acorus’ hand tightly.
When they reached the dining room Tchu and Tjai were waiting for Jo, Tchu asked her if she was alr
ight and Jo nodded that she was fine. They led Acorus and Jo to a table at the far end of the room, where two vacant chairs stood in the centre of the table, with no chairs at the front of them. As they sat down an officer to Acorus’ right stood up and issued an order in Sceria. All the soldiers took their helmets off and placed them under their chairs.
Looking around Jo could only marvel at how good looking all Sceriae males were. Acorus saw her looking round, and bending close to her ear said “I can see you ogling my men. Such wanton behaviour will have to be punished later!”
Jo laughed and said “I was thinking that any prostitutes who saw this, would think they had died and gone to heaven”.
The officer, who had spoken before, stood up and spoke in English, “General, we are delighted to have you to lunch, along with your extremely beautiful mate, who we know is not only beautiful but brave too. Soldiers, let us show our appreciation to Lady Jo-Anna for saving our General’s life”.
All the soldiers stood up and saluted Jo, and there was foot stamping and cheering before the officer signalled them to sit down. Jo had blushed deeply, but she managed to stand up and say “Thank you; I am honoured to be here”.
Food was carried in and placed on all the tables and everyone helped themselves and ate heartily. One of the soldiers serving her table caught her eye, and leaning towards Acorus, she whispered “Isn’t that the one from the Chomanay camp?”
“Yes, I took your advice and put him on permanent kitchen duty, for a month. The chefs here are making his life a misery! But thanks to you, at least he has a life” and he called the soldier over to him. Pointing at Jo, Acorus spoke quietly to the youngster, who bowing his head and speaking haltingly in English said “Lady Jo-Anna, I thank you for my life. If not for you, the truth would not be found. Because of you I now have a future”.
Jo smiled at him and said “We are all permitted one bad judgement call. Make me proud of you in future. That is all I ask of you”.
The soldier saluted her and then he did a strange thing, he put two fingers to his eyes and then pointed them at her, then he went about his duties. Puzzled, Jo asked Acorus what that meant. He told her it meant that the soldier was now hers, and he would protect her to his death, a high honour indeed!
Jo felt tears well up and bit her lip to get control, so to change the subject she turned to the officer on her left and asked him what his duties were aboard the ship. When they had finished eating Acorus had some discussions with some of his officers about what needed to be finished before they would be completely ready to leave for Earth.
Jo was left with Tchu, Tjai and some junior officers, who wanted to know what life was like on Earth and what she thought of Scerior. Very carefully they skirted round her abduction and what she felt about that. She was very circumspect about what she said about Scerior and she also, didn’t mention her abduction. Telling them about life on Earth, she concentrated on family, work and leisure pursuits.
They asked her about Earth’s music, television, films and the animals that lived with humans. From what they said Jo could see that they were fascinated by the lives humans led. They couldn’t understand that Earth was not just Earth, as Scerior was just Scerior, but hundreds of different countries, with different coloured people and different languages, ruled by many different types of governments.
Jo was becoming quite tired, answering all their questions, and Tchu cut in to say that she had talked enough. Jo would have loved to speak much longer with the officers but knew that she mustn’t tire herself too much.
One question she really wanted to ask was what they thought about bringing prostitutes from Earth to Scerior, but she was too embarrassed among that crowd of males. She knew that nearly all of them didn’t have a mate, or partner as she preferred to call it. Also she could feel the desire that they felt for her, and she should have felt nervous, but they were all so polite that she didn’t.
She said that she was tired, but she would like to visit and talk with them again. They stood aside so that she could go to Acorus, and as she made her farewells, many of them did the two fingered eye to eye salute. Feeling humbled, but swearing that she would get more girls for Scerior she went to Acorus. He turned to her, saw how tired she looked and finished his discussion with the senior officers. He drew her to him, but Jo, seeing how the soldiers looked at him with envy, pulled away and turning to the officers thanked them for lunch and entertaining her. They all saluted her and with Acorus leading the way, while putting on his helmet, they exited the ship. He helped her into their transport and in a very short time they were back in the villa.
Tchu and Tjai fussed around her, so while she had a shower and a massage with special oils, Acorus quickly showered and changed, and went to visit Kylie and Anna. Tjai concentrated on Jo’s stomach, gently rubbing in the special oil that would prevent stretch marks and keep her muscles elastic. As she changed oils and moved down Jo’s legs and feet, Jo felt herself drifting off to sleep. When Tjai had finished the massage she covered Jo with a sheet and left her to sleep.
Chapter 23
Acorus stood just inside the bathroom door, looking at Jo fast asleep on the massage table. She looked so young, delicate and vulnerable, with her hair fanned out over the table and her long lashes fluttering on her cheeks. He quietly moved to the table and pulled the sheet from her body. His eyes glittered and his breathing quickened as it had when he first saw her on the ship.
Then it had been pure lust, mixed with excitement that her body was his to do with as he pleased. Now he knew her, not just her body, but her quick agile brain, her loving kind nature and above all her sheer courage, he felt strange feelings that he had never experienced before.
If he had been human, he would have recognised those feelings as love, but the Sceriae had no such word in their language. He knew about pride, loyalty, courage and friendship, but this feeling was way beyond those. He had felt pity, and anger at the way she had been used, for Kylie. He had also felt pride at the way in which she had blossomed under his care. When in the midst of passion he had spoken in Sceria, he had not said ‘I love you Jo-Anna ‘but ‘you are mine alone Jo-Anna.
Looking at her now he could contain his passion no longer, so taking her in his arms he carried her through to the bedroom. As he laid her on the bed her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at seeing him. The feeling in his chest felt as if it might burst, and shrugging off his kaftan, he took her foot in his mouth and nibbled her toes, rubbing his hand up her leg, to her sex, which he was pleased to find already wet. As his mouth worked its way up her leg she gasped and squirmed, but didn’t try to stop him. As he reached her wet throbbing core, she moaned and called out his name. Using one large hand to keep her firmly in down he teased her with his tongue. Finding her clitoris he sucked and nibbled her, until she climaxed in a shuddering wave.
Before she could move, he had moved up and into her in one swift, smooth thrust. She gasped at the size of him, but he moved gently, so as not to hurt her or the baby. As he reached orgasm he felt her join him and once again they came together. He gently rolled off her, putting a hand on her swollen stomach, rubbing it gently. She snuggled into him and they lay there, letting the beating of their hearts return to normal.
Then Jo’s stomach rumbled and Acorus said “Our daughter is hungry, I will go and call for supper”.
Picking up his kaftan he slipped it on as he headed for the door, striding through the main chamber he opened that door and spoke to the guards. Returning to Jo he found her still in the same position. As he came into the bedroom, she grinned at him, opening her eyes and her legs wide. He chuckled and said “You wanton hussy, if you keep on doing that, I won’t be responsible for my actions”.
Once again her stomach rumbled and rolling to the side of the bed she sat up saying “If I don’t eat soon, your daughter will climb out and fetch it herself!”
Acorus went to the cup
board where her kaftans were kept and taking one handed it to her. She pulled it on and stood up. As the kaftan fell down covering her body, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly “Come” he said “supper will be laid in the main chamber”. Hand in hand they went through the door, just as their supper was being put on the table.
Once again it was Tchu and Tjai, no Tsu, so this time Jo asked where she was.
Tjai looked down and Jo could sense that she was embarrassed, “Is she ill? If she is, why wasn’t I told?”
Tchu quickly replied “No, she is not ill” and pressed her lips tightly together.
Acorus came to her rescue “Don’t worry Tchu, I will explain to Jo where Tsu is.
Bowing with obvious relief Tchu ushered Tjai out of the room.
Jo frowned at Acorus who was trying not to laugh “What?”
“How can I put this?” he mused “Right, well in your language, she is getting married”.
“But why didn’t she tell me? I thought we were friends. I could have bought her a wedding present”.
Acorus laughed at her “Getting married is a very private thing with the Escorii. She would not talk about it even to Tchu or Tjai. Her father picks her mate and that is that”.
“Oh, how medieval” Jo gasped “I thought they were an advanced race”.
“They are. Their minds rule everything. Politeness is the most important thing to them. Don’t ask me how they mate because nobody knows. They have lived with the Sceriae for a very long time and apart from the fact that they are kind, loyal, and hard working we know nothing about them. That is the way they want it. It would be very rude to press them on personal matters”.
“But they know everything about us, aren’t they ever shocked?” Jo could feel herself blushing.
“Frequently” laughed Acorus “But they are too polite to show it. I think they look on us as animals that they are needed to care for”.
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