by Erin Tate
They were loyal. Two thousand two hundred and five Doshan males and one annoying Toshan. If he did not respect Sampson for his accomplishments, Kede would pound him into the ground.
But he did, so he didn’t. Damn the darkness.
The Communications—Comm—Commander strode into the space, his steps stuttering when his gaze landed on the seated males and Joyce snuggled in his arms. He seemed to catch himself and slid to a stop and saluted.
“Report.” He snapped out the word. He did not like how the male stared at Joyce.
“They have all agreed, Commander.”
“Agreed to what?” Joyce spoke up and Kede swallowed his groan.
“Nothing, my harae.”
Then she stiffened and he truly did groan for he recognized the tension within her. She was gearing up for a ‘raging ball of hatefire.’ He did not like those words, but that did not make them untrue.
“Kede?”
He sighed and finally admitted defeat. “When you entered your Needing, Suthta, Yare, Hassee, and Resane spoke with the other commanders on the ship. These are high-ranking, respected males. They serve under me and I only allow the strongest of both body and mind on my ship. If they speak their truths, their Houses will listen.”
“Not all of them,” she grumbled.
“No, though even Terra has their dissidents when others make decisions.”
“Good point. Continue.” She waved her hand and he ignored the sudden tension in the males. To others, it appeared to be disrespect. To Kede and his friends, it was merely Joyce being Joyce.
“They detailed the plan and encoded it to the warriors.”
“Which ones? The commander guys?” Her question caused more stiffening.
“No, all of them. They each received the same set of questions and were asked to respond.”
“And… Like pulling teeth here,” she groused.
Sampson chuckled and Kede glared at the male. He would happily send the ex-Terran out an airlock. Unfortunately, the male’s commander would be disappointed if he disappeared.
“They were provided with the facts regarding your arrival on the Vehly and your subsequent transition. A vid of the councilmen’s arrival and their actions until we stepped into my quarters was also included. Visuals were not provided of your nude body, but no detail was spared, my harae, and I beg your forgiveness for the violation.” He had nearly beheaded Resane when he’d heard the male’s truths.
“Will it help the warriors? Will it help you guys be given a fair shake when all is said and done?” He could barely hear her words.
“Yes, they will.”
“Then I’ll pretend you all didn’t see me cry like a baby when the chocolate tried to kill me.” Her laugh was hoarse and false. He would soothe her when they were alone. “What did you ask for them to vote on?”
“Whether they agreed to our plan to force the hand of the Terrans, Councilmen, and Planetary Collective in one sweep and who on the Vehly they would like as their High Warrior for the next six months. We will make no new laws hindering our males though there are several that will be loosened based on the warriors’ responses.” Kede tilted his head toward the comm commander. “He is here to report.”
With that, the male expressed their caste’s desires to save the identity of their chosen representative. That would be decoded before the gathering tomorrow so all could see no subterfuge determined the election.
“They are in favor of our terms, Commander. The High Warrior will have the caste’s support and all voe-ted,” —not all his warriors were familiar with Terran terminology quite yet— “for altering the laws regarding females. They desire the ability to approach a female for possible joining. They also are in favor of negotiating with Terra. The option to choose their own destiny was also met with great favor.”
Kede forced that option into the message. Warriors were always trained to fight and should they not wish to wield their blades, they were allowed to become medicos. There was no other option. Kede thought of his young nephew. At four turnings, he already exhibited the traits of a warrior. He did not want the sweetness beaten from the boy. Not if he chose another path.
“And a High Warrior? Was that decided as well?”
There were millions of warriors and Kede refused to accept the position if their caste had another wish.
“Yes, Commander.”
“Excellent.” He tilted his head in welcome. “Thank you for your diligence, Comm Commander. We will see what tomorrow holds.”
The male moved to turn and then faced Kede once again. “The males wish to offer their thanks for your strength and give blessings on your joining. The ship’s comm was flooded with congratulations, Commander. We support you no matter what tomorrow may bring.”
The weight of their belief settled on his shoulders and it nearly drowned him in the responsibility. Not since he was first placed at the helm of a small pod did he feel such fear.
Then Joyce stirred, her small palm flat against his chest and resting over his heart, and some of those emotions bled away. She was the reason they would tear apart the Doshan government.
One single female would either destroy millennia of history or mold it into something that was greater than any other. He placed a finger beneath her chin and urged her to meet his gaze. He stared into the mis-matched eyes of the female who would raise or demolish an entire race.
Destruction in a short, vibrant package.
And he loved her more than the bright light.
The silence stretched and he finally turned his attention to the gathered males. “We’ll disband for now. I will see you all tomorrow at the gathering. The meeting will be broadcast throughout the ship and beyond. Every warrior will know the outcome. Make sure our guests are properly monitored this night and ensure the Terrans are fully searched before being granted access beyond the hold. I will have no violence on my ship. If they do not relinquish weapons, they are ejected from the Vehly.”
“In what way, Commander?” the security commander spoke up.
“However you deem fit though I would prefer not to turn them into…” He glanced at Joyce. “Terran-cicles?” At her nod, he repeated the phrase. “I would prefer not to turn them into Terran-cicles. Dismissed.”
In truth, he would love to send Wardsen into space, but he would refrain. For now. It would be up to the new High Warrior to make that choice tomorrow.
Wardsen should pray Kede was not placed in office. He should pray very hard.
* * *
Still snug in Kede’s arms, Joyce watched the males file from their suite. One after another saluted her harau and then took his leave. It was not long before they were alone in their space.
Mostly.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, Resane remained and was focused on her.
“Joyce? Do you need me?”
Kede stiffened and she soothed him with a gentle stroke.
“Yes, I’m concerned I lost too much weight through, you know, that thing that happened.” Ugh. She felt so weird talking about her fuckfest with her male friend even if he were a medico.
Resane frowned. “Stand please.” He turned toward Kede’s command center and she noted he’d brought along one of his bags-o-tricks. Lovely.
She pushed from the couch, frowning at Kede when he tried to keep her in his arms. “We gotta figure this out and then we’ll get some peace.”
He harrumphed and released her.
In no time, Resane was before her, small device in one hand while he placed another on the ground. She eyed the little globe-y thing with suspicion. “What the fuck is that gonna do? I don’t want any healing going on here. Just tell me what’s wrong.”
Resane rolled his eyes. “I will not heal you without permission. Kede would gut me. This is merely a portable scanner.”
“Fine. But I’m watching you. I already owe you a knee to the balls for that IUD stunt. Don’t think I won’t deliver.”
He snorted, she glared, and Kede laughed but tried
to cover it up with a cough.
He was so not getting laid no matter what her body desired.
“Understood. Remain still.”
“Fine,” she grumbled and stood straight as the little machine got to work.
It hovered above the ground. It rose higher, and the pale yellow light flickering over her skin. It traveled from her toes to head and back again before finally coming to a rest.
Resane stared at the pad in his hand, fingers playing over the smooth surface and he frowned at the readouts. Seconds ticked past and she began to squirm, worried over what he’d found.
“Resane? What’s wrong? I mean, I know I lost a lot of weight, but I’m fine, right? I mean, I feel okay.”
He continued frowning and still didn’t say a word.
Damn male.
“Kede, order him to say something,” she snapped at her harau.
“Resane, say something.” He was quick to do as she demanded.
So was Resane. “Something.”
Oh, the bastard had picked up her sarcasm. Stupid jerk. “Resane, I mean it. What’s wrong?”
Instead of speaking to her, he focused on Kede. “Is she always like this?”
Joyce swung her attention to her harau and noticed his shrug. “Patience is not one of my harae’s virtues.”
“Oh, I’ll give you a damned virtue. Hell, I’ll take away my best virtue, you big alien jerk.”
Kede flinched and she knew her threat hit home. “What I meant to say my beautiful and sweet harae is—”
“Nice try. You were doing good until you called me sweet.”
He rose from the couch and came to her, gathering her close. “But you do taste sweet. Sweet and sinful. That is the Terran word, yes?”
Joyce’s body responded to his deep purr and she shuddered with desire. The man was entirely too good at that.
“Ahem,” Resane drawled. He really had spent too much time around her and Terran vids. They both turned their attention back to the male. When they were both focused on Resane, he spoke. “My research indicates you did lose a small amount more than the average Doshan female. Continued supplements and regular meals should enable you to return to your previous form.” Joyce released a relieved sigh, but it was too soon because the male kept speaking. “And then some.”
“And then some?” She raised her eyebrows. “Are you saying I’m gonna get fluffier?” She turned and whacked Kede on the chest. “What’d you go and do that for? I’ll have to get new clothes now.”
She didn’t truly care about the extra weight as long as she didn’t end up achy and her health wasn’t affected. She’d always been a damned healthy poofy chick. She wanted to stay that way.
“Joyce, it is not due to the Needing. Perhaps not entirely. You are… That is…” Discomfort was written across his features.
“Spit it out.” She crossed her arms over her flatter chest.
Oh, he spat. Those words just went spit-ily flying through the air and struck her in the chest. Well, really, more like her uterus. “You are with young.”
Joyce stiffened and she felt Kede do the same. She raised her arm and twirled her hand in a circle. “Roll that back up and say that again. Smaller words as if you were speaking to a one-year-old who wants to play with your Ginsu knives.”
Resane furrowed his brow. “I do not know how to simplify it further. You endured your Needing…”
Yeah, endured wasn’t the word she’d use. More like reveled or enjoyed or screamed Kede’s name over and over again.
“…As a result, you are now with young. The Terran word is pregnant, I believe.”
She cupped her stomach, rubbing her lower belly. Pregnant?
Kede repeated her thoughts. “Pregnant? Young? You are sure?”
Resane nodded, eyes still trained on the pad. “And fully Doshan. It is yet another strike against the council and Terrans.”
Joyce stiffened. “I won’t let my child be used like some sort of red flag for those men.”
“Joyce… It would prove to them that—”
She shook her head. “No, I already have a target on my back because of my conversion. Those men are crazies. The last thing I want to do is give them another reason to come after me. It’s bad enough those zealots tried to take me once. Knowing about the baby will make them more determined.”
“Bay-bee?” Kede repeated the word.
“Young,” she supplied. “They would want me even more because I’m with young. Please, Kede.”
“Joyce is not wrong, Resane. Her condition will remain between us.” Kede’s voice was firm.
“Besides,” she cupped her rounded belly. “I may not keep it.”
That had Resane gasping and Kede roaring and Joyce slapped her hands over her ears as she waited for her harau to finish his outburst. When the sound no longer echoed through the room, she lowered her arms.
“You will do nothing to be rid of our young.” His voice was harsh and strained.
“Of course not.” She placed her fingers on his forearm. “I would never do anything to harm our child, but Terrans sometimes miscarry in the first three months. It’s a risk any female faces.” She looked to Resane. “Tell him about the risks. Don’t Doshan females worry about losing the baby?”
The medico frowned. “I have never heard of this, but I do not regularly treat females. If this is part of Terran physiology, I shall have to monitor you closely. It requires regular visits to doctor.” Joyce nodded. “You will have to submit to the biobed.” Joyce shook her head. “I will not perform any procedures, Joyce. I swear it. A scan only and with Kede present. Nothing more.”
“For our bay-bee, my harae.” Her harau’s voice was soft and tender, a plea evident in each syllable and she knew she’d lost.
“Okay. I’ll come by medical.”
Resane dipped his head in acknowledgement. “I’ll see you before tomorrow’s events.”
He turned to leave and nerves got the better of her. They overrode her anxiety over climbing onto the biobed and she called to the medico. “And after, Resane.” She rubbed where her child rested. “And after.”
“Whenever you wish. I’ll see you both in the morning.” With that, Resane retreated. He reached the doors and paused, looking back to them. “This is a private question and you will pretend I did not ask if it offends you.”
She sighed. “Spit it out. I don’t expect you to hold back on me now.”
Kede chuckled. “He is worried about my reaction, my harae. Continue, Resane.”
“Have you discussed her marking? To record your joining?”
Joyce stroked her throat. She’d forgotten about the markings. She and Kede had passively agreed to join, but the markings were a permanent sign of their union. They could not be removed and they could not be contested.
She shook her head. “No, we never talked about it.” She refocused on Kede. “Is that something you want? Me to wear you mark? I don’t have to if you don’t—”
He cut off her words with a harsh kiss, his lips firmly against hers for a moment before he pulled away. “I crave nothing more than to see my mark on your skin. And… and your mark on mine.”
Resane’s gasp was not the only one that filled the air though his might have been the loudest.
Males didn’t get marked. Ever. The female showed her submission—she hated that word—to their male by accepting the mark. But if Kede took hers… What would the warriors think? Would he lose the respect of his crew? Of other Doshans?
“Kede, you can’t—”
“I am Commander Kede Tria-se of the Vehly and Holder of my House. I can do as I desire. Any who object to my actions should prepare to meet their end in a Kerosa.” He snared her hand and gently squeezed. “I will take your mark gladly, my harae. You have given me your faith, your trust, and a family I never imagined I’d have. The least I can do is show others that I wear your claiming mark with pride.” He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “You need only decide its form. Yours will be m
y name,” he brushed the hollow of her throat, “here for all to see.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Wanna slap it on my ass, too? Property of Kede?” He paused to think on it and she snapped at him. “It was a joke.”
“The idea has merit.”
She shook her head and turned to Resane. “If we do this, will it harm the baby?”
“No, it will be a slight heat on your skin. No more than two heart beats, perhaps three.” Resane reached into his bag and removed a slim box. “The process is simple and easily completed.”
“Define slight. Your ‘menstrual pain’ was a fuckton bigger than my monthly cramps.”
The medico winced. “I have done additional research and spoken with Yare. He states it is no more than when you test the heat of the cooking surface without touch.”
“You spoke with Yare of this?” Kede snarled.
She wondered if the male would ever not snarl. Since she gave it up to him, he sounded more like a growling dog than a male.
“It was for Joyce’s protection. I was incorrect with the IUD removal. I could not risk that again. Besides, it was Yare. You trusted him to help run the ship during Joyce’s Needing. You cannot suddenly rescind your trust so easily.”
Kede’s anger fled. “You are correct.” Her harau held out his hand. “Give me the device and explain its use. We will do this without an audience.”
Resane was quick to dart forward and then retreat. “I have coded in your symbol and provided several options for Joyce though she can design her own should she desire.”
The two men discussed the small machine and before long, Resane was gone, leaving them alone.
Kede pulled her close, encircling her with his arms, and she leaned against him. She took what comfort he offered, enjoying being embraced by her harau.
Neither spoke, both welcoming the silence, and as the seconds passed, she let him take more of her weight.
“You are with young, Joyce. And you wish to become my harae so none may part us?” The awe in his voice was unmistakable.
“Yes. To both.”
“I… I never thought to have…” His arms tightened. “You are with young. You will be mine.”