by Sara Page
Stepping up to Isla, I pull her into my embrace. I rub my hand over her belly and purr quietly to her soul.
She smiles up at me.
Looking back to Maul, I ask, “And the Argmaraths? Will we be punished for the attacks on you and the Citadel?”
“No. Since it was forced by the Crima, the Supreme Leader has forgiven the crimes. Now that the Crima have been stripped of all their power and control, your former race will now fall under Rathturian control.”
Grunting, I say, “So the master changes, but the collar remains.”
“You are now a member of a prominent Rathturian family, Ryock. You are, by rights and blood, considered a Rathturian of Royalty. This will not be a title with no work. We have need of you. Specifically, we need you to help with the Argmaraths. If you want the collar removed from your former race, then you will need to help break that shackle so they may stand on their own.”
Maul looks me long in the eyes to ensure I know the full gravity of the situation.
“But also remember you’re a Rathturian now, even if not by birth. Your allegiance is to the throne and your family. No other comes first.”
I wonder if it makes me a traitor to my kind that I fully agree with him. That I feel more akin to the Rathturian I now call my brother than I ever did someone of my own race?
“Where are you taking us?” Isla asks from the seat beside me.
“Your surprise!” Lexi giggles from up front, sitting next to Maul.
Marketh zooms around the small hovercraft we’re traveling in. “So… I want to let the dog out of the can.”
“Cat out of the bag, Marketh,” Isla says as she rolls her eyes at him.
“That’s what I meant. Anyways, we got information from Drizt that they were indeed instructed to keep you from reaching the Citadel alive at all costs. The Crima were quite terrified that you had seen the Rathturian test subjects… though you could be lying of course. But with another human in tow, it wouldn’t take too much convincing to seriously piss the Tribunal off.”
“Have they found the research vessel yet?” I ask as I pull Isla closer to me.
Just mentioning the ship sends a wave of fear and anger through her bond to me. I know before she came, I simply didn’t care if I died. Now, with my bright star shining beside me, I know I must fight for us to live and thrive.
“Not yet, though I doubt they will. From the descriptions you gave, and the information Yarrel sold us, it stays out, in between the stars for long periods of time. Almost completely self-sustainable.”
So they will run and hide for as long as they can, is my guess. As will a lot of the Crima’s military. Which will cause wars between the Tribunal and the Crima. Which will cause more destruction and death.
But perhaps in the end, the bugs will be obliterated once and for all.
Once the small hovercraft we’re traveling in lands, we all climb out to stand before a large house on top of a hill.
“What’s this?” Isla asks.
“Your new home!” Lexi says as she beams at both of us.
The house is so different from the ones on my homeworld that at first it makes me wary. The fact that it is two stories tall is a little unnerving. We don’t build homes above ground level on Cra’had because it can be dangerous given our size.
Looking over to Maul though, I will trust that the building can hold some weight.
The walls of the house are painted a subdued gray and the roof is black. I can feel through the bond that Isla will be wanting to change the gray to something less somber. Like the color of the pool of water we swam in.
Gigantic windows take up most of the walls of the house, and it is startling to think of how much privacy I feel the need for when I look at them.
But regardless, it is a home. Our home. A place for us to be together. A place in the universe where we belong.
A place to raise our young.
“Really? This is ours?” Isla asks with wide, happy eyes as she turns away from the house to face her sister.
“Yep!” Lexi says, and then points to the only other house on the hillside about three hundred meters away from us. “And that’s where Maul, Thorn, Marketh, and I live!”
Chuckling, I look to my brother and grin. “They’ll never be apart again, will they?”
Shaking his head, he grins. “Not if any of us can help it.”
Epilogue
Isla
The Supreme Leader’s private chambers are nothing like I expected. Given that he rules over all of the known universe, I expected his room to display a ridiculous amount of extravagance and opulence.
The room we’re lead into, however, could never be described as more than spartan.
The walls are dark and bare though bright light beams down from the ceiling. A large window overlooks Rathturia’s glowing skyline, but otherwise the room is lightly furnished. There’s a rug on the floor, a large desk, and four plush though plain chairs situated in front of the desk.
Behind the desk sits the Supreme Leader with the blue Rathturian Byland standing beside him.
“Supreme Leader.” Maul pauses as we enter the room and bows his head in respect to him.
Ryock follows suit, and the Supreme Leader motions with his hand towards the chairs.
Maul casts Byland a long suspicious look as the four of us approach the desk and take our respective seats. To me, the chair is too big and my feet hang a little off the floor. When Ryock sits, his chair groans in protest.
I swallow back a nervous giggle, feeling like we just stepped into the principal’s office.
I’m not entirely sure what the nature of this visit is. I know the Supreme Leader would probably like to hear what happened to Ryock and I, but I’ve been informed by Marketh that he already sent the most critical information ahead of us when we were traveling on the hypership.
“I hear that congratulations are in order again, First Tiered Maul,” the Supreme Leader smiles, ruining the illusion of a stern disposition.
Maul inclines his head. “Indeed, Supreme Leader. Not only has our sister, Isla, been found safe and well, but she’s also found her bonded. We are blessed three-folds.”
The Supreme Leader nods his head and the smile fades from his mouth though his eyes still glow with pleasure. “And a child is expected from this union?”
His glowing gold eyes turn to me and I’m struck by how much they’re like Ryock’s but different. Where Ryock’s golden eyes are warm and full of depth, the Supreme Leader’s glitter almost harshly like reflective diamonds.
“Yes,” I smile shyly at the Supreme Leader.
I feel Ryock bursting at the seams with pride and joy beside me. He reaches over and takes my hand in his big hand.
The Supreme Leader leans back in his seat as if he is surprised by this, which is a little strange because I thought Marketh sent that information... though maybe he forgot to send along that bit. “It seems that the wonders of the human race are never-ending.”
Maul nods his head in agreement and I catch his eyes flicking towards Byland with distrust again.
I look to Byland. So far, he has stood completely motionless and silent beside the Supreme Leader, but I still can’t shake that feeling that I somehow know him.
The Supreme Leader must have caught Maul’s look as well because he says, “You must be wondering, First Tiered Maul, why I have asked Fourth-Striped Byland to attend this meeting.”
“The question has crossed my mind, Supreme Leader,” Maul admits.
“I’ve invited Fourth-Striped Byland to this meeting because he is one of my most loyal agents, and the information we’re about to discuss is of use to his investigation.”
“Investigation?” Maul asks with some alarm and Marketh buzzes beside him with agitation.
Ryock’s hand tightens around mine and Lexi shifts in her seat. I notice Byland’s blue eyes flicking towards her.
The familiar way Byland looks at her, it’s almost as if he knows her and it’s a little
unnerving.
The Supreme Leader nods his head and my eyes are drawn to him before I snap my attention back to Byland.
He’s like a puzzle I just can’t figure out and it’s really starting to annoy me.
“Don’t worry, no one in this room is being investigated in a formal sense. I’ve asked you here because the information you can provide is invaluable.”
The Supreme Leader pauses a moment, letting those words sink in before he goes on.
Still watching Byland closely, I nearly jump out of my seat when he blinks, a creepy third eyelid sliding across his bright blue eyes.
“I knew it!” I cry out, rudely talking over the Supreme Leader as he starts to say, “Now that the Crima--”
The Supreme Leader’s jaw snaps shut and everyone looks at me with surprise.
But no one looks more surprised than Byland himself. His blue eyes are wide above his red mask.
“What do you know, my star?” Ryock asks, his hand squeezing mine in either affection or warning.
Yeah, I might have fucked up, I think to myself as I glance around at all the surprised faces. Probably broke a dozen different Tribunal protocols.
Cheeks blushing, I point my finger at Byland because I’ve already gone too far to back down now. “I knew I recognized him from somewhere.”
Everyone looks to Byland now as if they’re trying to see what I see.
“Yeah…” Lexi says, sucking her bottom lip in to chew on it thoughtfully. “I get the strangest feeling I know him too…”
I nod my head enthusiastically at her, glad I’m not the only one who was confused, but proud that I actually figured it out.
Turning back to Byland, I look him dead in the eyes and say, “You’re Yarrel.”
The Supreme Leader sighs, Lexi gasps, and Maul bursts up from his seat. “How is this possible? Impersonating a member of the Tribunal is illegal!”
“Calm yourself, First Tiered Maul,” the Supreme Leader warns as Maul turns his murderous glare on the blue Rathturian.
Ryock begins to growl low in his throat.
Yeah, the two of them really don’t like Yarrel.
“Fuck,” Byland says and his eyes smile before he starts to shimmer. “I guess the jig is up now.”
The blue Rathturian transforms right before our eyes, a strange shimmer enveloping his body and then fading away, leaving a man standing in his place that looks almost human.
Big blue eyes, short brown hair, and bulging muscles… yep, it’s definitely Yarrel.
“What the fuck, Yarrel?” Lexi cries out as she jumps up from her chair. “Are you some kind of shapeshifter?”
“That’s exactly what he is,” Maul snarls and steps protectively in front of her. His tail flicks angrily back and forth as he watches Yarrel closely.
Ryock plucks me from my chair and settles me protectively on his lap. His big arms wrap around me, covering over half of my body.
“It would explain why we were not able to track him…” Marketh says, zooming around our little group with nervous energy.
“Yet it doesn’t explain why he’s been permitted to break the law and impersonate a member of the Tribunal,” Maul says, turning his angry eyes on the Supreme Leader.
Angry green meets angry gold, and for a moment the room crackles with invisible energy.
“Sit down, First Tiered Maul,” the Supreme Leader says firmly. “And I’ll explain.”
For a moment, Maul looks like he’d rather tear the Supreme Leader’s throat out, but then Lexi reaches out and grabs his hand.
“Maul?” Lexi says, her voice full of worry as she gently tugs on his hand.
Maul glances back at her and his expression immediately softens. His tail, too, seems to settle down. Weaving less intensely.
“Please sit down?” Lexi pleads softly. “Let them explain?”
Maul stares at her for a long moment, unblinking, then reluctantly allows her to pull him down to his seat.
My sister, being the smart woman that she is, then places little Thorn on his lap.
Maul gives a disgruntled grunt and then settles back in his chair, hugging his little boy close to his chest.
“Now that we’re all settled,” the Supreme Leader begins. “I want to remind everyone that what is said in this room remains in this room.”
The room is so quiet I can hear the echo of Ryock’s heartbeat thumping in my chest.
“Yarrel, as you know him, has been privately working as an agent for me for several years now. He’s been actively investing the disappearances of humans from Earth on my behalf.”
“What?” Lexi gasps and she shoots Yarrel a look full of disbelief. “All that time I was threatening to hand you over to the Tribunal, you were really working for them?”
Yarrel nods his head at her and his lips twist into a grin. “It was the perfect cover, wasn’t it?”
Lexi scoffs and shakes her head.
“The reason he is here in this room, masquerading as a member of the Tribunal,” the Supreme Leader goes on. “Is two-fold. One, because I entrusted him above all others to see you safely to the Citadel. And two, because he’s about to undertake his most dangerous mission yet.”
“Mission? What mission?” Lexi asks, her eyes glaring daggers at Yarrel now.
Yarrel’s grin grows. “I’m glad you asked.”
His body begins to shimmer, transforming. His blurred form stretches taller and taller, yet the bulk of his outline thins, pushing in.
When the shimmer fades away, I blink my eyes in disbelief.
In the place Yarrel was standing just a second ago stands a tall, blue-colored Crima with four arms jutting out from his hard-shelled chest.
I instantly recoil and feel Ryock’s unease pounding through the bond.
“Ryock and Isla of House Lathuria.” The Supreme Leader turns his gaze to us. “Any information you can provide us on the inner workings of the Crima would be most appreciated.”
“Why?” I ask. What do they hope to accomplish from this?
“Because,” the Crima that was formerly Yarrel hisses and clicks. “We are going to do what all others have failed to do. We are going to find the missing humans.”
Ryock’s Translations
In order of appearance
“Izlah naro.” – Izlah mine.
“Duoko!” – Cease!
“Avah ulo xolav knurr urk kadd.” – You are very small and soft.
“Ryock urk Izlah.” – Ryock and Izlah.
“Izlah urk Gararl?” – Izlah and Gararl.
“Crima kuav zo klook al kao.” – Crima say we breed or die.
“Ryock xarr ko kordo.” – Ryock will be gentle.
“Avah uro zod.” – You are wet.
“Rod no ar, raddro aro.” – Let me in, little one.
“Roru.” – Relax
“Zo uro aro raz.” – We are one now.
“Kaak.” - Good
“Izlah, huk’kav?” – Izlah happy?
“Izlah kaok rad rako Ryock nukark hor huk’kav?” – Izlah does not like Ryock making her happy?
“Kad.” – Soft.
The creatures, aliens, planets, and things of Star Joined
Bond – The term means many different things depending upon the race. The general, accepted definition is that a bond is the connection between two mates. Bonds have typically only been formed between members of the same race. Those that have formed a bond with a mate have been known to refer to their mate as bondmate, bonded, etc.
Unbonded – One who has not yet found their true mate.
The Twenty-Three Tribunal - A government of twenty-three superior alien races that rule over the known universe.
Crima – An insectoid race. One of the strongest and most powerful races of the Twenty-Three Tribunal. Second only to the Rathturians.
Cra’had – Ryock’s home planet. Native home of the Argmaraths.
Argmarath– A native of Cra’had. Giant-like humanoids, they are one of the lesser races in the g
alaxy and currently do not hold a position in the Twenty-Three Tribunal. They fall under the Crima’s control. Their society is matriarchal. They are led by a queen, and males are considered lesser than females.
Callwog – A vicious animal native to Cra’had.
Galierre - A planet located on the very fringes of Tribunal space. The climate is tropical in nature and the population is primitive
Cryosleep – Otherwise known as ‘cryo’. An outdated form of technology that forces the subject into a state of suspended animation. It causes a temporary cessation of the body’s main functions by inducing a hypometabolic state that preserves mental and physiological capabilities. The body is essentially frozen to force a short-term hibernation.
The International Human Protection Bureau – A multi-national bureau formed on Earth to combat and address the alien threat to humans. Often referred to as ‘the Bureau’ for short.
Serenity – A powerful, illegal sedative.
Supreme Leader - The leader of the Twenty-Three Tribunal.
Rathturian- A lizard-like race native to the planet Rathturia. The strongest race of the Twenty-Three Tribunal. The position of the Tribunal’s Supreme Leader is currently held by a Rathturian.
Symbiote – An symbiotic organism Rathturians implant into their brains. Symbiotes are highly intelligent, self-aware, and grant their hosts a variety of powers.
Rathturia – The home of the Rathturians and the Citadel.
The Citadel – The largest structure on Rathturia. It is the main seat of the Twenty-Three Tribunal.