The Harvest Young- Bound by Love

by M. A. Church

  Jolak swept out of the room, and Neo eyed the reduplicator. Maybe he should take up the coffee habit after all.

  THE NEXT few unit hours simultaneously dragged on and passed much too fast. With Jolak’s help, Neo dealt with one holograph transmission after the other. Each time Jolak responded to a planetary leader, he verified the attack and death of King Duran, confirmed Hamza was assuming kingship, then introduced Neo as King Consort.

  Many offered aid in a variety of ways—everything from supplies to starships. Jolak gracefully thanked each leader and promised to let them know what, if anything, they needed. Neo kept notes on who promised what aid. And he watched Jolak’s savvy handling of each ruler they spoke with.

  The condolences were endless and so very touching. Duran was well liked by the other rulers. The shock and fury voiced was real. Unbeknownst to the Ne Reyn, their act of revenge had drawn the attention of many other species. Neo was flabbergasted with the outpouring of anger.

  Finally they broke for a bite to eat, and Neo programed the reduplicator. He watched Jolak, who sat at the table, wearily resting his head in his hands.

  “Are… are you okay? Stupid question, I know.”

  “I’m fine.” Jolak raised his head as the reduplicator beeped. “I need to do this—to keep busy—but it’s hard. I keep expecting to hear Duran’s voice. Or smell his scent. I miss his touch. My heart cries for my mate, and sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe for missing him so badly.”

  Emotions threatened to choke Neo. He couldn’t imagine and had absolutely no desire to even try to. The stark pain in Jolak’s face scared Neo all the way to his soul. “Gods, Jolak, I’m so sorry, and that just seems so inadequate.”

  “I… I don’t know if I… if I can do….” Jolak’s voice cracked as tears meandered down his face.

  Between one heartbeat and the next, Neo crossed the small space and hugged Jolak. He held on while Jolak broke, the small cries killing him slowly. He didn’t utter a word as he rocked Jolak. The suddenness of this surprised Neo. One unit second Jolak was fine, and then the next grief rose up and leveled him.

  And trite phrases like he’d be okay or that he’d get through this were worse than useless, because he honestly didn’t know if Jolak would be okay, that he would get over this. Jolak needed more than prayers and good thoughts. He needed his family. He needed his young, dammit.

  Neo discreetly sent a message through his comm. I need you to come home.

  I’m busy. Now isn’t a good time.

  I don’t give a damn. Jolak needs you. Bring. Your. Ass. Home.

  I can’t. I’m not on planet right now. I’m on an Onfre warbird, on a subspace multiconference transmission with their planet’s Leaders. You’ll have to help Atat.

  Neo held Jolak while the other male cried… and worried. Hamza didn’t sound overly concerned, but text was such an impersonal language, and meeting with the Onfre planetary Leaders was important.

  But still, Hamza sounded so cold. It wasn’t like Neo didn’t know Hamza was busy. They all were. Plus they all were grieving in some form or fashion. There was no good time—not right now, but it still bothered Neo.

  “I’m sorry.” Jolak sniffed. He leaned back, rubbing at his nose. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “Don’t.” Neo grabbed some of the napkins off the table and handed them to Jolak. “Don’t do that. Don’t you dare apologize for your grief. Please.”

  “You’re a good male, Neo.” Jolak stood, and Neo scrambled to his feet. “I need to wash my face. I’ll be right back.”

  “Sure thing.” Neo gestured at the reduplicator. “I’ll just, ah, warm up our food.”

  “Thank you. I won’t be but a moment.”

  Neo blew out a breath. It was only mid-afternoon, and he was ready for this unit day to be over. He barely finished the thought before Jolak returned, and they got back to work.

  Several unit hours later Neo’s comm buzzed, letting him know he had an incoming message. He read it and swore softly. Great, Hamza had asked Chad and Gibor over for final meal. Ordinarily Neo wouldn’t care, but entertaining was the very last thing he wanted to do.

  EVENTUALLY THE unit day ended, and now Neo stood in the living area, alone. He checked the time and swore softly under his breath. He had less than thirty unit minutes to clean up and figure out what to serve. Thank the gods for the reduplicator, because he sure didn’t feel like having to manually cook a meal. How the hell did humans do that on a daily basis?

  After he showered, he dressed in a pair of comfortable pants and a thin T-shirt. He simply didn’t have the energy to dress up, but he didn’t think Chad and Gibor would care. Barefoot, he wandered to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of Akdov.

  The door opened, and Hamza rushed inside. “Sorry! I intended to be here sooner but had to check on some specs for the rebuilding of the palace.”

  “How’s that going?”

  “Good. We’re using some massive reduplicators geared for reconstruction, along with robots to handle the construction. Another unit day and we should be able to move back to our quarters.”

  “That fast?” Not that Neo was complaining, of course. He was tired of the cramped space they were forced to inhabit.

  “Yes. I had the rubble beamed to a deconstruction site. That way we can repurpose the materials.” Hamza ordered a glass of Akdov. “Let’s sit for a moment.” Neo followed Hamza to the couch. “The actual construction isn’t taking that long since the robotic and Tah’Narian crews are working in shifts nonstop. It’s the personal touches I’m having duplicated that are giving me problems.”

  “You don’t plan to put your own personal touch on the palace?”

  “No. I liked how it was before. And honestly? All that prissy, fancy stuff isn’t my style. It’s more to impress visitors.”

  “Well, a palace is supposed to make a statement.”

  “It’s supposed to, I know, and that’s fine. That’s why I’m having everything put back as it was before the attack. But I prefer the less grandiose and relaxed style.” Hamza suddenly grinned at Neo. “I’m all about the comfort.”

  Neo laughed. “I’m with you there. I remember being afraid to touch some of the things in the grand hallway.”

  “Not to mention Atat would have skinned us both.” Hamza surveyed the room. “And speaking of him, is he okay?” Hamza set his glass down. “I also owe you an apology. When you commed me earlier, I might’ve come across a bit snappish.”

  “Might have?”

  “Okay, I did. I’m sorry. I was stressed. Meeting the heads of their world wasn’t something planned. I was there, with Keyno, to talk about strategy with the captains, and suddenly there was a subspace transmission—and before I had time to prepare—there the Onfre Leaders were. I spent half the time trying not to panic because I was unprepared, and the other half trying to sound like I actually had a brain in my head. Gods, I’m sure I did end up sounding like an incompetent, wet-behind-the-ears youngling.”

  “Another one of Dale’s sayings I have really never understood. And I commed in the middle of that.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Bad timing all around.”

  “Yeah.” Hamza picked up his drink again. “I wanted to be there for you and Atat, but I couldn’t just up and leave. I am sorry, though.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “What happened?”

  “We had stopped for a meal, and suddenly he lost it. He was fine, and then he wasn’t. You talk about being unprepared to meet the Onfre Leaders? Well, I would have happily traded places with you. I too was unprepared and panicked when Jolak fell apart. I mean, I know it’s normal. Expected, even, but yeah. I felt so helpless. By the way, he’s also having final meal with my dabba and dad.”

  “Oh. Well. Huh.” Hamza cringed. “That means we could have had some time alone, and I messed that up by inviting Chad and Gibor over.”

  “You sure did.” Neo snickered as he climbed to his feet. “And they should be here momentaril
y, so I’m going to pick out something for final meal and program the reduplicator.”

  “Dammit.”

  “Yup.” Neo strolled into the kitchen. “Any particular reason we’re having them over? Not that I mind, of course.”

  “I intend to ask Gibor to be one of my blood generals.”

  “Ah, I thought that might be it.” As Neo programmed the reduplicator, a low chime sounded. While Hamza answered the door, Neo set a bottle of Akdov on the counter along with glasses. When finished, he stepped out of the kitchen into the living area and exchanged greetings with Chad and Gibor.

  The reduplicator beeped, and Neo set the table and then removed the plates and sat them on the counter. “Food’s ready. Just help yourself.”

  Everyone filled their plates and sat at the table.

  “Oh, this is good!” Chad exclaimed. “I’ve been wanting lasagna.”

  “I thought you’d like it. Dayo told me you had a fondness for it. I got the recipe from Dale and uploaded it to the reduplicator.”

  “So, you did this for me?” Chad asked. “You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it. Thank you.”

  Neo forked up a bite. It had an interesting texture, but he did like the taste. Especially the product it was covered in—cheese. “It was no problem.”

  The conversation remained light and easy; Neo made sure of it. A meal between friends wasn’t the place to discuss business. That would come soon enough. And he was right. As soon as they finished eating, Hamza offered Gibor and Chad a glass of Akdov. Once everyone had a glass, they moved to the living area, and Hamza got right to it.

  “As I’m sure you’ve heard, I’ve asked Keyno to be my warlord.” Hamza reclined on the couch, sipping his drink.

  “Yes, I knew.”

  “I invited you to share final meal with us because I wish to offer you the position of blood general, Gibor. I wanted to do this in private so you’d feel free to refuse if you can’t accept the position.”

  “I assumed this might be why you invited us. I’m honored you consider me a capable candidate for this position, but I have to ask if you’ve considered the ramifications—”

  “I have. Doc asked the same.”

  “I see.”

  “He respectfully declined. After he explained why, I understood, but he wasn’t under any obligation to offer a reason. Neither are you. I want you to know that. But I’m hoping you won’t refuse. With your experience, you could be of great help to me.”

  “You do realize it’s been a while since I actually served as first officer. I may retain that title, but Hamza, it was long ago.”

  “That doesn’t mean your knowledge is any less useful.”

  Chad bit his lip. “I… I actually agree with him, Gibor.”

  Gibor tilted his head. “Really?”

  “I don’t know if I should be butting in, but what the hell. You’ve been in combat before. I mean, you’ve actually been on the Bridge. He’s not asking you to step foot back on a starship—” Chad suddenly jerked around to face Hamza. “You’re not, right, Hamza?”

  “I….” Hamza set his glass down. “I really wish I could say no, but I can’t. Gibor wouldn’t be acting as a first officer, any more than Keyno would be acting as captain, but they will be there as my blood generals, just as I will be.”

  Neo stiffened. Wait, what?

  Hamza clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. “I will look into the eyes of their ruler before she dies.”

  The menace in Hamza’s voice once again sent shivers through Neo.

  “Fuck,” Chad spat. “No wonder Dale threatened to tie Keyno’s tail in a knot.”

  The idea had merit. In fact, now Neo understood why Dale had threatened it so many times when they were all growing up.

  Hamza raised an eyebrow. “He did?”

  “Aw crap, I didn’t mean to say that.” Chad rubbed at his forehead. “Really didn’t mean to say that. Jeez, he’s going to kill me. Look, Dale was upset Keyno accepted without speaking to him first.”

  By the gods, he’s not the only one ready to strangle their mate.

  “I mean, this is kind of a big deal,” Chad said.

  “It is, and this is partially my fault. I did spring it on Keyno with no warning,” Hamza said. “I’ll apologize to Dale.”

  Oh love, he’s not the only one you’re going to be apologizing to.

  Chad groaned. “Oh God, okay, no, please don’t. He’ll know I let it slip. He’s always said I have a big mouth, so I’d just as soon you didn’t give him any more ammunition. Dale and Keyno worked it out. They always do. But fair warning. If you stick Keyno on a starship, Dale is going too. And so am I.”

  “Mates on a ship that’s going into battle?” Hamza crossed his arms. “That’s—”

  “That’s fine,” Neo interrupted. “I mean, Hamza can’t very well tell mates they can’t go when his own mate will be there.” Neo glared at Hamza. “And I will be there, because if you’re going into battle, then so am I.”

  ONCE GIBOR and Chad left, Hamza confronted Neo. “What did you think you were doing telling them they could come—”

  “What the hell do you mean you plan on being—”

  “There’s no way I’ll allow you, or any mate for that matter, to be—”

  “You won’t allow?” Neo growled. “Excuse me? You won’t allow?” Neo stressed that one word, because he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Hamza wouldn’t allow mates to come along? No discussion, no debate, just that he said no. End of subject. Neo gritted his teeth. The male before him wasn’t the loving mate he knew so well—he was someone on a power trip, and Neo hated it.

  “It’s not safe.”

  “Of course it isn’t, dammit!” Neo swore loudly, getting distracted from his point about allowing them to go. “There’s nothing safe about war. It’s war. And what’s this about you actually being there? Surely you don’t mean to be on a starship.”

  “Where else would I be? I thought I made it clear I plan to destroy the Ne Reyn.”

  “Wait. Wait just a moment. You’ve talked about getting revenge, but when you say destroy the Ne Reyn, what do you mean?”

  “What do you think I mean?” Hamza demanded, veins throbbing in his neck. “I’m going to destroy their government, their culture, their very heritage. Everything! I will annihilate them as a people.” Hamza picked up a message cube and crushed it in his fist. Shards fell to the ground and drops of blood dripped from his hand. “Blood will run in their streets like it did in ours. Their people will scream in pain and fear. I won’t stop until the Ne Reyn are nothing but a distant memory!” he shouted.

  Horrified, Neo stumbled back from the sheer hatred rolling off Hamza. Not even the sight of Hamza bleeding could prompt him to get close to his mate right now. “You’re talking about what the humans call genocide,” he whispered. He knew Hamza wanted revenge, but what he was threatening was so much more.

  “So?” Hamza’s tail whipped so hard behind him it knocked papers off the coffee table. “They need to be exterminated.”

  Oh gods, his food threatened to make a reappearance. “You’re talking about killing innocents!”

  Hamza shrugged, wiping the blood on his pants. “Did they not kill innocents?”

  The casual disregard frightened Neo. “Their leadership did, yes. The same leadership that also abuses their males. You want to go after the ones responsible for Duran’s death, then fine, but what you’re proposing is mass extinction. How can you live with that? Please, think about what you’re saying.”

  Chapter Eleven – Hamza

  STONE-FACED, HAMZA stared back at Neo. “How can I live with that? The answer is quite easily. Furthermore, no mate will be on any ship that goes into battle, excluding active duty couples like Raiden and Dayo. Combat is not the place for civilians, so no, they won’t be allowed. That includes you.”

  “Oh, does it now?”

  “Yes. I won’t risk you.”

  Neo threw his hands in the air. �
�But you’ll risk yourself! Are you listening to what’s coming out of your mouth? And let’s talk about that for a moment. Have you stopped to think what it would do to Jolak if you got killed?”

  The coldness that never seemed far away tightened around Hamza. Neo obviously didn’t understand. He couldn’t, because Neo’s dabba was still alive.

  “Merciful gods, he just lost Duran. What if he loses you also?” Neo pointed at Hamza. “What about me? I’m your mate. I don’t want to try to survive what Jolak has. Also, you don’t have an heir. What happens if you get yourself killed? What then? Your thirst for vengeance is—”

  “I’m doing this for Jolak! For you! For my people!” Hamza yelled, anger breaking through the coldness.

  “Bullshit. You’re doing this for you.”

  Hamza watched as emotions fled Neo’s face, leaving behind a blank mask. Emptiness washed over Hamza. Not even the cold could reach him. “I see. I expected more support from you, my own mate.” Turning, he stormed to the door.

  Neo hurried after him. “What… what are you doing?”

  “I’ll sleep elsewhere tonight.”

  “What? Because we’re having an argument?” Neo stuck his hand in front of the wall plate. “Are you serious?”

  “Very much so. I have enough on my mind. The last thing I need is this… this lack of support from you—the one person I thought I could depend on. The one person who is supposed to love me.” Hamza pushed Neo’s hand away. “The one fucking person who should understand what I’m going through!”

  “How dare you try that.” Fury hardened Neo’s face. “You don’t want support. You want to be told you’re right.” Neo stepped back. “You want me to back you in this insane need to wipe out an entire species based on the actions of its leaders, and that’s wrong.”