Alien Conquest

by Honey Phillips

  “Accident? I haven’t had an accident in thirty years.”

  “Your vehicle was pushed off the road,” T’lan said.

  “I don’t remember that. I went shopping and then...” Gran raised a hand to her brow and Emily’s heart broke at the way it trembled. “The boy—the boy was with me. Is he all right?”

  “Tren’s going to be fine, Gran. He saved your life. He broke your fall the best he could and then he ran back to the house with you.”

  “I want to see him.”

  “Not yet, Elder Female,” A’rathia interrupted. “We will need to monitor your condition for several more days.”

  “Nonsense. I’m just a little banged up.”

  “You had a heart attack, Pearl,” Dr. Gaston said. “Please listen to what the lady says.”

  Her grandmother frowned but nodded her head reluctantly, wincing at the movement. A’rathia adjusted the bed so that it lifted to put her in a sitting position.

  “You will remain upright for most of the day so that fluid does not gather. I will return to attend to your personal needs.” A’rathia looked at Emily. “I expect you shortly for your examination. Do not stay long and tire the Elder Female.”

  Without another word, she stalked out of the room.

  “Can’t say much for her bedside manner,” Gran sniffed.

  “Now, Pearl, sweetness and light would be wasted on you anyway.” Dr. Gaston took the medic’s place on the other side of the bed and smiled down at her grandmother.

  “What are you doing here anyway, Jim?”

  “Emily’s young man came to get me. I gave them your medical history and pointed out a few details about human anatomy—not that there’s much they don’t know.”

  “Thank you.” Her gaze softened and she reached out a hand. “I appreciate it, old friend.”

  He clasped it gently. “You know I’d do anything for you, Pearl.”

  Emily cast a startled glance between the two of them. To the best of her knowledge, her grandmother had never looked at another man after her grandfather had died. Was that why Dr. Gaston had never married?

  Gran’s eyelids fluttered and her hand relaxed in Emily’s. Alarmed, she looked across at the doctor, but he nodded reassuringly. “She’s fine but she’ll tire easily for a while.” He pointed to the screens above the bed. “I can read these well enough to know if anything is wrong. I suspect she’ll sleep for a while. Why don’t you get your examination out of the way? A’rathia is anxious to see you.”

  “Really? She didn’t seem that way to me. But I suppose I should get it over with.”

  T’lan had retreated from the bed, and he and T’chok were having a low-voiced conversation in Yehrin.

  “T’lan, do you want to take me to the medic now?”

  “Of course, M’lee. T’chok will bring Tribs to you later in the day.”

  “Thank you. And thank you so much for my clothes, T’chok. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

  “You are welcome. The results are most satisfactory.” His eyes twinkled at her and she gave a startled laugh as T’lan growled.

  “Check the corridors and stop annoying my L’chka with your attentions, Sub Commander.”

  “He’s not annoying me,” she said innocently, unable to resist another smiling look in T’chok’s direction. T’lan growled again and tucked her under his arm as T’chok exited, and they followed him out into the corridor.

  “You are a naughty female.”

  “Relax, big guy. You know I belong to you.” She shook the mating bracelet at him. “But are you sure we shouldn’t find a woman for T’chok?”

  Ahead of them at the end of the corridor, she saw T’chok freeze for a fraction of a second.

  “Did he hear that?” she whispered.

  “Yes.” He frowned down at her. “I asked you not to mention it.”

  “I’m so sorry; I had no idea he could hear me from there.” A horrifying thought occurred to her. “Is your hearing that good as well?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does that mean you heard all the conversations I had with Gran?”

  “Yes.”

  Her cheeks flamed as she remembered some of those conversations.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It did not seem relevant.”

  “I think we’re going to have to have a discussion about what’s relevant.”

  “As you wish.” He returned her annoyed glance with an amused one and she almost stamped her foot. Impossible man… alien… whatever.

  Ushering her into the medic’s office, T’lan kept his arm around her. Despite her annoyance, she was grateful for his reassuring presence. The office was as sterile as the rest of the ship with only a large desk and two chairs in the small room. At one end was a clear wall and beyond that she could see an empty bed with screens floating above it and a bank of cabinets to one side. Seated at the desk, the medic was studying the contents of a tablet and took her time before looking up and acknowledging them.

  Emily studied her discreetly, wondering what had happened. The previous night she had been brusque but not unfriendly. Now she exuded a chill that verged on hostile. If she hadn’t been so grim, she would have been an attractive woman. The white pants and wrapped shirt suited her tall, slender figure and now that she was no longer in surgery, long dark hair fell simply down her back, reaching to her hips.

  “Let us not waste time. You should have been under the care of a Yehrin physician from the beginning. Go onto the next room and place yourself on the table.” She gestured and the clear wall slid to one side.

  Emily swallowed nervously and took a tighter grasp on T’lan’s hand. As they moved toward the other room, the medic interrupted.

  “Only the human.”

  “No.” She and T’lan spoke at the same time.

  “I am the medic in charge. I will examine her alone.”

  “She is my L’chka and you will not.”

  “I can have you removed.”

  T’lan’s hand went to his sword hilt. “You can try.”

  “Why can’t he stay?” she interrupted hastily. “I don’t mind if he’s there.”

  The woman hesitated for a minute. “I need to ask you questions that you may not choose to answer honestly if he is there.”

  “I’m not going to lie to you. And I have never lied to T’lan.”

  The woman folded her arms over her chest, her face implacable.

  Emily sighed and cast an uncertain look at the examining room. “Do I have to remove my clothes?”

  A’rathia scanned her outfit and for the briefest second, a flash of humor appeared.

  “No.”

  “T’lan can stay here? Where I can see him?”

  T’lan still had his hand on his sword, glaring at the medic. Emily squeezed his hand and he looked down at her.

  “You’ll stay right here?”

  “I will come in with you, if you desire. She cannot stop me.”

  “No, I think it’s okay. As long as I know you are here. She isn’t going to hurt me.” Despite her attempt to be calm, her voice trembled on the last words.

  “Not if she wishes to live.” T’lan returned to glaring at the medic who threw up her hands.

  “So much drama. I simply wish to speak to your human without you present.” The frost had melted somewhat, and she sounded more approachable. Deciding to trust in that, and that fleeting glimpse of amusement, Emily nodded, forced herself to release T’lan’s hand, and moved through into the examination room. Her brave face crumbled a little when she heard the wall whoosh closed behind her but a quick glance over her shoulder reassured her that T’lan was still there. He had, in fact, taken up a position immediately on the other side of the glass with his hand still on his sword and a grim look on his face.

  Forcing herself to focus on the purpose of her visit, Emily looked at the exam table and sighed. “I don’t suppose you have a step stool.”

  The medic had been manipulating some of the
screens over the bed and shot her a puzzled look. Comprehension dawned as she realized that the bed was waist high on Emily. The amused expression appeared again.

  “No. If you will permit, I will lift you up.”

  “Um. He’s not very happy about other people touching me.” She jerked a thumb in T’lan’s direction.

  “I am female. He will be fine. May I?”

  At Emily’s nod, she lifted her carefully and placed her in the middle of the bed.

  “Lay down.”

  She squirmed backward, trying to keep her skirt pulled down, until she lay directly beneath a panel above the bed. Shooting a glance toward the office, she gave a T’lan what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

  “I see you did not choose to wear what I sent for you.”

  Oops. “It didn’t really fit. And T’chok was nice enough to get my own clothes for me.”

  “You seem to be quite good at making males obey your wishes.” The icy note was back.

  “What are you talking about?” She tried to sit up just as the panel began to move over her.

  “Remain still.”

  Emily huffed and subsided but refused to let the subject drop. “Why would you say such a thing?”

  The medic didn’t answer. Just as Emily was about to repeat the question, A’rathia spoke.

  “Who is the father of the child?”

  For a moment she wasn’t sure how to answer. T’lan was proud to claim the baby, but she had promised to tell the medic the truth.

  “A… friend of mine, from New York.”

  “A friend?” There was a strange note in the medic’s voice.

  “I thought he was my friend.” She bit her lip to keep the tears at bay. “No, I’m sure he was my friend. We worked together at the United Worlds. He was sweet and funny and kind. Just a boy, really.”

  “Then why do you doubt his friendship?”

  “The night this happened…” She waved at her stomach. “He brought over something called Yeisati. I don’t remember anything else.”

  A crash echoed through the room and Emily jumped. A’rathia had dropped her tablet, and now stared at her with a look of pain on her face.

  “What’s the matter? What’s wrong?”

  “I… I did not know that part. I am truly sorry.” Genuine distress had replaced the icy demeanor.

  “It’s not your fault.” A’rathia made a choked sound and Emily shot a concerned look in her direction. “I’m not even sure it was Sam’s fault. I don’t think he knew what would happen. At least, I want to believe that.”

  The woman did not respond, her head bent over her clasped hands. When she finally lifted her head, her hands went up to dash moisture from her cheeks. Her sleeves fell back to reveal slender bracelets around each wrist.

  “Oh, you have mating bracelets.”

  “No Yehrin woman over the age of twenty remains unclaimed,” A’rathia said rather dryly, rapidly recovering her composure.

  Really? Refusing to let that statement distract her, Emily continued her questions. “Your warrior? Is he on board?”

  “Yes.” The curt answer did not invite further questions, but Emily persisted. She wasn’t going to pass up a chance to get information from a mated female.

  “Did he bring you here?”

  “He was already here.”

  “Really? He left you behind?” Her heart sank. T’lan was so protective she couldn’t imagine him ever leaving her behind while he went away, but what if that would change now that he had his bracelets on her? Looking at him standing in the same position by the window, a frown on his brow and his horns lowered as he looked between them, she couldn’t imagine it.

  “The circumstances were… unusual.” Dismissing the subject, A’rathia turned to the screens. “Would you like to see the baby?”

  “Oh, yes. But please, can’t T’lan see also? Is there anything else you want to ask me?” She assumed the medic had been so reluctant for T’lan to be present because she had intended to quiz Emily about the father.

  “I suppose he had better come in before he burns a hole through the wall simply from glaring at it.” A’rathia pressed a button, the wall slid aside, and T’lan strode to Emily’s side, glaring at the other woman.

  “Did you upset her?”

  “T’lan, I’m fine.” She reached for his hand, curling her fingers around his when he automatically responded.

  “You are sure, my L’chka?”

  “Yes.” She pressed a quick kiss to the back of his hand. “Now A’rathia is going to show us our baby.”

  Emily looked at the medic who was staring at their joined hands. Giving her head a quick shake, she returned to her tablet. “There,” she said softly as a screen opened over Emily’s head.

  Unlike the ultrasound, the image was perfect. She could see every detail of the tiny figure. Blinking back tears, she clung tightly to T’lan’s hand. He dragged his gaze from the image to smile down at her.

  “Our daughter.”

  “She’s perfect.” Emily studied the image again. “Are… are those her horns?”

  “Yes. Do they trouble you?”

  “No. As long as…” She looked at the medic. “T’lan said they will only be small bumps when she is born. Is that right? She won’t tear me?”

  “He is correct. They will be very small and soft. She is small for a Yehrin child but large for a human child. However, that may be because of the rapid development. If the ratio of growth remains the same, I have high hopes that you can deliver naturally.”

  Since Emily hadn’t even thought about giving birth yet, that was actually a little terrifying, but A’rathia seemed to think it was a positive thing.

  “You don’t see any problems?”

  “No. She is, as you said, perfect.” For the first time, A’rathia smiled at her and the expression turned her face from attractive to beautiful. “What are you going to name her?”

  “We haven’t discussed it.” She turned to T’lan, still staring at the image of their daughter, watching as her tiny foot jerked. “What do you think, big guy?”

  He darted a quick glance at A’rathia, then smiled at Emily. “I think we will discuss it later. It is time to visit the Supreme Commander.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  A’rathia brought the exam to a rapid conclusion. After reassuring Emily once again that everything was fine, she handed her a small bottle of what looked like gummy worms.

  “These are supplements for the baby. Take them three times a day. You can chew them. Try one now,” she urged.

  Emily reluctantly took a bite. It tasted like a spicy beef jerky and with her altered taste buds, she enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately, it also reminded her that she hadn’t had anything to eat that morning. However, since T’lan was already at the door and she could see T’chok outside, she decided she would have to wait. This time the walk took longer, and she began to suspect that T’chok was leading them around in circles. She was sure that they went up a floor, down a floor, then up another two. Just as she was about to protest, they finally stopped outside a door and T’chok waved his hand over a blinking light next to it. The door slid open.

  With her nerves already on edge, she was relieved to find a very ordinary looking room. With a desk at one end and another row of the uncomfortable white chairs, it could have been any standard waiting room. No one waited at the desk but the door next to it slid open. She reached for T’lan’s hand as they walked forward. He curled his hand around hers and smiled down at her.

  “Courage, my L’chka. There is nothing to fear.”

  He paused at the door. “Supreme Commander.”

  “Enter, Commander T’lan.”

  Her first, totally irrelevant thought was that she had finally found a room without white walls. Instead three walls were paneled in a rich dark wood while the last had an enormous viewport that showed the same breathtaking view of the earth below as T’lan’s cabin. Her eyes skittered over the array of screens behind the massive woode
n desk before settling on the Supreme Commander. He was just as massive as he had appeared on television, his horns enormous dark circles above his head. The sleeveless uniform revealed every inch of bulging muscle on his massive arms. She took a deep breath and raised her eyes to meet his.

  Shockingly, he gave her what she thought was supposed to pass for a gentle smile.

  “Welcome, child.”

  “Supreme Commander T’rarchar V’randrr V’lesorn, this is my L’chka, M’lee V’randrr R’gers.”

  Damn, she had forgotten to ask him about the name.

  “I’m pleased to meet you.” She had the oddest desire to curtsey.

  “And I am extraordinarily pleased to meet you. Please have a seat.”

  He gestured behind them and she had to suppress a groan when she saw more of the white chairs. Before she could climb up into one, T’lan sat and pulled her onto his lap. Blushing furiously, she tried to wiggle away.

  “Be still, M’lee,” he said firmly, then frowned at the commander. “The chairs are not suitable for her.”

  “I see. I will be better prepared in future. Sub Commander T’chok, be seated.”

  Looking as uncomfortable as Emily felt, T’chok sat next to them. For a long moment, silence reigned.

  At last, the Supreme Commander sighed. “I find myself in the uncomfortable position of owing you an apology, Miss R’gers.”

  “Um. That’s ok,” she muttered uncomfortably.

  “No, it is not. You were taken advantage of by someone who had your trust.”

  “A detail you neglected to mention, T’rarchar.” A female voice interrupted, and they all looked up to see A’rathia at the door.

  “How did you get in here?” Shock filled the Supreme Commander’s face.

  “I still have access,” she replied coolly. “Did you intend to remove it?”

  “No, of course not. You are always welcome here.”

  Emily looked between the two of them and a sudden certainty filled her.

  “She’s your L’chka.” She heard T’lan groan softly behind her head and turned to give him a puzzled look. “Is it a secret?”

  “No, child,” A’rathia answered. “But we are somewhat of an anomaly and polite society prefers to ignore that.”