by S. E. Smith
“The Council requested you come alone with the female.” The guard said ignoring the threatening growls of the other Zion warriors.
Kordon’s eyes remained cold. “Very well.” He replied stiffly.
Bran started to protest but a slight signal from Kordon froze the protest on his lips. With a curt nod, the men stepped back. Mohan moved up behind Gracie and gently laid her palm against her back.
“Stay safe, Gracie Jones. We will be close if you need us.” Mohan said quietly in English.
Gracie started slightly when she felt Mohan pressing the small laser pistol into the back of the waistband of her pants. “I will. You said the back door, right?” Gracie murmured with a warily smile.
Mohan chuckled. “Yes.” Mohan replied before melting back behind Quan again with a small nod to her head.
“We will wait for you outside.” Bran snarled out as the three guards moved closer to them.
Kordon held his hand out for Gracie. He tightened his fingers around her delicate ones and gave them a gently squeeze. With a nod to the others, he turned and followed the head guard through the newly opened set of doors further down the corridor.
Chapter 19
Gracie held tightly to Kordon’s hand and walked as straight and tall as she could. She had never felt so small as she did right then. Between Kordon and the guards, she really was the runt of this litter, she thought in drily. She let her eyes scan the room as they entered. The Chamber wasn’t very large. There were thirteen people seated behind a large, curved bench about three feet higher than where they were standing. Kordon walked confidently down the center letting his fingers slip from Gracie’s as they entered the room. Gracie understood he wanted to keep his hands free in case he needed them. Gracie slowed so she was just a couple of feet behind and to the right of Kordon. She wanted to make sure she had room as well. If things got ugly, she wanted to be ready for the worse.
Gracie looked at each council member. Over half of them were from a species she hadn’t yet met. She recognized the human councilman right off. She barely hid her laugh under a fake cough as she stared at him. He was your atypical politician. Gracie would have thought they might have evolved a little over the past eight hundred years but if the poofy hair, fake smile, and greedy gleam in his eyes were anything to go by the evolutionary bug missed him.
Gracie watched in disgust as the councilman leaned forward running his eyes up and down her like she was a prize thoroughbred waiting to be snapped up. She could feel her blood beginning to boil. She really hoped the little prick gave her an excuse to take him down a notch or two. She was so focused on what she would like to say to the slime-ball that she almost ran into the back of Kordon when he stopped in front of the panel of councilmen and women.
Kordon stood perfectly still. He didn’t bow or even acknowledge any of them. Gracie took her cue from him and remained perfectly still even though she really wanted to just scream at them to get whatever they wanted to say done so she and Kordon could get the hell out there.
Finally, one of the women stood up. She was beautiful in an unusual way. She was very tall and slim with a light bluish skin. Her hair was a darker blue and hung almost to her knees. She moved very gracefully. She looked Kordon in the eye before tilting her head to one side and giving a small nod of welcome.
“Welcome, Grand Admiral. On behalf of the Planetary Council, I would like to extend our appreciation for the Conqueror’s victory over the alien invaders.” The woman said.
“Councilwoman Burrol.” Kordon said coldly. “My reports detailed the events. While the Conqueror was indeed helpful in defeating the attacks by the Alluthans, credit for the actual victory should go to Gracie Jones.”
Burrol smiled gently at Gracie who was trying to act like she stood in front of a council of aliens every day. From the look in the woman’s eyes, Gracie had a feeling she wasn’t doing a good job of acting. It took every ounce of strength Gracie had not to turn tail and run when all eyes moved to her.
“Gracie Jones, please step forward.” Councilwoman Burrol said quietly.
Gracie hesitated a moment looking to Kordon for guidance before she took a tentative step forward. “Councilwoman Burrol.” Gracie said inclining her head just as the woman did to Kordon.
Kordon forced his fists not to clench as Gracie stepped forward and nodded. He kept his eyes forward but all his senses were focused on the guards stationed throughout the chamber. There were twice as many as was normally in the room. Kordon had been before the council hundreds of times. Never before had the doors been sealed and locked or the clear shield activated when he was there alone. Something was definitely going on. Kordon wanted to take Gracie and leave. He knew of the emergency exit for the councilmen should an invading force gain entrance to the chambers. He knew every inch of the layout for the Council’s Chambers. He planned to use it if things took a turn for the worse.
Kordon forced his focus back on Gracie. He was so proud of her. She truly was a mate for a warrior. She was as fierce and stood as tall as any Zion warrior before a battle.
“You speak Confederation Standard?” Councilwoman Burrol said in surprise.
“Yes, ma’am. Mohan and Kordon have been teaching me.” Gracie replied steadily. “May I be so bold as to ask why I am here? I am still recovering from my wounds and am tired. No offense, but I would like to return with Kordon to either the Conqueror or head on to Zion. I am so ready for a vacation.”
The Earth councilman rose at Gracie’s question. “My dear Gracie Jones. I cannot express my happiness at the discovery that you survived so much tragedy. You must be devastated at finding yourself so far from home and away from all those you loved and knew. Then, to find yourself under the mercy by such huge, overwhelming aliens such as the Zion warriors and facing the Alluthans again you must be overwhelmed.” The Earth councilman gushed on in a smooth, honey voice.
Gracie looked at the councilman in humor. Did he really think she was buying his load of bullshit? If so, she had a bridge in Brooklyn he could buy. Shaking her head, she smiled sweetly before replying.
“On the contrary, sir, I could not be more impressed with the reception and care I’ve received from the Grand Admiral and the crew of the Conqueror.” Gracie said with an emphasis on the Grand Admiral.
The Earth’s councilman’s smile faded as he looked in distain at Kordon. “Yes, well, he was only doing what he was ordered to do.” He said smoothly before turning his smile on Gracie again. “My name is Altren Proctor. As the representative for Earth, I am more than happy to welcome you into my protection. I have already contacted your family back on Earth and informed them you are under my protection now and that I would be responsible for your safe return back to Earth where a welcoming celebration is being prepared. I know all of this must be confusing to you and I will do everything in my power to make it as easy for you as possible. The people of Earth are ecstatic about learning that the Mother of Freedom is actually alive. I do have to say you look absolutely breathtaking, my dear. I feel honored that you will be under my protection. I am sure we can get to know each other much better on the long trip back to Earth.”
Gracie clenched her fists tightly by her sides. Kordon moved a step forward but Gracie put her hand out to stop him. The guy must think she was a fool not to hear all the little emphases and innuendos he was dishing out in his little speech.
“He’s mine.” She hissed under her breath in English.
Kordon looked down at Gracie for a moment before he nodded and took a half step back. He was very curious as to what she planned to do. His plan was to kill the councilman, grab Gracie and escape out the back. Now, he wondered if Gracie would save him the trouble of killing the man. She had the same look in her eyes as she did earlier when he told her she was going to wear a dress.
“Listen, Al. I really appreciate the offer but I’ve had a better one. I’m going with Kordon. You see, I’ve claimed the huge, overwhelming alien as mine. While I also appreciate you’ve contacte
d my sister’s descendants, I don’t know them from jack-shit. In case you can’t count, it’s been eight hundred plus years so I think all my immediate family is gone. As for placing me under your protection, might I remind you I was the one who saved Earth’s ass not once, but twice from the Alluthans. I think that places you more under my protection than the other way around.” Gracie paused and looked closely at each and every councilman and woman to let them know she was seriously pissed. “I’ve been almost blow up twice, shot, crashed on a deserted moon for three years and found out I am over eight hundred years old. I don’t need nor do I want anyone trying to tell me what to do with my life or how I should live it. I am taking my mate, going to Zion to live peacefully and quietly and if you or any other bozo tries to stop me I am going to kick your ass so hard it will be coming out of your head. Do you understand the words coming out of my mouth?” Gracie snarled up at the councilman who had turned pale and sat down in stunned silence.
There was a moment of stunned silence as Gracie let her words sink in. Turning, she placed both hands against Kordon’s cheeks and pulled him down to kiss him hard. She wanted everyone in that room to know she was the one doing the claiming. It was her decision. Gracie broke the kiss when she heard Councilwoman Burrol softly clearing her throat.
Gracie turned but didn’t step away from Kordon. Instead, she grabbed his hands and pulled them around her waist. Kordon pulled her back against his hard form, holding her possessively against him.
“I apologize for the confusion, Gracie Jones. It appears the council was given incorrect information about your mental and physical health and desires.” Councilwoman Burrol, as well as several other members of the council flashed an irritated glance at Proctor. “It is obvious you are in good health and are more than competent to make your own decisions. A request for claiming is normally made by the male of the species. In honor of the great sacrifices you have made to not only your planet but to the Confederation of Planets your petition to claim Grand Admiral Kordon Jeke as your mate is approved by the council by a vote of twelve in favor, with one opposed. May great happiness follow you, Gracie Jones.”
“Now, for your petition, Grand Admiral. It is with great sadness and reserve that the Council accepts your resignation. Your suggestion for your replacement will be taken under consideration. On a personal note, I am happy that you will be on the High Council of Zion. Your leadership and expertise, along with your knowledge of the Confederation and the partnership the Confederation has with the Zion people will be greatly appreciated. Your final duties as Grand Admiral will be to see that the information on the Alluthans are given to the correct divisions for review and analysis. May great happiness follow you as well, Kordon Jeke.” Councilwoman Burrol said softly as she bowed her head in respect.
Kordon watched as each of the councilmen and women, with the exception of Proctor, stood and bowed to him. Gracie looked up and grinned at Kordon before she pulled away and bowed her head as well. Kordon felt emotion tighten his chest at not only Gracie’s show of respect but at her open claim of him as her mate. Kordon looked at each of the councilmen and women, bowing to them in return. It was only when he got to Proctor that his eyes narrowed. Pure hatred poured from Proctor’s eyes as he glared down at Kordon. It was the look he turned on Gracie that had Kordon reaching for his laser pistol. The look of determination and lust was enough to make Kordon want to kill the man right there. It was only Councilwoman Burrol’s sharp tone breaking Proctor’s possessive glare on Gracie that saved his life.
Saffron stood up from where he was leaning against a nondescript transport. He had a huge grin on his face as he saw his older brother round the corner of the building. His eyes widened when they landed on Gracie. He knew about his brother’s petition to claim an Earth woman. His father and mother were skeptical at first. From the little dealings the Zion warriors had with Earthlings none of them had been positive. Most of the men were weak and easy to intimidate. The women were better but only because they were easy on the eye and fun to fuck. While that was their good quality, the bad more than made up for it. Most Earth women Saffron met were whiny and weak. They could also get really strange when they thought he should feel something more for them than as a good lay.
Now, as the little thing next to his brother walked towards him he couldn’t help but wonder where his brother’s brain was at. Sure, she was cute. But, a good fuck would break her in half. She was a tiny thing with barely any meat on her bones. This couldn’t be the warrior woman who fought off thousands of half organic/half robotic creatures and blew up their mother ship. She looked like a good wind would knock her over. Hell, he would afraid just touching her would break her.
“I see you made it out of the council chambers without the sentinels after you. Did the other council members want to be rid of the Earthling so bad they didn’t care that you killed him in front of them?” Saffron chuckled good-naturally as Kordon approached.
“Gracie!” Mohan rushed forward to wrap her arms around Gracie tightly. “I was so worried. Quan said Kordon knew of a way out of the chambers but when you never came I feared the worse.”
Gracie laughed as she hugged her friend back. “It was so cool. All the council men and women except for this one prick bowed to Kordon and told him good luck.”
Kordon shook his head as he pulled Gracie closer to him. Quan, Bran, and Cooraan approached silently from behind him. All three men looked both surprised and worried. Kordon looked at them with a slight frown over Gracie’s head and shook his in a brief message to convey all was not good. Gracie was oblivious to the silent message. She was just relieved to finally be out of the spooky building.
“So, what happened?” Saffron asked with a bemused smile at Gracie who was rubbing her head against Kordon’s chest. His brother was just as bad as he leaned over to brush a kiss to the top of her head. “I was under the impression there would be blood, some fighting, and a little bit of chasing followed by an escape.”
“There would have been if not for Gracie.” Kordon said with a shake of his head. “She was magnificent.”
Gracie blushed as all eyes turned to her. “Well, that jerk made me mad with his holier-than-thou you need protection, bull crap. He would have probably peed his pants if he saw an Alluthan walking towards him.”
Kordon chuckled. “Proctor convinced the other council members that Gracie was too fragile in mind and body to understand everything that happened to her. He declared he had her families permission to claim her and protect her.”
Mohan leaned back into Quan’s arms. “So, what did you do, Gracie?” She asked softly.
“I told him to take a hike!” Gracie declared fiercely.
“She told him she was over eight hundred years old and didn’t answer to anyone. She also stated that she was claiming me.” Kordon said with a huge grin.
Saffron choked on the drink he had just taken a swig of. “What?! A female cannot claim a Zion warrior. You are considered one of the best warriors on Zion. No female can claim you. Especially when you consider your rank among our people and the clan that you come from.”
Gracie turned on Saffron so fast he took a step back. “Well, I did and the council says he’s mine, so back off! I’m not giving him up.” Gracie growled out clenching her fists tightly.
Kordon grabbed Gracie around the waist and pulled her up against his body. “Calm down, little one. I accept your claim on me. My clan has already accepted my – your claim on me. I am yours.” Kordon looked fiercely at Saffron. “You will not insult my mate, brother. She has been through more than you could possible imagine.”
Bran nodded his head in agreement. “She blew up the Alluthan mother ship.”
“She brought down all their shields when they were attacking us.” Quan said.
“She gave us enough information on them to not only decipher their language but also their programming and technology.” Cooraan added.
“And, she survived on a deserted moon all alone for three years.�
�� Mohan finished off proudly.
Saffron looked at Gracie again through new eyes. He could see her fierce determination, her love and protectiveness for his brother, and her fear of not being accepted by him. But, what he really saw was the strength and honor she brought out in those who were known for being the fiercest, strongest warriors on Zion.
“I see the same look in your eyes that I see in my mother’s when she looks at our father. I am honored to call you my sister, little warrior.” Saffron said quietly.
Gracie pulled away and took a hesitant step toward Saffron. He found himself unable to stand being the cause of her look of uncertainty. Saffron opened his arms and Gracie flew into them giving him a huge hug.
“Thank you.” Gracie whispered softly into his chest.
Saffron looked at his brother in hopeless wonder. “Does she have this affect on all the males she meets?”