Trian's Spark

by T. Cobbin

  Trian picked up Pausey’s complaint again and sighed. “Since the Gemorph and Hanja are so close we’re sharing all data, which means that not only do our officers know about this but Fortua’s men do too. Based on your urgent request to see me, I’m guessing Fortua has been in contact?”

  Iryano nodded. “He instructed me to tell you that he would be requiring a meeting this morning with you, but knowing that you would need some time to catch up on everything,” Iryano said, motioning toward the pile of chrono screens on Trian’s desk, “I told him that this evening would be better.”

  “Thank you,” Trian replied. Sitting back in his chair, Trian considered the situation for a few moments before asking Iryano what he thought. “Do you think we should divide the women?”

  “I think Fortua is a fool if he thinks the women will want to be separated. They’ve been through enough already.”

  Iryano only confirmed what Trian had been thinking. He didn’t think the women should be split up either. It was he and his men who’d rescued them and rightly should be the ones to protect them. Plus, he already knew how his spark would feel about the women being divided. She’d go ballistic.

  “Have there been any other complaints about the sharing of cabins or the women being aboard?” Trian asked.

  “Nope. Other than some grumblings from Pausey as he was trying to gain support for his complaint, nobody has protested. If anything, seeing some of us find sparks amongst the human females has added hope to the people on the ship.”

  Trian nodded. “I guess you gave Fortua a time for a meeting? When will he be greeting us with his presence?”

  “After third meal.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then,” Trian said, dismissing his friend.

  Iryano zapped from the room, leaving Trian to his thoughts. He knew without a doubt separating the women now wouldn’t be good for the small group or for his new relationship with Amelia. She would not like the idea of her ladies being divided. He would have to speak to her before meeting with Fortua.

  Trian thought about zapping to Amelia to speak with her, but he knew if he were to come within eyesight of his luscious mate, he wouldn’t get any work done. Just the thought of leaving her this morning had his heart aching to have her back in his arms. So instead, he pressed the comm button on his wrist and contacted her that way. “Amelia.”

  “Amelia here,” came his mate’s sweet reply.

  He informed her he’d received a letter suggesting it might be a good idea to send half the females to the Hanja. The angry she must have felt was portrayed in her answer.

  “Don’t you even think about it, Trian. These women have been through enough. Kidnapped, then told they may not be able to go home. I thought you said you could accommodate us, that you had enough cabins? If you can’t, then send us…” She paused a second. “...them home.” With those last few words, Trian had no doubt in his mind that no matter if he sent the other females home, Amelia would stay with him.

  “It was only a question. I wouldn’t have done it, love. I feel responsible for you all, and I know you care deeply for the others.

  “Good. Now go finish your work, and I’ll see you for third meal.”

  “Yes, mate.” He smiled, pressing the button on his comm to end their conversation.

  Trian read through the numerous reports on his desk. He read about the fight with the Lesh, and how they had scampered off again. The Lesh that had boarded the ship had been killed, but whatever transporting device he had used to get aboard the Gemorph, it wasn’t found on his body. That worried Trian. If another species like the Lesh was using such devices, his men and the human females could be in for more trouble.

  He came across Pausey’s complaint as the day neared third meal. Thinking long and hard about the situation, Trian had an idea and decided to act upon it. He called out his deck officer’s name into his comm.

  “Koop.”

  “Yes, sir,” came Koop’s reply. “How may I help you?”

  “Find out what it would entail in materials and time to change hanger three into an area and cabins suitable for the human females in the shortest possible time please. We could utilize some of the earthers materials to give them a more at-home feeling.”

  “Yes, sir. Should I ask some of the females what they would like, or should I use the information we have gathered?”

  Trian thought about this for a moment. “For now, use what information we have gained. I’ll have to talk to Amelia, but I think one of the women might be useful.” His thoughts drifted to the female known as Maggie. Trian knew she was having the hardest time in settling. During his time with Amelia he had found out quite a bit about each female, and Maggie was someone who was called an architect, which was a home builder.

  “Yes, sir. Koop out.”

  Trian’s comm flashed again before he heard Ausk’s voice. “Captain Fortua is requesting permission to board, sir.”

  “Granted.”

  At that precise moment, Iryano zapped into his office and stood to the right of Trian, behind his chair. A few seconds later Fortua zapped in.

  “Good evening,” Fortua said politely before sitting in a chair on the other side of Trian’s desk. “I hope your seclusion went well.”

  Trian barely refrained from smiling at the thought of the last three days spent curled up with his sweet mate. “It did, thank you. I guess you’re here because of Pausey’s complaint.”

  “I am indeed. I’ve asked him to join us after I’ve spoken to you. I like his idea. In fact, I’ve informed my deck officer to start making space for the females. Eleven women, right?”

  Trian frowned, his annoyance at the situation climbing. “Iryano, would you please find Amelia for me and bring her here?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Trian could hear the glee in his voice. It would seem his friend knew what Trian was up to. It would take Iryano time to walk Amelia to his office. Trian and his crew had found they could zap the human females around the ship, but the women didn’t react well to it. Some were knocked out because of it, some vomited, and all of them became dizzy for a while.

  “Who is this Amelia, and why does she have anything to do with moving the women over to the Hanja?” Fortua asked.

  “Have you read any of the reports about the Earth women?” Trian asked.

  “Yes, of course,” Fortua replied with irritation.

  “Then you will understand why I have asked Amelia here.”

  Fortua swallowed. Perhaps he had realized his mistake. But Trian carried on as if he hadn’t seen Fortua’s sudden discomfort.

  “My seclusion only ended this morning, Captain, so I have yet to speak to all of my officers about the situation. But the ones I did speak with have informed me that during the last few days nobody but Pausey has complained about their current cabins or the females being aboard. In fact, the reports I’m getting back is one of hope.”

  Trian leaned forward on his desk.

  “I’m in the process of asking my deck officer to sort out remodeling one of the hangers to provide more cabins to make things easier for all. But any officers who are finding the sharing with another hard to do, I’m sure those cabins you’re currently freeing up can be utilized for them.” Trian knew not one of his officers would leave the Gemorph.

  “Are you alleging that my ship is no good for these…those…the human women?” Fortua spluttered out, his cheeks flushing red in anger.

  “No,” Trian replied, sitting taller. “I am saying that these human females have been through enough and to separate them would be detrimental to some. I’ve requested Amelia’s presence because she speaks for these women.”

  “She wouldn’t happen to be your spark, would she?”

  “And what do you mean by that?” Trian asked, getting even more pissed. What was Fortua implying?

  “She will do as you suggest, that’s what I mean. She is your spark, she will bow to your every command and will. A female would not shame her mate by not doing as he will
s.”

  Trian nearly laughed aloud. “I will ask you again, Captain Fortua, have you read the report on the human women?”

  Fortua’s face was now quite red. His eyes swirled so fast they were black. He opened his mouth, probably to shout at Trian, but before he could speak the office door whooshed open. Amelia walked in with Iryano behind her. Her beautiful face beamed with a smile when she glanced at him. It looked to Trian as if she was going to run into his arms, but then she spotted Fortua. Rubbing her hands over the Gracian-style blue gown that complimented her eyes, she changed her stance to one of business.

  “Trian, Captain Fortua.” She nodded to the other male.

  Fortua stood, offering Amelia his chair, and she sat down.

  “Iryano said you both wanted to speak to me. Is there something wrong?” she asked.

  “There has been a complaint made by one of our officers,” Trian informed her, using his captain’s voice. “He isn’t happy about his current living quarters. He has asked that half of your ladies be moved over to the Hanja.”

  “Living quarters? Your cabins are wonderful and so big. How can he be unhappy?”

  Fortua replied before Trian could. “You, my dear, are currently residing in the captain’s quarters, are you not?”

  “Actually no, I’m not,” Amelia replied tersely, raising her eyebrows and head in a fashion that said fuck you! “I’m still in one of the officers’ quarters assigned to me when I came aboard. Why? Is the captain’s cabin bigger?” she asked, confused.

  “Yes, it is. Quite a bit bigger,” Fortua answered, looking rather pleased. “We work hard and need the comfort of our cabins when we retire at night. Our officers do too, but that is where the problem is. You and your females are currently residing in the Gemorph’s officers’ cabins, leaving them in the lower decks, sharing.”

  “Oh, Trian, why didn’t you say? If they’re unhappy, swap us around. I don’t think any of us women would mind.”

  Trian would do no such thing, and he didn’t even think his officers would swap either. Well, apart from Pausey.

  “Hang on a minute.” Amelia frowned. “You said one officer is complaining? Is he doing so for the rest of them, or is he doing it on his own? Because I’ve spent a lot of time today speaking to all my ladies as well as some of the men in security, the head medic, and the chef who is on our deck. None of them seem to have a problem. In fact, I’ve been told that quite a few of the men want to meet us.”

  A sense of possessiveness grew within Trian’s mind. He didn’t like the idea of his mate talking to other males. That washed away as quickly as it came. If Amelia knew what he’d been thinking, she would call him a caveman, whatever that was. He’d been too busy to look it up.

  “And…” she continued, raising her voice toward Fortua. “If and when Trian and I choose to move into the same quarters, I’m sure we won’t be informing you as it isn’t any of your business.”

  Trian watched in delight as Fortua’s face turned even more red.

  “And as for separating these women because of one complaint...you, sir, are either stupid or crazy. Don’t you think these women have been through enough? Being kidnapped by aliens, and then told they can’t go home because our human race doesn’t know about you guys.”

  “You should listen to your male,” Fortua grumbled gruffly. “He is the captain of this ship. The decision to move the females off this ship has nothing to do with you.”

  Immediately, Trian knew Fortua had stepped in shit high enough to reach his knees. His mate would not tolerate being spoken to as Fortua had just done.

  “Is he for real?” Amelia looked at Trian, her eyes filled with anger. If she’d had Gracian eyes, they would be swirling as fast as Fortua’s right now. “You aren’t really thinking about this, are you?”

  “No, me unum. In fact, I’d like you to get together with Koop and your female that designs homes. I’ve asked him to come up with some plans to turn one of our hangers into a space where your ladies will be comfortable.” Trian knew he had done right when Amelia’s face broke out into a beaming smile.

  “Really? That would be awesome. It would also give Maggie something to do to get her mind off of everything. She’s been so upset.”

  Amelia stood and walked around his desk. He couldn’t help himself from reaching out to her. Standing, he gripped her waist, pulling her against his body, and hugged her.

  “You are a most stunning female, Amelia. You care for your ladies, and I only wish to do the same.”

  His mate curled her arms around his neck and tugged his head down, kissing him all too briefly on the lips.

  “Thank you.” She uncurled her arms from around his neck. Trian felt the loss instantly. “Shall I see Koop now?”

  “No.” Trian shook his head. “It’s been a long day, and I think it’s time to call it quits. But first, let me deal with something before we go to our quarters.”

  Chapter 15

  Trian called Pausey on his comm.

  “Yes, sir?”

  “Greet me with your presence in my office please.”

  Pausey zapped in by the door to Trian’s office. He walked the few steps toward Fortua and stood at his side. He opened his mouth to speak, but Trian stopped him.

  “I’ve read your complaint and thought about your situation quite seriously. I’ve also spoken to a few of my other officers. It would seem you’re the only officer aboard my ship who is finding it hard being in your current quarters. Because the officers’ deck is full of our visitors at this time, I’ve granted you an immediate transfer to the Hanja. I’m sure Captain Fortua will assign you a position and quarters fit for his services.”

  Trian picked up a chrono screen and laid it in front of Pausey on his desk before walking toward his office door, holding Amelia’s hand. Both Fortua and Pausey looked like they were about to start ranting.

  “Gentlemen, this meeting is over. Thank you for your presence.” Trian stepped from his office with Amelia at his side and Iryano at his back.

  Once they were in a position to talk, Iryano laughed aloud. “That was brilliant. I wondered how you were going to deal with this. I knew moving the women wasn’t an option. I like the idea of their own space too. I can’t wait to tell Rosie. She will love it. But most of all, I’ll remember the looks on Pausey and Fortua’s faces until my dying day. They deserve each other.” He clapped Trian on the shoulder, nodding like a loon. “This is why you are captain. I’ll see you both tomorrow. Goodnight, sweet Amelia.” Still chuckling, Iryano zapped, leaving Trian and Amelia alone.

  Trian could hear his own heartbeat as he waited to see what Amelia would say. Screw his officers and crew, it was his mate’s opinion he wanted to hear.

  Amelia turned toward him and leaned into his body. Her curves molded against him. “I think what you did was awesome. Thank you for not separating us. We are all we have right now.”

  “You have me too,” Trian said, feeling he needed to hear her say so.

  She raised her head from his chest and smiled. “Yes, I do, don’t I?” Her features changed to one of annoyance. “But, Captain, if you don’t bloody feed me, I’m going to expire. I was just about to head to the kitchen when Iryano called me. I haven’t eaten all day,” she grouched.

  Concerned, he asked, “Are you well? Are your energy levels okay?” He gripped her waist, thinking she might fall on the spot. Gracian women didn’t eat much as they mainly required energy.

  “I’m fine. Just feed me.” She rolled her eyes at him.

  “Come on then. I can’t have my female starving.”

  Together they walked through the ship toward the officers’ level to eat. After their meal, they curled up together and talked, sharing news about their day.

  * * * *

  Later that night, after another bout of hot sex, Trian lay listening to his mate’s heartbeat. He couldn’t be happier right then; he had his spark in his arms, his energy was even, and he was no longer flaring. He sighed with happiness.
/>   The peace was ruined when Basup’s voice came over his comm.

  “Trian, sir, report to the bridge.”

  “Received,” Trian replied.

  With one last glance at his sweet mate, he gently shifted her off his body and onto the bed and quickly dressed. For Basup to disturb a rest cycle, something had to be wrong. Picturing the bridge in his mind, Trian zapped there.

  “Report,” he barked out, sitting in his chair.

  “From the sensors we left near the wormhole, I am getting reports of multiple distortions coming through it. So far I can count four,” Basup said.

  “Cloaked?” Trian asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “So, we can’t be sure if there are more? Okay, keep watching. I want a constant yen by yen warning as they close on us.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Fic, I want weapons ready at all times. I also want our pilots in their flyers too.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Koop, get all our men out of bed and to their stations. We’re going to need them. Make sure Iryano is here in the next yen please.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Ausk, I want every man patrolling the floors in case of a breach. Get extra security on the female’s floor.”

  “Right away, sir.”

  “Hover,” Trian barked out at his comm.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “We may have incoming. Be ready.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Next Trian opened up a comm to the Hanja.

  “Hanja here.”

  “Get me Fortua,” Trian said none too politely. There wasn’t time for niceties. It looked like the Lesh might be coming back for another go.

  “Fortua here. I see what you do, Trian. We will be ready. I suggest we move positions.”

  “Agreed, we must stay hidden from the planet though. They have satellites and we don’t want to warn them we’re here before we attempt contact.”

  “I concur. Fortua out.”

  “Move us please, Basup. I’ll be in my office. Keep me informed.” Zapping, Trian sat behind his desk and opened his comm to Amelia.