STORGIN

WARRIORS OF THE GOLDEN MERIDIAN: BOOK FOUR

AVA YORK

STARR HUNTRESS

CONTENTS

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Chloe

Storgin

Epilogue: Chloe

Opening Move: Sneak Peek

Are you a STARR HUNTRESS?

Rogue Mate

Kazan

STORGIN

I forced my way through the throng of beings milling about the Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center’s dock, following the glimpses of her beautiful blond hair as she fled from me.

Panic stabbed into my gut.

I can’t lose her. I must find her.

She…that fierce-eyed human woman with hair as bright as a yellow star…she’s my mate!

My body still tingled where our skin had met when I discovered her raiding my laboratory. I’d meant to apprehend a thief but, as soon as my hands met her bare arms, my tattoos flashed white.

Who is she? What’s her name? I must catch her!

My heart already ached for her presence, her company, even one more glimpse of her stunning eyes. Thelkor caught up to me, shouting as we ran.

“Why’re we running?”

“Thelkor! Thelkor! I found my mate!”

“What? Where?”

My heart squeezed in my chest. My eyes darted here and there, but I hadn’t found even a hint of where she’d run to. I slowed my pace. I turned, searching the crowd for a human among a galaxy’s worth of alien life forms.

“I…I lost sight of her… Where’d she go? Thelkor, can you see her?”

“What’s she look like, Storgin?”

“Human. Hair the color of sun-drenched Earth honey, hazel eyes. Tall for a human…. Perfection…a gaze like she’d blast me without thinking twice…”

Grief at the loss of my mate sunk into my gut. I struggled to breathe. My chest tightened, squeezing my organs. I turned to Thelkor, grabbing him by the upper arms.

“Thelkor, we must find her. Help me find her and I’ll never experiment on you again, I swear!”

Thelkor slapped me across the face. Stunned, I blinked.

“What’d you do that for?”

“Snap out of it, Storgin. You’re not making any sense.”

I tried to break from his grip and plow further into the crowd on my mad, desperate search for her…but Thelkor grabbed me by the shoulders and slammed me to the ground.

“Did you try any new foods? Were you anywhere near juniper berries? Have you tried any new ‘experiments’ on yourself?”

I struggled against his grip, kicking and trying to regain my feet. Thelkor sat on me. As one of the largest Mahdfel I’d ever seen, Thelkor’s move worked. Trying to move him felt like trying to move an entire starship with only my hands.

“I’m not intoxicated or hallucinating, Thelkor.”

I sighed deeply.

“I caught someone pilfering my lab. I grabbed the intruder and MY TATTOOS FLASHED!”

Thelkor’s eyes popped open about as far as they’d go without spilling the eyeballs out of his skull.

“Oooooooooo…”

“I tried to catch her, Thelkor. I tried to catch up with her. We must find her…”

Thelkor nodded.

“I understand. Yes, we must find her, and we will. But let’s be smart about it, like the human women keep telling us.”

“But...”

Thelkor grabbed the collar of my uniform shirt and shook me.

“Get ahold of yourself, Storgin! We’ll find her faster with help and surveillance footage than by running through Bouhek like you’ve lost your mind.”

The thought exploded in my mind like a supernova. I grabbed Thelkor’s collar.

“You’re right! To Goldie!”

Thelkor eyed me suspiciously.

“If I let you up, will you be a good Mahdfel and return to our ship?”

“What am I, a child?”

Thelkor looked like he was thinking hard about how to answer my question.

“I don’t know if I believe you…”

“I’ll bet you two-thousand galactic credits I can locate her before you do.”

“You have a bet.”

Thelkor leaped to his feet and sprinted Goldie’s way. I scrambled to my feet and ran with the energy of a Mahdfel in love. Thelkor had a head start, but I was fighting for my mate. I pulled up next to him, but he veered, pushing me directly toward into a tall pile of crates.

I leaped, landing atop the pile. I pushed off, leaping over a gaggle of tittering Akle. They trumpeted their trunks in alarm as I sailed over their leafy heads. I landed solidly on the deck and sprinted ahead of Thelkor.

He roared and surged forward, but I reached Goldie’s entrance three steps ahead of The Golden Meridian’s gunner. Evelyn, Olath’s mate, looked at me, cocking her head.

“What’s up, Storgin?”

“I’ll tell you, but I want to tell everyone at once.”

Evelyn nodded. I called Rachel, our pilot and Thelkor’s mate, on my comms bracelet.

“Rachel? I need you to call everyone to the galley ASAP.”

Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Everyone meet Storgin in the galley in five minutes.”

I ran for the galley, barely avoiding tripping over various supplies choking Goldie’s corridors. I made it without any major injuries. Evelyn and Olath sat together on the booth side of the galley table.

Thelkor followed me in and grabbed a seat on the bench side of the table. Olath and Evelyn cast questioning glances Thelkor’s way. Thelkor replied with a smile and a twinkle of his eye. Evelyn’s eyebrows shot up, but she didn’t push further.

Rachel walked in from the corridor to the bridge and sat in Thelkor’s lap. They smiled at each other with such love, I thought my heart would break right there.

What if I can’t find her… What if this is all the time I ever get with my mate? What if… No, Storgin. Stop it. The crew of The Golden Meridian have already performed miracles—we can find her. We will find her.

I felt a tugging on my pant leg. I looked down. Lucky, Evelyn’s kehppû, stared up at me.

“Not now, Lucky.”

Lucky disagreed and crawled up my leg by its mouth tentacles. Lucky looked a lot like Mr. Fluffbutt, Evelyn’s cat—except for the tentacles on its mouth.

“Lucky, I’m busy…”

Lucky refused to be deterred from climbing atop my head. Its tentacles massaged my scalp. I took a deep breath.

It’ll be fine. Fate has brought my mate and me together once. I just need to have faith…

Captain Timcur’s voice brought me back into the moment. He stood near the galley table, his mate, Nora, cuddled up beside him. With everyone present, I couldn’t hold my news inside any longer.

“It’s my turn! I found my mate!”

CHLOE

My heart raced. Fleeing a Mahdfel terrified me nearly as much as stealing one of Daddy’s starships all those years ago. Vials of troxcillin clinked in my pocket. I’d been fortunate to swipe those few vials, but I knew I’d need more.

Maybe I’m losing my touch. I used to be a much better thief. Damn me for getting caught pilfering medications.

I sighed, deciding there was little use in cursing myself.

Besides, the hot Mahdfel couldn’t have picked worse timing for me…and WTF even happened?

Flashes of the memory of his intricate shoulder tattoos turning white sprinted through my mind as I ducked and dodged around aliens of every description. Bouhek Intergalactic Gaming Center drew in aliens from all over the galaxy to compete for fame, glory, and tons of galactic credits.

The space station dedicated to extreme sports also had all the same problems of any big city. With thousands of beings of every shape and description traveling through the Bouhek Center’s corridors, kids got lost every day.

I ducked low, hoping the Mahdfel lhad ost sight of me in the crowd. I slid to the right and around a booth selling some sort of wriggling, gelatinous, sickly green substance. The merchant manning the booth tipped his wide-brimmed hat at me and waved me away with a fin.

“Thanks.”

I disappeared behind his booth and stopped to catch my breath. I pulled a soft hat from the pocket of my shipsuit and pulled it over my hair, peeking around the booth’s corner.

The Mahdfel who’d chased me had been followed by a second Mahdfel, who now sat on the first. I decided to call them Handsome and Tank.

I suppose I should call them Vaznik warriors. I wonder why he’d chased me. A couple vials of troxcillin and a handful of syringes hardly seemed worth chasing down a thief.

I pulled out the vials and looked at them. They meant everything to me—life and death, really. I had enough to treat some of the sick kids, but how could I possibly choose which children to heal?

I’ll simply have to find more…

Handsome and Tank raced each other back to The Golden Meridian. I released a relieved breath. Had I been running from them in the open, they would’ve easily caught up to me. I knew only the crowds of the game center had allowed me to escape capture.

I slipped back around behind the booth and examined an access hatch hidden in a shadow. A few quick adjustments, and the application of the digital lockpick I shouldn’t legally have, and the hatch opened. I slipped through, leaving the chaos of that dock.

I snuck through the deserted maintenance tunnels until I reached a hatch to the docking bay reserved for tourists.

If only Daddy could see me now, sneaking through maintenance tunnels.

I chuckled. Then I wondered if Daddy even missed me. It’s not like he ever had time for me before I ran. I heard the memory of his voice in my head telling me he was busy or had work or…whatever his excuse was at the time instead of bothering to parent.

Whatever.

I shrugged the memories off and opened the hatch. I had better things to do than whine to myself about Daddy. I slipped out into the cacophony of Bouhek’s tourist dock and closed the maintenance hatch behind me.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the crowd. I mimicked the awed faces around me—well, the humanoid faces—and picked up the first unattended piece of generic-looking luggage I laid eyes on.

I wandered around the ships, staring at everything like a fresh tourist, stolen luggage in hand, until I found a likely ship. I looked around, paranoid someone would catch me again, like on The Golden Meridian, but didn’t see a soul looking toward me.

I stopped at the first terminal I could find, hoping to locate a map of the ship. The infirmary sat two lefts and a right from my location, and I wasted no time getting to it.

With speed and efficiency, I searched the cabinets and drawers for more troxcillin. For some reason I’m certain a medical person could explain had I bothered to ask, troxcillin was the only treatment for Smandradh, an infection like a really, really bad flu capable of killing.

The sound of the children’s hacking coughs haunted me day and night. Smandradh attacked the respiratory system of most species, effectively drowning the infected specimen in their own respiratory fluids, like super-killer pneumonia.

On top of that, Smandradh could cause random other horrible, gross, or hilarious effects dependent on the species infected, was extremely virulent, and was airborne. The Bouhek Center might not care what happened to the gangs of lost and abandoned children roaming its corridors, but I couldn’t live with myself if I hadn’t tried to help them.

My heart sank as I completed my search for this ship’s medical supplies. I found no troxcillin and had to settle for a few meds which would at least help some of the less sick kids breathe a little more easily.

I tucked the meds in my pocket and snuck back to the maintenance shafts. That Vaznik warrior having caught and chased me out of The Golden Meridian had really thrown off my timetable for this mission.

I better get back to the kids with what I’ve found. Kirz and Shannon are in bad shape. Who knows how long they have? I’ll never forgive myself if they don’t make it because I took too long.

The memory of Handsome chasing me refused to leave me at peace, even as I hurried through the maintenance tunnels. I felt the memories of him pull at me. The memory of the dock’s lights flashing off his horns…

I smacked my cheek with one hand.

Don’t you have more important things to do than mentally drool over an alien from a once-in-a-lifetime, chance encounter?

Logic might’ve been right, but my brain just wouldn’t listen. When Handsome’s tattoos flashed like that, I felt the strangest thing—an indefinable sensation—surge through me.

And that feeling never fully left, did it? What’s he done to me?

STORGIN

A collective, ear-piercing squeal erupted in Goldie’s galley. Evelyn, Nora, and Rachel leaped to their feet and flung themselves at me. Stunned, I stood as still as a statue. Rachel smiled up at me and spoke in an almost unintelligible voice full of excitement.

“Congratulations, Storgin!”

“Uhhh…thanks…”

I held my arms up to my sides, afraid Timcur, Olath, or Thelkor might take my current predicament the wrong way. When I glanced at my Vaznik warrior crewmates however, they all suppressed laughs.

“Don’t get all excited yet. I might’ve run into my mate…stealing stuff from my lab…but I don’t know who she is or where she is. What if she leaves the game center before we find her?”

I grabbed my head with my hands, forgetting Lucky was still on me. I grabbed Lucky’s wiggly body and tried to pry it off, but the kehppû refused to budge.

“Evelyn? Can you get Lucky off my head?”

Evelyn sucked air in through her teeth.

“I don’t know, it seems really comfortable…”

Rachel giggled, then interrupted before I insisted Evelyn get her pet off me.

“Sounds like we need to find your DNA-match, Storgin. Can you tell us what she looks like?”

“She has perfect, hazel eyes. And blond hair cut in a dramatic, side-parted, asymmetrical style. You know what? I can draw her. My memory of her is seared into my brain.”

Nora’s eyebrows climbed her forehead.

“I didn’t know you could draw.”

I shrugged.

“I draw all the time.”

Timcur scoffed.

“I’ve never seen your art, Storgin.”

“Well, I mostly draw when I’m taking notes on my experiments, but I think I can make a good likeness.”

Before anyone said anything more, I sprinted to my lab. Lucky gripped my uniform with all four clawed feet, and held on. I ripped open the drawer of my desk and grabbed my portable tablet and a pen device meant for use by artists. I began to sketch as I walked back to the galley.

Lucky must’ve gotten bored because he jumped off my head and onto Mr. Fluffbutt Clawson. Fluffbutt didn’t appreciate Lucky’s pounce, and the two rolled across the corridor deck in a flurry of claws, fur, and tentacles.

Focused on my drawing, I ignored them until Mr. Fluff got the upper hand and Lucky shot across the corridor and directly under my feet. A little fancy footwork kept me from falling facefirst onto the corridor’s metal deck, but my portrait now looked like Picasso drew it.

I groused a little while undoing several extreme marks chosen by accident. I stepped into the galley with a good likeness of my DNA-match. I held the portable tablet up so the rest of the crew could see.

“She looks like this.”

A collective “Oooooh,” floated around the room.

“That’s a fantastic picture, Storgin.”

Rachel held out her hand.

“Let me see that picture and I’ll see what I can find. Maybe Hep Bouhek can run some facial recognition programs or something.”

Hope flooded me. She tapped a few buttons, and Goldie spat out a print of my sketch. I took the paper and gazed at my mate.

“Thank you, Rachel.”

Nora muttered something about recording these moments for posterity, and I realized my DNA-match might be on Goldie’s internal security footage. Without explanation, I ran to the closest security terminal.

I jabbed at the buttons, searching through folders, subfolders, sub-subfolders, and files. Then I found it.

“I found her on video! I could’ve just shown you the video of my lab…”

I played the footage of our encounter. There she was, on the screen in all her glory. I sighed. The mere sight of her soothed my spirit. She’d snuck through Goldie so quickly, like she knew exactly where she was going.

I forgot to wonder what she was looking for or why. Simply watching her entirely distracted me. I followed the footage of her journey through Goldie. Then I gasped.

“Evelyn! Evelyn!”

Evelyn joined me.

“What is it, Storgin?”

“Look.”

I pointed at the security footage.

“Wow. She looks exactly like your picture.”

“I meant, look at what your pets are doing!”

“Awww. They already like her…”

“They didn’t even try to stop her…”

“They’re pets, Storgin. They make their own decisions for their own reasons.”

The security footage played on and we came to the moment she and I first touched. I saw my tattoos flash on the footage. I held my breath. Nora’s voice over my other shoulder scared the living snot out of me.

“Wow. I always wondered what it looked like to other people.”

“Don’t sneak up on a person like that.”

She grinned at me.

“Stop complaining. I wish I had a video of the moment Timcur and I first touched.”

I replayed the clip of our first touch. My heart swelled. Everything I’d hoped for, had dreamed of all those long hours in space, demanded I find her. Every cell in my body yearned to hold her. I lost track of anything happening around me as I immersed myself in the security footage.

“Storgin?”

“Hmm?”

“Storgin.”

“What, Olath? What do you want?”

“Stop replaying that clip. We’ve seen it fifteen times now. Rachel has an idea.”

I spun to face him, grabbing Goldie’s executive officer by the upper arms.

“An idea? To find her?”

I pointed at the screen. Olath chuckled.

“Yes. To find her.”

Without another word, I ran back to the galley. I stopped in front of Rachel and doubled over to look her in the face. She leaned back.

“Whoa there. Give me at least four inches of space between our faces.”

I stood straight. My body trembled in anticipation.

“Sorry. Olath said you have an idea.”

“Yeah. The UIN.”

I blinked at her, comprehending nothing in my frazzled state.

“The Urchin Information Network?”

I blinked again. I knew I should understand her words, but all I’d really focused on was replaying the clip of our first touch in my head.

“The feral children, Storgin…”

Rachel finally got through.

“YES. PERFECT! BRING ME A CHILD!”

I headed toward a terminal, but Thelkor put an arm around my shoulders and steered me back to the galley table. Timcur looked at me, then spoke.

“Take a seat, Storgin.”

“But…”

“Consider it an order.”

I trembled, too excited to sit still, but I took a seat. Years of Vaznik warrior training cut through the absolute chaos inside my mind. Each aspect of her face floated through my buzzing thoughts. I examined each, trying to memorize every iota I knew of my DNA-match.

The sound of the teleporter cut through my memories. A small child sauntered into the galley. I grabbed the printout of my sketch and shoved it in the child’s face.

“Do you know this woman? I must find this woman! Please help me.”

The child looked confused. She glanced at my drawing and nodded her head.

“Yeah, I know her. That’s Chloe. She’s always been a friend and protector of our…organization.”

Hope welled inside my being. I fell to my knees before the child.

“CHILD! TAKE ME TO MY MATE!”

CHLOE

I heard coughing all the way down the corridor. I thought my heart would break at the sound. The UIN had set up shop in a forgotten corner of the Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center station and lived off the radar of the authorities.

Any station this large collected those lost or forgotten. It turned my stomach to realize how many lost children were out there in the galaxy, but children seemed easier to forget than most.

The sounds of labored breathing and racking coughs grew louder and more persistent as I reached the doorway. In the make shift infirmary I’d helped the children set up, feverish children lay everywhere.

Those strong enough to turn their heads looked my way, flashing me weak smiles.

“Hey, there. I have good news.”

I pulled the vials of troxcillin from my pocket.

I heard a few weak cheers and nearly cried. I drew in a deep breath and grabbed a box of alcohol pads from the cabinet near the entrance. Gork, a thin, green-skinned Buravian child, joined me.

“I’m so glad you found some. Kirz and Shannon are really bad, Miss Chloe.”

A small tickle in the back of my throat prompted a little cough. Gork watched me, concerned.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine. I just did a lot of running today. Take me to the worst cases.”

Gork nodded and I followed him through the saddest infirmary I’d ever seen.

“Is everyone getting enough food?”

“Yes, Miss Chloe. Thanks for convincing the executive chefs to send us the odds and ends left over from the kitchens.”

“It’s the least I can do, Gork. I wish I could do more.”

Gork shrugged.

“When I grow up, I’m going to be a pirate and make lots of galactic credits so I can buy a starship big enough for all the kids.”

A sad smile spread on my face.

“Money doesn’t solve all problems, Gork. But it does make it easier.”

“How do you know? Have you been rich?”

“No. I was never rich. My father was rich, though.”

“So, what happened?”

I shrugged.

“I…we didn’t get along, so I left.”

Our conversation ended as we neared Kirz’s little body on a cot. I knelt next to him. I heard him struggle to breathe. Tears sprang into my eyes. I pulled the medicines from one pocket and the box of syringes from the other. I handed Gork a handful of the individually wrapped alcohol pads.

I opened one of the packages, cleaning Kirz’s shoulder. I checked the label to be certain I administered the correct dosage. I pulled the cap from the needle with my teeth and slid the needle through the medicine vial’s rubber stopper, drawing a dose into the syringe. I withdrew the needle from the vial, held the syringe upright, and tapped the barrel.

“Why’d you tap it like that?”

“To bring the air bubbles to the top, Gork. Injecting air into people can be deadly. We only want to inject the medicine.”

“Will it help?”

I depressed the plunger enough to expel any air which had bubbled to the top and slowly injected the dose into Kirz’s arm. He barely reacted. I hoped I wasn’t too late. I replaced the needle cap and stuffed the used syringe into a separate pocket with the alcohol pad packaging.

“Let’s give the medicine some time to work. Take me to Shannon. It’ll help. It’s the best-known treatment for Smandradh. There’s just not much more I can do.”

Gork nodded and gave me a wry smile.

“We do what we can, Miss Chloe. At least we are trying.”

The tickle at the back of my throat returned. I followed Gork and coughed into my elbow.

Maybe I just need a drink.

Gork stopped by a young human girl curled up in blankets and clutching a ragged stuffed toy. Gork handed me an alcohol pad package. I opened it, stuffed the trash in my pocket, and cleaned her shoulder.

I drew a new dose with a clean needle and treated Shannon like I’d treated Kirz. Gork and I moved through the coughing, sniffling children until we’d emptied the last dose from the last vial.

I stood, stretched my back, and sighed. A stronger cough forced its way from my lips. Gork watched me with big, worried eyes. When my cough subsided, I tried to reassure him.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about me.”

I hate lying to children. I feel awful. For lying and...I just feel awful.

My elbows ached a little and my head had started throbbing halfway through administering the doses.

Oh, no. Maybe I should’ve given myself a dose. No. I’d never take a dose from the kids.

“Miss Chloe! Miss Chloe!”

I forgot about my own complaints and turned to Gork’s joyful exclamation. Kirz had pushed himself up. Kirz looked at me.

“I’m hungry.”

I smiled.

“Good. That means the medicine is working.”

I should really inform the station of this Smandradh outbreak. As infectious as this virus is, it could spread to the entire station within weeks. And with the traffic this station sees, it could infect innumerable stations and ships just from the travelers.

I went to the food stash. I dug through until I found a not-too-squished loaf of day-old bread. I opened it and passed out slices to the treated children. Gork brought everyone water, then passed out some butter from the refrigerator I’d convinced a security guard with a crush on me to carry down here.

Larry, a Mawkwil teen with a talent for mechanical work, had helped me reroute enough power to keep the refrigerator cold and some lights on. I hadn’t seen Larry’s giraffe-like head in a few days, though.

Many of the children came and went through these camps as they looked for ways to make a living and provide for themselves. Shouts from the infirmary’s entrance interrupted my thoughts and I turned to see what’d caused such a ruckus.

Gork hopped atop a crate and screamed across the room at me.

“There are people here looking for you, Miss Chloe.”

Shit.

“Shit.”

I bet that Mahdfel found me. And I bet he’s pissed. Run!

CHLOE

Panic and self-preservation warred in my mind. I glanced around for the best escape route. My flight choices included a narrow squeeze through a detachable panel on the far side of the room which led to the maintenance shafts, or trying to squeeze my boobs through an air duct.

Neither option appealed to me much. I considered trying to hide, but being the only adult in the room, I dismissed the option. I sighed and hurried to the maintenance shaft panel. Before I got very far, I felt a tug on my sleeve.

I turned my head and looked down. Gork looked up at me, a quizzical look on his face.

“Miss Chloe?”

“I’m sorry, Gork, but I’ve got to get out of here. I snatched those meds off The Golden Meridian, and I don’t want the crew to catch me. They could be angry with me. I swear they won’t be angry with any of you.”

“But…Miss Chloe, the crew of TGolden Meridian are friends of the Urchin Information Network.”

“What?”

“Like you. They can’t be too angry.”

Kirz piped in.

“I heard from my cousin, Fox-Face Chuck, that The Golden Meridian’s crew helped the UIN on Diana’s Arrow.”

Gork nodded his head in agreement.

“Yeah. They set up services and helped get the Diana’s Arrow children food and school and clothes and threw them a party and they had a lot of fun…”

I looked back at the infirmary’s main entrance.

“Really? But the news feeds…”

“My cousin says the news feeds are full of shit.”

“Does he, now?”

Gork nodded, a solemn look on his face. Shannon pushed herself up on her elbows.

“Do you think they’ll help us?”

I glanced around the room. Countless pairs of wide, soulful eyes watched me. Gork nodded. He waved at me.

“Follow me. My cousin sent over an info packet about The Golden Meridian and her crew.”

I followed Gork to one of the portable tablets I had acquired for them a few weeks ago.

“What’d it say? The data packet, I mean.”

Gork shrugged, then grabbed the portable tablet. He led me to a few crates Larry had helped me drag into a cozy conversation pit when we set up this infirmary a few weeks ago. Memories of many late nights reading to the children brought a smile to my face.

I sat and Gork crawled into my lap. A few of the other children gathered close. I coughed into my arm and sniffled.

This place is just dusty. I’ll have to get it cleaned up.

I glanced at the doorway.

“Gork? How long do you think we have before The Golden Meridian’s crew gets here?”

Gork grinned. His eyes twinkled.

“Iapae is ‘guiding’ them. The long way.”

“By ‘the long way’, do you mean the route through the sports teams’ showers?”

Gork giggled and winked at me.

“Smart. Okay, let’s see this evidence.”

With a nod, Gork brought out his portable tablet. He pressed the power button, booting the device. A group picture of the kids from a few weeks ago popped up on the screen. They looked so happy, I almost cried.

Happy a few weeks ago and coughing now. Troxcillin is my only recourse, the most help I can provide. I wish there was a better treatment. Troxcillin is only sixty percent effective...

Gork tapped the screen, navigating through files until he found the folder he sought. He opened the folder and I saw a long list of documents, subfolders, and videos. He opened the first video and played it.

A human woman, so beautiful she looked born to be on camera, spoke.

“Hello, Galaxy. My name is Nora Chambers, and this is the true story of The Golden Meridian and her crew…”

A short documentary played. I recognized some of the clips from the documentary Hep Bouhek, the Kimicusian, intergalactic philanthropist who built Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center station, had played on an infinite loop on every screen since the recent attack.

Clips of The Golden Meridian’s Vaznik warriors running through corridors with bombs and fighting Suhlik on what I guessed was an agriculture deck, played next. Whoever put this together had labeled the people on screen.

Tank’s name is Thelkor. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop thinking of him as Tank, though. Captain Timcur. Evelyn. And, here comes Handsome… Storgin. His name is Storgin. What a weird name. I think I’ll keep calling him Handsome.

An interview with Hep Bouhek, herself, played after.

“I want everyone in the galaxy to know, the crew of The Golden Meridian saved the games center station. They prevented multiple disasters here and it’s not fucking right that Mahdfel HQ has abandoned them…”

Gork looked up at me.

“Here, Miss Chloe. Look at this clip.”

Gork played a new video. He clicked on a file titled Dianas.Arrow.Afterparty. On the video, celebrants laughed and played. Storgin chased a child past the camera, only to run back across a moment later with the child chasing him.

A small smile crossed my face. Handsome was hot—and good with children.

Maybe they aren’t all so bad. I never thought they were terrorists, anyway. Who believes government propaganda?

“Well, kids, what do y’all think?”

The tickle in the back of my throat returned. The following cough drowned out anything the children said. That cough hurt far worse than the previous ones. My breath sucked at my chest. My head felt light.

“Miss Chloe?”

I waved my hand at Gork, asking him to wait for me to catch my breath. A few hacking coughs later, I drew in my first good lungful.

“I’m fine, Gork.”

“I don’t think so, Miss Chloe. You sound like you’ve got the lung rot, too.”

I smiled, patting his head.

“I’m fine. People cough for lots of reasons. I was in and out of starships and maintenance tunnels today. There’re many reasons humans cough. Let’s get back to my question. What do you kids think of the crew of The Golden Meridian?”

Small heads nodded all around.

“All right then. Tell Iapae she can go ahead and lead them here.”

STORGIN

The child glared up at me. She sniffed, wiping her nose on a sleeve. My body tried to cringe at the thought of layers of snot on her sleeve, but I tried to hide it.

“My name is Iapae.”

“Please, Iapae. Please take me to…Chloe…”

“What do you want with her?”

“She is my DNA-match.”

“Sounds important.”

I nodded.

“Yes. It is! There’s nothing more important.”

Iapae continued to glare. I held my breath, waiting for her to speak. I would’ve been happy had she moved so I could follow her. Instead, she stood there.

“Well? Shall we go find Chloe?”

“I don’t know…”

Rachel cut in.

“We’ll throw in a few crates of supplies.”

Iapae nodded.

“Deal. Gather your crates and follow me.”

Iapae sniffled again. Thelkor and Evelyn chuckled, heading toward the cargo bays.

“We’ll be right back. Storgin? Why don’t you take Iapae into the pantry and let her fill a crate? I bet she’d like a snack.”

Iapae shook her head and coughed.

“I’m not very hungry. But some of the others might be.”

The sniffles and cough distracted me from my disgust. I examined the child, eyes darting from the sunken eyes to the runny nose to the pale color.

“Iapae? How long have you been coughing?”

Iapae shrugged her shoulders.

“I don’t know. A couple of days, maybe? Don’t worry about me, though. The others are much worse.”

“There are more kids sick?”

Iapae nodded and coughed.

“Yeah. Lots.”

I held out my hand to her.

“Will you come with me to my lab? I’d like to find out what’s making you feel bad.”

Iapae shook her head.

“I don’t like tests. If I liked tests, I’d still go to school.”

“Good point. But I think we can help each other.”

Iapae looked unimpressed.

“And I’ll pay you 100 galactic credits for your help.”

“Okay.”

She took my hand and I stood. We walked to my lab. Evelyn’s pets awaited us.

“Whoa. What are they?”

I pointed at the cat.

“That one is an Earth cat named Mr. Fluffbutt Clawson. The other is Lucky, Evelyn’s kehppû.”

Mr. Fluff and Lucky walked past me like I didn’t exist, rubbing Iapae’s legs. She ran her little fingers through their fur, giggling. While she was distracted, I took out my med kit and took a few quick samples from Iapae.

“The sick kids…is that why Miss Chloe stole medicines?”

Iapae stared at me for a moment then nodded.

“How many are sick?”

Iapae shrugged.

“More than I can count.”

I started the samples running and extricated Iapae from the pets. Suspecting an outbreak of Smandradh, I packed one-hundred doses of a new treatment I’d developed. I would’ve taken troxcillin, but Chloe had snatched it all earlier.

“Come on. I have more medicine. Can you show me the way?”

Iapae shrugged, took my hand, and we returned to the galley.

“Who wants to come with me?”

Every other member of Goldie’s crew raised their hand. Captain Timcur groaned.

“You can’t all go. Rachel, I really need you here…”

Nora cut in.

“Evelyn and I are going.”

“Okay. Take Nora, Evelyn and Olath.”

“Aye, Captain. Okay, Iapae, let’s go.”

We followed Iapae through the games center, corridor after corridor. We walked so long and far, I worried we’d run out of space station. Then Iapae’s comms bracelet beeped. She checked the message on it, turned around and led us the opposite way we’d walked for the last half hour.

“What was all that?”

“Chloe says I can bring you now.”

“I see.”

She led us through the team locker rooms to a maintenance hatch and we stepped into the bowels of the station. Several corridors later, we entered a dark, forgotten corner of Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center.

I looked over the room. I counted nearly fifty sick children lnying on cots and piles of blankets. Sitting on a crate, surrounded by children, a suspicious Chloe eyed us.

She captivated me. The rest of the world faded away around her and all I thought about were her hazel eyes surrounded in long, black lashes. The next thing I knew, I stood before her, unable to catch my breath.

“I’m Storgin.”

Her eyes traveled from my horns to my feet.

“We have to stop running into each other like this, Handsome.”

I gulped. Then Chloe coughed. I rushed to her side, dropping to my knees.

“I’m a medical doctor. May I examine you?”

Chloe waved me away.

“If you want to worry about someone, worry about the kids. I already treated as many of the worst cases with the troxcillin I stole from your ship. I gave some of the others some Respitrol.”

“That was smart. It’ll help them breathe. Is it Smandradh? Do you know?”

With a heavy sigh, she nodded.

“A Chawwaw child developed Purple Spot and her eyestalks stiffened up.”

I stood, nodding.

“I need to talk to Hep,” I announced.

Chloe looked up at me with her big eyes.

“Do you think someone as rich as Hep will really care? No one else seems to care about these children.”

“More people care than you think. Not all of them have any ideas how to make it better. Luckily, we have a few contacts. Either way, Hep will care about a Smandradh outbreak. With the sports center’s daily traffic, it’d devastate the entire sector if it spread.”

“Don’t you think it already has?”

“Probably. We’ll need to treat the entire station. First, though, I’m hoping you’ll help me. I’ve developed a new treatment, but I’ve never tested it. Would you be willing to try it? If it works like I expect it to, we may be able to end this before it becomes a disaster.”

Without another word, Chloe unbuttoned the top buttons of her shirt, exposing her shoulder.

“Where do I sign, Handsome?”

CHLOE

The giant Mahdfel knelt before me. He was so big, I still had to look up to see his face. I’d never been big on drooling over aliens, but Handsome set my heart thumping and my blood racing. A strange new hyperawareness insisted on informing me how close his big hands were.

“Uh…let me just open my med kit.”

He turned his head to his bag. I had to duck to avoid being smacked in the face with his gracefully curving horns.

“Careful how you sling that headgear at someone now.”

“Hmm?”

“Try not to smack people in the face with your horns.”

“Oh. I didn’t think about it. I’m usually taller than most people.”

“On your knees, you’re not. Last thing we need is you curing a child just to knock them back out.”

He chuckled and dug a hypo-spray gun out of his med kit. He retrieved a vial of what I assumed was his new Smandradh treatment and loaded it into the hypo-spray gun. He turned back to me.

He reached for my upper arm, like any other doctor. A hairsbreadth from contacting my skin, Handsome hesitated. His chest rose rapidly. His pupils dilated until his irises had nearly disappeared. His fingers trembled.

A thrill streaked through my belly. Everything around us seemed to fade in my mind. Handsome was so close to touching me again, his delicious trepidation, the pheromones bouncing between us…I felt drunk.

A small smile curled the corner of my mouth. Handsome was ripe for fucking with—and I loved fucking with people.

“Afraid your new cure won’t work?”

He blinked up at me and shook his head as if to clear it.

“What? No.”

“Scared of a human woman?”

“I’m not scared of human women.”

“So, you’re just scared of me?”

“Uhhh… No?”

He gulped and finally wrapped his big fingers around my arm.

Why’d his touch feel so good?

His eyelids fluttered. He pushed the hypo-spray against my bare shoulder and pulled the trigger. He let me go and leaned back, as if he’d just faced certain death yet survived.

“You act like you were the medical experiment here, Handsome.”

His eyes flicked from my shoulder to my face. For a moment, I feared I might fall into them.

Mmmmm… Handsome is so fucking hot.

He rushed to his feet. My gaze followed his face. I refused to make it easy for him to walk away and kept his eyes trapped in mine. He panted, watching me.

“Am I really so enchanting you can’t walk away?”

He gulped. He shook his head.

“I’m… I’m…watching for a reaction to the meds.”

I felt the meds race through my system. Then I coughed. I hoped one cough would be all, but I only coughed harder the next time. The coughs tore the fluid from deep in my lungs. Within minutes, I desperately searched for something to cough into.

Handsome grabbed a small bin we’d used as a trash can and handed it to me. I wrapped my hands around it and coughed into it. I coughed and gagged and spit till my lungs were clear.

The effort had been so violent, I spent a few minutes recovering. I focused on breathing, on drawing into my lungs the first good breaths in hours. Eyes closed, my body trembled, but my breaths finally came easily.

“I think it works. I’m sweating, at least.”

I felt his hand on my forehead, fingers so gentle for such a huge, dangerous, alien brute of a Mahdfel.

“That’s a good sign, Chloe. Your fever broke.”

My name on his lips… Now, what the hell is going on with me and this alien? Maybe it’s just a side effect of the virus or the medication. Yeah, that’s it. This is just a reaction to the medication…

“Good job not killing me, Handsome.”

“My name is Storgin.”

I shrugged.

“I know.”

“Then why do you keep calling me Handsome?”

“It makes you squirm.”

“Because it makes me squirm!? Not because you think I’m…”

“Everyone needs a hobby. Let’s save some kids.”

Delightfully discombobulated, Storgin turned, remembering we had a lot more sick people to tend to. I followed him with the small trash can and we moved through the children, one by one.

Storgin’s companions also took hypo-spray guns, meds, and trash cans and began working a different quadrant of the make-shift infirmary.

He’s so good with the urchins…empathic bedside manner…

When he knelt down to treat the kids, I saw his muscles bulge in his uniform. I sighed and tried to ignore Handsome’s overwhelming hotness. Instead, I actually listened to his muttering.

“Treating the entire station…how do we treat the entire station?”

Kirz looked up at him.

“That’s a lot of people to treat, Doc.”

My mind calculated faster than I’d kept track of and a solution burst from my lips before I knew I’d spoken.

“Aerosol? If you can aerosolize it, we can flood the life-support systems. As long as it’s safe for all species.”

Shocked, Storgin turned to look at me.

“That’s fucking brilliant. I can do that. I need to talk to Hep.”

He turned back to Kirz, administered his new cure, and punched his comms bracelet.

“Rachel? I need you to get Hep down here. There’s a Smandradh outbreak and we have a plan.”

A human woman’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Are you fucking serious? Smandradh? That’s a disaster waiting to happen. I’ll get back to you.”

Mmmm…yummy. He’s so droolworthy when he takes charge like that…

I sighed and let my eyes linger on his massive pecs.

I wonder what he looks like under that uniform. Hold your horses, Chloe! Don’t go falling for the first hot alien doctor who saves all your urchins…wait a minute…that doesn’t sound so bad. But…but… I ran away from home because I didn’t WANT to be used as a breeder by some alien. Oh, I’m so conflicted!

STORGIN

“Well, Tlacu, you’re the last one.”

Tlacu smiled up at me weakly, coughing over the trash can Chloe held for him. She patted his back gently, a look of deep compassion on her face. The children who’d received the first doses of my cure began to rise from their cots and blanket nests.

“Look, Tlacu. The other children already feel better.”

Chloe’s voice fell on my ears like a cool afternoon breeze. The sound of her voice trickled through my mind, cascading into my chest and setting my heart to thumping. Her smell, her devious looks, the way her face softened when she looked at the urchins, intoxicated me.

Now that the last child has been treated, I can get back to the mission which brought me here in the first place.

“Chloe? Please, may we speak? It’s very important…”

“Are you going to have me arrested for stealing troxcillin for sick kids?”

The mere concept offended me.

“What? No. I never even thought about having you arrested. So you trespassed on Goldie and stole a couple vials of troxcillin. That’s hardly worth arresting you over.”

“Don’t forget the box of syringes I took, too.”

“Well okay, and a box of syringes… Honestly? You left such a mess, I didn’t even notice the syringes.”

“It looked like you were running low. You might order more.”

“Good point. Stop distracting me! I’m trying to get to my point.”

“But it’s so much fun.”

I stared at her, my mouth open.

“Please, let me get this out.”

I dropped to my knees again so I could look her in the face. She sighed. That little ghost of a smile crept into the corners of her mouth.

“Go ahead. I’m listening this time. I swear.”

I drew in a deep breath, steeling myself for my confession.

“Chloe, you’re my DNA-matched mate.”

Chloe laughed. Hard.

But I’m serious. Why is she still laughing? What’s so funny about meeting your DNA-match?

Her laughing subsided. She wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. Then she looked at me again. More laughter burst from her. She sank onto a cot, covering her face with her hands. Her shoulders shook, though she laughed so hard she hardly made a sound beyond a wheeze.

“You don’t have to laugh so hard at that. DNA-matched mates are a sacred thing to Mahdfel…”

She waved a hand at me. She clamped her lips on her laughs. Her cheeks bulged with repressed mirth. Her face turned all red and blotchy.

“Are you having a reaction to the meds?”

She shook her head and sucked in a few breaths.

“No. That’s just the lamest pickup line I’ve ever heard.”

She turned and casually walked away. I jumped to my feet and followed.

“This isn’t a pickup line…”

“Sure, Handsome. You could've just asked me on a date.”

“But I’m not just trying to pick you up! When we touched, my tattoos…”

Hep Bouhek strode into the room, interrupting my words. Taller than even Thelkor, with dark, wine-red skin, she had three breasts, long green hair and was dressed in a purple catsuit. She carried long knives strapped to her thighs and moved through the room with an air of authority.

When her eyes fell on the children, I watched pain bloom across her face. Anger followed. She turned, taking in the entirety of the sight before her.

“Can someone explain to me why there are sick children here and not on the medical deck?”

Chloe broke away from me and walked up to Hep.

“Nice to meet you, Hep Bouhek. I’m Chloe Stevens and these are Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center’s urchins. Dr. Handsome over there, just cured them of Smandradh.”

THE KIMICUSIAN BLINKED, then looked at me.

“You have a cure?”

Goldie’s crew gathered around. I nodded and answered Hep’s question.

“I’ve been working on a new treatment. It works and is safe for all susceptible species.”

Hep laid a hand on my arm.

“Well, thank fuck for that. I’ve ordered a quarantine.”

Olath cut in.

“Good. This has definitely delayed our departure and I worried Mahdfel HQ or Earth Authorities might catch up to us.”

“Pfft. Don’t worry about them. I can keep them off your backs long enough. How do we treat the entire station? How many doses do we need? I suppose we’ll have to set up treatment stations…”

“Hep?”

“Chloe…Stevens, you said?”

“Yes.”

“The Chloe Stevens? The missing heiress, Chloe Stevens?”

“Shhh! Don’t say it so loud! And Daddy and I entirely disagree on my status. I ran away, I’m not missing.”

Hep raised an eyebrow nearly to her hairline. A smile curled one side of her mouth.

“I see. Let’s focus on my other questions then.”

“Handsome, here—”

“My name is Storgin…”

“Yeah, sure, whatever. This guy says he can aerosolize the treatment and we can administer it through the life-support systems.”

I spluttered.

“Whatever? I just told you we were DNA-matched and all you can say is ‘whatever’?!”

“Calm down, Handsome. Focus on our goal. We have an outbreak to stop, remember?”

I had no idea what to say to all that. Hep chuckled. I think Chloe winked at her! Winked!

“What’s with all this winking?”

“How quickly can you get this cure prepared?”

“Uhhh… an hour? Yeah, just give me an hour in my lab.”

Chloe looked at me.

“Why not just give Hep’s people a sample and the recipe? She has an entire station’s resources at her disposal. Then you can be on your way.”

“That’s a great idea, Storgin. How quickly can you do that?”

“I suppose I could just call Rachel to send it over…”

Evelyn raised her hand.

“On it.”

Evelyn stepped away and chatted over her comms bracelet. My head felt like it spun. How can these women think so quickly? I could barely keep up. Hep took another pained look around the room.

“Where’d they all come from?”

Chloe shrugged.

“Some came with parents who died, and the children slipped through the cracks. Others ran away from bad homes. Some simply got lost or separated or abducted at other stations and only escaped when they got here. There are a million reasons. Some will tell me their stories. Others…never say how they arrived.”

“How can there be so many? I…I thought they were just people’s children running wild—that they went home at the end of the day…”

Chloe shrugged and looked Hep directly in the eye.

“I didn’t know, either—until I ran away too.”

Evelyn placed a hand on Hep’s arm.

“We set up a system for the urchins on Diana’s Arrow. I’d be more than happy to share the programs we developed with you.”

“Thank you, Evelyn. I appreciate that. And your cure. And bringing the plight of these children to my attention.”

CHLOE

Hep, Olath, and Evelyn walked off to discuss what Goldie’s crew had done for the urchins on Diana’s Arrow. I turned to follow, but Storgin placed a hand on my arm. I stopped, turning to look at him.

“Please, Chloe. You’re my DNA-matched mate. We really need to talk about this.”

“Nah.”

I saw the thoughts running around his mind trying to crash.

“What do you mean, ‘nah’? My tattoos flashed…”

“You keep saying that as if it means something. Look, I never agreed to participate in that sick treaty you Mahdfel have with Earth.”

Scandalized, his eyes bugged out and he nearly choked. I suppressed a laugh.

Handsome is so cute when he squirms. I wonder how far I can push it.

“Sick treaty… That sick treaty is the last hope for my species! And we keep the Suhlik from kidnapping Earth women on a whim.”

“Blah, blah, blah.”

The conflicting emotions warring on his face nearly broke my serious composure.

“You’re being very dismissive of the plight of my species.”

“‘You’re my DNA-match.’”

He gasped in shock.

“Are you mocking me?”

“Of course I’m mocking you, Handsome. That DNA-match stuff is the cheesiest shit I’ve ever heard. Can’t you win a mate’s heart on your own? You act like this match thing is a shortcut, like one can just run up to a complete stranger and say “mate” and we run off into the sunset together.”

“Uhhh…”

“Maybe I have a mind, Handsome. Maybe I have a brain. Maybe I want to do more with my life than pop out alien babies. How does the treaty make us human women better than livestock?”

Ah. Got him.

I watched his brain try to work through that thought. He opened his mouth to speak. I raised an eyebrow. He shut his mouth, rethinking his reply. He must’ve decided on a course of action because he drew in a deep breath and spoke with careful precision.

“How many human-Mahdfel couples have you met and actually spoken to?”

Ouch. Touché.

A new, small hope twinkled in his eyes. He pointed at his crewmates.

“Olath and Evelyn are DNA-matched. She didn’t think she wanted to be, either. Nora and Captain Timcur are mated. Rachel and Thelkor—and Thelkor was such an ass when they first met, Rachel didn’t even like him! I’m not even an ass!”

“The one who was sitting on you earlier?”

“You were watching? I looked for you everywhere. How’d I miss you?”

I shrugged.

“I’m good like that.”

“Please, Chloe. Just give me a chance. Talk to Rachel. Talk to Evelyn and Nora. You’re going to love them, I swear. They’re some of my best friends and some of the best people I know. And honest.”

“I can’t commit to a relationship just because your tattoos tell you I should. I don’t even know you. I have a life of my own. I promised to take care of these urchins. Who’d take care of my urchins?”

“I’ll take care of your urchins.”

I snapped my head to Hep. She stood casually, her arms crossed over her chest. She bit her lips, hiding her full, deep-wine smile. Evelyn stood next to Hep, face turned as far to the side as it’d go without her feet moving. I noticed her chewing on the corner of her mouth.

Those clues, combined with the tears the women struggled not to shed, told me how amusing they’d found our exchange.

I’d probably enjoy their company.

“Now that you’ve mentioned it, I’m a rich philanthropist,” Hep declared.

I laughed. Evelyn wore a wry grin. Then Hep put on her business face.

“Besides, if I can work out wrangling intergalactic sports teams, I already have the tools to see to those who lose their way on my station. I really should’ve thought about it at the planning stage. I wish I could say these children will be the last to fall through the cracks, but I know they won’t. Better to set up a structure to help them all.”

I drew in and released a deep breath.

I’ll probably go with them, since Hep is both willing and better suited to care for the urchins.

“Give Storgin a chance, Chloe.”

Her eyes pierced me. For the briefest moment, she let me see behind the mask she showed the rest of the world. In her face, I saw my own pain, my own experience. At that moment, I knew her, and I knew we’d made our life choices for very similar reasons.

Hep leaned in close to me and spoke in the barest whisper.

“Not all men we meet are like our fathers.”

I sucked in a breath. Her words found a place inside me. She leaned back.

“Besides, I have already decided to feed, clothe, house, educate, and eventually employ any urchins on my station.”

The recovering children, who’d been raiding whatever food stores they had while the adults spoke, rushed us. Little hands, hooves, tentacles, and all other manner of appendages grabbed at our arms. They spoke over each other faster than I could assign voices to speakers.

“Really?”

“Are you adopting us?”

“Do we get new mommies?”

“I don’t want a new mommy. I’m too old for that.”

“Shut up! If I want a new mommy, I can have a new mommy—”

“QUIET.”

I grabbed my ears. Storgin’s shout rang painfully in them like a replica pinball machine. When the ringing cleared from everyone’s ears, we all turned to look at Storgin. He opened his mouth to speak. We all cringed in anticipation of another shout, but relaxed when he spoke in a much more normal tone.

“No one gets anything if we trample each other to death. It’d be a huge mess, and someone would have to clean up all that blood.”

The children giggled.

“So! We’re all going to calm down and I’m certain Hep, here, will answer all your questions if you’ll just be patient.”

The kids tried to speak, but Storgin put up a silencing finger and they held their breath instead.

“If you can keep from killing each other and maybe back up a little bit, I’ll have someone send you art supplies.”

That seemed to pacify the feral children and they broke up into small groups to finish their post-fever feast. All the adults turned back to me and I felt like I was back in the dean’s office for a second.

Oh, I’m having too much fun. This can’t end well.

“Fine. You win this round, Handsome. I’ll go.”

Storgin leaped up and cheered.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m not promising anything, and you’re paying my way, Handsome.”

“I can work with that.”

STORGIN

An affirming wave of smug victory rushed through my veins. Heady with satisfaction, I smiled at Chloe. Her eyes flashed amusement in my direction. We sparred and I savored the victory of our first round.

Though Chloe’s eyes narrowed, I felt thirst for a rematch burning inside of her.

“So, you think you’re clever, Storgin?”

A grin spread across my face.

“I’m clever.”

Her amusement escaped her. She laughed, turning from me. She spoke in a soft, wry voice.

“We’ll see, Handsome.”

My mouth watered. I gulped. My heart pumped a little harder than it had only a moment before. I licked my suddenly dry lips.

What’d I just get myself into?

I shook my head to clear it. I swear my horn beds tingled. I spun away to catch my breath and get my bearings. I’d underestimated the pull of one’s perfect DNA-match all those times I’d complained about Thelkor and Rachel making out everywhere.

I took a few fortifying breaths and turned to Hep.

“Thank you for all your help.”

“Don’t sweat it. You saved my life and everyone on this entire station. I owe the crew of The Golden Meridian more than I could ever repay.”

Evelyn hugged Hep.

“Take care of yourself, Hep.”

“I will. Take care of each other.”

Chloe and Hep shook hands.

“Good to meet you, Chloe.”

“And you, Hep. What about the kids?”

“I paged hospitality to send the childcare staff. We’ll get them sorted out in no time.”

“Thank you.”

Hep grinned at Chloe.

“I expect you to come back and check on them. You're welcome any time.”

Chloe grinned. The distinctive whistle from the soundtrack of an old Earth movie Rachel called a “spaghetti western”, which she’d forced Thelkor to watch, to his horror, floated through my mind.

“We really do have to get out of here as quickly as possible, though. HQ must have ships on the way.”

Olath’s worried tone brought us all to our senses and reminded us of the urgency of our mission. Hep waved our concerns away.

“I activated quarantine protocols as soon as Rachel informed me. No one in or out without my say so. All starship traffic is suspended.”

Olath looked confused.

“Then how do we get away?”

“Cloak, undock, and float. I sent you a couple of salvage drone units we use to clear any debris or space junk outside the station. They’ll tow you out under undetectable power. Then tell Rachel to hit the gas. I hear The Golden Meridian is the fastest starship in the sector now.”

“Damn right, she is.”

Evelyn wore the smile of a proud mama. Hep laughed and waved us away.

“Go. Save someone else’s day. I’m all out of emergencies.”

Evelyn smiled, turning to Chloe and me.

“Come on. Back to Goldie. We have a mission.”

Hep called out to us. We all turned.

“Oh. By the way, I might’ve sent Goldie a ton of goods to restock your ship, and a few luxury goods I’m certain you’ll find useful. For trade, if nothing else.”

We waved. Evelyn, Olath, and I turned back to the room’s entrance. I felt a hand on my arm. My heart leaped into my throat. I froze, unable to take a step. Little tingles radiated from where her skin touched mine.

“I need enough time to make a detour. I don’t have much, but there are a few things I don’t wish to leave behind.”

“Better deal than I got.”

Evelyn pierced Olath with a look. Olath turned to Chloe.

“Take your time, Chloe. Get whatever you feel you need. Goldie won’t fly without you or Storgin because he’ll be escorting you.”

Evelyn averted her gaze and walked away. Olath smiled, winked at me, and followed Evelyn. He slipped his hand into hers and suddenly, I was alone with Chloe.

“Come on if you’re coming, Handsome.”

She turned from me and walked away. A thrill fluttered my stomach and I caught up to her in long strides.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Handsome. Watch your horns.”

“Huh?”

I clanged my horns on a pillar I didn’t see because I was too busy looking at Chloe to pay any attention to where I was going. The clang reverberated through my entire skull. I groaned and grabbed my head with my hands.

Then I felt a light touch on the horn I’d banged into the six-foot-thick crystal pillar. I refuse to ever admit I shrieked. I leaped away from her touch, terror plain on my face. I could barely speak. When I did get air out of my mouth that’d sound like intelligible speech, I spoke in a strangled whisper.

“Those are…sensitive…”

Her eyes grew wide. The pupils dilated until her eyes were deep pools, portals to the universe beyond. Her mouth formed a perfect, shocked circle.

“Oh.”

I gulped. I spun to face the exit, my legs stiff.

“If you’ll lead the way, haste is really advisable. I’m sorry to say Goldie’s humanitarian efforts have been twisted against us.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Chloe grinned and led the way. We passed through maintenance shafts and tunnels. We climbed ladders up and ladders down, crossing catwalks and sneaking through hidden door after hidden door.

“You’re like a spy.”

“Hmm?”

“Following you is like following a fucking spy. Is this really the most direct route?”

“Not at all. I was just wondering how long you’d follow me before asking.”

I stopped and stared at her. She grinned up at me.

“I win. Good luck in the next round.”

“I’ll dominate you in the next round.”

She shook her head.

“You already lost.”

“How?”

“I was just fucking with you. We’re here.”

Chloe turned from me and opened a hatch. She entered, turning to the left. Through the doorway, I saw a sparse room. I stepped up to the entrance.

“May I assist?”

She stuffed various things into a couple of packs.

“Nah. I don’t have much. It’d take longer to explain than to pack it myself.”

She hadn’t stopped packing to even speak, and then she stood. She closed the packs, slinging them over her shoulders. She looked up at me with eyes I feared I’d drown in.

“Chloe: Three. Storgin: Zero.”

“But I won the first round!”

“I didn’t hear you claim it.”

CHLOE

Storgin chuckled, grinning at me. I waited for him to say something. We stared at each other. I raised an eyebrow.

“Ready to go?”

“Aren’t we in a hurry?”

“Yes. HQ must’ve sent someone to apprehend us as soon as news of the attack on the station hit the news feeds.”

“So, we should probably go.”

“Yes. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

I hooked a thumb at my packs, pointing out I’d stood there trying to leave for at least five minutes.

“Lead the way, Chloe. I don’t know where we are. I have no idea how to get back to Goldie.”

I blinked at him.

“Chloe: Four. I’d be delighted to show you the way. As soon as you move out of the doorway.”

He jumped, stepping back in a rush.

“Oh.”

I suppressed a chuckle and started walking. I assumed Storgin would keep up. I heard his footsteps behind me. I also heard a few bangs and muttered curses until he learned to mind his horns in the tight spaces of the maintenance shafts.

I didn’t tell him we could’ve simply teleported. It was too much fun to watch him struggle to fit his body through the tiny spaces. We’d reach our destination either way and this way amused me far more.

We arrived at the docks and I led him through a maintenance hatch. We stepped out into a dark corner behind some crates.

“Are we at a teleporter yet?”

I darted my eyes in his direction.

“Even better. We’ve arrived.”

“Great news. You really found a good place to hide.”

“Thanks, Handsome.”

“Storgin.”

I stepped around the crates before he caught on, striding across the corridor to Goldie’s dock. Storgin followed, trying to engage me in conversation.

“I have a name. I didn’t think ‘Storgin’ would be difficult to remember. It’s such a common name among the Mahdfel. I never thought it might be easy to forget.”

“Never heard it before, but it sounds like the Buravian word for ‘sock’.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Look it up the next time you’re near a Buravian dictionary.”

“Good idea.”

I stopped before Goldie’s threshold. On the Goldie side of the docking entrance stood a tall, straight-backed, slightly rakish Vaznik warrior and the gorgeous woman I’d seen on the video I’d watched with the urchins.

She flashed her one-thousand-watt smile at me, holding out a hand.

“Nora Chambers. Nice to meet you.”

I took her hand and shook.

“Chloe Stevens. I have a feeling we’ll get along.”

A smile spread across her face. The skin at her eyes crinkled and I knew she felt genuine amusement.

“I think we will. This is Captain Timcur—my DNA-matched mate.”

The captain offered his hand, and I shook it.

“Welcome aboard, Chloe Stevens.”

“Just Chloe, if you don’t mind.”

Timcur stepped back and I stepped in. I had to smile. Goldie was a pretty girl with a homey feel. Someone obviously loved her. She was in good repair. Someone’s drying bras lay across the galley table. I smiled.

Had this place looked like a museum at first sight, I would’ve run. This place looks like a home.

A curvy woman with dark hair and a fantastic smile stepped up to greet me. We clasped hands.

“Rachel. Hi. This is my match, Thelkor.”

The tallest Mahdfel I’d ever seen towered behind her like some space bull. I grinned wide.

“You’re the one who sat on Storgin earlier.”

Thelkor smiled.

“Yes. Yes, I am. Pleased to meet you.”

“Nice move, Thelkor.”

“Thanks.”

Captain Timcur joined us, raising his hands.

“Sorry to rush introductions, but we’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other after we take off. Strap in, people. Takeoff in five.”

I followed the crowd, assuming someone would tell me where to sit eventually. I felt a hand on my arm. I stopped, turning to look behind me at Storgin. He radiated awkwardness.

“What is it?”

“I…usually ride in my lab when we take off.”

I looked to where the others had walked, then back to Storgin.

“Wouldn’t the bridge have a better view?”

He stopped for a moment. I watched his face, waiting for the thought stuck in his mind to work itself out. He blinked, looking at me.

“Yes. Yes, it does have a better view and I bet you’d like to see it and now we have enough seats up there for everyone, as well. My experiments will keep for a while longer. I don’t have to watch them every second.”

“I’m glad we’ve worked that out.”

I turned, walking onto the bridge. Little lights blinked everywhere. Top-of-the-line seats filled the space like a luxury theater with crash harnesses.

“Nice.”

Nora winked at me.

“We had a little work done recently.”

“I commend your style.”

Rachel cackled, turning to look at the rest of us.

“T minus sixty seconds, then you better hold onto your butts. I’ve never tried the Romero move.”

I pulled my crash harness over me and buckled. I glanced at Rachel.

“What’s the Romero move?”

“Playing dead, like a zombie.”

I chuckled. I glanced to my left, where Storgin had strapped himself in. He wiggled his eyebrows at me. Then Rachel cut all but the barest power. We fell quiet. On the bridge’s large viewscreen, the galaxy awaited us beyond Bouhek Station.

“Activating salvage drone one on mark. Mark. Drone two on mark. Mark. Deactivating docking clamps…now.”

I saw Goldie’s perspective shift in the viewscreen. The view began to gently roll.

“Goldie away.”

Silent and dark, Goldie gently floated away from the dock. I watched the station slowly retreat as the drones maneuvered us away and into the black. Rachel relaxed.

“Romero move successful, Captain. We’re far enough away to bring in the drones and move under our own power.”

“Thank you, Rachel. You heard her. Time to party.”

Thelkor whooped and unbuckled his belt. Rachel brought power back up. Her fingers danced across her console. I released myself from my crash harness and stood.

“So, where are we headed, Captain?”

“Tehglaish.”

“Oh, no…”

STORGIN

“What’s wrong, Chloe?”

She stared at me. Her eyes darted between the others.

“Nothing.”

Her eyes twitched between everyone again. Nora raised an eyebrow.

“Have you been to Tehglaish before?”

Chloe’s eyes darted to Nora.

“Maybe.”

What does she mean?

“I, uh…have had a long day stealing, running, saving kids…”

“Recovering from one of the most feared diseases in the galaxy?”

“Yeah, Handsome. Exactly. So…where do you expect me to sleep?”

She eyed me, one perfect eyebrow raised.

“Let me give you the tour.”

“I’d appreciate that, Handsome.”

I ignored the sudden chuckling everyone valiantly attempted to cover with little coughs. I waved at the corridor entrance.

“Follow me.”

“Here. Hold this.”

Faster than I could think or respond, Chloe placed the straps of her packs in my hand and walked through the doorway. I sprinted to keep up. Laughs exploded from the bridge at my back. I caught snippets of whispered voices.

“…no chance…”

“Yeah, but the camera…”

The whispers faded, but their memory fueled my determination. I gulped.

What isn’t she telling me? I detect the lingering odor of an awkward history wafting from what she hides.

“So, you’ve already seen the galley. Captain and Rachel even cleaned the kitchen the other day.”

I waved my hand at the rooms stacked full to the brim with random foodstuffs, supplies, and crates we hadn’t managed to stuff into the cargo bays. Chloe slowed her steps long enough to really look around.

Goldie’s galley looked lived in. The long table’s booth and bench seats had butt-shaped divots where we sat for many hours, talking and laughing. Laundry dangled near air vents, and the shelves behind the booth held all manner of books, games, and various videos of intergalactic cult classics.

Hep’s staff must’ve cleaned while we were with the urchins, because the galley sparkled underneath the clutter of practical life.

“This is Goldie’s heart.”

A slow smile bloomed on her face. She turned to me. Her eyes filled my vision. My heart thumped in my ears.

“I see that.”

I pointed at one of the other corridors branching off the galley.

“Engines, cargo bays, server room, armory, gym, wardrobe department, and all the other practical stuff that way.”

She nodded at the third corridor.

“And that way?”

“Berth, office space, lab, habitation-related.”

“So, my bed is that way.”

I nodded. She stuffed a few drinks, fruit, cheese, and a handful of chocolate into her pockets and nodded.

“Lead the way, Handsome.”

We turned down the habitation corridor. Suddenly, I couldn’t think of anything to say. My throat grew drier each second that ticked by. My eyes flicked to her. Her eyes darted to mine. She raised an eyebrow. I opened my mouth, realizing I still had no idea what to say.

I clamped my mouth shut and looked ahead. I glanced at her face to see how she took our exchange. Both of her eyebrows had climbed near her hairline. I averted my eyes. I looked around for salvation, but found my prospects thin.

Uhhhhh…

“So…”

My eyes snapped wide. I rolled my eyes over to see her without turning my head. I gulped.

What should I say? What should I say? Think, Storgin.

“How’ll this work? The whole you-and-me thing?”

She flicked a perfect finger between us.

“You’re welcome to use the guest cabin for as long as you wish.”

I held my breath, awaiting her response. She tilted her head as if carefully considering the offer.

“Don’t you want me to sleep in your cabin, Handsome?”

I stared straight ahead until I could breathe again.

Uhhhh…

“Uhhh…”

I gulped. Chloe chuckled. She patted my arm. I tingled where our skin met.

“It’s okay, Handsome. I won’t be half as terrifying once you get to know me.”

“Who said I was terrified?”

Chloe shrugged. I narrowed my eyes.

She’s…fucking with me!

My heart swelled in my chest. My knees quivered.

“What’s your business on Tehglaish?”

“We have a contact there who’s been instrumental in thwarting Zarklac’s evil schemes since HQ assigned us this mission.”

“So, that part of the documentary Hep Bouhek had looped on the station’s vidscreens was true, too.”

I nodded.

“The entire thing. Nora and Hep put it together. Honestly, Goldie was doomed without all the help we’ve found throughout this sector.”

She made a little sound I took as grudging appreciation. I savored the win, adding it to the silent total in my head. I planned to let her keep thinking she’d won, for now.

“Here we are.”

I stopped in front of her cabin door. She looked at the door, then back at me.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, but for what?”

“The kids.”

SHE TURNED AWAY FROM ME. She opened the cabin door and slipped inside. With the barest glance behind, she closed the door and left me standing in the corridor. I stared at thedoor, still trying to sort out the chaos inside myself.

My mind had always been quiet, precise. The meticulous nature of medical research brought me peace. Being able to help others brought me pride and a sense of purpose. Method had ruled my life for so long, the chaotic, whirlwind jabs of Chloe’s wit stood out against the world like a giant neon finger.

Chloe crashed through me, second by second, upending my structured, ordered way. Whatever part of my mind handled risk assessment writhed in agonizing trepidation. The rest of me floated like I’d stumbled on a juniper berry martini.

I drew in a deep breath of Chloe’s lingering enchantment and began to walk. My body made all those decisions without me, because all I thought about was Chloe. Memories of her flashed in my mind like a million vidscreens stacked deck to ceiling. Each played small clips of her.

I discovered I stood before the door to my own cabin about a half-second before I smacked my nose into it. I opened the door and stepped inside, heady on Chloe’s essence.

CHLOE

As soon as I heard the door seal behind me, I leaned my back against it and slid to the deck. I expelled a huge breath. I fanned my face with a hand.

Wow, he’s hot.

I pulled a palm-sized wheel of cheese in a translucent white wax from my pocket. I pulled a small knife from the pocket sheath I’d fitted into my top. I cut through the wheel, digging at the wax with a fingernail until enough curled away from the cheese.

I ripped the wax away and stuffed the delicately flavored, fatty, delicious luxury into my mouth. The cheese melted over my tongue, tickling the delicate nerves. The perfect smell welled into my nose.

I moaned, chewing the best thing I’d eaten in weeks. I grabbed at the drinks I’d so boldly snatched in the galley. I opened the first one my hand curled around and I drank half before I stopped, panting.

A lot of big talk for a half-starved fugitive.

I relaxed my arms, letting them fall gently to my sides and pressed the back of my head to the door’s cool metal. My eyelids fell closed. I cupped the knife, cheese, and drink in loose fingers.

Something had changed in me. I felt it. I felt something I couldn’t quite define rearranging my in insides.

Fuck. He has my packs. I could knock on his door… Stop right there.

I knew that, were I to knock on Storgin’s door, I wouldn’t be coming back to my cabin. Deciding it was better to rest, I took another bite of the delicious cheese and looked around. I only had eyes for the shower.

I stood and stuffed my pilfered snacks into the minifridge under my bunk. Designers wasted no space in such close quarters. Poorly designed rooms had driven many a spacer mad. I shuddered at the memory of the one time I’d seen an old spacer turn mad.

Cooped up in a crippled, overpacked cargo ship carrying two more passengers than the cargo ship had been rated for, the lifesupport systems had struggled to keep us all in enough air. I was one of those extra passengers, having bribed passage fleeing one of my father’s attempts to bring me home and end his humiliation.

The man had been through a recent close call with a poorly maintained space suit the month before. The combination of overcrowding, hypoxia, and trauma had pushed him just a little too far. He had spaced himself.

I laid my memories aside with my discarded clothing and got clean for the first time in what felt like lifetimes. I sighed as the hot water pounded onto my sore shoulders. Tension drained from my limbs. I felt my cramped joints relax. I must’ve looked like I wilted under the steamy water.

I couldn’t remember what happened next, but I woke up under the blanket on my bed. I stretched. My back released a satisfying series of pops as having slept on a good mattress for the first time in forever, worked its magic.

The lights glowed gently brighter as the environmental sensors detected my wakeful state. I sat up on the side of the bed and reviewed what all had happened since I’d stepped foot on Goldie the first time.

Feels unreal.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes, then rose from the bed and freshened up in the head. I found spare shipsuits of multiple sizes in the cabin’s closet. I looked through them until I found one in my size. I transferred all my odds and ends from my filthy clothes to my new outfit and took a quick look in the mirror.

Nice. Watch Storgin resist this.

I tossed my dirties into a corner and emerged into the corridor. I looked around, taking Goldie in while I made my way back to the galley. I saw a flash of movement from the corner of my eye. I stopped and looked down. A cat and a kehppû stared up at me.

“Hey there. Long time, no see.”

I knelt down and rubbed their furry little heads. They rubbed back on me.

“Did you come to say ‘hi’? How have you been? My goodness. You’re both so magnificent, aren’t you?”

The obviously most important members of Goldie’s crew rubbed against my hands and legs, purring and warbling. The kehppû waved its little mouth tentacles at me, wrapping them around my wrist.

“The cat is Mr. Fluffbutt Clawson, Evelyn’s cat. The other is Lucky the—”

“Kehppû.”

Storgin grinned down at me. He looked even more handsome when well rested. I smiled. Lucky squealed at me.

“Yes. Are you familiar with them?”

“I’ve been fortunate to know a few. How’d you ever come by one? I’d heard rumors they were nearly extinct, yet here is a fine, healthy pup.”

“Olath picked it up on our first trip to Tehglaish. For Evelyn.”

“Did he realize what he was getting?”

“What do you mean?”

Evelyn walked up before I could explain.

“They're my babies.”

Mr. Fluffbutt and Lucky let me go, trotting over to Evelyn. She muttered sweet nothings to them and they flopped to the deck at her feet.

“Hi. Sorry to interrupt.”

I shook my head.

“Not at all. I was just asking Storgin about Lucky. Olath got you one hell of a gift there.”

“Really? I’d never heard of them, of course, before I got here. But then we helped Lorka out…”

Oh no… I’d really hoped they were talking about someone else…

“… I tried to read the manual but it read like stereo instructions.”

“You do realize why they’re so valuable, right?”

“TELL ME EVERYTHING and I’ll show you around.”

Evelyn slid her arm into mine and hustled me off. I glanced back. Storgin had the most put out look upon his handsome face. I chuckled, turning back to Evelyn.

“You know that thing will get a lot bigger, right?”

“You think so?”

STORGIN

I finally get to talk to my mate and Evelyn interrupts.

I sighed. Luckily for me, Olath and Thelkor arrived at the perfect time to rub it all in. Thelkor draped a meaty arm over my shoulder and grinned like a Sprott, and they’re literally just giant mouths.

“Hey there, Storgin. What’s up, buddy?”

“Don’t make me tranq you again.”

Thelkor put up his hands, professing his innocence.

“Take it easy. No reason to get defensive, just because Chloe runs circles around you.”

“She thinks she’s clever, but I’ll win.”

Olath laughed. Thelkor shook his head as if I’d prophesied my own demise. I waved them away.

“What do either of you know, anyway?”

Olath shrugged and suppressed his laughs long enough to respond.

“Nothing, man. Nothing at all. Except she’s already won the war and you’re still throwing punches.”

“She hasn’t won yet. I’m up three points, by my count.”

Thelkor and Olath laughed again. This time, Thelkor took a shot.

“Sure, Storgin. Whatever you say.”

Olath grinned at Thelkor.

“I bet it takes Storgin a week to realize he’s already been beat.”

“A week? Pfft. I give him three days. He’s a smart fellow, what with all those fancy medical degrees he keeps throwing in our faces.”

“My degrees are an achievement, Thelkor. You should be proud to crew with a doctor as accomplished as I am.”

Olath elbowed Thelkor and “whispered’ at him.

“Did you hear his ego inflate?”

“Like a balloon.”

Thelkor shook his head.

“Sad, really. Another one bites the dust, Olath.”

“Shut your faces. I have experiments to check on.”

I turned to leave, but Olath and Thelkor followed. Olath jogged up next to me and fired the next volley.

“Say, Storgin. Where’s Chloe got off to? As cheerful as you’ve been since Rachel first teleported aboard, I would’ve thought you’d be stuck to her side.”

My eyebrows fell low over my eyes and my ears twitched in annoyance.

“She and Evelyn are talking about the pets. Or something. I don’t know. She has things to do. I have things to do. We’ve barely met, Olath. What do you want? Hot makeout sessions in the galley?”

Thelkor looked offended.

“What’s wrong with making out in the galley? If your mate wants to make out in the galley, you make out in the galley. That’s lesson one, Storgin. Look, I just saved your relationship.”

“Thanks… Don’t the two of you have something better to do?”

Olath shook his head.

“No. No, we don’t. What’d be more important than supporting you in your time of need?”

“Who said I needed you?”

Thelkor chuckled, patting me on the back.

“It was obvious. Look at the way you keep drifting off into daydreams every time she’s near.”

“Like you’re any better, gunner.”

“Oh, but I have a greater depth of experience.”

Olath nodded his head.

“This is true. Listen to the voice of wisdom.”

I had to laugh at the thought of Thelkor, the gunner, as the voice of wisdom. I clamped my hands over my ears before either of them said anything more ridiculous than the words currently spewing from their smug mouths.

I turned into my lab, picking up the first chart I saw. I tried to focus on the samples in front of me. Olath and Thelkor’s whispers and snorting laughs tried to needle their way under my skin, but I pushed awareness of them to the side.

Nothing I read made sense. Every word looked like Chloe. Every letter reminded me of her. Thelkor walked up behind me, looking over my shoulder.

“Nope. He’s not writing a thing, Olath. Our Storgin is, in fact, simply standing here, staring at his piece of important, sciency paper, and doing exactly nothing.”

“Fascinating development, Dr. Thelkor.”

“Isn’t it, Dr. Olath?”

“Oh, yes. It’s an unfortunate side effect of meeting your DNA-matched mate.”

“Do you think the case is terminal, Dr. Olath?”

“Hmmm, Dr. Thelkor. I’m afraid only time will tell, but the prognosis doesn’t look good—”

The tension that’d built inside of me since I first saw Chloe burst forth.

“WOULD YOU LEAVE ME IN PEACE?”

I spun on them, unbridled frustration rolling off me in what I imagined as dark, billowing waves. Thelkor and Olath looked at each other and burst into laughter. Between choking breaths, Thelkor managed to lob the last straw onto my back.

“Not a chance—”

I jumped him.

“I’ll shut your mouth!”

We tumbled, rolling across the deck.

“You’ll never take me alive, ‘doctor’.”

We pounded at each other, rolling directly into Olath’s legs. Olath went down in a surprised heap.

“I can live with that, you brute!”

“Nerd!”

“That’s it, I’m getting the tranq.”

Olath pounded at my back. I kneed Thelkor, fairly certain the slab of muscle didn’t feel a thing.

“You’ll never make it. It’s two against one.”

“Ouch! Biting’s an illegal move, you dick.”

“You started it!”

Knees, fists, and elbows flew. Someone walloped my nose with a head. Our horns crashed against each other in a primal struggle. The physical release of a good old brawl sang through my veins.

I felt higher with each punch, each struggling grapple. I finally landed a good strike of my elbow into Thelkor’s ribs. He oophed. We grunted and wrestled, having a great time, until we heard a roar a few steps away. We froze, limbs tangled, my arm wrapped around Thelkor’s thick neck.

Captain Timcur pulled me off Thelkor and to my feet, bellowing like a drill sergeant. “Pull yourselves together! What? Are you children?”

Behind him stood Nora. She blinked, her face carefully blank. She batted her eyelashes at him. The tip of her nose twitched. Captain Timcur melted just a little.

“Do you really want an honest answer to that question, my love?”

Timcur’s eyes darted about while he considered taking that question rhetorically. Evelyn’s voice crackled over the intercom.

“Dinner. Eat. Now.”

CHLOE

Shocked, Evelyn stopped in her tracks. She stared at me, eyes wide, her mouth hanging slightly open.

“No way.”

I nodded, shrugging. Evelyn turned from me, stepped into the galley, and yelled for Olath.

“Olath, you’re never going to believe what Chloe just told me.”

Olath turned from his conversation with Captain Timcur.

“I’m not going to believe what?”

Evelyn turned to me.

“Tell him about Lucky, Chloe.”

“Lucky will grow much bigger—”

“Like five hundred pounds!”

Shock bounced around the faces gathered in the galley. Nora stood straight as a board. I chuckled.

“Luckily, they can survive off nearly anything, including space lice and intruders.”

Captain Timcur gulped.

“Five-hundred pounds and lives off…wait. Did you say ‘intruders’?”

“You did already notice they’re empathic, right? They get empathically attached to their ship and crew and can empathically ‘read’ the intent of anyone embarking. Anyone who steps on this ship with ill intent toward the crew or Goldie herself, is a goner.”

All faces swung to Lucky. Lucky nuzzled Mr. Fluff, squeaking and popping with a satisfied air. Captain Timcur gulped. He spoke in a high tone.

“So, all those times Lucky crawled onto my head….”

“Mind control. Good thing Lucky loves you all. Right, cutie? Come here, baby.”

Lucky climbed up into my arms with wriggling face tentacles. A deep purr rumbled from Lucky’s core. I felt contentment roll through my arms and into my soul.

I glanced at Storgin. He looked torn between admiration, desire, and determination to win the game we played. I chuckled inside.

I bet he thinks we’re playing by rules, or something…

“Chloe?”

“Yes, Thelkor?”

“So, Lucky’s on our side, right?”

“For life, Thelkor. This is Lucky’s family. Smart, letting a cat raise the kehppû.”

Olath cut in, his confession exploding from him before he could even think.

“That was a total accident. Evelyn didn’t want to come at first—”

“No, I didn’t. My birthdate came up in the lottery. I’d hoped so hard I wouldn’t match, but I did. They shipped my butt off so fast, I had no time to even say goodbye. And well, Fluff and I had been together for ten years! How was I supposed to feel, thinking I had to leave him behind?”

“He’s your baby.”

“Exactly, Chloe. Anyway, Olath got Lucky from Lorka on Tehglaish.”

“Then I arranged for someone to get Lucky teleported in. I couldn’t stand to see Evelyn suffer.”

My heart wanted to melt. For all the times I’d seen people be awful to each other, seeing a couple love each other felt like a real joy.

Maybe this isn’t the worst gig.

Nora blinked, rolling with the punches.

“All right, you animals. Let’s eat. There’s no good reason I should be standing here, holding a tray of Shasluzian pot pies, letting them get cold. Besides, they’re heavy. In fact, someone else take this tray off my hands. I have a big salad coming, too.”

Thelkor stepped up and palmed the tray in one hand. Life among giant alien warriors promised to be amusing every second. I sat down on the booth side of the galley table and stayed out of the way until I’d learned the rhythm of this ship.

If this works out, it’ll be my home for a long time. Actually…

A deep laugh rumbled in my belly. Storgin slid into the booth beside me. His leg, bulging with muscle, pressed against my own.

“What’s so funny, Chloe?”

I liked the way my name sounded on his lips.

“I just realized that, by joining a rogue crew, I’ve finally legitimized myself.”

“How do you mean?”

“When my birthday was called in the lottery, I stole one of Daddy’s starships and ran—”

Olath interrupted me, waving a hand.

“Wait… Who is your Daddy, affording starships as a human?”

I sighed.

“My father is Phillips Stevens—”

“The guy who basically runs Earth?”

“Yes, Thelkor. That guy.”

Rachel smacked her hand over Thelkor’s mouth.

“Let the woman finish her story, you brute.”

Thelkor winked at Rachel. Rachel grinned. Evelyn sat next to me and Thelkor passed out pot pies. Storgin smiled at me. My stomach flopped like a gymnast who didn’t stick their landing. I gulped, trying to play it off as thirst.

“Can I get you some water?”

Captain Timcur grabbed a water pouch from the kitchen and handed it to me. He sat. I drank, then continued.

“So when I ran, I violated the Earth-Mahdfel treaty and Daddy used that violation as the excuse to send goons to chase me down and ‘bring me in’.”

Everyone had found a seat by the time I finished the short version of my story. I figured the highlights were more important than the details of how I’d gotten by in the galaxy on my own. I took another drink, picking flaky bits off the steaming pastry crust.

“How does helping us clear you, though?”

I grinned at Storgin’s question.

“I’m no longer out of compliance with the treaty, ergo Daddy has lost legal justification for stalking and attempted kidnapping, as far as I’m concerned.”

Storgin nodded.

“And, the next time your father sends goons—”

“He’ll give me legal justification to take him to court. No one can prove I’ve violated any other intergalactic laws.”

“So, your father has no idea that he’ll violate the law by sending goons after you again?”

I nodded, grinning ear to ear.

“I’ve got his ass now.”

Laughter washed through the galley, the loudest of all coming from Storgin. He stared at me with a mix of incredulity and longing.

“Another point to me, Handsome.”

Even if Storgin doesn’t entirely work out, a year of not worrying about where the next meal will come from and the chance to walk away from this with enough galactic credits to set myself up wouldn’t be so bad.

STORGIN

A heavy beat thumped in my ears. Dinner led to beer, which led to Rachel teaching Thelkor and Olath something called the Humpty Dance. Horrified, I tried to tear my eyeballs away from the tragedy that was Thelkor “dancing”.

Unfortunately, the horror of the moment refused to let me go in peace and I sort of froze in place. The best I could force my body to do was take another long swig. The thick, rich stout coated my tongue in hints of molasses and bitters.

Chloe and Nora rolled in their seats, laughing so hard I feared they’d die. Somehow, and I suspect a liberal application of beer, Nora had talked the captain out of his jacket, and he twitched woodenly on the edge of the designated dance floor.

A kaleidoscope of lights flashed across the room. Chloe grabbed my arm and used it like a lifeline to pull herself up from the bench.

“I can’t look. It’s too much.”

She shielded her eyes with one arm and waved blindly at the spectacle of Vaznik warriors doing Earth dance moves. I finally pulled my eyes from the dance floor, Chloe being the only force in the universe capable of freeing me from the evil enchantment of watching Thelkor, Olath, and Timcur.

Her mischievous eyes exhilarated me. Her quick thinking melted me. Her smell intoxicated me far more than the beer in my hand. I took another cover swig so she wouldn’t notice I was staring.

“Great party.”

Startled, her words skipped past my brain. She said something to me, but I hadn’t any clue what.

“Hmm?”

Chloe leaned closer. She exaggerated each vowel with perfect lips. Her eyes opened wider. They regarded me like twin moons on the horizon. I felt on the edge of a cliff, looking into the universe.

“I said, ‘great party’.”

I gulped. How was I supposed to concentrate under these conditions?

“That’s not fair, Chloe…”

Her perfect mouth spread into a slow grin.

“What’s not fair, Handsome?”

“You fight dirty, looking at me like that.”

Chloe laughed. Her eyes crinkled in genuine joy.

“All is fair in love and war.”

“And…which is this?”

She shrugged. Her eyes ran down my body from head to toe. She turned her head from side to side as if considering a slab of meat at a butcher.

“Time will tell, I suppose. Though I wonder if either is ever really mutually exclusive.”

She stuck out her bottom lip at me. I almost choked.

How do I ever resist that?

“Unfair, I say.”

“You would.”

She knelt on the bench next to me, barefooted and captivating. She stuck a finger in my face.

“What?”

“Who says the way you look at me is fair? You want to complain about a little pout, but look at you, all smoldering eyes and shit.”

“So, you’re buying the ‘pining’ move? All it takes is a little yearning?”

Chloe laughed, the top half of her body sort of flopping back as she laughed.

“Keep telling yourself that’s all it takes, buddy. See where that gets you.”

Her grin grew so wide, it seemed to swallow her face. The ever-present challenge in her voice thrilled me. I had to adjust how I sat. Chloe being so close made my cock twitch. I leaned in for a kiss. Chloe laughed, slipping out of my reach.

“You’re going to have to try harder than that, Handsome.”

I groaned. My head rolled back on my shoulders.

How will I ever survive? But do I really want the torture to end?

Chloe sauntered off, flashing her devious grin over her shoulder. I simply breathed for a moment, trying to gather the thoughts she had scattered. I failed utterly. Even when she was gone, Chloe never left me.

The night soon wound down. Yawns chased each other around the room like The Wave at a stadium. The party broke up as couples paired off and strolled to their cabins. Chloe reappeared next to me, holding out a hand.

I reached up and took it, rising from my seat. My head sloshed happily and I forgot to pretend I felt anything other than utter appreciation for every aspect of my DNA-matched mate. Golden warmth pulsed deep inside me and I knew that part of me would forever belong to Chloe.

“Will you see me to my room, Handsome? Everyone else has an escort and Evelyn has an entourage, too. I didn’t want to feel left out.”

I chuckled. She sparkled in my vision.

“I’d be delighted.”

I offered her my arm and she slipped hers through it. We strolled in small, slow, reluctant steps.

“Tomorrow, we’ll arrive at Tehglaish.”

Chloe sighed.

“Yeah. That’s going to be fun…”

“So, this history you have…”

“Oh, don’t ruin the surprise.”

“Don’t ruin the—”

“Let me ask you a question, Handsome.”

“Well, okay. What's your question?”

“What were your plans, if you did get a DNA-match?”

I shrugged.

“I hadn’t thought that far. I mean, how could I get my heart set on a specific future before we met? I didn’t know who you were yet. I should say, I’m still learning Chloe. How can I know what I want until I know what you want?”

We meandered down the corridor in silence for several minutes. I felt her thinking next to me. She leaned against me and I loved it. That moment was as precious as each I’d already had with her.

“Now I have a question for you, Chloe.”

“I suppose you get at least one for that last win—”

“Are you admitting I won?”

“I like to encourage good behavior, what can I say?”

I smiled, sliding my arms around her waist. I gazed deep into her eyes.

“So, I got something right?”

She shrugged. Her eyes twinkled.

“Maybe. Ask your question.”

“What’s between you and your father, anyway? I realize it’s very personal, but I know I’ll never understand you without knowing.”

Chloe nodded.

“He was always too busy to notice his children. When he looked at me, he never saw a person. He saw an asset, like a stage prop. His entire concern for me was limited to making certain I played my part. Perfect grades, perfect poise, perfect smile, no matter how fake any of it was.”

She stepped back, out of my grasp. She looked up at me and smiled.

“I was sick of living lies and propagating illusions, all so Daddy could control more and more people and wield more and more power. So, I ran. Being shipped off by the lottery when my birthday was called just to be the model child for Daddy’s reputation was too much to take.”

“I understand now. Sweet dreams.”

Chloe pecked me on the cheek and disappeared into her cabin.

I’m as happy as a Mahdfel can be.

CHLOE

I closed my eyes. The Golden Meridian approached Tehglaish, Rachel at the helm. My stomach fluttered. In mere minutes, my past would catch up to me. I leaned back into the lux seat on the bridge, crash harness buckled, and waited. I heard Storgin’s voice speak softly. He’d strapped in beside me, having apparently given up on riding in his lab.

“Are you nervous?”

“Just resting my eyes.”

“Did we drink too much last night?”

“If we did, I’d never admit it.”

“Fair.”

“Starship Incognito Mosquito, you are clear to land on landing pad 47A97.”

The voice of the Tehglaish Docking Authority clerk crackled over the comms. Nora responded from the comms station, where she’d strapped in.

“Appreciated, Tehglaish Dock. Incognito Mosquito landing sequence initiated on my mark. Mark.”

Rachel flew Goldie, disguised as the Incognito Mosquito, in wide, graceful arcs. I watched Tehglaish swirl by in the large viewscreen on the bridge’s wall. She’d grown since the last time I’d seen her. New tendrils of buildings stretched out from the cluster in the city’s center.

Like many outposts and early colonies, Tehglaish had grown up around a central spire created from the first colony ship to arrive. Converted to a ready-made starter base providing everything first colonists may need to survive, a new city’s development was measured in terms of distance-from-spire.

Tehglaish had grown significantly. The last time I was there, the city barely rated ‘backwater outpost’. Through the viewscreen, I clearly saw Tehglaish was quickly approaching ‘Permanent Settlement’.

With all the problems of a young metropolis. Maybe we could set something up here now, before the city gets big enough for children to fall through the cracks. Wait, did I refer to the crew of the Goldie as ‘we’? Do I already see myself as a member of this crew?

I shook my head to clear it of the shock of feeling…connected. Goldie touched down on the pad. Rachel settled Goldie as gently as a kiss. We unbuckled in a flurry of arms and straps. I made it to my feet and stood there, staring around until I figured out what came next.

Storgin waved me to follow him and walked down the corridor. I had to jog a couple of steps to catch up, but I pulled alongside him.

“Where to first, Handsome?”

“Wardrobe department.”

“Wardrobe department? Why’d you need one of…”

We slowed to a stop outside the door to a large cargo hold. Above the door hung a handcrafted sign which read “wardrobe department”. A second sign hung diagonally from the first. The second sign read “by decree of HUMANS”.

I followed Storgin in. Nora pushed a strappy leather harness at Captain Timcur. He leaned as far from it as he physically could, his hands held out in front of him.

“But I’m not even going! And why does anyone need a disguise, anyway? We have his teleport code…”

“This is no time to give up on tradition, Timcur—”

“Tradition? What tradition? I’ve never worn anything like this before…”

“It’s a new tradition, I swear…”

I suppressed a chuckle and ended up snorting, instead. Thelkor walked past the door pushing a cart full of weapons. He stuck his head in and bellowed.

“After you all are done playing dress-up, stop and get armed.”

Captain Timcur’s voice crackled over Goldie’s comms. I glanced over. He held his comms bracelet to his mouth like his last hope.

“No one needs costuming for this trip. That’s an order. I’m walking directly to the teleporter. Do you hear me? No one needs costumes!”

He dropped his comms bracelet and sprinted out of the room. Nora giggled, storing the outfit she’d threatened Timcur with. I meandered past the costumes and doors to changing booths and out the door.

I stopped by Thelkor’s cart-o-weapons and dug through it. I wrapped my hand around the handle of a fine, well-maintained blaster. She fit me as if she were made for my hand.

“Ooooo. What a pretty girl.”

Thelkor’s face lit up, a grin trying to take over his face.

“You like guns, too?”

“I can appreciate a fine piece of engineering, yeah.”

“She looks made for you. Here, take a holster.”

He handed me a fine leather holster. I slid it on my belt and tied the leg straps. I holstered my new favorite blaster.

“Feels good, Thelkor. Storgin? Does this holster make my butt look better or worse?”

“Uhhh…”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Equipped and dressed, we filed into Storgin’s lab and teleported to Lorka’s. A flash of light and I opened my eyes to a dry, dusty basement. My head followed the rest of the crew as they stepped around a shelf. Olath’s voice drifted back to my ears.

“Hey, Lorka.”

“What the fuck are you doing back so soon?”

“You act like you didn’t miss me. I’m hurt. Mortally wounded.”

“Do you ever stop talking, you Mahdfel bastard?”

Storgin stopped, looking back at me with a questioning, raised brow. I drew in a deep breath and stepped around the shelf, hand on my blaster.

“YOU!”

Lorka’s cry rang out, bouncing off the hard surfaces of the basement and computer equipment. I stopped in my tracks, knees bent, legs shoulder-width apart. I cocked the elbow of my shooting arm back, ready to draw. Silence hung heavy in the flashing, blinking glow of Lorka’s computer lab.

“Yep. It’s me.”

“PREPARE FOR BATTLE.”

I rolled up my sleeves and cracked my neck.

“Bring it, you Buravian scum.”

Lorka gasped.

“How dare you disparage my people after everything you’ve done?”

“Your board or mine, Lorka?”

“Sit your sorry ass down, Chloe. This time, I’ll triumph.”

“We both know you’ll never defeat me, Lorka. You never do.”

Lorka and I sidled over to a table with two chairs in slow, careful movements. On the table sat a box—The Box, really. With careful movements, we lowered ourselves into opposing chairs.

Lorka lifted the lid of the box and set it aside. He pinned me with an evil stare.

“I demand a rematch, Chloe Stevens.”

“It’s your funeral, Lorka.”

STORGIN

We sat in silence, ringing Chloe and Lorka. They sat across from each other, a brüngnú board on the tabletop between them. Small circular game pieces lay in a complex pattern of red and silver. Chloe played red. Lorka played silver. Chloe controlled nearly the entire board. She leaned back, propping an elbow on the arm of her chair.

“We’ve reached the moment, Lorka. Admit it.”

“Never, you fiend, you…you…scoundrel!”

He banged a fist on the table.

“How do you do this every time?”

Chloe shrugged and grinned.

“I’ll give you the best five out of seven.”

“Shut your mouth. This is only the first game.”

“You’re not going to win the next two either, so let’s be honest and admit this is a five-out-of-seven situation. I’m trying to help you here, Lorka. I’m concerned for your health. Your green skin already looks yellow around the ears.”

“Keep your filthy human eyes off my perfect Buravian ears. No one has lost yet.”

“We both know you lost as soon as I heard your name and Goldie’s destination.”

I had to laugh. Lorka glared at Chloe, grumbling under his breath.

“I knew I should’ve slept-in the day I met you, Chloe.”

“You act like I’m evil incarnate.”

Lorka and Chloe reset the board. This time, Lorka played red and Chloe played silver.

“Dare you deny it, fiend?”

“So Lorka, how’s the progress on that little data encryption thing?”

“Relax, Olath. In fact, relax, get on your comms, tell Captain Timcur to relax, and tell Rachel I said she’s stunning. I had to refine the algorithm—well, I rewrote it nearly from scratch, if you want me to be honest—”

“I just want you to get to the point.”

“What a way to talk to the guy whose help you need, Thelkor. As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, I resolved some of the data I couldn’t clear up before.”

Olath leaned in, getting in the way of Lorka’s move.

“What’s it say?”

“How should I know? I didn’t look at it. I’m a busy man, Olath. You act like I’m your pet hacker or something.”

Lorka shoved Olath away from the table and placed his game piece. Cackling and gleeful, Lorka flipped over a row of Chloe’s pieces to his color. The way Chloe smiled chilled me to the bone as she placed her piece with precise movements. She flicked her long lashes up at Lorka. Eyebrow raised, she flipped a single one of his pieces.

“Wait…shit. What’d you just do?”

Olath smacked the table with a palm.

“Focus, Lorka. The data? Suhlik attacks? Important?”

“So is recovering my pride, Olath.”

Chloe shrugged.

“Why? You lost your dignity long ago. One would think you’d grown accustomed by now.”

“Oh, ha ha.”

Lorka pushed himself to his feet, spewing frustrated noises like sparks from a faulty bot. He stared Chloe down.

“I’ll get you your data. Keep an eye on her. I swear she cheats…”

“I don’t need to cheat, Lorka. I don’t even need to be awake to beat you.”

Lorka shuffled out among his monitors. I leaned close to Chloe.

“So, this ‘history’ with Lorka?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“I came through here a few years ago. And well, Lorka hates to lose at brüngnú. He was convinced he was the best player in this sector, but honestly, he’s just too aggressive in his early game. No patience.”

“That’s it?”

“I might’ve jumped aboard a ship headed out of the sector before giving him a chance to win back a small fortune in galactic credits, but he lost it to me fair and square. It’s hardly my fault he just couldn’t walk away from a double-down.”

I chuckled. Chloe’s eyes sparkled at me, both a challenge and a window into her soul. I stood, taking the seat Lorka had so recently vacated. I looked into her eyes.

“Teach me.”

“I don’t know, Handsome. Are you a dick when you lose?”

“I try never to be a dick. In fact, I have witnesses who will testify I am known to tranq all manner of dickish behavior. Just ask Thelkor.”

“Huh? Ask me what?”

“Nothing. Hey, Thelkor?”

“What do you want, doc?”

“What are the chances we can get some sandwiches?”

“Do I look like a waitress?”

“No. But I could mention it to Rachel…”

“Don’t you dare! She’ll buy an…apron.”

Thelkor shuddered.

“I bet I can be bribed to keep my mouth shut for the low, low price of a sandwich and a beer.”

“Why are you such an asshole, Storgin? I’ll get you a sandwich…”

Thelkor wandered off and I returned my gaze to the brüngnú board between Chloe and I.

“Red or silver? Silver always moves first.”

“Red?”

“Interesting.”

“Is it? Why?’

“Red is the more patient approach.”

“And you expected me to leap to the rasher silver?”

“I expected nothing, simply noted the choice.”

“I see.”

Before we got any further in my first brüngnú lesson, Lorka shouted unintelligibly from the other side of his lair. All heads swiveled in his direction. He popped his head out from behind a tall, merrily blinking stack of computer equipment.

“I know where Zarklac is headed.”

Olath leaped to his feet.

“Where?”

“The slimy, snake-headed bastard is planning to attack Shackleton again.”

“What is his obsession with Shackleton?”

Chloe shrugged, breaking in.

“It is Earth’s best defense, Lorka.”

“Yeah, by a treaty you didn’t even want to comply with, Chloe.”

“Ouch, man.”

“Sorry. Look, Shackleton is all I know. The best I can do at this minute is start another search for Zarklac’s current location. No one moves through the galaxy without leaving traces somewhere.”

Olath nodded, waving at the room.

“We really appreciate that. Mind if we hang out here, until we know more?”

“Not at all. Especially if Goldie provides the refreshments.”

Olath patted Lorka’s back.

“Fresh from Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center, courtesy of Hep Bouhek herself.”

“Really? Hep’s a legend!”

“She and Nora are working on a documentary about what she’d told you about the last time we were here.”

I smiled as everyone settled in around us. I looked Chloe in the eye.

“All right. Teach me the rules so I can kick your ass.”

Chloe laughed.

CHLOE

Storgin’s eyes smoldered at me from the other side of the table. He’d quickly lost the first few games, yet posed a challenge the last two. He stared at me, fiddling with a game piece. I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Well? Are you going to play?”

His eyes darted between mine and the board. I watched his mind work through each possible move, searching for one that might wrest victory from the jaws of inevitable defeat.

“We both know you’ve already lost this round.”

“I’d thought the same thing. Want to get out of here?”

“What do you mean, Handsome?”

Storgin shrugged.

“Well, we still have time to kill and it’ll take me years to figure out how to beat you at your own game. Let’s go out.”

“Like…a date?”

“Yes. Like a date.”

“You’re asking me out on a …date?”

“Chloe Stevens, may I take you out on a date?”

“Sure. What’d you have in mind?”

“I haven’t any idea. It’ll be my first date.”

“Ever?”

“Yes.”

“Oh boy. Sure. Do I need to visit the wardrobe department?”

“Uh…I’m not good with these kinds of questions. What answer is most likely to improve your experience? Do human women require special attire for mating rituals?”

I giggled. A galaxy’s worth of risqué outfits flashed through my mind. I sighed, looking forward to years of scandalizing and shocking Storgin…

Wait a minute…how easily had my thoughts contemplated the future? As if Storgin were an inevitable part of my considerations. What was I thinking? Was I thinking at all? With my brain? Because the rest of me just wants to melt…

“So, where’re we off to? I can hardly decide on an outfit before I know the destination. It’d be a mistake to wear, say, a skimpy string bikini when you intend to take me snow skiing, for example.”

“You make an excellent point. Your current outfit is…extremely attractive… I don’t see how anyone could complain. And if they do, I can simply smash them until they admit you’re perfect just the way you are.”

“Perfect, huh? None of us are perfect, I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

Storgin shrugged, the ghost of a smile on his face. He stood from his seat and held out a hand to me.

“I used to care what other people thought of us, of Goldie. Then HQ abandoned us and tarnished our name in the galaxy. I learned those pristine opinions are worth less than what I scrape off my boot.”

I considered him for a moment, then took his hand and stood.

“I would’ve thought you’d’ve taken being declared rogue a little harder.”

Storgin shrugged. We strolled to the door. He shook his head.

“No, Captain Timcur freaked out enough for all of us. You should’ve seen him before. Perfectly pressed uniform, hair perfectly groomed. Captain was a true believer in the sanctity of Mahdfel HQ.”

“How’d he make it?”

“Nora. She arrived just in time. Also, I suspect Lucky…”

I laughed. I slid my hand into the crook of his arm. Olath caught sight of us and called out.

“Where are you two off to?”

I grinned at him and winked.

“Storgin’s taking me on our first date.”

Olath’s eyes grew wide.

“Oh! Don’t let me stop you. We’ll call you if anything comes up.”

With a wave, we strolled out of Lorka’s lair and into a dusty warren of rooms and doors. One of the doors eventually opened up into a familiar dive. I looked around, wondering if anyone recognized me. A couple of patrons dove under their tables, and the bartender slunk down behind the bar’s counter.

“Looks like they remember me.”

Storgin took in the scene. Several patrons sat, frozen in place, staring at me.

“What—exactly—did you do last time you were here?”

“Depends on who you ask. There was a lot of chaos, and I can’t possibly be responsible for half the claims people make.”

“Yet, your answer somehow tells me nothing.”

I flashed Storgin my most devious grin.

“I forgot this was your first time going out with me.”

I heard my name race through the crowd in low whispers. I sauntered up to the bar, certain Storgin would follow. I sat down on the least wobbly stool. A bottle of Dlanig wine appeared to levitate up from the other side of the bar. The tentacle attached to the bottom shook but placed the wine before me without spilling a drop.

“It’s on the house.”

“Don’t be silly. The Vaznik warrior is paying. You know I don’t like to owe debts.”

“Yes, mistress.”

“Mistress? What does he mean by mistress?”

“He’s just being polite.”

I snagged the bottle of wine by the neck and sauntered out of the pub and into the dusty streets of Tehglaish. I heard Storgin’s big feet follow me, though I never doubted he would. I looked to the horizon and estimated the light would fade in a few hours.

“I have to admit, you probably know this city better than I do. We have mostly dealt with Lorka when we’ve come here before. Except for that one time in the hill caves, but that’s a long story for another day. Do you have any suggestions?”

“What kind of a night are you looking for, Handsome? Getting shitfaced, drinking until you’re flat on the ground like a lizard? Brothels? Live music? Seventeen-course meals of the finest delicacies of the galaxy? Adventure tours? Wildlife?”

“You.”

“What?”

“Whatever you think will help me know you best. I already know me. And I’m not that complicated anyway. You, on the other hand, walked into my life wrapped in mystery and half-explained innuendos. I’m an open book. You’re a piece of literary fiction begging to be studied.”

I chuckled.

“And you’re the scholar for the job?”

He stepped closer. His big, hard body drew close. I gulped. Slowly, he dropped to a knee so he could look me in the eye.

“I do find the subject fascinating.”

His fingers traced the contour of my shoulder. His lips lingered so close to mine. His essence surrounded me, filling me with a golden warmth. A multitude of memories, mere snippets of DNA-matched human women describing the irresistible pull of their mates tumbled in my mind.

The rest of the world faded away and my entire existence revolved around the ever-shrinking distance between Storgin’s perfect lips and mine. My eyelids fell closed. Any second, I’d finally feel Storgin’s lips against my own.

Storgin’s comms bracelet beeped. We both jumped and I smacked my head directly into Storgin’s nose. He grabbed his face and groaned as he slapped at the comms bracelet.

“Yeb? Thib ib Borgin. Whab vo you wanb?”

“What the fuck?”

I grabbed Storgin’s wrist and spoke into his comms bracelet.

“Hey! Chloe here. Storgin can’t be understood right now as I, entirely by accident, smacked my head into his nose. What’s up?”

Rachel’s laugh crackled over the comms, then cut out. Three seconds later, the voice returned.

“Sorry, I smacked the wrong button from laughing so hard. Anyway, Hep called. She had news. Lorka’s lab in ten minutes.”

“Thanks, Rachel.”

“Anything for you, Chloe.”

STORGIN

Chloe pulled back from me and released a deep sigh. I yearned for her touch as soon as we parted and my heart galloped, though time moved slowly, like walking through water. She looked up. I feared her gaze would engulf me.

“I suppose our date is over.”

My heart sank. I drew in a deep breath.

“We’ll simply have to continue our date at the next available opportunity.”

She slipped her delicate little hand into mine, though I supposed most species’ hands looked small compared to a Mahdfel’s. We strolled back through the pub, reluctant to return to Lorka’s lair before we returned to our near kiss.

Suddenly shy and awkward, where I had felt so confident before, I dared a glance at her. My glance met Chloe’s flashing gaze. She blushed. As if by mutual agreement, our eyes darted away from each other.

“Maybe I’ll give you another chance to kiss me, Handsome. But it’s going to cost you.”

An unbidden chuckle bubbled up my throat. I had to smile. Chloe had already found a way to make this a new game and she delighted me. We walked down the hallways in relative silence. Chloe looked thoughtful.

“What are you thinking so hard about, Chloe?”

“Hmm? Oh, I was just wondering what Hep has to say. It’d nagged at me that here I was, out dating, and something could’ve happened to the children…”

“I’m sure it’s not that. Someone would’ve mentioned it.”

I placed a hand on her back, hoping to soothe at least some of her worry. She leaned into me for the briefest moment, then we stepped back into the chaos of Lorka’s lair. I surveyed the devastation.

“Looks like Thelkor hit ‘frat-boy stage’ about ten minutes ago…”

Chloe’s voice trailed off. Thelkor held a beer in each hand and wore random bits of electronic equipment scraps from his horns. The bits of cables and chips swayed and flashed as Thelkor moved.

“Welcome back. Hep has some juicy gossip.”

We strode up to the viewscreen. Hep’s intergalactically famous face greeted us. The message looped, and I focused on Hep’s words.

“First, the urchins are fine. We successfully contained the outbreak, thanks to you and Goldie. Now, the serious news.”

Viewscreen Hep sighed. Outrage took over her face. She focused on the recording device so she looked like she stared into my soul.

“The Smandradh outbreak turned out to be a test run for a bioweapon attack. I suspect Zarklac, since my people detected Suhlik DNA near the bioweapon canister from which the disease had been deployed.”

I paused the playback.

“Wow. We thwarted another entire disaster, thanks to you, Chloe. And we just thought we were taking care of sick kids.”

I looked at Chloe’s face. She looked…furious? Heat radiated off her.

“Who, Storgin? Who decides it’s okay to release deadly galactic diseases? Among children? It’s not like any of those kids asked to be here.”

“I don’t know. I never understood, either.”

Chloe jabbed at the vidscreen playback controls. Viewscreen Hep relaxed and smiled into the recording device.

“Anyway, I thought I should update you on our drama and, more importantly, I wanted to wish Goldie and all her crew the best of luck. Hep Bouhek out.”

The message froze on the last frame—a fantastic shot up Hep’s nose. Captain Timcur walked up from the direction of the teleporter.

“Party’s over. Time to get together and comb through the latest batch of data. And let’s keep an eye out for more information on those bioweapon canisters.”

A weak chorus of Aye, Captain floated around the room, and we all shuffled over to several well-worn, mismatched couches. Rachel appeared out of nowhere with a crate of portable tablets. She passed them out, kissed Thelkor, and returned to Goldie.

While we were gone, someone had set up a snack buffet. With a squeal, Chloe detoured to it, piling snacks on a plate. When she joined us, sitting next to me, her plate held a small mountain of snacks.

“What? Did you get one of everything?”

“TWO OF EVERYTHING, Storgin. Three, if it was chocolate or cheesy.”

“I lean into fruity and salty, myself.”

“Weirdo.”

I chuckled. Captain Timcur pinned me with a look.

“Focus, Storgin. Stop trying to flirt and start looking through files.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“This is serious business, Storgin. We have people to save.”

“What’s serious business, Captain?”

We all looked up at Lorka’s interruption.

“We just received a message from Hep on Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center. Here, come watch it. Anyway, we’re just searching for more information.”

Lorka nodded. He walked over to Captain Timcur, lanky body, all long bones and elbows. Captain handed him a portable tablet with Hep’s message queued. Lorka tapped the screen and listened to Hep’s message.

With a harrumph, Lorka handed the portable tablet back to the captain. He walked his gangly, pale-green body over to one of his computers and tapped a series of keys. His monitor flashed. Lines of code in Buravian scrolled by.

At the flashing cursor, Lorka typed in a complicated series of commands faster than my eyes followed. It looked like random scribblings to me. Ten seconds later, images and blocks of text flashed on a viewscreen.

Lorka tapped one last key, then he turned to Captain Timcur. He waved his hand at the scrolling text.

“I started a search. Honestly, there’s nothing anyone can do until its finished. Can we get back to the party now?”

Chloe laughed. Lorka stood a little straighter. Captain Timcur laughed and nodded his head.

“Fine, party is back on. But only until the results come in.”

Evelyn whooped and sat in Olath’s lap. My eyes followed every move Chloe made, but part of my mind had already planned ahead.

Test run for a larger attack… We’ll need more of the treatment. A lot more…

I stood, making polite excuses and caught Lorka’s attention. He stuck his chin at me.

“Now what misery are you about to lay at my feet, Storgin?”

“Seriously, Lorka. I have a bad feeling and I may need your help.”

CHLOE

A pile of portable tablets lay jumbled in an armchair. Beer bottles sat on every available flat surface. Discarded chip bags created a protective shell around the trash can. A lone sock dangled from a metal rafter. Thelkor released the longest, deepest belch I’d ever heard.

“Nine.”

Thelkor’s mouth dropped open in shock.

“Nine, Olath? Surely that was a ten.”

“I only award tens for belches which last longer than ten seconds. We’ve had this argument before.”

“No, we haven’t. And even if we did, I won then too.”

“Thelkor! Check Goldie’s memory banks. It’s filed under Yes, Thelkor, there are written standards for belches.”

Thelkor glared at Olath.

“Lies. No one would name a file that.”

“You named it! We took a whole video! Rachel and I had to tie you to a chair to keep you still!”

Thelkor shook his head.

“I DON’T REMEMBER any of that. Never happened.”

“I have video evidence…”

I chuckled. I leaned into Storgin’s strong arm and traced a finger over the bulges of his well-muscled arms. His entire body stiffened at my touch. I savored the satisfaction blooming inside of me.

Storgin shuddered and gazed at me. My body responded to him so easily, so naturally…but my mind still tried to flee. Entirely unfamiliar with the strange new feeling inside me, I sought to define it.

Comfort? Is this really…comfort? Enjoyment is easy to recognize, as is sadness, pain, frustration, fear…loneliness, but comfort? How do I even recognize what I’ve never known? Safety? Appreciation? Happiness?

My mind feared the positive nearly as much as it feared more pain or frustration or…more loss. Some wisp of my thoughts must’ve reached my face, because Storgin’s eyes softened. He stroked my cheek with a hesitant finger.

Though afraid all of this DNA-match mate stuff would turn out to be true—or a lie—I didn’t pull back from his touch. I wanted to know how it felt.

“Is this the wrong time to demand a rematch?”

I chuckled.

“Ready to get your ass kicked again so soon?”

“Only if you’re doing the kicking.”

“You’re on.”

I rolled off the couch where we lounged and sprang to my feet. Without a look back, I returned to the table with the brüngnú on top. I reset the board and Storgin sat across from me.

“Red or silver, Handsome?”

“I’ll take silver, this time.”

“Bold.”

“That’s me. Storgin the Bold.”

We played the first moves in silence. The chaos around us seemed to fade. I watched the way he studied the board on each turn. I’d played this game so many times now, I already knew the most valuable moves.

This game, Storgin played more cautiously than the first ten we’d played. Storgin spoke in soft words, eyes glued to the board.

“At first, I thought I’d certainly win by playing as aggressively as possible.”

“As does everyone. You’ve changed your mind?”

“I’m starting to think this is a game of dominance through submission.”

“Very much so. Early wins set a player up for dramatic losses in the late game. Thanks for my first side of the board, by the way.”

“Wait? What? How?”

I pointed to the offending silver game piece—right before I flipped it to my color.

“Fuck. I didn’t even see that move.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Don’t worry so much about your own moves. Try to limit your opponent’s options untillate game.”

We played a few more moves in silence, then Lorka stood and shouted over the sounds of the party.

“Search results incoming! Gather up.”

Everyone froze where they were. Nora hid a cowboy hat behind her back, like we couldn’t see the wide brim of the hat behind her. Captain Timcur turned his face to Lorka. Nora slapped the cowboy hat onto his head, and absently I wondered where she’d gotten it.

Lorka grabbed a portable tablet from the pile and loaded the data onto it. He handed it to me. I muttered aloud as I skimmed the contents.

“Canisters…canisters…bioweapons…”

My mind snagged on one word. Outrage flooded me.

“What is it, Chloe?”

“Storgin! That Zarklac bastard plans to release more Smandradh canisters on Throik! I have good friends and contacts on Throik!”

Protective rage seared my veins and my vision turned red as the faces of all my friends on Throik flashed through my mind.

“How many could be hurt, Storgin? How many would die? We can’t let this happen.”

I turned to Captain Timcur.

“Captain, please. We can’t let Zarklac succeed. They’re good people, no matter what the galaxy says about Throik. None of them deserve to die. The people on Throik are just trying to get by, just like the rest of us…”

I felt a strong hand on my back. I looked up. Storgin smiled, his eyes searching my face.

“We’ll stop Zarklac’s plans, Chloe. Don’t worry. Right, Captain?”

“Of course. We can’t let innocent people die like that.”

Filled with gratitude, I wanted to cry. I wiped a tear of rage from my eye.

“Thank you everyone. Thank you so much. I never believed any of you were terrorists.”

Lorka’s voice cut through the moment of silence.

“You all know Throik is a brothel moon, right?”

Captain Timcur’s eyes grew wide.

“A…brothel…moon? Like…”

“An entire moon, technically, dedicated to sex work, yes. Bringing intergalactic fantasy to life, or so the ads say.”

I blinked up at Storgin, waiting for my words to sink in.

How will he react? Will Throik be less important to him just because it’s filled with sex workers? Or will he care as much about them as he did about ‘innocent’ children?

I opened my mouth to speak, but Thelkor held up a hand.

“Hold on. Don’t say anything, yet. I’m still absorbing…”

Storgin waved Thelkor away.

“Forget about Thelkor, Rachel will set him straight. Don’t worry, Chloe, we’ll save the moon, no matter who lives there.”

Well, Storgin’s entire lack of reluctance just about stole my heart.

STORGIN

“How long do we have, Lorka?”

“Looks like…the Smandradh bioweapon canisters are planned to go off in…forty hours, Storgin.”

Captain Timcur rushed to his feet. He swayed slightly. He thrust a finger into the air.

“To Goldie! To save the sex workers of Throik!”

Nora patted the captain’s hand.

“Great idea, honey. Let’s go get you strapped in.”

Captain looked at Nora. A goofy, beer-hazed smile spread across his face.

“You’re so pretty…”

He belched. I rated it a two, but I wanted Timcur to feel good about himself.

“Solid six, Captain, solid six. Now, let Nora take you back to Goldie.”

The captain’s chest swelled with beer-fueled pride.

“Thanks, Storgin. I always liked you. Come on, you gorgeous wench, to Goldie and saving brothels. TAKE ME TO THE BROTHELS.”

Nora patted him and maneuvered him to the teleporter pad, chuckling and muttering under her breath.

“That’s great, Timcur. That’s right. We’re walking, we’re walking… I’ll show you ‘wench’.”

I turned to face Chloe.

“It looks like I’m saved from another certain, ignominious, defeat at the hands of Chloe Stevens, the scourge of the galaxy.”

She chuckled, leaning back in her chair. She ran her fingers over her head and through her hair.

“It’s a shame, really. You were doing well.”

“I shall take the compliment and run.”

I waved at Lorka.

“Thanks for everything. You were the most hospitable host.”

“Well, after the mess you all made the last time you left in a hurry, I hired staff.”

“Really? I haven’t seen anyone…”

“I hired the bots rummaging the dump. Once I found one with working audio sensors and a functioning translator unit in the same body, they were easy to hire and happy to work.”

Evelyn dragged Olath to the teleporter and waved over her shoulder. I wondered why she was in such a hurry to go to the brothels.

“Come on, dear. Time to go. Thanks, Lorka.”

Lorka waved off the goodbyes and stared Chloe down.

“If I never see you again, Chloe Stevens, it’ll be too soon.”

“Aww, Lorka. You say the sweetest things. How can I resist returning to such charm?”

“Don’t make the Mahdfel jealous. He has horns and like three-thousand pounds of muscle on me. I have a blaster. Don’t make me use it.”

“Lorka. Don’t leave it this way. You know I love you. How about I let you win next time?”

“How about I shoot you now?”

“You’re going to miss me.”

“That’s what whiskey is for. Get out of here. Save the moon, don’t save the moon, I don’t care.”

Chloe and I walked to the teleporter, grinning ear to ear. I leaned in close to Chloe’s ear, certain my breathy whispers would tickle.

“I bet he already misses us. I imagine him sniffling, ordering his new cleaning-bot crew around, pretending not to cry.”

Chloe giggled, slapping my chest. The teleporter flashed and we stepped out into Goldie. We walked down the corridor, heading for the bridge. Mr. Fluff and Lucky greeted us. Somehow, they didn’t trip Chloe at all, but had me on my knees within moments.

“Hi, babies. Yes, we’re back. Are you ready for our next adventure?”

Chloe cooed at the animals, petting them and saying sweet little things. Mr. Fluff leaned against Chloe’s ankles and Lucky crawled into her arms. Evelyn walked up, the picture of a mom wrangling stray children.

“There you two are. Come on, time to ride in zero-G. Yes, it is. Gotta keep my babies safe.”

She gathered the cat and the kehppû into her arms, thanked Chloe, and walked off, admonishing the animals for slipping away. We continued to the bridge, and strapped into two of the luxury seats.

“I have to admit, these seats were a good choice, Rachel.”

“Thanks, Storgin. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.”

Nora had Captain Timcur strapped in, which seemed to be the only thing holding the captain upright.

Olath walked in, glanced at the captain, and took the copilot’s seat. “This looks like a job for Goldie’s executive officer.”

Chloe leaned towards me. “Is the captain alright?”

“Don’t worry,” I reassured her. “He’s just recently discovered that he doesn’t have to be uptight all the time. He’ll get his balance soon enough.”

Rachel punched the intercom button and made an announcement.

“Launching in five minutes. Strap in and let’s see what we can do.”

She released the button and strapped in. Soon we all sat, strapped to the amazing upholstery, our eyes on the bridge’s big viewscreen. A huge grin spread across Rachel’s face. Captain Timcur snored. Rachel punched the intercom button once again.

“Please return your seats and tray tables to their upright and locked positions and hold onto your butts. I have a surprise. Burn on my mark. Three. Two. One. Mark.

The thrusters ignited. Goldie shuddered under their sudden explosion of power, then she lifted. Gravity grabbed me and tried to keep me tethered to the planet, but Goldie scooped me right out of gravity’s grasp.

The sky dimmed as we punched through the cloud layers and leaped out into the void. The enticing winks of a galaxy of stars spread out before our eyes. I darted a glance at Chloe. Wonder and thrilled satisfaction danced across her face. Her eyes grew even wider. She pointed at the viewscreen.

I spun my face to look. The massive, translucent body of a Flunnupir’s stellar whale dove past our screen. Larger than any starship I’d seen, the Flunnupir’s variety of stellar whale bioluminesced in complex patterns of color.

A DERANGED advertising executive once tried to teach a stellar whale to glow in specific patterns, hoping to sell companies a unique advertising opportunity, but the stellar whale ate him and his starship. I had to agree with the whale.

Rachel gracefully curved Goldie in wide arcs. When the stellar whale rolled, Rachel rolled Goldie, too. We and the whale spiraled together through the stars. We laughed with joy long after Rachel pulled us away and set us on our course.

Chloe unbuckled her harness and threw her arms around my neck. I wrapped my arms around her waist and drew her close against my body. I leaned into her, letting her delicious smell permeate my senses. I’d never been so happy.

CHLOE

Storgin gazed into my eyes. Returning his intense gaze flung me into the universe between us. I grabbed his big Mahdfel face in my hands. I pulled his face within kissing distance. I stared into him hard, my mind still dancing with a sky whale.

“That. Was. Awesome.”

He chuckled and unbuckled his harness.

“Agreed. That was my first sky whale.”

Chloe gasped. She grabbed my hands.

“Mine, too.”

“I’m claiming the points for this on the grounds that our date isn’t over. Bonus points for providing a chance to fly with a sky whale.”

A laugh rumbled up from my core. I nodded, waving him away.

“You win this round.”

Chaos erupted behind us. Rachel jumped to her feet. She beamed an unabashed smile at us like a lighthouse in the dark.

“I win. Pay up.”

She held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. Everyone else groaned. Curiosity got the better of me.

“What’d you bet?”

“I had faith in Storgin. I said he could get you to admit to a win in under twenty-four hours from the time of my bet.”

I held out my hand and Rachel slapped it.

“Nice. I’ll admit, it was a good win.”

Storgin cut in.

“With bonus points.”

I turned my most devious smile on Storgin.

“But who’s counting?”

He gasped. I believed I’d genuinely shocked him.

“I’m counting! That’s who.”

I shrugged, trying to look as casual as possible.

“I don’t know why you bother. The count in your head is wrong. We all know it.”

“My count is not wrong. You and I simply disagree on how to…allot points.”

“Clever.”

Thelkor stage-whispered as he walked by.

“It’s a new look for you, Storgin.”

“I’m going to design a whole new experiment just for you, Thelkor. One which involves many, many needles. I’ll hunt you down like big game. Give me an excuse.”

Thelkor laughed all the way down the corridor. Nora and Evelyn followed Thelkor, discussing plans for the upcoming meal. Captain Timcur snored happily, still restrained by the crash harness. I pointed.

“Is he going to be okay like that?”

Storgin glanced at Captain Timcur.

“Olath, help me get the captain to bed.”

“SURE. You want the farting end or the snoring end?”

“I’ll take snores.”

“Do…you two need any help?”

Storgin held Timcur’s top half against the seat. Olath held his long legs.

“Can you unbuckle his crash harness?”

“Sure, Handsome. You can owe me a little favor later.”

I unbuckled Captain Timcur’s harness. His limp body slid down the seat. In the rush to keep ahold of him, the captain slid right off and on top of me. Storgin and Olath pulled the snoring captain off me mere moments later.

“You Mahdfel are way heavier than you look.”

“Sorry about that. Can you just scoot out of the way?”

“Sure.”

I hopped to my feet and danced back. Between Storgin and Olath, and a lot of grunting, they got Captain Timcur on Olath’s shoulder. Storgin patted Olath’s back.

“Don’t say I never did anything for you, Storgin.”

“I appreciate you more every day, but I’ll counter by citing regulation, Executive Officer. When the captain is incapacitated, you, Olath, get to be responsible. Besides, I need to check on the progress of the most recent batch of Smandradh treatment. Duty calls, sir.”

“I’ll see you in the galley later. Okay, Storgin? Labs kinda creep me out.”

“Sure, Chloe. I’ll see you later. Honestly, I prefer solitude in my work. Distractions lead to mistakes. Anyway, I’ll…I’ll miss you.”

I scoffed and walked away, but I flashed him my most adorable smile on my way out. Storgin looked like he might either faint or jump me and I walked to the galley feeling satisfied. In the middle of the galley waited Mr. Fluff and Lucky.

“Hey, cuties. How are you? Did you have a nice ride? Did you know we saw a sky whale?”

I scratched Mr. Fluff’s head and rubbed his ears. Satisfied with my offering of affection, he sauntered off into the galley. I wondered if he was fat under all that fluff. He walked with such dignified steps that I couldn’t tell one way or the other.

Lucky took his turn in my arms. I picked him up and cuddled him like a little baby. I cooed at his little tentacle head. Lucky cycled through a complex sequence of patterns and colors.

“I’ll have to look up what your patterns mean. I know I heard somewhere they were a form of communication.”

Evelyn leaned in. I jumped.

“Really? I should give that kehppû manual another look.”

“Where’d you come from?”

“What do you mean? I’ve been here for like five whole minutes.”

I darted my eyes to Lucky. Lucky looked back at me. I got the distinct impression Lucky was trying to look…innocent.

“I’ve got my eye on you.”

My threat may have had some staying power if I hadn’t said it in a baby voice.

Maybe I’m going soft.

Lucky released me from his spell, and I slid into the galley table’s booth. Storgin slid in beside me.

“Hello.”

“Hi. Done with your lab already?”

“Yes, I am. Everything is progressing as expected, and this batch should be ready to deploy when we reach Throik.”

“That’s great news. That must be satisfying.”

“What?”

“Whipping up a batch of homebrewed meds just in time to save a moon settlement.”

“It does. Why else go into medicine, if not to help?”

A platter of fried rtuug on a bed of beer-battered onion rings interrupted our conversation. Nora placed a large bowl filled with slaw and a jar of dill pickles on the table and we stuffed our faces.

After twenty minutes of silent scarfing, Storgin pushed back from the table. He released a long belch and seemed to deflate in his seat. He ran his hand over his distended belly.

“I’m drunk and I’m full. I want to sleep, but I know I need to wait for some of this to digest.”

I raised an eyebrow at him.

“That’s terrible. How will you ever survive, Handsome?”

“Fancy a game?”

STORGIN

Chloe arched an eyebrow at me.

“Have we stopped playing games?”

“I meant brüngnú, you devious fiend.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Handsome.”

Chloe winked at me and sauntered away. My stomach flopped. My heart thundered in my chest. I wanted Chloe so badly at that moment. I also wanted to win.

I can do this. I’m on a winning streak. I can feel it. I have her now.

I should’ve realized that believing I had the upper hand over Chloe was a grave miscalculation right then, but my ego got in the way of sense. Instead, my eyes followed her. She looked at me over her shoulder.

“I suppose I can give you another chance to writhe, defeated at my feet, Handsome.”

I laughed. I marveled how Chloe always found new ways to surprise me. I loved the way her devious mind twinkled in her eyes. I loved her laugh and her easy humor. I loved the way she talked shit, too.

“Do you have a board?”

She froze, back stiff.

“You threaten me with a game and don’t even have a board?”

“I hadn’t even heard of this game until I met you.”

“You would’ve needed to spend a lot of time in a lot of black-market dives to run across brüngnú.”

“Then it’s a good thing you did so for all our sakes. It’s fine if you’re scared of a rematch. We both know I’m going to win that last round.”

CHLOE LAUGHED.

“I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll…be right here. Enjoying the point I just scored.”

I heard her laugh all the way down the corridor to the habitation section. I sighed happily. I patted my full, swollen belly. I felt the food soaking up the alcohol in my system. It’d been several hours since my last beer.

I decided to start chugging water in an effort to sober up and, perhaps, not lose the impending game of brüngnú as horrifically as my last loss. I managed to get to my feet and find some water near the kitchen.

I pulled a cup from a cabinet. I turned, reaching for the water spigot. A small bot closed the open cabinet door for me.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

The responding voice held a distinct note of artificial and mechanical. I turned my head to look. A small bot made of scrap parts waved at me.

“Where’d you come from?”

“Evelyn Prime hired my crew.”

“When?”

“WHEN EVELYN PRIME offered my crew more than Lorka paid us.”

“I see. And what’d she hire you to do?”

“We are custodians.”

“So…you’re going to do the dishes?”

“Affirmative. Please input name, Goldie crewmember.”

“My name is Storgin.”

“User profile confirmed, Storgin.”

“Do you mop?”

“Yes, User Storgin.”

“Cool. Welcome aboard. Do you cook?”

“No, User Storgin. We are custodians, not cooks.”

“I apologize. What’s your designation?”

“I am TZ127P.”

“Can I call you TZ?”

“Protocol adjustment request approved. I am…TZ.”

“Welcome aboard, TZ.”

“THANK YOU, User Storgin. Please excuse me, I must perform my duties.”

TZ rolled into the kitchen, grabbing dirty dishes on the way. Chloe returned to the galley, an old, worn case in her hands. She looked at me, cocking her head to the side.

“Who was that?”

“Uh…TZ, apparently. We just met.”

“So, I’m not the newest crewmember anymore?”

“I suppose not.”

“Where’d he come from?”

“Evelyn poached TZ and his ‘crew’ of ‘custodian’ bots from Lorka for better wages.”

Chloe laughed so hard, she doubled over. Her face turned red. I feared she’d suffocate.

“That’s the funniest shit! Lorka will be LIVID.”

Chloe chuckled and returned to the galley table. She placed the case on the tabletop, sliding into the booth side. She drew her legs up, crossed them on the seat, and opened the case. I sat on the bench across from her.

We took the game pieces from the box and prepared to face off yet again. Her fierce gaze flashed at me, and she unsheathed her razor-sharp wit.

“Red or silver?”

“Why don’t you choose, Chloe?”

She shook her head, arranging her game pieces in neat stacks.

“I have no preference. I can play either.”

“Then I choose silver.”

“Feeling confident?”

“Of course.”

“Then play, Handsome. It’s your move.”

I tried to focus on the board, but Chloe’s proximity, her energy, her intense focus, enticed my eyes to her. We played. After a quick exchange of the first few moves, I paused to study the board. I’d leaned in to play my piece when something touched my leg.

I jumped, glancing under the table. I only saw my legs and hers. I darted a suspicious glance in Chloe’s direction. She looked…innocent. She shrugged her shoulders. Suspicion flared. I returned to the board, pivoted my legs out of her reach, and placed my piece.

Chloe darted in and took control of the entire game in a single move. I grabbed my head with both hands.

“How? I didn’t even see that…”

Chloe pointed a finger at the square on the board where I’d played my piece. She leaned in close, whispering.

“Riskiest spot in the game. Resist at all costs.”

I threw my hands up. I sighed with far more drama than I felt. A warm, golden glow of happy satisfaction throbbed in my gut.

“I will beat you...one day.”

“Dreams are good for the soul, Handsome.”

Nora slid in next to me, somehow wiggling into the center of my side of the board.

“My turn.”

Accepting the inevitable, I bowed and moved over next to Chloe while she taught Nora to play. Nora lost the first few rounds, then she caught on. By the fourth game, Nora and Chloe sat, noses mere inches from the board.

They both sweated, muttering curses. The rest of us held our breath, awaiting Nora’s next move. Even Lucky watched, his mouth tentacles quivering. Nora placed her piece. Chloe laughed, leaning back.

“You just won.”

Nora’s eyes popped open so wide, I feared they might roll out of her little human skull.

“But we’re not done…”

Chloe shook her head.

“Play it out if you like, but this game is done. The game is yours.”

Nora shot out of her chair, shrieking, arms high and victorious.

Captain Timcur stumbled in.

“What’s going on here?”

Nora dove at him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I won!”

CHLOE

Storgin sat next to me, his big arm and thigh pressed against mine. No one knew how many times I came close to a bad brüngnú move with Storgin’s utter hotness distracting me. I appreciated many things about Storgin, but at that moment, his hotness overwhelmed all my other considerations.

Where will the night go, Handsome? Will we finally return to that kiss? How am I supposed to decide to let you in and stay with you forever if you turn out to be a terrible kisser?

I looked at his lips. They looked like good kissing lips. I imagined he was an amazing kisser… I returned my focus to the board.

“Did you go yet, Olath?”

“Stop pressuring me.”

“I’ve waited so long for my turn, I forgot whose turn it was. Look, it’s okay if we come back to this later—”

Olath moved. I closed the trap I’d set up three moves ago and claimed my third corner. Olath groaned. He leaned back.

“It’s over, isn’t it?”

“There’s always next time. But I’m wiped out. I’m grabbing some snacks and heading to bed. Bad habit, I know, but that’s life on the run.”

The party broke up. People stood and stretched and wandered off to their own concerns. I considered cuddling up to him, but a small army of mismatched bots stormed the galley and set about cleaning up our mess.

I grabbed Storgin’s hand and we retreated out of the bots’ way. We strolled quietly, suddenly shy with each other. Our small, wandering steps brought us to Storgin’s lab. I peeked in the open door, more out of curiosity than any interest in stuff which may involve quivering gelatinous masses.

Instead, I saw banks of neatly arranged cabinets covered in equipment and small screens counting down different amounts of time. An exam/surgery table sat in one corner, gleaming in the various flashing lights.

“So, this is my place. I mean, we’ve walked by every time we teleport…”

“No, I didn’t realize. I’d thought you meant some weird dungeon somewhere on Goldie where you kept sentient starfish hooked up to machines slaving away at fiendish experiments. Or something.”

“Starfish?”

“Look it up sometime.”

Storgin faced me, towering like a living statue, all hard planes and inky shadows in Goldie’s dimmed lights. His eyes smoldered at me again. I gulped, stepping back.

“You tell me, Chloe.”

A hesitant hand reached for my hair. Storgin’s eyes flicked up to mine. He took a silken lock between his fingers.

“There are varieties, but the only ones I knew about were shaped like five-pointed stars.”

His eyes roved over my face, as if he endeavored to memorize each sight but couldn’t wait to discover more. My heart raced. Heat radiated from my chest.

“Are starfish a favored creature?”

“I used to think they were cute.”

His voice dropped to the barest whisper.

“What happened?”

“I discovered they are vicious predators.”

His mouth hovered but a fraction of an inch from mine. I risked a look at Storgin’s eyes. Passion blazed from his gaze. He panted. Exquisite desire gripped me. I closed the distance between us.

Light as a feather, my lips embraced his. My body tried to melt, but Storgin held me. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pressing me against his rock-hard physique. My belly fluttered in anticipation.

My lips parted. His tongue sought mine. I slid my hands around Storgin’s thick neck. In a flash, he scooped me into his arms and plopped my butt on his lab table. He stroked my hair, cupping the back of my neck.

I tugged at his uniform. His hands quickly replaced mine, unfastening his top. I pulled back to look, breaking our kiss. His top slid off his shoulders. I ran my fingertips over his hard muscles.

He stood there, panting. Hungry passion burned in his eyes. He placed a hand on my shoulder and pushed my top from my shoulder. His other hand pulled the zipper down the front.

I watched his fingers slowly expose more and more of my cleavage. Storgin gasped as if he had glimpsed the divine. The zipper reached the bottom. My top split open and my breasts tumbled out. Storgin stopped breathing. Mesmerized, his eyes followed the natural sway of my bared breasts.

Hand trembling, Storgin stroked the delicate skin of my left breast. His thumb sought out the areola, circling the nipple. My nipples hardened to little peaks. They ached for Storgin’s touch.

He dove his face down and engulfed my waiting nipple in his mouth. Pleasure ran through me. I moaned, flinging my head back. My pussy swelled. I felt my juices trickle down between my folds.

Storgin squeezed, stroked, licked, and nibbled both breasts between his big hand and his mouth. My clit throbbed. I needed more. I wanted more. He licked down my belly. With a plaintive cry, I thrust my hips at him.

Storgin gripped my pants, peeling them away from my body. Luckily, I’d lost my shoes hours ago. His first glimpse of my drenched pussy captured Storgin’s full attention. He spoke in soft, reverent words.

“I only ever studied the anatomy of a human woman’s body in school. When I found my DNA-match, I wanted to know how to please her. But I only know the theory.”

I leaned back, spreading my knees wide.

“Then let’s not waste this learning opportunity, Handsome. Show me your scientific theories on how to please a human woman.”

He reached out with his big fingers and stroked my cleft. He slid a finger through my juices and traced my pubic bone all the way to the top where my swollen clit screamed for attention.

He followed his finger with a long lick. I moaned. My back arched and all I knew was the pleasure of Storgin’s touch, his explorations of my pussy. He lapped at my clit with his big, strong tongue.

I ground on his face, moaning and begging for more in tiny whimpers. Storgin growled like a beast into my sensitive pussy. I cried out, grabbing his horns with both hands. Storgin bellowed into my pussy like I’d just swallowed his cock.

He ate my pussy even harder. Then he sucked my clit for the first time. I twitched and moaned, and he relished every spasm. He slid his big finger into my tunnel, filling and stretching me.

I felt my orgasm approaching. It gathered on the edge of my mind like a storm on a distant horizon. Storgin added a second finger to the first, slowly pushing them deep into me, over and over.

Pleasure shot through my skin. I stroked his horns, my legs wrapped around his head. The orgasm clenched my core and broke over me. Waves of pleasure rolled through me. The world around us faded. For a moment, Storgin and I floated in a world entirely defined by pleasure.

When I came down, I found myself in Storgin’s arms as he quickly carried me back to his quarters. We held each other tight as the exhaustion of the long day and exquisite release pulled us under and into a deep sleep.

STORGIN

Even now that I’d returned to the lab, my memory replayed her perfect face glistening with the labors of our pleasure, her little sighs and whimpers—overwhelming all other thoughts.

Everywhere my gaze landed, I saw Chloe. The feel of her under my hands, under my tongue. I leaned my head back, wiping my face with a hand. Blood rushed in my ears. My horns tingled where she’d gripped them in our passion.

A hard sound startled me and I looked around, searching for the source. I finally realized I heard the sound of Thelkor laughing. I looked at him, hoping he’d explain. He met my gaze and burst right back into laughter.

“Fuck you, Thelkor.”

“Aww. I came to congratulate you. I’m happy for you, Storgin.”

“Then why’re you laughing like that?”

“Because I remember feeling that way. Oh, how I suffered! Now as your friend, I enjoy your pain, Storgin. You’re growing right up!”

“Fuck you and your armory.”

Thelkor cackled all the way out of my lab. I should’ve had the tranq prepared, but memories of Chloe distracted me far too much to handle sharps or tranquilizers with any competence. I loved it. I loved every delicious, agonizing moment.

I hadn’t wanted to leave Chloe’s side, but my experiments beckoned. I’d kissed her sleeping head before leaving for the lab. She’d mumbled something I couldn’t make out and I hoped for a lifetime of sleepy mumbles and lovemaking.

I sighed happily and attempted to refocus on my work. The new batch of treatment bubbled through tubes and various apparatus till it filled a storage tank, drop by drop. In my compromised state, what I thought was a memory of Chloe’s voice called out to me.

“Hmm?”

I turned and the real Chloe smiled at me. I smiled back.

“Good morning.”

Her cheeks turned red.

“Morning, Handsome.”

“Are you ready to present your evaluation of last night’s application of scientific theory?”

She giggled, leaning into me.

“Sure. I’ll give it eight out of ten.”

“Eight? Only eight?”

She twinkled with deviance.

“It was only your first try. I wanted to leave room for improvement with practice. Anyway, I need you to follow me. We need to make the right impression on Throik.”

“That calls for a trip to the wardrobe department. Should I ask Rachel to page everyone there?”

“Not yet. People on Throik are…particular. I just want a look before I interrupt everyone’s day. How much longer do you need in here?”

Chloe looked around my lab, eager and curious.

Maybe she’ll assist me, one day.

Then she glanced at my exam table. I gulped. I’d fought the pull to stare at it all morning. A contented grin crossed her face.

“You know what? I’m done here. Do with me as you will. I am at your mercy, Chloe the Fierce.”

“You’re going to regret those words. Come on, Handsome. Before I have you back on that exam table.”

“Is it too late to vote for the exam table?”

“Yes. We have actual responsibilities, but I swear at our next available opportunity, we’ll give that table another go. Come on.”

She took my hand and tugged me along. We zipped through corridors and around crates and crewmembers. She let go of my hand and sprinted forward like she was sneaking through a jungle. Our walk became a chase, me trying to catch her, her always just beyond my grasp.

She slid around the last corner and slapped her hands against the wardrobe department door. She panted, her chest heaving.

“I win.”

I stopped directly behind her, placing my hands on the door next to hers. I leaned down. My lips brushed the sensitive skin of her neck. She gasped, leaning back into me. My cock hardened. She wiggled her rear over it, then slipped away.

“Points for trying, but I really do need to get this outfit situation under control.”

I groaned, pulling myself together. I nodded, trying to shake the tension out of my shoulders.

“But…I do want to get back to this discussion, Storgin.”

Just as I thought I’d gotten a hold of myself, she landed a blow, throwing my mind right back to dreaming of making her scream in pleasure.

“I swear you’re trying to kill me.”

“Maybe. Now move, so we can open this door.”

I stood back and opened the door. I looked in…and panicked.

“We’ve been robbed! Who’d steal all those costumes?”

“Calm yourself, User Storgin.”

I jumped and looked down.

“TZ! Where the fuck did you come from?”

“I’ve been here for five minutes and thirty-six seconds…thirty-seven…”

“TZ, do you know what happened to our disguises?”

“They’ve been laundered, inventoried, and delivered to appropriate storage space. Storage spaces have been labelled and color coded. A map has been installed.”

“Wow. Thanks, TZ. Whatever Rachel is paying you, she should double it.”

“Endorsement accepted. Point stipulated. Petition recorded. New task! Ask Rachel for raise. Expression of gratitude, User Storgin. Excuse me, I have new tasks.”

TZ rolled down the corridor. Chloe grabbed my hand, tugging me inside. She immediately opened every storage unit, scanned it, and moved to the next. She studied the map TZ had installed.

This is fine work. I’ll have to compliment him.

Having surveyed the room, Chloe returned to a few crates in various sizes that’d been secured to the wall with maglocks to create custom storage. She pulled out a few things, made little noises of disapproval, and returned them to their places.

“Yeah, no. None of this is gonna work.”

That’s when Rachel arrived.

“Storgin! What’s all this nonsense about giving TZ a raise?”

“Tell him to play back the entire recording. I only said you should double his pay. I can’t be blamed for how he took that. That being said, did you see what he did in here?”

Rachel stopped short of losing her temper and really looked behind me.

“Oh, wow. Look at this…”

She poked around a few places and ran her hands over the changing bench which no longer held half the disguises. Chloe interrupted Rachel’s inspection.

“Listen, I’ve searched but we don’t have the right gear for Throik. They’re…particular.”

“Well, let’s go shopping.”

Rachel punched a button on her comms bracelet.

“I need all the humans in the wardrobe department. Shopping time! Don’t forget your Vaznik warrior’s measurements.”

STORGIN

Rachel, Evelyn, Nora, and Chloe smiled wide and shut the rest of us out of the wardrobe department. They insisted they needed to concentrate on their shopping. The hours ticked down to our arrival on Throik and Chloe insisted costuming would be key to the success of the mission.

I shrugged, missed Chloe, and wandered to my lab to check on the latest batch of Smandradh treatment. The cure bubbled happily through the manufacturing process and I nearly had enough to treat everyone on Throik. I noted the details in my logs.

Then I heard the teleporter power up. I turned to look. A stack of packages appeared. I blinked at them, uncomprehending. Surprised, I froze. Then the packages slid. They cascaded down the teleporter pad, flooding my lab in an avalanche.

Chloe, Evelyn, Nora, and Rachel appeared in the lab’s doorway. A group squeal pierced my eardrums. They rushed in, filling their arms with crates and packages. Chloe looked up at me, the picture of innocence. I gulped.

“Handsome, would you be so good as to help us move all these to the wardrobe department?”

What could I say? No? I made my final notations and put away the lab’s portable tablet. I grabbed as many packages as I could and followed Chloe through the corridor. TZ zoomed by.

“Custodial services required in laboratory.”

Evelyn waved at TZ. He stopped, facing her.

“TZ, the packages still in Storgin’s lab need to go to the wardrobe department.”

“Request accepted. Processing. Request approved. Thank you for your input, User Evelyn.”

TZ zoomed off. My eyes followed him as he zoomed down the corridor to the lab.

“Does TZ look different to you?”

Evelyn shrugged.

“The bots are constantly upgrading and reconfiguring.”

“I wonder if we can get them to wear specific designations so we can tell them apart?”

“That’s not a bad idea, Storgin. Watch your step.”

Instead, I tripped. Down I went, the packages in my arms flying everywhere in a moment of consumer-driven chaos. Bots I’d never before seen rushed me. They excavated me from the mound of packages, running off with them.

“What all did you even get? How could we need this much stuff for one mission?”

Chloe pinned me with a look. She put her fists on her hips and raised an eyebrow at me.

“Have you been to Throik before?”

“No. I looked them up, though. I saw the pictures…”

“You saw the pictures…”

I gulped, realizing the lack of depth in my research.

“Yes?”

“The pictures specifically designed to look enticing, yet innocuous? So people will book a reservation?”

“Brothel reservations? Like at a fancy restaurant?”

“Of course, Handsome! Sex work is a business. These people are professionals. If it weren’t popular and an excellent vector for spreading disease, Zarklac wouldn’t have targeted it, would he?”

“You…have a point.”

Chloe winked at me and helped me to my feet. I could’ve gotten up more quickly had I simply gotten myself off the deck, but I wanted the excuse to hold her hand again. Once I had her hand in mine, I tried to hold onto it.

Once on my feet, Chloe and I gazed into each other’s eyes. Time faded away around us. I wanted to kiss her again, but she slipped away with a devious grin before my lips met hers. She chuckled, carrying her packages down the corridor.

I followed her, carrying the one package the bots hadn’t yet gathered. I tried to catch up, to take her hand in mine again, but Chloe stayed a step ahead of me at every turn. She presented a constant challenge. I loved it. I drank it in.

I savored the flavor of Chloe’s challenges…especially after tasting the sweet victory of having caught her once. My head buzzed with the memory of how she’d melted in my arms once she finally stopped running.

I vowed to have her in my arms like that again, writhing—but not running.

I’ll give her a reason to stop running. Or I’ll run with her. Either way, now I know I never truly lived before we met.

My sweet daydreams hit a proverbial brick wall and shattered around me when we reached the wardrobe department and Chloe took the package from my hand.

“Don’t go anywhere, Handsome. I’ll be right back.”

She shut the door in my face. Again. I blinked, trying to gather my thoughts. Before I wrangled them all into order, Chloe popped out of the wardrobe department door. She walked up. My heart filled with joy at her return. She reached out for me. For a moment, I thought we’d embrace. I opened my arms to welcome her.

Chloe pulled out a tape measure and measured the length of my inseam. I gasped, holding my breath. Chloe muttered to herself and disappeared back through the door, closing it behind her.

I glanced to my left. The corridor was empty. I glanced to my right. I saw TZ disappear around a corner. I considered returning to my lab, but remembered Chloe said to stay. I needed to move.

Why am I waiting here, anyway? She’s got to be fucking with me again.

I turned to walk to my lab. The door opened. I returned to my ‘waiting’ position in a flash, hoping she didn’t notice I’d been about to sneak off. Chloe returned with the tape measure. She waved her fingers at my head and I leaned forward. She measured the circumference of my neck.

I opened my mouth to ask a question, but Chloe turned and returned to the wardrobe department, muttering. She was gone before I’d formed my question. My patience began to wear thin.

She could at least let me in on what’s going on. Does she expect me to simply ‘stay’ like a trained animal?

I had just about worked myself up into a fit of ego when the door opened again. I froze. I yearned to see her once more. Yet I dreaded the thought that when I did see her, she’d simply measure random parts of my body and walk off without even talking to me. This time, she spoke to me. My heart filled with joy.

“Okay, follow me to the galley. I promise to finally explain.”

CHLOE

The four Vaznik warriors sat at the galley table, eyeing us humans with suspicious, narrowed gazes. Rachel, Nora, and Evelyn had mentioned how much they enjoyed dressing up their gigantic, horned, alien brutes before, and I relished the chance to talk them into wearing the new outfits.

I glanced at Team Human. They looked as innocent as they possibly could. We stood in our “this is official business” poses. With the most innocent look I could plaster on my face, eyes wide and sweet as I could muster, I addressed Team Mahdfel.

“Hello, gentlemen, thank you for joining us today.”

Thelkor looked over his shoulder, as if trying to find a gentleman in the room.

“She means you, Mahdfel Thelkor.”

“When did I become a gentleman?”

“Just listen, babe.”

“As I was saying, thank you for joining us. Let me present your disguises for Throik!”

With a flourish of my hand, I pulled out from behind my back…a fistful of complicated leather straps.

“But Chloe, where is the outfit?”

I shook the strappy leather thing at him. Dread began to descend upon those gathered Mahdfel faces. My eyes darted to the other Vaznik warriors. We humans giggled, but only when none of the Mahdfel were looking.

The warriors’ eyes darted to the faces of their Team Human counterparts. Nora, Evelyn, and Rachel presented their own handfuls of tangled leather straps.

“But…But…Nora, my love,” Timcur protested. “I’m not even leaving the ship…”

“It’s for your own safety, I swear. Just in case…”

“Just in case? What could justify this…outfit?”

I raised my arms and spoke over the nervous chatter coming from Team Mahdfel.

“Let me explain. Throik was founded by a coalition of sex workers tired of being exploited by pimps and madams. In order to ensure a sense of safety, Throik’s founders established a matriarchal society.”

Olath, eyes still glued to the mess of leather in Evelyn’s hand, blurted a question.

“How does that lead to…leather?”

“On Throik, males as attractive as you Mahdfel would quickly be coerced into service, were they not obviously “claimed” by a female— on Throik, only females have ownership rights.”

I dropped my handful of heavy leather into Storgin’s lap while I let that tidbit sink in. Nora swayed her hips a few inches extra, slowly stalking closer to Captain Timcur with her stunning smile and long-lashed, slow-blinking eyes. He gulped.

Captain Timcur knew he was cornered. I saw the realization dawn over his face.

“This is a mutiny.”

“Welcome to Throik, Captain.”

Captain Timcur seemed unamused with my quip, but Nora successfully outlined Team Human’s planned strategy. At our strategy meeting in the wardrobe department, we’d identified Captain Timcur as our best chance of success. Once we talked him into the outfit, the rest were certain to follow.

Nora sat in Captain Timcur’s lap. She dropped the leather on the galley table, stroking Captain’s cheek.

“Timmy, baby—”

“Don’t call me that in front of the men…”

“Focus, Timcur. You can’t deny you’re one of the most handsome, most exquisite examples of a Mahdfel in the galaxy, can you?”

“Well, uh… I—”

“And I’ll just worry so much about someone seeing your Mahdfel perfection and stealing you away from me…”

“Well, when you put it like that…”

“You can easily see we do this for your own good, can’t you?”

Nora’s wiggling charms turned Timcur into mush. He sighed and hung his head.

“And you’re certain this is all actually necessary?”

“Oh yes, Captain,” I reassured him. “Absolutely. Otherwise, we’ll be fighting duels for ownership rights the entire time. Trust me. I spent a year on Throik.”

Thelkor still shook his head.

“Is this a…collar?”

I nodded. “I know it’s a hardship, but you warriors must go as my slaves.”

Rachel, Evelyn, and Nora also nodded. We all wore our best “trust us” faces. Rachel batted her eyelashes at Thelkor.

“It’s really the only way, Thelkor. You’re just too hot, with all those big muscles.”

Thelkor curled his bicep, kissing the hard muscle.

“I never thought being so perfect would be such a disadvantage.”

“That’s exactly what we’re saying. It’d be dangerous out there for such handsome fellows.”

I wanted to applaud Nora’s performance. She shone like a star, born to perform, and she’d taken Timcur down in a flurry of disarming attacks. I wanted to shout with glee, but I didn’t want to distract Evelyn as she turned Olath into putty.

Team Mahdfel never had a chance.

I turned my most devious powers on Storgin in one, swift glance. He gulped and froze. I batted my eyelashes at him and leaned close to his ear.

“You’re going to look adorable.”

I straightened my back. Storgin grinned. He sighed and chuckled. He turned his head to Captain Timcur.

“I think they’ve won, Captain Timcur. Perhaps it’s time to surrender before we take more losses.”

Captain Timcur groaned. He wiped a big hand over his face.

“Fine. We’ll wear the outfits.”

Team Human cheered and kissed all over our warriors’ faces. I wrapped my arms around Storgin’s neck. I winked at him and spoke.

“Remember, it’s just a part to play. Don’t worry, we’ll free you as soon as you get back to Goldie…we swear…”

Rachel glanced at Thelkor’s pile of leather.

“Well…maybe not ‘as soon as we get back’, exactly…”

TZ zoomed into the room pulling a laundry cart behind him.

“Query: Does galley require custodial maintenance? Please input response ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”

“Not yet, TZ. Thank you for asking.”

“Query: What’s the proper storage of leather attire?”

“Don’t worry about it yet. The men are about to change. Come back in an hour.”

“Response: Exhibit distress. Oh, boy. Oh, boy.”

TZ spun and rolled down the corridor, muttering. I turned back to Storgin.

“Your turn, Handsome. Can’t have some other woman kidnapping you. I’m not done with you just yet.”

“That’s the first thing you’ve said in an hour I’m happy to hear.”

“I appreciate your indulgence.”

Storgin shrugged.

“I MAY BE UNCOMFORTABLE, but I trust you.”

STORGIN

An alarm beeped on Rachel’s comms bracelet.

“Oh, look! We’re here. Excuse me while I park.”

Evelyn patted Thelkor’s arm and pecked him on the cheek. Everyone stood and moved to the bridge. We strapped in and within minutes, Goldie descended to the barren moon of Throik. In the distance, we saw a complex of geodesic domes glowing and flashing neon colors.

We docked to an anchor tower twenty miles from the dome complex. Starships of all varieties studded tether poles past the horizon. Docking complete, and only able to see the barest glimpse of Throik’s attractions, we unbuckled our harnesses and hurried back to Goldie’s galley to suit up.

I sat as still as stone while Chloe strapped onto my bare chest what she called a “gladiator chest harness”. I’d never seen the like before, but I liked the way the straps accentuated my pectorals, biceps, and back. My abs rippled below the chest strap crossing my ribcage. I flexed, making the leather creak.

“Does all this leather make my muscles look big?”

“You look damn sexy, Handsome. Hold on a little longer…almost done…with this piece…”

Chloe tightened buckles here, loosened them there, and adjusted the harness until it fit perfectly. I’d expected at least a small measure of chafing in the thick leather. Instead, I felt powerful.

My DNA-matched mate is preparing to buckle a collar around my neck. I expected to feel diminished somehow. Instead, I feel powerful in this outfit. The way it fits and accentuates my body reminds me of the potential in my strong muscles each second.

“Now remember, you’re my slaves. My property. If I give you a command, follow it immediately. Without question. If you don’t, I’ll have to discipline you—to maintain our cover.”

The remainder of Team Human nodded while they strapped their Vaznik warriors into their own harnesses.

We look like primitive, ancient warriors. And my DNA-match leads us into battle. I have an idea…

“Chloe, you really know how to plan a second date.”

Chloe froze. She blinked, then a grin spread across her face.

“One point to Storgin.”

“By my count, that puts me far in the lead. I fear you’ll never catch up. I’m starting to feel guilty about beating you so overwhelmingly.”

Chloe chuckled and returned to strapping a fine weapons belt around my waist.

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“On Throik, slaves carry weapons?”

“Of course. On Throik, a woman of means must run a large household. Unless she hires a man enslaved to another woman, she must own and provide for all the men in her employ, any male family members, their children, etcetera.”

“To have so little control over one’s life…”

Chloe froze, pinning me with a look.

“So, you get a glimpse of what I felt like when my birthday was called. Many Earth people used to celebrate a person’s birthday. Before the Suhlik. Before the treaty. Now…Earth men still celebrate. What’s left of the other half of our population on Earth learn not to talk about the dread.”

“That’s terrible. I can see why you ran.”

She grinned, patting my shoulder.

“You’re ready. Prepare yourself. I need to change. I’ll return shortly.”

Chloe left. I stood, trying to get a look at myself in this getup. I muttered something about mirrors and TZ interrupted me a few minutes later.

“User Storgin. Unit designation ‘Bar mat 83’ has brought item: full-length mirror.”

“Oh, thanks…Bar mat 83?”

“BAR MAT 83 has not installed component: vocal synthesizer. Bar mat 83 recently installed mod: moody ennui, the best of adolescence.”

I looked at my reflection. Loose pants in a thin, golden fabric billowed around my thighs above black top-of-the-line, knee-length boots. Leather crossed my chest in an X-pattern, gathered in the middle at a bronze O-ring.

“The humans were so right, Captain. We’re too handsome to walk around unclaimed.”

Chloe returned carrying a large marker. She pulled off the cap and started writing across my chest.

“What are you writing?”

“‘Property of Chloe Stevens of The Golden Meridian.’”

“Is that necessary?”

“Oh, yes.”

Chloe finished, stepping back to appraise her handywork. I looked down. Sparkling letters emitting a faint glow twinkled on my pecs. Chloe nodded and handed the pen off to Nora. Nora approached Captain Timcur, glee radiating from her.

“I’m going to make you so pretty, Timmy.”

“Don’t call me that in front of the men! And I’m not even going on this mission.”

“It’s just to keep my handsome Mahdfel safe.”

I looked at my twinkling chest again, touching the writing with tentative fingertips. Chloe’s voice snatched my attention.

“Don’t worry. It’ll dissipate. In a week or so.”

I chuckled. My eyes caressed Chloe’s perfect curves. She wore a black cat suit and fine tall boots. With blasters strapped to both hips, and bristling with knives disguised as jeweled embellishments, Chloe made me drool.

Crop in hand, Chloe stood before us. She pointed the black leather crop at Thelkor.

“Thelkor, everyone gets blasters and discreet blades.”

“I thought we were slaves?”

“Yeah. And my bodyguards.”

“Fair.”

“Great. Do. Not. Touch. Anyone. Or. Anything. Follow my commands without question. Try not to talk. Don’t follow anyone else’s command without my permission. I own you until we return to Goldie.”

The rest of Team Human nodded their heads and kissed their mates. Rachel kissed Thelkor and told him to stay out of trouble.

“Wait. You’re not going with me?”

Rachel shook her head.

“No. Nora, Evelyn, and I are too easily recognized after all the news cycles. But on Throik, no one will even look at your pretty faces. And Chloe assures me Throik is infamous for its discretion.”

Thelkor nodded. Rachel, Nora, Evelyn, and Captain “Timmy” Timcur waved us off. Chloe, Thelkor, Olath, and I teleported to Throik Pleasure Domes: Where We Bring Your Fantasies to Life.

CHLOE

I drew in a deep breath of the pristine air of Throik’s reception dome. Throik routed all incoming teleports from docked ships to the small, independent dome. We arrived on one of the teleporter pads lining one wall of the dome. Other beings from all over the galaxy flashed in on other teleporters.

“Please select a destination or exit the teleporter pad.”

“Come on, boys, before we get teleported to the brig for loitering on a teleporter pad.”

“That’s a crime here?”

I glanced at Storgin, then strode into the crowd, confident the Vaznik warriors would follow. I heard them catch up. I felt them glaring at every eye which dared stray in my direction.

Excellent. One would think these boys were born to play these roles.

The ambient noise of four-hundred-plus people swallowed up my giggle. Thelkor, Olath, and Storgin’s leashes jiggled in my hand.

“Try to keep up, boys.”

We joined the crowd waiting for a Throik hospitality agent to become available. We muddled through the crowd, looking fierce and striking. A couple who looked like walking clumps of mushrooms tittered at the towering Vaznik warriors escorting me.

Thelkor growled, and the mushrooms scurried away on millions of little mycelial tendrils. He seemed proud of himself. I opened my mouth to tell him to be nice, but a Throik hospitality agent walked—well, tentacled—our way.

The tentacled monster bowed, words bioluminescent on his wide octopus-like head.

“Hello, traveler. Welcome to Throik. My name is Eeeeerzhikapod, but please, call me Dave.”

“Pleased to meet you, Dave. I’m Chloe Stevens.”

“Pleased to meet you, Chloe Stevens. Please follow me and we’ll get you set up.”

We followed Dave through a private security checkpoint, where we registered all our weapons before strapping them all back on. I registered Thelkor, Olath, and Storgin as my official property, and the tentacled agent stamped their registration info on their backs with more bioluminescent ink.

Security checks passed and registration complete, we told Dave our thanks and goodbyes. We lost ourselves in the crowd milling about the Fantasy Plaza. The entire room was filled with teleporter pads leading to the various other domes. I strolled over to check the map, looking for any changes since the last time I was here.

“What’s this thing with a picture of spoons?”

“Oooh, that’s a rough dome, Thelkor.”

“We need…there. Okay, stay close. I’m walking and I’ve got your leashes. Don’t embarrass me.”

“But Chloe, where are we going?”

“That’s mistress to you, slave.”

Storgin’s eyes bugged out. I suppressed a laugh.

“Uh…mistress? Where are we going?”

“Listen. This is important. Throik serves as many different galactic species as possible. Not all of them require the same atmosphere. Areas safe for us are marked with green. Do. Not. Teleport. To Red. Unsurvivable without a pressurized life support suit. Blues are aquatic environments. Yellows, any of us would require a space suit with life support in less than fifteen minutes.”

I looked from Vaznik warrior to Vaznik warrior. Each nodded.

“Excellent. We’re going to Tropical Paradise Green. I hear it’s an excellent reproduction of the Akle homeworld.”

I set my destination on my comms bracelet and followed the glowing line which streaked from my feet across the floor. The warriors must’ve followed. Their leashes didn’t even jerk my hand.

I’d begun to believe my scheme might work out after all. My step felt lighter. I glanced back at Storgin, looking all strong and muscly. A single heartbeat later, I saw disaster arrive. All pretense fell from Thelkor’s face. He lunged at—a Suhlik. His leash ripped from my grip.

Olath and Storgin leaped right after him, their leashes flying after them. They crashed through a kiosk selling slox. Live space cockroaches escaped certain destruction in the fryer and fled for their lives. Aliens screamed and squealed. High-class Throikian matrons leaped into the arms of their biggest slaves, pointing furiously.

The crowds, aware people were screaming and running but not sure why, split into little clumps, gathering together for mutual protection. Crowds surged to the teleporters. Giant men who looked like gargoyles with seven whiplike tails ran by, cradling their mistresses to their chests.

“Fuck.”

I didn’t even know who said it, but I agreed. My eyes darted left and right. Begging squeals emanated from under the piled Vaznik warriors.

Here comes security.

I grabbed their leashes and pressed the Bad Boy buttons on their handles. Little shocks got their attention.

“Get off the floor, you miserable excuses for slaves! Why’d I get saddled with you three, anyway? You know what? Don’t get off the floor. On your knees. I better see some groveling. How dare you shame your mistress with such undisciplined behavior?”

Olath, Storgin, and Thelkor froze, staring at me in horror. With slow, careful movements, they got to their knees. A flattened Suhlik lay where they’d landed. The Suhlik cried.

“It’s just a job, man. Some weirdo wanted an XXX-rated version of Golden Meridian: Scourge of the Sector. I’m just an actor. It’s a costume!”

The flattened actor sobbed. I sighed, tapping my crop on a boot.

“What am I going to do about you?”

Security arrived, interrupting my tirade.

“Mistress? Come with us, please.”

“Funny how that sounded more like a command than a request.”

The TS, Throik Security, guard shrugged.

“Take it how you wish, as long as we make no further scene.”

“Fine. Lead the way.”

I turned to follow the TS guard, jerking the leashes, looking back at the Vaznik warriors.

“Try to avoid causing further chaos.”

The TS guard led us to a teleporter pad in a security checkpoint. We stepped on it. In a flash, we stood in a beautifully maintained water garden. I stepped down a flight of shallow steps made from natural stone.

On the couch before me sat a wizened, wrinkled, old Buravian woman. Her long, black hair had long ago faded to silver. Her flinty eyes quickly in took my party. She looked up at me.

“What the fuck have you gotten yourself into, Chloe?

STORGIN

“Sasha!”

Chloe opened her arms wide. The Buravian woman stood from where she lounged and threw her arms wide, and they embraced like old friends.

“Chloe, my friend. It’s been so long. It's so good to see you, but what are you doing back on Throik?”

“I thought I was about to talk my way out of a security office. How’d I end up here?”

“Oh, as soon as you checked in with reception, I had your DNA tagged to divert here. I mean, I assumed you were looking for me.”

“You were my first and, I hope, last stop.”

“Come, Chloe. Sit with me and tell me what you need.”

“I missed you so much, Sasha. Oh! I almost forgot. Let me introduce my companions. This is Storgin—”

“Chloe? Drinks first. Yes?”

“Only if we actually talk business, too. Anyway, this is Storgin, my DNA-matched, Mahdfel mate and his crewmembers, Thelkor and Olath. We’re the crew of—”

“The Golden Meridian. I recognize you. I’d wondered how you talked three Mahdfel into collars.”

Thelkor stepped forward.

“With the promise they were necessary, and we’d take them off as soon as we returned to Goldie.”

“Prudent. A woman could make a small fortune off slaves as handsome as you three.”

My chest swelled with pride.

“Thank you.”

Everyone looked at me with a cocked eyebrow.

“What? She called us handsome.”

Thelkor looked like he wanted to eat me, but that wasn’t exactly new. I shrugged. Chloe shook her head with such small movements, she looked like she vibrated. Sasha blinked at me. Her eyes looked me up and down, then head to toe. She turned to Chloe.

“You say he’s yours?”

“Yes. My DNA-matched mate.”

“Pity. And congratulations.”

Sasha turned from us and walked to her luxurious lounge. She stretched out on it, all liquid grace, and refilled a flute with wine. She sipped as we joined her. Chloe plopped down next to Sasha, claiming her own flute. Sasha raised her glass.

“Shall we toast old friends?”

Chloe clinked crystal with Sasha.

“To old friends.”

They drank and I looked around for a seat. I failed to locate one. It looked like, if I wanted to sit, I’d have to sit on the floor. I shrugged, plopped down at Chloe’s feet, and listened.

“So, Sasha. I have bad news.”

“For real? You open with this?”

“I’m not even joking.”

“For real?”

“For real.”

“Okay. Spill it.”

Chloe cocked a thumb at us.

“Short version. Vaznik warrior crew of The Golden Meridian fighting terrorist attacks perpetrated by Suhlik and the underhanded deeds of corrupt government officials we’re still trying to uncover.”

“Okay. I’m with you.”

“Suhlik bioweapon attack plot to release Smandradh into Throik’s life support systems.”

“How long do we have to locate…”

“Canisters.”

“Canisters? Options? Proposals?”

“Not long. Best option—locate canisters and release new, one-hundred-percent effective treatment Storgin discovered into the life support systems. Treatment prepared and awaiting teleport coordinates.”

Sasha leaned back. She grabbed a flat box from a table next to her. She opened it and from it, she drew a piece of rolled paper. She picked up a small instrument and lit the roll. She drew in a deep breath, then nodded.

“Solid. I’ll need your teleport code and open comms. Question, old friend.”

“Anything.”

“Why?”

“Chloe Stevens saves the pleasure moon. I already have deals for the rights to my life story.”

“Liar.”

Chloe shrugged and laughed.

“Not a bad idea though, Sasha. I’d make a fortune.”

“You’d never admit to half the shit we’ve done, human.”

“I can have it released upon my death. I have a mate now. I’m considering a legacy.”

Sasha gasped.

“What? Does your Vaznik warrior have a magic cock or something?”

I nearly choked as Chloe laughed.

But if she wasn’t going to claim the point she’d just won on me this minute, I refused to count it. Chloe tapped her comms bracelet. “I’ll send you everything I’ve got.”

A moment later, Sasha’s own comms bracelet dinged.

For a few minutes, I stared at Chloe with a look I hoped said, “Laugh it up, Chloe. Just wait until I get out of this collar. Enjoy it while you can.” She glanced at me and I’d swear her smile tried to curl the corner of her mouth as if she—knew exactly how deep a hole she’d dug herself and thought it was a riot.

Chloe and Sasha spoke for a short while, nibbling on delicacies presented by Sasha’s Buravian slaves. I wondered what Lorka would have to say about this adventure. I grinned thinking of his face when I recounted my life as a slave on the brothel moon, Throik.

I paid attention again when Sasha stood, clapping her hands, then spoke.

“Well. As much as I’m enjoying our visit, I do have other business to attend to today and your slaves look hungry. May I suggest taking my teleporter to the Rooting Earth Pig. It’s one of our finest establishments. Specializes in bacon.”

She eyed Thelkor, Olath, and me one last time.

“They look like they’d appreciate bacon. Take care, Chloe. I’ll be in touch. Relax and refuel. My people can check Throik’s domes far more quickly than Goldie’s crew.”

With a wave, Sasha turned and walked into the deep shadows of the room. Chloe turned to us, releasing a relaxed breath.

“Come on. Let’s eat.”

“Can we go shopping? If we have time?”

“Sure, Storgin.”

We got to our feet. Chloe gathered our leashes and we stepped onto the teleporter pad. Chloe set the bacon restaurant as our destination. We disappeared in a flash of light. When we reappeared, the blessed smell of bacon slapped my nose and I nearly melted.

Chloe jiggled my leash until I opened my eyes. She led us to the multi-tentacled Ogolo host, who seated us at Sasha’s private table. When the first tray of glistening meat arrived, I forgot all else.

“Chloe?”

“Yes, Storgin?”

“Best. Date. Ever.”

CHLOE

I picked at my food while Storgin, Olath, and Thelkor consumed what seemed like half their own body weight in meaty calories. Holding a half-stripped haunch of meat by the bone in one fist, Storgin pointed at my plate with the other hand.

“Are you not hungry, Chloe?”

“I stuffed myself ages ago. I’m just eating for fun at this point. Until the three of you have had your fill.”

“You got enough?”

“Storgin…I ate the bread course, soup course, fruit and cheese course, the salad course, a pile of meat the size of my head, and Throik’s signature Sundae of Joyful Decadence.”

“Really? I must’ve been entirely distracted…”

“A pack of velociraptors comes to mind…”

“Veloci—what?”

“Predators from ancient Earth. Very impressive. Don’t worry about it.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Thelkor belched. Olath gave it a solid ten. The Vaznik warriors slowed down. I estimated their feeding frenzy had passed. They pushed back from the table with big arms, muscles bulging. Olath looked my way.

“So what’s next, Chloe—”

“Mistress. Stay in character.”

“Mistress Chloe?”

“Well, Storgin wanted to go shopping. There’s a market nearby.”

“Do they have big guns?”

“Probably. However, Rachel, Evelyn, and Nora all said, and I quote, ‘Do not let them buy a tank. We’ve neither the room nor the need for an actual tank.’”

“How’d they know?”

“I don’t know, Thelkor, but let’s get you three cleaned up, okay? The slave’s restroom is in the corner. I do have standards and ‘covered in meat juice’ doesn’t meet them.”

I unclipped Olath, Thelkor, and Storgin’s leashes and waved them off to make themselves presentable. I ordered a piña colada to go and settled in to wait for their return. A cerulean-colored, giraffe-headed Mawkwil server dressed in the height of Earth’s Wild West period fashion brought the check.

“Nice hat.”

“Thanks. It came with the job. Also, Sasha says the meal is on her, but you should still tip me.”

“Excellent. Thank you. Can you have the leftovers teleported to my ship?”

“Certainly, mistress. I live to serve.”

“You must be your mistress’s favorite.”

“You’re too kind.”

The server retreated. I glanced at the restrooms.

They’ve been in there a long time…

I began to wonder when it’d become socially acceptable to check on them by Throik standards when I heard the first shout. With a groan, I shot out of my seat. The heavy footfalls of my boots rang like doom. I stalked to the restroom door and swung it open.

“What’s going on in here?”

Before my eyes, an Ogolo swung my Vaznik warriors around, wriggly appendages wrapped around their waists. Storgin managed to pull a tentacle off his mouth.

“I thought you were joking, Chloe! They’re trying to kidnap us!”

“Put my slaves down this instant.”

The monster quivered, indecisive. It tried to squirm back toward a secret panel in the restroom wall.

Symbols of alarm and confusion in three-dozen galactic languages flashed in bioluminescence across its bulbous forehead.

Thelkor clubbed the limb holding him with hard Mahdfel fists. The Ogolo flashed red with rage, slamming Thelkor against the wall a few times.

“Stop attacking! It’ll only enrage it. Ogolo are indestructible! That’s why Throik uses them as security. And they get to be their own boss, right?”

The creature hesitated and its octopus-like eyes swiveled to me.

“Isn’t Throik the only place in the galaxy your people are free? Isn’t Throik the only place in the galaxy where your people can get work outside of a brothel?”

‘Yes’ flashed across his forehead.

“Then why are you trying to kidnap claimed property? That’s a felony on Throik. Who made you take such a terrible risk, friend?”

Icons shaped like tears streamed down the monster’s forehead. Its body quivered. Patterns of sickly yellow-green flowed across its limbs like waves. A jumble of complex images flashed one after the other across his forehead.

“They’re holding your mate hostage?”

Tear icons exploded across its forehead. His limbs shivered, vibrating Thelkor, Olath, and Storgin, who the creature still held aloft.

“Listen, friend. Put those Mahdfel down before you do something I can’t help get you out of. Put them down, come over here by me, and tell me your name.”

The monster sagged, dropped the Vaznik warriors, and slithered over next to me. It leaned against me and I patted it with a hand.

“My name is Khziiiiilirifpt, but please call me Cass. Short for cascade. I always liked that word.”

“Cass, I really want to help you, but I’m personally in the middle of some deep shit at the moment. Don’t panic, I have good news. I have a friend named Sasha and she’ll know exactly what to do.”

“The Sasha?!?!”

“Yes. Mistress of Throik’s underbelly. Sasha, the intergalactic crime boss who keeps the corrupt corporations off Throik, and everyone else in line.”

Huge anime eyes appeared on the Ogolo’s head and it wrapped some tentacles around my shoulders in what I’d call a hug.

“You know what, Cass? You just come with me. I’ll introduce you. We’re already awaiting an invite from Sasha. You come with us and Sasha will know how to save your mate.”

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Come on, my slaves wanted to look at big guns.”

“My cousin is an arms dealer.”

“Well, do introduce us.”

The Ogolo threaded a tentacle through my arm. Olath, Storgin, and Thelkor got to their feet, assessing themselves after tangling with Cass. I looked back at them and winked.

“Try to keep up.”

Storgin began to laugh. He slapped Thelkor on the shoulder. Thelkor punched him in the arm.

“Why such a sour face, Thelkor?”

“She’s perfect for you, Storgin.”

I grinned and distracted the weepy creature with questions while we wove our way through the market, waiting for Sasha’s summons.

Chapter 33 Storgin

Before we made it to Cass’s arms-dealing cousin’s house to look at big guns, Chloe’s comms bracelet chimed. She tapped the bracelet and checked her unread messages, then smiled up at Cass, the tentacled monster.

“We’ve just been paged to the nearest teleporter pad. Are you ready to meet Sasha?”

The tentacle monster quivered. Purple stripes flowed down its tentacles.

“Excellent. If you’ll direct us to the nearest teleporter pad…”

The tentacle monster took Chloe’s hand in one tentacle and took a sharp right. Olath, Thelkor, and I followed, glaring down all who looked our way. I experimented with the position of my brows over my eyes, searching for my most terrifying expression. Unfortunately, I accidentally turned it on the mushroom couple from earlier, and one of them fainted in a plume of spores.

I felt a little guilty and tried to tone it down. By the time we reached the teleporter pad, the crowd had learned to give us a wide berth. Cass led Chloe, who led us, onto the teleporter pad. In a flash of the teleporter light, we’d returned to Sasha’s opulent lair.

She lay stretched on her lounge. She turned her face to us and waved.

“Welcome back, Chloe.”

“Hi, Sasha. Good to see you again. First, let me introduce you to Cass here. Cass has a problem I’m hoping you’ll help us address.”

Chloe indicated the tentacled monster, who quivered low and wiggled its tentacles. Sasha waved.

“First, though, I have good news. The canisters have been located.”

I rushed to Chloe’s side.

“Chloe, we must get to them as quickly as we can. Thelkor, Olath, and I can disarm them safely.”

Chloe nodded. She turned back to Sasha.

“Thoughts?”

“I’ll send an escort. I’m certain these three excellent specimens can handle themselves.”

Panic rushed through me.

“But what if they try to kidnap us again?”

Sasha gasped, covering her mouth with a perfectly manicured hand.

“Kidnapping? Here? Where? How?”

Chloe placed a hand on my chest. I blinked.

“Storgin? I need you to calm down. Let Sasha and me finish, and we’ll get you to the canisters as soon as intergalactically possible.”

I nodded, taking a seat near the lounge. Chloe sat with Sasha. Cass lowered itself nearby. Chloe took Sasha’s hand.

“I’d just sent my slaves to wash up after a lovely dinner at the restaurant you recommended. Wonderful chef. Do pass on my compliments. I heard a yell and stormed over to see what they’d gotten themselves into next and found Cass here, dangling my slaves in the air.”

Tear icons exploded on the tentacled monster’s forehead. Chloe shushed Cass, patting it on the…back? A flood of text scrolled across.

“I’m so sorry, Chloe. They’re holding my mate hostage and said I had to get the Vaznik warriors and “distract” them or they’d sell my mate to some backwater asteroid belt mining operation for sexual service.”

“Slow down there, Cass. This is terrible. Tell me all about it. But first, I must attend to an urgent crisis. Guards, escort these Vaznik warriors to the canister caches. Make certain they’re unharmed and provide them with anything they need.”

Sasha snapped. Men of many species appeared out of nowhere and hurried Thelkor, Olath, and me to the teleporter. Chloe, Sasha, and Cass continued to speak behind us. Within minutes, we’d teleported and I stared at a canister of bioweapon and a ticking timer.

Thelkor, Olath, and I stared at the timer. Olath, as executive officer, said what we were all thinking.

“We need Evelyn.”

“We have no comms.”

“Stop whining, Thelkor.”

Olath turned to our escort.

“We need our crewmember, Evelyn, my…owner of record.”

The guard scanned the glowing stamp on Olath’s back with his wrist comms. Within minutes, Evelyn walked up with her toolkit.

“Hey there.”

Evelyn waved at us, walking up to Olath and kissing him. He smiled at her, then motioned to the canister. Evelyn bent down. She made appreciative little noises while she inspected the bomb’s construction.

She opened her toolkit and removed a small pair of wire cutters. She carefully fit them into a small access point on the bomb. I held my breath. Evelyn snipped. The timer blanked, losing power. Evelyn returned her wire cutters to the toolkit and stood.

“It should be safe to handle now.”

Olath hugged her.

“Thank you, my love.”

“You’re welcome, sexy.”

“There are more, Evelyn. I think Thelkor and I can finish here on our own. Maybe Olath can go with you.”

“I’d love that. Olath? Think Storgin and Thelkor will survive without your supervision?”

Olath shrugged and took Evelyn’s hand.

“I’m willing to risk it. Later. Don’t get kidnapped.”

Evelyn and Olath left, heading to the next canister location. I turned back to where Thelkor worked. With one last metallic squeal, Thelkor dismantled the bomb and handed me the canister of bioweapon. I turned back to the guard escorting us.

“I’m going to need a crate to put these in.”

He tapped on his comms bracelet.

“One will be waiting at the next location. Evelyn says she’ll disarm the timers ahead of you.”

“Smart.”

Thelkor and I returned to the teleporter pad and flashed to the next bomb. An hour later, Thelkor and I carefully dismantled the last canister. I packed it into a crate with the others and Thelkor and I prepared to return to Goldie.

The sound of approaching footsteps froze me in my tracks. A group of Throik Security rounded a corner. Their heads bounced from us to the bomb part to the crates to the tools and drew a perfectly reasonable wrong conclusion. We didn’t try to explain.

Thelkor and I sprinted to the teleporter pad. Our guard jumped between us and the security staff. I don’t know what happened after we teleported out but, last I saw, the guard held security in tentacles.

CHLOE

Storgin and Thelkor teleported into Storgin’s lab roughly ten minutes after Evelyn and Olath returned. They brought with them a case of bioweapon canisters. They panted, as if they’d been running hard before the teleport.

“Welcome home, Handsome.”

I snuck in a peck on Storgin’s cheek. I worried I’d become addicted to the way his entire demeanor softened when he looked at me. I’d always wanted a man to respond to me that way. Some men worried they would somehow stop being men if they let themselves soften.

I couldn’t understand their logic. Nothing made Storgin less masculine or physically imposing. Nothing would make him less the brilliant doctor who’d saved my urchins. I’d always believed allowing oneself to feel and care and soften required far greater strength and bravery than being hard.

Storgin wrapped his arms around me and held me close.

“I missed you, Chloe.”

“Ah, my schemes will soon bear fruit! I have you right where I want you now, Handsome.”

Storgin chuckled. I released a deep sigh, letting myself relax into the comfort of Storgin’s strong presence—well, anyone’s presence—for longer than I could remember. In fact, I failed to remember a time before the strict expectations of others defined me.

In Storgin’s arms, I felt free. Which terrified me. Freedom, comfort, safety, acceptance, appreciation—so many of the things I’d been told I had, but had never been mine in any real way. Those concepts had remained an unattainable pipe dream. These feelings I experienced with Storgin had been the stuff of a lifetime of daydreams.

Can it actually be real this time? Is this time just like all the other times? Times when I convinced myself I’d found something real, only to have it crumble in my hands and slip through my fingers like fine sand?

I realized at some point in this ordeal, my desires had shifted. While I’d thought I’d been simply along for the ride, the tiny suppressed voice of desire within me whispered to stay. In a rush, the fear-saturated impulse to run rather than risk my heart, my dreams, and my deepest desires surged.

My limbs trembled, but I refused to give in to my fear. I clung to Storgin even more tightly. He made an odd, distracting, choking noise.

“Um…ack! Chloe…can’t breathe…”

I loosened my grip on Storgin’s neck so he could breathe and would stop wiggling, but I didn’t let go.

“Thanks. What’s all this about?”

“Shut up. That’s what it’s about. Just go with it.”

I felt him nod.

“Can I ask about the treatment canisters? Did they…”

“Already sent to Sasha, in case something like this ever happens again on Throik.”

“Excellent.”

“You were so good on Throik and with the urchins on the games center station.”

“Well, thank you. I’m available to accept compliments any time of the day or night, but maybe we should get strapped in.”

“I don’t wanna move,” I protested.

He chuckled, wrapping his hands around my shoulders. He leaned back to look at me, smiling gently.

“Well, we don’t always get what we want, do we? I promise I’m available for cuddles after we leave the dock.”

I stuck out my bottom lip. Storgin flinched.

“No…not that. Devastating. Sticking out your bottom lip like that…that’s like throwing a nuclear bomb in a knife fight. Put it away! I can’t take it.”

Storgin feigned a fatal wound. He clutched his chest and fell on the deck, arms and legs sprawled. I giggled. I kicked at his leg—not too hard. He looked up at me.

“It only took but one of my deaths to cheer you up. Now, let’s strap in.”

I nodded and took one of the crash chairs in the lab. I buckled my harness while Storgin situated himself in his own chair. He jabbed a comms button with a finger.

“Storgin checking in. Chloe and I are riding in the lab.”

Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms in reply.

“Roger. Destination, Tehglaish. ETA? A mere twelve hours. Thelkor, sit down. Departure in T minus five…four…three…two…

The engines engaged. Racks upon racks of Storgin’s samples and experiments rattled on their secured shelves. Storgin turned to me.

“Watch this.”

He pushed a button on the side of his crash seat. The lab lights dimmed, leaving us in near total darkness. A few moments later, Storgin’s samples began to glow. Small creatures in clear containers moved and swirled.

I gasped, covering my mouth with my hands. The creatures moved in complex patterns, blinking and changing colors.

“It’s beautiful.”

“They’re a kind of venomous sea slug from the planet Char. Their secretions are a key component in the treatment I developed. The light show was just a bonus. This is the biggest reason I used to always ride in my lab.”

Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms once more.

“DEPARTURE SUCCESSFUL. Dinner in an hour. Today’s menu? The take-it-or-leave-it special. I was craving fried chicken. We’re having fried chicken. I don’t want to hear complaints.”

“I’ve never had fried chicken.”

“I LOVE FRIED CHICKEN. You’ll love it, Handsome. Especially with some hot and spicy honey drizzled over the top of the chicken. I wonder if she uses buttermilk…”

“That sounds like an interesting combination, though I’ve become far more cautious since the salsa contest.”

“Ooh. Who won?”

“Thelkor took to it pretty fast.”

“Storgin?”

“Yes, Chloe?”

“Maybe we can get out of these chairs now?”

We unstrapped ourselves. We made it back to our feet. I tried to smile at him, but struggled to lift my eyes. Now that I’d admitted to myself I wanted something long-term with Storgin, all my bluster had fled.

I felt strong fingers under my chin. I relented, succumbing to the gentle pressure his fingers applied to me. He lifted my chin to look him in the eyes. His other hand stroked my hair.

“Chloe…I—I am new at this. There are so many things I don’t know about humans. There are still so many things to learn about you. It’ll take a lifetime.”

I gulped, throwing my arms around his neck.

STORGIN

I held Chloe for as long as she clung to me. I nuzzled my face into her hair and breathed in her delicious scent. I had to bend really far to reach her, but it was worth the effort. I finally understood why Thelkor carried Rachel around.

Will there be a day I carry Chloe around like that? How would it feel? Would I enjoy it? Would she?

She pulled back and I loosened my arms and straightened my back. My arms missed her already. She darted her eyes at me and her cheeks glowed red, but she put on a serious face. She marched proudly out the lab’s door, but her fingers lingered on my arm on her way out.

Another point to Storgin.

Winning felt good. Winning felt really good. I checked my samples and experiments, noting their progress. Satisfied with those tasks, I began a new batch of Smandradh treatment. Before I knew it, Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Dinner is served and don’t say a single negative thing about my chicken or fixings.”

Why is Rachel so nervous about her chicken? We’re Mahdfel. We’ll eat anything. And enjoy it.

Then the smell wafted into my lab and slapped my nose. My mouth watered. I snuffled the divine flavor into my nostrils. I followed my nose along the trail of hot, crunchy, dripping, meaty, juiciness through the corridors.

On the galley table sat a literal pail stuffed with paper towels and sizzling, golden nuggets of perfection. Thelkor entered from the habitation wing. We froze as we saw each other. He eyed me. I eyed him back. We both scraped the soles of our boots on the deck, loosening our necks and shoulders.

An epic showdown loomed. By mutual silent agreement, Thelkor and I prepared to race to the source of the perfect smell. I lowered my horns, tossing my head. Adrenaline coursed through me, transforming my horns from a magnificent, physical manifestation of my masculine Mahdfel strength into weapons of war.

Captain Timcur stepped fully out of our way, and I dove into the galley, rolling at the last minute. I stopped rolling within feet of the table and surged to my feet. Thelkor crashed into my shoulder. Our arms reached for the crispy, golden goodness.

I pounded his head with an elbow. Thelkor didn’t even flinch. His fingers grazed the pail, pushing it further away. I shoved off Thelkor, grasping for the pail’s rim. A human hand grabbed the pail’s handle and pulled it beyond our reach.

Evelyn glared at us from under the pail she held high in the air. Grudgingly, we separated and stood in front of the human who held our fried chicken hostage. I chose not to point out the pail was now the perfect height for me to eat from. We’d learned early human women didn’t appreciate short jokes at all.

Well, most of us learned. Thelkor opened his mouth.

“Well actually, the pail…”

I elbowed him in the ribs. Hard. He oofed, but he didn’t finish his doomed sentence. Evelyn waited silently until we shut our mouths.

“The two of you do realize you’re still wearing your collars? And harnesses?”

She wagged a finger up and down at us. I looked down. I looked at Thelkor. Evelyn was right.

“I completely forgot I was wearing this.”

Thelkor huffed in response, turning and marching back down the habitation corridor. Evelyn blinked at me.

“Go change or don’t go change, what do I care? But keep your paws off the chicken until everyone gets here. And, if it turns out you’re just going to stay in that sexy little number, well, I expect you’ll find the time to help me carry out the potato salad.”

Evelyn spun on her heel and returned the pail to its original location. I turned and sprinted down the habitation corridor. I skidded to a halt just in time to avoid running Chloe over. She stepped out of the guest room door at the perfect moment to pop out in front of me at full speed.

I slammed my hands against the corridor wall on both sides of her head. I looked down into her eyes.

“Hi. I’m happy to see you and that I didn’t squish you.”

“I do enjoy seeing you and appreciate not being a human pancake. Thanks.”

“There’s fried chicken, but I forgot I was still in the Throik outfit and I ran down the hall to change and then try the fried chicken that smells almost as good as you.”

I grinned, hoping she’d taken my sudden rush of an explanation as the compliment I meant it to be. She laughed. She unbuckled the collar and tossed it into the open door of her room. She pulled the door shut, turning back to me.

“Go like that. If you’re comfortable. Be my eye-candy, baby.”

I had to laugh.

“I look good in this, don’t I?”

“Really accentuates your muscles. And those pants hug your ass very nicely.”

I stepped back, laughing. I turned, poking my butt cheek with a finger.

“Hard as a rock. Here, you try it.”

Chloe laughed harder and walked to the galley. I trotted up next to her. She took my hand. I floated on a golden cloud of DNA-matched happiness for the remainder of the night. The fried chicken had tasted even better than it smelled.

Chloe had been right about the spicy honey. I enjoyed it so much, Chloe threatened to hose me down in the cargo bay only halfway through the meal. Instead, we slipped away before anyone noticed.

We snuck to my cabin, giggling and so exhausted we were silly.

After taking the best shower in existence, we fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Chapter 36 Chloe

I woke to find Storgin gone, but he’d left me a note. Two pages lay on his Mahdfel-friendly pillow, specially designed to withstand the demands of a horned being. I picked it up and read it with bleary eyes. The first page said the basic cheesy stuff. The second page held a hand-drawn portrait of me. I flipped back to the first page and actually read the words.

“My first impression.”

I flipped back to the drawing. The way he drew me…I looked beautiful. I looked strong. I looked dangerous and desirable, and I loved it. I wallowed in it, like I’d seen his memory in my own mind. I pushed myself to my elbow and laid the note on the small desk in his cabin.

I dressed, grabbed the note, and padded to my room on bare feet, hoping I didn’t run into anyone.

I stashed the love letter in a hard box in one of my packs with the few other things I’d managed to collect—and hang onto—over the years. I stripped off the clothes from the night before, tossing them in a corner, and stepped into the guest room’s head. I washed up and prepared myself for the return to Tehglaish.

I put on my serious boots, the black tactical boots. Not only did the heel give me some lift, making my calves look sexy, but they were the most comfortable shoes I’d ever owned. My feet felt so good in them, I hesitated to wear any others.

Wel,l if I get bored with them, I’ll just have to get new ones. Maybe something that glows.

I shrugged off my idle thoughts, checking myself in the mirror.

One hundred percent certified sexy.

Satisfied I’d be able to bear overwhelming physical influence over Storgin, I put on makeup I liked to think of as war paint. Prepared for the epic Chloe-vs-Storgin showdown, I swirled out the hatch and sought out my prey.

I’d feel guilty, but the big lug begged for it.

Steaming piles of pancakes greeted me in the galley. My belly rumbled, reminding me of how many calories I must’ve used up in the Throik excitement. I decided I surely required a triple stack of syrup-covered, golden pancake perfection. I took my plate of pancakes to the table and ate my first bite. I nearly cried.

“Who made this?”

“I did. There were a lot of pancake fundraisers in my past.”

I looked up, unshed tears shimmering in my eyes. I saw Nora looking at me, her elegant eyebrows raised.

“What’d you do?”

“Real maple syrup. Mexican vanilla. Unsalted, grass-fed butter. Gently warmed.”

I wiped away a tear, stuffing my face with a pancake. The decadent take on an old favorite—

“Sublime.”

Nora smiled.

“When I got here, it was all microwave burritos and frozen pizzas.”

“What’s wrong with microwave burritos?”

Nora spun to smile at Timcur.

“Nothing, my love. But would you rather eat a microwave burrito or one of my homemade burritos?”

The captain’s eyes darted about.

“That question feels like a trap…”

“Only if you pick microwave burritos over me.”

Captain Timcur relaxed.

“Then I’m in no danger. I prefer you every time. Now, finish up. We arrive on Tehglaish in twenty.”

Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Twenty-three minutes and forty-six seconds to be precise, Captain.”

“Thank you, Rachel.”

“You’re welcome, Captain. Now everyone get a move on. And, Evelyn? I have your babies up here.”

Captain Timcur smiled like a proud papa.

“I really must find a way to show you all how much I appreciate the practiced efficiency with which Goldie’s crew go about their tasks.”

I scarfed the last bite on my plate and deposited the dishes in the—immaculate—kitchen. I sprinted to Storgin’s lab, looking to ride with him, but found the lab empty. I raced to the bridge. There sat Storgin, strapped into his crash chair.

He looked around, until his eyes fell on me, then a huge smile stretched across his face. I scurried over, strapping into the chair next to him.

“There you are. I was afraid I’d missed you.”

“I went to look for you in your lab.”

“Cut the chatter, people. Return your seats and tray tables to their upright and locked positions…”

Storgin leaned close and whispered to me.

“Why does she say that on takeoff?”

“Air travel on Earth isn’t something which can be explained, it can only be experienced. If we ever make it to Earth, I’ll show you.”

“Deal.”

The realization I’d just made long-term plans slapped me. Rachel descended toward Tehglaish. I had our entire descent to savor the horror of my own thoughts. I decided I’d exercised my personal demons long enough by the time we touched down, so I’d put them away in the deep, dark kennels in the back of my mind.

We all unbuckled and filed through the corridors to the teleporter pad. In a flash, we appeared in Lorka’s lair. Lorka stared at us. He raised a hand before we’d even stepped off the teleporter pad.

“Don’t get comfortable, I have decrypted more data. The last attack is planned for Shackleton. I’ve already transmitted all the details to Rachel.”

I stepped up, offering Lorka my hand.

“Thank you for all your help, Lorka.”

Suddenly shy, Lorka shrugged.

“You know I can’t turn down a desperate cause. More importantly—I have one more surprise—”

Captain interrupted Lorka.

“We don’t need any more pets—”

“No pets, Captain. Goldie’s story has traveled far and wide across Tehglaish and through the Black-Market Information Networks –inspiring starship captains throughout several systems to join your side to defeat Zarklac’s planned attacks.”

Stunned, no one spoke. We just stood there, our mouths agape.

“Go get to your ship. A fleet of the roughest activists in the galaxy wait in orbit to back Goldie up.”

Chapter 37 Storgin

I waved at Lorka and pushed the teleporter’s return button. We appeared back on Goldie in a flash of light. Olath sprinted out of my lab, calling for Captain Timcur over his bracelet comms. Chloe stormed off the teleporter pad and hurried out of the lab on Olath’s heels. I chased after them both.

I skidded to a stop on the bridge. Chloe had strapped in near the tactical plotter and punched a rapid sequence of buttons on the screen. I strapped into the seat closest to her. Nora nearly strapped in near the captain, but Chloe asked her to take the seat at the comms station.

Without hesitation, Nora stood, kissed Captain Timcur on the head, and moved to the comms station. I took a good look at Chloe. She had the same look she got when working through possible brüngnú moves. Charts and data and folders flashed on the screen faster than I could follow.

“Settle in people. Departure in T minus five…four…fuck it.”

Rachel punched it. Goldie shot straight up from the landing pad and zoomed through the atmosphere. Even shaking from the turbulence of takeoff, Chloe pored over the complete cache of information Lorka had finally fully decoded.

“Nora? Can you throw together an information packet to send to the other captains?”

“On it.”

Nora leaned her nose into her station. Her fingers flew over the keys. File transfers and snippets of video sequences flashed by. We broke the bounds of Tehglaish’s gravity well and leveled off in geosynchronous orbit amid a sea of starships. For a moment, no one spoke. The blinking safety lights of several sectors’ worth of starships twinkled on the bridge’s big viewscreen.

Then the comms went wild. Rachel engaged the autopilot and switched to answering overflow comms. Captain Timcur did the same. Nora called out to Chloe.

“Ready for transmission, Chloe.”

“Excellent. Transmit over broad-spectrum comms. Let the other captains digest that while we get this fleet organized.”

“Aye, Chloe.”

Nora turned back to her station and punched a few buttons.

“Transmitting.”

“Great. Leave it on a loop until we clear the system. And send an updated copy of all the evidence to Korath at Shackleton’s Crater Lunar Base, please.”

“On it.”

“Rachel?”

“Yes, Chloe?”

“Can you get me a dedicated line to Lorka? I need his computer banks.”

Rachel responded affirmatively, but I doubt Chloe heard. She’d already fallen back into the depths of her strategic mind. I unstrapped myself.

“Chloe?”

“Hm? What do you need?”

Her response sounded distracted and automatic. I chuckled, remembering Thelkor or Olath pulling me from deep concentration on a project in my lab.

“Chloe, you’re still strapped into the crash harness. Do you want me to unbuckle it?”

“Yeah. Sounds great.”

Her fingers still flew over the console. Rachel interrupted.

“Chloe? Lorka on line one.”

“Thank you. Lorka! I need specs on this fleet ASAP. Send an info packet to Rachel. Rachel, can you integrate any new data…”

I decided the most helpful thing I could do right now was to prepare a snack. I suspected a strategy session approaching, I was terrible on the comms, none of my experiments required my attention, and Chloe looked like me studying for my first medical license exam.

Thelkor passed me in the corridor.

“I better make sure our weapons are ready for this dogfight.”

“Yes, polish your guns, Thelkor.”

“Did you see the way Chloe jumped right into the action?”

“Right? That’s the sexiest thing I’ve seen. I figured your brain would need fuel to think, so I’m off to make snacks. Any requests?”

“Chicken fried steak.”

“Snacks, Thelkor. Snacks. I’m a doctor, not a chef.”

“Eh. Slabs of meat?”

“For the women?”

“Oh. They like vegetables and fruit and cheese and nuts and stuff, too. Rachel keeps talking about eating raw vegetables physically swirled in something called ‘dip’.”

“Thanks. I’ll look that up.”

I grabbed a portable tablet and searched the archives. I found a picture.

“That doesn’t look so hard…”

I searched the kitchen until I found a large pan. The large, shallow, rectangular pan looked good to me. I searched the refrigerator. I threw a bunch of celery, a handful of carrots, some blocks of cheese, some cured, dry sausage I’d found hanging in the pantry, and a bag of random nuts in the pan.

I threw some apples, a few ruurika fruit, a couple of different boxes of crackers, a roll of paper towels, and a handful of forks and knives into the pan, too. Then I remembered the part about dip. I set my pan on the counter and looked up a recipe for dip.

Frustrated at first, I finally realized cooking was just like preparing medicines. I looked at the recipe again. Wheels in my mind turned. Tumblers fell into place. My skills as a researcher and surgeon recognized my need and came to my rescue. In less than half an hour, I’d wielded the chef’s knives in the kitchen with the skill and confidence I felt holding my scalpels.

The dip melted like a cool spring day on my tongue. I threw my concoction together on a large sheet pan. I threw the fruit into a large bowl and placed it in the center of the tray. Well satisfied, and certain I’d win a point for my efforts, I carried the snacks to the bridge.

Chloe stood over the plotter, reading data and muttering to herself. Somewhere, she’d found old-fashioned paper and a pencil. She scribbled notes on it. I placed the tray on one of the bridge chairs, and checked on Chloe.

“Hey there, Chloe. How’re things going?”

“One second, Handsome…”

Chloe stood straight and shouted to Nora. Nora put whoever she spoke with on hold and listened.

“Zarklac plans to divert asteroids from the Terran system’s asteroid belt, targeting Shackleton. Get on Lorka’s ass. I need those figures ASAP. I hate to wait. Time is short and we need to get this fleet moving.”

Chapter 38 Chloe

I stood, leaning over the tactical display, then felt a tug on my sleeve. I tore my eyes away from the data.

Storgin smiled and pointed to the seat next to me. My eyes darted in the direction of his finger. I blinked.

A vegetable tray sat there.

Technically…

A mountain constructed from logs of celery and carrots rose six stories. I suspected they were plastered together with dip? It was really hard to be certain, underneath the cheese shingles. Vaznik warriors constructed from radishes, pickles, and olives beheaded and eviscerated little summer-sausage Suhlik.

The blood in the food diorama smelled like hot sauce and the mountain’s water feature appeared to be a river of ranch dressing Storgin had somehow rigged to perpetually flow down one side of the tower and into a pool where water lilies carved from radishes floated, surrounded by a small forest of broccoli and pretzel sticks.

“You made this?”

Storgin nodded, chest puffed with pride.

“It’s too beautiful to eat…”

“In my Introduction to Human Women and DNA-Matched Mates course at the academy, I learned snacks can help humans think and you look like you’re thinking very, very hard.”

“That’s for fucking sure, Handsome. I just wish I knew what I was thinking. I see so many possibilities with the information I know. I need to decide how to sort all this information. There’s a lot here…”

“Then it’s snack time. Look, Chloe. I made a Chloe, too. Try eating yourself. I carved it especially for you.”

“That’s the weirdest, sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Another point to me.”

I chuckled and punched him in the arm. I dared look at the food sculpture Storgin presented, in search of myself. Luckily, Nora interrupted before my mouth had to decipher how to eat the thing made of raisins, toothpicks, and something akin to peanut butter, but it was all the wrong color.

“Chloe, Lorka has transmitted the fleet information.”

I accidentally-on-purpose dropped the food effigy of me on the deck and made a big deal out of regretting the chance to eat myself as quickly as I could. I turned back to the plotter and scanned screen after screen of spreadsheets.

My fingers flew over the console, integrating the latest information dump into the tactical plotter’s simulation settings. I froze. I looked up from the plotter, directly into Storgin’s eyes.

“I know what to do.”

Silence fell over the bridge. I looked each of my new family in the eye. I faced the captain.

“Captain Timcur, this began as your mission, but it’s grown to so much more. There is no better captain for Goldie than you, but we also need someone to manage the fleet. We can stop Zarklac and I know what we have to do to succeed.”

Captain Timcur stood and walked up to Chloe.

“Welcome aboard, Admiral Stevens.”

He saluted me, and I just barely managed to restrain my giggles.

“Prepare your ship, Captain Timcur. The Golden Meridian just became this fleet’s flagship.”

I spun to face the comms station.

“Nora? I’ll need a channel to the fleet. Actually, can we get a recording device in here? Wouldn’t this be great for your documentary?”

Nora shot to her feet and ran off the bridge. I glanced at Storgin, suddenly nervous.

In fifty years, I’ll be able to say, “Remember that time I became an admiral…” Seriously though, how in the living fuck did I end up here? Only last week…

Nora returned, interrupting my mind’s anxiety. A recorder floated through the air. Storgin leaned in close, kissing the top of my head and whispering softly in my ear.

“You’re so fucking hot right now.”

I burst out laughing as I hugged and kissed him, gathering his strength into me.

Buzzing from the kiss, I nodded at Nora. She pushed a button and pointed at me. I drew in a deep breath and hoped my voice would travel the vast distances between the stars and still fall on empathetic ears.

“Zarklac believes human women will be easier to harvest from Earth if Shackleton’s Center Lunar Base wasn’t right there to back up Earth’s forces. He thinks he can terrorize OUR sector of the galaxy and no one can stop him!”

Cries of outrage transmitted over every conceivable channel in the voices of countless species from the starships in Goldie’s fleet. Cries rang out on Goldie’s bridge. I raised my fist, making certain Nora could get a good angle, crying out into the blackness of space.

“Well, my name is Chloe Stevens and I’m going to put an end to the Suhlik threat against Earth. The Golden Meridian stopped Zarklac at Shackleton. The Golden Meridian stopped him at Diana’s Arrow. Captain Timcur and his crew of the finest Vaznik warriors I’ve ever known stopped Zarklac’s snake-headed ass at Bouhek Intergalactic Games Center, too.”

I drew in a deep breath.

“Check the data we’ve sent. The Golden Meridian and her crew have saved people of all species all over this sector and for that, they were cast out and declared rogue. The crew who has saved someone we all care about, or none of us would be here. Except for the Berserkers. They’re here for a good time and decided to help our side. Thank you.”

I drew in a deep breath, hoping my words had drawn so many different people together, but fearing I’d already driven away every ear. I closed my eyes and spoke from the heart.

“Call me a liar. Prove me wrong. I’d love to be wrong here today, good people. Unfortunately, I’m not wrong and we don’t have a lot of time. If you don’t know who I am, ask around.”

I paused. I counted two seconds and continued.

“I am Chloe Stevens and I am with The Golden Meridian. The Golden Meridian departs for Shackleton in ten minutes for the rendezvous coordinates. Who’s with us?”

Cries of righteous outrage and defiance transmitted over every perceivable channel.

“To Shackleton! We end Zarklac’s reign of terror today!”

Leading a ragtag fleet of starships piloted by species of every description, Goldie raced to intercept Zarklac before he’d reached the asteroid belt from which he intended to harvest the asteroids he planned to send hurtling toward Shackleton’s Crater Lunar Base.

Chapter 39 Storgin

Chloe stared at the plotter, silent, tapping her nails on the screen. Olath and Thelkor had used my vegetable tray to create miniature versions of themselves to race down the ranch dressing waterfall. So far, Mini Thelkor had won three of five races. Rachel stood, yawning and stretching.

“Course set for rendezvous coordinates. Twenty-four-hour ETA. Come on, Thelkor. I need someone to scrub my back.”

Thelkor dropped his food-based avatar.

“You win, Olath.”

“That’s not a real victory…”

Thelkor followed Rachel off the bridge. Olath ate the Thelkor avatar, then his own avatar, and wandered off.

“Who wants to play brüngnú? I need to play brüngnú. I need to think.”

“I’ll play, Chloe. I’ll take the vegetable tray with us.”

“Perfect. I need meatballs.”

Chloe turned and walked through the door. I carefully gathered the sides of my vegetable tray in my hands and carried the magnificent sculpture, my ode to a healthy human diet, back to the galley. I set it on the galley table next to the brüngnú board Chloe had set up.

“Your vegetable tray is truly impressive.”

“Thanks. I don’t know where the inspiration came from, I just suddenly needed to make something. It felt good working with my hands.”

“Sounds to me like an artist masquerading as a doctor.”

“Perhaps medicine is a bit of an art too, though.”

Writhing tentacles erupted over the top of the galley table from Chloe’s lap.

“Hey, Lucky. Come here, you handsome thing.”

Chloe pulled Lucky up into her lap and petted him while staring at the brüngnú board. She took silver and made the first move. Lucky stroked her arm with its mouth tentacles and settled in to watch the match.

“So, what’re you thinking so hard about?”

“I don’t know what Zarklac’s forces look like yet. I don’t know how many ships he has. I don’t know their capabilities or configuration. All I know is asteroids attacking Shackleton and a fleet of good people willing to fight and die on my command and it’s my responsibility to be smart enough to keep them all alive now that I’ve talked them into risking their lives on my word, my reputation...”

I gulped. I made a move.

“I hadn’t thought of it that way. That’s a heavy weight to bear. Are you worried?”

“Not yet. I don’t have time to dedicate brain space to freaking out. I have to plan. I just wish I had enough information to know which plan to focus on.”

Lucky cuddled and massaged Chloe’s scalp with tentacles.

“You said you needed to think. Maybe try thinking of something else for a while. Let your brain get back to you.”

Chloe’s eyes glazed a little. Lucky looked smug.

“Yeah. It’ll be okay. I just need to relax and have a good time. Maybe talk to people.”

I raised an eyebrow at Lucky. I could’ve sworn Lucky shrugged. Nora walked up, devouring the tower of vegetables celery stick by celery stick. I suppressed a grin. Just a few more celery sticks and my surprise would be revealed.

Nora watched Chloe play. She pointed at the placement of Chloe’s most recently played piece.

“Why there and not there?”

Nora pointed at a second place on the board. Chloe flicked her finger between two spots.

“It’d give him a side in two moves. The other one sets me up to flip this third strategic location in two moves.”

“I see.”

Nora scooted onto the bench seat, squishing up next to Chloe. She leaned close, studying the board. She wagged her finger at the piece I stared at and pointed out the move I’d seriously considered.

My eyes flicked to Chloe’s face. She nodded, her movements slow.

“Yeah, that’s his strongest move.”

Nora nodded. She sat on her knees in the seat, leaning on the table on her elbows, crunching the last of her celery stick. She reached for another from the tower. I thought she’d finally trigger my surprise, but she grabbed the other stick instead.

“So, how’d you end up on Goldie?” Chloe asked.

“I did it for the money for college. Dad got sick and Mom and I decided to split the million dollars. I wish I’d’ve seen her face when two million was deposited in her account within minutes of my walking into the testing center.”

“How’d you end up with two million? Wait—within minutes?”

Chloe flipped her piece into her palm and diverted her attention to Nora. Nora shrugged. Her eyes flicked down and away.

“Embarrassingly enough, I came aboard as a spy after Zarklac framed Goldie and her crew for the recent terror attacks. When I matched Timcur, Earth Authorities intercepted me at the testing center. He offered me four million, half up front, to spy on Goldie.

Chloe’s eyes bugged.

“‘He’ who?”

“A Colonel Birtch? He seemed surprised. He was nice enough about it all. Lots of condolences for my ill-fated match and devastated future political career, etcetera, etcetera…”

“Colonel Dick Birtch is a slimy piece of shit.”

“Wow. You’ve met.”

“He’s one of Daddy’s ‘buddies’. Always sounds so reasonable. Next thing you know, you’re trapped. The man is a snake. Manipulative fuck.”

I placed a hand on Chloe’s shoulder. She looked up at me. She smiled and relaxed, then her eyes grew wide. She whipped her head to look at Nora again.

“What do you have on Colonel Birtch?”

“A recording of him giving me instructions to spy.”

“Birtch does nothing without Daddy’s say-so.”

I gasped. A question leaped from my throat before I knew it.

“So, your father is responsible for the spying?”

“Daddy is a megalomaniacal, narcissistic psychopath who’ll never quench his appetite for power.”

Captain Timcur stepped up. I hadn’t even noticed him enter.

“What other pies could he have his fingers in, Chloe? Because I never understood why Mahdfel HQ would’ve turned on us so quickly. Who could’ve taken Zarklac’s paltry evidence over my word and record as an officer?”

“If Daddy worked from within Earth Authorities to exploit the situation, he could…but why? There’s something I’m missing. What does he want? Other than what he always wants?”

“Well, what does he always want?”

“Power, Storgin. More and more and more power.”

Chapter 40 Chloe

“So the real question is, how does violating the Mahdfel – Human treaty give your father more power?”

Shock ran through me, the pieces falling into place in my head.

“Storgin, you’re brilliant! Colonel Birtch’s actions prove, by their very nature, considering Birtch is Daddy’s mouthpiece proxy—that Daddy has no problem shitting on the treaty securing Mahdfel’s protection of Earth, so he doesn’t value the treaty, Mahfel HQ, or HQ’s protection of Earth.”

Nora tapped her chin with a finger. Evelyn walked up and plopped plates of steaming meat pies in front of each of us. Nora grabbed another stalk of celery and a cascade of cherry tomatoes Storgin had trapped in the tower cascaded out into the ranch dressing lagoon.

I blinked in surprise, then popped one of the tomatoes in my mouth. Evelyn handed us forks, then leaned in.

“Sounds like someone offered your dad something more valuable to him than Mahdfel protection.”

“Daddy would only be interested in power…they offered him more power…”

“He already runs most of Earth, what more could he want?”

I looked at Storgin. I grabbed his face, pulling him across the table over our game, and kissed him.

“All of it. Think about it. Zarklac offers Daddy totalitarian control of Earth, without Mahdfel interference, in exchange for a steady supply of Earth women.”

An appreciative whistle circled the room. Everyone leaned back, lost in their own calculations for a long moment. I ate my meat pie, which tasted delicious. My fork easily cut through a flaky, perfectly browned crust. Thick, meaty juices and minced vegetables steamed inside.

Storgin’s soft voice cut the heavy silence.

“To think that anyone, much less a father, would sell off his own homeworld simply to satisfy a need to control others.”

“I know everyone thinks I’m a spoiled brat runaway rich girl, but there were serious reasons I got out of there as fast as I could. And ran as hard as I could. Until now, I could never stop running, could never put down roots. I knew he’d track me down. I learned to live in the recesses of the galaxy, the shadowed corners.”

I shrugged and stood. Storgin looked up. I shook out my arms.

“You okay, Chloe?”

“I need to move. We’ve done so much traveling lately, I feel cooped up.”

“Want to spar?”

I returned Storgin’s grin.

“Yes, Storgin. Yes, I do.”

“Change and meet me in the gym. Unless you want to spar in those boots.”

“I’d kick your ass in flip-flops, but I like this top too much to work out in it. Race you.”

I dashed through the corridor to my room. I searched through my pack for something to wear for sparring, but slowed. Storgin’s voice from the doorway surprised me.

“Did you really mean ‘spar’ or could we make out instead?”

I spun to face him. I laughed.

“I don’t really have a sparring outfit, anyway. I traveled light.”

“The girls haven’t taken you shopping, yet? I have plenty of credits. They know all my accounts…”

“See? After scrounging for so long, that feels weird. I, what? Show up and spend all your money?”

“May I come in?”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry, I’m not used to having private space again either, I guess.”

Storgin grabbed a portable tablet from the little desk in my cabin and sat on the bed. He patted the mattress next to him. I sat where he’d patted and he pulled up the shopping network.

“Now, let’s find sparring equipment.”

I put my hand over the portable tablet’s display screen, pushing it down.

“You really want to shop?”

“Why not? Maybe I’ll talk you into something cute.”

“Like what?”

“Uh…how do you feel about sundresses?”

I laughed. I took the tablet from his hands and placed it back on the desk. I crawled into his lap and wrapped my legs around his waist.

“I choose to make out, with one stipulation.”

“State your proposed stipulation.”

“I need a shower.”

“Ooh! Do I get to scrub your back and wash your hair? Thelkor always rushes off to scrub Rachel’s back and well, I just love your hair…”

I stopped his words with a kiss. I realized I loved my ridiculously cute, always up for a competition, adorable, slab of muscle, Vaznik warrior doctor. I knew then, I never wanted to go. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

He wrapped me up into his arms and kissed me back with such open passion, he stole my breath. He stood, carrying me with him and started the shower. I worked hard to distract him from the task with kisses, licks, and gentle fingers tracing over his skin.

He growled his arousal, coming to full attention. His thickened cock bobbed against my ass. All pretense shredded by the inferno of our mutually embraced desires, we tore at each other’s clothes.

No number of stuck zippers or popped buttons flying across the room deterred us. Handsome and I were determined to drink in the heady ambrosia of each other. At some point, we’d both stripped and were under the showerhead, but time stopped making sense before then and all I really knew was Storgin’s hard body was against mine.

I squirted body soap on Storgin and ran sudsy hands over his statuesque perfection. He rubbed his hands in the suds and washed my back. I turned, placing my hands on the shower wall. Storgin took the invitation and ran soapy hands all over my back and ass.

I moaned, my clit swelling. I needed him. I wanted him. We rinsed in record time, though I hadn’t stopped kissing him. He scooped me into his big, strong arms and carried me to the mattress. He lay me on my back and crawled over me.

I pushed his shoulder until he rolled on his back. I grabbed the shaft of his cock, unwilling to wait a moment longer, and lowered myself onto the thick head. I shuddered. My juices flowed down, coating his thick monster cock.

I lowered myself, taking him in slowly, inch by inch. I gasped. He filled me so full. Storgin’s chest heaved. His hands wrapped around my hips and he rocked beneath me. I cried out in ecstasy as he thrust into me, slow and deep.

He thrust deeper and deeper, drawing from me cry after cry. I ground my hips on him as pleasure built within me as my inner tunnel clenched, squeezing groans out of Storgin.

Bliss racked me with each thrust. Too overcome with passion to think about more than Storgin filling me, impaling me, overwhelming me, I fell forward, bracing myself on his big chest.

He kissed me and thrust deep. I came. I screamed, my back arching, my inner walls crushing around Storgin’s swollen cock. With a roar, Storgin came, too, filling me with his seed. I collapsed into his arms, flying too high to speak.

I slipped into a deep, restful sleep, wrapped in Storgin’s whispered words.

“I love you.”

Chapter 41 Storgin

Chloe stood, leaning over the plotter again. An icon for each ship in the fleet slowly tracked across the plotter’s screen. On the furthest edge of the screen, a circle representing Neptune crept into the scene. Chloe muttered to herself. Rachel punched a button and turned.

“Captain Timcur?”

“Yes, Rachel?”

“We’ve entered the outer reaches of Earth’s solar system. We’ll reach the rendezvous point behind Saturn in ten minutes.”

“Thank you, Rachel. Please make an announcement.”

Rachel nodded and punched the comms.

“Last chance to pee. Rendezvous in nine minutes.”

She released the comms button and smiled at Timcur. Chloe finally ripped her focus from the plotter. She chewed her bottom lip. I stepped up next to her.

“Nervous?”

She looked up at me.

“Always. Good people may die today.”

“Perhaps, but—Chloe? We fight to save so many more and foil your father’s evil plans.”

“Engaging reverse thrusters. Rendezvous in five.”

“Thanks, Rachel. Nora, get me a broad-spectrum broadcast prepared and have the fleet synchronize tactical plotters.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

Chloe returned her attention to me. She stretched up on her toes. I leaned down to meet her as she whispered in my ear.

“If we survive this, Storgin, I’d be proud to share my life with you.”

I gasped. My head spun. Words I’d so hoped to hear landed on my ears like the softest down. My heart soared. I stroked a big hand down her hair.

“I suppose I could spend my life with the human who defeated Zarklac’s intergalactic corruption.”

“Keep talking shit, Handsome. Watch this and hold on to your ass.”

She slapped me across a hard butt cheek. I had to laugh. Then she returned to the plotter.

“Tactical plotters synchronized, Admiral.”

“Excellent, Nora. Warn them orders are incoming.”

Chloe grouped ships into different battle groups based on their capabilities and weaknesses.

“I noticed you stationed the Berserkers on the front line.”

“Where else would you put ships from a culture which seeks to participate in every galactic conflict as a matter of pride? Those guys don’t even care what side they’re on. We got lucky in the coin toss they used to choose which side to fight for.”

“Why’d they do that, anyway?”

“They worship a Deity of Chaos. They believe they honor the underlying chaos of the universe by living their lives by the whims of chance. They say they feel closest to their God in the heat of battle.”

“Strange.”

“Chaotic, for sure. Funny thing though, Handsome.”

“What’s that?”

“They haven’t managed to wipe themselves out yet. If everything were truly random, their species would’ve perished long ago. Anyway, they’re perfect to break a defensive screen.”

Chloe strapped into one of the seats at the plotter. I strapped in next to her. Timcur took the captain’s chair, while Olath strapped into the copilot’s seat next to Rachel. Nora strapped in at the comms station and Evelyn took her position. Thelkor’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Gunner in position.”

“Acknowledged. Rachel, on your mark.”

“Aye, Captain. Engaging cloak.”

Chloe studied the plotter one last time, then looked up at the viewscreen. She drew a deep breath and punched a button on the plotter’s screen. Orders spread through the network of synchronized plotters, transmitted from ship to ship in directional transmissions the Suhlik would be unlikely to detect.

“Rogue Fleet will advance.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

“Thanks, Captain Timcur. May we have luck on our side.”

Her soft words fell into my soul like bombs. I placed a hand on hers, hoping she took comfort from the touch. Chloe looked up at me with a wistful smile. I kissed my lips at her. Her eyes rolled right back to the plotter, but a smile tugged at one corner of her mouth.

She’ll have to get through the next few hours like a patient at the height of a fever or a fit of pain. As I have sat beside so many others in their darkest moments of pain and fear, I shall remain beside Chloe.

The cloaked Rogue Fleet began to shift configuration as the battlegroups silently crept into the positions Chloe had ordered from her plotter. For half a tension-thick hour of silently creeping around Saturn, the Suhlik defensive line bristled in the last clear space this side of the asteroid belt.

Chloe adjusted orders here and there as fast as her fingers could move. A few minutes later, the last of the cloaked Rogue Fleet drifted into position under the barest power.

“Nora, open a broad-spectrum channel, please.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

“Thank you.”

Chloe drew in a deep breath. Her back straightened. Nora’s recorder whizzed about, seeking the most dramatic angles. She pressed a button and spoke.

“This is Admiral Chloe Stevens, transmitting from The Golden Meridian. You’re in violation of galactic law. Immediately cease, desist, and surrender.”

“And we have a reply, Admiral.”

“On speaker.”

“Fuck you, you greedy Mahdfel scum…”

“Rogue Fleet will engage.”

Chloe punched a button. The Berserkers dropped cloak and fired a full volley of short-range missiles. The missiles streaked for the Suhlik’s defensive line. In a panic, the Suhlik flushed rack after rack of long-range missiles in response.

Realizing their mistake, the Suhlik ships bristled with laser fire. Lasers didn’t work well in an atmosphere, but in space, they cut through hulls and incinerated armor. A full twenty percent of the Berserkers disappeared into spheres of flame.

Chloe sucked in a breath. The skin near her eyes tightened. I spoke softly, fearing we hadn’t any time to pause, even to mourn so many deaths.

“What’s next?”

Chloe looked up at me, eyes fierce with righteous rage. She touched a button. Orders streaked through the data link.

“Battle groups will advance.”

The remainder of the battle groups dropped cloak and belched thousands of long-range missiles. They soared across the gulf, and on their heels sprinted the remaining Berserkers, singing their death songs at their highest possible volume.

Chapter 42 Chloe

THE ICONS on the plotter scattered into chaos as the battlegroups engaged. Fully committed now, the Rogue Fleet tore through their targets, punching holes in the Suhlik defensive line. Smaller, faster attack vessels darted through the openings, racing for tug ships the Suhlik had anchored to large asteroids on the outer fringe of the asteroid belt.

Suhlik gunships escorting the tugs took out far more of the little strike vessels than I really liked. I winced at every icon which disappeared from the plotter. I quickly called them off, covering their retreat with the fire of the larger vessels.

“Fuck. We only took out two tugs. That leaves twenty-two.”

Storgin pointed to the Suhlik tug icons on the plotter.

“The furthest of the asteroids are on the move.”

I waved the information away.

“The tugs are incredibly slow. We can catch up to them later. I’m more worried about the battle groups.”

Storgin’s eyes roamed the plotter like mine, searching for trends and patterns. He pointed to a group of red icons.

“Suhlik seem to be regrouping.”

“Oh yeah? Watch this.”

I entered a quick command to the Berserkers, telling them to pull back and regroup. They ignored me, streaking into the gathering Suhlik forces.

“Damn Berserkers, ruining my fun. And leaving my flank open.”

I searched for the right battlegroup to plug the hole, but none remained. I raised my eyes to the captain.

“Captain Timcur?”

“Yes, Admiral?”

“Advance the reserve fleet.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

Rachel surged Goldie into the fray. Thelkor’s happy shouts rang out through the hallways. We streaked forward to our fate, to face the enemy head on. A group of the Rogue Fleet’s fastest, most heavily armed warships leaped from cloak and bored into the flanked Suhlik ships.

My heart raced. I’d been aboard a few starships when the sudden need to run had arisen. I’d been scared shitless at the time.

Turns out, I’m scared shitless now.

Determined to show only strength, I flashed a fierce smile at the recording device following the action on the bridge. Goldie flashed past a Suhlik ship so close, I saw the starship’s designation on her hull.

Storgin reached out and grabbed my hand. Thelkor roared and unloaded Goldie’s full complement of weapons. Goldie and Thelkor’s guns shredded starship armor left and right, gutting Suhlik ship after Suhlik ship.

Spheres of fire flared in our path, adding more destruction to the chaos surrounding us. A few of the Suhlik ships regrouped and swung toward The Towering Imp and Battle Group D. I looked for a ship close enough to The Towering Imp to cover her.

“Captain! Get us between The Towering Imp and that Suhlik attack group or The Towering Imp is done for.”

“Rachel!”

“On it, Captain.”

Rachel fired all the thrusters at once. The sudden burst of speed overwhelmed the inertial dampeners, shaking us violently. Storgin reached out for my hand. I grabbed it. Our crash harnesses tightened. I grabbed the strap with my free hand as Goldie streaked into the gap, cutting off the Suhlik ships’ clear path right up The Towering Imp’s ass.

Thelkor strafed the Suhlik screen’s advancing line. He opened up all six of Goldie’s top-of-the-line, upgraded railguns. Thelkor’s hail of electromagnetically propelled slugs chewed through armor and ruptured hulls. I examined the plotter screen.

More than half the tugs had disappeared into cloak, dragging their asteroids with them. My eyes flicked to the status of the Rogue Fleet. We were down ten percent of our full strength, yet few of the Suhlik screening ships remained.

I rearranged the battle groups, gathering the ships still in fighting condition into one area and designating new battle groups. I detached all remaining Berserkers, ordering them to mop up the stragglers.

I smiled up at Storgin, though our losses weighed heavily on me. There were people in all the ships we’d lost.

I hope their spirits believe their lives were well spent in defense of Earth.

“What is it, Chloe?”

“I’m sorry for every person whose life we lost today.”

“You have a good heart, Chloe. It’s one of the things I love best about you, though it’s hard to pick any single thing about you more precious than any other.”

“Why’d you have to be so charming in the middle of a space battle?”

“I can’t stop being awesome. It’s a curse. Bane of my existence.”

“I’m sure.”

“Don’t try to bear the full responsibility today. We chose to be here. You fight to end your father’s power-hungry ambitions. Each member of this Rogue Fleet of yours is here for their own reason. I fight for Goldie, for my crewmates, and my captain. I fight for you and a future of loving you.”

“As much as I enjoy where this conversation is going, Handsome, just let me check one thing…”

I watched the plotter, but the icons didn’t make sense.

Who’s streaking toward the tugs? I didn’t order that move…but, that’s…

“Rachel?”

“Yes, Admiral?”

“Please, Rachel, change course for the regroup coordinates.”

Rachel remained silent. She raced Goldie after the last of the disappearing tugs, determined to catch them.

“Rachel! Rachel!”

“Yes, Captain?”

“Regroup with the fleet.”

Rachel turned back to the captain, her teeth bared. A dangerous fire burned in her eyes.

“I can catch up to the tugs, Captain…”

“I know you can, Rachel. You’re the best pilot I’ve ever seen, but what happens when we get there without backup? You made Goldie the fastest gunship in the sector, Rachel. No one can keep up, but we need backup. Goldie can’t be on every asteroid headed to Shackleton.”

Rachel screamed her frustration, but she cut Goldie’s thrust and swung back around to help pick off what remained of the Suhlik screen. I heard Thelkor’s roar echo through Goldie as he shot round after armor-piercing round at every Suhlik ship which fell within his sights.

“Nora, invite the battle group commanders to teleport over for a strategy meeting, please. With Captain Timcur’s permission, of course.”

“Permission granted. I’ll go help Evelyn prepare snacks.”

“Aye, Captain. Invitation sent, Admiral.”

Chapter 43 Storgin

RACHEL APPLIED Goldie’s reverse thrusters, decelerating as we approached the Rogue Fleet’s latest rendezvous. We unbuckled our crash harnesses and got to our feet. Hours of sitting, even in seats as luxurious as Goldie’s, left me with a powerful need to stretch and move my body.

After stretching, Chloe walked over to Rachel.

“Thank you.”

Rachel shrugged, then hugged Chloe.

“Sorry, Chloe.”

“Me, too. I wish I could’ve let you loose on the tugs, but we need to make certain we get them all. If we miss even one…my point is, we need a strategy to find all the cloaked asteroids.”

“I know. I got caught up in the battle.”

Rachel ran her hands through her hair.

“I estimate you have fifteen minutes to freshen up before the battle group commanders begin to teleport in, Admiral.”

“Thank you, Nora. Uh…I don’t have much of a wardrobe with me…I was traveling light…”

“Head to the wardrobe department. Anything in there is fair game.”

“Good point.”

“May I escort you, Admiral Chloe Stevens of the Rogue Fleet?”

“Oh, Storgin, I just said all that so the other captains would listen to me.”

“Don’t tell anyone that. I want to brag about this when we’re old.”

Chloe laughed. She took my hand and we left the bridge. We strolled through the corridors in companionable silence. Chloe had so much on her mind, so many worries and calculations…she endeavored to think everyone’s way out of another disaster.

I don’t know what to do. I’m a doctor, not an admiral. I’m at the top of my field, but this situation requires a different kind of smarts. We individually are the best at what we do. Until someone is sick, dead, dying, or requires an infirmary, the most important thing I can do is support Chloe.

Lucky found us on our way and Chloe greeted him with open arms. I looked around, wondering where Mr. Fluff was, as the two had become inseparable. I found him at my feet, staring at me.

“What’s it mean when he blinks at me slowly like that?”

“Those are I-love-you eyes.”

“Does that mean he wants to be petted?’

“Maybe.”

“Well, we’ll just have to risk determining that at a later date. We have a wardrobe change to accomplish in record time, Admiral. Get those feet moving and start stripping. Now…”

Chloe giggled, squealed, and ran for the wardrobe department. I sprinted after her, certain I’d found the correct way to motivate my precious mate. I’d nearly caught up to her when we both skidded to a halt at the wardrobe department’s door. TZ blocked our way.

“Rachel asked Unit: TZ to accompany Users: Admiral Chloe Stevens—”

“—I’m never going to live this down—”

“—and Storgin in the wardrobe department. Please state your desired parameters.”

“She needs to look fierce, hot, otherworldly, slightly intimidating, with a martial flair.”

“What he said.”

“Scanning. Warning! Please remain still. Please adopt a T-pose.”

Chloe lifted her arms, stretching them to the sides.

“Thank you. Scanning. Scanning. Please remain still.”

TZ scanned Chloe head to toe with a gridwork of green lasers.

“Measurements confirmed. Analyzing Inventory: Wardrobe Department. Please be patient while we calculate your results. Beep.”

Chloe leaned into me while we waited. I wrapped an arm around her. Content in her presence, surrounded by her wonderful smell, I forgot the rest of the world for a moment. Chloe replaced all thoughts of wars and battles, Suhlik and asteroids, with a golden cloud of contentment.

“Cross-referencing Earth fashion…loading: Fashionista Personality v. 78.439. Oh, User: Chloe, TZ is about to give you all the snarl of Grace Jones with the flair of Tina Turner in Thunderdome!”

TZ spun and zoomed into the wardrobe department. Choe and I followed. TZ pulled bits and pieces of an outfit from various places, folding them over a mechanical arm. He zoomed back, handing Chloe a pile of clothes.

“Please utilize Location: Changing Booth, User: Chloe.”

Chloe took the outfit and disappeared into the changing stall. A few minutes later, she stepped out in a form-fitting, shiny leather uniform with golden epaulettes.

“Sexy. Powerful. Looks great with your boots.”

“Nice ass?”

“Yes. Yes, it is.”

“Perfect. Thanks, TZ.”

“User: Chloe, you are fabulous.”

TZ grabbed Chloe’s discarded clothes and zoomed off. Chloe and I returned to find the galley full of battle group commanders. I scanned the room. The commanders bore the shared weight of their battlegroup’s losses. As one, the commanders stood and saluted Chloe when she walked in.

Chloe bore the same look on her face as the commanders. She and the commanders recognized the weight of command upon them all. Today, and until this war with Zarklac was won or lost, lives had been extinguished on the orders of those assembled in Goldie’s galley.

“At ease.”

The commanders relaxed at Chloe’s order. The largest of the commanders, a being made of crystal, metal, and stone, held out a hand. It spoke with a distinct, crystalline vibration.

“Commander Sczeeeriic, at your service.”

Chloe shook his hand, then shook the hand of the Berserker’ commander.

“Gyorklip Syldenrap, Supreme High Priest of Chaos.”

Chloe held his hand at the end of the shake. She glared, leaning toward him.

“Supreme High Priest of Chaos, I didn’t appreciate your Berserkers ignoring my orders earlier.”

“Such is the will of Chaos, Admiral.”

“Chaos is inherent in battle. Perhaps you and your Berserkers can find enough satisfaction in that and still follow orders.”

The priest laughed, clapping Chloe on the back. Chloe released his hand. A Chawwaw stood next, focusing all four of its compound eyes on Chloe. It offered a small, neon-hued hand. Its tail wrapped around the nearest chair leg.

“Commander Stoxxas.”

Ten different species gathered in our galley, ready to plan the saving of Shackleton’s Crater Lunar Base and Earth. Commander after commander introduced themselves, Chloe shaking each hand, hoof, or tentacle offered.

I stood behind her. I realized I’d always stand with her, have her back, or be ready to make her another amazing vegetable tower. Chloe was my mate, my match—my fate and my future and I never planned to forget how special she was.

CHLOE

We settled into the seats, all eyes on me. I drew in a deep breath, then spoke.

“Thank you all for your efforts and sacrifices today. I can’t find the words to express the depth of sorrow over our losses.”

Silence hung in the air for a moment. We all took a moment to remember. The priest broke the silence.

“As they lived and died in Chaos, may their spirits now find peace beyond the veil between this life and the next.”

“Thank you, Supreme High Priest.”

I glanced at Nora. She was quietly documenting everything with several recorders. Rachel, Thelkor, and Olath entered with trays laden with refreshments. They placed them on one of the counters to create a lovely buffet.

Rachel walked up to the table.

“Sorry to interrupt, but please, commanders, make yourselves at home. Battle certainly makes me hungry.”

“Thank you, Rachel. Commanders, please take this time to mingle and grab some refreshment. We’ll reconvene in twenty minutes.”

I looked to see if anyone would argue with me, but they all got in line for the buffet instead. TZ arrived and unloaded a crate stuffed with ice and an assortment of bottled beers. Without comment, he turned and zoomed out.

Low conversation popped up here and there. I looked for Storgin. I found him standing directly behind me.

“Hello, Handsome.”

“Hello, Admiral Sexy.”

I laughed, pulling his face down within kissing reach. Claps erupted around the galley. I blushed and hid my face against Storgin’s chest.

One of the commanders raised a glass.

“A toast to the new couple.”

“To the new couple!”

I stopped hiding, thinking it wasn’t the impression I wanted to give the commanders. I wanted to be fierce! Half-feral!

Besides, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. There’s nothing wrong with being in love… it’s just new and I have commitment issues, okay? Why am I arguing with myself? What I really need is a…

“I need a plotter in here…”

“On it, Admiral.”

I jumped when Evelyn suddenly spoke behind me and spun around as she put Lucky in my arms, took all the trays from Thelkor’s hands, and dragged him away. Lucky waved at me, looking too cute for me to stay angry.

“I’m on to your manipulations, buddy.”

Lucky flicked his tail. Storgin put a hand on my shoulder, then presented a plate towering with snacks. I had to lean back, since he stopped the plate mere centimeters before my eyes.

“I have snacks. What would you like to drink?”

“Uh…”

“Never mind, love. Come sit down. Evelyn will have you a plotter in no time. You can take the best seat on the booth and chat with your commanders. I’ll find you something.”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

Storgin herded me to the galley table. The commanders stood saluting until I took my seat—no matter how much I told them not to. Storgin placed the tower of charcuterie directly in front of me. I discovered I was starving and stuffed my face.

Lucky swiped an occasional bite, too, while stroking my head. I took the time to breathe. My shoulders began to relax. The commanders swapped wilder and wilder tales of personal heroism, and the pall of grief for the battle’s losses began to fade.

Storgin joined me with a bottle of dark beer, for which I was truly grateful. I took a swig to wash down the snacks and stood on the galley bench.

“If I may have your attention, good citizens of the galaxy…”

“‘Good citizens’? You know good and well over half this fleet is made up of what you scrape off your galactic boot.”

The commanders laughed.

“Thank you, literal Priest of Chaos. Points for demonstrable application of the positive influence of Chaos on the greater galaxy. I’ll contribute to your thesis later.”

The priest smiled, quite smug with his successful teaching moment. Spiritual obligations aside, I returned to the point of this entire gathering.

“We have stopped some of the Suhlik. Now we have to stop the asteroids. Rachel? When do we expect the asteroids to reach Shackleton?”

“Twenty-four hours, Admiral.”

“It’ll take at least twenty-three hours for most of my battlegroup to reach Earth space…”

A second commander interrupted the first.

I’ve got to learn names. For now, the first one is Commander Rockface. The second, let’s call Commander…cucumber. The guy looks like a walking cucumber.

Commander Cucumber leaped to his feet, slamming his hands on the table.

“Half my battle group could be there faster than that, if we didn’t have to wait for the slow ships.”

Commander Rockface leaped to his feet, squaring off with Commander Cucumber.

“Are you saying my ‘slow’ cargo ship isn’t worthy of this battle?”

“Flip a coin, Commander. Heads, you fight it out to determine the winner…”

“Not now, Priest.”

The priest shrugged at me.

“I had to try…”

Focus! Must defeat galactic evil and, I’m on—

“Take your seats or I’ll throw you out an airlock myself.”

Commander Cucumber and Commander Rockface both sat, though they pouted like five-year-old humans.

“Rachel? How quickly can we get the fastest twenty-five percent of the Rogue Fleet to Shackleton?”

“Twenty hours is the best I can do, Admiral.”

“Ok. This is what we’ll do. We’ll split the Rogue Fleet into two fleets – Fleet A will consist of the fastest of the starships and Fleet B will consist of the slower starships. Fleet A will move at their best speed to intercept the lead Suhlik ships. Goldie’s recent sensor upgrade allows us to detect cloaked Suhlik at a much greater range than most…”

A grinning commander leaned forward, a wide smile spreading across his face.

“And Fleet B will mop up in a pincer move…”

I grinned.

“Exactly, Commander.”

Chapter 45 Storgin

CHLOE STOOD strong before the collected battle commanders. Hardened and grizzled old warriors returned her gaze with respect, and pride swelled my chest and straightened my spine. I couldn’t’ve fashioned a more dashing admiral had I tried.

I wonder who’ll play me in the movie? Who’ll play Chloe? We could play ourselves…

I ached to hold Chloe, but this was no time to drift off into pleasant fantasies. The commanders left, one by one. Chloe took the time to see each commander off, thanking them for their faith in her. Each saluted her as they teleported out.

The Supreme High Priest of Chaos left last. He bowed deeply.

“Admiral.”

“Priest—let this fight be the structure among the Chaos.”

The priest laughed.

“We’ll follow your commands. Your commands will create enough Chaos all on their own.”

“Thanks?”

He teleported out. Chloe turned to me and flung her arms around my neck. I nuzzled into her hair, breathing her in. She pushed against my chest. I leaned back. She looked up at me with big, soulful eyes.

“Come on, Handsome. We have Suhlik to find and mark for death.”

“Sounds like a full morning. I see a free afternoon, however.”

Chloe giggled and we walked to the bridge. We all strapped into our chairs as Thelkor’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Thelkor, reporting from Weapons Station One. Railguns primed and ready.”

“Acknowledged, sexy.”

“Captain Timcur?”

“Yes, Admiral?”

“Deploying Rogue Fleet A in five minutes. Good luck, Captain.”

“Let’s kick some snaky ass, crew. Rachel, set a course.”

“Course set, Captain.”

Chloe punched a button, opening comms to the commander of Rogue Fleet B.

“Fleet B is yours, Commander. Good luck.”

Chloe stared at the plotter. She tapped a few icons.

“Fleet will advance.”

Rachel hit Goldie’s thrusters. Both fleets advanced, but Rogue Fleet A’s faster vessels quickly outdistanced the others. Rachel engaged Goldie’s cloak. Periodic, short-range transmission bursts allowed the ships of our Hunter Groups to track the locations of friendly starships.

Our group drifted through the black between Sol’s asteroid belt and Mars. The lights of trillions of stars glittered on the viewscreen. The spiraling arms of the Milky Way stretched forever around us.

“The Suhlik would have to drag the asteroids around Mars to set them on a collision course with Earth’s moon…”

Chloe looked up.

“What’s that, Rachel?”

“I’m just saying, there are only so many paths they can utilize…”

“Can you map those trajectories? It’d significantly reduce our search area.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

I kept an eye on the sensor readings, searching for an anomaly or some other indication of a cloaked asteroid being dragged through space. The first of the asteroids departed hours ago. Only Goldie and the fastest of the Rogue Fleet could catch up.

Sensors beeped. I leaned in to see what they’d detected. Chloe beat me to identifying the sensor ping.

“Found one. Detaching Hunter Group F.”

Chloe tapped a few keys on the plotter, sending a cluster of icons streaking toward the sensor anomaly. I held my breath as their icons raced across the plotter. Icons flashed as Hunter Group F reached the anomaly.

A sudden stream of data filled in detailed information on the plotter. Two Suhlik gunships escorted the tug ship hauling the asteroid. A few minutes later, fireballs flashed into existence and disappeared without a trace as the vacuum of space swallowed them up.

“Target neutralized, Admiral.”

Chloe giggled.

“I don’t know how I feel about you calling me ‘Admiral’, Storgin.”

“Well, Admiral, I’m prepared to ‘salute’ you any time.”

Chloe fought a laugh and slapped my shoulder. I was about to say something to make it worse when we detected another asteroid.

“Chloe, there’s another one.”

“You have an eagle eye for this.”

“What’s an eagle and where is its eye stuck to me?”

I scanned my clothes, looking for the eye, wondering how a stray eye ended up on Goldie, anyway.

“An eagle is a flying Earth animal with excellent eyesight, not a literal eyeball…”

“Oh. That’s a compliment?”

“Yes, it’s a compliment. Detaching Hunter Group E.”

“There’s another. And another…”

Captain Timcur muttered to himself.

“This feels strange…”

“What feels strange, Captain?”

“The placement of these asteroids, Admiral. It’s like…”

Chloe gasped.

“You’re right. Zarklac must’ve diverted the slowest of the asteroids to distract us.”

Rachel turned and addressed Chloe.

“I plotted some trajectories. My instincts tell me this entire line of asteroids is a distraction, leading us further from Earth. If we keep following them like this, we’ll be led so far off course, we’ll never catch up to the lead asteroids.”

Chloe’s fingers flashed over the plotter, reassigning hunter groups on the fly.

“Rachel, plot a course to get us to Earth in time to form a defensive line between us and the asteroids. It’ll take too long to hunt them down individually like this.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

Rachel tapped some keys, adjusting Goldie’s course. Chloe finished sending her updated orders and unbuckled. She stood and stretched.

“New course set. Estimated time of arrival…eighteen hours.”

“Thank you, Rachel. Rogue Fleet A will need rest before tomorrow’s battle. I know I need some fucking rest. And fun. I’ve reassigned hunter groups to grid search using the slowest of Rogue Fleet A until Rogue Fleet B catches up.”

“There’s nothing to do now but wait and prepare, my love.”

“Too true, Storgin. Come on. I need to eat, move, and squeeze that kehppû.”

I unstrapped myself and stood next to her. The need to stretch overcame me and I twisted myself into odd shapes until the need faded. Chloe watched, amused. I smiled, leaning close to her.

“For a kiss, I’ll make you the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. With science.”

To my eternal pleasure, Chloe pressed her lips to mine.

Chapter 46 Chloe

AFTER SITTING STRAPPED into the seat on the bridge for hours, staring at blips on sensors and tiny little zooming arrows on the plotter, I needed to move. I bounced on my toes like Muhammed Ali, feigning a flurry of blows at Storgin. He gazed down at me from between his curving horns as I threw a flurry of jabs at his kidneys.

Assuming Storgin’s kidneys are in the same place as human kidneys. And assuming they have kidneys. Do they call them kidneys? It’s so hard to tell what words we are all actually speaking with the embedded translators…

Storgin’s laugh distracted me from my wild train of thought. I dropped my arms.

“What’s so funny?”

“How am I supposed to not laugh? You're tiny compared to me.”

“So, you’re saying ‘Aww, the little human woman is sooo cute’…?”

“I wouldn’t put it like that…”

I’ll put it like this then.

I spun, swooping my foot at the back of Storgin’s knee. He oofed and crumpled forward. I leaned down over him and raised an eyebrow. He chuckled again as soon as he recovered from his shock.

“How ‘cute’ am I now, Handsome?”

“Twice as ‘cute’, at least.”

I punched his upper arm. He laughed harder and kept laughing, so I tweaked the tip of his nose.

“What’s that for?”

“For calling me cute.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I’m not cute. I’m fierce.”

“You’re cute when you’re fierce.”

Point to Storgin.

My I-will-seriously-kick-your-ass face cracked. A laugh burst through. I laughed so hard, I fell on Storgin’s strong body. He felt good. I wanted to close my eyes and sink into Storgin’s golden comfort.

“Look, I know I have no room to speak about making out all over Goldie, but—and it’s a big but—maybe you two could make a path? Some of us actually want to eat.”

I looked up and found Thelkor staring down at me.

Spoilsport.

“Aren’t you a Vaznik warrior? Can’t you simply leap over us? I finally had him where I wanted him.”

Thelkor shrugged.

“If you insist…”

Thelkor leaped through the gap between my prone body and the top of the corridor, missing me by mere centimeters. I squealed and ducked as Thelkor tucked and rolled through his landing.

I joined an alien circus…

The thought hadn’t displeased me. I wanted to stay. I wanted to run away and join this amazing circus of fantastic individuals. I especially wanted to stay with Storgin. When we got to our feet, I slipped my hand in his as we joined the others in the galley.

I slid into the galley table’s booth. Mr. Fluffbutt appeared on my lap as if by magic. He glared at me until I petted him. Storgin slid into the booth beside me. Steaming platters of food appeared and we stuffed our faces.

When the feeding frenzy subsided, I leaned back, my belly full. I tried to think of nothing, like that yoga instructor at the gym had insisted I do. I’d never been good at meditating. My mind distracted me too much.

The only time I ever feel that moment of existence beyond thought is after an orgasm…

I eyed Storgin.

I should really let my stomach settle…but…but…I don’t wanna. He’s so hot. And eager to learn…and fun…

I snuggled in close to his big strong arm. I stoked my fingers over the contours of his hard muscles. He pulled the arm out from between us and wrapped it around me. I’m sure it must’ve felt nice for Storgin, but his pec squished my face.

It’d be so much more comfortable if I were a puddle of goo or a type of jellied lifeform. Unfortunately, I have a skeleton and a respiratory system not made to breathe through a slab of Mahdfel muscle.

I would’ve sighed my disappointment had I been able to suck any air into my lungs. Instead, I pushed myself out from his arm. I wasn’t really after cuddles anyway. I had better uses for my big strong warrior and his arms.

And the rest of him, too!

I played off needing to get out of his embrace for air. I leaned close to his ear and whispered. I imagined my words sent shivers of pleasure over his body.

Wishful thinking may not get a girl much most days, but adding a throaty whisper brings a lot of dreams to life.

“Hey, Handsome. Want to get out of here?”

“Yes.”

Without further hesitation, Storgin slid out of the booth, scooped me in his arms, and carried me down the habitation corridor.

“Your place or mine?”

“Dealer’s choice.”

I kissed his neck, running my hands over his chest. A low growl ignited in Storgin’s throat—not a growl of aggression, but a growl of bestial arousal. The rumble set my pussy to dripping. I wrapped my arms around his neck. My mouth made its way to his, one kiss at a time.

Passion erupted in Storgin’s kiss. Our lips met and parted. Our tongues sought each other out and danced. Electric tendrils of tingling pleasure streaked down my spine. I ripped at my admiral costume, desperate to remove the last barriers between Storgin’s body and mine.

Luckily, we reached his cabin’s door before I managed to figure out how to strip off my pants while in Storgin’s arms. He tossed me on his bed, stripping the pants from me in one swift move. My arms scrambled for him, bringing him to me, drawing him into a kiss. Our bodies tangled and writhed.

“I need you inside me, Storgin.”

“Aye, Admiral.”

Without another word, Storgin positioned the head of his big cock at the dripping entrance to my throbbing inner tunnel. With one smooth motion, he rocked himself into me. He filled me with such exquisite pleasure, I exploded around him.

He felt so good thrusting into me, stretching me, filling me. I came harder than I had in years. As much as I loved sweet love making, tonight I needed pure lust and release. Storgin’s cock delivered over and over, pushing me into the thoughtless perfection of ecstasy.

Chapter 47 Storgin

OUR DAY BEGAN EARLY, though I had no cause to complain. I woke up in my bed with Chloe in my arms, floating on a golden cloud of loving contentment. I moved a strand of her hair from her eyes and studied her face.

I slipped from her sleeping embrace and grabbed a piece of paper from my little cabin desk. I took a stub of pencil from the desk’s pencil tray and quickly sketched Chloe’s perfect face.

I can’t say which feature is most perfect, or why Chloe looks so perfect to my eyes that she shines in my mind. Perhaps that’s the answer—Chloe is simply perfect to me exactly how she is. Hungry, full, playful, angry, devious, loving, lost in passion… I experience each of those moments as perfect because I experience them with her.

Having sketched the general shape of her face, I began to shade the contours in quick strokes. I smudged some shadows with a finger, to blend and soften. I erased points here and there to add highlights and create depth.

I looked at my sketch and sighed.

Will I ever capture how she glows?

Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms.

“GOOD MORNING! Time to get your lazy asses out of bed and yes, that includes you, Thelkor. There’s sausage, eggs, and biscuits for breakfast ’cause that’s what I’m craving… Holy crap! Storgin, report to the infirmary immediately.”

I stashed my sketch in my desk drawer and prepared myself to face the day. I dressed in a tactical suit, feeling there was a good chance I might have to fight later. I kissed Chloe’s sleeping cheek as gently as I could and went to the infirmary.

Rachel greeted me, her arms crossed.

“How can I—”

She brushed away the pleasantries, her face pale. “I’m pregnant. Check, so people don’t call me crazy, but I know.”

“Take a seat, Rachel.”

“Don’t you need some pee or something?”

“Uh…we could test that way, but the standard medical scanner can tell us with less mess.”

“Shit. I just drank sixty-four ounces of water.”

I frowned, confused. Chloe would understand. I’d make a note to ask her later.

“Just hold still…and, congratulations. You’re pregnant.”

Rachel screamed and hugged me, then headed for the corridor.

“Don’t tell anyone, ok?”

“But what about…”

She cut me off. “We have work to do, right? Work first, then party.”

I shook my head and headed to the galley. It was her decision, and honestly, I’d learned better than to get between Rachel and what she wanted.

Chloe met me at the buffet line with a kiss. Like an efficient machine, Goldie’s crew ate, laughed, and prepared for the upcoming battle.

By the time I strapped into my bridge seat, everyone sat straight-backed and tall, ready to face our fates. Chloe took a deep breath, then tapped the scanner.

“Rogue Fleet A will advance. Reports say there are three asteroids left after Rogue Fleet B mopped up behind us. Apparently, they got some lucky sensor readings and located Zarklac this morning.”

Rachel hit the thrusters and we fell into silence, watching Goldie’s icon streak across the plotter. We pulled ahead of Rogue Fleet A’s starships. Rachel cackled with glee. Goldie sprinted for Zarklac’s ship.

This is the moment the fleet needs captains like Timcur and commanders like Sczeeeriic and Stoxxas. Chloe’s plans are laid, her strategy set. Now I can only watch as it unfolds through the choices and actions of individuals…yet, I fear her spirit will forever bear responsibility for sending them in.

I closed my eyes, yet looked within myself. I could’ve continued to focus on all the things we’d set in motion, the consequences over which I exerted no control. Instead, my mind flooded with every moment of strength I’d witnessed aboard Goldie.

I thought of Chloe among the sick children and taking the time to listen to the sad tentacle monster and the courage of all the captains and crews who followed us into battle. More memories than I could count flooded through my mind. Chloe opened a comms channel.

“This is Admiral Chloe Stevens of the Rogue Fleet, transmitting from the bridge of The Golden Meridian. Make those Suhlik regret ever setting foot in our sector. That’s an order.”

Goldie came into range of Zarklac’s ship. The asteroid it’d been attached to hung heavily below. Earth’s moon shone in the viewscreen. I held my breath, my heart hammering in my chest.

Rachel hit the reverse thrusters. Goldie rapidly decelerated as we closed in on Zarklac’s ship. Two Suhlik gunships popped out of cloak, sending a volley of missiles our way. Rachel initiated evasive maneuvers and punched the ECM button. Shimmering bits of sensor-blinding detritus streaked away from Goldie, drawing the missiles off course.

The missiles strayed harmlessly after the decoys. Thelkor strafed the gunships’ hulls. His railguns chewed through their armor, venting atmosphere. Both gunships erupted into balls of flame. Thelkor swung the railguns in Zarklac's direction. Captain Timcur barked an order.

“Target propulsion and weapons, gunner.”

“Why can’t I just blow him into a stain on the wall?”

“I want to present Zarklac to Mahdfel HQ in chains, Thelkor. That’s why.”

“I just want to kill him, but you’re the boss. Aye, Captain.”

Two minutes later, Zarklac’s starship floated in the black, her engines and weapons streaming behind her in millions of tiny pieces.

“Nice shot, gunner.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

“Prepare to board.”

We Vaznik warriors transformed there on the bridge, at the cusp of physical battle. Usually easygoing jokers, we became hard and serious. With practiced precision, the captain, Thelkor, Olath, and I locked our breather helmets onto our suits, picked up our guns, and stepped out of Goldie’s airlock.

Initiating our suits’ thrusters, we flew over to Zarklac’s ship. We didn’t bother knocking. Instead, Thelkor blew a hole in the hull. Atmosphere vented and a couple of Suhlik flew out into the black of space. Once the pressure equalized, I thrust in.

We found the nearest airlock and cycled the air. A few seconds later, we ran through the ship. I dashed down the main corridor. A few Suhlik jumped out, trying to stop me, but I wouldn’t be stopped. Thelkor took most of them out before they even got close, and I focused on sprinting to the bridge before that slimy snake-headed Suhlik slithered away again.

The bridge door was locked. Thelkor blew it to pieces. Timcur and Olath rushed in, taking out the first Suhlik they saw. Then they wrestled two more guards, leaving Zarklac to me. Wasting no time, I dove for him. He tried to dodge, but I smacked him upside the head with my blaster.

Zarklac crumpled to the deck.

“You’re under arrest.”

I punched my comms bracelet.

“Target neutralized.”

Chloe’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Great work, Handsome. Now, get your asses back aboard so we can blow this asteroid to smithereens before it hits a planet or something.

“Aye, Admiral Sexy Pants.”

“Someone’s asking for trouble.”

CHLOE

Storgin stood before me, looking delicious. We gazed into each other’s eyes, standing in the middle of the galley.

“I’m a little disappointed, honestly.”

“How so, Chloe?”

“I really wanted to blow up that asteroid.”

“Me, too. At least we sold it to that mining company for a good price.”

“That’s true. I hear a lot of the Rogue Fleet battle groups enjoyed fighting alongside each other so much, they banded together to claim asteroids and salvage.”

“Who’d have expected that?”

“Right? Life is wild, isn’t it, Storgin? I certainly never expected to be…”

“An admiral?”

“It’s not like I’m a real admiral.”

Storgin laughed.

“What?”

“Keep telling yourself that, but you know Mahdfel HQ and Earth Authorities will try to give you medals or something.”

“And they can take those medals and shove them right back up their—”

Rachel’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Docking at Shackleton’s Crater Lunar Base in fifteen minutes. Strap in and tune your viewscreens to take a look outside…”

“Up their asses. I had to get that out before I could move on.”

“Let’s get to the bridge.”

Storgin and I grinned at each other, racing through the corridors to the bridge. Nearly everyone rode on the bridge. Storgin and I strapped in together. Thelkor strapped into the copilot’s seat next to Rachel. Olath and Evelyn strapped in on each side of a safety seat strapped into the crash webbing.

From the safety seat peered Mr. Fluff and Lucky, strapped into their own harnesses. Lucky looked a lot happier about the arrangement than Mr. Fluff. TZ, shined until his metallic body gleamed, stood near the door, his wheels mag-locked to the deck.

“Docking in T minus three…two…one. Docking sequence complete, Captain.”

“Thank you, Rachel. Time to meet our fate, folks.”

We freed ourselves from the crash harnesses and walked to the galley. A Vaznik warrior I didn’t recognize teleported aboard and Timcur, Thelkor, Olath, and Storgin jumped him on sight. Amidst laughing and a few good-natured punches, it seemed he was a long-lost friend.

“Chloe! Come say hello to Korath. He was our original pilot, but he had to run off and fall in love and settle down.”

Korath laughed and we got down to the serious business of reconnecting with old friends. After an hour of uproarious laughter and story swapping, Rachel interrupted. Thelkor smiled up at her, love clear on his face.

“Korath, meet our new pilot, my mate, Rachel.”

“Nice to meet you, Rachel.”

“Nice to meet you, Korath.”

“I was so happy to see everyone, I forgot to tell you the important news. I got your evidence to HQ. Check the news feeds. The Golden Meridian has been reinstated. You’re no longer rogues. Congratulations.”

I’d expected jubilant cries, but the crew fell silent instead.

“I thought you’d be happier.”

“I think they just need time to think, Korath. This has been a... trying adventure for all of us.”

“I hadn’t thought of that, Admiral.”

“Oh, don’t call me that. I made that shit up to get those asteroids taken care of. I don’t know why anyone would keep calling me that.”

“For one, Chloe Stevens, Mahdfel HQ has awarded you the rank and title of honorary Admiral in recognition of your efforts.”

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard…”

Storgin rushed to his feet.

“So, she officially outranks us all now?”

I shook my head. Evelyn arrived with beer, derailing the conversation and starting the party.

Rachel waved the beer away, leaning back into Thelkor’s arms, and I wondered.

I stood back to study the group, my eyes falling over my new family. They ate and laughed and sang and filled my heart.

Storgin slipped up behind me. He wrapped a big arm over my shoulder and across my ribcage. Passion—and fear—ignited inside me.

There aren’t any more barriers between us, no more excuses…no more wars to fight and win against evil on behalf of the galaxy.

“Storgin?”

“Yes, my love?”

“Let’s talk.”

“As you wish, Chloe.”

I took his hand and we strolled away from the party. I didn’t have a plan or words waiting to be spoken. For once, I wasn’t certain what to say. I had no strategy, just a certainty solidified in my chest.

“Chloe? What’d you—”

I pulled him into the guest room behind me. I closed the door, turning to face him.

“I want… I want to stay with you. I’m tired of running away. I want to run to—”

Storgin swept me into his arms and kissed me. Time faded around that kiss. Our lips parted. Our tongues met and danced, shredding all regard for anything other than my mate in my arms. I flung my arms around his neck. I wanted to float away on the golden cloud of our love.

I melted in Storgin’s arms. For once, I felt no need to be strong or fierce. I surrendered completely to our embrace. Storgin leaned into me, trapping my body against the cabin wall. His big hands pushed down my admiral pants and curled around my ass cheeks. He lifted me up until he could kiss my dripping pussy.

He hooked my legs over his shoulders and dove into my dripping folds. He licked my parted folds in long strokes of his big tongue. My legs quivered. My hips rocked. Storgin ate my pussy with the same passion as when he’d kissed my mouth.

I held onto one of his graceful horns with one hand. I tried to hold myself up with the other, bracing it on his head, but his tongue felt so good I collapsed. He worked his fingers between us and spread my labia.

Storgin nibbled my clit. My back arched. Lightning streaked through me, electrifying my skin, bliss gathering deep in my core. Storgin sucked my clit and the building pleasure washed over me.

I screamed as the orgasm hit me. Storgin growled, lapping up the flood of my juices. My body twitched, locked in ecstasy. All the fight drained from my limbs and I collapsed in Storgin’s arms. He slid me down the wall until he held my body like a groom carrying his new bride over the threshold.

STORGIN

Chloe writhed in my arms, lost in ecstasy. I’d never seen a more beautiful sight. I laid her body on the bed and initiated a program I’d prepared for just such an occasion. Every viewscreen in the room flickered to life, showing proportional views of the galaxy twinkling around Goldie’s outer hull.

The synchronized views created the illusion that Chloe and I hung together among the stars. The lights adjusted to a low, warm glow. Garments which I didn’t even remember removing while lost in Chloe’s arms sprawled across every surface.

Chloe stretched, rolling her body across the sheets. She rolled onto her belly. Her perfect ass moved back and forth, mesmerizing me. My eyes followed her movements, drinking in her glowing perfection set against the magnificence of Shackleton blinking from the surface of Earth’s moon.

The silvered light of the pale satellite’s face hugged the smooth contours of Chloe’s back, ass, and thighs. I traced a finger along her perfect skin. She pushed herself to her elbows and looked at me over her shoulder. Her short asymmetrical hair floated around her, messy from our passion.

She crooked a finger at me. Her cheeks and lips burned with arousal. I smelled her scent inviting me over, begging me to search for the source of the heady perfume. Chloe spread her legs. I saw her glistening labia and the entrance of her tunnel.

“Please…”

Her soft whispers dragged a deep groan from me. I spread my fingers, stroking them over her perfect ass cheeks. I stroked her entrance with big circles of my thumb.

“Oh, Storgin…please…”

“Aye, Admiral.”

I gripped the shaft of my swollen cock and knelt over and behind her. She lifted her ass until all I could see was her dripping pussy. I brought the head of my cock to her entrance. Chloe gasped, trembling.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I just want you inside of me so bad…Please, Storgin…please…I need you…”

She pushed herself against me, trying to draw me inside. I refused to deny her any further. I pressed against her entrance. Chloe panted and whimpered. I gave my mate what she begged for, sliding my cockhead into her.

Chloe moaned. She rocked her body against me, drawing me in, over and over. She felt so good, I growled louder, leaning my body against her. One of my hands sought her perfect breast. I rocked my hips, burying my thick cock in her tight, wet tunnel. Chloe throbbed around me, squeezing. Pleasure rolled through me.

Chloe arched her back. I held her body to mine, squeezing her full breasts. My fingers found a nipple. I tweaked it and thrust harder, deeper. Chloe began to move in a frenzy of grunts and moans. Her body rocked with mine, meeting every thrust. I dropped my mouth to her neck.

I nibbled the back of her neck. She arched, crying out beneath me. Our bodies met in a steady rhythm of deep thrusts. Her juices flowed down my tightening balls. I bit down on the sensitive skin of her neck where it met her shoulder—just hard enough to make Chloe moan with pleasure.

With a hard cry, she slammed herself against me over and over. I propped myself on one hand. Chloe twisted her face to me, though her body still lay pinned beneath mine. She snaked a hand around the back of my neck and drew my lips to hers.

We kissed and my cock swelled, throbbing. I felt my balls tighten, but I refused to give in yet, determined to make Chloe come. I plowed my hard cock into her, meeting her every demand. She gasped. Her little cries became urgent, demanding.

I pulled back, nearly pulling out entirely. She cried out to be filled. I thrust as hard as I could against the clenching walls of her pink tunnel. Chloe exploded against me in a deluge of cries and came.

I held myself there and rode through her orgasm. Wave after wave crashed over her. I gasped, trying to hold onto my own imminent orgasm. Then I heard Chloe whisper in the darkness.

“Come with me…”

I roared as my body convulsed. My balls squeezed. I came in her, filling her with thick streams of hot come. Chloe screamed again. Her entire body tightened around me, underneath me. Panting hard, Chloe thrust against me once more and set off a chain reaction of orgasms.

Time disappeared. Chloe and I floated together in a short eternity of bliss. She rolled in my arms. I gathered her trembling body against mine. We floated there surrounded by the glittering universe around us.

I’m complete, when I didn’t even know I was missing part of myself and my life before I met Chloe.

I cuddled up behind her and drew my arms around her. I nuzzled a sweet kiss into her neck. I drew a deep breath and spoke the words I’d waited to say to her since we met.

“I win.”

A small chuckle shook Chloe’s body.

“What makes you think you won here, Handsome?”

“I convinced you to fall in love with me.”

Chloe laughed harder.

“Didn’t you say it was the DNA-match thing that’d brought us together?”

I shrugged and kissed her shoulder.

“I’ll use any means at my disposal.”

“You’d have to be magic to control a DNA-match…”

“Oh no, you’ve finally discovered my secret. Whatever shall I do now?”

Chloe laughed harder, wiggling herself around until she faced me, trying desperately to hold a serious expression on her face.

“What if our battle isn’t over yet?”

“Oh, but it is, and I won.”

Chloe laughed harder and slapping my shoulder.

“You haven’t won shit yet, Handsome.”

“Oh, I won the only thing which matters, Chloe. I won you.”

EPILOGUE: CHLOE

I watched Earth pass by the small viewport next to my seat. Our shuttle rattled as it descended through turbulence. Clouds floated by. Flocks of birds flew by in great roiling clouds of black and silver.

“What’re you thinking so hard about, Admiral?”

“I’ll kick you every time you call me admiral, Storgin.”

He chuckled, leaning in close to see what I saw out there.

But he can’t. Not quite. He’ll never understand how I felt when I left Earth so long ago…

“I just never really expected to return.”

“Do you want to go back? We don’t have to attend. You know everyone’d understand—”

“You can’t be serious. How could I miss this?”

“As long as you’re sure…”

“Yes, yes. I’m sure.”

“At least your uniform looks hot.”

I had to laugh. I flashed him a suggestive grin.

“Returning must feel strange. When you left, you fled everything you knew, but could live with no longer. Only to return now, vindicated, with title, rank, and respect, while your father, whom you fled in the first place, rots away in intergalactic prison awaiting his day in intergalactic court for high crimes.”

“There's poetry to it, but I was more a blues fan than a poet.”

“What’s the blues? Do you turn colors other than red?”

“Oh, Storgin. The depth of the things you’ve yet to experience…”

“As long as I’m with you, I’m ready.”

“Shut up. Stop being nice. I don’t want to start crying, you giant softie pretending to be some big bad warrior.”

Storgin laughed deep in his belly.

“At least I’m hard in all the right places.”

I laughed. Our shuttle touched down and the green sign over the door flashed the words “Exit Safely”. I drew in a deep breath. Storgin held out his hand, palm up.

“Are you ready?”

“How can you be so calm?”

“It came as no surprise when the galaxy discovered how awesome we are.”

I laughed and took his hand.

“If only we could bottle your self-confidence, Storgin. We’d make a fortune. Okay, let’s hit it.”

Storgin jabbed a button and the door opened. Sol’s sweet rays shone down through the clouds, kissing my cheeks and shoulders. Storgin had talked me into a sundress after all, but I refused to give up my boots.

I drew in the first breath of Earth air in years and immediately sneezed.

“Ah. Welcome back to Earth! Here, have an allergy pill.”

Nora stood outside the hatch, arm extended, allergy medicine prepared. The other hand thrust a reusable thermos filled with sweet spring water at me. I downed the pill with a quick swig and stepped out onto Earth.

“Welcome back.”

“Thanks, but I plan to get home to Goldie as soon as the afterparty gets weird.”

“Ha. Why would it ever get weird?”

“Nora…”

Nora laughed. We both knew the night would end in good-natured chaotic revelry. After all, I’d been obligated to invite the Chaos priest. To be honest, Nora, Rachel, Evelyn, and I invited everyone.

Everyone accepted my invitation, too. Within minutes, Storgin and I were inundated with greetings and hugs. Captain Gratham from Diana’s Arrow waved at us from a lounge chair on the porch, long giraffe-like head and neck still towering above most of the people who walked by. Urchins ran by in packs, shrieking with glee as Thelkor followed close behind. Someone had talked him into wearing a T-Rex costume and I nearly died laughing on the spot.

A garden sat next to a simple home. Nora had asked so sincerely to hold the screening here at her parents’ place so they could see what she’d done with her life since leaving Earth that none of us could deny her.

An older couple relaxed on a couch someone had arranged in the garden. Couches and chairs, benches, loungers, tables, and refreshments had been set up in rows around them. They faced a large projector screen.

“How long do we have to mingle before you raise the proverbial curtain?”

Nora shrugged.

“An hour, maybe? We’re just waiting for the sun to set. Plenty of time to find snacks and a spot to cuddle up. The kegs are over by the birdbath, and I last saw, Hep was in the pool with some of the urchins. Someone laid some eggs in it by accident, though, so we had to get everyone out until someone could figure out if the pool was still safe. I haven’t seen her since…”

“Wow. Thanks, Nora. We’ll stop by, give your parents our regards, and get settled. I’m so excited.”

“Oh, me too! The premiere of my first major documentary. And a major exposé. Wait until I tell you how many credits this little project is going to get me.”

Nora winked and saw someone else she had to greet. We excused ourselves and took a few minutes to chat with Nora’s parents before strolling on. We puttered around at the charcuterie board, selecting thin-sliced delicacies. Hep caught my eye, waving from the middle of a pack of children determined to all sit in her lap.

“She looks happy.”

“Yes, she does, Handsome.”

We waved back, strolling over to a free couch. I glanced over and saw Lucky sucking on some child’s head. I wondered what he was up to but didn’t interfere. Lucky knew what he was about. Mr. Fluff, Olath, and Evelyn cuddled on a loveseat. It seemed like a lot of people on one tiny couch, but they made it work.

Sol sank below the horizon and we fell silent. Except for Lorka—he tripped on the way to his seat, spilling a drink down the front of his shirt. His curses faded. The night fell over us. I cuddled close to Storgin.

Nora’s documentary chronicling Goldie’s saga began to play. Nora’s born-for-the-screen face faded in. She faced the camera and spoke her now-infamous opening line.

“Hello. My name is Nora Chambers and I’m here to tell the true story of The Golden Meridian.”

I turned my face to Storgin. As we gazed into each other’s eyes, the story of our family, of our crew, of our loves and lives, played against the backdrop of the Milky Way stretching across the universe.

THANKS so much for joining the crew of the Golden Meridian on their adventures!

NEXT UP?

WELCOME to the 34th season of Intergalactic Love Death Match, where five lucky couples are matched and sent to wild and exotic locations! Which couple will make it to the Alter of Freedom first? Will they survive? Will they fall in love? Will they win their freedom? Will the audience help or hinder their epic struggle across the vast continent of Tikalc on the planet Garglax II? Stay tuned and find out. Now, a word from our sponsors…

AND IT ALL gets started with The Opening Move… Keep reading for a sneak peek or click here and let the games begin!

WANT to know whenever I release a new book? Stay in touch!

OPENING MOVE: SNEAK PEEK

Emily

I crawled up the back end of the old, beat-up ranch truck and over the big dent in the tailgate. The truck squeaked, settling under my weight. I wondered how long ago we should’ve replaced the truck’s shocks for the half second it took to look around for my younger sister, Alyssa.

She stuck her head out the door of the local burger joint long enough to yell at me.

“Calm down, Emily. I haven’t been kidnapped. It’s just taking Carlos a few extra minutes to drop fresh fries.”

She whipped herself back inside the door without waiting for a reply. I crossed my arms over my chest and tapped my foot on the layers of hay and baling wire blanketing the bed of my truck. I grabbed an empty feed sack from the flattened pile in another corner while I waited for Alyssa to stop flirting and bring out our dinner.

I grabbed handfuls of bailing wire from the truck bed and bent them into compact bundles which I stuffed into the waxed, paper feed sack. Alyssa returned just as I finished. She carried two paper bags speckled with ever-expanding grease stains.

“What are you doing up there? Can’t you just relax for five minutes?”

“I got bored while you were flirting with Carlos.”

“Carlos is a fascinating man.”

“Carlos is a very pretty, empty package you’d tire of as soon as you tried to have a conversation.”

I hopped over the side of the truck, landing heavy on my work boots. Though covered in mud, hay, and probably cow shit, I hadn’t had time to change them. We’d just dropped off ten heads of steer at the closest auction barn earlier. Five hours later, neither Alyssa, nor I wanted to cook once we finally got home and out of the truck’s seat for the night.

I crawled into the dusty cab, buckled up, and checked my mirrors with great care. I put the diesel into first gear and crawled up to second. The truck moved slowly. The trailer we hauled behind us might’ve been empty, but it was still big and awkward.

We pulled out of the parking lot, cutting over to the market road leading out of town and to the ranch we inherited from our grandfather. We rolled the windows down by hand and Alyssa looked at me. She spoke around a mouthful of fries.

“We should get a new truck, Emily. This thing’s damn near an antique.”

“It was Grandpa’s and it still runs just fine.”

“I miss him, too, but, one day, this thing is gonna finally die.”

“Hush, Aly. Don’t you listen to her. You’re a good truck. Just get us home, baby.”

I patted the dusty dash. Alyssa rolled her eyes. The truck’s power died.

“What the fuck?”

“I didn’t do it…”

“Aly! Help me with the wheel! Power steering went out…”

Alyssa grabbed the wheel, helping me correct as best we could. The weight of the trailer pushed the truck along the road, though the engine had lost power with the lights. We jerked the wheel, trying to keep the truck and trailer from rolling or jackknifing behind us.

Even with our best efforts, the truck slid to a stop nose-first in a ditch. Alyssa and I stared at each other in the darkness of a Texas backroad. No one would drive down this road again for hours. There’d be no passersby, no help…besides, even if there was someone to stop and help, I always wondered if I could trust them.

“You okay, Aly?”

“I think so. Might have a seatbelt bruise, but nothing serious.”

“Good. Let’s get out of here, okay? This thing is at a bad angle to climb out the top…”

Alyssa nodded, unbuckling herself. She carefully opened the front passenger door, and slid down onto the wildflowers choking the thick, wiry grasses. She turned to me, flashing a quick, “be brave” smile.

I unbuckled myself and contorted my body ‘til I slid out next to her. We collected our purses and Grandpa’s rifle from the gun rack behind the truck’s bench seat. I took a quick walk around the trailer.

“I’m calling the sheriff, Emily. Don’t worry. We can’t get it out of here without a tractor, anyway. What the fuck?”

I turned back to look at her. She shook her phone, pushed buttons, and got nothing. The phone refused to work. The truck’s old, steel body panels rattled. I felt a deep, throbbing vibration shake the ground under my feet.

The trailer’s inner, steel-pipe gates shook loose of their latches, slamming against the side. Alyssa and I ducked, trying to put some distance between us and the truck. A bright light shot from the sky over us, blinding me. I threw my arm in front of my eyes.

I squinted around my arm, flailing with my empty hand, searching for Aly. I felt her flailing hand grip mine and we pulled ourselves together. I held her tight. Small rocks floated around us. Our two bodies began to rise into the air.

I tried to scream to Alyssa, to tell her I loved her, but no human could hear anything over the sound of whatever hung heavy in the air above us.

Then everything went black.

Someone shoved my shoulder. I pushed them away, not wanting to wake. Then a vision of overpowering light jolted me to consciousness. Aly looked down at me, face terrified. I grabbed at her, so happy to wake and find her still alive.

“Aly! Aly, what happened?”

“I have no clue, but we’re not alone and there’s someone coming.”

Well, that was never good.

I scrambled up, crouching into a defensible position next to my sister. I looked around, hoping to gather some clue as to where we found ourselves. Little light streamed into the container around us.

The beam, which had woken me, must’ve been a fluke—sheer chance. I noticed air vents on one wall, but no windows.

Before I could notice anything more, the door opened, and my mind was taken up by other things.

Giant—things—monsters—grotesque, humanoid creatures stepped in and roared. One grabbed the nearest person—another human woman— and shoved her out the door. He looked at us and waved.

I was all about fighting back, but at the moment, all I could do was stay standing.

Heart in my throat, I held Alyssa’s hand as tightly as I dared and we followed the first woman.

RALKOR

Ralkor

Beady eyes, set deep under a thick brow ridge, followed my every movement. Twice my weight and two-feet taller at the shoulder than my own seven-foot height, the creature pawed the dirt with sharp, cloven hooves. Thick clumps of tough hairs stuck out from around plates of armored skin.

The beast tossed its long, flat snout, flinging drool in a wide arc. Conical teeth snapped together around thick tusks. It’s short, narrow tail swished. The creature’s thick chest muscles rippled. It charged. The heavy hoof beats thudded through the soles of my boots and up my legs.

Wait for it…

The beast dipped its head, readying a blow with its big, heavily armored skull. I leapt. The beast swiped its bludgeon of a head at thin air. I tucked my legs up high, cleared the beast’s back and landed lightly behind it, dropping into a crouch and swinging low with the full force of my body.

The sword blade I held in my hand might’ve been designed to puncture, but the edge remained razor sharp. The beast, realizing its target now stood behind, spun in place with more agility than I’d given the massive creature credit for. My blade landed just in time, slicing through the tendons on its hind legs.

The beast crashed onto a shoulder. It screamed and squealed. Its back end collapsed into the dry dust of the arena floor. I thrust my sword into the air. The crowd roared. I never took my eyes off the beast. It looked at me, little beady eyes open enough that I saw the whites ringing its iris.

Wounded, but not dead, the beast snapped its jaws at me. I leapt into a back handspring, landing on my feet. I thrust my sword into the air once more. I knew my fans loved the little athletic flourishes. Half the stands cheered. The other half booed.

The creature snapped at me one last time. I thrust my sword deep in its gullet, punching through the throat and shoving my sword into its braincase. The beast shuddered. Faster than most eyes in the galaxy could track, I whipped my arm from the dying beast’s mouth.

The poor thing collapsed at my feet. The distinct odor of piss and shit filled the air as its dying body released its bowels. I leapt atop the carcass, hoping I looked half as fierce as the beast looked when we first entered the gladiatorial ring.

Killing such a magnificent creature brought me no pleasure, but it was important to go through the motions.

I was a slave with enough skills to survive the gladiatorial pits and enough charisma and brutality to keep fans paying those who owned me. The crowd took up a chant.

“Ral-kor! Ral-kor!”

I strutted, arms raised, whipping the spectators into a frenzy. Their cries became more demanding, more brutal.

I knew what they wanted. I knew why they watched, why they bought my face on overpriced junk.

I gave the bloodthirsty bastards what they wanted. I swung my sword into the monster’s neck. The crowd cheered. I hacked into it again and again, slicing deeper and deeper with each stroke. Blood streaked from my sword in arcs.

I wish I had an ax. This sword was never designed to cleanly kill such a monstrous beast. This is nothing but carnage.

With one last overly-dramatic stroke, accompanied by the wildest, most guttural cry I could muster, I sliced through the last of the neck, grabbing the beast’s head by a tuft of scrubby hair and dragged it to the middle of the arena.

The fans shot to their feet. I could taste the crowd’s bloodlust. I felt it pumping through them like fire in their veins. Guttural and beastly, the sight of my carnage pushed them over the edge of lust.

Spectators cheered and spat. They celebrated with or fought anyone near them. Security teams rushed to the clusters of violent chaos erupting throughout the stadium. I stopped dragging the beast’s head and climbed atop it.

Triumphant, spattered with blood and dust, I cried out into the arena. I thrust my sword down into the beast’s eye. I hopped off the grotesque skull and sauntered to the Winner’s Exit. The Loser’s Exit was little more than a deep, deep oubliette from which nothing returned.

The gate closed behind me. I released a breath, rolling my shoulders to loosen them. I waited at the inner gate for my owner to claim me. Blar Nax, a Plufark, slimed my way. His sickly yellow, gelatinous body left a trail of slime as he slithered near.

He raised an appendage I liked to think of as his head, though I’d never asked what he called the slimy, gelatinous, writhing mass of tendril-like tentacles at the top of the opening of his five-foot-tall shell. Blar Nax chuckled.

“I bring great news, Ralkor. You’re more popular with the fans than ever. Nice touch with the beheading.”

The silent gate guard stared at Blar Nax. Blar Nax glared at the guard.

“No need to stare. Here are my papers, as if you don’t know perfectly well that Ralkor’s my slave.”

Blar handed the guard an electronic verification device. The guard scanned it, then scanned the tattoo on the inside of my wrist. The devices beeped and flashed green. The guard grunted, handed the EVD back to Blar. He opened the gate and I stepped through to Blar’s side. We walked back to my quarters.

“Tell me your news.”

“You’re so popular, the Snaghians have bought you from me for an exorbitant price. Congratulations, Ralkor, you’ll be a contestant on Intergalactic Love Death Match, season 34!”

“The intergalactic reality game show?”

“Yes! Good luck, Ralkor. I like you. You’ve been one of my favorite gladiators. I hope you make it to the altar and win your freedom.”

We stopped at another locked gate. “You sound like I must leave immediately.”

“Only because you must. I’m rooting for you.”

The gate unlocked with a click. Blar opened the squeaky thing and I stepped through.

“Thanks for everything, Blar.” I nodded, resigned to exchanging one cage for another.

“Goodbye, Ralkor. If we meet again, may we both be free.”

Click here and let the games begin!

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ROGUE MATE

Science fiction romance is the destination of the Rogue Star…. Hop on board!

OUR RESCUERS ARE a group of pirates. Or smugglers. They're not exactly answering questions, either.

More importantly, they're giant, golden skinned aliens...

And their rogue of a captain seems very interested in the little human commander.

Me.

ROGUE MATE IS the first in the Rogue Star science fiction alien romance series. Click now to start the adventure!

KAZAN

A mate is the last thing on my mind.

Especially one as sassy as the human female they say is my match.

Even if her lush curves call for my touch, and her fiery spirit is equal to my own.

I will endure the thirty days demanded by the Protocol.

But with every look, every word, I can feel us bound closer together.

Will I be able to leave her, even for her own safety?

KAZAN IS the first book of the Jorkan Protocol Mates. Click now to spend the night with this perfect steamy, funny science fiction romance escape. There's no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA for each alien warrior and his mate!

Copyright © 2021 by Ava York

All rights reserved. These books or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Contents

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Chloe

Storgin

Chloe

Chloe

Storgin

Epilogue: Chloe

Opening Move: Sneak Peek

Are you a STARR HUNTRESS?

Rogue Mate

Kazan

Copyright