Table of Contents

The Soldier

Drake Glauco, now a successful nourisher and happily joined to Vernon, comes to realize it's time for a Priaxian/human alliance to come to fruition. The joy he has experienced too great for it to not be used to benefit all mankind. The mutual need too important. With each passing day, Drake and Vernon's symbiotic relationship grows just as much as the hatchlings inside the egg the Priaxian carries as the hope for his species.

But trouble stirs in the dark places of the galaxy. A once sleeping giant, an enigmatic race known as the Herdsmen, stirs. Their awakening brought about by many events, including trespassing into their territory. The result of them becoming known is devastating for all the sentient species, especially for humans. The Herdsmen have developed a taste for mankind's flesh.

Can Drake and Vernon negotiate an agreement with the Herdsmen before it's too late? Offer some alternative to the slaughter that will result if they enter human space. Or will their plans to dominate the galaxy obliterate all in their path, including their allies?

All hope once more falls on Drake…and a mysterious Priaxian soldier who communicates to him in his dreams.

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The Soldier

Copyright © 2011 Mark Alders

ISBN: 978-1-55487-829-1

Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

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The Soldier

Borders of Worlds Saga Two

By

Mark Alders

The Dream of Anguish

The starfish of Annaz VI fell from the sky, landing upon my nakedness to copulate. I knew the tiny creatures had been picked up by the planet's weather, all part of the natural turn of events of this world. But that was a slight distraction. Vernon came into my view, as beautiful as I had ever seen him during an extraction, during our special time together as our bodies, minds and souls linked. He was naked, too. His erection, complete with foreskin retracted and balls tight and red, more than enough to let me know his intentions.

"Come to me, Drake, my beautiful," he said with a hunger all men got when they wanted--no needed--to be physical. His eyes were a magnificent sparkle, brighter than the setting sun behind us, his lips moist and inviting. Starfish had landed on him, too.

I went to him. Fell into his arms. He surrounded me with his love, his strong muscular arms holding me tight. I caressed his back, making my way to his backside. He let out a gentle laugh when I reached my goal.

"I will lay down for you," I whispered.

He pulled me away with tender care so he could stare deep into my eyes. "No."

I was puzzled for a brief moment. But that feeling soon ebbed away, like the starfish that had returned to the sea to begin their cycle again, when I noticed the grin on his lips. He had something else in mind.

"What did you want?"

"I want you to have me," he growled in reply.

In the next instant, I was on top of him, the coral atoll we found ourselves upon, our bed. His smile spurring me on, I ran my hands all over him, concentrating on his chest and nipples. He was ready. All the while, rubbing my genitals against his, gaining a rhythm as if I were inside him. My erection gaining hardness with each stroke, my foreskin helping my cock's gliding action as I pressed harder against him. This was one of the most sensual experiences I could imagine and Vernon made it all so very real. The experience, as I came to kiss him, was just like what we did during our real life bonding or dry extraction as it was sometimes known. I loved that he knew me so well.

Sure, extractions served the purpose of feeding the hatchlings within the egg Vernon incubated, but that didn't mean we couldn't have fun, experience each other on an ever increasing and deepening level.

Vernon parted my kiss, one that had filled with so much passion and lust, that alone would have got me to climax. "Take me now!"

No answer was required. I let out a groan shuffling into position, so I could enter his warmth. He parted his legs wider, his arsehole more than inviting. Teasing his rim with my finger, I prepared him for entry.

He let out little groans, too. His stomach quivered and his breathing became deeper and more erratic. I could tell he was close to climax. He grabbed his own cock and balls, so I could access him without any hindrance. Not that he was any obstacle. He wanted me.

I pressed my hardness against him. Again he groaned, arching his back, inviting me to proceed. My cock was slick with pre-cum and I had no trouble piercing his hole. He let out a satisfied yell. My length sunk into him, the sensation of his flesh around me more than enough to give me eternal pleasure.

"You're perfect!" he roared, bringing his legs around me, forcing me to push myself deeper into him.

"So are you."

The experience of our lovemaking lasted for what seemed an eternity. So long, that the starfish once more began to rain down to cover our flesh as we were one, joined like only lovers could be. For the longest time I kept up my rhythm, posed so that I could look at him, watch his facial expressions as I made love to him. His eyes glistened, and his smile, deep and warm, continued even though his lips quivered to reflect the ecstasy his body was soaked in. I couldn't blame him, I felt the same.

I sank myself root deep into his arsehole and then pulled out so that the rim of my head was visible, before repeating, over and over. My whole length used, just as all of my emotions for him were used as well. Vernon was my everything, my world.

Then, like the rush of the tide that couldn't be stopped, my balls tingled and my whole body began to shudder. I let go of everything I had, ejaculating inside my beautiful man. My body worked so that I could give him as much as I could, a sheen of sweat on my skin, the after effect of my efforts.

Our groans became one. Seconds later, I collapsed onto him. He ran his hand through my hair, caressing me. I took in his musk now that I was close to him, all wonderful, pungent and fragranced with spice. I kissed him, again as deep and meaningful as I had ever experienced.

The world around me changed.

The jungle under Vernon's nest came into view. I knew I had fallen asleep in his arms, and we were now dream sharing. The foliage in the rich lands of Priax was beautiful, varied…and now silent. The nourishers of old had been wiped out. That thought brought me both sadness, and I hated to admit, some joy. Not a joy that was all encompassing or one derived from malice, far from it. A joy that reminded me if they hadn't been eradicated, then I would have never experienced the depth of love I felt right now for another.

Was that selfishness? Perhaps. But if I had anything to do with it, and I do, then I would make sure many, many humans could experience what I have with Vernon. I would see to it that mammals and spiders would forge an alliance that would shape the future of the galaxy. The Borders of Worlds treaty would be amended to create such an alliance.

Priax would be saved.

What's more, humanity would benefit from that saviour. First things first, I knew we had to get back to Earth so I could set the wheels in motion for what I intended. I also knew that we had to find Ranjay, Jankin and Taseem's son. Where he was, I didn't know. All the information we had was what he was somewhere in the Auroran system.

That presented a problem. Getting into Aurora was no easy task, especially as they were preparing for war against us. Then again, I didn't have much time to contemplate such matters. The dream I shared with Vernon now turned toward the mountains. They were beautiful as well, snow-capped and massive, much larger than the Himalayan Ranges on Earth.

Beyond the mountains, the desert lay--a desert that covered more than half of Priax. The double yellow suns saw to it that their world was relatively dry, most Priaxian colonies surrounded one of the two oceans at the planet's poles. Vernon lived in the Great Southern Colony. A colony I had come to call my home.

Then something disturbed me.

Within the endless sands, the shifting dunes of the desert, a lone Priaxian stood. He was a soldier, covered in armoured chitin, all horns and protruding defensive features.

He looked up, like he could sense we were above him. How was that possible? This was a dream, right? His mouth opened, and I knew he was screaming at us, even though I couldn't hear his words. His face was contorted with both anger and fear, his front legs raised in the defensive pose all spiders did when threatened. What was going on? Why did Vernon take me here to the desert to show me this? Did this soldier have something to tell us? Or was it a remnant of something from Vernon's past? Then again, was Vernon having a nightmare? I couldn't tell.

I opened my eyes, disturbed by the vision of the soldier.

Vernon was asleep, the sound of his breathing filled the nest. The silk bed he had spun, soft and comfortable, reminded me that what I had seen was all in my mind. I was sweating.

I got up off the bed, deciding to get a drink, try and calm my thoughts, so I could return to sleep. Outside it was dark, the window-come-door of the nest was always open.

What is it, Drake? Are you all right?

"I think so. I was just disturbed by what you showed me while we dream shared, that's all."

Vernon rose from bed, too, coming to stand over me. Scratching his abdomen, his hair tickled my skin. I don't know what you mean.

"What?"

Vernon plucked up the jug of water from the created silken table, and poured the contents into a beaker for me. I only showed you the forests and the mountains. Those are my favourite places. Sometimes you say the funniest things, my love.

"So you didn't take me to the desert?"

No. I took the glass from him, drinking deep the contents. Feeling refreshed by the cool fluid. Why would I take you there? There are only the exiled ones, the deserters of the colonies living out there…if you can call living in a desert a life. Now come, return to our bed. I will soothe you. Take you to morning with your mind and body filled with my song of love for you.

I nodded, liking the sound of what he said. Perhaps it was me who was having the nightmare. But where would I get such a vision from? Sure, I had heard Vernon mention the desert and those exiled to it when I was first asked to be his nourisher. Something wasn't right. I had a feeling, deep down, that the dream meant something--but what?

Before I could contemplate it any further, he wrapped his many arms around me, pulling me into his warmth, his hairs tickling my nakedness. Sleep once more found me, and this time our dream share filled with the wonderful images I was used to, no longer haunted by the soldier in the deserted lands.

Leaving Priaxia

The morning light struck me, both warming and waking me from my slumber. Vernon nowhere to be seen, I sat upright. A brief moment of worry consuming me before something blocked the light and his familiar frame came scampering through the window, all hairy legs and a smile on his lips that melted my heart.

I have brought you clothing, he said.

Before I could answer, Jankin came into view. He had been riding on Vernon's back, the path to the nest could only be made that way. He clambered off my lover, coming to kiss me on the lips. Sure, we had always kissed when we were married, but now…now it seemed odd that he would do such a thing.

"Good morning, Drake," he chimed.

My mouth agape, I couldn't think of anything to say. There was Vernon offering me spun overalls while Jankin was acting like we were still together, like nothing had happened these past few days.

Jankin and Taseem will be joining us and we will be leaving as soon as we can. The Queen wishes it so.

Clambering off the bed I grabbed the overalls, running my hand along one of Vernon's front legs, a gesture to let him know of my thanks. He cooed. I turned to my former husband, offering a puzzled expression. "So what's going on, Jankin?" I hadn't been with him for near on five years without learning all his quirks and expressions. He wanted something.

He kept up his smile, replying, "I just wanted to see you…see how you were. Can't I do that?"

"Of course you can." I threw the overalls onto the bed and grabbed his hands. "But I find it strange that you would do such a thing considering the circumstances. Shouldn't you be with Taseem?"

His stare flicked away from me for a brief moment. "I…I wanted to ask you something."

There it was. The admission. He did want something. Now it was just a matter of waiting so that he would reveal what that something was.

Don't you want to wear the clothes I brought you, Drake?

Vernon's words pulled me out of the moment. I glanced at the silken cloth. "I think I prefer to remain naked. I've kind of gotten used to it. I hope you don't mind."

I do not. Whatever pleases you, my love. Besides, I prefer seeing you in nothing but your skin. Gives me something nice to look at.

"You always did look better with nothing on, Drake," Jankin interjected. "Perhaps I could get Taseem to paint you later--she's very good at such things. Then you'll be even more handsome than you already are."

"Don't change the subject. What do you want, Jankin?" My voice harsher than I intended. Although, the idea of having my body painted did appeal to me. I could have a covering and still be readily available for my Vernon, especially when it was time for our extractions.

Jankin wasn't hurt by my words, then again he never was. He came close to me, so close I could feel his breath caress my ear. He whispered, "I had a strange dream last night. And seeing as you're linked to the Priaxians I wanted to ask you what you thought of it."

Before I could ask what sort of dream he had, and why he would have thought that I could help him, Vernon said, Drake had a strange dream last night, too.

Seemed Priaxians had good hearing. Jankin visibly relaxed, and in a normal register added, "I dreamt that a Priaxian soldier was abandoned in the desert lands, calling out in anguish over and over."

So did Drake!

I nodded. "Vernon's right. I had the same dream."

"Then I was right to come to you." He let me go, moving over toward the window to soak in the view. "I think something's going on here, Drake."

I sighed, "You always think the worst, Jankin. Vernon has told me the deserted lands are filled with the souls of betrayers. Perhaps this soldier is one of those."

It is true. Those who have been exiled always end up in the desert.

"Perhaps you're both right." Jankin turned so he could look me in the eye. Whenever he was serious, he did such a thing. "But I get the feeling there's more to it than that. You said it yourself, the desert has many who have betrayed the colonies. But what if there's someone out there who shouldn't be? Why would he try and contact us both in our dreams if he was a genuine betrayer?"

"Coincidence?"

"Again, maybe you're right, Drake. You always did think you knew it all."

I wasn't offended by his words. Not because what he said was true, but because he finished his sentence with a sensual kiss upon my lips. The familiar taste of him, of tartness and sweetness, filled my thoughts. I missed him in a strange sort of way. Sure, he never loved me, not in the true sense of how two people who shared each other did, but still, his touch was welcome.

"You can be such a bastard, you know."

"I know. But mark my words, Drake. I think there's something going on here and I think it's going to be important when all is revealed."

This time I smiled at him. He always had a way of turning my thoughts to agree with his. "Okay, I agree it's strange that both of us should have the same dream. So for the here and now, I suggest we keep alert to anything strange or out of the ordinary, all right?"

Nodding, Jankin seemed satisfied with my compromise. "Fine. Now how about a quick fuck, for old times sake?"

Vernon came over me. I don't mind if you two join. I know that in the past some nourishers have been known to want their own from time to time during the symbiotic bonding with a Priaxian. I am not mammalian, and I have different--

"Vernon," I said, reaching up to rub his abdomen, feel his wonderful skin. "Jankin was joking. He always jokes when he gets his own way."

It will take me a lot longer than I thought to understand humans. You are so different to our native nourishers.

"That's a good thing," I said.

I am so glad I am with you, Drake.

"I'm glad I'm with you, too, Vernon. Now, let's go get something to eat. I'm starved." I let Vernon pick me up so he could place me onto his back. He did the same to Jankin.

Soon we were sailing through the air, a silken thread Vernon spun, all that bound us to the nest I had come to call home. Seconds later, we were upon one of the balconies of the many towers that surrounded the nesting grounds. A tower I remembered as being a communal area, a place where food and company could be found.

When Vernon had landed, the line of silk cut so as not to pull him back, and Jankin and I were on our own two feet, I said, "I think I might take you up on that offer, Jankin."

He turned lazily to me, grasping my hand in the process. "You want me to fuck you good and hard, after all?"

I let out a laugh. "No. I would like it if Taseem painted me."

"Ah. I think you made the right choice. Taseem is a master painter, known for it in all the worlds that encompass the treaty. Besides, I don't think my loving would satisfy you as much as it once did, now that you are bonded with a Priaxian that is."

I leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. "Compared to what I get now, your loving never satisfied me."

"Ouch!" He laughed along with me.

After a delicious meal, the servant caste prepared for us, consisting of all the exotic fruits I had come to love and a special protein mixture designed for humans, one that was tastier than I would have imagined, Vernon said, I will go and prepare the ship for our departure. Will you be all right without me for a moment, my love?

"I will," I replied, watching as one of the servant caste, a fertile male named Braken from what I remembered, pick up the last of our dishes from the table we ate at, scurrying away and trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. The creature's skin was almost white, hairless and looked to me like he was emaciated. His black eyes, all eight of them, were stark against his pallor. I couldn't help but wonder if he was happy performing menial tasks in the hope that one day he may be chosen to mate with the queen, to begin the complex cycle of reproduction the Priaxians had evolved over the eons. Sure, when the nourishers were bountiful, most of the fertile males had the honour, but not now. From what I could tell, I was one of only a handful of humans nourishing the next generation of Priaxians. Most of the fertile males nowadays never got to do what they were born to do. I couldn't help but feel sad for them. They certainly couldn't survive outside the colony. They were small, about human size, and weak in comparison to other Priaxians. I feared that even the light from the double suns of Priax would harm them. "I think my new look will take some time, anyway," I added, before Vernon or Jankin disturbed my train of thought.

Meet me in the intergalactic spaceport centre north of the citadel in three hours, bay sixty-seven. Our Queen is most anxious we get underway and begin our mission. Vernon shifted his gaze toward Braken. The servant was disappearing through a doorway. And the Queen insists we also have a member of the servant caste on board. I believe it will be Braken. The one who just went beyond the doorway over there.

"Sure," I said. Not really caring who came along. I had other things on my mind that were brought to the forefront when Jankin took my hand pulling me up onto my feet.

He said, "I'll make sure we're all there, Vernon." He smiled whispering to me, "Time to make you even more fuckable than you already are."

"I thought you said that your lovemaking wouldn't satisfy me anymore."

"Doesn't mean I don't want you, does it?"

My thoughts flashed confusion. Did Jankin have feelings for me, after all? Now that he knew he couldn't have me, that I wasn't interested in him, did that ignite a dormant fire within him? "And what about Taseem? I'm sure she'll have something to say about that."

"She understands, just like your Vernon. We've shared a lot together. Stuff that can't be forgotten so easily, you know."

I squeezed his hand. "And we had a lot of bad times, too."

"I know."

I shook my head. My thoughts went out to other matters, like what sort of design I would like to have over my body. Reminiscing with Jankin only proved one thing in my mind. My love for Vernon.

* * * *

Taseem, Jankin and I arrived at the intergalactic spaceport of the Great Southern colony with only minutes to spare. Vernon was waiting at the entrance to our latest ship, his concern clear as he tapped his front legs together. Our vessel was twice the size of the Flying Leaf, but no less graceful. I wondered what this ship would want to be called.

Two soldier caste warriors escorted us, Priaxians who were as scary looking as they were armoured, all horns and chitin and attitude. They were friendly enough to me, speaking when spoken to, but at the same time, they didn't add anything to any of our conversations. The soldiers addressed Taseem and Jankin with less regard. Perhaps because I was a nourisher I received automatic respect. Fine with me. The other thing I noticed was the fact that the soldiers spoke with their voices, not with their minds like Vernon did. Was that a sign of their lack of intelligence or something else?

Braken skulked behind.

In a way I was glad we were being escorted by soldiers this time. A couple of big, burly Priaxians could go a long way in the tight situations I'm sure we'll find ourselves in if our past experiences had anything to do with it. Their names were strange, but suited them in a way. One was Sern, the largest of the two. The other was Ryder. Ryder seemed to be the leader. He was the one who spoke the most when such a thing was needed.

We must hurry, Vernon said, running to me from across the docking bay. He picked me up the instant his reach could grasp me. Our departure time approaches.

"Hey, careful," I said with a chuckle, "You'll mess up my new wardrobe."

Taseem had done a magnificent job. Sure, lasering every hair off my body was a bit of a trial, especially those on my balls, but the result was worth it. Jankin had done all that. I think he enjoyed it, too.

The paintwork covered my body, from my ankles to my Adam's apple. It was a representation of a scene from Vernon's dream share, of the beautiful forests below the nests with the snow-capped mountains in the background. I was basically green and blue. Every square inch of my skin within the abstract mural Taseem had created was covered, even places that weren't seen with a casual glance. From the rim of my arsehole, the back of my balls, the inside of my foreskin, glans, and underneath my armpits, all painted with stuff that resisted rubbing and even erosion by sweat. Taseem had said doing such a thing was to maintain the flow of the piece she had created. That even if I bent down, urinated or had sex, the picture upon me would remain unaffected.

The paint was something to wear to be believed. It could breathe and remain comfortable on the skin no matter the weather conditions. But at the same time insulating, as if the wearer had clothes on. Apparently, it can only be removed by a solvent activated by a black light. Not that I would want to remove it yet. Not until I wanted to change the scene, anyway. So really, having said such a thing to Vernon was more to tease than anything else.

And it looks wonderful. I am so pleased you have chosen to cover yourself with what I can imagine as the forest below our nest. So much so I think a dry extraction will be in order sometime soon, don't you?

"I sure hope so. A guy doesn't get all prettied up just to look good, you know." I laughed.

You are always impressive to me, my love. But yes, I agree, you are very pretty. Vernon is so lucky that his nourisher is such a wonderfully handsome man and in so many ways, too.

I ran my hand along his back as he took us all into the ship. The door seal closed and we were whisked along corridors toward the bridge.

Soon we were all settled, Vernon at the controls. The vision bubble appeared, showing us that we had left orbit, heading for the Magellan Prime gateway.

A few hours later, and after we had left the Priaxian system, a buzz sounded. The ship, now known to me as the Gliding Leaf, said to us all, The Magellan Prime Spaceport Gateway is not registering on any of my instruments. Would you like a diagnostic?

I went to Vernon, my concern rising. He was busy gesturing over the control panel, trying to make sense of what the ship had just said. Yes, diagnostic, please.

"What does that mean?" Jankin asked, also coming over to us, Taseem in tow.

It means that the Magellan Prime gateway is no longer surrounded by the human spaceport. It has been destroyed.

The Strike at Magellan Prime

The Magellan Prime Spaceport has been destroyed by high intensity weapons fire. I am detecting much flotsam around the gateway, most of Earth standard technology and some of Auroran design, the ship said. I cannot detect any survivors.

"Aurorans!" I blurted. "When did this happen?" Without realising it, I had come under Vernon. Was it something I did when the situation around me got tense, seeking his shelter to reassure me? As I looked upon the vision bubble, I could now make out the debris the ship spoke of. Some of it was being sucked into the still active gateway. I shuddered, knowing I didn't want to travel through that, not without the assistance of all the resources of a spaceport at our disposal. Being lost in time would be a nightmare.

Taseem said, "It's retaliation."

Ryder let out a rough cough, one more like a bark. All our stares fell upon him. "It's what I would have done."

There was a moment of pause.

The soldier's words rang in my ears. Truth be told, they were quite scary. I think the queen had made the right choice sending Ryder and Sern. They thought like the enemy. And when I considered it, it made perfect tactical sense to destroy the quickest means of getting out of the Priaxian system. A trap could now so easily be set, as ships had to find an alternative route.

That silence was broken when the Gliding Leaf said, I am detecting a vessel approaching. Configuration unknown. Speed excessive. What action would you like to take, Vernon?

There is was. There had been a trap set. I believed right now would be the perfect time to get the hell out of here. Before I could speak, Vernon replied to the ship's words. Are you sure it's unknown?

Confirmed. Configuration unknown.

Now it was my turn to add a pearl of wisdom, even though it was bleeding obvious to me. "I think we should get away from here. I don't fancy a scuffle with a strange ship this early on in the mission."

Taseem, a look of concern drawing upon her face, said, "The nearest assisted gateway is located in the Tombworld system, some three days travel in heaven's light from here."

Vernon waved his hands over the control panel. Sounds like that is our only option. I don't want to risk gateway travel without guidance. Hang on while I make some quick manoeuvres.

Vernon's words reflected my concerns. Running my hands along one of his middle legs let him know I approved of his actions. He activated the heaven's light engine, and in an instant, the screen filled with the beautiful and familiar kaleidoscope of colours that meant we were now travelling at speeds close to that of light.

Sure, he made some quick adjustments, but to say the ride was a rough one was an overstatement. He controlled the Gliding Leaf so well, I hardly even noticed the course change and the sudden acceleration. I knew he was just being over protective, and right now, as the strange ship turned course to follow us, also engaging its heaven's light engines, I couldn't have loved him any more than I already did.

The unknown vessel is matching our course and velocity, the ship said.

This time Jankin piped up. "Great, looks like we're going to have a bogey on our tail all the way to the Tombworld system and the Hellsgate gateway." He finished his sentence with a sigh, moving so he could hold his wife.

Hellsgate. Now that was a word I hadn't heard in a long time. I remembered it was a sticking point during early negotiations of the Borders of Worlds Treaty. I closed my eyelids for a moment, trying to think of what had caused the problem, raking my brains for the answer.

Then it struck me. Of course. The enigmatic aliens, known simply as the Herdsmen, had argued that travel to and from Hellsgate was too close to the constellation us humans knew as Boötes. Apparently, their homeworld was one of the stars in that grouping. Although, which one and what they called it no one knew. Suffice it to say, they were adamant that no one should get too close to it.

In the end, the plans and building schedule for the Magellan Prime Spaceport were included in the negotiations, and the Herdsmen agreed. The manmade spaceport there would take the majority of the traffic to Priaxia and beyond, including the outer rim systems.

No matter all the details, the further we travelled from the Magellan Prime gateway--or what was left of it--the chance of being on the coral atolls of Annaz VI faded, too. We would have to go the long way around to Earth, coming close to not only the Tombworld system, but Epsilon Eridani, too. And of course, the Boötes constellation beyond that. Still, I had three days to get used to the idea.

Braken came up to us all, bowing his head, offering a tray of refreshments, including drinks. He didn't speak, but his gesture was most thoughtful. I hadn't realised it, but I was kind of thirsty. What's more, an extraction would be due soon, the double yellow suns of Priax setting within a couple of hours. Perhaps that would take my mind off recent events. I sure hoped so.

"Thank you," I said to the servant as I plucked a tall glass filled with blue fluid off the tray. I licked my lips and downed the cool refreshing fluid, one that satiated my thirst straight away.

Braken didn't reply. He simply retreated back to where he had come from, not turning his back on us, continuing to bow. Taseem and Jankin thanked him, too. The soldiers and Vernon did not. I found it common courtesy to do so. Then again, I even thanked the mechanical door to my old apartment back on Earth.

Vernon also drank thirstily from his glass, some of the contents dribbling from his mouth to drip off his mandibles. I wiped them clean for him. He cooed, a sign he was appreciative of my gesture.

Ryder said, "If we are in for a three day trip then we must take turns manning the bridge. Vernon and Drake, you must remain together. I suggest you take the first turn at rest." He would have known Vernon and I were about ready for an extraction. It was common knowledge. The whole lifecycle of Priax depended on it.

Again there was silence after the leader soldier had spoken. Again what he said was right. We couldn't all remain awake for three solid days.

Finally, Vernon said, Is the ship following us maintaining distance, Gliding Leaf?

Ship is maintaining distance.

Then I agree with you, Ryder, Vernon said, coming away from the controls, but not before entering in commands that would alert everyone to any changes to our pursuer. But what about the others? What order shall they take their rest?

Jankin said, "I don't mind when I get a break, but I think Taseem and I should be together…you know…we have a lot of catching up to do." He held his wife in an embrace that he had never graced me with. One filled with love and compassion. She let out a giggle. "Then again, perhaps the soldiers don't want to take command of the vessel while the others rest…just thinking."

Jankin had a good point. Sern didn't look like the type that was interested in doing anything other than breaking heads. And if he did have to do anything with a ship, then only a war ship would do. Ryder I wasn't so sure of. But, he was a soldier, maybe monitoring a control panel was beneath him.

Before anyone could answer, Ryder said, "Sern and I will do what is needed."

Good. Then we will divide into three groups for rest. Drake and I will take the first rest period, Jankin and Taseem the second, Sern and Ryder the third.

Ryder nodded. "Agreed."

"Um, what about, Braken?" I asked.

Ryder snorted, his voice harsh, even more so than usual. "He can sort that out himself. He is a servant. So long as he is on call when we need him, I don't care what he does when he's out of sight."

I was taken aback. Surely Braken needed rest, too. "Well, I think he should be included, that's all."

You are so caring, Drake my love. Vernon picked me up with his middle legs, bringing me close to his body. I rubbed his underside, the feel of his delicate hairs welcoming to my senses. A gentle coo continued to fill my ears.

"I'm sure he needs rest just like us," I added.

Then he will take the second rest period. That way, he is available for servant duties for the soldiers.

Ryder offered a slight bow to Vernon. "As you wish."

But I would like to know whenever the situation with the vessel following us changes, no matter if I am on rest or not, Vernon added.

Again Ryder acknowledged with a gesture of obedience. "Of course, Vernon."

Vernon smiled. Come, Drake. I do believe it's time we started our rest. I will need you soon anyway.

"I know you will."

* * * *

Even though we couldn't visit Annaz VI in the physical sense, Vernon and I could soak in its beauty when we joined, while he extracted the nutrients from me that the hatchlings within the egg he incubated needed. I know it sounded so clinical when I thought about an extraction that way, but what we shared was far from clinical.

As soon as we had arrived in our quarters, he picked me up, his eyes reflecting his want. I became engulfed in his warmth. His proboscis arms touched my body and in that instant, I closed my eyelids tight. The sound of his song filled my mind and body and soul and the familiar scenery of the coral atoll came into being.

The extraction was a beautiful thing, something I have never shared with any other being in my life. It was not only a completion, it meant everything to me, too. I was important, needed, loved on the deepest level I could have ever imagined.

I smiled.

No feelings could compare to that. Was that how women felt when they were pregnant? While they nurtured life within them. I couldn't say. But I'm sure being a nourisher came close to that.

Vernon was naked, his cock erect and his glans glistening with his excitement. I licked my lips. Not only was the scenery beautiful, my man was, too.

"I have waited all day for this," Vernon said, his voice was sultry and filled with as much need as I had ever heard from him.

I didn't answer. I didn't need to. I went to him. Within seconds we were one, our embrace tight. I kissed him. His perfect lips warm against mine. He opened his mouth to accept me on a deeper level. I obeyed.

Soon I was his, my mind spinning with the delight of his passion as it consumed me. I was hard, too. My foreskin offering no resistance as my bulging head exposed itself. Our genitals were touching and that alone was enough to satisfy me, enough to bring me to climax if need be.

I groaned.

Vernon parted our kiss. "Can I take you into my mouth?"

I let out a chuckle. "You're so formal sometimes. Even now, after we have done this many times. You don't have to ask, you know. Just do what you want with me, I'm all yours--"

Before I could finish my sentence, Vernon was on his knees. His hand grabbed me firmly, pulling at the root of my cock so that all of my sensitive skin was exposed, my foreskin fully retracted. My stomach quivered in that delicious way it always did when his lips touched my head. He kissed me there. No man ever kissed me there. Then, before I could revel in that thought any more, he took me into his warm mouth.

My handsome lover worked his tongue so magnificent, not too hard and not too soft, over my length. It didn't take me long at all to release all I had down his throat. I grabbed his head, scrunching up his hair as a climax consumed my body, and I gave him more and more of me. He swallowed it all.

Sure, I knew that I hadn't really given him my cum. I knew this was all a fabrication, designed to bring me to climax as soon as possible. The scenery, Vernon's human form, everything was for the purpose of the egg's survival. I understood that a tube-like attachment from his abdomen, the part of him that held the egg, surrounded my genitals. It was that which was milking me, directing my life giving fluid to where it was needed, to feed the hatchlings.

I didn't care. The mechanics of our extraction were not romantic at all, but the world in our minds that our symbiotic relationship created was something beautiful. Something to cherish, and I did.

That was all that mattered.

When I had woken from our extraction experience and Vernon placed me onto our silken bed, both sleep and hunger consumed me. I had a hankering for hotdogs. The real kind made from meat off-cuts and drowned in mustard sauce and ketchup. In the end, I decided that rest was more important.

My sleep wasn't peaceful.

That soldier invaded Vernon's dream share with me. Sure, I was safe in his arms, wrapped up with all eight of them so tight around me, I felt as though I was back in my mother's womb. But I couldn't help but get the sensation that I was in danger.

Was the soldier, front legs raised in a defensive pose, trying to warn me about something? The soldier screamed and screamed, yet I couldn't hear him. I was in a panic. What could I do? It was so real. Just like when Vernon and I shared an extraction experience.

I awoke, sweat covering me and breathing hard.

You had that dream again, didn't you, my love?

"Yes," I said, panting, trying to calm my racing heart.

Vernon unwound his legs, letting me sit upright. He came off the bed, heading for the food dispenser. Forget the hotdog. I hoped there was something sweet in there. Like chocolate cake slathered in thick, rich chocolate icing.

I saw it too, this time. And I can understand why you were so concerned about it. It was most disturbing. He pressed a few buttons on the organic machine, dispensing some of the fruits I had grown accustomed to.

"Do you know what it means?"

No, I don't.

A Surprising Discovery

After the second day travelling in heaven's light, and with the strange ship still pursuing, but also keeping its distance, we had all settled into a routine. Sure, Sern and Ryder seemed edgy, but I think that was to be expected. Their anxiousness to get to some action would have been overwhelming for them, and a ship, probably an enemy, would have accounted for that.

I was on our silken bed, coming off the high of our second extraction since we had been in space. My body was tingling with delight, my cock still semi-erect, my balls tight. I smiled at Vernon. He had been magnificent.

While I watched my beautiful lover come toward me, a satisfied glow radiating from his expression, a thought struck my mind. One I hadn't considered before.

"The Gliding Leaf is travelling a long way without refuelling, isn't it?"

Vernon grabbed the plate of human designed protein and exotic fruit he had brought me. I had eaten what I could. Seconds later, he embraced me. Once more I was wrapped in his care. It is a long distance flyer.

"I see."

I missed our old ship. To me, she seemed more personable. The Gliding Leaf was all duty and reporting. Then again, that suited Ryder, as I'm sure it did queen Astra, too. The old ship wouldn't have been able to handle being pursued, its engines no where near as capable as what we had now.

Are you all right, my love?

I pulled one of Vernon's arms away from my chest. "I think I want to go for a brisk walk around the ship. You don't mind, do you?"

Not at all. I will be here.

"Thanks."

I had to admit I hadn't seen much of the new ship. Perhaps that was why I was feeling a little less connected to it. Before I knew it, I was walking down corridors toward what I hoped was the engine room. I hadn't seen the engine room of a living ship before, not even when we were with the old ship. My mind considered what such a thing would look like. Would the engine be mechanical and clunky like human design, or flowing and beautiful, every aspect of it serving a function, like everything I had come to expect of Priaxian technology? I imagined it would be the later. Still, to see such a thing would be worth it. Plus, it would take my thoughts away from the solider who haunted my dreams.

I shivered. There must be meaning to the visions I had. I knew Vernon had nothing to do with it. Why would he plant such an image into my mind anyway? What purpose would that serve? None--no, there was something more going on. But what?

Before I could consider the questions that wheeled around in my mind, a noise disturbed my reverie. It came from within a room I approached, one that was right at the back of the ship and near my goal of the engine room.

The sound was that of pleasure, the two distinct groans, even though muffled through the walls, were unmistakable. I knew Taseem and Jankin were on the bridge. It was their turn to monitor. So who was being pleasured? Or more importantly, who was doing the pleasuring?

I came to a halt, trying to take in as much of the sound as I could. Try and confirm my suspicions without having to physically open the door and take a look. My mind drew a blank. I couldn't imagine Ryder enjoying anything but a good old fashioned bust up, breaking heads and revelling in the carnage. So, who was in the room?

My curiosity got the better of me.

I touched the handle, a sort of soft, squelchy thing that hung like a rope from the door. Pulling, as slow and careful as I could manage, the door opened a crack, and I peered in.

What was before me would be a sight that would be forever burned into my mind's eyes. Braken was against the wall, legs open wide, exposing his underside to Sern. The soldier was holding him up, dwarfing the servant, but what they were doing was universal.

Sern had Braken's hardness within his mouth. The Priaxian servant's cock, one that sprouted proud from a place between his abdomen and thorax, was massive. The largest penis I had ever seen. Slurping and sucking noises, as well as those groans that had brought me to this room in the first place, filled the air. Braken's eyelids were closed tight, his face a mask of joy. His front legs quivered as his lover--as I couldn't think of any other word to describe Sern at the moment--worked his length. An action performed many times between them, I'm sure. There was certainly no hesitation, no first time awkwardness here.

A few times Sern came away, exposing Braken's barb-like cock to the air, letting his pre-cum flow before taking him back into his mouth, letting out a delighted moan as he did so. The whole thing was quite erotic. A big, brawny soldier, all muscles and armour, giving a weak and spindly servant a blow-job. They were certainly into each other.

Which posed another question--why was a servant being pleasured by a soldier?

I didn't want to disturb them. I found myself both wanting to leave them to it and continue to watch at the same time. I needed to know more. However, I also understood that they would want privacy. I did when I was with Vernon, whether we were immersed in an extraction or just a physical bond.

Braken let out a cry.

Again my attention was brought back to the moment. I would say the servant was near climax. Sern came off him again, Braken's cock slick with the attention. This time Sern didn't return to his task. This time, and with such ease of movement, he manoeuvred Braken so he no longer leaned against the wall but was in a position to insert his erection into Sern's arsehole.

The soldier was on the floor, his turn to be receptive. I could now see his cock. It, too, was barb shaped, but nowhere near as large as his lovers. If I had to guess, I would say it was more the size something a human would be proud of, if endowed with it. Braken scurried so that he could get on top of Sern, his urgency clear.

With six of his legs wrapped around Sern's thorax, again dwarfed by the size of his lover, he used his front legs to help ease his erection into position. The hole he needed was where Vernon's extraction tube came from, the joint between the two main segments of his body. Seconds later, Sern let out a cry. He had been pierced, the noise he made as Braken's length disappeared within him was unmistakable. Sern's body shuddered as Braken pushed more and more of his length inside the soldier. I smiled. Seemed servants did have lives, after all. I was glad to know that they had time for such joy, not having to wait on others hand and foot all their lives in the vain hope they would be chosen to fertilise the queen.

I decided that now was the time I left them to it. They were sharing something special. Anyone could see that.

I was about to close the door, when Sern growled, "Get in here, Drake. Close the door behind you. I want you to see this. I want you to understand." His voice full of lust, love, hurt and joy. All the things that went with being filled with another. A voice I knew all too well, being a man who loved other men.

My mouth opened. I was about to speak, say that I was sorry I had intruded, when Sern screamed out something incomprehensible. Braken had begun his rhythm, the soldier's arsehole more than filled. All of Sern's legs quivered, splaying out as his lover gave him all he could give. Closing the door behind me, I was now an invited witness to what I believed to be forbidden love.

A few moments after I entered the room proper, Braken pulled out of his lover, again it was slick with his effort, so hard and shiny. He scampered along Sern until his hardness was positioned so that his soldier could take him into his mouth again.

Sern did no such thing. Instead, he used one of his hands to milk Braken's cock. With a gasp and more moans of sheer ecstasy, Braken climaxed. I had never seen so much cum. It exploded out of Braken and went everywhere, all over Sern's face and beyond, even though he opened his mouth to accept Braken's gift. Over and over Braken's cock pumped out more and more of his fluid. I would have been drowned in it, but Sern revelled in his servant's climax.

When spent, Braken collapsed onto Sern. They embraced, their limbs all a tangle as they cooed to each other. Their love more than evident.

"Did I please you, my beautiful one?" Sern whispered, his voice so soft I had to strain to hear it.

"You have always pleased me." Braken came so that he was looking into Sern's eyes. "Now let me clean you up."

"No. You are not my servant. I will do it. You relax. You have been wonderful and nothing else will do for you right now."

Picking up his lover Sern placed him with tender care onto a silken bed I had only just realised was in the room. Many kisses were lavished upon his pale skin. The servant curled up into a ball, content with the effect of his climax, pleased that he had made his lover happy. Soon he was asleep. I don't think he even noticed I was in the room. His love for Sern must be powerful indeed.

The soldier had reached over for a cloth, wiping his face and menacing mandibles of his lover's fluid. Sure, he had licked most of it away, swallowed a lot, too. But even the most enthusiastic tongue couldn't have removed all of Braken's cum.

Sern came to me. "Now you know one of the truths of our society. One I'm sure Vernon has neglected to mention."

"I don't understand…well, I know…I understand what you just did, that was plain to see. But…what I mean is…"

I couldn't finish my jumbled words as my thoughts tried to put the many questions I had into some sort of coherent order in my mind.

Sern snorted. I had noticed his penis had retracted back into place, the hole wet with fluid. Did he cum, too? "It is easy to understand when you know the structure of our society. I am sure the burning question is, why would a soldier be interested in a servant? Am I correct?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"It is the reverse."

Again I didn't fully comprehend the words he spoke. "What?"

"Soldiers have always been interested in servants. How could anyone resist them? They are so adorable, are they not?"

Again I nodded. Sure, servants were the Priaxian equivalent of what humans would call pretty boys, or twinks. I could see how a big tough military dude could find that attractive. Plenty of porn over the centuries had been produced with just such a dynamic. "I see."

"I don't think you do."

"I don't?" I folded my arms. I sure hoped he wasn't making fun of my lack of understanding. Although, I didn't get that feeling, even though his words stung.

Sern let out a laugh, one that confirmed he genuinely wanted to help me fathom the full extent of Priaxian society. "Soldiers are infertile, unable to reproduce. And as I am sure you have seen, not much to look at in regard to their sexual appendage. But the servants are fertile, yet at the same time they cannot impregnate the females. It is forbidden. Only the queen can produce eggs."

"I know all that."

"Yes. But as the nourishers have developed with the incubators, so have the servants and the soldiers. Like I said, the females are inaccessible. They live in their ivory towers, tending to the queen's every whim. All of the others, incubators, nourishers, servants and soldiers alike, do all the work for our society. To even touch a female without just cause is to invite exile and death. Not something I want. I am a soldier. I am bred to protect. But what can I protect if I do not know of love? I need to fight for something." He turned to look at his lover curled up on their bed. "Braken is my reason. I would fight for him to my last breath. Do you understand now?"

Then it struck me. The soldiers and the servants had developed a sort of symbiotic relationship, too. The servants waited for their one chance to impregnate a queen, but what did they do in the meantime? Males of all species have needs, and being fertile would mean that they would want--no, would have to sew their oats, so to speak. The soldiers would want companionship, a reason to die, as Sern had said himself. Also, a soldier's sexual equipment would mean that finding companionship among one another wouldn't be as satisfying as being with a fertile and well-endowed male. Although, now that I thought about it, I'm sure some soldiers did share relations with one another. Ryder didn't strike me as the type to love a servant.

"I do."

He slapped me on the back. "Good. Now I think I shall get you a drink. You look as though you need refreshment."

I couldn't have agreed more. "So what's Ryder's problem then?" I asked, verbalising an earlier thought.

Sern snorted again. But this time it was out of disgust. His brow wrinkled to confirm my suspicions. "He desired Braken many years ago. Their relationship never came to fruition. Braken had eyes for me."

"Will that be a problem?"

Sern had led me through many corridors. We came to a room that I could only describe as a sort of mess hall. A couple of food dispensers were on the far wall. Organic and silken furniture was scattered about the rest of the room.

"We have sorted that out in the proper way."

The familiar ritual of mateship rang in my mind. Seemed Priaxians weren't all that different, after all. "So you fought him for Braken and won, hey?"

"Yes."

"So why is it you let him lead you now."

"For the very reason you stated. I won. There is nothing else that bothers me now. I have my Braken. I am complete."

"Now that I understand."

The Priory Awakens

Sern and I sat and talked for what seemed an eternity. So long in fact that Vernon had come to seek me out. All three of us enjoyed drinks and a light snack of more exotic fruit as Sern continued to talk, let me know more about a society I had become a part of, yet was still discovering. A society I had to know more about if I was to go into negotiations for them.

Braken came into the room, too. He glanced at me and Vernon, keeping his head low, nervousness apparent in his stance. "It is all right, my beautiful one. They know of us. You are an equal here," Sern said, extending out his arms so he could take Braken into his embrace.

Well, I never knew such a thing even existed, Vernon said. Sure, I had heard rumours, but that's all I thought they were. I had explained to him everything Sern had told me, leaving nothing out, including the part where I witnessed their physical love for one another.

Sern let out a laugh. "You are young and naive, Vernon. But I would say the reason of your innocence to all this would be that you were too busy worrying about getting a nourisher. And when you got one, even more worried you'd be an unsuccessful incubator."

What you say is true. All my life, right from when I was newly hatched to when you came into my life, Drake, I have only been told of the joy of contributing to the next generation of my species. I had no real inkling of what was going on beyond my nest.

"You're such a big lug, you know that." I ruffled his hair on the underside of his chin.

You have told me that many times, my love. Now I think I understand what it means. Am I that naïve? That innocent?

"But that's what makes you such a beautiful person, Vernon. Don't forget that," I added.

Thank you. I think I needed to hear that.

In that moment, I had a hankering for some physical love. Not an extraction, not for the benefit of anyone else but for the love of each other. Become immersed with the rubbing of each other's flesh over one another until we both reached climax. To feel his hairs tickle every part of my body. To have his warmth consume me. Heck, I'd even take Vernon's hardness into me, if he was open to that idea. Perhaps I would ask him, one day.

Before I could suggest anything, Braken poked his head out from behind one of Sern's muscular legs. "There is something else you should all know." The servant still looked frightened. I had a feeling such a thing was so ingrained into him, no other mannerism could be evoked.

I turned my full attention to the servant, as did everyone else. "What is it, Braken?" Sern said, running one of his hands over his lover's head.

"There are servants who want more than just the love of soldiers or the now one in a million chance of being called to service the queen. There are those who want to be free and will do anything to accomplish that goal."

I wasn't surprised by what Braken had said. No matter how structured a society or how happy the members of it were, there was always discontent. That was one of the problems I encountered while drawing up the plans of the treaty. In the end, the majority ruled. That was the way it had to be. Decisions I had to make were hopefully in the best interests of the people of the planet entering the treaty. As I had found out since I had become a nourisher, my decisions were perhaps naive in themselves.

What do you mean?

"I mean that some servants have become powerful. These powerful few, only arisen since about the time of the native nourishers' demise, call themselves the Priory, and they wish for Priaxia to be a pure and abundant place once more. They wish for the servants--I mean, the fertile males, to rule instead of the queen. To have whomever they please and enjoy the riches of their ability to reproduce."

One word struck me in the sentences Braken spoke. "What do you mean by pure?"

Braken looked at me. All eight of his eyes bored into my soul. "They feel that Priaxia has strayed from the grand design. They feel that nourishers are not needed, no matter where they come from."

Vernon gasped. Are you saying that they want to become nourishers, too?

"I am saying that. They want to control all aspects of society. Control the soldiers through their physical needs, fertilise the females at will and nourish the eggs they produce."

I turned to Vernon. "Is that even possible?" Sure, I had seen how much semen Braken had produced. Much more than I could make even after fifty orgasms--but was servant sperm compatible for the nourishment of the egg? I know that humans were chosen because they were the most similar in composition to the native nourishers' sperm. Did servant semen have the same make-up? If so, that revelation would be a revolution.

I don't know, Vernon said with sincere and concerned tone of voice.

Braken said, "I would be willing to give you a sample of my ejaculate. For research into whether or not a servant's sperm could sustain a developing egg, of course."

Sern turned to look upon his lover. "And I would be willing to help get it from you."

Braken let out a coo. Sern caressed him. They really did love each other.

I had another thought. "Wouldn't that be known already?" I questioned.

Sern interjected. "Probably not. Remember, being a caste society, finding out such things wouldn't have even been considered. The nourishers had always done that task. And if it was known, such a thing would be a well-guarded secret."

That made sense. Another thought hit me, like a lightning bolt from a clear blue sky. I suspected this group calling themselves the Priory discovered their semen could sustain an egg. Perhaps the content of the sperm wasn't the problem, but the match of the nourisher to the incubator, the symbiotic relationship at the heart of the nourishment procedure. Vernon's body was designed to hold a mammalian life form. I knew that Braken's cock would have been too large to slip inside the semen gathering tube that fed the hatchlings inside the egg. I sincerely doubted that another Priaxian could be accepted into the extraction process, no matter how willing the incubator may be. It was a matter of mechanics.

I then knew the so-called Priory must know this, too. I believed that the real reason for their confidence in becoming known to all on Priaxia was because they had something more sinister in mind, another plan. Something that would bring to the fore how serious they were.

The next words from Braken's lips confirmed my theory. "The Priory has also kidnapped Mara."

Sern sat bolt upright, forcing Braken to hold onto him or fall onto the floor. "They have done what! Mara is gone? Impossible. Impossible!" he roared.

In that moment, Ryder entered the mess hall. "Mara has been kidnapped?"

"Yes!" Sern roared.

Ryder raised his front legs in a menacing defensive pose. "Tell me who would do such a thing and I will remove his legs one by one as I break every bone in his body."

Connecting the dots, I didn't need to be told who this Mara character was. He was in my dreams. Perhaps he knew the answer, had the solution as to how the servants could nourish the next generation despite the fact their physical form was incompatible with the incubator.

 It must have clicked for Vernon, too. Say, an extraction is about the joining of the mind as well as the body. How is it that the servants would be able to deliver their sperm? I have seen what your caste are endowed with, Braken. Your size is most certainly not of mammalian proportions.

Sern let out a laugh. "No, they certainly are not." He came down to kiss Braken on the top of his head. Ryder's gaze flicked away for a brief moment. It didn't take a genius to work out that he still had feelings for Sern's lover. "That is why us soldiers love the servants so. The pain and joy they give us reminds us that we have something to fight for when we are called to duty."

"Thank you, my Sern." Braken ran his hands across his lover's muscular bulk, before adding, "Mara is a great military leader, but he is also a Priaxian who worked closely with those who could--how shall I say this…breed or genetically modify others for the glory of Priaxia. It would not take much to modify a servant to be more compatible. I do believe he has the research hidden somewhere, and it is the Priory who is trying to extract this information," Braken said, his cooing filling the room while he continued to caress Sern.

Ryder let out a guffaw this time. "Then this pathetic Priory is wasting their time. Mara will never speak. He knows the importance of the structure of our society, the discipline that is needed to ensure our survival. Yes, we no longer have our native nourishers, but we have humans. And with Drake's help, fears of our extinction will remain foolish."

"Creating fear is a powerful weapon," I said. "This Priory will want to make sure that they keep up with that so their views become more widespread, like a poison through the reason of your society."

I don't speak for the majority, but having a servant act as a nourisher, modified or not, is…well it's not natural, is it?

Vernon didn't mean his words in any hateful way, I couldn't sense any malice from his tone. He spoke from the perspective of a Priaxian, who already had a nourisher. "I'm sure if the survival of your species depended on it, you would welcome anyone into your nest."

Perhaps you are right. I'm sorry if I offended you in any way, Braken.

"No need to apologise. I understand." Braken came out of Sern's grasp. "Then again, I think I feel the same as you, Vernon. I wouldn't want to be a nourisher, not if it meant missing out on the love I have for Sern. I am sure a lot of servants feel the same as I do. Many would also not want to have their genitals reduced in any way. A servant does not have much, the weakest of the castes, but by heck, our sexual organs are second to none of any sentient species." Braken's words were full of pride. I had seen why. I could also understand that a modified servant would then become an even lower caste than he was supposed to be. Then again, if the Priory got its way, perhaps the modified servants would become the new gods on Priaxia. A scary thought.

"And I am sure there are a number who feel as the Priory, otherwise their fanatic group wouldn't have become so bold as to kidnap a military leader and visionary for your people."

Ryder came to our table, towering over me. "No matter. We know our Duty. We must all protect Drake and Vernon while they journey to Earth. Everything else is but a distraction."

But I would still be curious know if servant sperm could nourish an egg.

I nodded. "I have to admit, I am, too. Knowledge like that could prove important as this situation develops."

Before anyone could add any more to the conversation, a klaxon sounded. Vernon jumped up from the table, so he could get to the communicator panel on the wall by the entrance door. When he waved one of his hands over the device, the voice of the ship said, The vessel following us has increased speed. I have accelerated as best I can, so we can maintain a safe distance from it. I don't know how much longer I can do such a thing, especially if it can go faster. Oh, and there is also a message from Priaxia. It is from the court of Queen Astra and it is for you and Drake. Did you want to hear it now or on the bridge?

Vernon glanced at me. I knew what he wanted to do. Seemed we were required. He replied, Drake and I will come to the bridge.

"I am coming, too," Ryder said.

Braken and Sern rose up from the table. "We will be there as well."

When the servant passed Vernon, because he was waiting for me, he said, I would like to invite you both to my quarters, Braken and Sern. Perhaps we could use that time to extract the sperm and analyse it.

Sern came over his lover, just like Vernon would have done with me. "Are you suggesting a foursome, incubator?" His words full of gentle laughter.

If I hadn't seen it I would never have believed it. Vernon blushed. Oh, no. Nothing like that. I just wanted to…I mean--

I went up to the big lug, running my hand over his leg to reassure him. "They know what you meant, don't worry. I think it's a great idea."

Vernon sighed relief. Oh, good.

Braken glanced at me, his soulful eyes catching the light, making them sparkle. "We will be there whenever you need us."

The Journey to the World of the Dead

On the bridge, Taseem and Jankin were hand in hand, looking upon the vision bubble and the heaven's light that seemed to surround them. Vernon went straight to his station, gesturing for the screen to change view.

As soon as the landscape of sub-space had finished turning before me, making me giddy, a view of the pursuing ship could be seen.

Enlarge view to full please, Vernon said to the ship.

The vessel behind us increasing in magnitude. It was in that moment, when the organic mass became more than just a blob in the kaleidoscope of colour around it, that the marking on the side of the ship could be distinguished. I knew who was following us. It was the Cult of Starfall, their flag unmistakable.

I didn't know why the Gliding Leaf hadn't warned us earlier. Perhaps it couldn't tell until now, the distance before too great. The next words the ship spoke confirmed my thoughts. I believe it is an Auroran spaceship in pursuit of us. The registry is that of the Cult of Starfall. I am sorry I didn't warn you earlier, but the configuration of the ship is new to my registry. It is something we have not come across before.

Taseem gasped. "How did they know when we'd be leaving Priax?"

I had a nasty feeling I knew the answer. Ryder spoke before I could form the words. "I believe that recent events are all connected. I also believe the Priory had something to do with it."

"The who?" Jankin asked, genuine puzzlement weighting his words and creasing his brow.

"A group of fanatics that want to genetically modify servants so they can be compatible with incubators, that's who."

"Oh."

I believe that the Cult of Starfall destroyed the Magellan Prime Spaceport, Vernon added, still gesturing over the control panel. It would only been a matter of time before a ship from Priaxia approached.

Taseem said, "Yeah, but why are they following us instead of just any ship?"

"I'm sure we're about to find out." As I said those words, the Cult of Starfall vessel increased speed yet again, coming so close magnification of the vision bubble was no longer needed.

Before Vernon could patch in the communication we had been summoned to hear from queen Astra, the Gliding Leaf said, We are being hailed by the Cult of Starfall's vessel.

Put it through. Audio only.

With a crackle over the speaker, a harsh voice said, "Drake Glauco, I know you are there. Can you hear me?"

All stares fell upon me. Leaning forward, a reaction that wouldn't have made any difference as to the strength of my voice over the communicator, but it made me feel better all the same. "I can hear you."

"Good. We need to talk." There was a pause. "Face to face."

Fuuucking Heeeell, why was it enemies always wanted to gloat in person? They had the superior ship, its speed more than an indication of that. I also wouldn't hesitate to say that they had superior weapons, too. "Please tell me why you would wish such a thing?"

Another pause. "Because I have vital information for you. I know you are protected by Priaxian soldiers, and your incubator friend has quite the reputation for being more than aggressive if you are threatened. I would come alone as a sign of my good intent."

I looked around the room, each and every face held a look of worry. However, things weren't achieved by being cautious. If the Cult of Starfall had destroyed a spaceport and pursued us across the light years to get our attention, the message must be worth hearing in my book. My gaze rested on Vernon. He was nodding, giving me the okay to proceed how I saw fit. "Come alone and unarmed. No tricks. If I suspect anything, you'll be sushi before you can blink. Understand?"

"Understood."

I will let the Cult of Starfall ship dock. I patted Vernon on his underside when I came beneath him. He gestured for the airlock and docking clamps to begin their arrival protocols.

"He didn't even say his name," Jankin said.

Sern snorted. "No need to know his name. He is the enemy. That is all we need to know. The sooner he has said his piece and left us, the better."

The queen's message is awaiting collection, the ship said, bringing me back from my thoughts. Thoughts that didn't bode well for the news the Cult of Starfall member would grace us with.

Let's hear it, Vernon said. I could tell he was worried, too, his voice in my mind sombre.

Queen Astra's voice filled the bridge. "I have heard the terrible news that Spaceport Magellan Prime has been destroyed, delaying your arrival on Earth. I have informed the human authorities of this tragedy, and my thoughts go out to the families that have lost love ones. But other pressing matters have come to my attention, and Drake, Vernon, I will be forever in your debt if you can address them before you proceed to Earth. On Tombworld, there is someone waiting for you. He has information of the whereabouts of Mara. I cannot go into much more detail just in case this message is intercepted, but know that I wouldn't ask you to do this if it wasn't of the utmost importance. Thank you, and may the skies bless you in your travels."

The message ended.

Vernon cradled me with his arms, pulling me off the ground, bringing me close to him. I think we are going to find out what damage the next stone cast by the enemies around us has done, especially when our friend from the Cult of Starfall gets to say what's on his mind.

He had said enemies, and he was right. Not only was there the Cult of Starfall and the Auroran military to contend with, we now had the Priory. I wondered how many more foes would join the ranks against us before the first real shots were fired in the impending war that now appeared a foregone conclusion.

* * * *

The sight of an Auroran up close and personal was something I would have been happy to never experience again in my life. The alien spoke the truth when he said he would enter the Gliding Leaf alone. Still, I couldn't help but get the feeling he was up to something. Then again, on past experience with the Cult of Starfall, that was expected.

"I see you look just as ugly whether your skin is decorated or not, human named Drake Glauco," he said to me as soon as the interior door of the air lock was opened, the seal hissing.

Vernon came over me. I ignored the Aurorans blatant attempt to try and put me on the back foot. An interesting tactic a lot of people employed when they wanted to achieve superiority in a situation, like a verbal equivalent of the flat handed hand-shake.

I smiled. "Would you like to get right down to business, Auroran?"

What is your name? Vernon spat. I could sense his discomfort even from underneath him. I couldn't blame him, the sting of the Auroran weapons that had injured us both was still a fresh memory.

"I would like to get to business, as you say, Drake Glauco. But if you must know, I am Agnon's brother, Wilmot."

If the first words out of his mouth hadn't riled me, those certainly did. Agnon's brother? Shit. Seemed any trust, no matter how slight, between us would be an impossibility.

"Agnon died with honour," I added, my voice all of a sudden losing any force.

The Auroran named Wilmot came toward us. "How would I know? His voice was silenced before he passed on. His soul never able to bask in the glow of his kin."

Did you come here to seek revenge, Auroran? Or did you want to tell us what you have on your mind so we can be rid of you?

Vernon was my strength, in more ways than one. I don't know how I had lived all my years without him. "Vernon is right. Please, say what it is you need to so that we can get on with our mission."

Wilmot harrumphed. "Are we to talk in corridors like females discussing trivial matters?"

Vernon's shadow moved away. He was no longer above me. I missed the sensation of having him there straight away. Come into the conference room. We will talk there.

 Without another word, and with Sern and Ryder escorting us, Vernon led us all to the conference room. The same room I had seen Braken ejaculate all over his lover and reveal the deepening complexities of Priaxian society. The image of his huge penis, one whose function was to impregnate the queen, was a sight I would never forget.

When we were all in the room proper, Vernon said, Get to it, Wilmot. I have work to do.

"Copulating with your human nourisher, no doubt." But before I could add anything to try and correct Wilmot's blatantly misinformed statement, say that the joining of incubator and nourisher was something far deeper than his hive mind could grasp, he added, "But that is the very reason for my visit."

Go on.

"I would like to make a proposal--well actually, the Cult of Starfall would like to make a proposal. I am merely the messenger." Wilmot paused for effect. It worked, we were all captivated by what he would say next. We didn't have to wait long. "We would want to set up a non-aggression pact between our people's and those of Priaxia and Earth. As you know, we are of a hive mind. I have the authority to speak for the greater good of the Cult of Starfall."

There it was. Out in the open. I had to stop myself from laughing. If history had taught me one thing, any army, terrestrial or alien, who extended out such a gesture of goodwill, especially when their actions spoke otherwise, were up to something. "You're scared of something happening before you're ready to move your armies against us, aren't you, Wilmot?"

The Auroran turned to me with a casual disinterest, trying his best not to look as though all the Cult of Starfall's plans rested on what he did and said in these next few moments. I could tell. His body language gave him away. He was anxious, nervous even. The jerky movements of his hands in front of his body, and his inability to sit still, more than enough evidence of that.

"I don't know what you mean. All we want is the continued survival of Priaxia and the safety of those on Earth."

Then it clicked. Why I hadn't seen it earlier was beyond me. I would bet my life the news of the Priory had reached Auroran and therefore, the Cult of Starfall's ears. In fact, I would lay a month's wage on the fact that it was Aurora, who gave the Priory their new found sense of confidence. Why else would they choose now to reveal their plans? "You want to ensure that the trade of humans to Priaxia remains, don't you?"

Wilmot visibly flinched. I then knew what I said had hit a nerve. "You make it sound so cold, Drake Glauco. Have you not been enriched by the Priaxian symbiotic bonding?"

"I have." I rubbed one of Vernon's legs. "But that's not the reason for your empire extending out a treaty of non-aggression, is it? You want to make sure you continue to profit from the trade you have set up yourselves, keep what you are doing an underground procedure so you can continue to use it as revenue for the war machine you are building. I take it from your words that you've heard of the Priory, then? Am I right…Wilmot?"

He let out a sigh. "You see clearly, human named Drake Glauco. No wonder your reputation precedes you. You are right. This Priory, as we have heard, is a threat to all of us. Why they have suddenly gained a voice we do not know, but there are far worse out there than Aurorans. Perhaps they have allied with an enemy greater than even you can imagine. Perhaps not. I suggest you take us up on our offer or suffer the consequences."

Is that a threat? Vernon shouted, standing up. His frame dominated the room.

The Auroran stood, too. "Take it how you will."

"Just a moment," I said, raising my hand, gesturing for Vernon to calm. I could see the short term benefit of being at peace with the Cult of Starfall. At least it would buy us some time to discover the real depth of the Priory's betrayal to Priaxia. Also, the new enemy Wilmot spoke of may be revealed, too. I had a feeling he already knew who they were, and probably had dealings with them in the past. "I agree there needs to be something like what you speak of between our peoples, Wilmot. We are heading to Earth. That is our mission." I didn't want to tell him of any of the plans Priaxia and Earth were undertaking, especially not about the military partnership or the arrangement for nourishers. I added, "I do not speak for humans, but I will do what I can for the here and now. I am also sure that you know we are aware of your interests and intentions. Do not think for one moment because we are on friendly terms, we will no longer be vigilant."

Wilmot bowed. "I accept these terms and your words. We will be vigilant, too."

The Servant Provides

I breathed a sigh of relief when the airlock closed and Wilmot was on the other side, heading for his ship.

The Gliding Leaf said, Auroran vessel has disengaged. No longer on my scanners. We have a clear path to Tombworld and the Hellsgate gateway.

That was good news. Vernon picked me up, cradling me in his arms. It is time for us to be together, my love.

"I didn't think the double suns of Priax had set yet."

They haven't. But I fear that once we reach Tombworld, we may not get a chance to feed the hatchlings straight away. They must not go hungry. Before I could question him about his reasoning, he added, The news of queen Astra's agent on that world may take us away from our original path.

I nodded. Yes, he had explained his fears, but another question melded into being within my mind. "You know you can have me any time you wish, you big lug. But tell me, why do you say that we won't be heading to Earth after we have reached the gateway?"

I have a bad feeling, deep in my abdomen. The news Wilmot just gave us confirmed in my mind that the gears of war are well and truly in motion and that their next stone will be thrown soon.

"You'd make a great treaty lawyer."

I only wish to make a great lover for you so you will give the egg the nourishment it needs. That is all I have lived for.

I laughed, one that was in no way a sign of disrespect to him. It was to affirm my feelings, too. "You're such a sweetie." I turned to Sern. "If you and Braken would like to come to our quarters now, you would be welcome. I think it's time we get some answers to help solve some of the puzzle that seems to be getting more and more complicated as we go on. If servant sperm can or can't nourish an egg, that information could prove vital as to how we proceed in dealing with this Priory." As I thought about what I had just said, I realised I didn't know what it was the hatchlings needed from sperm. Human semen had a high fructose level. Was that it? Did servant sperm have just as high a concentration? Or was it some other component? Was it the amino acids? Without analysis, there was no way to know. Something I was now keen to do. Information was power, after all.

The soldier bowed. "Immediately, Drake." When Sern had left us, Ryder, too, I said, "What is this enemy Wilmot spoke of? Do you know?"

I have heard rumours of a race that live on the rim of the galaxy, far away from any other sentient beings. Vernon paused. I believe they called themselves the Herdsmen. Although I couldn't be sure.

"I've heard of them. But they're isolationists to the point of being xenophobic to all others. They only joined the Borders of Worlds treaty so they could be left alone. Why would they come to the fore all of a sudden?"

Perhaps the Auroran's grasp has stretched beyond their reach. Perhaps they have woken the giants.

"Or perhaps there is another reason, one we don't know just yet."

Vernon cooed, running his hands over my back, carrying me to our quarters. The Priory have become a loud voice recently, an action that they haven't accomplished in all the millennia up to this point. I am sure you are right, Drake, my love. We will soon know.

"And that's another thing that's bothering me. I think Braken said it himself perfectly, why would a servant want to take orders from a new caste, ones that have had their genitals modified so they can fit into the feeding tube of an incubator? They would be considered lower than the low, wouldn't they? I mean, the servants have evolved that large so they can service the queen. Surely, that is worth everything to them."

It is. All the servants want that chance no matter how small, just like all incubators want a nourisher and an egg. That is the way of things.

"Then there is something else going on."

* * * *

Vernon placed me carefully onto our silken bed. A few moments later, Sern and Braken entered our rather spacious quarters. One larger than our nest back on Priaxia. They were a perfect match, now that I thought about it. Braken was about my height, Sern larger than Vernon. As soon as they were in the room, Sern picked up Braken cradling him under his abdomen, protecting him.

"How do you want to proceed, Vernon?" Braken questioned.

I need to join with Drake for an extraction. You can join with each other at the same time, if you so wish. I do not want to inhibit you in any way, so you can return to your quarters or stay here. It is up to you. Just make sure you gather a sample of your sperm for analysis by the Gliding Leaf's computer. He went over to an organic dispenser, retrieving a tall glass beaker, one that would have held at least half a litre of fluid. I took it that was what Braken had to fill. An easy task for him, especially from what I had seen earlier.

Vernon handed the container to Sern. The soldier said, "We will stay here. Our quarters are shared and I do not want Ryder to stumble across us when we are together. He is jealous enough, his eyes turn dark and intense when he sees me hold Braken's hand."

"I understand," I said.

Braken started to spin a silken bed, one for him and his lover, while Sern came over him, touching him, cooing as he worked. A short time after that, the soldier took up the servant in his arms once more, holding him just like Vernon held me. Braken's cock emerged from its sheath, his foreskin peeling back to reveal his bulging barb-like head. Again the sight of it left me amazed by its sheer bulk. Sern gasped, coming onto his back so that his lover was in the perfect position to take him, legs splayed and quivering with the anticipation that would have built up inside him since he had entered our quarters.

The two of them kissed. Braken moved down his lover's massive frame so his cock could enter his warmth. When pierced, Sern let out a yell that was both filled with pain and joy.

I have never seen such a thing. Sometimes being an incubator I am left out of the nuances of my own culture. It's beautiful what they have together, isn't it? I can't believe the Priory would want to stop such a thing.

"I agree." Watching Sern and Braken was not only fantastic, it was damn hot, too. The way Sern's whole body quivered while Braken gained his rhythm. Awesome.

But I do think its time for us to be together, my love. Vernon's words rang magnificent in my ears. I was ready, and having Sern and Braken sharing their love for one another with us, too, added something special to the moment.

I was already hard as he picked me up. I pulled at the root of my cock, making sure my foreskin was retracted so that Vernon's extraction tube, now visible from a cloaca located in the joint between his thorax and abdomen, could do its job a lot easier. My cum would shoot right down into it, every drop given to the egg, not wasted caught up within my own sensitive skin.

As soon as his proboscis arms touched the side of my body, and my skin touched his as he drew me close, I closed my eyelids. His heartbeat, his song loud in my mind.

We were one.

I was on Annaz VI, the place I had come to know as our very own. The starfish were returning to the sea to start their cycle of life all over again, and the sun was sinking below the horizon, setting the sky ablaze with burnt orange tones. Everything was perfect, including the sight of my Vernon as a man, naked, cock erect, and ready to have his way with me. I wanted him so bad, needed him, in fact.

"You are so handsome under the waning light, my love," he said, coming to embrace me, his breath on my ear sending chills of delight down my spine.

I moaned but didn't reply. Instead I pushed on him, using my weight to let him know I wanted him to lie down. He didn't hesitate. Soon, our bodies, skin and hair and the very breath of our lives were touching as we rolled in each other's arms on the coral atoll.

Our kiss was as deep and beautiful as any we had shared. Our tongues touching, our saliva mingling as his taste overwhelmed me, made me even harder and hornier than I already was. We did this for an eternity, and I would have done it for an eternity more if I didn't have other things on my mind. I wanted him.

Without hesitation, I parted his legs once our lips came away from each other. I kissed my way down his chest, stomach and cock. I teased. Licking him all over before I came down onto his arsehole with my tongue. I was at his rim with enthusiasm, wetting him, preparing him for my love. He groaned and arched his back, letting me continue. I hardened my tongue, using it to pierce his warmth. He shuddered while he grabbed his cock and jacked himself off.

"Oh, take me, my love. Take me before I explode with delight."

I didn't need any more encouragement than that. I began my journey across his skin with my tongue, but in reverse, licking his balls, cock, stomach, chest, neck. Everything, every millimetre of his was mine to touch, and I did so as if it were the last thing I would ever do.

"Ready?" I said with a gasp when I was back at his lips, my breath a part of him.

He nodded.

I pushed my erection against his arsehole once I shuffled into position. He grabbed his legs underneath his knees, opening them wider, letting me take him so easily. I did.

He let out a yell of delight as I sunk my hardness into him. Inch by inch I pushed, and as he relented, as his arsehole sucked my cock into him more and more, I shuddered, too. Soon I was gaining my rhythm, pushing in as far as I could go, root deep in his flesh, then pulling out so the rim of my head was visible. I did this over and over, all the while watching him with intent. I loved watching him wrinkle his nose, to see his lips quiver as I moved myself inside him. His eyelids were shut tight, too.

"Fuuucking heeeell," I yelled out as my body began its inevitable climb toward ecstasy. I ran my hands over his chest, gripping his nipples before I came down so I could hold his hips tight, force myself into him deeper and deeper. He was in the throes of passion, too. Sweat had given us both a sexy sheen, and his groans, raw and deep, filled me with pleasure. I had given him what he wanted, how he wanted it, and that was all that mattered.

Without having to jack himself off, and while he was still holding his legs open for me, he came. Great white ribbons of cum laced over his stomach. He shuddered, every muscle within him taut. I could feel his rim tighten around my length as he climaxed. That was more than enough to send me over the edge.

I came, too.

Seconds later, once I had pumped all I had into him, my eyelids opened. I was back on the Gliding Leaf, back in the arms of the Priaxian that meant the world to me. He was running his hands across my heated body, cooing into my ear.

"I love you," I said without thought, bringing my arms around him, enjoying the sensation of his hairs against my touch.

I love you, too, my Drake.

In that moment, I heard a noise that was both familiar and welcome. Braken yelled out. I turned to look upon the other silken bed while engulfed by Vernon's warmth. The servant had ejaculated, too. But instead of blowing his load over his soldier, as he had done before, he came into the container. Sern held it, using one of his other hands to continue to milk Braken of all he had.

The beaker was full in no time.

Vernon came off me, taking the sample off Sern. We must get this analysed, he said, placing the container back into the dispenser, pushing buttons.

The Gliding Leaf said, Analysis commencing. While that completes, I should let you know that Tombworld is now on the scanners. We have arrived.

"I think we should get up to the bridge," I said.

"I will make us all some refreshments," Braken said.

You don't have to do that.

"I want to," the servant added. "Besides, I have never felt so complete in all my life, and I owe that to my wonderful Sern and to you and Drake's understanding. Thank you."

"Well, you're part of our team," I said. I understood what Braken meant. He was a servant, to do as others told him. But as it was now known, he was something more than that, proving that he was valuable. "We need you."

Braken blushed.

Tombworld Reveals its Secrets

Jankin and Taseem had been relieved by Ryder well before our last extraction. They needed time to themselves just as much as anyone. Ryder said he didn't mind. He said he didn't need much sleep, anyway. I had a feeling it was to keep as much distance as possible between him and Braken. Ryder was the only one on board who didn't have someone to love. I felt sad for him.

When we were all on the bridge once more, and Vernon was back at the controls of the Gliding Leaf, I said, "I've never been to Tombworld."

Neither have I. Vernon gestured for the vision bubble to appear. On screen, a planet came into being, brown and dull looking. I could understand why they called it Tombworld, even from space. The planet looked dead. Humans didn't venture much to this part of space, nor did anyone else, for that matter. Apart from the fact that it was near the edge of Herdsmen territory, the Hellsgate gateway was out of the way for commerce and travel and even tourism. Tombworld was more a curiosity for those inclined to want to venture there. To travel through the densely populated parts of the galaxy, all used the Magellan Prime Spaceport. Re-building it, with better defences, would have to be a priority.

"I have heard it is filled with the graves of Kings and Queens from all the once great species of the galaxy," Jankin said. "That is why it is called Tombworld."

Taseem looked at him, a smile on her lips that was warm and wanting. "There are even humans there, from what I have been told."

"I heard that, too," I said.

Jankin sure looked damn fine. Taseem had painted him, too. His nakedness, that wonderful cock of his, now coloured like the rest of his body. The design she had created was sombre, filled with oranges and reds and artistic streaks of black. I liked it. Taseem was a true master of her craft, for attention to detail just as important as the broader picture when it came to body art. Jankin's balls, larger than mine, had been shaved, as had the rest of his body. They had been busy indeed.

I smiled. I could see why painting was fashionable at the moment. Jankin looked hot, with a body to match. A flash of emotion washed over me. In that instant, I missed him. Sure, his love was one sided compared to what I shared with Vernon, but still. Sometimes a good raw fuck for a fuck's sake was needed, too. Perhaps I would take up Jankin's offer, now that I knew I had Vernon's permission, and get him into our bed. I'd suck him so hard that he wouldn't need a dark light and dissolving solution to get that paint off the inside of his foreskin.

Entering Tombworld's atmosphere, the Gliding Leaf chimed, knocking me from my reverie, from my wishful thinking, as being with Jankin would also be a reminder of the bad times, too. Some things sex couldn't repair.

I turned my attention back to the vision bubble. From the corner of my eye, I could see Vernon conducting, telling the ship to come to land. A clunking sound could be heard. I assumed the landing gear had been engaged.

Seconds later, we landed with a puff of engine exhaust and dust. The pad Vernon chose was nestled between many towers. They were dark structures, with small windows in a uniform pattern all over them. Markings added to their mystery. Beyond the pad was an entrance way into the imposing structures, all colonnades and walls inscribed with ancient symbols.

Waiting underneath a portico was a Priaxian. An incubator, but one who obviously held no egg, for there was no nourisher in sight.

That is Wyatt, Vernon said, a touch of joy in his voice.

"Who?" I asked.

He was the one who hatched last season's egg. He is a great hero among our people. Now that his time has been spent, unable to carry an egg any more, he serves the queen in other ways.

My lover's words shocked me. "Will that happen to us in a few years' time, Vernon? I mean, when I've fed the hatchlings within you so that they have reached maturity, will I no longer be needed at your side?"

Vernon came to me, ruffling my hair. Oh, Drake my love, we will always be together. The symbiotic bond is sealed for a lifetime. No--Wyatt's nourisher was a Priaxian native. He passed away from the poisoning that wiped them all out. Wyatt is now alone, never to hear the song of his lover ever again as no one else can be mated to him.

I swallowed hard, yet at the same time felt a great relief that I wasn't expendable. "Can't he ever feel love…ever?"

Vernon didn't reply. Perhaps because he didn't know the answer. Perhaps because he had already told me. Instead, Taseem said, "And now you know why the Auroran resistance have gained in number of late. What they have done to the Priaxian native nourishers is inexcusable."

"And to think the Aurorans did it all for profit, so they could kidnap and sell humans. They disgust me," Jankin spat.

"Money always does that," I said.

Opening the airlock now, the Gliding Leaf said. I will use the time we have here to re-fuel. Systems will be down for about five hours. The sun is good here.

Understood. Vernon gestured for me to leave the bridge. I did so. He was above me, protecting me even though we walked through familiar corridors. Sern and Ryder had taken up their usual places, too. One in the lead, the other behind. Taseem, Jankin and Braken followed Vernon and me.

Soon we were outside. The air of Tombworld tasted strange, almost metallic. Was it because it was clean, unaffected by the pollution of population like all the other worlds I had been on? I couldn't say. I chewed on my tongue to moisten my mouth, rid the tang overwhelming my taste.

Wyatt came to us straight away. When he spoke, he spoke with his voice. Then again, mind speaking would now be lost to him. He had no one to share it with. "Welcome, my friends. Are you refreshed? Do you need anything before I tell you of the news that is needed to be said?"

We are fine, Wyatt. Vernon and Wyatt touched foreheads in greeting.

The Priaxian incubator named Wyatt looked different to Vernon. I could see why. His abdomen was small, without an egg. His hair was also grey, showing the signs of his age, of his weariness. His eyes reflected an emptiness, too, one only he could understand having lost his nourisher. "Then come into the great chamber of Tombworld. It is there I have something to show you."

The great chamber was indeed that. The walls were lined with cylinders that contained the dead, as well as treasures, flags and many, many tablets inscribed with details I couldn't read. Most were probably in a language that hadn't been spoken for eons, as dead as the world itself. The preserved bodies were of aliens I didn't recognise. Some were huge, grotesque. Others petite, with spindly limbs that looked too frail to hold any weight. In fact, each cylinder held a different species, a showcase of all those placed here. For what purpose, I couldn't fathom.

Sern had taken Braken to the other side of the chamber. They were studying the graves, because that's what they were. The rest of us followed Wyatt to a plinth. Upon the stone, there was an organic computer, leaf-shaped and slender. I knew that wasn't of this world.

When Wyatt gestured for the thing to activate, that confirmed my suspicions. A miniature vision bubble filled the air above the computer. Wyatt stepped back.

What I saw took my breath away. It showed a view of a spiral galaxy, the Milky Way. Then, coming in closer, we saw a star cluster on the far side from the Sagittarius arm where Earth was located. Closer and closer the view focused, until we were looking at a single yellow star, similar to Earth's sun.

Orbiting that star were five planets. The third one was inhabited, the distinctive signs of industry clear. The lights of cities on the continents on the dark side, satellites in orbit with space stations and other structures, more than enough to deduce that fact. The design of these objects was something a human wouldn't have created. It was all jagged and awkward, with white spires and towers that seemed precarious, yet beautiful at the same time.

The view then got closer, onto one of the orbiting structures. A face of an alien, elongated and thin, with eyes deep set and severe, filled the vision bubble. It was bluish grey in colour, wearing a head garment that also seemed to jut out at peculiar angles. When it spoke, I couldn't understand the words.

"Please wait for the translation from the one we now call the motherless," Wyatt said. He must have seen the looks of confusion on our faces.

There was a moment where the strange words of the alien seemed to melt away, the language like Russian and Chinese and filled with clicks no longer invaded our ears.

Then the message ended.

Before I could turn to Wyatt, ask who these aliens were, the screen lit up once more, and English standard echoed throughout the chamber "…the Priory cause will be supported, for we require humans for other needs. Priaxia is for Priaxians. That is the relationship we shall honour between our worlds." To my horror, the voice was that of a young teenage boy. A rather attractive boy with caramel coloured skin and deep brown eyes. I was taken aback for a moment as I studied him. He looked familiar, yet I had to admit, I'd never seen him in my life. I didn't have time to think about it any further, Taseem screamed something incomprehensible.

All of our gazes fell upon her.

Jankin held her head to his chest, comforting her. He looked up, his concern and horror clear, his eyes filled with tears. "That's our Ranjay," he said with a gasp, one that filled me with dread.

"Then he is not motherless?" Wyatt asked, his voice genuine and not mocking at all.

Taseem, with all the emotion and hurt and concern for her son, blurted, "He most certainly is not. He is our baby, taken away so many years ago from me. We have been…we have been…" She couldn't finish her words. Jankin held her tighter. With nowhere to go, she collapsed in his arms.

I didn't know what to do.

Go and comfort Jankin and Taseem or continue watching the message. Before I could move a muscle, the boy's words filled the chamber once more. The decision had been made for me. What Ranjay said struck fear into my very soul. "I am the voice of the Herdsmen," he began. "Humans are worth nothing other than to be consumed by the great race that has taken me in, spared my life for my loyalty and service. The Herdsmen will support any cause that will give them their food. We will help the Priory to genetically enhance Priaxia's new caste with the information they will obtain from their soldier warrior Mara. We will help the Cult of Starfall on Aurora by providing advanced weapons technology. We will help the Boldians by ensuring their movement is unrestricted. We will help the…"

Ranjay's words sunk away, my mind spinning with so many questions. Vernon's words brought me back to the moment. But I thought you said the Herdsmen were isolationists, Drake my love?

I licked my lips. This was indeed getting complicated. Something had happened. Something that had made the Herdsmen act.

Ranjay continued on with his rehearsed drone, "…Humans have encroached into our space. Now that the Magellan Prime Spaceport has been eliminated it has drawn them even closer. Even now there are those who trespass against us. The Herdsmen will not tolerate such an act, and our retaliation is the desire to see you all as lambs."

My God, Magellan Prime wasn't destroyed out of retaliation. It was destroyed for a reason, and if my hunch was correct, such a thing had been planned long ago. The Aurorans have been playing both sides, all sides. First they mined the Eldon for living bone to help finance their war machine. Then, through the Boldiens, kidnapped and sold humans to Priaxia for nourishers. And now, with Magellan Prime destroyed--the only manned gateway was closed between the sentient worlds and Earth--they are trading humans for food with the Herdsmen. If this was going to continue, humans were in trouble.

I felt sick.

When the message had played and their son had faded from the screen, Jankin asked, "Where did this come from?" I could tell he wanted to act, go and search out those who had captured Ranjay.

Wyatt came over to comfort Taseem and Jankin, their sobbing something that would haunt me until Ranjay was safe in their arms. "It is from the Herdsmen themselves. It took a great deal of resources, including lives, to get it into the hands of Auroran resistance agents and then onto me."

For the first time in my life, I hated something. I hated the Aurorans. They had the gall to offer us a non-aggression pact, while at the same time, supported those who had intentions of wiping out humanity. All of this because of the wheels they set in motion themselves. I would bet they had alternative plans for all of their dealings, too, including their relationship with both the Priory and the Herdsmen. I pitied them all in a way. Seemed the Aurorans would stop at nothing to get what they wanted, total domination of the entire galaxy.

Now I knew why the Priory had found their voice, they not only had the support of the Herdsmen and Aurora, they had Mara, too. The new caste of servants would be beings that were both fertile and tough, a powerful combination for a caste society. Seemed the dream of the Priory would soon be reality, at humanity's expense. The Aurorans had played us all well, setting up the trade of nourishers as a front for their real intentions.

"One thing I know now with every fibre of my being," I said between my teeth. The bile had risen up to my throat, and I swallowed it down, leaving the taste of bitterness in my mouth. Taseem was in tears, and all the others were stunned to silence. I knew what I had to do my path was set. "I must stop this."

Leaving the World of the Dead

Tombworld would be a place that would leave me cold whenever I thought about it. Many archaeologists, scientist and even tourists had always raved on how important the place was. The tombs of the world were a snapshot of the galaxy from millennia ago to today, the dead preserved in the impenetrable glass cylinders for all to study. There was even a Herdsman. I knew, I stood in front of it for what seemed an eternity.

I had to figure out our new enemy if I was going to come up with a viable solution as to how we could defend ourselves against them. Sure, Priaxia had their new wave reflector weapon, and our alliance would prove invaluable. If the Priory could be stopped, that is. What was the point in negotiating a treaty of mutual benefit when a faction within Priaxia was acting to destroy the symbiotic relationship that had evolved over eons?

Vernon came over me, his shadow darkening the ground at my feet. I reached up and scratched him on his thorax, the place that he loved me to touch the most. He cooed, and said, Will Jankin and Taseem be all right?

"I don't know," I replied with all honesty. They had returned to the ship to console each other. I couldn't blame them. It wasn't every day you got to see your only son as the voice of the enemy hell bent on humanity's destruction.

What must we do now?

I turned my gaze away from the cylinder that held the Herdsmen. The creature was just like the one I had seen on the miniature vision bubble. Yet, the one I looked at seemed serene, gentle even. "How many Herdsmen are there?"

I don't know, Vernon said, emulating the tone I gave him when I answered his question.

"We don't know much about them at all, do we?"

Other than the fact they want to eat humans.

"Yes. And that's what's bothering me. Why would they suddenly develop an interest in us like that? We've had dealings with them in the past. All they wanted was to be left alone."

The message said that their space has been violated. Perhaps they are angry.

I thought about Vernon's words for a moment. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps, with the help of the Aurorans, the Herdsmen were indeed angry. "Then there's only one thing to do."

What's that?

"Give them their space."

Vernon picked me up. I wrapped my arms around him and he carried me out of the chamber. When outside, he said, Are you going to negotiate with them?

"With your help, yes." I smiled. I knew how anger came to the Herdsmen. They had only been given one side of the story. Time I changed that.

Vernon cooed. I think he enjoyed our adventures. What about going to Earth and getting the treaty organised between spiders and mammals?

"Help me gather everyone together. I think it's time we appointed my new attachés."

Vernon placed me onto the ground, careful to make sure I was safely on my feet before leaving me to feel the sun of Tombworld upon my painted back. A short while later, everyone gathered on the landing pad. Taseem's eyes were bloodshot from crying, as were Jankin's. Wyatt, Ryder, Sern and Braken all looked sombre, too. But now wasn't the time for reflection. Now was the time for action.

I cleared my throat and said, "Vernon and I will be taking the Gliding Leaf into Herdsmen space--" The noise of protests from all those around me cut my words off short, but I persisted. "Please, my friends, hear me out. There is much to do and I am afraid we are running out of time to do it."

Sern let out a roar. All were silenced. "Now you may speak, Drake."

"Thank you." I paused for effect, shifting my gaze to each and every one in turn. "Wyatt, I would like you to return to Priaxia. There you will inform queen Astra of what I intend to do. Let her know of the Priory's latest developments, if she isn't already aware, that is. Taseem, Jankin and Ryder, you are to go to Earth. The Gliding Leaf has a shuttle, get there with God speed. I will inform my associates that you are my voice in my absence. They will help you draw up the drafts required for the treaty between spiders and mammals. Make sure no politician gets his or her way by adding in any words to the agreement that will require any sharing of experimental technology. The wave reflector is Priaxia's ace up the sleeve, so to speak. The less who know of it, the better at this stage. Sern, Braken, you will come with us. I will show the Herdsmen that humanity isn't food, and that it would be in both of our people's interest to leave each other alone."

Jankin coughed. "How will you do that, Drake?"

I looked him in the eye, but not before roving my gaze over his beautiful painted body. "I will work that out as each situation presents itself."

Taseem wiped her eyes. "What about Ranjay?"

I hated to sound cold hearted, because I wasn't. I knew Ranjay meant everything to them, Jankin had married me to make sure he was safe. Seemed that was all for nothing, now. I cleared my throat. "I'm so sorry, Taseem, Jankin, but at least we know Ranjay is safe, for now. If we don't act, think of the millions that could be killed. We must stop this trade and to do what we must to sure up our defences."

Taseem's face reflected anger for a brief moment, "But he's our son. Don't you understand that, Drake? He is everything to us. We have--"

Jankin came to embrace her, brushing his hands across her cheeks. "We will do as you say, Drake."

She looked horrified. "How can you say that?"

With a whisper, Jankin said, "Imagine if our son had been taken for food for these Herdsmen, how would you feel then?"

The pain in Taseem's eyes, Jankin's, too, was clear. After the longest moment, her stare intense, she muttered, "We will do this, but once done, nothing will stop me from going to get our son. Is that clear, Jankin?" She came away from her husband, as if being near him, for the moment, would poison her. I could understand her actions perfectly. I would have done the same.

I came to her, grasping her cold and shivering hands. "When I'm in Herdsmen space I will try and rescue Ranjay…if I can. That was a promise I made to your husband, and I intend to keep it."

She turned to me, her face streaked with tears. "I hope you can get him out of there. I really do."

"I hope so, too."

Jankin came to us. "You're a good man, Drake. If there's one thing I do know about you, you're a man of your word."

I let out a nervous chuckle, and said, "Let's just hope the Herdsmen are interested in talking to their dinner."

Vernon picked me up. They would have to go through me first. And I don't think they'd appreciate me as an appetiser. I'd give them such heartburn.

I let out a relieved laugh. I couldn't help it. Sure, the situation looked grim, on all fronts, but having Vernon with me seemed to melt any worries away. I felt stronger with him. I knew it was probably an effect of our symbiosis, but still, I wanted to take on the Herdsmen.

* * * *

When the Gliding Leaf informed us that she was refuelled, I said my goodbyes to my friends, old and new. Wyatt left in his vessel, a smaller version of our old ship, the Flying Leaf. Jankin and Taseem climbed aboard the shuttle with Ryder. I wanted a soldier on board, just in case. Before they took off, I kissed them all, but paid special attention to my former husband. His touch and taste lingered on my lips well after the shuttle disappeared through the clouds that had rolled in from the mountains around the tombs.

Only Sern and Braken remained at my side as we walked through the many corridors of the ship toward the bridge. Vernon was above me.

Would you like to know the analysis of Braken's semen? the Gliding Leaf asked.

"Sure, why not?" I looked upon Braken. He had come underneath his Sern.

Analysis confirms that servant semen is a viable food source for the hatchlings within the egg a nourisher would carry, the Gliding Leaf continued. However, the nutritional content is less than that of a human, offering no greater or lesser advantage to the egg's hatching time as the volume of what they can deliver makes up for the slight discrepancy in nourishment.

That was a surprise. I knew without having to wait for analysis that servant sperm would be good enough, they were fertile, after all. But to hear that the egg would be within the incubator for the same amount of gestation time, about four years from what I had been told, was interesting news indeed.

Such a thing meant that having a human nourisher was just as desirable as any other alternative. In fact, probably more so since incubators were designed to be mated with a mammal. I smiled. "Patch a communication through to Wyatt. Inform him of this discovery. I think that such news would be most advantageous to queen Astra's ears."

Affirmative.

I ran my hand along one of Vernon's legs. I had an urge to be with him, extraction or otherwise, mainly because of the good news we had finally received. After all, why change a millennia of evolution if it offered no advantage? Only the native nourishers had potent enough sperm to bring the hatchlings to maturity within a short time. Why change away from humans if the alternative was no better? Why modify if there was no real need other than a blatant grab for power? I had the Priory worked out now and when I had dealt with the Herdsmen, they would be next.

When on the bridge, Vernon did his usual thing, gesturing so that the ship could leave Tombworld's atmosphere. Braken went to the food dispenser, while Sern came over to me. "I want to thank you for honouring me and Braken."

"What do you mean?" Braken handed me a glass of refreshment. I accepted it without thought, realising I was thirsty. Peckish, too.

Sern patted me on my back. "To be with you during these great times, and to have you understand that I am with Braken and that you have let me remain with him, that is an honour beyond any that has been bestowed upon my carcass. I would do anything for you and your Vernon, including spend my last breath to make sure you are both safe. That is all I can give, but it is everything I have."

I felt humbled. "Thanks," was all that I could manage, the emotion in his words tangible. I understood that because Ryder was no longer on board, he would be able to express himself more freely. Wrapping up Braken in his arms, caressing his pale skin when he had served us all drinks, was one sign of this new found freedom he perceived.

The sight of them sharing their love, kissing and touching each other like true lovers did, served to increase my desire for Vernon. I went to him. On the vision bubble the world of the dead was no longer visible. Instead, we had turned so that the system's star was in view. Beyond that there was the Hellsgate gateway, given that name because of the closeness to the sun. But that gateway wasn't our goal.

We must travel two days in heaven's light to get into the heart of Herdsmen space, Vernon said, reading the readout in front of him.

"Then that is what we must do." Seemed to me, we had two days to do all the body fluid swapping we liked. I smiled at that thought. I would be with him in any way he desired. I'd even take him into me on a physical level, performing a bonding just for the sheer love I felt for him. I was about to say he was wrong earlier when he said there wouldn't be a chance to nourish the egg, that his gut feeling had been an overreaction, when the Gliding Leaf said, I am detecting an Auroran supply vessel signature hidden beyond the moon of Tombworld. No other ships are in the vicinity other than my own shuttle that has just passed through the Hellsgate gateway.

Those words of an Auroran supply vessel situated on the only other route to the Sol system froze my blood. Proof that the Aurorans had been planning their move against all others for a long, long time. At least Jankin had got away.

What do you want me to do, Drake my love? Do you want to investigate?

It pained me to say these next words, as I would so love to board the supply ship and sabotage it in some way, that would divert us from our new mission. A mission that was far more important. "Engage the heaven's light engines. We will carry on to Herdsmen space."

Sure thing.

Vernon gestured my command over the control panel. "I will so want you once we are safely away, you know that?"

The wonderful aura of heaven's light filled the vision bubble, bathing me and everything else on the bridge in a beautiful warm glow. Nothing was in pursuit and no dark anomalies could be seen on the screen, other than the one that would have been the supply vessel in orbit of Tombworld's moon. Seemed we were safe…for now.

We are safely away. Vernon came away from his station, the look in all of his eight eyes that of lust, reflecting his desire. He picked me up, caressing my skin.

"Then I have a promise to keep."

Vernon cooed.

An Auroran Mistake

Seemed both Vernon and I had spoken too soon. When he came to pick me up, about to carry me to our quarters, the Gliding Leaf said, I am picking up a distress call. Did you want to respond?

What choice did we have? It was ingrained within any sentient being's conscious to respond to any other who needed assistance, no matter the situation. Such a thing had happened well before humanity had reached the stars, before the lands on Earth had been discovered, even.

Vernon put me down. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Seemed I would have to wait. That's fine. He would always be there for me. Besides, if we could render assistance, in any way, then that is what we'd do.

Please put location and any audio signal up on the bubble. The heaven's light disappeared from the screen. Not because we had left that speed, but because a sort of graphic was now displayed. Ahead of us, less than a day's travel, was the one responsible for transmitting the distress signal. Vernon gestured and the view focused in. He added, Identify ship.

But I didn't need the Gliding Leaf's confirmation to know that the ship ahead, the vessel that now called out for help, was the Auroran spacecraft that had been pursuing us from Magellan Prime. The one with Agnon's brother captaining it. Wilmot was his name from what I remembered. I swallowed hard.

It is the Auroran Vessel we encountered earlier, the Gliding Leaf stated, in a matter-of-fact way, disguising the seriousness of the situation. If this was a rescue, and from what I could see on screen, it was, then we would have to have Auroran's on board, and a whole lot more permanent than before.

"Looks to me like it's in a bit of strife," Sern said.

He was right. The ship was dead in space. No heat was indicated on any of the hull. Being a living ship, that wasn't good. Had it simply ran out of fuel? I doubted the Aurorans would be that careless.

Below the schematic of the ship, various numerals and statistics flowed with the passing seconds as we got closer. Information from interior hull design to the emissions of the engines could now be ascertained. Priaxian technology was a marvel.

From the readouts, I could see that there were life signs, although weak. How many were alive, the readout didn't say exactly. Some fluctuated. What was more striking than the lack of life within the ship, as I imagined many, many Aurorans should have been on a vessel that size, was an energy spike coming from one of the engines. Now, I was no engineer, but to me it looked like the thing was about to go critical.

I do believe the ship will explode soon, Vernon said, reiterating my thoughts to perfection.

"To me it looks like there are seven Aurorans alive in that strange ship," Sern said, concern tainted his voice. It didn't take a genius to work out that one Priaxian soldier was no match against half a dozen or so Aurorans, stingers or not.

Vernon waved his hands frantically over the control panel. The view focused in even more. The imposing outline of the Auroran ship we had only come to know recently was striking against the eternal blackness of space. The readout below confirmed the ship was dead. No life force emanated from its hull. The only energy that was emitted, what our sensors picked up, was from the damaged engine and any artificial technology on board. Within the walls, about six Aurorans huddled at what I could only imagine was some sort of shuttle bay. Were all the others dead or had they been evacuated? Time would soon provide those answers.

I came close to Vernon.

Yes, there are seven alive, Sern. Vernon said, not taking his eyes from his study. Two of them are weak and holding onto life with the barest thread. I will put through a patch. The only way to find out what has happened is to ask, I'd say.

Once he had done as he had said, another graphic came up within the screen that had captivated us, told us of the Auroran misfortune. Wilmot, battered and bruised and looking sorry for himself came into view.

The Auroran nodded. "We are in need of assistance. Can you help us, Priaxian vessel?"

Why would he say such a thing? Couldn't he see us? Perhaps because the ship was dead outside communication was limited to sound only. I wasn't sure, but such a theory made sense. There was no energy to draw from and visual communication would use up the power they would need for the little life support that was left to them.

We can offer assistance. We will be there within three hours. Can you hold out that long?

There was a pause. The look of concern upon the Auroran's face was clear. He turned to look behind him. "If that is the fastest you can get here, then it will have to do. I have wounded and a few will not make it if they do not receive medical attention soon."

I nearly choked on my own tongue. The arrogance of the Auroran, even when asking for help, was not only blatant, but sad as well. Then again, I supposed that was their nature.

That is the fastest this vessel of peace can arrive at your destination. If you would like us to pass on your distress call to another ship, we could do that if that is your wish. Vernon, the big lug, replied in a way only a Priaxian could. A way that made me proud I was bonded to him.

I hugged one of his middle legs. The Auroran seemed unperturbed, and added, "There is no other vessel in the vicinity. You will have to do. Whenever you can get here, do so. Our need is great."

Sern coughed. "That will have to do." But he spoke under his breath. Braken had come underneath him.

Vernon killed the communication link. He turned to me. That Auroran ship looks like it was attacked.

"I know." I offered a quivering smile. "What scares me is what could have done that much damage to an Auroran ship. I mean, don't get me wrong, but it looks to me like that thing is some sort of experimental design. It could out run us in heaven's light for a start."

Again Sern coughed. "Or they were not attacked and this is a ruse."

I could understand Sern's concern. The thought had crossed my mind. "I don't think so. Why would they damage and kill their own crew just to be rescued by us?"

"Don't put anything past an Auroran."

Those were the truest words I had ever heard. Here we were talking about a race that would do anything to get what they wanted. It was certainly in their capacity to sabotage their own ship if it meant a gain somewhere else. We just had to figure out what that gain could be before we become the victims. "Perhaps their new ship failed in some way. Maybe there was an accident on board."

Vernon gestured. Heaven's light reappeared around us. We will soon find out, either way.

"You are right, Vernon. But I don't like it." Sern picked up Braken, cradling him. "I will go and make sure the medical quarters are stocked and the accommodation I allocate them is secure. I don't want Aurorans running about unchecked. While they are on board they will be contained."

I smiled. That was Sern's way of saying that the Aurorans will be put into a cell until they can be collected. I couldn't blame him.

When Sern and Braken left the bridge to do what they needed to do to prepare for our guests, I came under Vernon. "I'm sorry."

About what, my love?

"That we couldn't be physical together."

Never mind. There will be plenty of other times.

"You were right about having a bad feeling. I'm glad I listened and I fed the hatchlings."

I told you so. But he didn't say those words in any malicious way. He said them like Vernon, innocent and with concern.

* * * *

Seeing the Aurorans again so soon filled me with dread. Or more to the point, seeing Wilmot again filled me with dread. I got an uneasy feeling around him, perhaps because I was present when his brother passed away. Seeing as Agnon couldn't contact the hive before he passed, then I'm sure Wilmot would have blamed Vernon and I for his death. I got the feeling that my words would fall on deaf ears when it came to Wilmot.

We were also stuck with them on our ship. Their vessel exploded within about ten minutes of us retrieving the last of the Aurorans through the airlock and getting to a safe distance.

Soon we were all standing staring at each other in the conference room. Braken and Sern were tending to the injured Aurorans. By the time we got to the ship, only five survived. I think the soldier and the servant could handle four docile Aurorans.

Wilmot was more my concern. In my experience, the alien was hiding something. As Sern had said, that wasn't a surprise, but this time I got the vibe that what he was hiding was something far more important than setting up trade routes behind the backs of the species involved.

I decided to come right out and say what was on my mind. Mincing words, doing the dance of negotiations, wouldn't work now. I needed to know the truth. "So what really happened to your ship, Wilmot?"

The Auroran snorted. "You have already scanned us." He folded all his arms. His body language was clear.

I patted Vernon on one of his legs and came closer to the injured Auroran. "That told us the what, not the why. How is it that engines capable of such speeds, even in heaven's light, could suddenly go critical?"

We know that you were fired upon. There are signs of attack on the ship's hull. I also know that you would not sabotage your own ship, not one that hasn't been seen before, anyway.

 Vernon hit the nail on the head. The Aurorans were a proud people. This new vessel, the one the Gliding Leaf couldn't identify on our first encounter would be most important to them, especially if it gave them advantage. "It's an experimental ship, isn't it?"

Wilmot's gaze flicked over the both of us. "It is a prototype, yes. But that is all I am telling you. We have no treaty between us. I do not have to divulge information. Unless I am your prisoner. Am I your prisoner, Priaxian and human?"

You are not.

Wilmot sat back in his chair. A sign that he thought he had gained the upper hand in our discussions. The smug look that drew on his face reinforcing my thoughts. "We could seize the vessel for study," I said with a casual, yet purpose filled, voice. "Analyse the weapons strikes in more detail."

"You would not dare!" Wilmot screamed, standing up. "Such an action would be an act of war."

I slammed my hands upon the desk Wilmot had seated himself behind. "And claiming you offer us a non-aggression pact, yet at the same time you proceed to trade humans to the Herdsmen and set up supply lines close to our space. If they aren't acts of war, I don't know what is?"

Wilmot smiled, yet he still looked angered. Many seconds passed before I could see that he had gathered his composure, calmed himself. "Tsk, tsk, the great speaker of his people has been rattled. Are we playing tit-for-tat now? Would you like me to say that with the Borders of Worlds treaty you created, Aurora had been cut off from all others? Our once powerful empire a mere shadow of its former glory, relying on the scavengers of this galaxy, the Boldiens, to help us re-build. Would you like to know of the various unsavoury measures we've had to resort to just to survive?"

I remained silent. Vernon said, But you wiped out our nourishers. Not in battle, not as an open act to cause hostility, but in secret. Day by day. Year by year. That is a crime greater than any have done to our people. A crime that you shall pay for, Auroran. Vernon's words were filled with pain, the first time I had heard him speak such things. He, too, had come forward. He raised his front legs, his anger clear.

The Auroran's face became reddened, his voice filled with rage, cold and calculated, "The Cult of Starfall was not responsible for such actions against Priaxia."

"Then who was?" I asked, hissing between my teeth.

"The same who offered us friendship, took what they wanted, then left us. The same that gave us the means to combat the Priaxian wave reflector ship…technology that is now debris in space."

There it was. My forcing of his anger and the heat of the moment that followed, always brought admission. The ship was an experimental vessel, one the Auroran military hoped could combat the new Priaxian weapon. "Name them," I said with so much force, my register deep and booming.

He turned his gaze away from us. "The Priory." He looked back, both hurt and fear in his eyes. "The Priory, with both the help of the Auroran military and the Herdsmen, that's who."

Vernon lowered his defences. Then the Cult of Starfall has fallen?"

Solidifying the Alliance of Spiders and Mammals

Wilmot didn't seem as affected by Vernon's words as I thought he would be. He offered a smile, one like a scar across his face. He sat. "The Cult of Starfall will never fall, it has merely been…changed. We now align ourselves with the Auroran resistance, giving structure to the rabble."

"And what would be your payment for such an alliance?"

"The future." He unfolded his arms. "Trade with Priaxia for humans as nourishers is far more profitable and sustainable than…the meat trade with the Herdsmen. No offence, Drake, but that is what it is. Sure, at first we, with the help of the Boldiens, took your refugees, your homeless, your dispossessed. With a population of twelve billion humans, what would a few million of your societies' less favoured matter?" Whatever Wilmot was--someone who would sell members of his own family if it meant a profit--he was right about this. Trading for nourishers was a far better arrangement than the alternative. The alliance of spiders and mammals was a good thing. I just had to convince my own people of that. He continued, getting more comfortable, his expression returning to that of smugness, "But soon, as the enemy grows in their intentions, things will be noticed. They will want more. Their empire is expanding and thanks to the Borders of Worlds treaty of which you are the architect, Aurora is at the whim of the new threat that spreads like a stain across the stars. That is why the Cult of Starfall had to act against the military. We want Aurora to be a great empire once more, not a whipping boy, not a race that will become expendable." He paused, leaning forward, "I'm sure, with the extension of our pact I offered earlier, you would help us achieve that, won't you, Drake Glauco?"

I had remained silent while he spoke. His anger had revealed much, but this time his serenity might reveal more. Sometimes the best strategy when dealing with others was to let them speak, reveal all that would be needed if and when negotiations took place. Seemed Wilmot had said more than enough. He was scared, too. His words revealing more about the situation before us than any other intelligence we could have gathered.

Finally, I said, "I would be honoured to speak for the Cult of Starfall in any amendment to the treaty."

Wilmot looked taken aback, his eyes wide. "You have already formed an alliance with Priaxia, haven't you?"

Spiders and mammals will not be walked over, either, Vernon said.

"As I am sure you understand this is all about self-preservation. Priaxia needs humanity for its continuation. Humanity needs protection. A simple arrangement."

Wilmot began to chuckle. "I like you more and more, Drake. You think like a member of the Cult. But you are right, humanity does need protection. I know what has been woken. I know what fate awaits you if you do not draw close your allies and defences."

I offered out my hand. "Then I accept the Cult of Starfall as a new ally, and will do everything in my power to make sure the arrangement remains viable."

Wilmot stood. His demeanour had changed. He now seemed quite pleasant, he facial features softening. "Then my men are free to roam about this vessel as allies and guests should be treated?"

I shifted my gaze to Vernon. He nodded. I loved how he trusted me. Pity I didn't hold such faith in myself. I sure hoped I was about to do the right thing. "And as a part of this new arrangement, any information you have about the Herdsmen would be most appreciated."

"Agreed." Wilmot shook my hand. "I know that you head into Herdsmen space. We will help you prepare, as your journey to their homeworld of Beres will not be easy."

At least we now knew the name of their planet. I also knew that the Auroran military was an arm of the Herdsmen, probably used for first strikes and dispensable. No wonder Wilmot and the Cult of Starfall saw that as an act of both weakness and something that would not build their empire back to its former glory. No wonder they had to worry about mining living bone and opening illegal trade routes just to survive. Although, I couldn't help by get the feeling there was more to this. Still, for the here and now, the arrangement suited us all.

"I think that concludes our meeting," I said, gesturing toward the door.

Wilmot came around the conference table. "I will see to my men. I will also inform your protector Sern that they are to be assigned quarters. I will make sure my people do not go into the more sensitive areas of the ship, as part of the new faith between us, of course."

"Of course." I came close to him again. "So what happened to your ship?"

"The anti-wave reflecting weapon overheated the engines when we engaged it." He turned away from my stare, heading for the door. "The Priory ship who was sent to observe the experiment left us to die for our failure, adding their fire power to speed us to our deaths."

When Wilmot left, I went underneath Vernon. He said, I don't know how you do this for a living, Drake my love. Negotiations sure are stressful. How can we trust him?

"It's not like that all the time. Besides, Wilmot wouldn't have even sat down if he didn't see the need. But he'll only be an ally while it suits him, you know. For now convenience is all the trust we need."

Oh, I know. It's the time when he decides that our arrangement is a burden that I'm worried about.

"Let's just take one step at a time."

How about the next step, then?

"What's that?"

Giving me your loving.

"Now that won't require any negotiations."

Good. And with that he plucked me up and carried me from the conference room. Before I knew it, as I was absorbed in his warmth, we were in our quarters. The silken bed had been re-spun, made fresh, and I sunk into it with a feeling of great joy when he placed me upon its softness.

Vernon came over me. Without a word he came down so that our bodies touched. I reached up to hold him, to caress him while he got into position. His hairs tickled like they always did and he opened his mandibles so they were placed around my neck.

Such an action didn't hurt, far from it. My pulse radiated through his touch, and just like what happened during an extraction, our song could be heard loud in my ears. His heartbeat, his breath, his touch and his intent stare, all surrounded me, made me succumb to his will. I let out a delighted moan.

He placed his legs around me with such tender care, I smiled. Seconds later, when his cock emerged from its cloacae above where the extraction tube was located, and I was hard, too, he began to move with a sensual rhythm.

How he moved was wonderful. Done in such a way, not too hard or too soft, that our genitals could rub together. My balls tingled, the sensation of having Vernon move over me radiated out so that my whole body was consumed. I gasped, my lips quivering as I experienced his touch for real. My foreskin, retracting and coming back over my head over and over and in time with his movement, helped make the experience even more sensual.

There were no starfish of Annaz VI this time. There was no sunset. No water. No coral atoll. This was the genuine article, and it fucking blew my mind. Sure, there was no penetration, but I didn't care. Vernon was perfect. His cock pressing against mine, making me climb up so wonderfully toward climax was perfect. This was the most sensual thing I had ever experienced. Our frottage was something to be cherished, for we were equal, doing so for each other's pleasure and our pleasure alone.

"Oh, Fuuucking heeeell, Vernon," I groaned before he came to kiss me. His touch warm against my lips, tickling me as his mouth was also lined with hair. Like kissing a man with a beard and moustache, one that took some getting used to, but fantastic all the same.

Once more I succumb to him. His kiss deepening, his movement gaining in intensity and purpose. The alliance of spiders and mammals was strong indeed, if a human could fall in love with a Priaxian, share him on this sort of level.

My mind spun with pleasure and I knew I wasn't far from climax. He broke his kiss. I have something special for you, Drake my love.

Before I could register the words he spoke, or reply, for my thoughts were still a storm of passion created by his touch, he was at my cock. I craned my neck so I could see him work. I shuddered at the sight of my length deep within his mouth. He sucked and slurped, using one hand to pull at the root of me so he could get to all of my goodness.

In a few moments he came away, letting my pre-cum gather before he went at it again, I could see just how wonderful a job Taseem did when she painted me. All of my skin was covered, yet didn't detract from the sensation. I had to admit, having a green head sure was something I would have to get used to.

Again Vernon took me into his mouth. This time my body decided that his efforts should be rewarded. My stomach quivered and I grabbed the silk that surrounded me, bunching it up in my fists. I came. My fucking God, I came. If this were an extraction I would have fed the hatchlings for a week, I'm sure. My whole body shuddered with delight as my cock pumped more and more of my fluid into Vernon's mouth.

But our experience wasn't over. I wanted to taste him. "Let me surprise you," I said with an ecstatic gasp once he had drained every last drop from my now softening cock.

He came so that he was lying on the silken bed. I crawled on top of him, just like Braken did when he made love to Sern. Thankfully, Vernon's cock wasn't as large as the servants, more Sern's size. Sure, his bulbous head, barb-shaped and bright red from his erection, was a lot bigger than mine, but nothing I couldn't handle.

I took his length into my hands and kissed him there, rolling my tongue along his piss slit before my mouth engulfed him to begin the first blow job Vernon would have ever experienced. He shuddered, opening all of his legs for me, an expression I had come to learn was that of trust.

Soon I, too, had gained a rhythm. A few times I came away so he could watch me take him again and again. He cooed, as loud as I had ever heard him. His whole body quivered.

Drake my love, I am not naive any more, he said as I felt him harden even more, a sign that he was on the edge of climax. I took him into my mouth as far as I could go.

Then it happened. He came. Pulse after pulse of his fluid shot down my throat, its warmth felt all the way to my stomach. I pulled him out of my mouth so I could taste him, my intention all along. The exotic fruits of his diet made him wonderfully sweet, so much so it was like I was tasting treacle. Warm, rich treacle. I loved it. I loved it even more because he produced so much, more than a match for Braken.

When he had given me all he could, I came to embrace him. No words were spoken between us as we both fell asleep, his heartbeat still very much a part of my own experience even as we both came off our highs.

The vision of Mara upon the sands of the desert that dominated Priaxia came into being. Again he was screaming, and even though I now knew his name and the reason for his anguish, I was still shaken by the sight of him while I dream shared with my lover.

"We will come and get you," I said in my dream. "I promise."

My words must have reached him, for he calmed for a moment. When he spoke, his words chilled me even more than his haunting image. "You are in danger."

Was that the reason for his warning all along? Not that he was captured and that the Priory will use him to get what they want, but because he was concerned for both Vernon and I?

Before I could contemplate the meaning of his words any longer, I fell into a deeper sleep, one filled with the wonder Vernon wanted to share with me.

The Priory Casts the First Stone

The next few days were uneventful. Sure, the Aurorans on board added tension to the air, especially when Sern was close, but that was to be expected with the testosterone he exuded in great quantities. He was just trying to protect us all, bless him. What mattered now, above any other, was our passage into Herdsmen space.

Wilmot was on the bridge with us, our new advisor to the Herdsmen Empire, as I had now come to call him. If anyone could tell us how to pass unnoticed toward Beres until we wanted to be known, he could.

Vernon was at the controls. He waved his hands over the panel with the same finesse he always managed now that he was an accomplished pilot, forged more from experience than anything else. The heaven's light dissipated from view. The Gliding Leaf was brought back to normal speed and normal space. Strange stars filled the vision bubble. One of which, the one directly in front of us, was a double star system. Unlike the Priaxian double yellow suns, the Herdsmen star we approached consisted of a yellow giant and a blue dwarf.

"The yellow giant sun is Beres, the smaller is known as Izar," Wilmot stated matter-of-factly.

Shall I plot the course for Beres, Drake my love?

"Yes."

Course for the second planet of the Beres star plotted and accepted, the Gliding leaf said, confirming my wishes. Arrival in four hours.

"I suggest we come around so that we approach from Izar. The gravity between the two stars may help mask our arrival," Wilmot said.

Did you want to pass through the asteroid belt before or after we approach the star Izar, the Gliding Leaf asked.

I looked at Wilmot, as did Vernon. The Auroran must have known that we were seeking his advice. "The asteroid field is an obstacle no matter where you wish to cross it. Either now or later makes no difference. Hopefully we are still too far out to be detected."

Braken said, "I don't like the look of this."

Not a heartbeat passed between the end of Braken's words and the sounding of a klaxon. Vernon audibly drew in a breath as he gestured for the vision bubble to reveal the reason for the alarm.

On screen, and from behind a dozen or so chunks of rock and ice, many, many ships became visible. Their design similar to what a Priaxian would design, but far more angular and more menacing, armaments all over its hull. To me it looked like a leaf ship, but enhanced with other technology. Technology that didn't suit the sleek configuration of Priaxian vessels I had come to admire.

"The Priory are here," Wilmot said with a gasp. "We have been detected."

Again, and all within the next beat of my heart, three of the ships came forward, attaching themselves to the hull of the Gliding Leaf with grappling hooks that resembled menacing claws. The ship screamed. I knew the Priory was trying to compromise the hull so they could board us, the sounds of their actions reverberating throughout the ship. I shuddered.

"Can we get out of here?" Sern yelled.

We are surrounded.

"Is there nothing you can do?" I looked at Wilmot.

He looked despondent, shaking his head. "We are in no vessel to offer resistance. Best if we bided our time, perhaps events may turn to our favour, just like how you rescued us while our ship's engine went critical."

"But who will hear us out here in the depths of Herdsmen space?" Sern snapped.

Wilmot didn't turn to look at the soldier. Instead, he added, "Wait and see. And offer no resistance. We want to be alive when we are presented to the Herdsmen. Being dead so soon won't help us or add any glory into the pages of your people."

Braken went underneath his big, strong soldier as the ship jolted. Seemed to me they had gained access. "What can we do?" the servant asked, his voice but a mere quiver over the noise of the ship being torn apart as our enemy came for us.

As if in answer, the Gliding Leaf said, We are being hailed. Do you want me to--

Put it through, Vernon said. I want to hear what this so-called Priory have to say. Boarding a Priaxian vessel on a mission of peace is an act of treason, no matter the reason. Vernon gestured some more. I had to admire him, even though I could tell he was scared out of his mind. His voice gave away his emotions. I couldn't blame him. I was, too. More so, considering I was a human, nothing more than a meal in the Herdsmen's eyes.

Audio only came through the ship's communicator. "Priaxian vessel, you are trespassing within the Herdsmen Empire without just cause or permission. Because you are not of any enemy configuration you will be boarded and any recording devices seized and your computer's memory wiped before you are placed in stasis and returned to Priaxia."

I turned to Wilmot. "You knew they would do such a thing."

"Standard procedure," he said, folding all his middle arms and offering one of his smug smiles. "Thank the Gods of the harvest that this isn't a human vessel. We would have been destroyed without so much as a warning."

I swallowed hard. I took his point. Priaxian ships had no reason to be attacked. The only suspicion they would have raised would have been the reason for being this close to Beres in the first place. All we could do was wait until our latest guests decided to grace us with their presence.

The wait wasn't long.

Onto the bridge, more than three dozen servants poured, all bearing weapons that looked like Auroran stingers, their glow on the tip a menacing orange. Sern had lunged forward to defend us, but Wilmot caught his arm, stopping him from doing anything that could be considered foolish.

The thing that struck me was the fact that they had all painted their bodies gold. Just like how Taseem had covered me, they were covered as well. I assumed it was a way of differentiating themselves from common servants. A tactic a lot of fanatic groups employed. Servants were hairless, so painting made sense.

After Sern and the Aurorans had been surrounded, Vernon, too, one of the servants came forward. He wore a gilded crown-like bonnet upon his head, sort of like what a bishop of Earth would wear but nowhere near as large. To me he looked ridiculous.

The Priory servant stopped short, studying me with eyes widened and what I could only assume was curiosity when he glanced at me for the first time. The next thing I knew, his stare was accompanied by a chatter I didn't understand. A long moment passed before he came closer to me. What he said next in Earth standard was the last thing I would have expected considering the circumstances. "What are you?"

Vernon came to protect me, coming so that I was underneath his bulk. He is Drake Glauco and he wishes to seek an audience with the Herdsmen.

"I said, what is he, not what he is doing here," the servant said, keeping his gaze fixed upon my person.

Vernon paused. I could understand his confusion. Being naked, I would consider it not too difficult to fathom that I was a human.

"I'm a human," I said slow and deliberate, still not believing that the servants of the Priory would not know. Surely, they hadn't been isolated from their homeworld for that long. The native nourishers of Priaxia were bipedal and similar to humans from the holo-vid pictures Vernon had shown me. They would have known that.

There was more chatter I couldn't understand, before the servant who was their leader came close to me. "I know you are human, the smell of you fills my nose with foulness. But you are painted. Why are you painted?"

Then I understood.

Seemed my eagerness to have Taseem's brush over my skin had saved my life, for I'm sure I would have been taken as food for the Herdsmen if I were not. The Priory members had painted themselves to let all others know that they were more significant than the servant caste they had been born to. "I am painted because I am important," I lied. What were they to know, anyway? For the here and now I would play to their mentality. Hopefully, that would at least get us to Beres.

"You are more than sustenance, then?"

"I am." I didn't want to tell them that I was a nourisher. Such information wouldn't sit well with a fanatic group who wished to genetically modify their own so they could do my job. "I'm a human who wishes to let the Herdsmen know that humans are more than food. That we're better than that."

There was a gasp and more chatter. Vernon whispered in my mind, They think that you are important, but they also think you deceive them.

I couldn't answer him. I didn't have the capacity to mind speak. But I rubbed his leg to let him know that I got his message. "Tell me, leader of the Priory, why would a human who is not important travel with both Aurorans and Priaxians on a Priaxian vessel to meet with the great and powerful Herdsmen?"

"But you also have a servant." The leader shifted his gaze toward Braken.

Before the leader could add his distaste at seeing one of his brothers underneath a soldier, I added, "Braken is an equal here. He serves no one but himself and his own interests."

"Prove it," the leader snapped.

Vernon came forward. He does not have to prove anything. He speaks the truth.

The leader gestured for some of his brethren to come to his side. They came without hesitation, stingers at the ready. "If you ask me, it looks as though you are a nourisher, an abomination to our cause. It also looks to me that the servant you name Braken has no choice but to be bonded to a mere soldier, his destiny insular to what he could become if given the freedom the Priory wishes upon all of his kind."

"All of that is unimportant." I was becoming impatient with this dance. I could see that they were intelligent, their reasoning giving me that impression, but I could also tell they were scared. The way the leader's words seemed rehearsed added to my suspicions. Perhaps the Herdsmen weren't true allies to the Priory, after all. Time will tell. "I have told you, I seek an audience with the Herdsmen."

"And an audience you shall have."

At the moment of his last word, all the members of the Priory lunged forward to sting us all. I yelled out as one of the weapons touched my stomach, unable to dodge in time. I screamed.

A split second later, I lost all that I had eaten as I crumpled onto the floor, my muscles acting without guidance from my thoughts. The world around me blackened as another sting touched my skin.

The Scream in the Desert

When I woke, I was in a cell. An organic cell that harboured no doors or windows, one like I had been in before when I was taken by the Cult of Starfall back on Aurora.

Panic struck me. I didn't have Vernon by my side. I couldn't sense his presence, feel his warmth against my skin. I missed him, yearned for him. I no longer had his song permeate my being and I couldn't help but feel lost, like a child stranded in a strange place without his parents.

Before I got to my feet to study my surrounds in more detail, I heard a noise that sent shivers of fear right through me. I was a sound of someone in pain, moans and quick yelps filled my ears.

In the cell with me was a Priaxian. I could tell straight away it wasn't Vernon, the chitin armour, even though damaged and in many places covered in blood, was more like that of a soldier. I went to him.

The Priaxian wasn't Sern, either. In fact, I had no idea who he was. I touched him, and he flinched, rearing up to tower above me. One of his front legs was shorn off at a knee joint.

"Easy," I said, gesturing for him to calm. "I'm a prisoner here, too."

For a moment it didn't look like I registered to him. I could understand why. Four of his eyes had been gouged out, dark holes that went deep into his skull all that remained. The poor Priaxian had been tortured, and unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Finally, after the soldier settled back down to his huddle, folding his many legs under himself, becoming immersed in his pain once more, he said, "You must be important. Humans are normally sent to the abattoir."

I crouched beside him, instinctively reaching out my hand to touch his leg, reassure him. "What I am is unimportant."

"You are painted." He coughed, blood splattering against the wall. "Painted ones are always favoured or ones of importance from what I have experienced in this place."

"My paint is quite an accident, let me assure you." At that moment I wished I had the overalls, at least I would have had a pocket, perhaps a tissue to wipe away the blood from his cracked and swollen lips. "More out of my own vanity than anything else."

"Then your vanity has helped create a happy accident in your favour."

I shuffled closer to him. "I know who you are."

"I am no one."

I shook my head. "No. You're the one in my dreams. You're Mara, aren't you?"

He turned his head so he could look at me proper once more, the two eyes that remained studied me. "Then you must be a nourisher. Your mind open to my psychic energy."

"I didn't know Priaxian's were able to transmit their mind speak so far."

"They can't."

"Oh." I wanted him to tell me everything, as he was a mystery to me. Yet, I also knew he was close to death, and to be at peace would be far more important right now than talking to a human.

An eternity was spent in silence. How long, I couldn't say. I used the time of quiet to examine the room. Unless Vernon was in the other cell and he could pull down the wall, there wasn't much chance of me getting out without help.

Mara coughed. Again I went to him. "Long ago I was mated to a servant, as are most soldiers." I didn't want to interrupt him, tell him that I already knew that. "He was wonderful, but he was different, too. He kept on talking about being someone more than who he was born to be. He wanted servants to rise up and be noticed for what they were, fertile males." He coughed some more. I didn't want to rush him. I had nowhere to go anyway, so I let him say what he had to say in his own time. Many moments later, he continued, "I helped him, you know. His name was Forgen, and I was so in love with him, I was blind to his wishes. He used me, human. He used me because I had access to the laboratory facilities." I knew where this was going. He had helped the first of the servants to modify the Auroran jelly to wipe out the native nourishers. And when that wasn't enough for them, aided in the research that would have led to the blueprint of the servant being able to become the nourishers themselves.

"I understand," I whispered to him, hoping in a small way that would put him at ease.

"I was a leader, a soldier of such importance that the queen gave me full access to wherever I saw fit. I could walk among the females in the towers, everything I wanted available to me." Sadness crept into his voice along with the pain. "I wished I was just a normal soldier. I wished I had never listened to my lover."

"He founded the Priory, didn't he?"

"Yes."

"I know about them."

Mara started to laugh, loud and somewhat unnerving I had to admit. "But I got them back. I got them back so good I don't care if I die alone, never to have someone hold me ever again. I worked out their plan before their plan could come to fruition. I got them back real good."

"What do you mean?"

"I hid all the research. Every scrap of data over the last decade or so. I hid it all where no on would find it." He continued to laugh, one that reminded me of someone who was mad, yet at the same time, someone who knew he had defeated those who sought the information. Sure, they had beaten the shit out of him, but in a strange way he seemed content. How else could he cope with the torture, if in his own mind he knew he hadn't won?

"Where did you hide it?" I couldn't help but blurt out the question. The Priory wanted this information, and from the look of Mara's condition, I'd say they wanted it real bad. I wasn't a scientist, far from it, but without that data, it would take many, many years before they reached the same point as they had done before he hid the information. Time the Priory wouldn't have considering war was brewing and their intention had been known. Stable genetic modification was a field that required precision, no matter the technology.

His laughter stopped. Leaning in close to me, his lips touched my ear. Within my mind, something I had only experienced with Vernon, he said, Within the motherless one.

I came away from his bulk, nearly tripping myself up as I scrambled to the cell wall on the other side of where he lay. "What?" I couldn't believe it. Ranjay held the secret to the servant's genetic modification? No wonder the Herdsmen kept him from their dinner table. Did they know this, too? Using the information as a lever against the Priory so they would perform their will? All was becoming clear to me. That had to be the answer. No wonder the message said that the Herdsmen would help obtain the information from Mara to help stop humans being used as nourishers. Of course they would. They had the answer already.

I now had an ace up my sleeve.

Mara came over me, his walk painful and slow. I hope by telling you that I didn't jeopardise your life. I swear I have told no one else of this. Not even my ex-lover Forgen knows. I kept if from him even when he mated with me. I kept it from him when he became angered and tricked me to coming to this place. I did good, didn't I, human?

I stood. "My name is Drake Glauco."

Mara looked sad for a moment. They will come soon. Better get some rest.

I went to him. "Let me sleep with you. I am used to the arms of a Priaxian around me." I lied. I didn't need him to rest at all. I wanted Vernon.

With his voice, he said, "Do you want to know how I hid it within the boy?"

I sure was curious. "Yes," I said as I crawled underneath him.

Again, he spoke within my thoughts, able to switch from speech to mind speak without so much as an effort. As I have told you, the research was going well. But I suspected something when Forgen requested a test subject. He said it was to make sure the technology was safe…but after he had poisoned the Auroran jelly, and the native nourishers started to die out, I believed he wanted to make humans infertile, too. The path would be set to make servants compatible, no other obstacles in his way. His words within my mind got softer and softer as he drifted off to sleep, struggled to keep a hold of consciousness. I was interested in his story, and hung off every word. Thankfully, he managed to continue, The boy you call Ranjay was sold to Priaxia for testing and as punishment for his mother going off to join the resistance. He arrived in stasis and it was then I acted. I could see where Forgen's work was headed. I had to act.

"What did you do next?"

I destroyed the laboratory and everything to do with the research." He snickered. "But before I did that, I placed all of the information Forgen and his team had worked on over the years within Ranjay's genetic code.

"So a blood sample would be all they would need to retrieve the data?" I had to be careful what I said out loud. Mara spoke in my mind for a reason. I would wager the cell was bugged, something I certainly would have done.

Mara clicked his tongue. No. I did better than that. I managed to hide it deeper within him.

"What do you mean?"

He will only be able to produce the information when he reaches maturity. Again, Mara chuckled at the thoughts he transmitted to me.

What this soldier had done was a stroke of genius. "You hid it in his semen producing ducts, didn't you?"

Mara nodded. It took a long time, but I did it. I added an organic module inside his testes that would release the information with his sperm when he is able to ejaculate. The module will not affect his ability to father children, or even become a nourisher if he so chooses. I made sure of it. Only those who know what to look for will detect my work. He began to coo, snuggling up to me, his breath tickling my ear. My presence seemed to make him stronger. When Forgen became angered that his research had been destroyed, at first not suspecting that his lover would have done such a thing, he asked me to get rid of Ranjay.

"So you sent him into Herdsmen space?"

No. That was not planned. I wanted him to be back with his parents, a child's place is with those who love him. I bribed a Boldien transport cruiser captain into smuggling him on board his ship. I asked that he be taken to Earth. For the first time, Mara's demeanour changed. He was sad, and wrapped his legs around me tighter. I didn't know he had been taken to the Herdsmen. Not until Forgen must have realised I was responsible for the destruction of his work. He tricked me into going with him. And here I am. A sad old soldier who has no honour left but his past glories.

"I think you're wonderful and full of honour." I lowered my tone to a wisp of breath from my lips. "What you did will ensure that Ranjay remains alive for a couple more years." I imagined Ranjay to be about thirteen or so. Hopefully he is a late developer and sperm production in the volume required to be able to gather the data won't happen for a while yet. "Long enough for us to try and get him back to his parents, anyway."

Again, with his words, he said, "I sure hope so. I would be able to die with the knowledge that my betrayal to Forgen was worth the price I paid."

"The Herdsmen know of what you have done, don't they?"

He hesitated. "I told you, I spoke of it to no other…but…but…"

"But what?"

"I may have given them the impression that Ranjay is important to the Priory wanting to obtain their goal of incubator compatibility."

I was curious. "What did you tell them?"

"Nothing."

"I don't understand."

He pecked me on my cheek, his hairy lips tickling my skin. I didn't need to be told that he missed companionship. How long had he been in this prison? Years? To the Herdsmen, silence is just as important as the words spoken. From my silence they know that Ranjay has something they need. Now rest. We will talk of these matters later.

I yawned. I had to admit, I was tired. I wished Vernon was here. He'd love to know about all this. "I think the Herdsmen are buying time with the Priory, you know."

"That they are. They have promised they will be able to extract the information out of me, but in the meantime, the Priory must do the will of the Herdsmen. They must…" But his words trailed off.

He needed rest, if only to gain enough strength to last another day of torture. I ran my hands over his bulk, humming to him as I would have done if Vernon were above me. Once Mara had entered a disturbed slumber and all I could think of was how I was going to show these Herdsmen that humans were anything but food, the centre wall of the cell slide down. A squelching sound accompanied the action.

Into the cell, five gold-painted servants entered. The one in the middle of his brethren stepped forward a pace, and said, "Your audience has been granted. Speak clear and quick, for your fate will be determined by your words, human named Drake Glauco, the painted one."

The Voice of the Herdsmen

I was escorted to a chamber, one as large as any I had seen. Its ceiling was domed and made of what I assumed was glass, its structure massive. The sky above struck with a bluish-green sun that looked so much closer than I would have imagined. The light from the strange star streamed down to cover the space below in an eerie glow.

Ahead of me were five figures, seated on what looked to me like thrones. One of the figures was a gold-painted servant, one was an Auroran female, while the others were what I assumed to be Herdsmen.

The Herdsmen interested me the most.

Their bodies were lithe, their faces gaunt and smooth and long. Dark eyes, deep-set and menacing, seemed to radiate a hate only they could fathom. They wore garments that some would consider beautiful, but I thought were gaudy. All glitter and reflective and covered in spikes.

An audible gasp filled the chamber as I was presented to the jury, as that was all I could imagine they were. From the volume of voices, I believed there were many, many more looking on from the shadows beyond what the dome could illuminate.

I took the opportunity to speak first, deciding to take the advantage. "Hello there, I'm Drake Glauco."

A wave of chatter and excited tones filled the chamber. From the left, a teenage boy entered. He was naked, but painted just as I was. His skin covered in a mix of gold and silver and other bright colours in swirls and patterns in intricate designs. He looked good. I didn't need to be told that the boy was Ranjay, the voice of our new enemy. His pre-pubescent state was clear for all to see. Seemed the Herdsmen wouldn't get the research out of him too soon. That thought brought me pleasure.

He sat himself down in front of the jury in a chair that was carried in by a member of the Priory. Seemed they were still servants, no matter how important they believed themselves. Interesting. "We know who you are," he said, his voice cold and distant.

"Good. Then let's get down to business, shall we?"

"Why are you painted?"

Now was my time to bend the truth a little. "Because I am a nourisher. A great honour among us humans. Why are you painted?"

I don't know what happened next, the roar of the crowd reaching a deafening crescendo, or the jury standing up to shout at each other while Ranjay remained serene and with that distant look in his eyes that unsettled me. My words certainly had stirred some emotion, especially from the Priory member.

After what seemed an eternity of bickering and plenty of arm waving, they seated themselves once more. Ranjay continued, "Humans are nothing but a commodity to be consumed," was his harsh tone when the voices of the chamber came to complete silence. "How can you be a nourisher?" But I don't think Ranjay was speaking such a thing because the Herdsmen didn't know the answer. They would be well aware of events.

I cleared my throat, deciding to play along with their game, see where fate would take me. "The Priaxian incubator named Vernon is my symbiotic partner. He will attest to my words. Which reminds me, I will need to be with him soon, his egg--our egg, will need my nourishment."

Ranjay didn't reply for a moment. I couldn't help get the feeling he was receiving psychic communications from his masters. "Humans cannot bring a Priaxian egg to hatching as the native nourishers once did. Why would Priaxia be interested in accepting such weak beings as symbiotic partners for their species' continuation?"

I smiled. I had them. "Neither can a genetically modified servant," I snapped.

Again the chamber erupted into a riotous din of shouting and angered words. I noted with particular interest how the Priory member who sat on the jury remained seated, as silent as the Herdsmen's voice before him. Was he Forgen? I assumed he was, being the first servant to found the Priory movement and therefore, one that would have been honoured with a seat on such a council.

The voices disturbed by my words didn't ease. Not until the Herdsman seated in the middle position on the jury raised his thin hand, calling for calm.

When quiet once more, Ranjay said, "Tell us what the betrayer Mara has spoken into your feeble mind."

There it was. The real reason why I had been placed in a cell with the only being in the universe who knew where the research the Priory needed so bad was hidden. I suspected as much. If I told the jury the truth, revealing the Herdsmen's knowledge of Mara's secret, their alliance with the Priory might crumble. Did I want to play that card just yet? I decided that I had to think of the others, of Vernon and of my friends who were imprisoned as well. "What's in it for me and Vernon and my friends?"

Ranjay smiled. "Ah yes, the human concept of barter. We will release them from their cage. You will be given a quick death, as will the Priaxian you have soiled."

"That's not a very appealing offer, especially for Vernon and me."

A gentle chuckle swept across the chamber, before Ranjay said, "That is our offer. Think yourself privileged that you are not sent to the abattoirs, food to feast upon as we celebrate your foolishness for wandering into our territory. Now tell us, what did Mara say?"

I decided to tell a half lie again, one that would make them reconsider their attitude toward humans. Sure, I knew the Herdsmen knew the real truth, but in front of their allies, I'm sure that secret would want to remain so. I understood the politics of alliances. "The information is hidden within a human."

I was almost deafened by the screams of disbelief that surrounded me. The Priory member of the jury yelled at me, in words I couldn't fathom but didn't need a translator to understand. They were words of anger, hatred and ridicule directed at me. The Auroran, too, was animated and reflecting the concern around her to perfection.

The three Herdsmen on the jury remained seated, casual glances between each other all that I could glimpse. Again, the middle member raised his hand, silence following his gesture.

Ranjay said, in a voice calm and quiet, "You will be returned to your cell where we will then take time to decide your fate. You will be able to join with your Priaxian incubator, we hold no grudge against that world."

Considering that I was nothing more than a snack to these aliens, I think I had done quite well to bide some time. "Thanks."

"Be warned, human named Drake Glauco, the painted one, our grace has a limited span."

I offered a smirk. "And my diplomacy also has its limitations." I wanted to plant the seed in the Herdsmen's minds that I knew the real truth. That they held the information the Priory needed right under their noses in the form of Ranjay. I supposed that was why I was left to live, for now. But still, I couldn't help but get the feeling, deep down, that there was a lot more to this. Why didn't the Herdsmen want to tell the Priory the secret? Was it because they had other plans? Plans that would not bode well for the Priory no matter the promise made to forge their alliance? I mean, humans were considered food, so what did they really think of the Priaxian servants who lusted for power?

I was escorted out of the chamber before I could contemplate the questions and all their complexities my mind presented any further. The noise inside the building increased more and more as soon as I had disappeared beyond the doorway. I think there will be some heated discussion tonight, and once more, I smiled at that thought.

* * * *

The cell I was returned to was a lot larger than my previous accommodation, more than double. The dividing wall retracted. I was glad to see Sern and Mara. The two soldiers held each other, touching and cooing. Mara looked better than he did before I was taken to the jury. Perhaps being with others had lightened his spirit.

I was even more delighted to see Vernon. I went to him without hesitation and with all of the love in my heart.

We embraced and I held him so tight, never wanting to let him go.

Are you all right, my love?

"Just take me away from here."

It is time for an extraction. Is that what you mean?

"Yes, you big lug, that's what I mean. Take me to Annaz VI and let the starfish witness my love, my need and my insatiable desire for you."

Vernon didn't speak, instead, his proboscis arms extended out touching my sides. Soon surrounded by his song, his heartbeat and the sound of the blood flowing through his system as our minds and bodies became one. I smiled, knowing that within seconds I would be in heaven.

But when I opened my eyelids, I wasn't confronted by the sight of the setting sun that soaked the coral atolls in a romantic orange glow that I had come to love. Instead, the forests below the nests on Priax filled my senses with their wonderful sights and sounds.

A snap of a twig turned my attention away from the majestic canopy that surrounded me, one that swayed with a gentle breeze that caressed my nakedness. Vernon approached, as aroused and wonderful as I had ever seen him in human form.

"I wanted to bring you somewhere even more special than Annaz VI. I hope you don't mind," he said.

"I don't mind at all."

Within a beat of my heart and before my thoughts could turn to anything else, he was holding me tight. He brought me to the ground with tender care, laying me onto the mosses beneath the towering trees. His blue eyes, sparkling with want and admiration was all that consumed my vision.

I was as hard as hell. He kissed me, one filled with passion and warmth and an unshakable desire to get on with the more physical side of our love. Just when I got used to his tongue dancing with mine, he came away to kiss the skin all over my body. He started at my neck, tickling, teasing, enticing.

When he grabbed my cock, I gasped, one that melded into a delicious moan as he took me into his mouth. But he hadn't finished with his intention. He came off me just as quick as he had parted our kiss once begun.

Vernon parted my legs and was licking my balls and moving down to my arsehole with as much enthusiasm as anything he did to me. I then knew what he wanted. He wanted me.

I gave myself to him.

When he came back up so he could kiss me, I opened my legs wider, accepting his intentions without hesitation, without worrying about standing on ceremony. With quivering lips and my whole body yearning, shuddering with anticipation, he pierced my warmth.

I gasped again and again as he gained his rhythm. But soon, even that avenue was cut short, for he came to kiss me once more. I clawed at his back, leaving scratches over his skin. He continued unabated.

Fuuucking Heeeell, I was in heaven, and it was my lover who made such a notion possible. Without him, I was a mere mortal, someone who would wither and die never knowing what it was like to have a true soul mate. With him, I was a god, one who was not only complete, but one who would never perish, even when my mortal coil had been spent. I would be his, forever and ever, through the eternity of time and beyond.

I came.

I could feel my own fluid lubricate his actions above me. He continued, kissing, holding and making love unlike any other time I had experienced with him. Had my absence made him yearn for me even more? It would seem so.

My body continued to shudder as my climax lingered. My lips tingled from his kiss, my arms and legs numb from my efforts, my balls so tight in my sack they ached. But that ache was one of delight. Delight I only had for him.

Seconds later, or was it an eternity, I couldn't tell, Vernon collapsed onto me. Panting, sweat dripping from his brow. He had cum, too. His ejaculation so consuming for him, just as it was for me, he had to part our kiss just to take in a breath.

I opened my eyelids.

Seeing Vernon in his Priaxian form above me was one that never disappointed. Although, one thing was now certain. The forests below the nests would be our new special place when we were together during an extraction. I smiled, running my hands over his abdomen, letting his hairs tickle my skin.

"You were awesome," I said, my breath still caught by our experience.

Vernon didn't answer. He didn't have to. I knew how he felt, our symbiotic link seeing to that. When we had held each other long enough, he placed me onto the floor of our cell, my body still a sweaty sheen from the exertion I had just endured. Mara and Sern came into view. I knew they had witnessed Vernon and I perform our extraction and in a way, just like when Braken and Sern were in our quarters back on the Gliding Leaf, I felt validated.

My thoughts then turned to other matters. Where was Braken? Thinking about him crawling over Sern before they made love made his lack of presence all that more noticeable.

"Where's Braken?" I asked without realising I had verbalised my concern.

Sern looked forlorn. "They gave him a choice." The soldier helped me to my feet. Vernon was still curled up, content. "They demanded he join the Priory, become a new breed of servant and no longer stained with the guilt of having to be with a soldier, or be taken away and executed."

"No prizes for guessing which he chose then," I said. "He joined, didn't he?"

Sern nodded. "Before he left and we were given our final moment together, he said he'd rather be parted from me for a short time with the hope of getting back together once more, than spending an eternity without that optimism."

"He's right," I said. "That's how I would have felt."

"But I can't live without him, Drake. He was everything to me. The reason I got up, the reason I fight for my people, the reason…" He broke down. A great hulking soldier all menacing armour and looks to match, began to cry.

Mara comforted his comrade. "I know the loss you have suffered. My lover was the founder of the Priory."

I came and touched them both. "Your ex-lover now sits on the jury in the great chamber, doesn't he, Mara?"

Mara looked at me, his eyes filled with pain. "Yes."

I didn't know whether or not I should ask Mara if he knew why the Priory was being favoured by the Herdsmen. Did the Priory have a fleet of experimental ships like the one Wilmot and his crew piloted? If not, why would a great empire be interested in them? The questions about their alliance kept popping up, over and over in my mind, to the point of bugging me. I knew there was something more to this whole situation, I just couldn't figure it out yet. That pissed me off.

Before I could decide whether or not I should share my questions, the cell door slid open. Into our prison came half a dozen servants, all garish gold and harbouring Auroran stingers. The leader of the group was Braken.

"You are all to come with us," Braken said as he stepped forward, waving about his stinger in a menacing fashion--one glowing a deadly red. "The jury has made their decision. It is dangerous to have you all alive, so you have been scheduled for extermination. Mara and Sern, you will be killed with honour in the traditional way. You can choose suicide or beheading by a comrade. Vernon, you will be terminated quickly and as painlessly as possible, no torment placed upon you or your egg and the hatchlings within."

"And what about me?" I asked, not at all impressed by the legal system here.

Braken looked me up and down. "For lying to the jury, Drake Glauco, the painted one, you will be sent to the abattoirs. Your carcass will most certainly add a special sweetness to the great feast that shall be celebrated between our alliance with the Herdsmen and the Auroran empires."

I was now fuming. Of course I lied to the jury, that was what I was meant to do. If I didn't lie, then millions of humans would suffer the same fate I have had thrust upon me. "What if I am the human who carries the knowledge?" I spat.

Braken offered a crooked smile. "We know that Mara had no possessions in the cell we imprisoned him within. Your only contact with him was in that cell. He could not have even ingratiated the research into your DNA. Such a thing would have been impossible."

Mara grabbed my hand. I knew he didn't want me to reveal the truth. Instead, I said, "So are humans to be spared from the Herdsmen tables because you cannot be sure which one holds the knowledge?" A puzzled expression crossed Braken's face. An expression that didn't register with the tone and content of the conversation so far. There was nothing to be confused about. Another feeling overcame me. Something was going on here, too. I added, "You know which humans he's had contact with, don't you?"

If the Priory had learned the truth, through my words and taken them to a logical conclusion--did that mean the alliance with the Herdsmen was now in jeopardy? Unless of course the Priory are maintaining their part because the waking giant offers them protection while they try and gain a foot hold of power within Priaxia. Time will tell.

"That is for the jury to decide. Now come. Enough talk. Time to say your goodbyes and die with honour, all of you."

An Unexpected Rescue

I didn't like the paint gracing Braken's form. He appeared too fake, like he was more of a statue than someone who chose to be covered because the design or colours appealed to his own aesthetic senses. Being painted was about fashion, nothing more, nothing less. Thank God my painted state had gained me some time and some information. Fucking pity my time had now run out. I was more angry than anything. Perhaps I should have just blurted out the truth. Then again, that may have got me killed on the spot.

We were led through many corridors. More and more servants joined the parade, and Herdsmen came to watch. I couldn't help get the feeling we were on display for all to witness. Come look at those who have defied the great and mighty empire of the Herdsmen. See how they scream when they die.

I swallowed hard. I didn't like the idea of dying. Not because death scared me, but because I would never be in the arms of my Vernon again, never see the children we'd produce. Yes, that's how I saw the egg within him, as something I helped to create. Sure, they didn't have my genetic code, my sperm only to feed them as they maturated. Still, I held the romantic notion that I was their father like the last breath I would soon be taking as they slaughtered me for my flesh. I came underneath my Priaxian lover. He patted me on my head. I sensed he was feeling the same, the reality of our lives going to such waste coming through to add depression to my anger. But even that emotion didn't last long, my mood turned sombre as we marched ever onward to our fate.

My mind considered other matters.

"I love you with all my heart, Vernon," I said with a breath that was taken away by my emotions. No longer did anger stain my thoughts. Now I felt regret, annoyance, and above all, a waste of the life I could have had with Vernon as we retired to our nest above the beautiful forest of the great southern land mass.

I love you, too, my love. More than my words can express.

He touched me again, and this time I didn't let him go. We were led to a chamber, one that looked for all intents and purposes like a processing centre, sparse but well lit. A stern looking Herdsman sat at a desk at the far end of the room, two Aurorans his bodyguards. I couldn't help but notice that the distant look he gave was universal of someone performing administration. His boredom clear. I wondered how many humans had walked this path before me already. Hundreds? Thousands? More? Depression set in again. I wish I would have been better, so I could have saved them. I failed. Both Vernon and everyone else. Worthlessness piled on top of the storm of feelings that swirled through my body to consume me.

When Braken approached the large glass desk, the administrator nodded. The servant who had betrayed us then said, "The prisoners are here at the jury's pleasure."

The administrator glanced at us, no emotion registering on his thin, ugly face. Standing up, he brandished what looked to me like an electronic branding iron with strange numbers emblazoned on the side. Pressing it against Mara's flesh, and once Mara was marked, he did it to all the others. All of them except me. "Proceed as planned, brother Braken. The human is to be taken to the abattoir. Make sure to remove the paint from his skin before he is slaughtered. We don't want the meat tainted."

Braken nodded with the same enthusiasm that was presented to him by the administrator earlier. "As you wish, adjutant."

A moment was spent herding us all into an elevator. Braken and two other servants continued with the escort, the others returned to whatever it was they needed to return to, including the gallery of onlookers we had attracted.

I found it strange that only three servants would see us the rest of the way. Sure, they were a big as I was, but if Sern and Mara decided to act, no matter whether stung or not, I didn't see how they could stop them. Mara had been tortured for God knows how long and both soldiers had lost their lovers. They had nothing left to live for anyway. What did they have to lose?

I nudged Vernon. Perhaps our chance was now. If we acted, subdued the Priory that held us, then maybe, just maybe we had a chance of escape. Of course, I had no idea where I was or where to go once I was out of this lift. I sighed. The devil was in the details. How were we going to escape with a whole citadel filled with Herdsmen and their allies just beyond the doors?

To my surprise Braken came underneath Sern. I had to take a moment to consider what had happened, for my mind didn't quite register the servant's actions or indeed the soldier's reaction. Sern held Braken, cooing to him.

I turned to look upon Mara, but a communication must have been made that I didn't receive. He had plucked up the other two servants and bashed their heads together until they bled from every orifice. Sure, a couple of stings had found Mara's flesh, but such a trivial hurt wouldn't have bothered him compared with everything else he had received.

Finally, and when I managed to close my mouth, I asked, "What's going on?"

Sern let out a chuckle. One that grated on me at first. That was until I heard his words. "Braken and I planned this all along, dear Drake Glauco. How else were we going to get out of here and spread the word of what's happening in the empire that has now woken?" He smiled, one full and filled with the thoughts of all the heads he was going to break from here on in. "Good thing my link with Braken will never be broken, no matter the distance or the turmoil we endure."

I couldn't believe it. Damn, Sern was a good actor. Then again, I suppose he had to be. If I could be convinced, then I suppose anyone could. "You really had me going there for a moment, you know, you bastards."

Vernon brought his front arms around my chest. They had me going, too. Then again, that wouldn't be hard for me. I always seem to be surprised by everything that has gone on lately.

"What? You didn't know"

No.

"Wow, you are good, both of you." I couldn't help but feel complete and utter admiration for Sern and Braken, and of course, Mara who had helped in his own way, too. How else would he have known to dispense with the other servants if he wasn't in on their little scheme?

Sern caressed Braken. "My beautiful one was more than good, he was brilliant."

"I couldn't have done it without you, my big, strong soldier," Braken said, letting out a gentle laugh, too. "I will wait eagerly for my reward."

Sern kissed his golden-painted lover. Then, with words that were filled with so much cheekiness and talk only lovers had, he said, "When we get that paint off you, I'll take your manhood into my mouth and suck you so hard you'll pass out. How does that sound?"

Braken cooed.

I couldn't help it. I was transfixed by the sight of Sern and Braken holding each other, and all the emotions I'd held in over the last couple of hours to eat away at my reason, melted away to be replaced by relief. Relief I hadn't felt for such a long time.

Mara came into view. What the old soldier said next was the most profound I had heard since we had been escorted out of that cell. "The danger isn't over. We must get to a hangar bay and take a ship. The authorities would have been alerted to us not arriving at the execution room. We won't have the advantage now."

"Or the abattoir," I added.

Sern unwrapped Braken from his arms, placing him carefully onto the floor. I couldn't help myself, I went over to him and hugged him, planting a tender kiss onto his forehead. "Thanks." Was all I could say to express my gratitude for what he had done, what he had risked to save us all.

The servant replied, "It is us who will have to thank you. Without you the Auroran resistance, the Priaxians and the Earth Allied forces would all be lost. Only working together will we stand any sort of chance against the awoken empire."

"Don't count your chickens before they've hatched," I said, still holding onto him.

What are these chickens you speak of, my love?

"They are birds."

Before he could add any more questions or anyone else could speak for that matter, a bell sounded. Seemed the elevator had arrived at its destination. One that wasn't the abattoir or execution room, I hoped.

The doors opened with a fluidity that humanity had never achieved for such a device. Beyond the doorway, a view of a hangar filled my thoughts with excitement. Not because we had made it to a place where we stood the greatest chance of escape, but because right in front of us was one of those experimental ships Wilmot and his crew had pursued us with from Magellan Prime.

"Run!" Mara roared.

When a soldier with the bulk and ferocity of Mara yells an order, the best action was to obey without hesitation. I ran--well, Vernon picked me up and placed me on his back, and then we ran like hell. Sern had done the same with Braken. All three of us, with the speed of lightning, dashed across the hangar bay toward the ship. An accomplishment made easy for beings with eight legs.

Within a blink of an eye, not only did we arrive at our intended destination, but Mara and Sern dispensed with the guards who blocked our path. A task made easier by the fact that Wilmot and three of his men attacked, too. Where they came from I couldn't tell, but I took it that they revealed their true intentions when the time was right, just like Braken had pledged his allegiance to the Herdsmen to affect our escape.

"I'm pleased to see you, Wilmot," I said, never thinking in the millions of years since fish walked on land back on Earth, that I'd say such a thing to an Auroran. With our added strength in numbers, the tussle with the guards of the ship didn't last long. Sure, a couple of stings found their marks, but this time those who fought for our escape had the added incentive that our freedom was close. Something I imagined Mara had dreamt of for an eternity, and the one thought that would have kept him sane, besides the fact he had Forgen's research, of course.

"We are loyal to you, and that is all you need to know," Wilmot yelled, snapping the front legs off a rather persistent Priory guard and using his own weapon to dispense with him, sending him to oblivion.

Vernon ran through the action around us as though it were of little consequence. He bobbed his head down as he entered the ship. Something I was grateful for. I didn't fancy a knock on the head.

Inside, it was like any other Auroran vessel I had the misfortune of being on. The ship was a military vessel and set out as such. Command pots filled every available space, along with holographic maps and seats at stations that would have controlled everything from weapons to life support. One thing struck me about the whole design of the place. It wasn't organic.

That proved that the Herdsmen had provided the technology for such ships. Perhaps that was a reason why the Priory remained allies, superior spaceships. Seemed plausible to me.

Vernon placed me down on a chair that overlooked the main screen. One that wasn't a vision bubble at all, more like the screen on Earth ships, flat and uninteresting when turned off.

Wilmot and Mara sat at the two chairs that looked the most important. A clue to this assumption was the fact that the seats were raised above all the others, on a stage if you could call it that. Both of them pressed buttons and relayed orders to Braken. The servant was at another station. I could see without knowledge of such things, that where he was situated controlled engine status and the location of the ship in relation to its surrounds. Sern and the other Auroran resistance members manned other stations.

"Here we go!" Mara said. "Be prepared for one rough ride."

Why's that? Vernon asked in the innocent way only he could manage.

Wilmot replied, "Because we have been discovered and every available troop is now approaching our position." On screen, the outside view was displayed. Seemed the Herdsmen had plenty of troops, the majority members of the Priory, too.

Without thinking, I blurted, "Then let's get out of here."

The Herdsmen Empire Reaches Out

Sern replied to my panicked cry. "We are trying. But there seems to be some sort of lock on the ship." He was at an engineering station. The panels in front of him glowing red. Not a good sign. "I am going to try and break free from it, but I do suggest you hold on."

Vernon grabbed me.

He did so just in time. A mighty jolt shook the foundations of the ship. Was it from weapons fire against us, or because Sern wrenched the ship out of the holding field? I didn't have time to contemplate such matters. I was flung across the bridge. Vernon shielding me as best he could as we came to a stop, thumping into the far wall.

Wilmot sprang out of his chair to come and offer me one of his hands. "You all right?"

I nodded, accepting his offer. "Yeah. Fine." I turned to look at Vernon. He was scrambling to his feet from being on his back. Both of us helped him.

Thank you. I think next time I am asked to hold on I will choose something a lot more solid than my nourisher.

I let out a chuckle, but our jovial moment was short lived. Mara blurted, in that dry, matter-of-fact voice of his, "We're free of the atmosphere but it looks like our joy ride has just begun."

On screen, swarms of the cross-technology experimental ships swarmed, piloted by the Priory. A communication screen appeared within the main one, a golden painted figure was barking demands for our surrender. For a moment I was disorientated, still feeling the after effects of my unexpected journey across the bridge floor.

"About to engage heaven's light engine," Sern said. Seemed we were ignoring the demands from the enemy. I also took it from his tone that we were to hold on again.

Vernon grabbed a railing with three of his hands. He grabbed me with all the others, bringing me up to his abdomen. I craned my neck, so I could still see the action going on around me. What I saw was poetry in motion. Mara and Wilmot, Braken and Sern, and the Auroran resistance that survived thus far, worked together like a well-oiled machine.

Within a beat of Vernon's heart that was loud in my ears, the screen exploded into the familiar and wonderful colours of heaven's light. But something else was noticeable within the usual myriad of patterns I had become accustomed to. All around us, hundreds of dark spots scintillated. The sight was beautiful, but also frightening, for I knew that the patches of dark within the light were the Priory ships that wanted to stop our escape.

"We are being pursued," Wilmot stated, confirming my thoughts. "Sern, can you engage the booster?"

Sern acknowledged by waving his hand over his panel and pressing a few buttons. Seemed the joint technology of the ship was controlled by the different methods of each race, too.

Another second later, and the screen burst into the most intense combination of pattern and colour I could ever imagine. The dark spots dissipated, melting away as the ship accelerated. To say that we were in heaven's light was no longer true. The speed of the ship went beyond that barrier. What would it be named now? Heaven's light didn't seem to quantify it any longer. Whatever the name of this new mode of travel, I was hypnotised by what was before me. If the Gliding Leaf could have travelled this fast, I could only imagine the experience as the vision bubble within the Priaxian vessel would have surrounded me, immersing me in light that was more intense than anything I had seen before.

Vernon said, It's beautiful, isn't it?

He was right. I didn't reply. He would have known I was just as awed by this as he was.

"We are still being pursued," Wilmot stated. He turned to look at me, his wasp-like eyes piecing my soul. "And there is something else, too."

Vernon let me go. I went up to the chairs Mara and Wilmot had sat themselves upon. "What is it?" I asked, genuine concern lacing my voice.

"There is an armada of ships ahead." Wilmot gestured over a panel. On screen dark spots appeared like a cancer spreading through healthy tissue, coming into focus as he fine tuned his movements over the screen controls. Shimmering into view were thousands of experimental ships, a lot of them were larger than the others who had pursued us before. I would assume from that these were a different kind of vessel. No matter their configuration, I didn't need to be told they were piloted by the Priory.

"Seems our escape was taken into account," Mara said, a disappointed click added to his words. "Forgen is one to never give up. He wants to see me dead, I'm sure."

I came to Mara. "But the Priory suspect that the research is hidden within Ranjay…thanks to me." For the first time I felt guilt prickle the nape of my neck. It would only be a matter of time before the Priory demanded the information now that they would be able to put the pieces together. I added, "Why does it matter if you escape or not? In fact, why are the Priory still aligned with the Herdsmen anyway? What incentive is left if the chance of building their genetically modified caste has to wait until the boy reaches puberty?" To me, the Priory could easily re-start the work Forgen had pioneered, achieving the desired results well before Ranjay could ejaculate the information. Which added to the mystery of why they remained the Herdsmen's guards.

Wilmot leaned over, and said. "You are forgetting that the hand of power has a strong grasp. I know, the Auroran military held me and those like me for many, many years with the promise of greatness."

I supposed Wilmot was right. But so far I hadn't seen any evidence that the Herdsmen were powerful. "Seems to me the Priory are doing all the dirty work for them at the moment. Their military might only achieved by the experimental ships we have encountered so far."

Wilmot chuckled, but not one filled with joy, more a nervous reaction than anything. "Why expend energy when you have others willing to do it for you? The giant may have been sleeping, but he has been busy. You have not seen what I have seen."

"What have you seen, Wilmot?" Sern asked.

The Auroran didn't answer, his gaze distant. Braken came into view, scurrying underneath his soldier as he approached the command chairs. "Wilmot and I have seen the end of all of us, that's what."

Silence pervaded the bridge for a moment.

I could see in Braken and Wilmot's faces that they feared the Herdsmen. But why? Before I could ask any more questions, our present situation came to the fore. The pursuing ships and the waiting armada caused the warning klaxon to sound. A sound I had come to dread.

"We are going to have to come out of heaven's light," Mara said. "The armada has detected us and are moving toward our position."

I swallowed hard.

The screen swirled into blackness. Stars, billions of them, came into focus as we returned to normal space. From the backdrop, which was as breathtaking as it was eternal, the ships that waited for us came into view. There were vessels of all sizes, including many that were a lot larger than the one we were, all had weapons turrets.

In the distance, I made out the doughnut shaped structure that always surrounded a gateway. Seeing as Magellan Prime had been destroyed, I gathered we were in the vicinity of Hellsgate gateway. This place, the border between humanity and Herdsmen space, would be a staging ground for the first offensive against us.

"Hold on again!" Mara said.

Vernon came to wrap me up, protect me, holding onto the bollard secured behind Wilmot's chair. The screen soon filled with flashes of light. They were firing upon us, and both Mara and Wilmot were doing the best they could to avoid the strikes. Many times the bridge and the foundation of the ship shook with such violence, it was surprising we were still in one piece.

"Hull breached on aft side. Lower lever," Sern blurted, having returned with Braken to the engineering station. "Compensating."

"Can you get us to the gateway in one piece, Mara?" Wilmot yelled out in desperation as the ship shuddered again and again. Thankfully, all of us had heeded Mara's previous warning, otherwise I'm sure there would be plenty who would now be nursing injuries.

Mara didn't answer, but adjusted the course of the ship. Another blast from the Priory's weapons struck us, the lights flickering with that strike. I couldn't tell how bad the damage was. If we were on a Priaxian Leaf flyer then the ship's screams would have been an indication. Not so here. The sound that had pierced the bridge didn't bode well for our current situation, I'm sure. I didn't need to wait long to find out what that noise represented. We were being hit. "We are being hailed," Wilmot said.

Here it came. The demand for our surrender. My stomach turned and for the first time since our escape, I felt despondent.

All of us turned to the screen to witness our final moments. To my complete and utter surprise, on it, a face appeared that I never thought I'd see again. It was Wyatt. Hope sparked within me, like a candle that gained strength once the breeze dissipated.

"Greetings friends," the empty incubator said with a cheerful tone on his voice. "I do believe you need some help."

From the left of screen three wave reflector ships and a swarm of Priaxian Leaf flyers began an assault on the enemy who had tried, and failed thus far, to capture us. Within the ranks of the cavalry Wyatt commanded, there were ships I had never seen before. Most were twice the size of even the largest Leaf flyer.

"Our frigates and flyers and wave ships are at your command, my friend. If this war has begun, then let us make it an event to remember. One recorded in the history books for all the future generations to witness." Wyatt clicked off his communication. I smiled. Apparently, he had found his calling now that he no longer had a nourisher or egg.

The screen was now filled with our battle, ignited with weapons fire. The armada spilt itself into two, taking on the Priaxian cavalry from both sides.

A lot of the enemy ships assault was absorbed by the wave reflecting ships, rendering them useless, nothing more than flotsam in space. The Priaxian flyers and frigates dispatched them with ease, but a lot of their fire was not as effective as I would have hoped.

A bright explosion bathed the bridge in intense white light. I shielded my eyes. When the light subsided I could see that one of the wave ships had been destroyed, the enemy concentrating everything they had on those vessels, everything else ignored.

Priaxian flyers had taken up Auroran resistance tactics, and were not bothering to fire upon their enemy. Instead, they sacrificed themselves, plunging their vessels into the largest ships that threatened the fleet. More intense light flashed over and over again as the battle waged on. All of my thoughts and feelings turned to horror as the carnage mounted.

"We are being hailed again," Mara said.

The Allies of the Mammals Unite

I dreaded to think what this hail would bring us. From the scenario playing out on the screen, things didn't look so good for our side. The experimental ships of the Priory were either too powerful or too advanced or both. The Priaxians who had come to render assistance were being defeated, plain and simple. A few more strikes struck us, the klaxons sounding like a macabre chorus throughout the bridge. I clung onto Vernon with all my might, gripping his hair. I couldn't help but wonder how many more hits we could take.

On screen another face appeared that stunned me to my very core. His smile took up all of my thoughts as I stared at him, at first unable to believe that he was here right now. The face and endearing smile belonged to Jankin.

"Just thought the cavalry might need a bit of help, too!" he said.

The hail screen minimised. This time, and from the Hellsgate gateway, hundreds of Earth Alliance cruisers entered the battle. Sure, humanity didn't have sophisticated energy weapons or fancy organic ships, but it was such a wonderful sight seeing them here.

The ships of Earth were soon in position, most flanking the two wave reflector vessels that remained, protecting them from the Priory onslaught. The cruisers were ugly in design compared with the beauty of the organic ships or even the hybrid experimental ships, for that matter, but beauty was no indication of brawn. With rail guns blazing and missiles away, the cruisers added spectacular explosions to the battle, ones that filled the screen. Destroying many, many Priory ships or leaving them dead in space as a result. Seemed their technology hadn't taken into account human projectile weapons. Their hulls sliced open to the vacuum of space within moments of the missiles striking them.

I pushed my way out of Vernon's grasp, wanting to speak with Jankin. He understood my intention and placed me onto the floor with his usual care and finesse. When clear and at the communications panel in front of Mara, I asked, "I could kiss you right now, you know that, Jankin. How the hell did you know we were in battle, and that we needed you?"

A workstation to my far right sparked, shorted out from one of the strikes that had previously damaged our ship, distracting me for a moment. I believed it was life support. One of Wilmot's men dashed to get an extinguisher to douse the flames.

"Well, you'll get more than a kiss if we get out of this mess. These Priory are determined sons-of-bitches," he replied with a wink. Vernon came over to me. Jankin continued, "Anyway, in answer to your question, Drake, I'm here because the President has agreed to your amendments and signed in favour of our treaty with Priaxia. I'm here to tell you that as of this moment, the alliance between spiders and mammals is a reality."

"And I am glad for that."

A klaxon sounded, but this time, one more shrill than all the others.

Mara gestured over his panel. A look of horror struck his face. "Our ship has suffered too much damage. We must get to the life boats as soon as possible."

Sern grabbed up Braken. "There are no life boats aboard. I checked. Seemed we took a ship from the hangar before it was fitted out."

"What?" Wilmot yelled.

I didn't have time to question the how or the why. I pressed the button on the communications panel, bringing up Jankin to full screen. "Jankin, can you spare a ship? We need to get off this one, it's going to blow!" My voice was filled with desperation. I just hoped there was a way of getting from one ship to another without the need to hold my breath. Vernon came over me.

Jankin looked away for a moment. When his attention returned, he said, "Hang on. We have a plan, but it's going to be tricky. I need to change ships as I'm on a cruiser at the moment. Over and out for now."

The communication screen disappearing, replaced with the battle before us. The Priory armada was indeed strong, destroying at least half of the Priaxian cavalry, and disabling one of the remaining wave reflecting ships, now a floating useless mass among the carnage of its allies. Even the Earth cruisers suffered a loss of numbers, something I couldn't quite fathom, considering their entrance into the battle had been recent.

Another explosion rocked the bridge. More control panels sparked and caught fire. Vernon picked me up. One of Wilmot's men had been injured, to the point where I feared for his life. The others tended to him.

I hope Jankin does whatever he's going to do quickly, my love. I fear for our safety if we're not rescued soon.

Vernon's words were punctuated by another vibration throughout the ship.

"Evasive manoeuvres, Sern!" Mara commanded.

"We can't. We're dead in space." Sern was working frantically at his station, Braken helping. "All engine power has been dissipated by concentrated attacks on our aft assembly."

I ran my hand across Vernon's skin, taking in his musk, becoming lost in his touch. If this was the moment of my death, then I am glad I was with him.

"He'll come through," I whispered. "I know it." Jankin was many things, but he was also a man of his word. If he said he was going to do something, then no matter what, he would see to it. Sure, in practical terms, like living with him every day, such a trait annoyed me to no end. But for the here and now, he was a hero in my mind.

Another explosion shook the ship, accompanied by more sparks from the equipment around us. Burnt metallic fumes stained my nostrils.

Braken yelped, "We need medical attention here."

Sern had been burned, he was cradling one of his front legs. Mara shot a glance my way. I understood. Wilmot and Mara were busy trying to make sure we remained alive as long as possible. The natural choice for giving assistance to Sern was either me or Vernon.

I went to the medical cabinet, pulling out a case as fast as I could manage. Another blast rocked us and I had to hold onto the railing to keep myself from falling.

Vernon screamed, Drake. Look out!

Turning my head to where Vernon gestured just in time. A support beam for the ceiling came crashing down onto the railing I used for support only moments ago. Forcing me to dive away from the carnage, but at least I was safe.

Vernon scurried over to me, rendering assistance. Soon both of us were at Sern's side. The soldier's front arm badly burned. I opened the case. What was inside, I couldn't fathom. Thankfully, Vernon was with me. He plucked out various objects, applying a lotion and bandage to Sern's wound with expert precision.

I was about to thank my wonderful lover, when Mara's cried out, "I don't believe it."

I turned my attention to the screen for a split second. What Mara had said I came to understand. One of the wave reflecting ships had turned from battle and was coming toward us. The ship was flanked with cruisers and Leaf flyers as well as a half a dozen Priaxian frigates.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Jankin was mad if he thought he could use the largest ship in the allied fleet to come rescue us. Still, it was daring and I couldn't help but admire him for even suggesting such a tactic.

The means of our rescue he had employed must have confused the enemy for a brief moment. A cease fire radiated out from the approaching wave ships location. I'm sure the Priory thought that we were preparing for another surprise, just like when the Earth Alliance had come to our aid.

Priory ships returned to formation.

A communication sound filled my ears. No visual was punched up, but Jankin's voice filled the bridge. "We don't have much time, so I suggest you get to the air lock and get ready to leave in a hurry. We'll swallow the ship up in our hangar bay. Hopefully we can get you all off before she blows and does any damage to this big hunk of organic technology."

Jankin's signal was cut off. I knew why. Mara and Wilmot had left the control chairs and were headed toward us.

"Come, Drake, Vernon. We must take our leave," Mara said.

Again I was plucked up, placed on Vernon's back.

The next few moments were the most anxious and agonising I've lived through. Dashing through corridors toward the air lock, many times having to go an alternative way because of the damage we had suffered. The ship groaned, and though no enemy fire thrust upon us for the here and now, many explosions vibrated the structure around us. More sparks of discharged energy lit up our path as each system shut down one by one.

Finally, when we were at the air lock, I breathed relief. I had been holding my breath and only now realised that I had done so. The hangar bay of the wave reflecting ship consumed the view out of the port hole. The thing was beautiful. A mass of organic reinforced chitin surrounding a weapon that would hopefully see us take the advantage in this battle. This was a new model, one that meant business.

We were engulfed, swallowed up by the massive ship that had come to our rescue. A siren flashed and Mara turned the handle to the air lock door. We left without hesitation.

Jankin and Taseem were waiting for us.

I clambered off Vernon so I could embrace him. "Oh God, thank you so much for coming for us."

As I kissed him, he accepted my passion, one borne out of my relief, without hesitation. He also embraced me. We may not have a connection anymore, but in that moment I felt closer to him than I ever had.

"I think we should get up to the bridge. We're about to use this weapon against the Priory," Taseem said.

Vernon came over me, Sern, Braken, Mara and Wilmot now at my side. I felt the most complete I ever had in my life. I turned to look at the damage that had been inflicted on our ship. Instead, I saw it drift away before the hangar doors of the wave reflecting ship were closed.

I was led away by Jankin's hand in mine. All of my friends, including Vernon, walked behind us. "You're going to love this," Jankin said.

When on the bridge, I was glad to be back within the familiarity of a true organic vessel. I sat myself on one of the seats, Vernon coming over me.

Tassem said, "We're ready."

The most amazing site filled my vision. Every Priaxian soldier on board gestured in unison at each of their stations, their actions one. The vision bubble all around me displayed the battle, the Priory vessels now coming at us, energy weapons blazing.

The light within the wave reflector turned blue, my painted skin enhanced by the glow. A klaxon sounded and the voice of the ship, in a soft feminine voice said, We are clear from our allies and the reflector generators are all primed and at full capacity. All strikes against us have been absorbed and I am ready to release the energy on your command, Jankin.

Jankin's lips curled up to form a delicious smile. "Do it," he uttered, the pleasure in his words tangible.

Then all hell broke loose.

Sure, I had seen the wave reflector weapon in action before, but never had I experienced it on such an intimate level. I felt as though I controlled it, not just a witness to its power.

My mouth was agape as the view before me was soaked in the deadly and intense light of the weapon pulsating out from the ship like waves radiated out from a stone cast into a pond.

The Priaxian armada in striking range didn't stand a chance. Soon, many explosions littered the vision bubble, explosions that meant the destruction of the Priory vessels that dared to confront us.

I wondered why one of the wave reflectors had been destroyed, but then again, this was all experimental technology, too. Perhaps the generators on board that ship had failed. Still, the ship we were on seemed to be working just fine. Something I was pleased about, that's for sure.

There is another object approaching our coordinates, the ship said, disturbing me from the moment as one by one the Priory fell, like dominoes that had been set out before us.

"Put it on screen," Jankin commanded.

What filled the vision bubble stuck me with both wonder and fear. A ship, one of the largest I had seen, and more like a citadel, bright white and covered in towers and protruding structures, came into position behind the Priory armada. To me it looked like a sea urchin or crown of thorns starfish, but illuminated from within and as terrifying as anything I could imagine. I didn't need to be told the vessel, as large as a small moon, belonged to the Herdsmen. The design strikingly familiar now that I had been on their world.

Jankin swore.

Wilmot said, "Its here. The bringer of justice has been unleashed!"

"What is it?" Sern questioned, puzzlement filled his words.

A noise crackled over the communication system. It seemed the Herdsmen had broken our protocols and tapped into one of our audio channels. The strange and familiar words of our newest enemy filled the bridge. Words I didn't understand.

Braken scrambled so that he was in front of Jankin. "Please, the other painted one, get us out of here as soon as you can. The justice this ship will dispense will see an end to us all, no matter what side they are on."

On screen, the face of the voice of the Herdsmen appeared. No longer could I consider Ranjay a boy. He had become the puppet of the enemy. Jankin and Tassem gasped. What Ranjay said confirmed both Wilmot and Braken's words. "For being weak in defending our name, you shall be sent to oblivion, brethren of the Priory. For daring to oppose us, the faith we once had in Priaxia is no more. You shall join the ranks of the humans we feed upon, less than them in our eyes from this day forth. Your punishment shall also be the meeting of your oblivion…"

I didn't catch the rest of what Ranjay blathered on about because Braken and Wilmot had taken Jankin to the main command post. They were both shouting. Among the words of distress and urgency, Braken said, "Please, mister human, the other painted one, get us out of here. Once the voice of the Herdsmen finishes with the dispensing of their sentence, we will all be destroyed. Trust me on this."

Jankin opened his mouth. No words eventuated. I could tell he was numb with the fact that his son was the one speaking of our destruction. Taseem came up to her husband, touching him on his shoulder. "Jankin," she said. "You are needed."

I came up to Jankin, too.

After an agonising moment, Jankin blinked. "Get us out of here, mother," he said with a voice almost stilled by the pain of his feelings.

Engaging heaven's light, the ship named mother said. Shall I instruct the others to do the same?

"Yes. Get as many as you can out of here!" Wilmot screamed.

There was a moment of pause. Seemed the ship waited for Jankin's command and his command only. I nudged him. "Yes," he said, his stare fixed on Ranjay.

Instructing the rest of the fleet to engage heaven's light, mother said. We are to meet and regroup the fleet at the rendezvous point at Tombword. Is that acceptable?

Jankin nodded. "Yes."

Before the display of beauty of sub space travel and Ranjay's face had disappeared from the communication screen, the citadel of justice--as I had come to know it--moved in closer. A split second later, energy from the thousands of spires around it shot out to touch each ship within reach of its power. Disintegrating every ship within a heartbeat. I now fathomed the reason for Braken and Wilmot's fear. The ship was awesome, both in size and fire power.

I swallowed hard as thousands of ships, Priory and alliance alike, were destroyed. There was no flotsam of ship carcasses or floating bodies dead in space once the Herdsmen energy had struck. There was nothing. The Herdsmen had cast their stone and the result was terrifying.

The Herdsmen were powerful.

When we were surrounded by heaven's light, safe from the citadel of justice, Wilmot said, "Now you understand the might of the Herdsmen empire, and why the Priory are now their pawns, unable to rescind their alliance with the giant that is now awake, don't you, Drake Glauco?"

"I sure do," I said. "I think I actually feel sorry for the Priory."

Braken said, "They need help too, you know. Sure, they dreamt of power and had visions of being able to control Priaxia because they thought themselves important. But it's not about that now, is it?"

I turned to the servant. "You're right. They are nothing but cannon fodder for the Herdsmen, sent in first so the strength of the enemy can be gauged. I now know why they weren't interested in telling the Priory of the whereabouts of their research. It was never on their agenda."

What is fodder? Vernon said. And what is a cannon?

I reached up and scratched him under his chin. "Cannon fodder is what you just witnessed."

Mara said, "I will do whatever I can to assist you, Drake. But just know, Forgen will not see the actions of the Herdsmen against the Priory as a bad thing. He will think of it how they justified their actions, as punishment for failing them."

To them all, I said, "Then we have our work cut out for us, don't we? The Herdsmen have revealed themselves, and it is up to all of us, Priaxia, Earth and the Auroran resistance to make sure we see to it that they keep their reach away from us."

"A noble sentiment," Wilmot said, "But it won't be as easy as that. We suffered a great loss today."

"I know," I said with sadness imbued in my words. "But what else can we do but remain positive. When we get to Tombworld we will then assess the damage to the fleet. From there we will be in a better position to determine our next move."

"And what about the citadel of justice?" Braken asked. He was underneath Sern once more, his eyes filled with fear.

Vernon came to hold me, gather me up so I was within his warmth. We may have all of the sentient species in the entire galaxy on our side one day, including the Priory, but how can we defend ourselves, no matter our numbers, against such a weapon?

I swallowed hard. "I don't know, but we must get Ranjay out of there and stop the Herdsmen from wiping out humanity, no matter the cost."

I am with you, you know that.

"I knew you were going to say that."

Together we will take on the enemy and smite him, for our love will make us invincible.

I hugged him tight. "I know."

To be continued in part three of

The Borders of Worlds Saga, The Incubator.

About the Author

My name is Mark Alders. I live in a house. This house has a street in front of it which is a good thing because if it didn't I wouldn't be able to drive down to the shop and purchase the chocolate I need on a daily basis. *chuckle* Seriously, I am a mild mannered post office worker by day and an erotic romance writer (mainly male/male) at night. Not much else to say other than, like everyone else, I have bills to pay, a mortgage and family that I love and drive me crazy all at the same time. Oh, and I have a dog, too! See? Average Joe…except when I get down and write…then I let my imagination go to places I never knew existed and my characters invade my mind.