Clan Beginnings

TO CLAN AND CONQUER

A Clans of Kalquor Story

By

Tracy St. John

© copyright December 2012, Tracy St. John

Cover art by Erin Dameron-Hill, © copyright November 2012

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s

imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or

events is merely coincidence.

Kindle Edition

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To Deanna. See what you started?

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

This book is the prequel to Alien Conquest, Clans of Kalquor Book 3. It takes place six years before the events of that story.

Prologue

The Kalquorian Empire was and still is a civilization of great importance to the Galactic Council of Planets. The fierce but intelligent species has been at the forefront of technological, medical, and scientific breakthroughs for millennia. Their military might has never been in question; even their ancient enemy, the opportunistic race of Tragooms, hesitates to attack a Kalquorian force half its size.

However, Kalquor’s survival is in jeopardy. The force that has threatened this mighty race is not one that wields weaponry. It cannot even be seen with the naked eye. It is a virus.

Centuries ago, this virus struck the home world of Kalquor, wiping out a substantial number of its people, particularly the females. Symptoms included massive bleeding of the body’s major organs, along with those of the female reproductive tract. Damaging the x-chromosome of the Kalquorians, the virus’ effects went beyond death. The majority of women not killed outright were rendered infertile, and daughters born to those who could bear children were not guaranteed the ability to do the same. The virus altered the very DNA of the entire race.

In an effort to keep their race from going extinct and prevent fighting amongst the men, family groups called clans were formed. Each clan was made up of one female known as the Matara (childbearer) and representatives of each of the three breeds of male: the Dramok (leader), Imdiko (caregiver), and Nobek (protector).

A Matara may not join a clan until the three male members are in place. There is no guarantee a clan will attract a female, since the women are so rare. In their absence, the men forge close, often intimate, relationships with each other. As the Kalquorian Book of Life reminds us, Even the strongest warrior must find a fortress for his heart, the walls of which are built from the love of others.

Chapter 1

Nobek Lidon zeroed in on a two-man fighter in his single-man ship. He felt no remorse as he fired on the other vessel, though it was Kalquorian in origin. Taken in a bloody raid by the Tragooms, the two-man fighter was now the enemy. It had barely been off the assemblage phase on the free-orbiting manufacturing station it was stolen from. The target was so new it hadn’t yet received its navigational link-in frequencies.

Squad Leader Lidon’s twenty-fighter force was one of five squads. His home ship, a Kalquorian destroyer, sent plasma bursts and percussion blast volleys at the massive Tragoom warship. The opposite of the sleek lines of the Kalquorian craft, the enemy warship was typical of a Tragoom vessel: put together from a myriad of other species’ best technologies, it resembled something a group of semi-bright five-year olds might have constructed. If said five-year olds were also insane.

The enemy had slipped into Empire space undetected and was now trying to escape with the latest in Kalquor’s famous technology. Five days ago, the marauder had mounted the attack on the manufacturing plant. Lidon snarled. Clumsy and ill-fitting as the Tragoom ship looked, it was still a menace. Over three hundred Kalquorians had been left dead on the station, another one hundred captured, along with all the newly constructed fighters the Tragooms could fly. Tragooms did not bother to develop their own technology. They chose to steal what they could instead. That one of their roving bands of misbegotten raiders had gotten so far into the Empire’s space was the very thing the border was supposed to be guarded against. Heads would certainly roll for this fracture in Kalquor’s supposedly remarkable defenses. Nobek Emperor Yuder would no doubt have it publicly taken out on as many hides as he could find responsible.

Right now, Lidon had to concentrate on destroying as many stolen fighters as possible. Like the one his targeting computer had just locked in on.

His fingers flew over the control panel’s lit commands, firing a burst of devastating percussion power on the two-man craft that sadly contained only one enemy Tragoom. According to one of the three vids floating before his eyes, his arms-force levels were low. Thirteen years of manning a lightning class fighter had Lidon confident he could still render his target into so much space dust. He was right. The fighter in front of his guns broke apart with the first volley and then shattered utterly with the next. The idiot pilot, unfamiliar with the newest line’s configurations, had never figured out how to raise defensive shielding. Cold satisfaction swept through Lidon.

His blood was surging and there were still at least fifty more of the enemy to kill. Unfortunately, power levels had been depleted. He knew by the time he recharged and rejoined the fight, his fellow attack pilots would have finished the job. He grimaced, though he’d personally taken out fourteen of the bastards himself. “Great is the man who can share glory with others,” his Imdiko father, a temple priest, would say.

“I can’t keep it all to myself,” Lidon reluctantly agreed with his absent parent. He sighed and commed the destroyer. “Squad Leader Lidon of Rizpah Squad reporting in.”

The answer was as clear as if the man handling communications sat right next to him. “Go ahead, Squad Leader.”

“I’m out of firepower. Request permission to dock. This fight’s all but done.”

“You are clear, Squad Leader. The captain offers his congratulations on your work. This is one of your highest kill runs.”

Lidon scowled a little. Piras, the destroyer’s captain and Lidon’s Dramok lover for over a year now, knew better than to offer such public praise outside of ceremonial recognition. Especially on an open com link. Of course, most knew better than to call Lidon the captain’s pet. The few that might dare to say such a thing to him would be taught better by his fists.

Still, he’d grown tired of correcting Piras over these niggling oversights. Even the fun of pounding other Nobeks bloody was wearing thin. Reinforcing the fact he had earned his rank and not been given it had lost its charm. He was going to have to have another talk with his would-be clanmate.

“Squad Leader Lidon to Second of Rizpah.”

“Second Squad Leader.”

“I’m done for this little skirmish. You have command.”

“Acknowledged. Second Squad Leader Resok assuming point.”

Lidon headed for the destroyer. Skirmish indeed. There had been few good moments in this fight, moments when he’d found an enemy worth his skills. He looked forward to counting the scorch marks on his fighter, to seeing how close he’d enticed death to come before scaring it off with his warrior ferocity. The defense stations on the Empire’s borders were usually enough to dissuade attacks like today’s. It was getting harder all the time to get a good fight going with Tragoom infiltrators.

The drone of tactical updates and advisories from his com was abruptly interrupted by an intense voice. “Squad Leader Lidon, you’ve got company coming in fast and wagging your tail.”

Despite keeping a constant eye on his vids, Lidon instantly rechecked everything. Instrumentation detected nothing, and he snarled. The lack of information meant only one thing: he had a chameleon-class fighter with signal-cloaking shields closing in. The tail of his craft was vid-blind in the back, not allowing him to call up an image.

A blip sounded, and Lidon noted a lightning class fighter, one of the stolen ones, coming at him from starboard. “How close is that chameleon?” he asked.

“Seven clicks, closing on you at a rate of two-point-seven-five.”

Lidon grinned with feral delight. He was either going to add more bodies to his kill count or meet a glorious death. For a Nobek, both were equally welcome.

Adjusting his heading and speed to mask the oncoming Tragooms from each other, he muttered, “As the Book of Life says, ‘The enemy’s sins are only redeemed when he offers peace or his throat.’ So come on in, you useless blight on the ass of the galaxy, and find some redemption.”

Lidon could see the lightning class closing in exactly where he wanted him. He had to count on fortune to keep the chameleon steady on its path to destruction. His grin grew larger and his hinged fangs unfolded from his palate. He waited for brute instinct and hard-won experience to give him the go-ahead.

The moment came. Lidon pitched the nose of the fighter down and executed a steep roll, effectively turning his course at a right angle. Now his vids showed him the sleek lines of the chameleon as it hurtled over him and in the path of the bulkier but better armed lightning. They collided with gorgeous force, and Lidon howled his victory.

Damn, he loved his job.

His moment of triumph was cut short as sensors chimed a warning. Several huge pieces of the chameleon flew straight at him. Too many to avoid being hit. Fingers flying over his navigational computer, faster than he could bark voice commands, Lidon veered hard from the biggest piece. He braced as another hurtling missile closed in.

He heard the impact before he felt it. Claxons went off, vids blinked frantically, and a flash of fire erupted in front of his face for a bare instant. Then the cockpit was doused in extinguishing foam, killing the blaze and wetting Lidon from head to toe. The foam almost immediately turned to clear liquid and dripped from his console.

A moment later, the pain hit. Lidon’s leg suddenly screamed in brutal agony, and he screamed with it. It felt as if dozens of huge, jagged blades stabbed into his calf and thigh all at once. He jerked against the torment, but the limb was pinned in its hellish space. The hull had apparently collapsed in that area, crushing and trapping his leg.

Lidon fought to hold onto consciousness in that grim realm of anguish. Gritting his teeth to keep from screaming again, he said, “Squad Leader Lidon to destroyer.”

Only now did he realize the constant relaying of information had ceased on his link. He had no communications. As if to taunt him, all the blinking vids went out. Then the entire cockpit went dark as the ship’s power failed. For a moment Lidon was left in utter darkness and overwhelming pain.

The backup emergency lighting came on, bathing the smooth and now featureless control panel in orangey-red light. Lidon smashed his fist against the panel in frustration. He left no damage. The ship was designed to take the abuse of irritable Nobeks.

He hit it again anyway. “Well that’s just fucking great. Someone’s going to have to tow my sorry ass in.”

The question now was, how badly had he been injured? The leg hurt with a physical misery Lidon had not known in his entire violent life. He stuck his hand in the tight confines where he couldn’t see anything six inches below his groin. Wet heat greeted his touch, and he withdrew the hand. Despite his increasingly hazy vision, he could easily see the blood dripping from his fingers.

Lidon felt the fighter shudder around him. Someone was firing on his dead ship, finishing him off.

His lips were tingling and numbing from blood loss. He could hear himself slurring as he closed his eyes and leaned his head back. “Sixteen enemy dead. Glorious death on the battlefield instead of safe in my bed.” A surge of guilt washed through him at those words, though they were what every Nobek hoped for. Why the ancestors had been so kind to deliver him an end he didn’t deserve, Lidon couldn’t fathom.

He’d face those who had gone before him soon enough. At least the pain would stop. In his last moments, however, Lidon couldn’t seem to stop the flow of words that poured like his life’s blood.

“Well, Piras, you’ll understand when I don’t make our dinner date. Sorry, but some opportunistic gurluck cancelled by killing me.”

Also cancelled was the discipline Piras had earned for his public display of affection. Discipline the Dramok would no doubt have been looking forward to. Lidon had to admit, he would have taken pleasure in dealing it, though Piras would have given in much too easily.

The ship continued to shake as it took abuse from the enemy. Somehow its defenses must have held for it to take so long to be destroyed. Lidon looked forward to his death, to getting away from the pain. It was all for the best; no doubt the damage to his leg would leave him crippled had he survived. And what kind of life could a Nobek in his prime enjoy with such a handicap? Not one worth living.

Lidon welcomed death, begged with all his soul for it to find him. His voice so low that he could barely hear himself speak, he uttered the words his Imdiko father had blessed the bodies of his Dramok and Nobek fathers with: “To every man death must come. Death, the destroyer of sorrows. Death, that dark friend to the sick. Go, and be not afraid.” Lidon snorted. “I was not sickly, nor do I have any hope of being relieved of my remorse, but what the hell.”

The fighter shook harder than ever. The motion jarred his leg hard, making it shriek with misery. Lidon opened his mouth to shriek with it.

He wanted to die, to at least relinquish consciousness, but the hurt went on, and on, and on…

* * * *

Lidon woke with a gasp to find himself in his lover’s darkened quarters. His leg, his damned leg. Fuck. He’d rolled over onto it in his sleep and had lay there long enough to set off brutal pain. He sat up, grinding his teeth together to keep from making noise and waking Piras.

Fifteen years after the incident, the agony still possessed the power to take him back to that hideous moment when his life changed. While Lidon was grateful to still have purpose, to be of continued use to the fleet, the harrowing beginning to his ordeal lived on in his nightmares.

Times like these didn’t invite the words from the Book of Life to comfort Lidon. Not when the torment was intense and much of the sleepless night lay before him. Instead, the long-ago mantra from Nobek training camp ran through his mind.

Pain is my friend. Pain gives me a challenge to show I have overcome and will continue to do so. I worship my pain, and I invite it to give me strength.

He looked over at Piras. The Dramok slept like a rock, fortunately. He lightly snored now, arms and legs slung wide, hogging the sleeping mat as he often did. The bed surface was clan-sized, big enough for three men and their Matara should they be so lucky as to have a rare female in their number. Still, Piras managed to take up most of it. Lidon had rolled to the edge to escape, ending up on his bad right leg.

The Nobek’s gaze wandered over the other man’s body, uncovered by the linens to the waist. Piras was a long, lean, graceful man, tall and elegant to look at. His strong jaw was somewhat at odds with the rest of his delicate face. It probably came from the fact he ground his teeth together so much in near-constant frustration. Those jaw muscles had gotten quite the workout in the last fifteen years. Piras was easily annoyed, and it was often because of Lidon.

Lidon’s expression as he looked over his longtime lover was a mix of affection and irritation. He debated waking Piras for sex, since he knew he wouldn’t be sleeping for the rest of the night. It would be good to fuck out some of the angst from the nightmare, and Piras was never adverse to being on the bottom. However, he was adverse to missing out on sleep. Deprive him of even an hour of his usual rest, and he would be a vicious brute to his crew during his entire shift. For such a docile lover, the captain was an unmitigated bastard outside the sleeping room.

The ridiculous hard-on had shown up despite the torment of Lidon’s leg. He decided the guilt of watching Piras make everyone else’s life miserable wasn’t worth relieving his erection. Nor was it worth listening to his would-be Dramok complain even as he put his ass up in the air for Lidon’s use.

Lidon thought about his altar in his own cramped quarters. Crew quarters didn’t offer much room for personal items, but the Nobek had managed to make a space for the small wooden shelf where he burned incense and read from the Book of Life. Most Nobeks meditated to calm their primal urges. On a destroyer where a man could only move so far and was in near constant contact with others, serene contemplation was a must. Lidon took it farther than most with a near-religious devotion to the philosophies of the Book’s writers, particularly the first prophet Lozatu’s teachings.

Meditation was the obvious choice, but Lidon’s heart was still drumming quicker than normal from his nightmare. He didn’t think he could sit still. He needed to move.

To the bridge then, though little would be happening with the captain asleep. Lidon pushed the covers from his perspiration-sheened body and swung his legs over the side of the sleeping mat.

Even in the very dim sleep-mode lighting of the room, Lidon could see the differences in his legs. The calves were nearly identical in shape, though the right was crisscrossed with scars. The muscles of the lower leg hadn’t been nearly as damaged as the thigh.

Damaged? His right thigh had been demolished. Crushed and torn, it was a miracle any of it had been salvageable.

Lidon looked at his leg with consternation and pride. A patchwork of scarred and lumpy flesh, it was a badge of honor many other Nobeks looked at with open envy and awe. Few men received such a horrific battle wound and were able to keep the limb to show off. In fact, the surgeons had begged him to let them replace the shattered leg with a robotic prosthetic. He’d flatly refused though it meant constant pain and the limp of a cripple.

Pain is my friend, and I invite it in to make me stronger. With such thoughts burned into their brains, it was no wonder most Nobeks were both sadists and masochists.

Lidon quickly dressed, putting on his red-trimmed black uniform formsuit, which had been tossed on the floor from the night before. He debated going to his quarters for a clean one then decided against it. He’d shower and change before his regular shift. For now, he needed to be engrossed in official business.

Putting his knee-high boot on the afflicted leg was an exercise in torture, and he hissed despite efforts not to. Piras didn’t react, continuing to snore his way through the night.

Lidon got to his feet, putting his weight on his left leg as he reached for his brace. The stiff metal contraption kept his weakened leg from collapsing under him. It fit over his boot and ran all the way up to his groin. The thing looked like an ancient torture device, which was why Lidon used it instead of one of the newer invisible-field braces. The brace elicited respect from other Nobeks. Unfortunately, it also made medics pester him to submit to more surgeries. Particularly a certain Imdiko he knew, when Lidon was able to corner the man and force him into a conversation.

Lidon’s utility belt with its collection of tools and knives went on his waist, and he was ready to see how the destroyer’s nightshift was doing. He limped to the door and it hissed open, letting in a wedge of light. Piras sighed and rolled over. He didn’t wake. Leaving his lover slumbering, Lidon slipped soundlessly from the room.

The Nobek limped down the corridor heading for the ship’s transport system. In the crew section at this time, it was an utterly blank stretch of hallway. It was only when he crossed from that part into the destroyer’s more functional middle section that he started to see others. Night shift personnel jerked their heads in quick nods to acknowledge him.

Lidon’s route took him past the medical department. Knowing he was being foolish, but hopeful just the same, the Nobek slowed and peered in. No one was being treated in the examination portion of the unit. A few orderlies and techs were standing around talking. The door to the head doctor’s office near the department entrance stood open, but the room within was dark.

Lidon sped up again as he passed Medical and got into the nearby transport, a tube-system conveyance that would take him anywhere within the ship. The small room he stood in was every bit as bland as the hallway.

“Bridge.” The transport’s door closed and he felt the slightest sensation of motion beneath his feet. In less than thirty seconds the door opened again, and he was in the braincenter of the destroyer.

The bridge during the ship’s normal sleeping hours was quiet, humming with efficiency. The room was a half-circle, with the first officer, captain, and weapons command’s podiums at the center of the flat end of the room. Next to weapons command was the security station with five Nobeks keeping tabs on everything from the destroyer’s defensive shielding to simple policing of the ship’s crew.

Directly in front of those stations were the communications banks, both in-ship and fleet monitors, run by five crewmembers. Beyond them were navigation and piloting, handled by a complement of three.

Along the most forward part of the curved section were the monitors, giant vids that kept the bridge informed of everything they needed to know to run the ship efficiently. Central was the constantly scrolling status-read, giving up-to-the second information on ship’s condition, position, and anything of note happening outside of it. A quick glance told Lidon they were on course for CP-108, a small moon with an acceptable atmosphere for life forms such as Kalquorians.

As the Nobek limped out of the transport, the first officer looked at him from the captain’s station with surprise; surprise Lidon shared.

Dramok Tranis, Piras’ second-in-command for only the past four months, was young for his rank. Very young. Thirty years Lidon’s junior, he nevertheless carried himself with maturity and assurance. Even now, caught off guard by Lidon’s sudden appearance, there was only a slight widening of eyes and steady stare to betray his concern.

The first officer’s deep voice was smooth, betraying nothing of his feelings as he acknowledged Lidon. “Weapons Commander? You’re not on this shift’s rotation.”

“No, First Officer, I’m not. Neither are you.” As the senior security officer for the entire destroyer, Lidon’s rank was only a step below that of the first officer. As Piras’ lover, he could get away with the borderline show of disrespect. It wasn’t something Lidon liked to indulge in. Sleeping with the captain shouldn’t mean special treatment. But with Tranis so new, the Nobek couldn’t help but test him.

Tranis’ eyebrows rose over sharp blue-purple eyes. His slitted pupils widened just a hair. The corner of his mouth twitched. Damned if he didn’t look almost amused by Lidon’s slight challenge instead of affronted or scared, the reactions the Nobek would have expected from anyone else. Dramok Tranis was different, however. From the little Lidon had seen so far, the younger man seemed to know when to let things lie peacefully and when to bite back.

Tranis went back to his readouts, which hovered over the captain’s computer station. He kept his body angled towards Lidon. The Nobek noted the younger man also kept his head tilted in such a way so he kept the weapons commander in his peripheral vision. It was almost a watchful Nobek pose, one that said Tranis wasn’t threatened but he wanted to keep an eye on the situation anyway.

The first officer said, “I’m filling in for Ranem.”

Lidon let his gaze wander just a bit, enjoying the sight of the strong, wide shoulders and chest of the Dramok. The formsuit uniforms Kalquorians wore let a man know exactly what he was getting when it came to other men. With the first officer, the promise was exceedingly nice. Tranis was more muscled than Piras. Shorter too, right about Lidon’s height. In the Nobek’s opinion, the view on the bridge had vastly improved since Tranis came on board.

He made himself stop before his gaze went any lower. “Is Lieutenant Ranem sick?”

“Injured. He insulted a fighter squad leader.” Tranis’ hint of a smile became the real thing. “Five broken bones and internal injuries. He’ll be back on duty tomorrow after the repairs have taken hold.”

Lidon snorted and limped over to the weapons computer station, where a lieutenant commander stepped aside, bowing slightly to his superior. A curved floating platform like the one Tranis stood at, the black podium put everything Lidon needed to do his job well at his fingertips. Lidon glanced at the vids floating over it. The Nobek lieutenant, only slightly younger than Tranis, had brought up all the latest ship diagnostics, security communications, and flight course scans for Lidon’s immediate inspection. Lidon wouldn’t have to punch him for sloppy command transfer, and that was fine.

One item caught his attention immediately, and he read it over with his brows drawn together. “That’s an interesting report from the border defense.”

Tranis nodded. “I’ve been wondering what those anomalous energy readings coming from Joshadan space might be. They look like power signatures from ships, but the defense stations can’t lock down a source.”

“If those are ships, they’re not answering communication attempts.” Lidon’s eyes narrowed. The border defense on the perimeter between the Empire and Joshadan space was thought by many to be a joke, more a punishment for misbehaving Nobek soldiers than real duty. Joshadans were a peaceful lot and not interested in technology beyond what they absolutely needed. Kalquor provided the small world and its colonies with defense, which typically consisted of nothing more than beating back the occasional Tragoom raid. It was certainly not as exciting as manning the border with Bi’is territorial space. A destroyer sweep in this section of the Empire, such as what they were doing now, was considered akin to taking a vacation.

Underlining the typical attitude for the Kalquorian-Joshadan border, the weapons lieutenant muttered, “I can’t imagine anything dangerous coming from Joshada.”

Lidon shot him a glance. “‘There is nothing as dangerous as not recognizing the potential for danger.’”

“Sir?”

Tranis’ voice came from Lidon’s left. “The Book of Life, right?”

Lidon turned his attention to the first officer, restraining the urge to smile. Young ones rarely paid much attention to the philosophical arts. “Seventh chapter, twelfth verse,” he confirmed.

His lieutenant persisted. “But what trouble could be coming from Joshadan space?”

Lidon kept his tone steady while acknowledging privately he might have to punch the man after all. A good brain-rattling blow might clear the fog from a lazy mind quicker than anything. “Ships of multiple origins could indicate Tragooms, since they steal from everyone. And we know next to nothing about that new species that’s shown up recently.”

Tranis gave him a curious look. “Earthers? I haven’t heard of them being hostile. Certainly not aggressive without cause, though some do say they strictly adhere to religious precepts. An aide to an ambassador I spoke with said they are easily affronted by anything not conforming to their beliefs.”

Lidon nodded. “They’ve attacked none of the members of the Galactic Planets. It doesn’t mean they won’t, eventually.”

Tranis stared at him, his look speculative.

Lidon quirked a suggestion of a smile. “Don’t look so worried, Commander Tranis. Nobeks, especially ones who have seen what I have, are a suspicious lot. I have yet to meet an Earther, so I naturally expect the worst.”

The first officer snorted. “Naturally. Deferring to your greater experience, Weapons Commander, may I ask if it’s your view that I alter course towards the nearest defense station? To check out those anomalous readings?”

Lidon’s estimation of the Dramok edged up a notch. Young officers climbing the ranks often felt it lessened their standing to ask the opinions of those under them. They had a bad habit of not recognizing the value of a range of judgments. It was nice to know Tranis was not one of those.

The Nobek studied the intelligence carefully before answering. “In all honesty, I see no reason to divert at this time. The defense stations on the border are well armed, each with a complement of fighters. Without confirmation of an enemy, I think you’ll be better off letting Captain Piras make that call.”

Tranis dipped his head. “Thank you for your recommendation, Commander. The captain will be on the bridge in a couple of hours anyway.”

Lidon went back to his reports, a sense of satisfaction warming his gut. Piras was a hard man to serve under, but he thought Tranis would work out fine.

A few minutes later, he sensed someone approaching him from his left. A pleasant, masculine scent wafted to his sensitive nostrils. He looked up to see Tranis standing at the edge of his station, eyeing him carefully.

The first officer wouldn’t have moved so close unless he wanted to have a semi-private conversation. Lidon took a step over, bringing their faces within inches of each other. Close enough to feel Tranis’ warmth. The Nobek’s cocks twitched. No surprise there. The Dramok was young and attractive with a personality Lidon found easy to relate to. Nice fantasy material.

He pitched his voice low, curious to know what was on the other man’s mind. “Can I help you, First Officer?”

Just as quietly, Tranis said, “Maybe. We’ll be entering orbit around the CP-108 in seven hours.”

“I’m aware of that. I look forward to enjoying a few hours of shore leave to breathe something besides canned air. It should make the Nobeks less likely to take Dramok insults personally.”

Lieutenant Ranem’s violent run-in with the squad leader was no real surprise to Lidon. Fights were breaking out more frequently. On this particular pass, Piras had really pushed the Nobeks’ limits as far as their need to regularly get out of the destroyer’s tight confines. He liked demonstrating his power as their captain, which was an essential component to his command. Still, Lidon’s lover would be in a pretty mess trying to control nearly 150 claustrophobic Nobeks with only a third of that number of Dramoks and Imdikos. Sometimes Lidon thought Piras pressed the crew’s warrior breed too hard.

Tranis’ voice lowered even more, his words only breath. “I’ve been trying to get a few crewmembers together for a kurble game. Would you like to participate?”

Lidon stilled and stared at him. It seemed he would be punching someone after all, a jokester of a Dramok. A growl slipped out. “Who put you up to this, First Officer Tranis?”

There was that bare hint of humor from the young man again, sending a spike of hot fury through Lidon’s skull. Tranis’ gaze held his, clearly not afraid. “No one put me up to anything. I know you have trouble with your leg, but the position of hurler defense doesn’t require running. You’d only have to stay upright long enough to get in the way of the attackers so the hurler can throw the ball.”

Lidon’s fists clenched. He was seriously pissed off now. “I am well aware of how the game is played.”

“I know. I used to watch you when you caught and ran for the Lotna Fleet Training Camp’s team. My brothers took me to all the home games.”

Surprise took the place of anger. Lidon blinked. “Your brothers attended Lotna?”

Tranis nodded. “A couple of them. The oldest was three years behind you, so I doubt you ever met any of them. You were amazing. I always wondered why you didn’t turn pro.”

Lidon relaxed. It wasn’t a joke. If Tranis had Nobek brothers, he’d know a member of that breed suffering with a disability would be looking for ways to prove himself still strong. Tranis wasn’t fucking with Lidon; he was offering him an opportunity.

In a much more conversational tone, Lidon said, “I wanted more adventure than the kurble field provided.” He snorted, glancing down at his brace. “I found more than I anticipated. How many brothers do you have, Commander?”

Tranis grinned, lighting his handsome face in a way that made Lidon’s cocks twitch again. “Five. All older, and all Nobeks.”

Lidon couldn’t restrain his own smile. Five brothers? Tranis’ mother had been extremely fertile. Bearing six children was unheard of these days. A precious few Mataras managed to produce just one. “Being the youngest brother to five of my breed must have been interesting.”

“They taught me how to play kurble. I love the game. The trouble is, most Nobeks don’t take a Dramok seriously when he tries to get a match going.”

Lidon could see his point. Then again, there were Nobeks who would enjoy taking apart a Dramok who would dare to step onto their turf. His grin spread. “I might know a few who will take you up on your offer. What’s your position?”

“Hurler. I really could use a smart defender.”

Lidon snorted. “Especially since Nobeks of the opposing team will think you’re an easy cart-off. “

Cart-offs were injured players who had to be carried off the field. It was humiliating to be one of those.

Tranis shrugged. “I think I might surprise them.”

Lidon looked at the young, strong body in front of him. Tranis had the sturdy build needed by a hurler who would be thrown to the ground time and again.

The Nobek thought, You’re certainly surprising me. Too bad you’re so damned young, or I’d invite you to play other games. I bet you’d be an animal in bed.

As opposed to Piras, who gave up control all too easily.

“So are you in, Commander?” Tranis prodded.

Lidon considered. A hurler defender was in the thick of the action, yet Tranis was right; he’d only have to be in the way of attackers, holding them off long enough for Tranis to throw or hand off the ball. Plenty of opportunity for pain while still contributing to his team. And Piras, no fan of kurble and certainly no fan of Lidon playing it, would hate the idea. Somehow, that made the decision easy.

“I’ll be your left flank defender, Tranis.” The position would afford some protection for his damaged right leg. He added, “I’ll see who else I can round up for the match.”

Tranis’ youth showed in that moment. Pure boyish delight suffused his features. He suddenly looked much younger than his 36 years. “Thank you, Commander. I look forward to it.”

The first officer returned to the captain’s station. Lidon couldn’t help but watch him walk away, admiring those muscular thighs and the ass that topped them.

The things he could do with such a fine specimen. Especially a Dramok that was fierce enough to play the sometimes deadly game kurble.

Amused at himself, the weapons commander went back to his reports. Delicious to contemplate, Tranis was obviously too young to seriously consider someone like Lidon for a sexual romp. Especially when Lidon was not just significantly older, but also crippled.

It was still fun to think about.

Chapter 2

Piras’ hands were clenched in fists at his sides. His voice was low with disbelieving fury as he growled, “Tell me this is a joke, you stupid Nobek.”

Lidon arched an eyebrow at him. Then he deliberately turned his back on the Dramok as he pulled on an older formsuit he’d meant to throw out. The stretchy fabric was torn and frayed in several places, having seen action in a huge bar brawl on Dantovon a few months back. It would do nicely for a kurble match.

Piras was every bit as peeved as Lidon had anticipated. He told the captain, “I do believe my intelligence scores are almost a hundred points over yours. If I’m stupid, what does that make you?”

“Intelligence and common sense are two different things, Lidon. Apparently, you’re lacking badly in one of those.”

Most the kurble players would be barefoot. No protective gear. Lidon looked at his boots and considered. His brace was designed to be worn with footwear. Not only that, but Tranis had already scouted the area they would be playing the game. Recent rains had left it muddy. As much as Lidon hated to acknowledge he needed the help, he decided he would wear his ankle-high traction shoes.

Piras huffed impatiently. “Are you even listening to me? How can you possibly play kurble on that leg?”

Lidon sat on the edge of his sleeping mat and slipped on the shoes. As he strapped his brace on, he said, “Badly. Probably very badly. But as the Book says, ‘Anything you would do to the best of your ability, though that ability be less than perfect, is a worthwhile endeavor.’”

Piras glared. “Does the Book of Life say anything about making a bad situation worse?”

“‘The foolish ignores his ineptitude at his own risk.’” Lidon smiled. “Like any other philosophy, you can find support for all your arguments, no matter what side you take.”

Piras glanced at Lidon’s altar with its copy of the Book of Life open about three-quarters of the way through. “Then why bother with spirituality at all?”

“Because.” Lidon held the opinion that if he had to explain the unexplainable, then Piras would simply not understand. As the Book said, All men must come to their truths by the path they forge themselves. No one can forge it for them.

Piras shook his head. “You haven’t tried to play since you were hurt. Why now?” He narrowed his eyes with sudden suspicion. “Are you trying to impress someone? An Imdiko? Not another Dramok?”

Tranis’ young, handsome face flashed before Lidon’s mind’s eye. He snorted that he would want to impress such a youngling, even one as fascinating as the first officer. “Your possessiveness is unbecoming, Piras. We are not clanned.”

The Dramok’s voice went cold. “No, we’re not. No matter how many times I ask, you continue to put me off.”

Lidon stood, suited up and ready for a hard-fought battle on the field. He walked straight to Piras, grabbed him by the back of his head, and yanked him close for a brutal, demanding kiss.

Piras’ hands slammed against Lidon’s chest, trying to push him away. Lidon persisted, shoving the captain up against the wall and grinding his groin against his as his tongue battled Piras’. Piras continued to struggle, moaning a complaint into Lidon’s mouth even as his cocks swelled. Lidon answered with a growl.

Go on and fight me, damn it. Dominate. Be a Dramok.

Lidon thought Piras might actually do it this time, especially since he didn’t want the Nobek playing kurble. Once in awhile Piras became the same forceful, exciting male he was outside of the bedroom. The man Lidon wanted him to be.

Not this time. After a few moments of resistance, Piras stopped fighting. He rubbed up against Lidon, his arms creeping around the Nobek’s neck. His tongue twined about Lidon’s, inviting him to delve deeper. The Nobek’s cocks filled, growing hard.

For a moment he seriously considered throwing Piras onto his sleeping mat and spending the shore leave fucking his brains out. Just as Piras no doubt hoped.

Lidon pushed away, untangling the Dramok’s grip from his neck. He sneered, “You can reward me after my team wins the game.”

Lidon gave Piras a moment to assert himself, to show his strength. To force the Nobek to give him what his avid groin said he wanted.

Instead, the Dramok’s shoulders sagged and he scowled. “You are an ass. Try not to get yourself dismembered.”

The weapons commander rolled his eyes. He stomped out of his quarters. Piras followed him as he headed for the transport that would take him to the shuttle bay.

“After shore leave is up, we’re going to check out those strange energy readings reported by the border defense stations. I’ll need you at your post, worthless as you are.”

Lidon stepped into the transport, turned, and gave Piras a formal bow. “Yes, Captain. Shuttle bay.”

An instant before the door shut between him and Piras, Lidon reached out and tweaked the Dramok’s still swollen crotch. He grinned as Piras’ growl was cut off by the closing door.

* * * *

Tranis whooped warm air into his lungs, squinting against the bright sunlight. The surroundings hadn’t been so damned blinding when they started the match. The bit of cloud cover that had kept things comfortable for sensitive Kalquorian eyesight were long gone. Every expression on the muddy field looked ferocious simply because each man strained to see through narrowed eyes. The spectators on the sidelines, almost everyone else who’d been granted shore leave, wore dimming goggles.

Tranis snarled, fangs down, at the Nobek in front of him. He wanted to make sure the other man knew it wasn’t just a light-blinded face he was making. He cupped the rough-hided kurble ball in his swollen hand. It was getting hard to curl his fingers around it now that they were late in the game and the poison had done its work. Only professional players were allowed to use the lethally dosed kurble balls, but the recreational versions were plenty nasty too.

The Nobek defender in front of him, a fighter pilot named Nemu, gave Tranis a feral grin. “Your mouth is bleeding, Dramok.”

On Tranis’ left, Lidon promised, “Don’t worry. I’ll see to it yours bleeds too.”

The two men growled at each other, and the primitive sound of it sent a thrill through Tranis. The game had gone off wonderfully. Nobeks had actually vied to be on Tranis and Lidon’s team. They knew if they managed to do well with a Dramok hurler and a crippled flank defender, they would have the greatest bragging rights.

The pair had surprised everyone. Tranis never let the ball’s intermittent protruding barbs vary his accurate throws. Nor did he flinch from the stampeding Nobeks from the opposing team. Not an easy task; the opponents were a brutal bunch looking to throw him hard to the ground, with a few punches and kicks added in for good measure. For Lidon’s part, the Nobek had stood fast on his braced leg to absorb the attacks when he wasn’t throwing himself bodily into the fray. He seemed to take great delight in proving just how savage he was.

Even Tranis was impressed with his teammate, though he’d been sure the Nobek’s injury would only spur Lidon to fight all the harder. The muddy condition of the field had worried him for his left defender, but Lidon’s traction shoes had put him on even footing with the rest of them.

As they readied to line up for another offensive, Lidon’s gaze swept the intimidating wall of Nobeks ready to stop their march down the field. “To your right.”

Tranis’ right flank defender, a ship security lieutenant named Mucod, crouched slightly at his side. His hands hanging loosely in front of him as he eyed the cluster of defenders tensing in a tight knot. Tranis was a left-handed hurler, which meant most his throws went in that direction.

Mucod nodded. “I’ve got them.”

Tranis looked over the gang of muddy, bloody, snarling Nobeks waiting to run over him. His team was ahead and close to scoring again. One more goal and the game would be theirs. His ballooning hand and poisoned system just had to hold out. The Dramok thought he might have half a dozen plays left in him. This close to victory, he wasn’t about to forfeit.

He got into position for his throw. Lidon and Mucod were on either side of him, crouching low, getting ready to launch themselves at the other team. The runners lined up behind him, tensed to either defend him or take the ball from his hand. Runner-catchers swept to the sides.

“Vortex!” Tranis yelled. A hurl play.

His entire line growled and showed their fangs. The defenders answered with the same. Every last man was aroused, including Tranis. Kurble brought that out in those devoted to it.

Tranis gave his team their directions in a roar. “Sideswipe ‘board, barricade port, punch center!”

He dropped back, cocking the ball for his throw. Lidon and Mucod surged forward. Three catcher-runners on the right took off in blurs, running around the opposing team. The remaining two catcher-runners on the left ran at the defensive line, helping Lidon on that side. The four runners at Tranis’ back ran at dead center, opening a sightline for Tranis to the three catcher-runners now downfield, racing to lose their guards.

One was clear for a catch. Tranis set his feet as Nobeks in front of him fought brutally. Barbs suddenly shot out from the ball, turning it into a spiked nightmare that punctured his hand yet again. He shrieked as it fed poison into him, but more in defiance than pain. He threw the ball at the clear catcher-runner just before Lidon and Mucod were trampled over. As Tranis was brought painfully down to the ground, he saw his teammate catch the still-barbed ball.

The play ended. The attackers who’d piled on top of Tranis, four of them, picked themselves up, giving him a few punches for good measure. He spit out a mouthful of mud and accepted Lidon’s hand up. Unfortunately, Tranis used his left hand. He winced as his poisoned, punctured hand was squeezed.

Lidon scowled, but there was admiration in his look too. “I see a shitload of pain inhibitors, anti-inflammatories, and poison antidote in your future.”

Tranis grinned, refusing to acknowledge the throbbing hell of his hurling hand. “I’m not even close to finished.”

“I can believe that, but we’re within scoring range again, and one play could finish the game. They’re going to come at us with everything this time.”

He was right. The catcher-runner had gotten the ball only a few feet from the goal. The opposing team wasn’t just growling; they were roaring defiance at Tranis’ group. The onlookers were screaming wildly.

Adrenaline galloped through Tranis’ body. “Let them come, and we’ll shut them down.”

The two teams lined up. Tranis looked over his options, noting Nobek Nemu in front of him had a bloody lip, just as Lidon had promised he would.

By the ancestors, he loved this game.

Tranis called the play, and the teams went into motion. Lidon had been right; the defenders sent everyone at the Dramok. He saw it when one intentionally targeted Lidon’s bad leg, making the Nobek scream with pain and fury as he went down.

Tranis delivered the ball to his catcher-runner, winning the game. Then he ran right at the man who’d hit Lidon and started pounding him with all he had. The pain in his swollen hand was merely a nuisance as he traded blows with the Nobek.

Their fight prompted a free-for-all. The air was alive with thuds and screams and howls as both teams commenced to beating the shit out of each other. Tranis was dimly aware that many of the spectators had joined in. Two more Nobeks jumped him and had beat him pretty good when Lidon suddenly barreled in, knocking them both sprawling.

Security forces, assigned by Lidon to keep order during the game, broke up the melee. Tranis was flat on his back in the field, his eyes closed tight against the too-bright sky. He had to breathe through his mouth because his nose was broken. Damn, he hurt, but at least he didn’t think anything else had been broken.

A shadow darkened his closed lids, and he opened them to see Lidon crouching over him. The Nobek studied his face. “It looks like you’ll need a little reconstructive work. Your nose is all over your face.”

Tranis blinked up at him. “Why can’t I just keep some scars?” When Lidon’s eyebrows rose, he added, “You wouldn’t believe the shit I catch for having my rank at my age. I wouldn’t mind giving my looks a little age and experience.”

Lidon snorted. “A Dramok who keeps his fighting and battle scars is seen as a challenge to Nobeks. They’ll make it a point to kick your ass on a daily basis. Try a beard, if you want to look older. I think it would suit your face.”

Tranis considered it. A beard might indeed lend some maturity to his looks. “Thanks. I’ll give it a shot.”

Lidon grabbed his uninjured right hand and hauled him to his feet. He gave Tranis a dark look. “I should beat you myself. I don’t need a Dramok defending me, you know.”

Tranis snarled at him. “Who said I was defending you? Do I look like I have a death wish?”

Lidon raised an eyebrow at him. Tranis realized that after the pounding he just took, he might indeed look that way.

He blew out an exasperated breath. He didn’t want Lidon mad at him. “The man that targeted your leg was the most convenient person to hit. Damn it, Commander, the game was over, and only a couple of real fights broke out during the whole thing. Everyone knows fights are the best part of kurble.”

Lidon stared at him. Then he snorted and shook his head. Finally he grinned.

Tranis grinned back for a moment before his stomach started to churn. He waved at the Nobek. “And here comes the worst part. Stand back.”

Lidon got out of spew range quickly. As the first heave doubled Tranis over, the weapons commander waved at the waiting medics. Then Tranis didn’t notice much else as his stomach turned itself inside out trying to get the poison out of his system.

* * * *

The destroyer’s handsome head medic had almost finished putting Tranis’ face back to rights. He seemed extremely amused; not just at Tranis but with everything going on around him.

Dr. Degorsk gave Lidon a sidelong look. “A Dramok that plays kurble. Did you put him up to this, Lidon?”

Tranis turned his gaze to the weapons commander, who sat on the treatment table next to Tranis’. These two were on a familiar name basis? Funny. The joke-cracking doctor was nothing like the stern Nobek. He couldn’t imagine the two of them being close enough to use names.

Lidon looked between doctor and patient and smirked. “He invited me into his game, Doctor.”

The Imdiko’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re kidding. No, not possible. You don’t know how to tease. Maybe you were hit on the head? No again, since that’s the least vulnerable part of your body.”

Tranis was shocked. The medic was baiting Lidon, making fun. And yet Lidon just sat there, a strange half-smile on his face as he regarded Degorsk.

Tranis gave the Imdiko his full attention. Degorsk was about his height, his body made up of lean, sinewy muscle that his long-sleeved formsuit did nothing to conceal. The hands wielding a skin suturing device over Tranis’ face had long, dexterous, almost dainty fingers. His clean shaven, sharp features were softened by his easygoing smile, which showed off perfectly straight, white teeth. His waist length blue-black hair was worn in a thick braid. Tranis had a sudden vision of all that hair loose and spread over a pillow. He was still slightly aroused from the kurble game.

The rest of the medical examination and treatment section wasn’t nearly as pleasant to look at. Injured Nobeks who’d been involved in the game took up all the tables with medics running scanners over their battered bodies and various healing instruments fixing the worst injuries. The Nobeks were grumbling about being tended, of course. They only submitted to what was required so they could return to duty on time.

Several runners and the opposing team’s hurler were vomiting from the kurble ball poison. The sound rocked Tranis’ still complaining stomach. It groaned loudly.

Degorsk’s grin stretched his face. “It speaks! You’re looking a little green, Commander Tranis. Shall I grab a basin?”

Between clenched teeth Tranis muttered, “I’m fine.”

The Imdiko snorted and set the suturing device down. “Injured Nobeks are a pain in the ass to deal with. Now I have to treat masochistic Dramoks too?”

He grabbed Tranis’ hurling hand and looked the swollen appendage over. Tranis hissed at the slight pressure of Degorsk’s grip. A noxious scent issued from the blue-tinged flesh.

The medic took an appreciative sniff. “Smells like good income, were I in private practice. A beachside retreat at the very least. Damn my love for duty and Empire that keeps me poor.”

While Tranis gaped at the man’s antics, Lidon shook his head. The Nobek’s smile was getting larger, and he watched Degorsk intently.

Tranis didn’t know whether to be pissed off or amused. He scowled, deciding indignation was the best option. “Do you offer any treatment or just talk your patients’ ears off?”

Degorsk gave him wide eyes, but his smile never wavered. He shot a look over his shoulder at Lidon. “He’s a mean one, isn’t he?”

Lidon pressed his lips together as if to keep laughter in. Then he said, “Five older Nobek brothers.”

Degorsk rolled his eyes. “That explains a lot. I’ll add a lack of humor to the list of disabilities in your file, First Officer. Excuse me so I can get you your treatment and salvage your ears.”

The Imdiko moved towards a bank of shelves lined with bottles and jars of medications. As he passed one of the examination tables, he peered into a bowl of puke a sick Nobek had balanced on his thighs. Degorsk ordered the attending medic, “Don’t let the dining hall have this for soup base, okay?”

Tranis shook his head and looked at Lidon, whose gaze kept watch on the irreverent doctor. “Is he always like that, or is he drunk?”

Lidon never took his eyes off Degorsk. “It takes a great deal of time to learn to appreciate the doctor’s attempts at humor. He is … unique.”

The warmth in the Nobek’s tone made Tranis wonder at the relationship between the two men. He watched Lidon watch Degorsk with fascination. How could a Nobek of Lidon’s serious nature be so obviously captivated with the offbeat Imdiko?

Before Tranis could come up with a way to ask such a question without offending the weapons commander and getting his already kicked ass kicked some more, Degorsk returned with an injector.

The Imdiko told Tranis, “The computer says this concoction will calm your belly, soothe your pain, keep your hurling hand from falling off, and give you the biggest cocks in all the Empire. That should sweeten your demeanor a little.”

Lidon ducked his head. He made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snicker.

Amusement was getting the upper hand with Tranis as well. Smothering his own smile, he told Degorsk, “You are the strangest man I’ve ever met, Doctor.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He injected Tranis in the long muscle of his neck. Immediately, the nausea and throbbing of the Dramok’s hand lessened. He couldn’t help but sign with relief.

“That’s all the thanks I need,” Degorsk said. He turned to Lidon. “Show me some leg, you hardass Nobek.”

Lidon slowly pulled his formsuit off, having removed his leg brace as soon as he’d gotten up on the table. Tranis pulled his mud-encrusted clothing back on, trying not to appear too interested in the body being revealed in front of him. It wasn’t easy. Lidon’s chest and arms were chiseled to perfection, powerful muscles rippling all over as he moved. He slid the pants part of his formsuit off his good leg first, showing off a thigh and calf of knotted strength. His ass was carved granite. A large pair of semi-erect cocks slipped into view.

The torn formsuit peeled away from Lidon’s right leg, and Tranis sucked in a breath. He stopped pretending he wasn’t looking.

The man’s thigh and calf were crisscrossed with scar tissue, as if a demented child with unformed handfuls of clay had finished off a masterpiece sculpture. There were hollows where muscle should be bulging and spongy lumps in other places. Lines of lighter flesh where skin had been forged back together stood out against Lidon’s brown skin.

Tranis swallowed. He knew he was staring and that the other two men were looking at him, but he couldn’t help himself. With utter admiration, he said, “Now that is a war wound. I am more honored than ever that you played at my side today.”

Lidon nodded proud acknowledgement. Degorsk rolled his eyes. “He even sounds like a fucking Nobek.”

As the doctor bent close to examine the weapons commander’s game injuries, Lidon put his mouth to the Imdiko’s ear. “When was the last time you were around a fucking Nobek, Doctor?”

Tranis’ eyes widened as Degorsk flushed at the obvious innuendo and moved his head so the smugly smiling Lidon couldn’t get so near. As if he’d been asked a serious question, he answered, “I’m around your self-destructive breed all the damned time, Commander. And none of you will let me do what I can for you. Like refer you to a surgeon who will make it so you don’t have to use a brace to walk around?”

Lidon’s evil smile was replaced by a scowl. “You know better than to suggest I lose my marks of honor.”

“I’ll have them leave every last one of your ‘marks of honor’. Hell, I’ll get them to give you more to show off if it will make you happy. I know surgeons who will grant you plenty of mobility you don’t have now. Not to mention, spare you so much pain.”

Lidon gave him a dark look. “I am not spending weeks on end in recovery and rehabilitation. I had more than enough of that after the injury.”

Degorsk sighed. “Stubborn, stubborn. You are a Nobek’s Nobek.” He put his scanner away. “The hits you took today didn’t do anything but bruise you. Will you at least consent to pain inhibitors so you can do your job at maximum effectiveness?”

The Nobek’s tone was almost gentle. “Will it make you happy?”

The Imdiko deadpanned, “Ecstatic. I might do backflips in my unmitigated joy.”

Lidon bowed his head. “‘The true master receives joy from serving his servant.’”

Degorsk narrowed his eyes. “Which of us are you calling the servant?”

Lidon grinned and refused to answer. “I will accept your offer of pain relief. For the good of my work, of course.”

“Of course. One moment.” The medic glanced at Tranis, who was now dressed and getting down from the table. “Commander Tranis, don’t run off. I need to go over some medical records with you in my office.”

He walked off, and Lidon watched him as he began putting his formsuit back on. Tranis shook his head. The blatant flirting was a revelation. Who would imagine such a pairing?

Lidon said in a low voice, “I believe Degorsk likes you, Commander Tranis. If he’s inviting you in his office, he must want to show you his ass.”

Tranis stared at him. “Excuse me?”

He looked over at Degorsk, who was fussing with another injector. Sure, the guy was decent looking, handsome in fact. If he’d shut up for a few minutes, he might even be fuckable.

Lidon had his magnificent body clothed once more. “I’ve never known him to show any interest in younger men. Of course, you are a treat for the eyes and you do hold up in intelligent conversation.”

Tranis blinked at the Nobek. Lidon found him attractive? Intelligent? And he thought Degorsk felt the same? “Uh. You think so, huh?” was all he could say.

“You’ll see.”

Degorsk rejoined them. He was suddenly all business. “All right, Weapons Commander, this will allow you to take up your duties on the bridge right away. I’ll report to Captain Piras myself presently, but feel free to let him know his first officer won’t be able to perform his shift until tomorrow.” He shot Tranis a severe look.

The Dramok protested hotly. “Hey! I’m due on the bridge in three hours.”

“You’ll be very late. You’ve got a hell of a lot of poison in your system. Enough that I can’t guarantee the medication will cover all the effects.” He turned his back on Tranis to give Lidon his medication.

The Nobek smirked at Tranis over Degorsk’s shoulder. “Our captain is going to be very disappointed in you. He’s not a kurble fan, you know.”

Tranis’ stomach curdled anew. Piras’ temper was infamous. He was well known for dressing down underlings in humiliating fashion, and in front of as many people as possible. He took special delight in assigning demeaning tasks. Tranis had managed to avoid such censure, garnering only a few condescending remarks and barbed insults so far.

“Shit,” he breathed. “Tell me you’re kidding about the missed shift.”

Degorsk gave him a look that was devoid of all merriment. “No. I absolutely am not kidding.”

“Shit,” Tranis repeated.

Lidon locked on his brace and slid off the table. Stepping close to Degorsk he said, “Thank you for your always impeccable treatment, Doctor. I look forward to expressing my full gratitude at your earliest convenience.”

Degorsk looked at the Nobek like prey confronting a predator. He swallowed and stepped back. Lidon glanced at Tranis. “I’ll give the captain your deepest regrets, Commander.”

He headed out and both men watched him limp into the corridor. Under his breath, Degorsk growled almost too low for Tranis to hear. “Damned Nobeks. Him most of all.”

He turned to Tranis and his smile returned. “That hand looks better already. My office, Commander?”

Frowning slightly, the first officer followed Degorsk into his office. The door with clear inserts shut behind him as he gaped.

The head medic’s office was small, allowing only enough room for a slight ledge of a desk with two seats on either side of it. What had Tranis stunned was not the size of the space, however. It was what adorned the walls.

Right in front of him was what looked like the mold of someone’s naked ass and upper thighs hanging behind the desk. Degorsk’s back was still to him as the Imdiko fussed with some storing files on the desk surface, and Tranis quickly looked to compare the cast to the live man. Degorsk’s green tunic covered the upper half of his buttocks, but from what Tranis could discern from the close-fitting trousers, the sculptural piece was indeed derived from him.

He looked at the muscular swells of the mold and thought about having that ass beneath him. Enfolding him. Holding him tight as he pumped in and out of it. His cocks warmed with interest.

As Degorsk turned to him, settling that delicious rear on his desk, Tranis moved his gaze to the room’s other ‘art’, hanging on the wall to his left. A vid still photo met his eyes. It depicted two big, furry, awkward ronkas fucking in a field.

Tranis shook his head. “You really enjoy shocking people, don’t you?”

Degorsk grinned, completely unrepentant. “I love to see the looks on new crewmembers’ faces. You should see how huge your eyes are right now. And yes, that is my ass. Done on a drunken dare, but it looks good, doesn’t it?”

Tranis refused to look at it again. He was still coming down from the kurble match, and wanting to fuck remained a high priority after the game’s excitement.

The doctor shrugged. “Have a seat, First Officer.” He indicated the chair next to Tranis.

Tranis looked at the seat. It was an off-the-floor chair, not a seating cushion, but with Degorsk perched on his desk, sitting in it would put Tranis at a lower level than the Imdiko.

“I’ll stand, thanks. What are you doing on a destroyer?”

Degorsk snorted. Something dark passed over his otherwise beaming expression. “Trust me, I’ve asked myself that quite a few times. Which brings me to the real reason I asked you to come in here. Are the rumors true that there have been Tragoom incursions at the border and we’re heading over to fight them?”

Tranis blinked. He realized Degorsk’s question was valid. He was the head of the medical department after all. The potential for wounded would be priority information for him.

“The information I’ve gotten consists only of some strange energy signatures in the buffer zone between Empire and Joshadan space.”

Degorsk relaxed. “Good.” He picked up a remote and clicked it at the vid. The humping ronka were replaced by a still of a very old, naked Bi’isil male with an incredibly small and wilted penis. The ancient alien with the bulbous head and huge black eyes lounged on a rocky beach. His tiny slit of a mouth wore a lascivious smile. If not for the cast of Degorsk’s ass hanging in Tranis’ peripheral vision, the Dramok’s semi-erection would have disappeared at the sight.

Again, Tranis asked, “What are you doing on a destroyer?”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time?” Degorsk shrugged with a sheepish grin. “I signed on to the military when I was young. The opportunity for occasional female companionship on other planets was a big draw, as it is for many Kalquorian men. Plus, I thought it would be glorious, patching up war heroes. Not to mention how good Nobeks look in battle armor.”

“I won’t argue with you about the women or the armored Nobeks.” Or naked ones, Tranis thought. The image of Lidon bared of his formsuit flashed across his mind’s eye.

That dark look passed over Degorsk’s face again. “It’s not so delightful when you’re pulling off that armor and finding a ragged mess of what used to be a man who has been blasted into pieces. Torn to shreds, yet he continues to breathe and scream—” He stopped, a haunted expression replacing the joking brightness.

Tranis’ Dramok instincts to take control of an obviously upset Imdiko came over him. He moved close to Degorsk and put his hand on the doctor’s shoulder.

Degorsk started and flushed with embarrassment. “I’m all right. Just remembering not so good times. Have you seen combat yet, Commander?”

Tranis let go of him. “Just small stuff with Tragoom raiders. Nothing like what you and the weapons commander have. Were you on his ship when he took that injury?”

“No, thank the ancestors.” Degorsk scowled and shook his head. “He should have had a robotic limb put on rather than making the surgeons put that leg back together. Stupid Nobeks and their marks of honor.”

“They are a proud breed.”

“You’d know, wouldn’t you? Five older Nobek brothers! It must be a lot to live up to.”

Tranis arched an eyebrow. He glanced up at the mold of Degorsk’s ass. In a low voice, he said, “It’s left me with a tendency to be a little more forceful than many Dramoks.”

A sweetish-spicy scent not his own wafted to his nostrils. Degorsk looked up at him, his pupils widening. “That’s – interesting.”

“Yes? How interesting do you find it, Imdiko?” Tranis leaned down and tasted Degorsk’s lips, moving his mouth gently over the other man’s.

Degorsk made a small sound. His lips parted, allowing Tranis’ tongue to forge into the warmth of his mouth. The Dramok took the invitation, stroking the raw silk of the other man’s tongue. A wave of need slammed into his gut, spilling heat into his cocks. They filled, and he pulled Degorsk close, rubbing the swelling lengths against the doctor’s firm abdomen.

Degorsk’s hands ran over Tranis’ chest. He stood and moved against the young officer. Tranis felt the other man’s growing erections against his. He growled low in his throat and clutched the Imdiko’s ass, holding Degorsk tight so he could grind hard against him.

For a moment, Degorsk softened in Tranis’ demanding embrace. The sensation of another man’s surrender brought heavy heat to the Dramok’s groin. The combined scents of their arousal hung in the air, and Tranis growled again, louder. He started to lower Degorsk to the desk behind him.

The Imdiko shoved against his chest, struggling. Degorsk broke the kiss with a sharp twist of his head. He gasped, “Those clear panels on my door will give everyone more of a show than I think is proper.”

Tranis’ groin throbbed almost painfully as he looked into the doctor’s dilated eyes. But the man had a point. Not letting go of his forceful embrace of the Imdiko yet, Tranis said, “Meet me for drinks tonight. I’m free, unless you want to change your mind about my worthiness for duty?”

Degorsk shoved again, but Tranis refused to let him go. Scowling, Degorsk said, “I can’t clear you, First Officer. Your poison levels are well above the safety limits.”

He was trying to skirt the issue of meeting later. Tranis grinned down at him, enjoying his power over the slighter man. “Since I’m not on duty, you can call me Tranis. When do you go off duty?”

“Not for awhile. Four hours.” When that still didn’t get Tranis to let him go, Degorsk pointedly asked, “Don’t you think you’re a bit young for me?”

Tranis felt the still aroused body against his, felt how the Imdiko’s cocks pulsed with need, a need as great as his own. He looked at the vid, then the mold of that delicious ass. His eyes lingered on that and he grinned with anticipation. “No, Dr. Degorsk. The way you like to tease, I think you might be too young for me. I’m trying not to hold that against you.”

Tranis released him. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the office. Behind him he heard Degorsk mutter, “Damned Dramoks. Especially that one.”

Chapter 3

Piras’ frustrated growl filled the bridge. “Keep trying to reach those sites.”

The lieutenant in charge of off-ship communications bent to his station as if being just an inch away from his readout would hasten results. “Yes, Captain.”

Piras paced in front of his and Lidon’s consoles. Lidon could feel the tension boiling off him. It had been a tense shift with too many questions and not enough answers.

The transport door opened, and Tranis walked onto the bridge in uniform. Lidon raised an eyebrow and stiffened when Piras froze in mid-stride.

The captain looked at his first officer with narrowed eyes. “I was told you wouldn’t make your shift, Commander Tranis.”

Tranis halted on his way to his console. He carefully answered, “I feel fine, Captain.”

“That may be, but regulations call for our chief medical officer to release you for duty, whether we respect his credentials or not.”

Lidon’s fists clenched as anger sparked at Piras’ belittlement of Degorsk. At the same time, Tranis’ eyes widened. The Nobek thought he saw Tranis’ upper lip curl slightly.

His tone remained respectful, however. “I have the utmost faith in Dr. Degorsk’s opinion, Captain. My shame of being temporarily relieved of duty caused me to undermine his orders. I will excuse myself from the bridge as ordered and beg your pardon for having to miss my shift.”

He bowed, obviously prepared to abandon his ill-advised move of reporting for duty. Piras raised a hand, stopping him.

“Hold a moment, First Officer. You should know what is happening so that when you do return to duty, you’re fully informed. Weapons Commander?”

Lidon was still fuming. A full second passed before he spoke. “Sir. Commander Tranis, as you know, two defense stations reported some strange energy readings in Joshadan space. We have made contact with them since then at regular intervals. Five hours ago, Cagu Defense Station reported they had lost communications with the Cori Defense Station and Natamev colony, which lies at a point roughly between the two stations. We also could not raise those locations. An hour ago, we lost contact with Cagu as well. Efforts to re-establish communications have met with no response.”

Tranis’ expression turned grim. “Definitely not a good sign. Do you think they came under attack?”

“It could be whatever is emitting the anomalous energy readings is simply disrupting communications. Old communications satellites that have broken their orbits and wandered through space have been known to cause such effects.”

“You don’t think that’s the case.”

Lidon shook his head. “Three different locations on the border going dark like that? No. I think we should be prepared for Tragoom raiders.”

Piras told Tranis, “We’ve put the fleet on alert, and two other destroyers are on their way. They are at least five days behind us however, so we’ll be on our own for the initial investigation.”

A flash of excitement crossed the young first officer’s face. “Where are we going first?”

“Cagu. It’s closest and the last to go dark. We’ll reach it in ten hours. You’ll be cleared for duty by then.” Piras scowled at him. “And I trust you will avoid all excuses to miss your next shift?”

Tranis flushed. “Thank you, Captain.” He bowed and left the bridge.

Lidon considered Piras, who took up his pacing where he’d left off. The captain had let Tranis off remarkably easy, an indication of how much the silent stations and colony had absorbed his attention. However, that unwarranted comment on Degorsk’s abilities…

“Captain, can I possibly have a private word? It will only take a moment.”

Piras’ head jerked in his direction. He nodded at Lidon. “In my office, Weapons Commander.” To the communications officer, he snapped, “Lieutenant, you have command, but I want immediate notification if anything of note happens.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Lidon nodded to his second to take over the weapons stations and followed Piras to his office.

The captain immediately went to the raised seat behind his desk. The power position. He motioned to the chair on the opposite side. The seat of this chair was much lower than his.

He regarded the Nobek. “How is your leg, Lidon?”

“Fine.” Lidon remained standing, quietly challenging the captain.

Piras only rolled his eyes. “Now what?”

Lidon glared at him. “That was incredibly inappropriate of you to cast dispersions on our head medic’s abilities in front of everyone.”

The Dramok glared back. “You stick to security issues. Ship’s personnel is my affair, Commander. That – that—”

“Esteemed doctor,” Lidon provided.

“—ridiculous buffoon has earned none of my respect.”

Lidon folded his arms over his chest. “Dr. Degorsk is a talented professional. His record is without blemish. Whether you like his attitude or not, his abilities speak for themselves.”

Piras leaned back and regarded him with something akin to disgust. “Why don’t you just take the damned man to bed and have done with it? Get him out of your system once and for all.”

“What’s the point if I can’t look forward to the potential of keeping him?”

“I am not clanning that foolish creature. And I can’t believe you, a warrior of your status, would want to either!”

Lidon sneered. “I’ve stayed with you this long, haven’t I? Perhaps foolish creatures are my style.”

Piras’ face went blood red. “You are seriously pissing me off, Lidon. If you’re telling me our clanning depends on courting that Imdiko, then you’re in for a longer wait than fifteen years.”

The comment took Lidon aback. Was that what he was waiting for? Why he kept putting Piras off? He tried to imagine the three of them together as a clan. Degorsk as Piras’ Imdiko.

He didn’t like what his fantasy revealed.

“By the ancestors, a Dramok like you would break his spirit. I’d never subject him to such a fate,” Lidon growled.

Piras’ expression was thunderous. “What are you saying? That I’ve broken yours?”

Lidon’s lip curled. “You don’t have that kind of power over me.”

The Dramok jerked in reaction. He let an expression of hurt cross his face for an instant before frustration returned. His jaw worked as he ground his teeth.

Lidon dropped his arms to his side. As usual, reasoning with Piras was getting him nowhere. “What I’m saying is, the men you approve of get all the accolades they deserve. You inspire loyalty like few others. But if there’s just one little personality trait you don’t agree with, you waste too much breath belittling the owner of it. As the Book says, ‘Let not a small, displeasing blemish blind you to the beauty of the whole.’”

Piras looked away. “I overlook plenty when it comes to you,” he muttered.

“As I do with you.”

The captain stared up at him. “Why do I get the feeling that if I changed my entire being just to please you, it wouldn’t be enough?”

“That’s not what I want. I want—”

Lidon suddenly stopped. What did he want? The vision that flashed in his mind’s eye nearly made him gasp.

Piras said, “Maybe instead of memorizing that damned book, you should meditate on just what it is you’re truly after. Think hard on it, Lidon. And when you learn to appreciate what I offer, I’ll be waiting, as I have all this time.”

He turned away and busied himself at his computer. Lidon stared at him. He wondered why, when he’d asked himself what he wanted, it was Degorsk and Tranis’ faces that flitted through his thoughts.

Degorsk, yes. He’d had his eye on the reluctant Imdiko for a while now. But the youngling Dramok? Tranis, who was thirty years his junior?

Whatever other nonsense Piras spouted, he was right in one thing: Lidon did need to carefully consider what it was he truly wanted.

* * * *

At the end of his workday, Lidon went to the ship’s crowded lounge. The place was always busy at shift’s end as people took the opportunity to transition from work to off time. Every one of the low tables scattered in the space was taken, and only a few seating cushions surrounding them remained. Most eyes were trained on the vids that replayed kurble matches from home and the latest news feeds.

Lidon nodded at the hails of other Nobeks and went to one of the liquor dispensers. There he debated his choices. The more potent the drink, the less allowance of it you were allowed. On a destroyer, no one on active duty was allowed to get drunk. Every man had to be ready to fight at a moment’s notice, even when patrols were deep in the Empire’s territory.

Lidon waved his hand at the scanner, letting it identify him and display his alcohol ration amount. He chose kloq. If he stuck to the popular spirit, he’d be allowed five glasses before the dispensers cut him off. Tired from the kurble game and working a shift immediately afterward, he doubted he was going to be that sociable, but who knew? He had a lot going on in his head, things that might make sleep difficult to come by.

The lounge was filled with men who had also played earlier today or had watched the game. Snatches of conversation drifted to Lidon as his glass was filled. Everyone he heard was agreeing it was a great match. Many of the players, winners and losers alike, were on the receiving end of invitations for intimate entertainments from those who had stood on the sidelines.

Lidon’s drink finished dispensing and he grabbed the glass from the machine’s tube opening. He stopped short when he saw Tranis and Degorsk sitting nearby, deep in conversation.

So the first officer had liked the Imdiko’s ass after all. And Degorsk, who was almost never seen in the lounge unless he was in the company of his staff, had agreed to have drinks with him. Well, well. The Dramok was surprising Lidon yet again.

As if feeling Lidon’s gaze on him, Degorsk looked in his direction. Their eyes met. The medic flushed and nodded acknowledgement before returning his attention to Tranis.

There was an empty seat next to Degorsk. Lidon debated joining them when the head commander of the fighter complement called to him. “Come sit with us, Commander. That was some game you played this morning.”

Lidon reluctantly joined the table full of Nobeks. They shifted to make enough room, some sharing seating cushions so he was able to have one to himself. He was still sore and his brace made him feel clumsy. He still managed to lower carefully down so that he didn’t fall on his ass and embarrass himself. The position of his seat allowed him to keep an eye on Degorsk and Tranis. Alerted to Lidon’s presence, Tranis raised his hurling hand to him. Lidon nodded back, noting the poisonous swelling was gone and it had turned a healthier color.

To his companions, Lidon said, “I haven’t played in some time. I enjoyed it.”

The fighter commander, an older Nobek named Gewit, rumbled laughter through his barrel-shaped chest. “I guess you did! Nosdin is still bitching about the broken jaw you gave him.”

Lidon sneered. “He should have his sight tested. Maybe he wouldn’t have kept running into my fist if he could see better.”

The Nobeks at his and the surrounding tables howled at that. Under the din of laughter, Gewit leaned close and said, “How about our first officer? That young bastard is tough.”

Next to him Fol, one of the fighter pilots, said, “Did you see his hand at the end of the game? I thought it would explode from the swelling.”

Their tones were admiring, and they cast heated glances at Tranis. Another pilot, a young Nobek named Sehert, commented, “There would be worse Dramoks to be clanned to. Does anyone know if he’s got an interest?”

Gewit snorted. “Looks to me like he’s concentrating on Imdikos right now.”

Fol chuffed mean laughter. “He does like punishment if he’s sniffing around Dr. Degorsk. That man is a torment to be around. It’s no wonder he’s still not clanned.”

Sehert grimaced. “Probably it’s the Imdiko sniffing around, hoping the commander is too young and stupid to know better.”

Lidon’s lips twitched in amusement. Degorsk was definitely the receiver of attention, not the other way around. The Imdiko’s smile as he spoke to Tranis was strained. He definitely looked uncomfortable, especially when Tranis leaned close to him and spoke intimately in his ear.

While the other men’s comments about Degorsk were less than flattering, at least it meant none of them thought of him as likely clanning material. Less competition for Lidon.

He still couldn’t resist defending the Imdiko. He said, “I don’t think Dr. Degorsk is the desperate type. He’s smart with much life experience, and Commander Tranis would do well to seek his counsel.”

Gewit elbowed Fol. “Maybe the commander likes the idea of making the doctor behave.”

His comment earned growls of lustful appreciation from those at their table. Fol licked his lips. “Imagine being taken to task by such a Dramok. It’s a pity he’s so young.”

Gewit gave Tranis a long, slow look. “But he’s still powerful. I wouldn’t hold his age against him.”

Lidon’s brows rose. Gewit was nearly fifteen years Lidon’s senior, making him much, much older than Tranis. Surely he was only thinking in terms of sex when he discussed the first officer, but what if he wasn’t? If Tranis was indeed courting Degorsk, then age wasn’t something the Dramok held against others either.

Lidon kept an eye on the pair at the other table, silently wondering about the possibilities.

* * * *

Degorsk was painfully aware of Lidon looking his way. He knew how ridiculous he must look. Here he was, an unclanned Imdiko his age, sitting and drinking with such a young Dramok. Not that he’d planned to be here. His goal had been to go straight to his quarters after his shift. That idea had been sidelined when Tranis had shown up in Medical just as Degorsk was leaving. Taking his arm, the first officer had confidently steered him straight to the lounge. Degorsk hadn’t been able to come up with a single good reason not to go.

I should leave now while I still have a shred of dignity left, he thought.

He suddenly felt a hand on the inside of his knee. A very warm hand. He looked into Tranis’ intent eyes.

The Dramok gave him a grin. “Now that I have your attention again…”

Degorsk swallowed. Tried to ignore how that hand felt on his leg. Pretended his cocks weren’t stirring. “Sorry, Commander. I mean, Tranis. I guess my mind wandered.”

Tranis’ eyebrow lifted. His thumb rubbed Degorsk’s knee joint. “I hate to think I’m that boring. Or is it that Commander Lidon is jealous and won’t like you sitting with me?”

Degorsk’s face heated, both from the man’s touch and the insinuation. “I’m not – he’s not—” At Tranis’ amused look, the Imdiko gave up trying to protest. “Damn it. We don’t have a relationship.”

Tranis’ hand shifted a little, moving just a bit up Degorsk’s thigh. Now all his fingers were rubbing his leg. A tickle of warmth spilled into Degorsk’s cocks, and he had to fight the urge to slam his legs together and force the Dramok’s hand away. He didn’t want him to know he was getting to him.

Tranis regarded him with curiosity. “It’s obvious to me there’s an attraction between you two. Why haven’t you looked into it?”

Degorsk cleared his throat. “We haven’t spoken of anything of the kind. I don’t think the captain likes me, so there’s no point in pursuing it anyway.”

“They’re not clanned. Lidon is free to do as he chooses.”

Degorsk knew that all too well. Every time Lidon came around, the medic made damn sure it was impossible for the Nobek to get him alone.

He swallowed a mouthful of kloq. “I’m not comfortable with the situation.”

Tranis leaned close, his breath warm in Degorsk’s ear. “What kind of a situation are you comfortable with?”

His hand drifted in slow circles up Degorsk’s inner thigh. The Imdiko stopped breathing as his cocks filled, growing hard at the intimate contact. He looked at Tranis. Mistake. The Dramok’s expression, while friendly, also had an element of command in it. Degorsk froze, caught by that uncompromising stare. His erections swelled all the more, responding to the strength that radiated off Tranis.

Damn it. He might be young, but he’s also an apex Dramok. One who will always find a way to get what he wants.

Forcing his tone to be light, as if his heart wasn’t drumming a fierce tattoo in his too-tight chest, Degorsk said, “You’re not afraid to make your point bluntly, are you Commander?”

There was a little growl in Tranis’ voice. “Not one bit.” His hand slid up just beneath Degorsk’s very lively crotch. He gripped and squeezed the inner thigh muscle.

The Imdiko thought of how that strong hand would feel on his cocks. He couldn’t help the small sound that escaped his throat or the spicy scent of arousal wafting from him. His cocks were lubricating now. Begging to be handled.

He jerked his gaze away from the handsome, entirely too-kissable face next to him. Staring desperately at his drink, he said, “There are younger Imdikos on board this ship, probably much better suited to you.”

“Look at me.”

Degorsk’s obedience was pure instinct. He gasped even as he met Tranis’ narrowed stare. It had nothing to do with the first officer’s rank or the hand on his leg. He automatically responded to the power of a strong Dramok’s command. His heart sped up, the trickle of fear making his sexes ache for the other man’s touch all the more.

Tranis flashed a quick smile. “If it’s commitment issues you have, be assured I’m not looking to clan you, Degorsk. I’m concentrating on my career before I have to worry about the needs of clanmates. I’d simply like to warm my bed and body with you tonight.” He chuckled. “Besides, you’re the only Imdiko who’s been kind enough to show me his ass.”

No commitment. That made things a little better, knowing the Dramok wasn’t looking to find a clanmate. Still, even the most careless encounters could expose more than Degorsk was willing to share.

He sighed. “I’m sure there are plenty others who would do so, if they knew you were interested.”

“Am I that unattractive to you?” Tranis rubbed Degorsk’s thigh.

As his cocks throbbed with want, Degorsk almost gave in to the temptation. “I find you extremely attractive, Commander.”

“Tranis.” The Dramok glared. “I’m getting tired of reminding you we’re off duty.”

“Tranis,” Degorsk corrected himself. “I just – I’d like to know you better. I’m not comfortable getting intimate with someone I don’t know well.”

A flat lie. One Lidon would pick up on in an instant. But Tranis wouldn’t know.

The young first officer looked him over, considering. “All right. We’ll spend time together, get better acquainted. I think you’ll be worth the effort.”

Degorsk felt chagrin. Damn it, did the man never give up? He gave Tranis a tight smile. “Sure. That would be fine.”

Except he was going to be very unavailable. Scheduling himself double shifts should do the trick. Once Tranis figured out he’d have more luck with another Imdiko, his interest in Degorsk would cool.

Degorsk hoped that would happen very soon.

Tranis was still rubbing his leg. The Imdiko couldn’t wait to get back to his quarters and find some relief for his needy pricks. He said, “I really should go. I’m back on duty in six hours.”

“I’ll walk you to your quarters.”

Degorsk bit back a groan. He tried to be distant. “That won’t be necessary, Commander. I know my way home.”

Tranis’ upper lip curled. “Shut up and lead the way. Since you insist on referring to me by my rank, I’m going to use it.”

Degorsk gaped at him. “You’re ordering me to let you walk me to my quarters?”

“Yes, Doctor.” Tranis’ nasty grin was one befitting a Nobek issuing a challenge.

Degorsk looked around at the roomful of other men, embarrassment warming his face. The two of them leaving together would set off plenty of gossip. And Lidon was still here. He’d see. He might think Degorsk was ready to entertain more than a Dramok in his bed.

The Imdiko had to figure a way to talk Tranis out of this. But even as he struggled with his racing thoughts, Tranis released his thigh. The back of his hand brushed along the fierce erections with a slow caress. Degorsk jerked before he could stop himself. Then the delicious touch was gone and Tranis was standing up.

Looking down at Degorsk, Tranis ordered him as if he had every right to do so. “Let’s go, Imdiko. Your shift starts early and you need your sleep.”

The statement got the attention of those seated near them. Degorsk dropped his gaze, refusing to look at anyone else. Heat crept into his cheeks at the humiliating display.

There was nothing to do but leave. He stood, relieved his duty tunic was long enough to hide his erections, though the smell of his arousal would be apparent to anyone he passed on his way out. He cut Tranis a furious glare from the corners of his eyes.

“Yes, sir.”

Instead of being warned off by the growl in Degorsk’s tone, Tranis grinned, unrepentant. He led the Imdiko out of the lounge with a definite swagger in his step.

Once in the corridor, Degorsk walked quickly, pulling ahead of Tranis. He hoped his pace would make it clear he wasn’t happy with the Dramok’s actions. Whether it did or not, Tranis kept close behind. Degorsk could practically feel his breath on the back of his neck.

Degorsk reached the door to his private room not nearly soon enough for his liking. He turned to snap a good night to Tranis and jumped to find the other man had followed him as close as he’d thought. Tranis was close enough to kiss.

Degorsk put that thought firmly out of his head. “Good night, Commander.”

Not waiting for an answer, he swung around to face his door and release the lock. He didn’t have a chance. The next moment, the Dramok was in the way, getting between Degorsk and his quarters.

Tranis’ smile was so irritatingly confident, the medic had a momentary fantasy of slapping it off his face. His fingers spasmed with the need to unleash his anger.

Tranis said, “One moment before I dismiss you.”

Dismiss me? What the fuck is this shit? Degorsk was livid. He might not be able to match the Dramok in muscle or fighting prowess, but he could still leave a few marks on the man before getting his ass kicked. It would certainly be worth it.

Tranis’ smile fell away and he reached behind Degorsk’s neck to grab his braid and pull it forward. Stroking the thick plait, the Dramok asked, “What is it besides my age that bothers you so much? And don’t give me that crap about not knowing me well enough.”

“How about being so damned pushy? You act like I should fall all over myself because you’re paying attention to me.” The Imdiko glared.

Tranis skewered him with that commanding stare. “That’s not the problem. Thanks to having five Nobek brothers who took it upon themselves to train me, I can smell fear a mile away. So tell me what’s really wrong.”

Degorsk jerked. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“No? Maybe you should be.”

The next instant, Degorsk was up against the wall next to his door. Tranis pressed his body against his, and his mouth crushed down on the Imdiko’s.

Degorsk instinctively opened to shout, and the other man’s tongue forged into his mouth. It stroked his with possessive intent, shattering every lucid thought in his head. Degorsk found himself kissing back. Demanding hunger took control, bleeding away anger and fright.

Tranis tasted of feral masculinity. Degorsk sucked on the invading tongue, delighting in the flavor. He groaned, feeling the muscular bulk of the Dramok against his body, pinning him against the wall. His cocks swelled with unabashed need, and he ground against the equally hard crotch of the other man.

Without breaking the devouring kiss, Tranis grabbed the back of Degorsk’s knee, shoving one leg upward. At the same time, he wrapped his hand around Degorsk’s throat in a gesture of domination. He rubbed his groin against the Imdiko’s, and the doctor cried out as pleasure grew heavy in his gut. His greedy cocks begged to be taken into the Dramok’s commanding grip.

While Tranis continued to plunder his mouth and rub against him in ways that had Degorsk thinking he might spill before they could get inside, the Imdiko groped for the manual release to his door. Fuck the fear of getting too close to someone. Fuck his dignity. He needed Tranis in his bed, fucking him. Right now.

He found the door release. With a beep it recognized his print signature and opened. Degorsk grabbed Tranis’ collar, yanked his leg free of the Dramok’s grip, and pulled him towards the open door.

Tranis broke the kiss. He gave Degorsk a little shove, pushing the Imdiko into his quarters. He didn’t follow, instead staring at the doctor from the corridor, breath heaving in and out of his chest.

The Dramok grinned. “I see you’ve changed your mind about me. But perhaps you’re right. We should get to know each other better. I need to find out what you’re so scared of. And you need to know I am always in control.”

Degorsk tried to make sense of what the younger man was saying, but his ears were roaring and the demanding heat in his cocks were making it hard to think. He growled. “Very funny, Tranis. Get your ass in here.”

Tranis took a step back. Then another. “Maybe tomorrow night. You have an early shift, remember? Good night, Degorsk.”

He turned and walked away.

Degorsk stood there, his mouth hanging open, trying to figure out what was happening. Surely Tranis wasn’t really going to leave him this way?

“Son of a bitch!”

He lunged out of his quarters, looking down the corridor in the direction Tranis had gone. The Dramok was nowhere in sight. He had left Degorsk with cocks so hard they hurt. He was actually bent over from the strain.

Degorsk swore every foul word he knew between clenched teeth, ending with, “You smug bastard. Like hell I’ll give you another chance!”

Damn it, now he was in the middle of the corridor, talking to himself. Wasn’t that just great. Degorsk stormed into his quarters, still snarling under his breath as he decided the only way he was going to get any rest tonight was with the help of sleep inducements.

But first he had an emergency appointment with his hand.

Chapter 4

“You should have fucked him while you had the chance.”

Lidon was delighted to see Tranis start at his words, which interrupted the Dramok as he was about to enter his quarters. The first officer swung around to stare at him.

Tranis scowled. “Damn. Are you sure you’re not faking that injury? I never heard you coming!”

Lidon limped closer. “You saw my leg. I think it’s probably more a case of you being somewhat impaired. Someone took advantage of his medical leave status and drank over his usual on-call limit.”

Tranis’ frown deepened and he flushed a little, as if embarrassed. “So? I have time to sleep it off before I’m on duty.”

“Or work it off. So why didn’t you fuck the good doctor? You look more than ready for it.” The Nobek leered at Tranis’ very obvious erection.

He got a glare in return. “What? Were you spying on us?”

“Yes.” It had been quite a show too until Tranis had sped off, leaving Degorsk very frustrated and pissed off. Too pissed off for Lidon to have any hope of taking advantage of the poor Imdiko’s condition.

Tranis snorted. “I knew you had a thing for him.”

He got his door open and walked in. Assuming an invitation, Lidon followed him.

Tranis’ quarters were every bit as cramped as his own and every other unclanned man’s on the ship. A small shelf held the mud-encrusted kurble ball they’d played with that morning.

“Degorsk is the one man who can make me laugh. I find him fascinating. What about you, Commander? What is it about him that has you so attracted?”

Tranis sighed. He leaned over his sleeping mat, putting one knee on the mattress. Lidon admired the way the Dramok’s formsuit stretched tight over his muscular ass.

With a touch, Tranis opened one of the seamless drawers in the wall on the far side of his bed. He rummaged through its contents. “I don’t know what it is about him. Probably a lot of different things, starting with that nice ass. And I guess I want to know what’s behind that ridiculous attitude of his.”

He got off the mat emptyhanded, leaving the drawer open. He planted his hands on his hips as he confronted Lidon. “Plus, he pisses me off with his air of superiority when he talks about how much younger I am than him. Damn it, I’m sick of having to prove myself to everyone over and over.”

Lidon cocked an eyebrow at him. “You have to realize someone your age with the rank you’ve attained is going to be tested.”

“By other Dramoks? Fine. By Nobeks? I expect it. But an Imdiko?” Tranis shook his head.

“Is that why you’re in your quarters with a hard-on instead of enjoying Degorsk’s sweet ass right now? To put him in his place?”

Tranis’ grin was dark with promise. “I look forward to having him offer himself to me.”

Lidon had to restrain the urge to roll his eyes. Though ambitious, intelligent, and talented, Tranis apparently had a lot to learn about Kalquor’s third breed. “You’ve never bedded an Imdiko, have you?” he guessed.

The Dramok shrugged. “Not yet. They don’t seem to be much of a challenge.”

“Maybe not the ones you’ve met, the young ones looking to impress you. Degorsk might not be as easy as you think.”

“Just because you haven’t fucked him doesn’t mean I can’t.”

Something in the pit of Lidon’s gut tightened at the challenge. Tranis had been drinking and was sexually frustrated. His seeming insult was actually an invitation. Lidon was more than ready to accept it.

Coolly, as if burning heat wasn’t slipping into his groin, Lidon responded, “Degorsk is good at avoiding men who show an interest in him. You should have taken the opportunity while you had it. Meanwhile, you’re suffering, Dramok. I hate to see that.”

With a single step, the Nobek came close enough to grab Tranis. He snatched the young man to him, one hand on the back of the Dramok’s head holding him for Lidon’s kiss. Tranis’ mouth opened immediately for his searching tongue, parrying with his own as they had their first taste of each other.

Tranis’ flavor was a mix of kloq, feral male, and delicious need. His hands gripped Lidon’s shoulders as they sought to devour each others’ mouths, pulling at him as if they could get closer than chest to chest as they already were. Lidon grabbed for the first officer’s ass, clutching the granite roundness of it as he pressed his swelling groin against the other man’s.

Tranis’ grip tightened on Lidon’s shoulders. Shoving back, he broke the kiss. He hissed in the weapons commander’s face, “Does the captain know his favorite Nobek plays with other Dramoks?”

Lidon darted his head forward, capturing Tranis’ lower lip between his teeth and biting hard before releasing him again. “There haven’t been any other Dramoks for him to know about.”

“Really?” Smug satisfaction crept over the Dramok’s face. He licked the drop of blood that welled from Lidon’s bite. “Still, it’s not so good for my career to fuck my captain’s Nobek.”

“I’m not clanned to Piras. I can stick my cock into anyone I choose.”

With that, Lidon suddenly dropped down and slammed his shoulder into Tranis’ midsection. The Dramok’s breath left him in a gasp. Before he could react, Lidon stood, lifting him off the ground. He threw Tranis onto the bed.

After his initial surprise, Tranis proved a more than worthy combatant. The two men battled all over the sleeping mat’s surface, fighting for supremacy. They rolled and grappled, neither getting the upper hand for too long. Lidon had years of training on the upstart, but the lessons Tranis had received from his older brothers showed. Even if Lidon’s leg not been a factor, he thought he still might be evenly matched by his adversary.

Plus, most Dramoks simply didn’t acknowledge a Nobek’s dominance. Tranis was obviously an apex version of his breed.

After several minutes of intense struggle, Lidon found himself flat on his back. Tranis was lying sideways on top of him, one shoulder pinning Lidon’s left arm down. The Dramok’s legs tangled Lidon’s in a wrestling maneuver known as The Knot. That left Lidon with only one hand to fight with, but he figured that was all he needed. He curled it into a fist and aimed for Tranis’ jaw.

He was aware of Tranis reaching into the still-opened drawer he’d searched through upon entering the room. An instant before Lidon would have connected with his punch, the Dramok caught the fist in his palm. His other hand closed around Lidon’s wrist, and there was a snapping sound. Cold wrapped Lidon’s flesh. Moving in a blur, Tranis reached in the drawer again and another snap and cold ring announced a cuff had gone onto Lidon’s pinned arm.

“Cuffs to horizontal surface. Freeze subject in place.”

Lidon’s already pinned arm didn’t move. The other slammed to the bed by his thigh. Tranis heaved off of him and stood to gloat. Lidon only half registered the massive erection filling the crotch of the Dramok’s torn formsuit. He lifted his head to stare at the metal rings on his wrists.

“I’ll be damned,” he gasped, heaving for breath after all the exertion. “You tricky bastard. Where did you get a pair of regulation hover cuffs? I’ll kill the assholes in charge of inventory!”

Tranis grinned and leaned over casually to pluck a larger pair from his drawer. Lidon growled but didn’t fight as the first officer pulled off the Nobek’s boot and snapped a cuff over the ankle of his good leg. The Dramok then set about carefully unlocking his leg brace.

As he worked he said, “These cuffs are mine, Nobek. A gift from one of my brothers when I shipped out, just in case I came across something feisty and fuckable.”

Even as he fumed about being bested in a fight, Lidon looked over the other man with eager lust. Some battles were worth losing. He still didn’t want Tranis to get too cocky. “You are too well versed in how to deal with my breed, Dramok. I’ll be sure to not underestimate you again.”

Tranis pulled the brace free and slid Lidon’s other boot off. The fourth hover cuff clicked into place. “That might work for the future, but for now I’ll be enjoying your ass.” He looked over Lidon with obvious pleasure and peeled off his formsuit.

Lidon had already had the thrill of seeing Tranis nude in Medical. However, lying on his bed while that chiseled body looming over him came into view was a different matter. The Dramok’s huge tapered cocks were swollen and curving up towards his carved abdomen. They glistened with his natural lubricant. A pearl of pre-cum formed at the tip of the larger front prick while Lidon watched.

Piras behaved like a bottom most days, rarely asserting himself enough to command Lidon’s acquiescence. For that reason, it had been a few weeks since Lidon had last been fucked. Tranis wasn’t small by anyone’s standards, and Lidon realized that unless he warned the Dramok to prepare him, getting drilled by that big cock was going to hurt.

Tranis grinned and stroked himself. “Take a good look, my proud Nobek commander. This is what’s going up your ass.”

Lidon licked his lips. Pain and pleasure were one and the same to a Nobek. He wasn’t about to ask for anything as demeaning as gentleness. Not from this Dramok, particularly.

Instead he snarled, “All this talk is boring me. Why don’t you wake me when you’re done?”

Tranis chuckled. “Oh, you’ll feel this, my friend. Trust me on that.”

Lidon expected more of the young man’s animal side to come out now, the beast he’d displayed on the kurble field and during their fight. He was fully prepared to be stripped, turned over, and pounded into with perhaps only a reach around to meet his own fierce need.

Tranis didn’t waste any time pulling Lidon’s formsuit off. But from there, the experience was much different from his expectations.

The Dramok got back on the bed, kneeling over Lidon by straddling his hips. His ass settled on the Nobek’s crotch, letting him feel the warmth. A surge of sensation filled Lidon’s cocks and he groaned. He arched, grinding against Tranis, into that warm crevice.

The first officer leaned over, putting his hands on either side of Lidon’s head. He lowered down until they were belly to belly, chest to chest. Tranis tilted his head to one side, and Lidon parted his mouth for his kiss.

Tranis stroked his lips with his lusciously scratchy tongue. The touch was firm but much more gentle than Lidon had expected. He closed his eyes to better feel the caressing stroke of his conqueror’s tasting. Arousal rolled in his gut. Young or not, the Dramok knew exactly what he was doing. The almost-kiss was enough to make Lidon ache. He wanted more. Much more.

The Nobek raised his head to capture Tranis’ wicked tongue in his mouth. He suddenly hissed when the other man tangled his hands in Lidon’s long hair, pulling his head back down onto the mat.

“You will have only what I wish to offer,” Tranis said. “I mastered you. Submit, Nobek.”

A growl rumbled through Lidon’s chest. He bared his fangs.

Tranis bared his in return. “Surrender, or I will bite you into submission.”

Lidon glared. “You aggressive shit. I hate to be bitten.”

“Then put the fangs away and lie still. Submit.”

Lidon’s hands curled into fists. Tranis was giving him two choices: either keep his senses and accept being completely dominated or be bitten and rendered passive with intoxication.

He despised having the venom that came from another Kalquorian’s bite in his system. Under its effects, one became aroused to the point of inability to defend himself. The glowy warmth of the bite’s euphoria transformed even the most ferocious of Nobeks into needy creatures, temporarily devoted to pleasing. Lidon did not like to lose control like that.

With effort, he forced his fangs to fold back against the roof of his mouth. He stared with black aggression at Tranis.

“Such a nasty look. Let’s see if I can get you in a better mood.” Tranis smirked.

He leaned down again, his hands still fisted painfully in Lidon’s hair. His mouth brushed tenderly against Lidon’s lips, creating an interesting counterpoint to the harsh hold pinning the Nobek’s head to the mat.

Lidon opened his mouth, hoping for more. Tranis flicked his tongue in, allowing an electric moment of contact that sizzled all the way down to Lidon’s groin. He jerked in response.

Tranis did it again while one of his hands released Lidon’s hair to trail down his shoulder and over his chest. Tranis’ hand smoothed its way down Lidon’s breastbone. Then he stroked over a pectoral muscle. Fingertips seized on Lidon’s nipple, plucking at the tip. Darts of acute pleasure made the Nobek jerk again. A gasp left him, and Tranis sealed his mouth over his, as if to taste the sound of Lidon’s arousal.

The Dramok traced a fingertip around the circle of Lidon’s nipple. At the same time, his tongue forged into the Nobek’s mouth, stroking and twining around its twin. Lidon was lost in the utter pleasure of being tasted and touched by such a powerful, uncompromising man. When was the last time he’d been bent to another’s sexual will? He couldn’t remember, but finding himself in the position now was glorious.

Tranis released the kiss. He moved down, his blunt teeth closing on Lidon’s chin to bite. He nipped hard enough to make pain sizzle its way down to the Nobek’s swollen cocks, becoming pleasure along the way. Lidon panted in reaction.

“Your throat, Nobek,” Tranis growled.

Lidon clenched his fists again. When he didn’t obey right away, Tranis pinched his nipple. With a snarl that suspiciously sounded like a whine, Lidon tilted his head back, offering his throat to the younger man. Damn, Tranis was so fucking dominant. If he hadn’t been wearing the hover cuffs, Lidon would kick his ass for making him do such a thing.

Tranis’ mouth closed over the column of Lidon’s throat. His teeth again scraped on flesh, the bite pressing harder and harder. Making Lidon’s windpipe close. Every mote of the Nobek’s being screamed for him to fight, to get the Dramok off him, to keep him from tearing out his throat. His whole body tensed as he battled to submit instead.

After what felt like an eternity, the pressure eased. The bruising teeth released. Tranis raised his head to look into Lidon’s eyes.

“Very good, Nobek. Well done.”

Lidon released a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. It had been forever since his submission had been tested. It had demanded more strength and courage than resistance would have.

Tranis’ mouth brushed over the hollow of Lidon’s throat. His tongue licked there, tasting Lidon’s drumming pulse. Molten pleasure bubbled through the Nobek’s groin, and he moaned, rubbing against Tranis’ ass, which still sat there.

The Dramok glanced up. “Oh really? Good to know.”

He kissed that spot again, and Lidon writhed beneath him. By the ancestors, he felt so sensitive there! Raw bliss shuddered through his body as Tranis mouthed him. He rocked his hips back and forth, trying to get closer contact with the Dramok’s ass. He was savagely hard, his pricks throbbing with the need for friction.

“Easy, Lidon. We’ll get there.” Tranis rose up to look down at him, the purple of his irises all but lost behind wide pupils. “By the ancestors, you are magnificent.”

The Dramok’s hands roamed all over Lidon’s chest and abdomen, feeling every inch of the bared skin. Lidon arched beneath the possessive touch, his senses rioting to be at this man’s questionable mercy. With every stroke from Tranis’ fingers, he claimed the Nobek, making him more susceptible to his control. That made Lidon want to fight for dominance and force Tranis to his needs. Not being able to do so infuriated him. Anger made him more aroused, which made him even more sensitive to Tranis’ touch. It was a brutal cycle, one that had him fighting the hover cuffs though he couldn’t possibly escape.

Tranis only smiled at Lidon’s struggle. He bent over and licked one of his nipples. Darts of excitement zapped straight to Lidon’s cocks, and he strained harder than ever to rub against that sweet, naked ass seated on them. His breathing was so harsh, it almost sounded like he was whimpering, something Lidon never did.

Tranis sucked at the dark, flat disc. Heavy heat flamed in Lidon’s cocks, and he yelled in reaction. “Fuck!”

“We’ll certainly get to that.” The Dramok’s grin was pure evil. He gave the nipple a slow lick, tightening the already pebbled tip more. Lidon sucked in a breath between clenched teeth as heat flickered through his body.

“I think you’re ready for real preparation now,” Tranis said. He got up and stood at the foot of the mat. “Elevate legs, shallow v formation. Slow.”

The hover cuffs on Lidon’s ankles rose, lifting his legs into the air and spreading his thighs about shoulder-width apart. He suddenly felt like a whore in a Dantovonian brothel or one of the service Imdikos at the pleasure clubs back home. His growl was pure threat.

“Now what?” Tranis said, looking at him from between his legs.

“This position is humiliating. Get me out of it,” Lidon snarled.

Tranis rolled his eyes. “I thought it would be less stress on your leg. I can’t have you unable to report for your shift because sex messed you up.”

He had a point. When it came to fucking, most of the time Lidon stood at the edge of the bed, his leg encased in his brace as he took Piras from behind. The occasional times Piras took control, Lidon was usually bent over his lover’s desk, his feet planted firmly on the floor.

“Damn it,” he said. “I’d rather take the chance of injury.”

Tranis shook his head. “Fine. When I fuck you, you’ll be on all fours. But for now, you’ll have to be embarrassed.” His face stretched in a smile. “Deal with it, Nobek. Remember who’s in charge here.”

Lidon glowered. “I can’t decide if I like or hate you.”

“Doesn’t matter. Can your leg take going wider?”

“I can take whatever you dish out.”

“I’ll accept that as a yes. Widen range another five degrees.”

The hover cuffs moved farther apart, leaving Lidon extremely vulnerable. Somehow the humiliation didn’t affect his level of arousal, however. His dicks stuck straight up in the air, blatant with need.

Tranis climbed back on the mat and knelt, his knees bracketing Lidon’s ass. “I think I enjoy seeing you like this as much as you despise it. Open and waiting for me. Completely mine to do with as I wish. I cannot wait to fuck this ass.”

“Then why don’t you get it over with?” Lidon stared up at the ceiling.

“Because I would never rush my enjoyment of such an amazing body.”

A firm grip encircled Lidon’s front cock, just below the tip. He jerked his gaze down in time to watch Tranis pump down to the base of him. Incredible heat surged, and he groaned seemingly all the way from his toes.

Tranis slowly pulled back up, watching Lidon’s face as he did so. Elation coiled tight deep in Lidon’s groin. The firm fist had just the right amount of pressure. If Tranis would work him faster, Lidon would spill in a matter of moments.

Instead, Tranis let go. Lidon gasped to catch his breath. “Why – don’t stop. Damn it, you can keep me in this position all night if you’ll keep doing that.”

Tranis chuckled. “I only wanted your lubrication. For now.” He wiggled his slick fingers at Lidon.

“Oh.”

Tranis traced one of those wet fingers around Lidon’s anus. The sensitive flesh instinctively opened to him, inviting invasion. Lidon bit his lower lip hard as need surged. Damn, he’d forgotten how good a firm but careful touch could feel. Piras was either too tentative or brutal with hurry.

He did not want to think about Piras right now.

He concentrated on the pressure of Tranis’ finger as it pushed against him. “Open to me,” the Dramok said.

Lidon released into the force of the finger forging inside him. He shuddered to feel the thick digit penetrate, slick with his own lubricant. Tranis moved carefully, stretching the ring of muscles to his entrance.

“You’re tight.” Tranis frowned.

“So?” Lidon scowled.

“And you’re with me instead of your usual lover.” A dark eyebrow went up. “It makes me wonder.”

“It’s none of your business.” Lidon closed his eyes so he didn’t have to see the other man’s curiosity.

Another finger pushed in, not quite as gently as the first. Moving. Rotating. Preparing him for Tranis’ cock. Tranis had bested him in a fight and was going to fuck him soon. There wasn’t a damned thing Lidon could do about it either.

The Dramok’s fingers pushed farther in, searching. Lidon tensed. Oh no, he wasn’t going to—

A burst of white-hot rapture seized Lidon, making his cocks jerk a warning. A small amount of pre-cum dribbled from the primary one. His eyes and mouth flew open in a soundless cry, and he arched hard against the mat.

“There it is,” Tranis said. “Like that?”

He stroked the spot again, and fire licked through Lidon’s groin. Heavy throbs of want pounded through his lower regions, and he did yell that time. “Fuck!”

Tranis leaned over, capturing Lidon’s gaze with his own. His tongue peeked out, heading for the moisture oozing slowly from the Nobek’s prick. An instant before he licked it off, he rubbed that hot area inside once more.

Lidon shrieked, jerking against the hover cuffs. Dull pain resounded through his crippled leg, but he barely remarked on it. The rasp of Tranis’ tongue laving the tip of his cock along with the pressure on his inner cum zone crumbled every last lucid thought.

Tranis’ fingers pulled free of him, leaving Lidon shaking and panting for air. The Nobek had damned near spilled. His cocks pulsed with almost angry want. Fuck, his groin hurt. He needed to climax.

“You are enjoying yourself too much, my friend.” Tranis grinned.

“Enjoying, my ass,” Lidon groaned.

“I do believe I will now. Turn subject over, position for elbows and knees to horizontal surface. Wide stance.”

The cuffs activated, slowly moving so that Lidon was rolled over onto his left side. Then the hover cuffs moved unwilling limbs until he was in the position Tranis had ordered.

There was a problem. His damaged leg refused to hold him up. His abdomen pressed on his thighs. “Shit,” he groaned.

“Not to worry,” Tranis said, sounding almost cheerful. His thighs wedged between Lidon’s, and the hot brand of his cocks laid heavily against Lidon’s ass, making the Nobek shiver. Tranis’ strong arm circled Lidon’s waist, pulling his ass up.

The Dramok’s cocks slid down the crevice between Lidon’s cheeks. The older man couldn’t contain a shudder. The tip of the larger one probed at his anus, as if it had a mind of its own and homed in on where it wanted to be. He clenched the linens of Tranis’ bed in his fists. He’d known when he approached Tranis that this was how the situation was likely to end up. Why was he second-guessing himself now?

“Relax for me,” Tranis whispered. Lidon felt his hand close on the questing prick, assuring it would go where he wanted. “Open yourself.”

Pressure against his anus. Pushing hard. Insisting on invading. Lidon took a deep breath and released the tension there. Suddenly Tranis’ prick was traveling into him, forcing its way in deep. A burning ache bloomed, making his teeth clench. Damn, the Dramok was big. Bigger than Piras.

“Fuck,” he ground between clenched teeth.

Tranis paused. “Easy.” He was gasping, almost as if he were the one in pain. “Damn it, Lidon. I didn’t expect you to be this fucking tight. I’m not going to last.”

“Good,” Lidon panted. “You’re splitting me in half.”

“You’ll adjust. Now open to me, Nobek.”

Tranis pushed deeper, his cock’s circumference growing as it neared the base. Lidon forced himself to breathe through the burning objections of his body.

Pain is my friend. Pain gives me a challenge to show I have overcome and will continue to do so. I worship my pain, and I invite it to give me strength.

Tranis stopped again. “There. I’m in. For how long remains the question.”

Lidon felt a pressure beneath his lower cock. He looked beneath his crouched body to see Tranis’ second cock nestled up beneath his. He shivered. The Dramok had mounted him, had made Lidon his bottom. Few men had had the power to do so. He let no one master him who didn’t deserve it.

Tranis drew back, emptying Lidon slowly until only the tip of his cock remained just inside the Nobek’s ass. Then he thrust back in, powerfully. Lidon had a moment of hot agony as his ass stretched grudgingly for the invasion, then Tranis hit that spot.

Pain and pleasure, both equally excruciating, clenched his lower body. He arched back, his upper back smacking against Tranis’ chest. A low howl trembled from his lips.

“That’s it,” Tranis hissed in his ear. “Let’s see how much you like this.”

He drew back and filled Lidon once more, again finding the spot. At the same time, he dragged fingernails down the Nobek’s back, bringing pain and the knowledge he was drawing blood. Lidon made animal sounds of agonized want, and he ground against Tranis despite the pain. Inviting the pain. Begging for it. It added so much to the rapture.

Tranis’ hand closed tightly over Lidon’s front cock, near the tip. “Push into my fist.”

Lidon’s hips jerked, forging his cock into that firm grip. By the ancestors, yes. Ecstasy coiled tight in his belly. He jerked back, letting the Dramok’s hand bring him bliss. At the same time, his ass took Tranis’ cock in a rush, the friction against his hot button curling his toes.

“Slow down before you bring me,” Tranis growled.

Lidon couldn’t make sense of his words over the violent demands of his cock. He had to come. Need made the civilized part of him crumble before the primal creature that always fought to escape.

He shoved back and forth violently, plunging into Tranis’ grip and then bucking back to take that hard length into himself. All was sensation and want. His second cock was flexing, tightening. A surge of heat moved from it to his front prick. He was going to come. He could feel the sizzle of orgasm sliding forward, drawing itself together. Here it was. His rhythm stuttered as everything clutched hard…

Tranis’ hand moved to the base of his cock and squeezed, shutting off his release. Lidon screamed defiance, trying to move, trying to climax. The other man’s arm tightened around his waist, holding him still.

“I told you to slow down. I’m not done fucking you yet.”

Lidon’s shattered brain didn’t quite understand the exact words, but he got the crux of the message. He was being denied.

He couldn’t come.

He roared his furious agony at the man riding him. It did no good. Worse still, the prick in his ass was sliding in and out much slower now, rubbing the hot zone lighter than Lidon wanted. His cock throbbed in desperation to spill, but that merciless hand kept the hot river of cum dammed up.

A long, drawn-out groan sounded in his ear. “That’s right. It feels good to master someone like you. Not just shoving my prick in your hot, tight ass, but also being in control of such a strong Nobek. Making you submit to me is half the thrill.”

Lidon felt a surge of pride at Tranis’ praise. At the same time, he wanted to get free and beat the Dramok into submission so he could fuck his ass.

The Nobek desperately fought to move. He couldn’t, not with his arms and ankles pinned by the hover cuffs, his right leg useless, and Tranis holding him so tightly. All he could do was crouch beneath his conqueror and take the achingly slow strokes.

Tranis pressed deep and ground hard into Lidon. Heady, brutal elation burst through the Nobek as he bore against that spot. Lidon shoved his face into the mat and screamed with all his might.

The Dramok gasped. He pounded hard and fast, his groin thudding loudly against Lidon’s buttocks. Lidon writhed, desperate for release. He’d never wanted to come so bad. If Tranis would just release his hold on his prick…

“Tranis. Please.”

Tranis grunted with effort as he took Lidon. “Say it. Go on, Nobek.”

Something that sounded suspiciously like a whimper escape Lidon’s tight throat. Damn the controlling bastard!

He panted, “I acknowledge you have mastered me, Dramok. I beg you for release. By the ancestors, Tranis, it hurts. Please…”

Tranis’ hand on his prick loosened. He stroked it hard. “Come right now, Lidon. Come for me.”

Liquid lightning blasted through Lidon’s cock, rushing from the base straight up, bursting out in heavy streams of cum. He screamed, dimly aware of wet heat splattering his belly and chest. The orgasm ripped out of his prick in rending pulses, leaving him weak and shuddering.

Tranis continued to thrust hard into him. He groaned and abruptly pulled out.

More wet heat splashed against Lidon’s skin, this time flowing over his back and ass. Tranis was coming on him, marking him with his scent. Lidon shook as he was claimed.

His voice thready with exhaustion, the Dramok said, “Release subject.”

The hover cuffs sprang open, setting Lidon free. At the same time, Tranis shoved his still-hard cock back into Lidon’s ass. He yanked him over, tumbling them both onto their sides. Tranis spooned against his back, draping a leg over Lidon’s. “Lights out. I don’t know about you, Nobek, but I’m exhausted. What a day.”

Darkness descended over the room. Lidon turned his head to regard the other man in the dim light. “You expect me to sleep with your cock up my ass?”

“Well, you’re not sleeping with your prick up mine.” Tranis’ grin was apparent even in the near blackness.

Lidon snorted. “Damn, you are a dominating fuck.”

Tranis snuggled closer. “What, Piras isn’t?”

Lidon turned away and closed his eyes. “He was when we first started together. He’s gotten lazy since then. Or maybe he only did it long enough to draw me in. Who the hell knows?”

The Nobek wondered why he was telling Tranis so much. Maybe because he was tired. Maybe because he’d had his best fuck in a long time. Maybe it was as simple as the warmth of the body curled around his.

“Is that why you haven’t clanned? Because Piras is too passive?”

Lidon considered his answer. How much did he really want Tranis to know? In the end, he decided it didn’t matter, not really. Not when he didn’t have a clearcut answer for himself. “I panic every time he asks me. I have dozens of little reasons not to accept. None of them on their own is enough to turn him down, but put all together—” He shrugged.

“‘Better a large problem that might be solved than small difficulties that never end.’”

Lidon twisted to look at him again. “You know the Book.”

“Not well enough to impress a scholar like you. That’s just happens to be one of the passages I’ve heard that stuck with me. Have you really memorized the whole thing?”

Tranis had researched him. Or at least asked around. Well, that was interesting. “Not even close. I have made diligent study of it, however. Meditating on it kept me sane during my long recovery.”

“I’ve heard you’re especially devout.”

“I suppose some would see me that way. My Imdiko father is a priest. I admit I never paid much attention to his teachings until a few years ago. He was excellent counsel after I was blown up, and that led to my studies. It helped things make sense.”

Tranis chuckled and the arm he held Lidon with tightened. “So what does the Book of Life say about sleeping with another Dramok, a much younger Dramok?”

Lidon grinned back. “‘You shall always expect surprises, because they await you at every turn. No man can overrule destiny’s dictates.’ I’m not sure it applies to this situation, but it’s the best I can come up with at the moment.”

“It will do.” Tranis yawned and closed his eyes. “Let’s get some sleep for now, Nobek.”

Lidon was quite ready to do that. It had been an extremely tiring day, starting with the kurble match, then pulling a full shift. And finally, getting tossed by a very physical Dramok.

Still, he couldn’t find sleep until he felt Tranis settle and grow still. The young man’s chest moving against his back with deep rhythmic breaths told Lidon when he’d dropped into slumber. Only then did he let the warmth of the other man curled around him lull him to sleep.

Chapter 5

Piras’ voice jerked Lidon awake. “Captain Piras to First Officer Tranis.”

Lidon drew a deep breath and willed his suddenly pounding heart to slow. His lover’s voice came from the room’s com link, not within the room.

He looked over his shoulder at the Dramok he’d spent the night with. Tranis looked much too amused. “Tranis here, sir.”

“I know you’re not released by Medical yet, but I need you on the bridge immediately.”

All hilarity left the young commander. “On my way, Captain.”

The com’s disconnect sounded with an audible click. Tranis carefully pulled free of Lidon. “His tone sounded pretty serious. I’ll bet you’re about to get a call too.”

“He’s probably trying to reach me in my quarters right now.”

The men were on their feet. As Tranis headed for his room’s wash facility, Lidon’s personal com went off in the pile his formsuit made on the floor.

Lidon leaned down to snag it, his good leg holding him easily. “Weapons Commander here.”

Piras said, “Lidon, I need you on the bridge immediately. We’ve got a situation.”

“I’ll be right there.”

He picked up his formsuit and winced at the scent coming off it. The smell of Tranis on his body was even more pungent.

Tranis came back in the room and opened his closet. Lidon hopped into the facility. “Great. I reek of you. Everyone wearing their nose today will know where I’ve been.”

He ran water and grabbed a pre-soaped cloth from the dispenser. He scrubbed every part of himself as fast as he could. Still, he knew he’d never get enough of Tranis’ scent off to keep Piras in the dark.

He hopped back out. Tranis was dressed. He tossed something at Lidon, who caught it with a deft hand.

As Lidon dubiously eyed the formsuit the first officer had given him, Tranis said, “You can at least show up on the bridge in a clean uniform. We’re close to the same size. The trim is blue, but no one would mistake you for a Dramok.”

Lidon snorted, but he sat down and started pulling the formsuit on. “I’m not sure if you mean that as a compliment or insult.”

Tranis grinned. “You are all Nobek. And I like Nobeks.” He leered. “A lot.”

Lidon couldn’t help but smile a little. He yanked his boots on and snapped the brace in its accustomed place. Then he transferred his silver bars of his command status onto the borrowed uniform.

“How pissed off is Piras going to be?” Tranis asked. His voice was light, as if he didn’t really care.

Lidon got to his feet. He was slightly more muscled than Tranis, but the Dramok was wider in shoulders and chest. The formsuit’s fit wasn’t too bad. Since it was clean, it did mask some of Tranis’ scent. If Lidon could keep distance from Piras, his lover wouldn’t know the difference. A distance of perhaps half the ship might be enough.

Lidon followed Tranis out of his quarters. “He’ll be extremely angry. Let me deal with him.”

They walked side by side, heading for the nearest transport. Tranis gave Lidon a narrow-eyed gaze. “I can handle Piras. I handled you, didn’t I?”

They stepped onto the transport. Fortunately, they had it to themselves. Lidon answered, “Yes, but bending the captain over your bed and shoving your cock up his ass would probably be taken as insubordination.”

Tranis burst out in laughter. He sobered just as the transport door opened and they walked out onto the destroyer’s bridge.

Both of them stopped short. The main vid was up, and Lidon’s eyes widened at what it showed. His training kicked in, and he hurried to his station. As he walked past the captain’s podium, he saw Piras’ head come up and his nostrils flare wide. Lidon kept his gaze forward, refusing to acknowledge the shocked stare. But when Piras’ head swiveled in Tranis’ direction, the Nobek darted a quick glance at the other man too.

Tranis didn’t take note of either of them. He was much more interested in the vid image of the demolished hulk floating in space. “Captain, is that the Cagu defense station?”

Lidon relieved his second at the weapons post and met Piras’ glare. The Nobek kept his emotions to himself. Recovering his equanimity with some difficulty, Piras answered his first officer. “Yes, Commander, that’s what’s left of it. We’re still an hour away.”

Lidon busied himself with the reports and readouts streaming to his station. “No life signs. No power. All systems look offline, including atmospheric controls. No one could possibly have survived.”

Tranis was at his station now, looking over the same readouts. “Maybe they had enough warning to put on spacesuits? What about their fighters?”

Piras didn’t sound optimistic, but he said, “Maybe someone escaped. We’ll know when we get there.” He turned to Lidon once more. “Weapons Commander, put a team together to go over that station as soon as we dock, but be advised it will have to be a fast investigation. I want to get to that colony we lost communications with as soon as possible. We have to save any civilians that might be in danger on Natamev.”

Lidon’s fingers flew over his controls. “Understood, Captain. With your permission, I’d like to put in a recon team for damage assessment, a search team for survivors, and a records recovery team in case there’s information on the attackers.”

“Do it. And as soon as you’ve got that in place, you can meet me in my office.”

“Yes, Captain.” Lidon’s chest tightened. That was not going to go well.

Piras continued issuing orders. “First Officer, you’ll report to Medical and tell Dr. Degorsk to be ready for casualties. Tell him I also want you cleared for duty by the time we reach that station.”

Tranis opened his mouth to protest, an understandable reaction given he could relay such messages over the com system. Lidon caught his eye and gave him a slight shake of his head. If Tranis was smart enough to obey orders and keep his mouth shut, he might escape censure for their activities after all. That would leave Lidon to bear the brunt of Piras’ displeasure, something the Nobek had no problem doing.

Fortunately for them both, Tranis opted to heed good sense. “I will let the doctor know the gravity of the situation, Captain.”

He gave Lidon a quick wink before turning and leaving the bridge. Despite knowing he was in for a huge argument with Piras, Lidon had to suppress a smile. The young Dramok was entirely too cheeky for either man’s good.

Half an hour later, Lidon finished assigning and instructing his teams. He looked towards the closed door of Piras’ office and fought off a sigh with effort. The bridge was no place for a Nobek to show his emotions. He could do that in a few seconds when he went into the room where Piras waited for him.

Sure enough, when he stepped into the captain’s office Piras was pacing the floor. The instant the door closed behind Lidon, the captain was in his face and shouting.

“How dare you walk on my bridge with the stench of another Dramok on you!”

Lidon lowered his head. “I planned to tell you of the encounter at another time, in private. It was not my intention for you to find out my indiscretion this way.”

“The entire bridge crew could smell him on you!”

“I had no chance to wash him off before answering your summons. I am deeply sorry for any shame this may have caused you.”

Piras seemed a little deflated by Lidon’s show of contrition. In a much quieter tone, he asked, “So what is going on? Getting a measure of revenge for our argument?”

Keeping his head bowed, Lidon rolled his eyes up to look Piras in the face. “That would be petty. I was curious about him, and the opportunity presented itself.”

“So may I take it your curiosity is satisfied?”

Lidon kept his mouth shut, letting his silence speak for him. The truth was, he wanted to get hold of Tranis and top him, if only once. The idea of fighting the younger man to submission and mounting him, to possess that fine, strong body, had his groin swelling.

Piras’ face reddened, and his lips thinned. The low rumble of a growl spun from his throat. Lidon stiffened and his heart drummed faster.

The Dramok said, “I have no claim on you … yet. But this is forcing my hand where our pairing is concerned.”

Lidon watched him carefully. Hopefully.

Piras turned his back on him and stormed over to his desk. He sat down behind it and tapped on his computer. “Get that young upstart out of your system, and do it quickly. And discreetly. I want your answer on my offer to clan as soon as we have this border situation cleared up.”

He finally looked at Lidon again, his upper lip lifted in a snarl. “You are dismissed to wash the stink of my first officer off yourself. Put on a proper uniform, and then get your sorry ass back on the bridge.”

Disappointment had already settled its familiar weight in Lidon’s gut. He snapped, “Yes, Captain.”

He left the office and headed for his quarters to carry out Piras’ order. What had he expected? Had he really believed Piras would be incited to be the Dramok he craved?

Lidon couldn’t help but think a Dramok worthy of him would have put him over the desk and re-claimed what he thought should be his. He had no doubt Tranis certainly would have.

I have no business clanning with Piras. Maybe it’s time I faced that once and for all.

* * * *

Degorsk stood at his desk, his back to the open office door. He had just finished dictating some notes for later review. “Close file,” he instructed his computer.

The door behind him made its distinctive hissing sound, letting him know it was closing. He started to turn to discover why it had done that when a strong hand gripped the back of his neck. It pushed, forcing him down towards his desk surface. With a yelp of surprise, he slammed his palms down on it, straining to keep himself somewhat vertical.

“Has this desk been broken in properly yet? You do look good bent over it.”

Degorsk’s teeth bared, not that Tranis could see it what with him standing to the rear of the doctor. He ground out a substantial amount of fury in his tone. “Commander, I insist you let me go. It would be very demoralizing for my staff to see me like this.”

“To you or them? Those insets on your office door are change-glass, aren’t they? Opaque! There, that’s better. Now we have some privacy.”

The Dramok ground what could only be a massive erection against Degorsk’s ass. Something in the Imdiko’s psyche softened at the domination, and heat spilled into his cocks. That pissed Degorsk off more than Tranis’ surprise attack.

Shoving hard against the implacable grip still trying to press him down onto his desk, Degorsk snarled, “I am on duty, you asshole. And I don’t want this.”

Tranis groped around and cupped the Imdiko’s groin. He stroked over the telltale bulge, and erotic need filled Degorsk. He barely managed to swallow a groan. He couldn’t help but rock his hips, rubbing himself against both Tranis’ hand and his cocks. The spicy scent of the doctor’s arousal built thickly around him.

“You don’t want this, huh?” Tranis chuckled. “Something smells and feels differently, Doctor. I think you want it quite a bit.”

Degorsk wanted it, all right. But he was pissed off now, and he wanted to beat the hell out of his tormentor even more. He grabbed for Tranis’ hand, determined to make him stop fondling. Unfortunately, that left only one hand braced against the desk, and the bastard took the opportunity to press him closer to the surface. Degorsk had no choice but to let that wicked hand continue to rub his aching crotch while he braced himself again.

“You had your chance last night, damn it!”

Tranis practically purred in his ear. The warmth of his breath there made Degorsk’s already overloaded senses reel. “Yes, I know. I am trying to correct my insult to you now.”

Degorsk became aware of another scent, one not belonging to Tranis. His eyes widened, but he managed to keep all care out of his voice. “It smells like you already took care of matters. So is our Weapons Commander as good as he looks?”

Tranis chuckled. “Better. Since you two can’t seem to get together, I thought I’d be your middle man. I need to make a full report to Lidon on what he’s missing. By the way, the Captain would like you to clear me early for return to duty. We have a situation.”

Degorsk stilled, and suddenly Tranis’ touch wasn’t nearly as arousing. Sensing the change in the Imdiko’s mood, Tranis stopped rubbing though he kept his hand on the Imdiko’s groin.

Degorsk barely noticed Tranis had dialed back on his efforts to subdue him. He was more interested in the trouble the destroyer might be facing. “What situation? What’s going on?”

“Cagu defense station was demolished. From the looks of it, there are probably no survivors, but you need to have your staff ready for casualties. We also lost contact with a nearby colony, so there might be trouble there as well.”

Degorsk thought fast. A defense station on the Joshadan border had maybe fifty personnel, tops. But a colony might have thousands.

Thousands.

“Damn it.” The faces of the dead and dying crowded his memory. A layer of groaning, screaming men on the ground, too many to treat, too many he couldn’t save. Especially the two lives that meant the most to him. One moment walking tall and strong, the next broken and bloody and dead.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!”

Tranis stopped trying to bend him over the desk. He let go of Degorsk’s neck and groin and wrapped one arm around his chest and the other around his waist. The first officer pulled Degorsk back against himself and held on tightly. His deep voice gentle, he asked, “What is it, Imdiko?”

The quiet way Tranis spoke and the strength he held Degorsk with made something tight and painful loosen a bit in the doctor’s gut. His mouth fell open. He vomited out the words that played on a loop in his head when the nights were endless and sleep wouldn’t come. “I should have resigned. I don’t belong in the military. Too much death and pain.”

The man holding him, giving Degorsk a temporary false sense of security, spoke again. “Except for the occasional Tragoom incursions, we’re at peace right now.”

“Peace never lasts. War always comes. Then everybody dies.”

“You’ve seen some terrible things, haven’t you?”

Degorsk turned his head to look into the younger man’s eyes. Yes, there was strength there. Confidence. Power becoming a Dramok. But there was also too much innocence, though one had to search for it.

He asked, “Have you been in battle yet, Tranis? A real battle, with men screaming and dying all around you? Friends … lovers falling before your eyes?”

Tranis blinked. “No.”

“You can’t imagine.” Degorsk swallowed the scream that wanted to tear from his throat. No, such horrors were beyond imagination.

The Dramok’s looked at him with a tenderness Degorsk hadn’t expected. “I’m sorry you’ve seen it, Degorsk. I hate the pain in your eyes.”

Tranis kissed him then. It was comforting, but it was also sensual, the gentle way his lips moved over Degorsk’s. The Imdiko sank into the caress, needing the reassurance of the strong arms holding him, of the solid body supporting his, of the simple affirmation that life went on and was sometimes good despite all that had been stolen.

Tranis’ tongue slid across Degorsk’s lips. The doctor opened his mouth. His invitation was accepted. Tranis seized possession, exploring Degorsk’s mouth thoroughly, making the Imdiko gasp with surging need. When Tranis’ hand slipped down to his crotch once more, searching and stroking him to firmness, Degorsk didn’t try to make him stop.

There was a tug, and the raspy sound of Degorsk’s crotch seam giving way made him moan into the Dramok’s mouth. He shuddered with delight as the other man’s hand slipped inside his pants. Hot flesh met hot flesh and his cocks were set free.

Tranis’ hand was a tight fist surrounding Degorsk’s front cock. The Imdiko rocked his hips, making himself slide in that firm grip. Tranis released his hold around Degorsk’s chest. A moment later, the waistband of the doctor’s trousers were tugged down until they fell to his ankles. Cool air against his buttocks was an arousing surprise, and he jerked within Tranis’ grip harder and faster.

Tranis broke the kiss. Staring into Degorsk’s eyes, he shoved two fingers in his mouth, wetting them. He put them to Degorsk’s anus.

This was a huge mistake. Degorsk knew it beyond a shadow of a doubt. But his resistance had crumbled in the wake of too many memories and in the steady strength of the Dramok holding him. He closed his eyes and surrendered.

“Please.”

He opened to the pressure of Tranis’ fingers. They slid into him. Degorsk’s head fell back on the other man’s shoulder, accepting the strange fullness and ache. How long had it been since another man’s touch had been there? Months. Maybe more than a year. The quick one-night stands had been unsatisfying since the deaths of Bara and Semlo so many years ago. Disappointment and the surge of renewed loss following each one had kept such encounters infrequent.

Tranis’ fingers moved in and out of him, twisting and stretching as he worked against the tightness. His hand gripping Degorsk’s cock moved at the same pace, making for a sweet, slow climb to passion. Damn, it really did feel good. Better than it had been in a long time. Degorsk didn’t know why that was. Right now, he didn’t care either. All that mattered was the growing pulses of erotic heat in his groin, driving away thought, memories, and pain.

The fullness pulled free, leaving him empty. A sound that might have been a whimper escaped Degorsk’s throat. The sound of Tranis’ formsuit seam parting calmed the sudden panic that he’d leave the Imdiko wanting again. Hurting. Alone.

The slick, fevered tip of hard flesh was there, ready to take fill that terrible void. Degorsk opened to it.

“Please,” he whispered.

It pressed into him, soon moving past the limits of the stretching the fingers had done. A burning pain grew as the tight ring of his entrance fought against the very hard, very thick cock invading him. When Tranis paused, Degorsk shook his head almost violently.

“Keep going.”

“You’re hurting. I can tell.”

“I don’t care.”

“I do.”

Degorsk knew a stubborn Dramok tone when he heard it. So he shut up, trembling violently in Tranis’ embrace as they waited for his body to adjust. At last Tranis resumed taking possession of him, moving at a careful pace until he was at last fully sheathed in Degorsk’s ass. Tranis mouthed his ear. The sensation nearly put Degorsk up on his toes.

“Sensitive there, aren’t you?”

“A bit,” the Imdiko gasped.

“Lidon’s spot is the hollow of his throat.”

Well, that was interesting information. Degorsk wondered if he’d ever get to use it.

Tranis sucked his earlobe into his mouth, gently biting. He circled one nipple with his thumb. Degorsk’s breaths came in sobs as darts of pleasure zinged throughout his body, ending up pooling in his groin. His dicks swelled until they felt fit to burst with the pressure.

His hips moved forward, making the tight grip Tranis still held on his primary cock slide to the base. The rocking pulled Tranis nearly free of his ass. The two different forms of friction had Degorsk’s eyes rolling in their sockets. That felt good. Really, really good.

He moved back, enclosing Tranis once more, his prick sliding through the Dramok’s fist nearly to the tip. Something extraordinarily pleasurable was stroked inside him as Tranis filled him once more. The hair stood up on his body.

He rocked forward and back again, trying a little more force. Unfortunately, being trapped between his desk and Tranis wasn’t giving him much room to move. The pressure against his interior hot spot was good, but it wasn’t enough. Not by far.

His voice strangled with need, he looked into Tranis heavy-lidded gaze, beseeching the other man. “Fuck me. Please, Dramok?”

Tranis’ gaze on him was soft. His hand moved to Degorsk’s shoulder and gently pushed him so the Imdiko’s stomach and chest rested on the desk. Degorsk reached up and grasped the far edge.

Tranis pulled almost all the way out, then rammed in hard, his hand on Degorsk’s shoulder yanking him back to make the contact all the more forceful. Degorsk’s breath left him in a rush as the hot spot inside finally got the pressure he wanted. Molten heat filled his belly. He cried out and lifted his butt higher, begging for more.

The Dramok answered his plea. Flesh slapped against flesh loud enough to echo in the small room. Again and again, Tranis pounded against that sensitive place inside, making Degorsk feel as if his guts were turning themselves inside out with ecstasy. Meanwhile the firm fist worked his cock, making things inside draw up tight. Degorsk sobbed and writhed, nearing crescendo. He hung onto the desk for dear life. A primitive part of his brain, the part that wanted to run from a hungry predator, scrabbled to escape. It shouted at him to get away from the coming disintegration, that the climax would be too much. Most of him welcomed the catastrophic release.

A deep voice, so kind and yet so dangerous at the same time, called to him. “Let it go, Imdiko. Surrender yourself now.”

As if his body belonged to the other, it bowed to his command. There was an explosive unraveling deep in the pit of Degorsk’s stomach, and fiery heat unfurled. It coursed in a molten stream through his dicks. It fired through the primary one in thick, straining bursts. The hand holding him there so tightly squeezed and pumped, squeezed and pumped, drawing hard to empty him of every shivering, ecstatic drop. Bliss throbbed in almost painful pulses as the climax came to a slow, reluctant end.

Tranis groaned and drove in hard, grinding himself tightly against Degorsk’s buttocks. The cock in his ass swelled, and the Dramok cried out. Degorsk felt the steady rhythm of the other man’s release as he filled him with cum. Then Tranis laid down over him, covering Degorsk with his body as the last of his pleasure drained into him.

They were that way for a few moments, heaving for breath as they recovered. Degorsk let himself float in a peaceful space, not thinking. He was content feeling the warmth and comfort of another, letting post-climax relaxation allow his mind to quiet.

Too soon, the delightful weight of the Dramok lifted from his back. Degorsk straightened, and realized he was shaking with a fine tremor running throughout his body. Tranis quickly set his own clothing to rights. Noticing how Degorsk was having a little difficulty, he helped the Imdiko pull his pants back into place. He grabbed some cloths from the sanitary cleansing dispenser and set to work wiping Degorsk’s spill from the floor.

Making his tremulous legs walk his body around to the other side of his desk was a monumental effort, but Degorsk managed. He eyed his chair and set his lips in a grim line. He’d shown enough weakness for one day. He would remain standing.

“Give me a moment, and I’ll put in the order clearing you for duty.” He tapped on his computer.

Tranis deposited the soiled cloths in the disposal. He stared at Degorsk for an instant before coming around to join him behind the desk. Before the doctor could react, he was in Tranis’ arms again. The Dramok’s gentle kiss nearly buckled his wobbling knees.

Degorsk pushed away, breaking the kiss. “Enough, all right?”

Tranis regarded him with narrowed eyes, then nodded. “For now. I think we should talk later.”

As the first officer drew away, Degorsk made himself ignore how much he already wanted to be held again. It was time to get back to life the way he knew it. He had work to do and promises to keep. Getting too involved with Tranis could crumble all the walls that he’d worked so hard to build.

With real regret he thought, That’s close enough, my warrior Dramok. We don’t need to get any closer than this.

* * * *

Lidon stood at his station, receiving reports from the recon parties on board what was left of the defense station. The news was as grim as they had all feared it would be. He took a moment to distract himself with the pleasant scent coming off Tranis, who had joined Piras at the captain’s podium. It was a distinctive aroma Lidon knew well, having branded it into his memory. Having it mingled with Tranis’ musk and the remnants of his own scent was a delight.

At least Piras was acting less pissy now. No doubt the blatant sexual smells coming off his first officer now had him convinced the young, virile Tranis was screwing as many of the crew as he could stuff his dick into. Lidon had just been one in a line of several as far as the captain knew.

For his part, Lidon was impressed that Tranis had gotten the recalcitrant Degorsk into a second compromising position. He’d had the good sense to take advantage of it this time. Some men had all the luck.

He took one more appreciative whiff before making himself concentrate on his work once more. Very serious work.

“All away parties have reported in and are returning to the ship, Captain.”

Piras nodded. “Good. Let’s go over what we have. Commander Tranis?”

“Cori defense station and the colony of Natamev went silent approximately eight hours ago. We still don’t know their status. Cagu defense station went silent approximately four hours ago. Evidence suggests the attack occurred about an hour later.”

Lidon added, “Communications were jammed prior to them going dark. That’s indicative of a Bi’isil attack.”

Piras frowned. “Our relations with that realm have been peaceful for the most part since they joined the Galactic Council of Planets decades ago. We haven’t had a major dust-up in nearly six years. Are there reports of any insult recently visited on their people?”

The Bi’isils were a highly ordered, ritualistic society. Specialists were trained for years to conduct any one-on-one negotiations with them. To approach a Bi’isil official improperly was cause for violent repercussions from their entire kingdom.

Tranis shook his head. “None at all, and I contacted our ambassador to Bi’is to confirm that.”

Piras considered. He sighed. “All right. Next item.”

Tranis stared at the vid image of the twisted wreckage. “Damage to the station shows all the hallmarks of expansion detonator hits. The weapons signature came back positive for Bi’isil. At least five ships attacked from the evidence shown.”

Lidon’s brows lowered. “Expansion detonators are meant to take out heavily armed destroyers like ours. Hitting a stationary station, even an armed defensive one, is overkill.”

Piras added, “And not at all the Bi’isil approved method of attack. They like to take slaves since they go through them so fast.”

Tranis glowered. “They aren’t supposed to be taking slaves from other Galactic Council member planets.”

“They haven’t in a long time. At least, not that we know of.”

Tranis’ gaze on the station never wavered. “Internal sensors show the entire crew was accounted for before the station went offline seconds later. In a matter of minutes, they were hit. The only bodies not found would have been those blown out into space where the hull was breached.”

“No survivors. No slaves taken.”

Lidon mused, “And whatever came at them was cloaked from sensors until it was right on top of the station.”

Tranis scowled. “Bi’isils would never cloak their ships. They find it cowardly to not offer their immediate targets an opportunity to fight back.”

Piras agreed. “That’s more of a Tragoom tactic, and they are most definitely cowards.” “But no equipment was taken. All of the fighters were still in their docks, even the ones not destroyed in the attack. Tragooms always steal equipment, especially ships.”

Lidon pointed out, “Tragooms usually can’t get along with each other long enough to coordinate that many ships for such an attack anyway.” The word usually bothered him about his own statement.

Piras rubbed the back of his neck. “So what are we dealing with? Opinions?”

Tranis blew out a frustrated breath. “I hate to admit it, Captain, but I’m at a complete loss. It can’t be the Bi’isils. They are just too ordered to commit this type of an attack. It’s someone who wanted us to think it was them.”

Lidon nodded. “I agree with the first officer, Captain. Take away the obvious, and you’re left with only one real possibility: the Tragooms.”

Piras looked at him, cocking an eyebrow. “I tend to agree with you. However, you said yourself they can’t coordinate well enough to pull something like this off.”

“Indeed, they don’t under ordinary circumstances. There have been times in the past where a chieftain has become powerful enough to intimidate or bribe several other groups into following him.” Lidon snorted. “They’re stupid and nasty enough to attack Bi’isils in order to scavenge ships and weapons from them.”

Tragooms had no loyalty to anyone, including their own kind. If a chieftain thought he could attack Bi’isils and keep his own hide safe, he’d do so. If he escaped, it would never trouble his conscience to know the Bi’isils would retaliate, taking out five times more of Tragooms as had been lost on Bi’is’ side.

Tranis didn’t look convinced with the Tragoom theory. “But the attackers took nothing from the station. Almost everything has been destroyed. There appears to be no reason for this assault, unless it’s in retribution for our longstanding feud.”

Piras sneered. “Tragooms are not honorable enough to attempt to avenge any wrongs. They have no loyalty to their own outside of from fear or property.”

Lidon insisted, “They are still the most likely candidates for this.”

Piras blew out an exasperated breath and stared moodily at the destroyed station. “As soon as everyone is back on board, get us to the Natamev colony, First Officer.”

“Yes, Captain. We will reach our destination in five hours.”

Lidon stared at his reports, tension singing in his body. He hoped they would find something more than a demolished hunk of space debris to answer the mystery. Better still would be finding someone alive this time. Looking at the defense station, drifting like a dark corpse, he had his doubts.

Chapter 6

When the destroyer reached Natamev colony, Tranis checked over the readouts and diagnostics, hoping against hope for any glimmer of life on the small moon below. He found no power readings. The quiet was ominous, and he felt a bit ill. Degorsk’s words echoed in his head.

“Peace never lasts. War always comes. Then everybody dies.”

Pushing back his disquiet, Tranis asked, “Colony com status, Weapons Commander?”

Lidon’s voice betrayed no emotion. “The colony’s communications satellite is intact and appears to be operational, Commander. If they are receiving our attempts at contact, they are not responding, for whatever reason.”

Piras was equally stoic. “Life signs?”

Taking his cue from the other two, Tranis was all business. “None on the surface. Our sensors do not penetrate beyond ten meters of the underground portion, however. There may be survivors.”

The captain drew in a deep breath. “Very well. Commander Lidon, assemble a team and go down to the colony for recon and possible rescue. First Officer Tranis will lead the effort. Captain to Medical.”

Unexpected warmth filled Tranis’ belly at the sound of Degorsk’s voice. “Chief Medical Officer Degorsk responding, Captain.”

“An expedition is going down to the planet to search for survivors. You will bring a medical party for triage and to prepare any survivors for transport to the ship.”

“Acknowledged, Captain.”

Tranis heard the half-second of hesitation in the Imdiko’s voice. He would have to keep an eye on Degorsk now that he had an inkling of the medic’s history. Not that he thought Degorsk would unravel on a mission. It was the after part that the Dramok had his concerns about, when the work was done and the doctor had time to think about what he’d done and seen.

“Have you been in battle yet, Tranis? A real battle, with men screaming and dying all around you? Friends … lovers falling before your eyes?”

The agony in Degorsk’s voice had affected Tranis, making him want to fix things for the emotionally wounded man. He wondered if this was this the usual response of the Dramok leader instinct for a suffering Imdiko. He had little experience with the nurturing breed outside of his Imdiko father, who had never seen battle nor known real trauma.

Tranis stepped from behind his podium. He looked at Lidon who was wrapping up assigning the recon team. He wondered if the Nobek knew about Degorsk’s past.

He said, “I will meet you in the shuttle dock, Weapons Commander.”

Lidon stepped from behind his podium. “I can walk with you, Commander. I have the teams alerted.”

Piras’ gaze was glued to his readouts. “Make it fast. Communications is now reporting two more colonies and defense stations have gone silent in the last hour. With the closest help from the fleet days away, we need to find out what’s going on before anymore of our border is affected.”

Tranis and Lidon spoke at the same time. “Yes, Captain.”

Tranis left the bridge. The limping Nobek was only half a step behind him as he entered the ship’s transport.

* * * *

Lidon and Tranis were the first off the security team’s shuttle when it landed on the colony’s surface. The atmosphere here was one of the few that didn’t demand containment air. It was nighttime on the moon, dim even for sharp Kalquorian vision. Lidon peered in the gloom for any sign of trouble, though lifesign of anything larger than his foot had been lacking in the immediate area.

All the Nobek could see were the hulks of shelters and buildings nearby. He could smell well enough though. The acrid stench of burnt things filled his nostrils.

Degorsk trooped off the second shuttle, his medical staff following him with emergency aid kits. In the wash of light from the shuttle’s open hatch, Lidon saw the Imdiko scowl. His voice carried easily through the dreadful silence. “How the hell are we supposed to find anyone? I can barely see a damned thing.”

Lidon drew a handlight from his belt and turned it on. Tranis and the security team followed suit, and moments later so did the medical corps. In the stark beams, half a dozen blasted shelters leapt into view, along with a few identifiable shreds of shuttles. Most of what surrounded them were blackened ruined things, things that weren’t easily recognized. Not one building or piece of machinery had been left intact.

Lidon called to his forces. “Move out and find the mine shaft openings. Remember, you’re looking for survivors. Identify your targets before firing on anyone.”

The security detail divided into squads and trotted away, their handlights bobbing through the ruined colony. Lidon followed at a limping walk with Tranis at his side. A moment later, Degorsk drew abreast of them, his medics trailing behind in a wide-eyed knot.

Tranis growled, “This isn’t a mere Bi’isil expansion detonator attack. This was something big.”

Lidon nodded, his skin crawling at the evidence of monumental force all around him. “A city-killer weapon.”

Degorsk swallowed audibly. Lidon glanced over at him and was reassured by the look of purpose on the doctor’s face.

“No bodies?” the Imdiko asked, his tone level.

Lidon said, “Mostly vaporized. I’m seeing bits and pieces here and there.” When Degorsk’s light moved down to illuminate the ground better, Lidon grabbed his hand and forced it up again. “Don’t look, Doctor. There’s no point in sickening yourself over body parts you can’t help.”

His com went off. One of his staff, a capable Nobek named Arin, spoke. “Recon team to Commander Lidon. We have energy signatures from one mine shaft.

“Acknowledged. On our way.”

Tranis drew a breath. “If there is energy, there’s hope.”

Degorsk muttered, “I’ll take it.” Louder, he told his following staff, “Medics, stick close. We’re going in.”

Lidon could see the dark maw of the hole in the landscape where a couple of Nobeks waited to escort them into the shaft. He said, “Watch your step, everyone. These are active mines and footing will probably be dangerous.”

Tranis started walking a little faster, moving ahead of Lidon. The weapons commander put his hand on his shoulder, tugging him back. Tranis jerked his head around to stare.

Lidon offered him a tight smile. “Commander, if I may?”

Tranis blinked and slowed, letting Lidon take the lead with obvious reluctance. “Of course. My apologies, Weapons Commander.”

“Not necessary.” Lidon led the first officer and the rest of the group, as was demanded for security reasons.

He had no doubt Tranis was able to take care of himself, even defend himself against any possible hazards around them. However, Lidon was in charge of security for this mission, so he was required to place himself in danger ahead of his commanding officer. It was a matter of protocol and pride.

And if Tranis didn’t like it? Well, he’d just have to get over hanging behind a slower, lame Nobek.

They headed into the pitch-black mine shaft, their handlights only thin beams in the oppressive darkness. Sounding put out, Degorsk asked, “If there’s still power, why aren’t the lights working?”

Lidon had never heard the Imdiko sound so peevish. Something was really bothering him. Knowing the doctor’s background from having researched him, Lidon had a good idea what that something might be. It must have been terrible to watch would-be clanmates killed right in front of him amid the carnage of a major battle.

Keeping his tone mild, Lidon said, “The power readings are coming from further ahead.”

A few moments later, a wall of stones leapt into view. Several members of the recon team clustered at the foot of the cave-in. Two more, including Arin, had climbed up the sloping debris, looking into a small hole up high. Dim illumination spilled from the opening.

Arin called down to them. “We’ve got survivors behind this, Commander. Forty-six people managed to get far enough inside to escape being killed, but many of them are injured badly.”

Lidon ignored the sick feeling in his gut. He told Tranis and Degorsk, “There were over five hundred miners here.”

Degorsk’s lips curled. “Fuck. Can we get through?” he yelled to Arin.

The Nobek scrambled down to the shaft floor with an ease that disgusted Lidon. “We can just squirm in, I think. We’ll need something to blast this mess loose to get the casualties out though.”

Lidon looked at the loose footholds of the cave-in. No way his braced leg could handle the climb. He inwardly cursed his crippledness while coolly issuing orders. “I’ll work on getting some explosives to knock this down. Meanwhile, I suggest the commander takes his team in to treat the injured.”

Tranis nodded. “Agreed.” He huddled with Degorsk to discuss how the medical team would continue on. Without Lidon.

The weapons commander firmly set aside his anger that he couldn’t do his job. He told Arin, “You’re in charge of security on the other side of this.”

“Yes, Commander.” The young lieutenant looked pleased. He’d been putting in for harder work and more responsibility. Lidon liked him much more than his immediate second.

Still, the kid needed to know how much responsibility he was shouldering. Lidon leaned close so only Arin could hear him, letting his fangs descend in clear warning. “Let nothing happen to the first officer or the medical team. Not one scratch, Lieutenant.”

The near smile disappeared from Arin’s face. His back stiffened and his shoulders went back. He jerked a firm nod, all business. “Yes, Weapons Commander.”

Lidon stepped back, and Arin took point, ascending the blockage once more and shoving his body through the hole at the top. Tranis followed, climbing the wall with agility. Another couple of Nobeks went up, then a very pale but stoic Degorsk.

The Imdiko paused to crack a weak joke at Lidon. “You could always ride up on my back.”

If the statement suggesting Lidon’s weakness had come from anyone else, the Nobek would have beaten the man senseless. But it came from Degorsk, and there was definite panic in the doctor’s eyes.

Lidon gave him an evil grin. “I’ll ride your back, all right.”

“Tease,” the Imdiko shot back.

He looked up at the hole overhead, swallowed, and started his climb. Lidon reached up and tweaked his backside. His grin got larger at Degorsk’s gasp and the startled look he shot Lidon. At least it got some of that fear out of his expression.

Lidon quoted, “‘The journey to a warm hearth is worth the all-night ride though it last until daybreak.’”

Degorsk scowled. “That passage has nothing to do with … that.”

Lidon lifted a brow. “Of course when your mount carries the warm hearth with him—”

A couple of the medics waiting to climb snickered. Degorsk shot them a vicious look that shut down the merriment instantly. Lidon was impressed.

Degorsk got up to the hole and glared at Lidon. “I suggest you study the Book of Life a little more closely so you don’t take its wisdom out of context.”

Lidon only continued to smile. With a huff, Degorsk wriggled through the opening, his ass presenting a very nice show until it disappeared. The conversation was over.

For now. Lidon had every intention of re-opening the subject of riding Degorsk’s back at his earliest convenience. Damned if he’d let Tranis have all the fun.

* * * *

Degorsk carefully climbed down the cave-in. Tranis stood nearby, looking ready to leap and catch him if he fell. Degorsk scowled. He was perfectly able to take care of himself. After Lidon’s humiliating grab and teasing, he wasn’t about to fall and let Tranis add to his embarrassment.

Still, it made something inside warm to think about the Nobek’s obvious flirtation. And it helped distract him from what lay ahead.

I can do this. It’s not hundreds of injured, dying men. It’s just a few dozen, and I can save them.

The groans in the distance and the sight of bloodied miners waiting for his team still brought back the memories, though. The bodies of those who hadn’t made it were stacked against one wall. Maybe a hundred, he thought. The rest must have been vaporized outside. The sounds of agony seemed to double, and he had a vision of the stony, damp ground covered with body parts. The dripping of moisture from the cavern’s ceiling made him think of splashes of blood splattered on the walls, slowly plopping rain on those below.

Degorsk pulled his shoulders back and made himself stop seeing the past. He stepped up to the miners standing there, waiting for rescue. “I’m the chief medic.”

A thick-bodied man in the middle of a group of about half a dozen nodded towards a ledge further back in the shaft. The dim emergency lights showed prone bodies lying there.

Bloody, writhing bodies … layers of men and body parts…

“The worst of the injured are on that raised area, Doctor,” the miner said, drawing him back to the here and now. “We got them off of the wet floor as best we could.”

Degorsk turned to look over his staff. They’d all arrived and waited for his instructions. “We’re going straight to the men he’s pointed out.” He pointed at two of his men. “You two do a survey of all the injured, figure out who needs the most immediate care and assign accordingly.”

“Yes, Dr. Degorsk.” They rushed off.

He looked to Tranis next. “The moment that wall comes down, get my stretchers in here. We need immediate evac of the injured.”

The Dramok nodded. “It will be done.”

Degorsk joined his team, now swarming over the thick ledge. Perhaps two dozen of the surviving miners lay here, caught and battered by the cave-in. Bones were crushed. Blood was everywhere. There was an instant of slipstream, where Degorsk saw many more men, some with familiar faces that had branded themselves into his nightmares. It was as if the past and present had come together to exist in this dark, echoing space.

Damn it, I’m a doctor. I’ve got a job to do, so do it!

He narrowed his focus to the first body in front of him. From there, he knew nothing beyond his duty. He comforted the conscious, executed emergency efforts to stem bleeding and immobilize broken bodies, performed an emergency tracheotomy when one man experienced an allergic reaction to medication, and answered his team’s questions.

He was dimly aware of time passing. Bits and pieces of conversation drifted to him, words to be filed away and thought about later.

“…some kind of battle drone, a configuration we’ve never seen before … hit us during the night when we were topside and asleep … only a few of us got down here … cave-in from the hits … people still running in when it collapsed … a lot died in the first few hours … mine shaft was played out … had just removed the earth moving machines … couldn’t remove the cave-in to get out…”

The work he did was mostly lit by the strong but thin streams of the handlights and weak emergency illumination. Degorsk felt he’d been in the dim confines forever when a hand closed on his shoulder. He looked up from the unconscious man he’d just placed in a temporary stasis field to see Tranis leaning over him.

The Dramok said, “The blockage has been cleared. Your stretchers are coming in. Are you okay?”

The concern with which Tranis looked at him brought Degorsk’s surroundings flooding back. Hover stretchers were indeed floating in, and his team was loading them up with the injured at a frenzied pace.

“I’m fine. Is there a problem, Commander?”

Tranis gave him a strange look.

Degorsk climbed to his feet. “With my performance, I mean.”

“Not at all. You’ve worked like a demon, Imdiko. I have every intention of suggesting Captain Piras give you a commendation.” Tranis still looked worried, but there was also admiration in his tone.

Degorsk swallowed. A commendation? He thought at least two men had died since they’d arrived. He still had so much to do, but for some of the men it was damned little. Whether they survived or not would be up to their own strength more than any paltry skills he offered.

He managed some gratitude for Tranis’ approval. “Thank you, Commander.”

On the heels of that, he noticed a man who had only suffered a broken leg being stretchered ahead of some of the more badly hurt. Including the critical case he’d just placed in stasis. Anger heated his mood.

“Standard loading procedure for the stretchers, damn it! You know the routine. And make sure the worst injured are placed in the shuttle last so we can take them off first. I want those who need to be in surgery in the operating rooms immediately when we reach the ship. Any delay is not acceptable! Prep as much as you can en route, and no fucking up.”

Degorsk was running all over the place now, putting things in order, berating poor practice where he saw it. Lives were at stake. He had no patience for sloppiness, and he harangued his staff without mercy.

As he jogged along with the worst cases now finally leaving the mine, he found Lidon inside the cleared cave-in. The Nobek watched closely as everyone crossed the rubble-strewn minefield of tumbled rock.

“Careful, medics. You’re walking on a lot of loose debris.” He eyed Degorsk sharply as the Imdiko approached. “Are you all right, Dr. Degorsk?”

Degorsk’s temper was foul. He felt like he was in charge of first-year medical students instead of certified doctors. Now Lidon was questioning him on top of everything else. “Why the hell does everyone keep asking me that?” he stormed as he drew abreast of the Nobek.

Lidon raised an eyebrow. “Though your work here has been exemplary, I’ve noted you curse a lot when you’re stressed. You have quite a vocabulary when it comes to profanity.”

Degorsk’s lip curled in a snarl. “I’m fine.”

Lidon gave him a slight nod, but that piercing stare never wavered. “Good.” He said nothing else.

Degorsk kept moving, glad to get away from the oppressive mine and its horrors, imagined and real. He continued to mutter foul words under his breath, mostly to do with a certain nosey Nobek.

* * * *

It was hours later when Degorsk was finally able to go to his quarters and shower. Afterward, he sat on the edge of his sleeping mat wearing only a tan bathwrap fastened about his hips. The soft, absorbent cloth ended at mid-thigh.

He stared at his hands, lying palms up on his lap. They were slightly reddened from being scrubbed clean and dipped in antiseptic multiple times throughout the long hours of patching together the injured. They hadn’t let him down today, at least not once the injured had been brought on board the destroyer. All those still breathing when they’d reached his department remained among the living. He thought they might all pull through. It had been a good day.

Yet on the fringes of his consciousness were the long dead. Men, vital and powerful one moment, dead or dying the next. Degorsk knew if he dimmed the lights and got beneath the sheets of his bed, the deceased would come from the edges and stand before him in his nightmares.

Not in accusation. They would come simply to remind Degorsk of his helplessness in the face of destruction. He’d done his best by them, of that the Imdiko knew too well. The trouble was, his best was never going to be good enough. No matter how great his skills, men would always die. And he would be forced to watch their eyes glaze over, to hear their final breaths rattle from their lungs.

He was so tired. But he feared sleep.

The visitor announce at his door buzzed. It startled Degorsk so much that he shot to his feet. For a moment he thought the dead had come for a visit, too impatient to wait for him to fall asleep. He barked weary laughter. By the ancestors, he was a wreck.

He couldn’t imagine who wanted to see him. He certainly didn’t want to see anyone. “I’m getting ready for sleep. Go away,” he told whoever was on the other side of his door.

There was no spoken answer. Good. Everyone could leave him the hell alone.

His lock release beeped, and the door slid open. Degorsk stared in utter shock as Lidon walked in and the door shut behind him.

The son of a bitch had used his security pass to force the lock.

Lidon took a long look at him, his eyes darkening at Degorsk’s near nudity. His tone, in contrast, was polite. “Good evening, Doctor.”

“Please, come in. After all, ‘go away’ is Nobek for ‘welcome’, right?” Degorsk’s voice dripped angry sarcasm, but his stomach curled in sudden fright. Lidon had tried every civilized trick in the book to get him alone over the three years Degorsk had been on board the destroyer, methods the Imdiko had managed to circumvent in a myriad of ways. He wouldn’t have minded a one-night stand with the admittedly sexy Nobek, but Lidon had made it clear he wasn’t looking to scratch a temporary itch.

Lidon had apparently decided to play dirty tonight. Looking at the muscled, determined man only inches away from him, Degorsk’s head swam with a confusing mixture of want and terror. This was bad.

Lidon smiled, the warmth of the expression in no way canceling the predatory glint in his eyes. “Are you feeling better now that everyone is patched up?”

Degorsk had two ways of dealing with fear: joking and anger. He had no sense of humor right now. He snarled, “Everyone was not patched up, damn it. Four are still critical. And who the fuck knows what we’ll find at the other colonies and defense stations?”

“That’s not under your control. You did well today. You’ll do well with whatever we find.” Lidon’s voice was quiet, almost soothing.

Degorsk snorted. “Will I?”

“You will do your best. As you did in the Battle of Delfy.”

Damn Lidon and all his ancestors. Of course the resourceful Nobek would know about that.

Degorsk didn’t bother to mask the pain in his voice. “If you’re aware I was in that slice of hell, then you know I lost my intended Dramok and Nobek there.”

Lidon nodded slowly. Fortunately, his features remained still, not moving into pity. “You watched them die when the Tragooms ambushed your battalion. And yet you singlehandedly managed to save twelve other men’s lives. You were decorated for that.”

Degorsk’s lips twisted into a nasty smile. “You know what I did with that meritorious bar, Lidon? After the award ceremony, I tore it off my uniform. Then I burned my uniform. I melted the bar down and sold the metal for scrap. The vid plaque that came with it? I deleted it and then I smashed the piece of shit. It meant nothing when I couldn’t save the two men I was supposed to clan with. When hundreds more dropped before my eyes. Twelve men saved? A mere dozen? What kind of heroism is that?”

Lidon didn’t react to his rant. Instead he said, “Today brought that back. I saw it in your eyes. Have you vented any of that pain yet?”

Degorsk folded his arms over his chest and scowled. “Does it matter?”

“It does for an Imdiko. Your breed feels too much to keep it bottled in.”

Degorsk watched him carefully. What the hell was Lidon thinking? Something was up, but the Imdiko couldn’t figure out what.

To hide his discomfort, he commented drily, “Thanks. I’ll bring it up with my shrink. Or a big bottle of kloq. They’re one and the same.”

“No need.”

Lidon grabbed him. Degorsk was in the air before he could gasp, and then crashing down on the mat. The Nobek was straddling him an instant later, sitting on his abdomen as he grabbed first one of Degorsk’s wrists, then the other.

Degorsk was too startled to move. “Hey! What the hell are you doing?”

Lidon spun around, his bad leg apparently no barrier to doing so. He grabbed each of Degorsk’s ankles in turn. “I’m cuffing you.”

He got off Degorsk to stand next to the sleeping mat. Degorsk slowly raised his arms and stared at his wrists. Thick hovercuffs circled them. He sat up and saw his ankles were also bound. He looked up at Lidon, speechless.

Lidon cocked an eyebrow at him. “Elevate subject one foot above floor, place in vertical ‘X’ formation.”

The cuffs tugged upward, taking Degorsk with them. He yanked hard against them as they moved him to float before the Nobek, his legs splayed wide, his arms likewise over his head. He couldn’t get free.

He yelled at Lidon. “Son of a bitch! This is unauthorized use of hover cuffs. I could have you put in the brig.”

The Nobek seemed unimpressed. “I’m the weapons commander. I authorize my use of them.”

Degorsk gaped at him. He was simply too confused by the other man’s actions to form a coherent thought.

Lidon tilted his head and settled his hands on his hips. In a musing voice, he asked, “Now Doctor, what therapy do you usually prescribe for an Imdiko who is incapable of spontaneous emotional release of trauma?”

A sense of dread crept over Degorsk. Had he been afraid before? Not by half. Real terror made him cold all over.

He hissed at Lidon. “This is insane. You have no right to do this.”

Lidon’s lips quivered, as if a grin was trying to break through. “I looked up the medical board’s recommendations in cases similar to yours. Do you know what our esteemed head doctors have to say about the matter?”

A tremor broke out over Degorsk’s body. He couldn’t stop it, though no doubt Lidon saw every minute shiver. If Lidon did what he planned to do…

“Of course I know what they recommend. But you’re no doctor! You’re not sanctioned for such a determination!”

Lidon nodded. “No, but the diagnosis of release reluctance is in your file. So the determination has been made for me.”

Degorsk unleashed a stream of curses.

The weapons commander continued as if the flood of profanity hadn’t occurred. “In a typical case, the matter would be left to your Dramok and Nobek to carry out. Lacking those, you would submit yourself to a licensed disciplinarian for a therapeutic beating until you are sufficiently able to rid yourself of grief. Guess what credentials I possess, Degorsk?”

Degorsk’s insides seemed to shrink in upon themselves, as if trying to find a place to hide. He really was in trouble. As ship’s head disciplinarian, Lidon would also have been cleared for therapeutic punishment. Degorsk was well and truly fucked.

“I hate you.” He sagged in the cuffs. He was in for it, all right. Had he been presented with a case such as his own, Degorsk would order the very treatment he was about to receive. A therapeutic beating was standard practice for a non-expressive Imdiko, particularly one with ongoing trauma made acute by an aggravating incident. Dealing with a mine full of the dead and dying certainly qualified as an aggravating incident.

For some of his sensitive breed, there was a tendency to internalize the pain they encountered. Degorsk was one of those Imdikos who didn’t easily allow grief to escape. Instead he held it in and added to it, unable to release it on his own. Unlike fear, which he unloaded under the guise of humor or profanity-spewing anger, Degorsk hid his sorrows from the world.

His case wasn’t rare. Imdikos were often employed in professions that regularly exposed them to suffering. Many who found it difficult to express their stress routinely scheduled therapeutic beatings from licensed disciplinarians. Physical pain allowed the floodgates to open, letting them rid themselves of emotional agony as well. Degorsk had kept regular therapeutic beating appointments himself before getting involved with Nobek Semlo. Semlo had possessed the proper training and administered Degorsk’s therapy when it became clear they would someday clan.

It had proven hard for Degorsk to give himself up to discipline after Semlo’s death. The Imdiko knew he needed it. He couldn’t unload the ongoing traumatic stress from losing the Nobek and Dramok Bara otherwise. But it was such an intimate act to surrender himself in that way; to bare his real emotions before another.

Especially someone like Lidon. Damn the man and his license to wear Degorsk’s ass out.

Lidon startled him by suddenly planting his lips over Degorsk’s. The Imdiko gasped, which parted his lips. Lidon’s tongue surged inside, tasting of brute male and lust. Not even thinking of what was happening, Degorsk sucked on the raspy, delicious appendage, drinking in the feral flavor of the Nobek.

His wrap fell from his hips, having been tugged loose. Degorsk moaned into Lidon’s mouth as strong, calloused hands cupped his buttocks and kneaded them. He strained forward to make contact with the Nobek’s body. Lidon moved close so that their fronts touched. The heat of his body and scent of his arousal was a wallop to Degorsk’s senses. His cocks filled, growing heavy and hard. Keening with need, he rubbed against his captor, his pricks straining against the rigidity of Lidon’s crotch.

“Degorsk,” the Nobek groaned, breaking the kiss. His mouth traveled down, licking a wet trail down to one of Degorsk’s nipples. The Imdiko’s head fell back and he groaned to the ceiling as Lidon flicked the erect button. Delight pulsed from the tasting, arrowing straight down to Degorsk’s already throbbing cocks.

He wanted Lidon. He had for a long time. The trouble was, he wanted him too much.

Clawing for a semblance of good sense, Degorsk gasped, “Don’t. We’re military. You can get killed at any moment, and I get left with nothing again.”

Lidon straightened to look him in the eyes. “I won’t leave you alone, Degorsk.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“I promise to do my best to not leave you alone then.”

Before Degorsk could protest any more, Lidon kissed him again, shutting him up. Scattering his thoughts. Drowning his fears under a wash of pure arousal.

Lidon’s mouth sealed tightly over his, holding him prisoner for his stroking tongue. At the same time, his hands moved from the cheeks of his ass. One delved into the crack between the mounds, rubbing and teasing his anus with an assured touch. A throb of pleasure sizzled from the base of Degorsk’s spine.

The other hand moved around to clutch Degorsk’s main cock tightly at the base. The Imdiko’s entire body galvanized with the first firm stroke that went from root to tip. His body jerked helplessly in the restraining cuffs. Lidon stroked back to the base, and molten heat bubbled insistently deep in Degorsk’s gut. His pricks went wet, lubricant bursting from his pores to slicken the hand insistently massaging his primary length. His hips jerked back and forth, forging his cock in and out of that tight, achingly gorgeous grasp.

Lidon released the kiss and his cock. Stepping back, he eyed Degorsk, his breaths coming in pants. “I think you’re ready for your therapy, Imdiko.”

Degorsk’s shredded mind knitted back together reluctantly as Lidon pulled a thick hide strap from the back of his belt. As long as the Nobek’s forearm, it sharpened Degorsk’s thoughts. His arousal too, he noted with dismay. Somehow being helpless and awaiting punishment from Lidon was making him harder than ever.

His cheeks heating in embarrassment, Degorsk asked, “Can we talk about this?”

“No.” Lidon’s eyes were kind, but the flat tone he used brooked no discussion.

Degorsk’s head fell forward, his chin resting on his chest. There was no getting out of this. And he had no doubt the coming beating was going to hurt like hell. His inability to let go emotionally was extremely stubborn to crack. He thought maybe Lidon cared too much to let him continue to suffer the way he had been.

Lidon stepped to one side. His fingertips caressed his ass reverently, as if stroking a holy relic. “That cast hanging in your office does no justice to you. Will you let me fuck it when we’re done with this part?”

The surge of heat in his pricks made Degorsk gasp. “You owe me a fuck for this humiliation. You’d better make it good, too.”

Lidon chuckled. Then he stepped back and wound one end of the strap around his hand. Degorsk screwed his eyes shut as tight as he could, trying to force his body to relax. Tensing would only make it worse, and it would be bad enough.

A loud crack, more earsplitting than thunder, rebounded against the walls of the tiny room. Degorsk had an instant to think oh fuck before blinding pain blasted across his ass.

His eyes opened wide, and he yelled. “Shit!”

He didn’t have even half a second to recover before the next air-shaking crack. His whole body seized with agony.

When he caught his breath, he screeched, “Damn it, Lidon! That hurts!” He bared his fangs at the other man.

The Nobek rolled his eyes at Degorsk. “It’s supposed to, you idiot. Stop fighting and let loose.”

“I can’t!” He couldn’t will a single tear from his eyes though his ass pulsed with torment. And from just two hits.

“Then it goes on until you can.”

The strikes came harder and faster, sending blistering fury through Degorsk’s ass. He shrieked and jerked against the cuffs, wishing he could crawl out of his abused flesh. The leather tattooed his ass and thighs, setting him on fire. And yet the sick grief in his heart refused to budge, seeming to burrow even deeper down, refusing to come out. He couldn’t concede to the pain. He simply couldn’t let it go.

Lidon snarled at him. “Fucking stubborn Imdiko!” While the hand wielding the strap continued to wear him out, the Nobek’s other grabbed Degorsk’s main cock. He flogged the Imdiko’s dick, bringing instant desire to the fore. Degorsk jerked and howled as arousal built almost as painfully as the beating.

The strikes against his roasting ass stopped and Lidon suddenly chuckled. “Oh, you’re one of those. I had hoped so.”

A memory surfaced in Degorsk’s mind. It was so vivid it stole his breath. Semlo brutally peppering his ass with knotted flogging tails while Bara masturbated him, insisting he let go … let go…

Grief stabbed his chest and clotted his throat. No. He couldn’t open himself like that ever again. But the hurt and pleasure were swirling tight, coalescing at the base of his cocks, urging him to let Lidon in.

A sob shuddered from the ache in his throat. “Don’t … please … Lidon…”

“It’s all right. Your pain is safe with me, Degorsk.” The voice in his ear, traveling on a warm breath that made the Imdiko shiver.

Instead of the strap, Lidon paddled Degorsk’s ass with his open palm. The rapid strikes were actually gentle but his butt was so sore and tender from the beginning of the punishment that it hurt just as much as before. At the same time, Lidon stroked his dick hard, making erotic pleasure pool deep in the base of the Imdiko’s groin. Degorsk’s cries were strangled pleas of mingled ecstasy and agony. Desire grew more demanding, needing escape. Rippling bliss surged into his main cock, spilling upward, ready to bolt free.

Lidon’s thumb brushed over the tip, finding moisture bubbling in a precursor to release. “Uh oh. Not yet, Imdiko.”

His fist slid down and gripped the base of Degorsk’s cock hard. The mounting pleasure was blocked, held back at just the instant it was ready to let go. Degorsk yelped as realization was denied. He jerked to meet Lidon’s cool gaze with his hectic one.

“Damn … you … let me … come!”

Lidon arched an eyebrow. “I don’t think so. You haven’t given me what I want.”

Degorsk twisted desperately, trying to make that firm grip move so that he could erupt. He needed to come! Right now! But Lidon held him easily, keeping relief at bay while continuing to slap his ass. The torment of the spanking had contorted into something intense, something strangely akin to the brutal pleasure just out of reach.

It was just like before. Just like when he’d been cared for by two other men, men who knew exactly how to handle him and did it with the same expertise as Lidon did now.

Pain lanced through his chest again. It was coming out of hiding, barreling through him to join the rest. His ass hurt. His cocks hurt. His heart hurt. Everything hurt and he knew with the other defense stations and colonies going quiet, there was so much more hurt to come. And there was no way he could escape any of it.

Degorsk screamed, unleashing the anguish that wanted to consume him. Tears poured from his eyes as loss and fear tore him apart. He sobbed and wailed, cursing first the universe for birthing him, and then cursing Bara and Semlo for leaving him so alone. He cursed the unseen enemy who had brought the pain back. He cursed Lidon for making him feel too much again.

He raged and sobbed until the tears ran dry and the words ran out, leaving his throat sore and his body empty. He sagged like a broken thing in the hover cuffs, unable to summon the strength to hold himself up.

His face was buried against Lidon’s neck. The Nobek stood in front of him, his arms tight around his back. His hands rubbed up and down, sifting through Degorsk’s long, unbound hair. He said nothing, simply holding Degorsk’s shuddering body against his strong warmth.

After a little while, when Degorsk’s shaking began to ease, Lidon leaned back. One hand caught the Imdiko’s chin and lifted it so they looked at each other. Lidon dropped a tender kiss on Degorsk’s lips and stroked his cheek.

“Much better. It’s all right, my Imdiko. You’re all right.”

Degorsk knew he needed to demand Lidon let him out of the cuffs. He needed to make the Nobek leave. But somehow he couldn’t bring himself to say anything that would take away the comfort of being held by Lidon.

Instead he settled for, “Like fuck I’m all right. I’m not your Imdiko. I’m nobody’s Imdiko.” He winced at the raw ache of his own words.

Lidon continued to stare into his eyes, as if he could hypnotize Degorsk into compliance with his wishes. “You could be mine. I’d like you to be.”

Damn him. Degorsk’s case of the shakes increased again. “Piras would never clan me.” The captain despised him, and Degorsk was no fan of that insulting Dramok anyway.

Something cold slipped over Lidon’s face. “Then I’ll never clan with Piras.”

Degorsk stilled to see the truth of it in Lidon’s eyes. The Nobek meant it. Lidon was choosing Degorsk over his longtime lover, a man he’d been with for well over a decade.

The doctor had known Lidon was serious in his dogged pursuit of him. But to throw aside clanship with a man of Piras’ rank and success? For someone like Degorsk? An Imdiko no one else wanted?

He shied away from examining the inescapable conclusion that such sacrifice meant. Instead, he brought up another issue that should keep them apart.

“Lidon, I can’t stay on this destroyer. I can’t keep doing this horror show of men dying all around me, of them dying so badly and having to watch it. After today and all the past hurts it brought back, I know I have no choice but to resign.”

Lidon stroked his hair. “Few die well, Degorsk. Death is not kind to the majority of us, whether we’re fighting a war or not. Two of my parents succumbed to the blood-thickening Hirmog virus, or would have had my Imdiko father not granted them merciful death by cutting their throats. Before that they suffered greatly, though they lay safe in their beds in their home on Kalquor.”

Degorsk’s eyes widened to hear of Lidon’s tragedy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“We do not go gently in our sleep, for the most part. Pain and suffering is our lot. It’s what we do before that makes living worthwhile.”

The Imdiko understood what Lidon was saying. He too had lost a parent to illness and another through an accident. Their deaths had not been peaceful either, both lingering until death finally granted its release. Still, Degorsk couldn’t help but think he was only asking for more heartache by remaining in the military.

He told Lidon, “A lot more die at one time when it comes to battle.”

Lidon tilted his head quizzically. “So why are you still here? Why did you not resign after Delfy?”

Degorsk sighed and let his forehead rest on the Nobek’s shoulder. “I thought it would honor my would-be clan to continue on. I hoped it would keep their spirits close to me. But all I feel is pain and fear that I’ll lose someone I care about again. I don’t know what I should do anymore.”

“‘When the answers don’t come, you must find the quiet in your heart. That is where you will find the solutions you seek.’”

Degorsk found a smile. “Another great quote from the Book of Life. Can we fuck now?”

Lidon chuckled. “Absolutely.”

Degorsk lifted his face to Lidon’s to enjoy his kiss. The feeling of the Nobek’s tongue stroking his brought his diminished erections roaring back. The pulsing hot pain of his beaten ass reasserted itself, adding to the excitement. He did have a Nobek-like masochistic streak that made pain an erotic element — when administered by the right man. When Lidon’s firm hand gripped his aching ass, Degorsk arched in equal parts desire and torment. He hoped Lidon would keep him suspended helpless in the cuffs. Being at his punisher’s mercy had him throbbing with need.

Degorsk was letting himself succumb to the delightful seduction of Lidon’s deep kisses and painfully groping hands when his door announce went off. Lidon pulled his mouth free of his. The Imdiko snarled at the closed door. He was definitely sending off the unwelcome visitor.

“Don’t you dare answer that,” he growled at Lidon.

“Were you expecting someone?”

Degorsk shook his head adamantly. “Fuck, no. Ignore it.”

Lidon’s brow arched. “I wonder — who calls?”

A much-too familiar voice came over the com. “Tranis. Lidon, is that you?”

Lidon’s look at Degorsk was calculating, and the Imdiko knew what he was going to do. He opened his mouth to protest but was too late. “Enter,” the Nobek called.

“Damn it, Lidon!” Degorsk jerked against the cuffs holding him prisoner, wishing he could punch the other man.

Lidon only grinned at him as the door opened and Tranis stared at them from the opening.

Terrific. Degorsk was suspended in hovercuffs, naked, and fiercely erect. The strap that Lidon had wielded was on the floor in plain sight.

Could things get any more humiliating?

He scowled at the stunned first officer. “Well, don’t just stand there, waiting for every crewmember to come down the hall and see me like this. Come in and close the damned door.”

One side of Tranis’ mouth drifted up in a roguish grin. He walked in, and the door slid blessedly shut before anyone else got to view the show. He stood next to Lidon, looking Degorsk up and down. The crotch of his formsuit swelled magnificently.

Degorsk deepened his scowl despite the strange pleasure of being on display for the two men. His groin felt heavier than ever to have two sets of eyes on him. Looking at him with blatant desire.

Tranis licked his lips. “I wanted to check on you to see how you were doing. It looks like you’re doing very well.”

Degorsk’s voice was nearly a growl in an effort to hide the way his pulse sped up. “Well, as you can see I’m strung up like a criminal under interrogation, my ass having just been beaten bloody by our weapons commander. I’m doing amazing.” He showed his fangs in a burst of foul temper.

Lidon rolled his eyes. “I did not beat you bloody. Red and sore, yes. Maybe a little bruised, but a pain inhibitor and healing wave will fix that. After I’m done with you.”

He reached around and patted Degorsk’s rear with a not very gentle hand. The pain made the Imdiko hiss. His fangs folded back up to the roof of his mouth as he instinctively tried to placate Lidon.

Tranis shook his head. “It hasn’t improved his temper much.”

Lidon shrugged. “I’ve only delivered the painful part of the treatment. We were just about to work on making him scream for a different reason.” He grinned at Degorsk. “Let’s let the commander have a look at you, Imdiko. I’d like an objective opinion of my work.”

“Ass,” Degorsk grumbled.

“Exactly.” The Imdiko’s continued attitude earned another painful smack to his burning hindquarters. He jerked and groaned. Damn, it hurt. But the heat of his abused flesh was lighting up everything else as well. Pre-cum dripped from his primary dick.

Lidon’s expression was hateful in its merriment. “Turn subject 180 degrees on the vertical.”

The hover cuffs turned Degorsk around so that he faced away from the other two men. Tranis whistled in appreciation as his ass came into view. Heavy hands caressed his hindquarters, bringing more pain and pleasure. The doctor bit his lip hard, trying not to react.

“I do believe you’d glow in the dark, Degorsk. That is a thing of beauty. My compliments.”

Lidon sounded quite pleased. “Thank you. Of course the canvas was of particular quality.”

Damn it, the two jerks might spend the entire night jabbering while he hung here suffering. Knowing how peevish he sounded and not caring, Degorsk said to the wall, “I sure wish somebody would shut up and fuck me.”

There was the sound of muffled snickers. Then Tranis sighed, “Well, he’s in capable hands. I suppose I should go to my quarters and work with my own capable hands. Thanks for the inspiration.”

“Why don’t you stay?” Lidon offered.

Degorsk’s breath caught. Lidon was inviting Tranis to watch them fuck? His dicks swelled harder still at the thought. Things went very tight in his groin. While being on display during discipline was not a thrill at all, an audience while he had sex was an entirely different matter.

Lidon was still talking. “I’ve been wondering what I could stuff in his mouth to keep those stupid jokes from coming out while I enjoy his ass. You’ll do fine. If you’re so inclined?”

A growl trickled from the Dramok. “I am very inclined. Thank you for the offer.”

Pure erotic elation slammed through Degorsk. Both of them. He was getting both of them. Every argument against getting involved with anyone, especially these two, dissolved in mindblowing anticipation.

He was too excited to even speak. So when Lidon ordered the cuffs to set him down on hands and knees on the sleeping mat, he stayed silent. He found himself facing the end of the bed where Tranis stood, aroused and glorious.

Lidon crawled up behind him, wedging his thighs between Degorsk’s. The sound of a seam parting made the Imdiko catch his breath. Lidon was taking out his cocks. Hot, moist lengths of skinclad iron lay on the Imdiko’s ass a moment later. Lidon shifted, and the smaller one angled down, pressing against Degorsk’s anus. At the insistent push against the aperture, Degorsk opened himself. The cock slipped inside him, pushing deep while its larger twin slid up the crack of his ass.

Even the smaller of Lidon’s two dicks was a thick package. Degorsk shuddered but offered no resistance as it moved deep within. Then it slid over the hot spot and he shook all over, a cry escaping his lips. Electricity surged, and he clutched at the bedding. The cock moved over the button of sensation, rubbing insistently. Degorsk’s insides twisted tight, and he cried out again.

Then Lidon reached his end, his groin pressing hard against Degorsk’s sore rear, which only knotted the Imdiko’s belly more. He wouldn’t last. Not like this.

“I think this will be necessary,” Lidon murmured.

“I could have used one the other night on you,” Tranis said.

“You did plenty of damage without it,” came the return growl.

Degorsk had no idea what they were talking about. He was too busy trying to keep himself from losing control. A moment later, he felt Lidon lean slightly over him. Both the Nobek’s hands closed over his main dick.

A lightning bolt of pleasure made Degorsk shout. Then Lidon’s hand at the base of him clamped down hard, halting the tidal wave rolling from his second cock into the first. Too gone over the impending climax to understand what was happening, Degorsk bucked hard, trying to fuck the hands holding him so that he could relieve that brutal pressure. Instead, Lidon released his hold, but a tight pressure remained, keeping bliss at bay.

Degorsk gasped. “What the fuck?”

“I put a cockring on you. You were right on the verge.” Lidon sounded amused.

Degorsk tilted his head down so he could look. There was a ring on the base of his front dick, one of thin flex-metal, ratcheted tight.

He tried to decide how he felt about wearing it. He hadn’t wanted to come too soon, but at the same time, he really, really needed to. The torment of interrupted climax made him feel a little crazy and a lot frustrated.

“Shit,” he said. He was trembling all over.

“Easy,” Lidon soothed him, drawing back to make his cock drag deliciously through Degorsk’s ass. “It will be worth the wait.”

He shoved back in, hitting that place that made things surge and billow. Degorsk wailed in response, knowing he could only take it until Lidon decided he’d had enough. In and out, slow and steady and strong, the cock worked him with insistent power.

In front of him, Tranis stepped close to the mat, pulling at the crotch seam of his formsuit. His cocks spilled out, so hard they curved back towards his belly. They were right in front of Degorsk’s face, and the spicy, masculine scent of the Dramok’s sex had him desperate for a taste.

Tranis grabbed hold of the Imdiko’s long hair and wound it around his fist. Everything dominant in Degorsk’s makeup fled at the powerful display. He rolled his eyes up to look into Tranis’ face, his mouth opening to accept the man’s need.

“Very good,” the Dramok whispered as he accepted the invitation. His main cock slid into Degorsk’s mouth, filling it with heat and male flavor. The smaller one traced a hot, wet path down the outside of Degorsk’s throat.

As Tranis’ front prick traveled deeper into his mouth, moving closer to the Imdiko’s throat, Degorsk swallowed and held his breath. He took Tranis all the way to the root.

“By the ancestors,” the man groaned, his eyes half-lidded in ecstasy. “You have an amazing mouth, Degorsk.”

“And it looks damned good wrapped around a dick,” Lidon added, still moving in and out of the Imdiko’s ass. “I’m going to have to enjoy that in the near future.”

“You’d better wear that ring,” Tranis groaned, slipping back out until only the tip of him remained between Degorsk’s lips. “Fuck, he’s good.”

Degorsk rewarded the praise by rubbing his tongue back and forth along the underside of Tranis’ cock as it pushed back in. The hand holding his hair tightened painfully and the Dramok growled in reaction.

As Tranis found his rhythm, fucking Degorsk’s mouth with delicious thoroughness, Lidon pulled free of him. The Imdiko shivered to feel the Nobek’s larger cock pushing against him, insistently taking the place of the smaller. He was nearly the same size as Tranis lengthwise, but Lidon had a touch more girth. Degorsk pushed out hard to accept him.

“Good, Degorsk. That’s it,” Lidon sighed as he enclosed himself in warmth.

When Lidon found that sensitive area in Degorsk’s sheath, the tighter fit sent sheer elation through his core. Degorsk cried out around Tranis’ cock and nearly choked. Agonizing need pulsed hugely through his loins. He jerked against both men.

“He’s definitely feeling it,” Tranis chuckled, though his voice was strained. His grip on Degorsk’s hair kept the Imdiko from moving his head too much. The Dramok never missed a beat as he pumped in and out of his mouth.

“Good,” Lidon gasped, slipping in and out, finding that spot over and over to make Degorsk’s muffled shouts continue. “I’ve been waiting to give it to him for three years now.”

Their words were so much noise to Degorsk. His stomach clenched as his secondary dick strained to release boiling ecstasy into the primary. His entire lower body was seizing up with fierce need as the two men fucked him.

The shaft in his mouth oozed spicy-salty-sweetness against his tongue, warning that it would soon erupt, sending hot cum down his throat. The thick rod up his ass was driving harder and harder into him, against the spot that made him feel he was going insane. Lidon’s hips slapped loudly against his painful ass in quicker succession, with an occasional pause to grind brutally against the hot, interior button. Degorsk was sobbing in torment as the other two men worked their bodies into his.

“Lidon.” Tranis was panting now, his chest heaving for air.

“Go.” A thickly calloused hand reached beneath Degorsk, grabbing his front dick. He squalled as excruciating bliss demanded escape.

Tranis moved back, grabbing his cock in one hand while pulling Degorsk’s head back with the other. He whipped himself hard, leaving the tip of his prick in the Imdiko’s mouth, lying on his tongue.

“Here it is,” he groaned. “Here it comes, Degorsk.”

At the same time, the hateful barrier clutching the base of Degorsk’s cock released. Lidon’s hand closed over him in its place. He squeezed and pulled.

Tranis’ head fell back, and he unleashed a primal scream. He worked his cock hard. Thick streams of hot fluid shot into Degorsk’s mouth, sliding down his throat.

A thunderclap of rapture resounded through the Imdiko’s body. He shrieked as burning elation jolted through his cocks, ushered out in near painful bursts by Lidon’s coaxing, squeezing grip and that constant thudding inside his ass.

Degorsk’s aching sexes flexed seemingly forever, milked until he was drained. He was dimly aware of suckling on Tranis’ burning flesh, tasting and swallowing each sweet drop.

A low roar announced Lidon’s gratification. The Nobek released Degorsk’s sated cock and grabbed hold of his hips. He pounded against the Imdiko’s ass and then froze, grinding hard as if he would shove his entire body inside Degorsk. The thick length of him swelled against the tight confines then eased, swelled and eased.

Degorsk shuddered. Lidon was filling him with his cum. Making himself a part of Degorsk.

The gasping trio pulled apart. Lidon released Degorsk from the hovercuffs, and the doctor collapsed from his crouch. He heard the other two chuckle and didn’t care. He was worn out. They were welcome to congratulate themselves.

He was lifted and placed in the middle of his sleeping mat. Then the two men crowded in close on either side of him, somehow making the small bed surface hold them all.

Degorsk’s face ended up burrowed into the hollow of Lidon’s shoulder, with Tranis curled up behind him, spooning his body. He sighed. It was warm. It was good. It even felt right.

Lidon’s breath in his ear was the best part of all. “Feeling better, my Imdiko?” the Nobek asked.

Degorsk felt Tranis’ start at the familiar term. Lidon shouldn’t be calling him his Imdiko if they weren’t clanned. Maybe tomorrow Degorsk would argue the point with the demanding Nobek. But for now, he was too tired and too content to argue.

So he only said, “Yes, Lidon. Thank you.”

Encased in the warmth of the two bodies on either side of him, Degorsk fell asleep. He did not dream.

Chapter 7

Two days after discovering the destroyed mining colony, the grim trio of Tranis, Lidon, and Piras gathered in the captain’s office. Piras sat behind his desk while his two senior officers sat across from him.

Piras looked at the vid along one wall, the one showing the planet that had once contained the Kolb and Elg colonies. His words sprayed in bursts of venom. “Two more colonies destroyed and two defense stations as well. No survivors. And now another colony has fallen silent.”

Tranis gripped the armrests of his chair as he struggled with his own fury. Thousands of Kalquorians were now dead. Killed without warning, without provocation. He growled, “Something is trying to knock out all border defenses. But why?”

Surprisingly, it was the Nobek in the room that seemed least affected. With seeming serenity, Lidon said, “I do have an identification on the battle drone signatures. They match up to Earther samples taken by Adraf spies.”

Piras’ brow creased. “Earthers?”

Tranis was equally startled. “That race that showed up in Galactic Council space two years ago? The aliens that supposedly resemble us?”

Piras leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “What intel do we have on them?”

Lidon took out his handheld though he didn’t look at it. “Only that they come from a very remote planet that their population is rapidly outgrowing. Even their colonies are overburdened. They’re apparently searching for an uninhabited world that doesn’t require terraforming.”

Tranis blinked. “There are that many of them?” He couldn’t imagine. The Kalquorian population barely took up room on their home planet. With only 300 years left until probable extinction, even the colonies were undermanned. The few thousand dead were a heavy toll for his people.

“We don’t know that much about them,” Lidon said, scowling. “There was initial excitement when they appeared because they are so similar to us. But when our ambassadors approached them in hopes of testing for interbreeding compatibility, they were rebuffed. Apparently, the Earther government is run by their religion, and we insulted them by suggesting such perversion. They have since kept their distance from our diplomats. What we’ve learned about them comes through intermediaries.”

Piras turned thoughtful. “An extremely devout species. Something in common with you, Weapons Commander. Perhaps we can make you our ambassador to Earth. You can have deep, philosophical discussions.”

Tranis found no humor in the situation. “Not if Earth is behind these attacks. Philosophy is the last thing the Empire will speak to them about.”

Lidon looked at his handheld and frowned at it. “We have no idea of their strengths or tactics in battle. It is a possibility the aliens are our aggressors. Records show they have been in contact with the Joshadan home world in recent months. Something about a joint colonization effort, but the particulars aren’t known at this time.”

Piras’ interest sharpened. “They need to be known, since we offer the Joshadans border security.”

Tranis nodded his agreement. “Not to mention their space is alongside ours, and it’s on those borders that these attacks are occurring. Are we going to the latest colony to fall silent, Captain?”

Piras stood and came around the desk. Tranis and Lidon turned their chairs to watch him pace back and forth. Tranis had noticed Piras liked to move when he was thinking his hardest. Lidon had confirmed that, telling Tranis that even if Piras remained seated while his mind worked feverishly, his right leg would bounce up and down. The habit made Lidon edgy.

After spanning the office a couple of times, Piras stilled. He faced his men.

“No, Commander, we will not go to that colony. As much as I despise not checking there for survivors, the colonists would have not had anywhere like Natamev’s mines to retreat to. Probably everyone there is dead, just like here.”

Lidon’s hands curled into fists, his first indication of tension. “We go to the next colony likely to fall then; Wetor. It’s next in the pattern of attacks.”

Piras ground his teeth together. “Exactly.” He looked at Tranis. “Commander, get us there as fast as our engines can take us. Perhaps we can stop another annihilation. Lidon, transmit everything we’ve learned from the destroyed stations and colonies to the fleet. Put everyone on alert, especially Wetor’s nearest defense station. Assume we’re going into battle as soon as we get there.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Piras moved back behind his desk. “Dismissed.”

Tranis stood and turned to the door to the bridge, his thoughts churning. He didn’t realize Lidon wasn’t following until the Nobek said, “If I may have a moment more, Piras?”

Lidon’s use of the captain’s name was not in keeping with protocol, and that piqued Tranis’ curiosity. But he’d already walked out onto the bridge and the door shut behind him, keeping him from hearing anymore.

* * * *

As soon as the door closed behind Tranis, Piras folded his arms over his chest and crooked an eyebrow at Lidon. “Have you exhausted your infatuation with the young Dramok yet? I’ve smelled as of late that you’ve been playing with that eternal prankster of a medic too.”

Lidon sat quietly, thinking how to form what he wanted to say just right. As usual, Piras wanted an answer right away.

Making an exasperated noise, the captain said, “Please tell me you’ve gotten these ridiculous urges out of your system.”

Fine. Lidon could be an impatient asshole too. “I’m afraid not, Piras. But I have decided to end things as they stand.”

He stopped himself before he could get ugly. Took a deep breath. Spoke from the heart. “I care for you. You are an excellent Dramok … but not the Dramok for me.”

Piras stared at him. The smirk he wore faded from his expression. There was a flash of hurt. “You are not clanning with that upstart first officer. You’re thirty years older than him! He’s a child compared to you!”

Lidon kept his gaze steady. “I didn’t say I was clanning with Tranis. He’s mature beyond his years, but things have not reached that point yet. I don’t know that they ever will.” He leaned forward. “The issue has nothing to do with the first officer. Piras, the fact that I’m looking to other men, that I would pursue another Dramok for companionship and fulfillment tells me more than anything else we are not suited for one another.”

Piras shook his head, as if trying to wake himself from a bad dream. “You’ve always had commitment issues.”

“With you. I feel completely capable of clanning with Imdiko Degorsk without a second’s hesitation. All I lack is a Dramok compatible for both him and myself.”

Inside, Lidon winced. No matter how carefully he tried to do this, it still sounded brutal. Maybe there was no good way to break off a relationship, especially one that had gone on as long as theirs.

Despair was giving way to anger. Piras’ whole body seemed to clench. “This is insane. You’re leaving me because I don’t want that silly creature as my clanmate?”

“Partly. But mostly because I simply can’t see you as my clanmate.” Lidon shook his head, remorse filling him. Regret that he had to hurt Piras. Regret he’d wasted fifteen years of both their lives trying to make things work. “We’re better as friends. As captain and his commander. My heart is not in it for more. I’m sorry.”

Piras’ lip curled. “You’re twice the fool as that Imdiko. Especially if you think your young Tranis is going to give you what you want.”

Lidon knew things would only get ugly from this point. Piras was feeling too much betrayal right now to be anything but livid.

The Nobek stood. “I must attend my duties now.” He turned to leave.

“I have not dismissed you, Weapons Commander.”

The tone was pure Dramok, giving no quarter, expecting immediate obedience. Lidon stopped and turned back to Piras.

He looked at the man he’d been with so long, looked at him as a lover one last time. Piras was an exemplary captain, a brave and excellent if temperamental leader. Unfortunately, that leadership had never translated into being the head of a clan. Professionally, Piras was a very different man from the one Lidon knew in private. He had wasted many years hoping Piras would become the Dramok he thought he could be.

Glowering, Piras spit out, “You are dismissed.”

Lidon let him go, in his heart and his head. It wasn’t that hard to do, telling him loud and clear that he had made the right decision. They were nothing more than captain and crewmember now. He gave his commanding officer a formal bow. “Yes, Captain.”

He turned sharply and left the office. The Nobek hoped there would be no repercussions from his decision as far as his career was concerned. He reasoned Piras was a strict but fair captain. Lidon trusted duty would win out over personal issues.

* * * *

The colony of Wetor was a pleasant little outpost on an otherwise dark world. With no moon and Kalquor’s sun too far away to light it, orbiting space reflectors provided the illusion of daylight. With twenty-seven hour days, terraforming treatments, and atmospheric chargers, it seemed a piece of Kalquor itself had been transplanted onto what had been a desolate rock. Here, alien species of plants and animals were raised, providing the Empire with favored foreign cuisines without the danger of invasive species altering the home planet.

Just as pleasant was the colony’s governor, Dramok Artmak. His darker-than-usual skin and calloused hands told Tranis he wasn’t content to merely administrate from behind his desk. This was a man used to hard work outdoors. He also had some sense of grandeur, greeting the landing party’s arrival in well-cut clothes and his long hair tied back in a neat queue. His speech was impeccable, his manners blameless. Tranis found himself fascinated with Artmak’s mesh of differing qualities: farmer, diplomat, and gentleman.

At this moment the landing team of Piras, Tranis, Lidon, and Degorsk sat in a portion of Artmak’s office, comfortably lounging on overstuffed seating cushions around a polished black table. The governor poured them a concoction of aromatic nuj tea, spiked with a natural stimulant. It was midday on the colony but night hours on the destroyer.

The governor frowned as he poured. “It makes no sense anyone would want to destroy Wetor. We are nothing more than a farming colony. Not only that, but we’re on the Joshadan border.”

Piras said, “It made no sense those mining and manufacturing colonies alongside Joshadan space would be destroyed either.”

Lidon sniffed his tea and had a sip. “Yet here we are, facing an unknown enemy.”

Tranis swallowed a bite of meat cake. It was made of an animal he wasn’t familiar with, raised on the colony. All the food presented to them had been grown and raised here. The exotic flavors were quite delicious, if foreign.

Keeping his mind on the task at hand, he said, “You’ve seen nothing suspicious at all? Nothing that might be a scouting party, nothing strange flying in your space?”

Artmak shook his head. “Nothing of the sort. Nor have any of our workers reported anything amiss. I would think the defense station would have picked up any such anomalies first, anyway.”

Lidon told him, “They should, but the ones belonging to the other colonies have been destroyed, just before the colonies were hit. We have to assume they got little warning.”

“Have you alerted ours?” Artmak finished pouring and took up his cup, sniffing the aroma wafting from it with pleasure. He almost appeared more concerned with the lunch and its presentation than the danger that might be approaching. However, Tranis noted how carefully he listened to their every word and the methodical way he had of drawing information from them.

The first officer answered, “The defense station is on high alert. They have gone to deep space scan instead of the usual maintenance probes.”

Artmak passed a dish to Degorsk. “You like the occhi spines, Doctor? Please, have more. They have just come into season and will be no more delicious than right now.” As Degorsk accepted the delicacy, the governor returned to his musings. “Bi’isil and Earther weaponry. We haven’t had a disagreement with the Bi’isils since that border altercation … was it six or seven years ago? And what could Earthers possibly want with us? We’ve only just heard of their race. I do try to keep up on current events, isolated as we are here.”

Lidon snagged a meat cake, his fourth by Tranis’ count. “My vote remains with the Tragooms. The facts don’t all fit with their usual patterns, but I just can’t escape the feeling they’ve got a hand in this,” he told them.

Piras didn’t even look at him as he spoke. “Your personal history might be prejudicing you too, Weapons Commander.”

Tranis saw the brief flare of anger in Lidon’s eyes at the dismissive tone. Piras had been damned cold towards the Nobek since their private talk earlier today. He wondered what had passed between them. He wondered if it would mean trouble for the colony’s defense. Hopefully, the two men could put personal issues aside with danger on the horizon.

Degorsk wiped his mouth, his eyes darting between Piras and Lidon. He’d picked up on the tension too. He turned his attention to Artmak. “What medical personnel do you have, Governor?”

“Quite adequate for our needs. Most of the farming is automated, so there are only fifty of us for that. We have one surgeon, two general practitioners, and seven on-call medics. They’re often idle, but regulations stipulate we keep that many in case of emergency.”

“Facilities?”

“Also more than get used.” Artmak chuckled, as if amused by the whims of regulations. “Full body scanners, two operating theaters, up-to-date pharmaceuticals, so on.”

Lidon’s brow arched. “But the medical department is not more protected than say, this building?”

Artmak frowned. “No. This whole colony is dependent on the early warning system, our satellite-based defense field, and the fighters docked at the defense station. We do have underground storage units, but nothing is shielded.”

Lidon pushed his plate away. “That defense field is the same type as used by the other colonies. There was no sign it did a bit of good for them. We may have to be ready to evacuate the colony if trouble shows up. How many shuttles do you have, Governor?”

“Five … no, four.” The governor’s frown deepened. “Our fifth crashed three weeks ago, but since it’s harvest time, we haven’t gotten around to fixing it yet. The ones that still operate are capable of handling our population, if it comes to that.”

Piras nodded. “That will do then. Commander Tranis, I’d like you to have a look around the colony, get a lay of the land. Think emergency shelters in case of surprise attack. Check those storage units in particular.”

“Yes, Captain.” Tranis drained his cup of tea. It was good stuff, and he felt alert. He stood.

Piras cut his eyes towards Lidon. His tone stiff, he said, “Weapons Commander, see what defenses can be put in place for the same eventuality. We still don’t know exactly all we’re up against, so think along the lines of big. Consider not so much offense as simply holding out until the fleet arrives.”

Lidon was every bit as formal. “Yes, Captain.” He got to his feet, managing to rise gracefully despite his leg brace.

“Doctor, inspect the medical facility. Help them make it as ready as possible for heavy casualties.”

Degorsk snapped a nod. “Install gutters for heavy blood flow. Check.”

A grin pulled at Tranis’ lips, but the stony look on Piras’ face killed all humor.

Degorsk got to his feet and bowed. “Apologies, Captain. I will go at once.”

Artmak rose. “I’ll show you the way.”

Degorsk walked past Tranis on his way out, pulling a wide-eyed uh oh face as he went. The Dramok bit his lip to keep from laughing. That damned Imdiko was going to get them both in trouble with his antics if he didn’t behave.

Tranis followed him out with Lidon on their heels. Piras’ gaze was narrow as they strode past. The first officer decided to accomplish his tasks as quickly as possible and find Lidon immediately afterward. He could hardly wait to get the Nobek alone to find out exactly what was going on.

* * * *

It had been a rough day. Tranis had finished filing his fifth – and hopefully final – report. He took the opportunity to duck away from the rest of the crew and colony’s workers to be alone. He stood at the edge of the cluster of buildings, looking over a newly harvested field. Huge bins of grain at his back hid him from everyone else.

He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of mown grasses and grains. He loved space travel, but opportunities to be planetside, especially on a colony as nice as this, were always a treat. It felt good to stretch his body outside the tight confines of the destroyer and to breathe fresh air.

Approaching steps warned him someone was heading his way. Tranis turned in time to see Lidon round the farthest grain bin, his nose pointed slightly in the air. The Nobek had tracked him. Growing close to his scent, he’d purposely made his approach loud enough to be heard. He’d wanted Tranis to know he was coming. Despite the limp, Lidon knew how to be silent.

The Dramok looked at the nearing weapons commander with admiration. If he was in the market for a clan and his youth wasn’t such a deterrent, he’d want Lidon for his Nobek. The man was just too perfect.

Lidon stopped a few feet away. “Am I disturbing you, Commander?”

“Only if it’s to revise my damned report again. Otherwise, you’re most welcome.”

Lidon shook his head. “I simply wanted to see you.”

Tranis warmed at the statement. He nodded to the field in front of him. “I was just thinking how perfect this field would be for a kurble match.”

Lidon drew close, one side of his mouth lifting. “You’ve barely recovered from the last game. You enjoy punishment that much?”

Tranis arched an eyebrow. “Depends on the punishment.”

Lidon’s grin lit his whole face. “Tell me why you’re so damned competitive. Besides the need to prove you deserve your rank despite your youth.”

The Dramok shrugged. “Five Nobek brothers. Every last one of them is a hero to me. Two are high commanders for our ground forces, one owns a security company used by the financial sectors of various worlds, and the other two are Royal Guards.”

Lidon seemed suitably impressed. “Those are high standards to live up to.”

“I want to be worthy of their esteem. They invested a lot of time and effort on me. They contributed funds for my specialized schooling. I have a lot to prove.”

“Some people crack under that kind of pressure.”

“Not me. I guess I get off on it.” Tranis didn’t want to talk about himself. He wanted to know if the latest gossip was true. “So, you and Piras are no longer a pair I hear.”

Lidon snorted. “Every few weeks, that rumor makes the rounds.”

“Oh.” He felt a twinge of disappointment.

“This time, the rumor is true.”

Tranis looked at the Nobek’s face. Lidon looked as serene as a ferocious member of his breed could. If the breakup was bothering him, he wasn’t showing it.

Tranis swallowed. “I have to assume I’m part of the reason that’s happened. No wonder Piras is riding my ass so hard. I haven’t done one damned thing right all day where he’s concerned.”

“He has been uncommonly brutal to everyone.” Lidon said it as if commenting on nothing more particular than the weather.

Tranis had every idea the rough treatment would only continue. He blew out a hard breath. “I sure wish we had time for a game. It would help me blow off steam.”

Lidon turned to regard him. His purple eyes held warmth Tranis was glad to see. The Nobek said, “I regret our liaisons have had a negative effect, Tranis. It’s my fault he’s treating you so harshly.”

Tranis returned his gaze, inhaling the other man’s delightfully feral scent. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve enjoyed you very much.”

Lidon’s half-grin was back. “I still wouldn’t mind making it up to you. There are other avenues besides kurble to blow off steam.”

He gave Tranis a long, slow look, his gaze running up and down his body. The Dramok’s breath caught under that hot, evaluating stare. It was as if the examination had weight. Tranis thought he could actually feel it on his chest, abdomen, groin, thighs. His cocks twitched. Warmed. Filled.

Lidon turned away, walking towards the next field over. On that plot, the long grasses hadn’t been harvested yet. One could lose himself in the ten-feet high stalks of alien grain. Tranis followed him deep into their shelter. His pace was almost as silent as the Nobek’s. Only the occasional breeze made the blades around them rattle.

Lidon turned to him, and Tranis reached for the other man. The Nobek abruptly lunged, knocking him on his back. The next instant, Lidon’s face was against his neck, and the needle plunge of fangs drove deep into his flesh.

“Bastard!” Tranis yelled.

He struggled, but Lidon had wrapped his good, strong leg around both of Tranis’ and pinned them against his braced leg. His bearhug trapped the Dramok’s arms against his sides. Tranis fought against the capture, but he didn’t use full strength. He didn’t want to injure Lidon’s crippled leg. Somehow that was more important than asserting his usual dominance.

The drugging flow of intoxicant was weaving into his senses, taking him over. Tranis became less aware that he was being overcome and more intent on the body covering his. He felt Lidon’s hard erections against him, pulsing heat through their formsuits. The Dramok groaned and rubbed up against his foe as much as the tight grip on him would allow. Desire was making him as susceptible as the euphoria now coursing through his veins.

Lidon’s fangs withdrew, and he lifted to look down on Tranis. “I expected more of a fight from you, Dramok. But I suppose I know why you didn’t put up one.”

The Nobek rubbed his groin hard against Tranis’. The younger man moaned and arched against him, rubbing back. Lidon’s hard, strong body felt so good on top of his.

Even with intoxication making his thoughts sluggish, Tranis knew he didn’t dare tell the proud Nobek he’d held back because of Lidon’s injury. He scowled. “Okay, so I like it when we fuck. I haven’t been bitten in a long time though. I don’t know that I like feeling this weak.”

Lidon grinned. “I like it. You look good under me.”

He leaned down and kissed Tranis. The feel of hot breath, firm lips, and stroking tongue against his mouth had the Dramok gasping. Lidon’s kiss was demanding, searing all rational thought from Tranis’ mind. He broke free enough to wrap his arms around the Nobek, arching to rub fierce arousal hard against his belly. His tongue shoved into the other man’s mouth, demanding a taste.

Lidon broke the kiss with a growl. “You just can’t let control go, can you?”

Tranis gathered his scattered brain cells enough to form a coherent sentence. “Sorry. I’m a Dramok.” He strained and managed to roll them over so he was on top.

Lidon grinned. “So you are. But you’re bitten, so I’m taking charge this time.”

His head darted up, and he seized Tranis’ throat between his teeth. With a powerful lunge, he threw him over, spinning quickly to straddle his thighs. The Nobek growled and the vibration of it thrummed throughout Tranis’ body.

Usually, the dominance display would have Tranis instantly battling for supremacy. But with Lidon’s intoxicant short-circuiting his usual instincts, he could only moan and writhe beneath the other man. He wanted to please him. To give Lidon his body and be sated in turn.

Lidon sat up. “Lie still.”

The words seemed to brand in Tranis’ brain. He stopped moving against Lidon, but his body shook with need. He wanted the Nobek so badly. His insides knotted.

Lidon’s fists closed over Tranis’ collar. He pulled, opening the formsuit’s seam all the way down to his groin. The Dramok’s cocks sprang out, eager for attention. Lidon looked him over with open hunger. The expression made Tranis’ entire body hum with need.

Tranis’ fingers twitched. Held by Lidon’s command, he couldn’t reach for what he wanted. “Let me touch you,” he begged.

“In a moment. First, I get to touch you.”

Lidon leaned over, planting one hand next to Tranis’ head. The other hand moved over his chest, plucking gently at a stiff nipple. It was as if Lidon had touched his primary cock instead. Scorching delight streamed through Tranis’ prick, making him cry out. He shuddered and yelled again when Lidon pinched the other nipple. His cocks ached as they stood at stiff attention in front of the Nobek’s swollen groin.

Lidon slowly straightened, letting his hands stroked down Tranis’ ribs and abdomen. His touch went even lower. Tranis groaned as Lidon’s thumbs gently massaged all around the base of his dicks. Despite the command to remain still, Tranis was incapable of doing so. He squirmed as that assured touch stoked inner fires hotter.

He wanted to grab the other man. To pull him down and smother him with demanding kisses. To roll him over, spread his legs wide, and sink his front cock into that tight, hot ass. But the venom remained in his system, making him eager to please. Making him helpless against Lidon’s wants. And Lidon wanted him to be still.

It was wrong to feel this way. Tranis was meant to be strong. To take command. But those words lie still flashed bright like an exploding star. It caged his will, pinning him helplessly to the ground.

“Damn it, let me go,” he ground out between clenched teeth.

Lidon’s grin was savage. “You may take my cocks out and stroke them. Stroke them as you’d like me to stroke yours.”

It wasn’t at all what Tranis wanted. He wanted to be given control, at least over his own body. But his hands flew at Lidon’s groin, yanking the seam apart to free Lidon’s cocks. They emerged, swollen and purplish with arousal.

Stroke them as you’d like me to stroke yours.

Tranis grasped Lidon’s pricks at the base of him. Squeezed tight, just shy of where pain would begin. Slowly stroked down to the tips, the oozing lubricant of hot Kalquorian flesh making it easy.

The Nobek’s eyes half-closed. A sound that was half-moan, half-growl wafted from his lips. “Damn, you’re good at this. Keep going.”

Panting, Tranis stroked back down, his grip firm to pleasure Lidon all the more. A pearlescent white bead formed at the tip of his conqueror’s main dick. Tranis had the urge to lick it off, but his position wouldn’t allow it. He could only stare at it, imagining how it would taste.

“More. Don’t stop, Tranis.”

The Dramok continued to rub up and down Lidon’s cocks. The flesh in his hands was baking hot, almost burning him. Pre-cum dripped slowly, landing in the crevice between Tranis’ pinned thighs. The more he pleasured Lidon, the more his own cocks ached.

“You do not come without my leave,” Lidon said. “No matter how bad you want to, you will hold back.”

Tranis bared his teeth. He definitely did not like being on the bottom.

With a snort, Lidon’s fists closed over Tranis’ cocks. His thumbs rubbed over the tips. The Dramok’s mouth opened wide, but he didn’t have the breath to shout.

“Match my pace,” Lidon ordered him.

His hands stroked down, all the way to the bases of Tranis’ pricks. The tight grips brought vicious pleasure boiling into Tranis’ groin, surging violently into his cocks. The delicious feeling of cum swelling at the base of his primary shaft made him shake his head wildly.

Can’t come. Can’t, not without permission.

Damn him!

Lidon stroked up and down, the pace steady but not too quick. Tranis automatically fell into rhythm with his own strokes, as he’d been commanded. He wanted more. He wanted faster. He wanted for Lidon to masturbate him so hard he couldn’t help but spill.

“Good, my delicious youngling,” Lidon said, and some small part of Tranis warmed to hear the praise. It was that non-Dramok need to please that found such delight in his tormentor’s approval. It made the rest of his consciousness curdle.

Yet his body couldn’t help but respond to Lidon’s expert touch. He couldn’t escape the siren song of euphoric intoxication. He knew perfectly well that until the venom wore off, he would be at the mercy of the Nobek’s every whim.

It was horribly apparent when Lidon leaned down to kiss him. Tranis opened his mouth to accept the weapons commander’s demanding tongue. He shuddered under the erotic assault, unable to assert control as the other man ruthlessly plundered his mouth and fondled his aching dicks.

The dam holding release back was hurting him. He needed to climax. He needed it right now.

As soon as Lidon’s mouth released his, Tranis moaned, “I have to be in you, Lidon. Please.”

“Perhaps it is I who should be in your ass, Dramok.”

Lidon’s use of his breed’s name was spoken with a sneer. The leader had been mastered, utterly. The Nobek was making sure Tranis understood that.

And while the pleasure-numbed part of Tranis’ brain begged to submit and his body heated more than ever in agreement, the rest of his mind rebelled. No one took him like that. He didn’t like it. Few were strong enough to force it on him, at least not in a fair fight.

“I do not enjoy having a cock up my ass, Lidon. I would not forgive it if you made me take it. Especially not under the influence of a bite.” He tried to sound powerful, but he was gasping with the need for orgasm.

“Then you have a lot to learn yet,” Lidon answered. His stare was evaluating, even as he rutted into Tranis’ grip. “But perhaps receiving the lesson from someone else would serve you better. Keep stroking, Tranis, and I’ll give you whatever you want.”

Tranis groaned. “Your ass. I want your ass.”

“You shall have it, but I will direct the pace. You have to give up some of that precious control you’re so in love with.”

“I don’t know if I can do that.”

Lidon squeezed tight as he pumped Tranis’ cocks. A cruel mixture of pain and ecstasy surged, making Tranis arch. A thin scream escaped his throat, but he still couldn’t climax. He couldn’t fight or escape either. Lidon still had too much of a hold on him.

The strong hold on his pricks eased a little. Tranis gasped for breath. “All right, you brutal bastard. Your pace. I don’t care. Just let me fuck you.”

Lidon grinned at him. “Keep pulling on me like a good boy. Don’t stop, or I’ll leave you lying here, unable to shoot off.”

Tranis’ eyes widened. Would the Nobek really do that to him?

Lidon let go of his smaller cock to pull his pants down as far as his leg brace would allow. Then he moved forward and eased down onto Tranis’ front penis. Tranis cried out to be enclosed in the grip of such heat. He shuddered, wanting to plunge in and out, forging into Lidon quickly, to take him hard. His ass remained as if rooted to the ground however. He could only lie there helplessly as Lidon rose and fell over him.

Lidon adjusted his angle and groaned loudly. “That’s the spot. Right the fuck there.” His dark gaze seemed to swallow Tranis. “How do I feel, Tranis?”

The Dramok licked his lips. “Hot. Tight. Like this.”

He squeezed Lidon’s cocks to approximate the heady pressure he felt. The Nobek’s head fell back, and he groaned to the sky overhead. “Yeah, that’s pretty damned good. Keep pumping, Dramok. Keep pumping just like that. Keep pace with me.”

Lidon took Tranis harder and faster. Tranis’ eyes rolled as his cock moved in and out of the firm confines of the Nobek’s ass. He jerked the cocks in his hands, staying in rhythm as he was told. Fuck, his release was right there, just waiting for the word to flood from his dick. A desperate whine left his throat. It hurt, he needed to come and it hurt…

Lidon gasped as he braced himself against Tranis’ chest, pounding against the captive body beneath him. His fangs descended, and his eyes were almost black as he worked himself over Tranis’ rigid prick.

“Right … there. That spot … right there…”

Tranis strained to release his load. It stayed right at about the base of his cock, the pressure building ever higher. A desperate cry left his lips. “Nobek, please.”

“Come, Tranis. Come now.”

There was a sensation at the base of Tranis’ spine, as if he’d been punched by a heavy fist. His rear cock seized and drew excruciatingly tight. A fiery path spilled into his forward prick, rushing up to burn a trail. He arched beneath Lidon, shrieking as it erupted, spilling molten liquid into the other man’s ass. His cocks throbbed and pulsed, moving ecstasy outward in agonizing bursts.

Lidon groaned. “Dramok … yes…”

Tranis was barely aware of thick strands of wet heat spurting over his belly, chest, and chin. He was too consumed with the tormenting bliss of climax still escaping his body. The raw ache eclipsed everything else for a long time.

When the spasms finally lessened enough for him to return to his surroundings, he found Lidon draped over his body, his cheek pressed against Tranis’ shoulder. The Nobek was heaving for breath just as desperately as Tranis. Their chests moved against each others, skin sliding wetly.

Tranis was covered in Lidon’s cum. Marked and claimed. Even though the venom was losing power over him, having been washed back by the chemicals involved in sexual release, Tranis couldn’t find the urge to be affronted. His need to dominate was quiet in this instance.

I suppose if I have to be topped, Lidon isn’t such a bad option. I’ve had worse.

Against his shoulder, Lidon mumbled, “Still want to play kurble?”

Tranis choked laughter. “To hell with kurble,” he growled.

He grabbed a handful of Lidon’s hair and pulled his head back so he could get at his lips. He smashed his mouth against the Nobek’s, kissing him with all the passion his sated body could muster. The bastard had fucked him well and proper. Better than Tranis had ever had before. He decided he’d endure anything Piras threw at him, so long as he could warm his body with this man’s.

Chapter 8

When Piras abruptly summoned them to Governor Artmak’s office, Lidon and Tranis barely had time to wipe themselves clean. They would reek of each other once more in the captain’s presence. Lidon decided he didn’t give a fuck.

He eyed the younger Dramok as they hurriedly dressed. Tranis’ dislike of being on the receiving end of a cock up his ass would be an issue if they continued to have sex. That he had broken through intoxication enough to warn Lidon so sharply indicated a deep-seated concern. Someone had not handled Tranis very well in the past. The realization had been all that had kept Lidon from taking very thing he wanted. It would have to be addressed, but the Nobek knew he was not the man to deal with such an issue. It would have to come from someone else, someone Tranis wouldn’t see as a threat to his dominance.

For now, they had to see what Piras needed them for. The summons had been of high priority. Once their clothing was adjusted, they ran all the way to the office.

Piras scowled at them as they entered. Lidon restrained an urge to roll his eyes.

The captain sneered, “So glad you could join us, commanders. By the way, you’re both covered in chaff.”

From the corner of his eye, Lidon saw Tranis flinch. The Nobek refused to react.

Pacing back and forth in front of them, Piras said, “We’ve lost contact with the colony’s defense station. It’s gone silent, just like the rest.”

Tranis asked, “Are we going to investigate?”

Lidon stiffened as Piras eyed his first officer, a smug grin twisting his lips. That look always meant trouble for the man it was aimed at.

His instincts proved correct. Piras said, “The destroyer will leave as soon as I board it. You and a small complement of half a dozen will stay here to guard the colony. Both of you. The governor is already making preparations. You will help him get these colonists ready to evacuate.”

A surge of fury tinged Lidon’s sight with red. More than just being demeaning to the him and Tranis, the order was against all protocols. “You’re leaving two of your senior officers here when you may be heading into a fight? Surely you can’t be that petty, Piras.”

Piras’ upper lip curled. “Actually, I am.”

Tranis’ mouth hung open. “Sir, I must protest—”

“Protest all you like, Dramok. You have your orders and you will carry them out.”

He’d insulted Tranis by not calling him by his rank. The young man trembled with fury, and Lidon thought he might attack their captain. The weapons commander wasn’t sure if he would stop Tranis or help him.

After a couple of beats, Tranis jerked a bow. “Yes, Captain.” Not waiting for dismissal, he turned and stomped out of the room. At least Piras had the sense to not call him on it.

Lidon glared at his former lover. Piras returned the bald stare with equal heat. Finally he growled, “Dismissed, Weapons Commander.”

Lidon didn’t bother with proper protocol either. Without the expected yes, Captain Tranis had somehow managed to spit out, the Nobek turned and left the room. Quickly, because the thought of snapping his longtime lover’s neck was a little too tempting.

Lidon walked out of the building to find Tranis waiting for him. The Dramok lost no time in belting out his fury.

“He can’t do this, Lidon! He’s letting personal issues affect his command!”

Lidon grabbed the other man’s arm and hauled him around the side of the building before anyone else could hear. Tranis didn’t resist, but he seemed confused as well as angry now.

“Where are we going? The shuttle docks are that way.” He jerked his head in the direction of the huge hangar and its landing pad.

Lidon scowled. “I’m not going there until Piras has left for the destroyer. I can easily hurt him right now, Tranis.” He lifted his upper lip to show how his fangs had descended in anger.

Tranis swept his fingers over his scalp, making his hair snarl and stick out in several directions. “This is insanity. If the executive officers take a vote, we can overrule Piras.”

Lidon snorted. “It would have to be a unanimous vote, and my second in command of security is as ambitious as you. Me being left behind is his opportunity to impress the captain, and he won’t let it slide by.”

Tranis turned to the wall at his back and punched it in a fit of temper. Lidon could well appreciate the demonstration; he wanted to pound things … or at least a certain someone … himself.

Someone walked around the building and stopped, startled to see them. It was Degorsk, and he looked every bit as confused and angry as Tranis.

He yelled, “Hey! What the hell is going on?”

Tranis glowered at nothing. “We’ve been assigned to protect colonists.”

“No shit. I’m a doctor, not security. Why is Piras making me stay behind too?”

Tranis exchanged a livid glare with Lidon. “Now that’s going too damned far. Leaving behind the ship’s chief medical officer crosses the line.”

Lidon’s fists clenched as fresh fury blazed through his senses. “You’re right. I’ll go talk to Piras, and you two keep me from killing him.” He started for the admin building.

Degorsk said, “He’s heading for the shuttle. He spoke to me on his way there.”

Lidon reversed course, almost running for the shuttle docks. He refused to let his limp slow him down. Lidon was determined he was going to catch the son of a bitch, pound on him until he started making sense, and then…

The sound and sight of the destroyer’s four shuttles lifting off and hurtling into the sky halted him.

Piras had left them behind. The bastard had actually abandoned his executive officers on the colony and then run off like the scared bully he was.

Raw, red rage pulsed in the Nobek’s head, and Lidon let his temper escape his usual iron control. He screamed at the fleeing shuttles, the sound pouring from his lungs too primal for a civilized being.

When Lidon finally stopped the animal shriek and recovered the part of his brain that thought straight, he discovered the other two men stood on either side of him. They too stared up at the rapidly dwindling vehicles.

Degorsk asked, “Would someone please tell me why the captain has gone insane?”

Lidon glowered. “Because he’s a jealous bastard. He’s taking cheap shots against you two because I left him.”

The anger was too much to contain, forcing Lidon to pace like a caged beast around his companions. “He’s not fucking up your careers over this. I’ll file complaints. I’ll take it to the Imperial Commander if I have to. He’s not getting away with it!” he ranted.

“I should hope so. You’re pretty amazing in bed, but even your cock isn’t worth my rank.”

Lidon turned his hectic glare on Degorsk. The Imdiko’s eyes widened and he paled. “Okay, I take it back. Your cock is worth my rank.”

Tranis growled at him through clenched teeth. “Degorsk, shut up.” He looked to Lidon. “We’ll all file complaints and have a board of inquiry take on the situation. In the meantime, we’ll carry out our orders so Piras can’t have anyone find fault with that.”

Looking despondent, Degorsk said, “I don’t have any orders. Except to tell you two jokes.” At their stares, he threw his hands out in frustration. “That’s what the captain said. ‘Stay here and keep your friends Commander Tranis and Weapons Commander Lidon amused with your wonderful wit.’ I will admit, he didn’t sound terribly sincere about the wonderfulness of my wit.”

Finally getting over the worst of his rage, Lidon saw the fearful uncertainty underlying Degorsk’s ridiculous act. Remorse filled his heart. He’d only wanted to be with the doctor, to make him his lifelong companion. He’d never intended to make his life unbearable.

He put his hand on Degorsk’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I’ve caused problems for you, my Imdiko.”

The doctor gave him a lopsided smile and shrugged. “I don’t blame you.” He pretended to brighten. “Unless the guilt will get me something nice. A week’s vacation on Dantovon perhaps? A few days in one of Ler’s brothels with a pretty locked in a suspension field might make up for some—”

Lidon’s growl cut him off. The Nobek had been in a Dantovonian playroom a time or two. The abrupt vision of putting a few sex toys to use on Degorsk had an immediate effect on him. He was suddenly very, very hard.

Tranis rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Degorsk, you know better than to arouse a pissed-off Nobek. Are you trying to get hurt?”

Degorsk’s voice was barely above a whisper, and he stood very still under the weight of Lidon’s gaze. “I’m shutting up now. Captain’s orders be damned.”

Lidon recovered a measure of his equanimity. “See? Piras was wrong about you. Sometimes you do show a little sense.”

Tranis took a deep breath. “Let’s get over to the docks. I want to see what we can do to keep these colonists alive if the destroyer fails to stop whatever is coming.”

Lidon grabbed Degorsk’s wrist and yanked the reluctant Imdiko along as he followed Tranis. He was ready to do his job, but he couldn’t quite shake the idea of Degorsk caught helpless in a suspension field, unable to move as Lidon took out his aggressive lust on him.

It was a slightly better fantasy than the one of beating the fuck out of Piras.

* * * *

Tranis strode purposefully into the hangar with Lidon and Degorsk right behind him. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was grateful to Degorsk for the bit of amusement he had afforded him. The Imdiko curing Lidon’s fury by getting the fierce Nobek aroused had allowed Tranis to get control of his own anger. The Imdiko’s humor had a good use after all. The first officer was all business now, ready to take what little command he had over the situation.

Governor Artmak was overseeing the furiously working colonists and Tranis’ small group of security left behind by Piras. He noted their entrance and ran up to them. “The shuttles will be cramped, but everyone will fit in, including your team. We can be ready to evacuate in six hours.”

Tranis looked over the operation, shaking his head at the disorganization of it. People were bumping into each other, loading, unloading, and reloading the vehicles in a mass of confusion. “Make it three.”

Artmak’s brows knit together. “Three hours?”

“The defense station is seven hours away, and it went silent nearly an hour ago. Three hours is the minimum amount of time it will take the shuttles to get to an orbiting distance most sensors can’t detect.”

The governor protested, “That’s not nearly enough time. Besides, if an attack comes we have the underground storage units.”

Lidon watched the colonists load shuttles with a critical eye. He shook his head. “The units are a better option than being on the surface when a battle drone arrives, but I wouldn’t trust my people’s lives to them. Everyone needs to evacuate.”

Tranis spied one shuttle sitting in a corner, the one no one was bothering to pack. The oblong-shaped craft looked older than the rest, and it had taken some damage to judge from the crimped metal hull.

He said, “Three hours, Governor. That’s all I can give you. Meanwhile, I’ll take a look at your damaged shuttle and see if it can be made to fly in that amount of time. We may be stuck in orbit for hours.” Or days, if Piras doesn’t come back and we have to wait on the fleet to rescue us, he thought dismally. “The extra space will be most welcome, especially with my Nobek crew. They don’t do well in tight spaces.”

Artmak didn’t look happy but he conceded to Tranis. “All right, three hours. I’ll let our foremen know.”

He hurried off. Tranis scowled at the confusion surrounding him. Even a small colony on the supposedly safest border of the Empire should be better rehearsed for emergency evacuation. It looked like the men were trying to bring half the colony onto the shuttles with them.

Lidon shook his head, and Tranis looked to see what the Nobek was glaring at. The medical crew had arrived with large pieces of machinery.

Lidon asked, “Do they really need all of that, Degorsk?”

The doctor snorted. “They’re proud of their state-of-the-art toys. I’ll talk to them and get them to pare it down to the bare essentials. Get a boat ready for the ocean of tears about to be spilled.” He dashed off.

Lidon looked to Tranis. “I’ll see to security, make sure everything is kept on schedule. We’ll get this group organized.”

Tranis nodded. “Good. When you’re ready, join me at that busted shuttle.”

They separated. Tranis hurried to the dented shuttle and looked it over.

He frowned as he inspected the damage. On the surface, it didn’t seem like there was enough to keep the vehicle grounded. Though used mainly for planet-based transportation, Kalquorian shuttles were made to withstand the stresses of entering planet atmospheres, as well as a few blasts from enemy craft. This one wasn’t pretty by any means, but he didn’t see any real reason why it shouldn’t fly.

Tranis ducked beneath it and opened the engine compartment. “There’s your problem,” he growled, looking at the machinery. The crash had apparently knocked a few things out of kilter. It required some re-wiring and a few parts replaced. Some components were corroded as well. Half an hour’s work would have it up and running again, unless something in the cockpit had been damaged. A quick look assured him that nothing in the command controls looked out of place.

Tranis quickly got to work. As disorganized as the colonists were at packing to evacuate, they at least kept their maintenance and repair area in good shape. He easily found the wires and components he needed, everything but one modulator for the solar cell feeds. However, there were plenty of pieces that made it possible for him to mock up a temporary solution, one that would get the craft into orbit and back onto the ground. It was a simple fix, all the way around.

After making every adjustment he could see needed to be done, Tranis started the shuttle up and grinned to hear only a slight, intermittent chop marring its steady hum. Lovely. He shut it down again and went back to the underside of the vehicle.

He closed up the engine compartment and opened the hatch next to it. He’d decided it would be a good idea to check on the defense buffering system, just in case it would be needed. One eyebrow raised as he noted it was quite a bit more than what he had expected to find.

Tranis stepped out from beneath the shuttle and looked down the bay. Lidon and his team had organized things much better, he saw. Now people were moving with clear purpose. Degorsk had the medical teams under his thumb as well, overseeing things with patient control.

Tranis saw the man he needed right away, standing at the next shuttle closest over. Apparently, Artmak had taken cues from Lidon and Degorsk, keeping things under his supervision moving at a determined pace.

Tranis called out, “Governor!”

Artmak jerked a look over his shoulder and trotted over. “Yes, Commander? You know, now that Commander Lidon has given us direction, I think we’ll be able to meet your three-hour timetable with no problem.”

“Excellent.” Tranis indicated the vehicle he’d been working on. “This shuttle. Was it ever employed on our borders with Bi’is space?”

Artmak looked it over. “You know, I believe it was. My acquisitions administrator would know for sure. It is an older model.”

“It had salt corrosion. We have a couple of mining colonies on moons with large oceans on that border. It would help if I knew for sure.”

“I’ll check for you.” He spoke into his portable com. “Osnib, where did you get the heavy-class shuttle from?”

After a little back and forth, Tranis had the confirmation he sought. He sent Artmak back to his duties with gratitude.

The shuttle’s defensive buffer was graded for Class III attacks because of the occasional hostilities Kalquor encountered with the Bi’isils. Tranis’ thoughts churned with excitement, and he hurried to the bay’s stores of components.

He thought he had everything he needed for the crazy idea that had sprung to mind the moment he’d gotten a look into the buffering system. He wasn’t an absolute expert in weapons operations, but he had the man who was.

The first officer hurried back to the shuttle, opening up his com as he went. “Commander Tranis to Commander Lidon.”

“Lidon here, sir.”

“If you’re not too busy, I need you to have a look at this shuttle. I need a second opinion as well as another pair of hands.”

“On my way.”

Tranis rounded the shuttle and saw Lidon moving across the bay floor. As the Nobek trotted towards him, the brace making him move awkwardly, Tranis tried to contain his excitement. More than anything, he wanted to prove to Piras he’d made a mistake in leaving the young first officer behind. He thought with Lidon’s help, he might be able to make that happen.

The Nobek reached him in a matter of moments. “What’s wrong, Commander?”

Tranis jerked his chin towards the shuttle. “I’ve got an idea. This old shuttle was originally outfitted for assignment on the Bi’is border. It’s got enhanced defenses.”

Lidon tilted his head and folded his arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”

“If we configure the buffering system with the colony’s orbiting defense shields, tie it in, then route the plasma blast banks into the whole system—”

Lidon’s eyes went wide. “Any attack on the defense grid would result in a strengthening of the weapon and feeding it back onto the attacker.” The weapons commander ran to look at the buffering mechanics of the vehicle.

Tranis hurried to his side. “Will it work?”

He waited as Lidon studied the workings of the system, his heart hammering. Finally, the Nobek turned to him. A fierce grin spread over his face. “If this shuttle were any older, it wouldn’t because of the upgraded system ties. This hunk of scrap is just recent enough to link in with the colony defense satellites. You do realize we’ll have to manually pilot it into position, don’t you?”

“I figured.” Tranis cocked an eyebrow. “We? It only takes one pilot.”

Lidon’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t even think of ordering me to evacuate with the others, because I won’t. My career is already fucked up enough by Piras without adding a charge of insubordination to the list.”

Tranis had to laugh. “I’m glad to have you, Lidon. Shall we get to work putting this mess together?”

“By all means.”

It was easier said than done. Nearly the entire defensive shielding array had to be pulled from the shuttle, parts replaced, the system reconfigured. They knelt on the bay floor, sweating as their efforts made the heat climb. After a few minutes Lidon stripped off the top of his formsuit. Tranis snorted, thinking that while the Nobek looked good he also looked unprofessional. Five minutes later he was barechested too. It was just too damned hot.

“My, my. Aren’t you two a sight?”

The pair looked up from their work to see Degorsk standing nearby, openly leering at the way perspiration gleamed off their skin.

Tranis shook his head but grinned as he wrestled with attaching a reluctant component. “Like what you see, Doctor?”

“Well, it’s nicer than a bunch of fields of grain. I have a sudden urge to lick all that—”

He abruptly silenced himself, and Tranis looked up again to see Governor Artmak heading their way.

As the Dramok drew near he reported, “All shuttles are prepared. We’re close to your deadline, Commander.” He looked doubtfully at the machinery lying between Lidon and Tranis. “Is this shuttle going to fly?”

“It will, but it won’t be with the evacuation. We have a plan that may save the colony itself if it comes under attack, Governor.”

Artmak gave him a hopeful smile. “That would be a gift. A lot of hard work went into this effort.”

“You may commence the evacuation. Weapons Commander Lidon and I will stay behind to put my plan into place.”

“As you will, Commander.”

Degorsk scowled as Artmak hurried off. “Your plan wouldn’t mean putting life and limb in jeopardy, would it, Tranis?”

“Only mine and Lidon’s. Everyone else should be safe.”

The Imdiko didn’t look one bit reassured. “It’s just a bunch of damned fields of grains and vegetables. What are you doing putting yourselves in danger like this?”

Lidon gave him a steady gaze. “It’s not just a farming colony, Degorsk. It’s the Empire’s borders. Pieces of that have already fallen, leaving us vulnerable. Not to mention a lot of people dead.”

“And one crappy shuttle is going to save Wetor? You must be insane.”

Tranis’ tone was mild. “Thank you for your faith. I suggest you go find a shuttle to evacuate on.”

Degorsk simply stood there, glaring stubbornly at them. Tranis had the idea he wouldn’t budge from that spot, that he would remain rooted there, arguing until they were forced to leave him behind or take him along. The strange, protective urge he’d felt before towards the Imdiko rose again, making his voice sharp. “That was not a request, Doctor. Get going.”

A stubborn look settled over Degorsk’s face. “If you can stupidly risk your lives, why can’t I?”

Lidon stood up and marched over to the Imdiko. They were the same height, but the threatening attitude made the Nobek seem to loom over the other man. He growled, “Degorsk, take that gorgeous ass of yours and put it in a shuttle, or I’ll beat it to a nice shade of purple and put it on one myself.”

Tranis rose and joined him in intimidating Degorsk, who was trying not to cringe and not quite succeeding. “No, Weapons Commander. It’s my turn to wear that ass out, which I’ll do anyway at my earliest convenience for him not immediately obeying an order. Your only choice in the matter, Degorsk, is whether I do it right now in front of everyone here, or if I do it later in the privacy of my quarters.”

Degorsk hunched a little under their combined glares, his expression frightened and angry. A spicy scent tinged the mere inches that separated the men. A quick glance told Tranis that the Imdiko was just as aroused as they were.

We’re going to have to find something other than beatings to punish this one. He likes it a little too much. The thought made Tranis harder than ever.

Degorsk’s lips compressed into a straight line. He turned around and stormed away with another word.

Tranis and Lidon exchanged a look. The first officer let one side of his mouth twist up in a wry grin. “You picked yourself a stubborn one, Nobek.”

Lidon didn’t smile, but there was amusement in his voice. “Yes, and extremely disrespectful, to boot. I’m going to have to buy quite the inventory of disciplinary instruments.”

He did grin then and got back to work. Tranis joined him, not bothering to hide his arousal at the thought of Degorsk’s ass writhing beneath Lidon’s excellent discipline.

Chapter 9

Degorsk stomped away from the two jerks he had somehow let himself become entangled with. Stupid damned Nobek and Dramok. Did they really think he could fly off in a shuttle, remaining safe while they courted death? Sure, he had no skills that would help whatever ridiculous scheme they were up to, but he also couldn’t stand to wait long, silent hours wondering if they still lived.

He slowed his furious march as he neared the other shuttles everyone else was boarding. He stared at open hatches accepting lines of men who were escaping the colony. If he got on one, it would be cramped quarters, with everyone nearly shoulder to shoulder. Yet he’d still be alone. Again.

Lidon. Tranis. Those assholes had made it so Degorsk couldn’t bear to be without them. Knowing he’d fallen for the young Dramok as well as Lidon was an unhappy surprise, and the doctor cursed his stupid heart for doing it. Yet there it was, impossible to ignore. He was in love with a man twenty years his junior, along with the Nobek he’d done everything in his power to stay away from.

Fuck.

He looked back at them, their dark heads bent close together as they worked like fiends to get that sorry ass wreck of a shuttle operational. So they could go get themselves killed.

A lump formed in his throat. He couldn’t do this again. He simply couldn’t.

Degorsk turned and headed for the medical carts loaded with the machines he’d fought loudly with the medical staff to leave behind. He walked around them, as if looking for something that couldn’t be abandoned after all. After assuring himself no one was paying attention, he ducked down behind them.

Using those and other carts for cover, Degorsk managed to sneak out of the bay with no one the wiser. Once outside, the Imdiko looked around, taking in his surroundings. He needed somewhere to hide until the last shuttle took off and left him behind. The nearest building was only a few steps away, and he went in.

It only took a quick glance to know this was the dockmaster’s office. No one else was inside, but three of the computers had been left running on the half dozen desks in the middle of the room. Vids scrolled readouts of atmospheric conditions, reports from orbiting satellites, and shipping schedules.

It was as good a place to wait out the evacuation as any, Degorsk decided. He’d know exactly when the last shuttle left. Then he would join Lidon and Tranis and be in very big trouble.

Tranis had already promised to beat him for insubordination. Now Degorsk had disobeyed a direct order. There would be hell to pay from both men for his defiance.

He sighed and patted his own rear with sympathy. “My poor ass. I won’t sit for a month.”

Degorsk dropped into a chair at one of the desks, enjoying his unbeaten, pristine butt for possibly the last time. He had no illusions how profound the punishment would be and he winced in anticipation of it. Still, better to have a broken ass than a broken heart again.

Half an hour passed. Degorsk watched shuttles fly off on the vid, disappearing into the sky. Three had gone, leaving only one on the launching pad now. He could hear its engines cycling up. He grinned. In moments, Lidon and Tranis would be stuck with him.

The door behind him hissed open and he jerked around as the pair walked into the room. Both halted to stare at him in shock. Degorsk had an insane moment when he thought he would burst out laughing. He had never seen Lidon look stunned. That he had been the one to put such an expression on the stoic Nobek’s face was pure triumph.

Then fury darkened both the faces before him, and Degorsk was glad he hadn’t laughed. It would have possibly gotten him badly hurt.

Tranis shouted, “What the fuck are you doing in here? You’re supposed to be leaving!”

The telltale sound of the last shuttle lifting off filled the room. Degorsk smiled weakly. “Oh, it was time to go? Guess I’d better get back to the dock and grab my ride then.”

He tried to stand on legs that didn’t want to hold him up, not under those livid stares. Lidon streaked across the room and helped him up by yanking Degorsk’s collar. The Nobek screamed in his face. “You know that was the last one that just left, damn you! You’re supposed to be safe!”

Rage boiled off the weapons commander. Degorsk didn’t dare speak. He was too scared. Lidon was really, really pissed off, the angriest Degorsk had ever seen him.

Tranis approached slowly, his steps measured. The iciness in his voice frightened Degorsk as much as Lidon’s raw fury. “You disobeyed a direct order, Imdiko. I want to know why.”

Degorsk licked his lips. Tranis had called him ‘Imdiko’ instead of doctor. That meant the anger he felt was of a personal rather than professional nature. The frigid glare the Dramok gave him wasn’t because of Degorsk’s insubordination.

Protesting was only going to make the other two men madder. Probably nothing Degorsk could say would calm them down. They’d wanted him safe and sound and somewhere else. How could he make them understand ‘safe’ wasn’t always an option? That sharing death with the ones you love was imminently preferable to continuing on alone?

“I’m waiting, Degorsk.” Tranis’ eyes were getting darker, meaner, narrowing as he readied to lower the boom.

Degorsk blinked against the brutal stinging in his eyes. His voice was little more than a whisper. “I just couldn’t. I couldn’t go and wait and wonder if you’d gotten yourselves killed. I can’t be left behind again.” He stared into Lidon’s face, pleading. “I can’t, my Nobek.”

The anger bled from Lidon’s face. He relaxed his grip on Degorsk’s collar without letting go and pulled the Imdiko close to press a kiss to his lips. He gave Degorsk as gentle a look as a Nobek could muster. “I know. I’m still beating your ass royally for putting yourself in danger like this and making my life more difficult.”

Degorsk grimaced and fought for his composure. “I figured on that. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it.”

Lidon’s brows drew together and he glared. “You shouldn’t.”

Tranis sighed. He reached up to squeeze Degorsk’s shoulder then pulled away. He told Lidon, “I want him restrained so he doesn’t take off on us again.”

“I can do that. I believe there are some cords in a storage bin over there.”

Tranis went and got them, black flex cords meant for securing cargo. The binds were soft, and Degorsk made no complaint as Lidon tied his wrists together behind his back. Then the Nobek pushed him back into the chair and tied him to that.

It really wasn’t necessary. Degorsk had no intention of running off. He wanted to stay as close as possible to the two men. He still didn’t protest, realizing it would not be appreciated at this point. Tranis and Lidon were genuinely worried for him. Their anger had been a thin veneer over the fear that his staying behind would get him hurt. It warmed him inside to know he meant that much to them.

While Lidon bound him, Tranis got to work on the computer at the next desk. Degorsk watched the Dramok tap furiously, his fingers flying over the keyboard at an awesome speed. Faster than Tranis could have issued voice commands. Impressive.

To show he wasn’t going to fall apart after his emotional display, Degorsk asked, “So what are you doing now? About the defense, I mean.”

Lidon answered. “Programming the defensive shielding into the same frequency as the shuttle.”

Tranis grunted impatiently. “Damn it. Passcode protected. I should have figured on that.”

“Hold on. I’m pretty good with codes.” Finished with trussing Degorsk within an inch of his life, Lidon joined Tranis. Now his fingers flew, even faster than Tranis’ had. While they worked, Degorsk simply sat and watched them. Even with brutal punishment on the horizon, the Imdiko felt good about his situation. He’d stayed behind, with the Nobek he belonged with. And maybe the Dramok he belonged with too, though only time would tell on that one.

After a couple of minutes, Tranis grinned at Lidon. “You are good.”

“Thank you.” The weapons commander looked quite pleased with himself.

After a few more moments, the pair straightened and nodded to each other.

Tranis said, “That’s it. Now we just have to get into position.”

Both dark heads turned to regard Degorsk. The Imdiko’s stomach flipflopped, but whether with fear or anticipation, he wasn’t quite sure. They stepped close.

Tranis said, “Quiet for a change. Regretting your rash actions?”

Degorsk stuck his chin out. “Not one bit.”

Lidon’s gaze was filled with dark promise. “That may change.”

The Nobek freed Degorsk from the chair, but kept his wrists bound with a length of cord hanging like a leash. Lidon wrapped that in one fist and grabbed the Imdiko’s waist-length braid with the other, close to his head. He used both to pull Degorsk to his feet.

Degorsk hissed. “Ouch. Can I keep my scalp, please?”

Tranis snorted laughter and started for the door. Lidon shoved Degorsk, making him follow.

The Nobek told him, “Walk. And if you want to keep any of your hide, keep your mouth shut.”

A dozen insults formed in Degorsk’s head, and he wisely kept every one of them to himself. Instead, he obeyed his Nobek, watching Tranis’ tight, muscular ass as he followed him. He’d get as much pleasure out of life as he could before the pair made it miserable with punishment.

Lidon marched him out to the bay and straight up to the shuttle. They followed Tranis into the thoroughly disreputable-looking vehicle. Degorsk consoled himself with the thought that the thing would probably crash and kill them all before the two men had the opportunity to discipline him.

The interior walls were dinged and dented. The few seating cushions left in the main cabin were torn. Most had been removed to make room for extra storage. A large cavernous space yawned wide in the back of the shuttle with bins lining the walls. It smelled of earth and fertilizer. Lots and lots of fertilizer. Degorsk had smelled sewage nicer than this. He wrinkled his nose.

He said, “I think this bucket is older than you and me put together, Lidon.”

Tranis moved into the cockpit, which was not separated from the rest of the cabin. There were two chairs in front of the piloting console. He started tapping the controls, and Degorsk felt the vehicle shift beneath his feet. Lidon steadied him as the shuttle lifted off its struts and slowly backed out of the bay.

Tranis grinned at Degorsk. “It will fly. It will do a hell of a lot more, too.”

Lidon pushed Degorsk towards a bench-style seat. “Lay down here. On your stomach.”

“I’m not exactly tired enough for a nap, you know.” Degorsk wilted under Lidon’s assessing stare and wished he’d learn to keep his mouth shut. The dark promise in the Nobek’s eyes had him scared and aroused all at once.

“Fuck me,” he whispered to himself.

Lidon heard and gave him a predatory leer. “Don’t worry; I’ll get to that.”

He tied Degorsk facedown on the seat, securing his legs and arms to the corners so the Imdiko was splayed. It was an embarrassingly vulnerable position, and Degorsk kept his face averted so Lidon couldn’t see how humiliated he felt.

As soon as the Imdiko was secured, Lidon swatted his backside. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Hilarious,” Degorsk muttered, refusing to look at him.

Lidon went to the cockpit to join Tranis. Degorsk turned his head to look at the pair. He had a view of the backs of their heads and the vid readouts in front of them.

“All systems are go,” Tranis said.

“Confirmed. Diagnostics show all functions operational.”

Degorsk felt the lift of the shuttle, and the outside view vid showed nothing but sky. Moments later, they were looking into the black view of space.

Tranis stretched. “On our way.” He twisted around to look at Degorsk. “Comfortable?”

Degorsk summoned the most withering look he could manage. “And everyone says my jokes are bad.”

Lidon turned too and gave the Imdiko a slow, dangerous grin. Degorsk swallowed and was forced to look away. Sometimes the man terrified him. And that made him hard. Damn his weird makeup that turned fear and even pain into arousal. Presented with the right man, the seemingly negative reactions were a bizarre aphrodisiac.

Surely what the Dramok and Nobek had planned for him wouldn’t excite Degorsk’s admittedly huge masochistic streak. No, he would certainly not like the punishment he would receive for his transgressions. They’d see to that. Yet for the moment, the anticipation of what was to come had his betraying body more excited than was appropriate.

Minutes ticked by. Tranis and Lidon conversed in low tones, readying for the mission ahead. Despite the smell and overall condition of the shuttle, Degorsk wasn’t uncomfortable. It had been a long time since he’d last gotten any rest. The Imdiko drifted, lulled by the soft voices, and then fell asleep.

He didn’t know how long he’d been out when he was wakened by the sound of the two men talking over him.

Tranis was saying, “That’s going to be a hell of a wakeup call,” when Degorsk opened his eyes.

“Are we there yet?” the Imdiko mumbled, blinking and trying to make the wisps of his brain coalesce.

Lidon said, “Yes, we are. We’ve set up the linkage with the defensive satellites and are just waiting for an enemy to show up.”

Tranis moved so Degorsk could see him without having to strain. “Have a nice nap?”

The Imdiko studied the circles under Tranis’ eyes. “You need to rest too.”

“We took a couple of stim tabs. We’ll be good for awhile.”

Lidon said, “Meanwhile, it’s time to get to your punishment, my Imdiko.”

Degorsk was abruptly wide awake. “Terrific.”

Tranis lowered the seat’s backrest so that it lay flat. He picked something up off the floor and set it on the extended surface. Degorsk fought not to cringe as he looked at the first aid kit. Fuck. But had he expected any less?

No. Insubordination was serious shit, and he’d known what he was in for when he’d committed the infraction.

Tranis pulled the back of Degorsk’s tunic up to rumple under his armpits and across his upper back. A pair of hands that had to be Lidon’s tugged at his trousers. Cool air caressed his buttocks and thighs as the Nobek exposed him, baring him for discipline. Degorsk pulled at the cords tying his wrists. He hadn’t expected them to be loose, but he had no choice but to try anyway. Lidon had done a good job, as usual. There was no give.

Tranis walked over to a bin and opened it. He pulled out two long lengths of braided cord. They looked like they’d been made of tanned animal hide. Degorsk’s heart skipped a beat. Then, true to form, his cocks twitched, heated, and filled.

Shit.

Somehow keeping his voice steady, Degorsk asked, “What the fuck are those?”

Tranis examined them, took a sniff. “I think they’re harnesses of some sort. Smells like animal hide.”

Lidon walked over to take one from the Dramok. He felt along the flexible cord, smacking it hard against one palm. It left a blatant red stripe on his skin. He nodded to Tranis. “This will do nicely.”

“Shit.” Degorsk watched long enough to see them each loop one end of their straps around their fists before his courage failed him. He closed his eyes and pressed his face into the seat he was tied to. Adding insult to soon-to-be injury, he was hard. Lying on his erections was miserable torment.

Footsteps let him know the two men were standing on either side of his prone body. Lidon said, “All right, Degorsk. I don’t think I have to enumerate the reasons this delicious ass of yours is going to be very sore for a very long time. Five lashes from each of us for disobeying orders, and another five from each for putting yourself in danger.”

Twenty fucking lashes. Thank the Mother of All there was a first aid kit on board this tub. Degorsk snarled, “Just do it and get it over with.”

There was a whistling sound as the strap whipped through the air. Then the sound of it hitting bare flesh rang out. An instant later, Degorsk’s ass seemed to explode with horrific pain and fire.

“Shit!” he screamed.

The blistering punishment rained down on him, sending pain blazing down his back, ass, and thighs. Degorsk couldn’t keep from jerking and howling, all thoughts erased by the monumental torment. Along with the pain came insistent arousal that only seemed to feed on the agony he was being subjected to. Somehow that was the worst part of the whole thing. He was in hell, and yet he was close to climax.

At last the blows ended, leaving Degorsk shaking, writhing, and groaning. He hurt. Damn, he hurt. And still his cocks pulsed insistently, as if begging for more punishment.

Lidon said, “Excellent work, Commander. Not one bit of broken skin.”

Tranis’ voice was breathless, and at first Degorsk thought it was from the exertion. His words told another story. “Welted and bruised all to hell though, isn’t he? Of course, that’s what we were going for. Damn. That was really something. I don’t think I’ve ever been so hard.”

Degorsk peered up at them through tear-blurred eyes. Tranis was indeed magnificently aroused, his cocks straining mightily against the fabric of his formsuit. One look at Lidon showed he was just as erect.

The Nobek’s face was filled with a softness that was so alien it almost made him unrecognizable. Degorsk’s heart throbbed painfully at the blatant un-Nobek show of adoration.

Lidon dropped the strap he was still holding and caressed Degorsk’s cheek. “I’m sorry, my Imdiko. It’s not that I want to enjoy punishing you harshly. You just move so beautifully under discipline.”

Degorsk swallowed, but his voice still came out trembly. “Well, I’m not exactly crazy about being beaten, but laying on this erection is killing me. If you’re done, please get me the hell up.”

Tranis’ eyes went dark even as he spoke with shock. “You’re aroused? After that?”

Lidon licked his lips, and the strange tenderness on his face fled before savage lust. “I have excellent taste in Imdikos, don’t I?”

They worked quickly then to untie Degorsk. He lay limp even after he was free, too worn out to move. Lidon slipped an arm around his waist and lifted him to his knees. Whether by accident or on purpose, he brushed Degorsk’s livid cocks as he did so. Pre-cum spat from the Imdiko’s primary sex, and Degorsk shouted as erotic wanting surged brutally. He needed to come so fucking badly.

Lidon groaned in his ear. “Damn it, Degorsk. You’re worth a thousand Pirases. What took me so fucking long to realize that?”

He rubbed Degorsk’s sore ass roughly, making the Imdiko yell again. More pre-cum dribbled.

Lidon’s chuckled as he teased Degorsk’s anus with tickling fingertips. “Your ass is very, very hot from the discipline. I think I’m going to have to shove my cock in you and enjoy all this heat.”

Degorsk shivered. He had no strength at all, no way to defend himself. Having Lidon pound into his poor, beaten ass would only make his fiercely throbbing flesh more tormented, but the need to spill was hurting worse.

He sighed. “Fine, torture me some more, but at least let me come.”

“Of course, my Imdiko.”

Behind him, Lidon moved, freeing his cocks from his formsuit. His larger one pressed against Degorsk’s anus, and the Imdiko opened himself. Lidon slid inside, sighing with pleasure as he filled Degorsk’s tight channel.

Degorsk hissed as his lover’s groin met his bruised ass. He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the seat, trying to lessen some of the contact. However, Lidon moved with him, refusing to be separated. His arm closed round Degorsk’s waist, holding him tight. “Your ass is on fire, my Imdiko. It feels good against me.”

“Glad you’re enjoying yourself so much,” Degorsk groaned. His back, ass, and thighs were on fire, all right. He couldn’t believe the beating hadn’t broken his skin. And still the pain continued to feed that strange part of him that seemed more Nobek than Imdiko in its enjoyment of torment.

Lidon offered, “His mouth is free, Tranis.”

Tranis stood at the end of the bench seat, his arms folded over his chest as he watched them. “Thanks, but if you don’t mind, I’ll wait for his ass. I’ve never wanted an ass so bad in my life.”

Lidon sighed. “You won’t have long to wait. Damn, he moved so well under my discipline. I wish I had my cockring.”

Degorsk growled, put out of temper by pain and arousal. “Would you fuck me already? Damn it, you two talk too much!”

Lidon grabbed his braid and yanked the Imdiko’s head back, forcing it onto his shoulder. “As you wish,” he growled, watching Degorsk’s face.

The Nobek worked his cock in and out of Degorsk’s ass, pounding hard against the sore flesh. Degorsk yelped with every thrust, but the sounds were more need than pained. Lidon had found that spot, and just beneath the Imdiko’s second cock, something pulsed with every surge into his body. The whole while he was forced to look into Lidon’s face, that deadly, beautiful face. The Nobek’s eyes drank in the sight of Degorsk’s erotic suffering and grew darker with every cry the doctor made.

The pressure beneath Degorsk’s cocks was swelling, growing larger, threatening to burst. One wail bled into the next as it fed into his pricks, making them so hard they curved up against his body and bounced off his belly with each strong shove Lidon made into him.

Sweet fire pooled at the base of his front cock. Degorsk was coming. As if in slow motion, he felt the delicious burning slide up the shaft, filling it up as a muscular contraction squeezed it tight.

Thick streams pulsed out, fountaining as he shrieked. Bursts of agonized elation poured out, raining down on the seat before him. There was a low roar behind him, and the throb of Lidon’s eruption inside his ass joined in. The Nobek’s howl rang in his ears.

Degorsk’s body sagged in Lidon’s grip as the last expulsions left his body. It was only then that he realized he had come without a hand on his cocks.

Lidon pulled free in a stream of cum. “Damn, I haven’t gotten off that hard in a long time,” he said. He stood, tucking himself back into his formsuit.

Tranis had two handfuls of cloths he’d found in one of the bins. He wiped the seat clean and tossed them away. Then he opened the crotch of his formsuit, letting his rigid cocks spring free. “Lie on your side, Imdiko.”

Degorsk was a shaking mess after the one-two punch of punishment and fucking. However, he obeyed without a thought against the Dramok’s orders, though he actually fell over instead of gracefully lying down.

It wasn’t unheard of for military discipline to include the miscreant servicing those involved in carrying out his punishment. Degorsk had expected to be fucked following the beating.

He lay on his right side, his legs bent up. Tranis knelt just behind his aching ass and lifted the top leg, settling it in the crook of his arm. He braced his other hand next to Degorsk’s head and leaned over him. The Dramok brushed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“You are a gorgeous man, Imdiko. The sight of this amazing ass under the strap is one I will never forget.”

Degorsk blinked up at him and smiled. As far as punishments went, he thought things hadn’t been so bad after all.

Tranis rooted his primary dick in Degorsk’s ass and sighed, his lips curving into a smile. His hand closed around the Imdiko’s front cock and held tight, stroking from base to tip. Heat immediately made Degorsk’s cocks hard again. He gasped and gave Tranis startled eyes.

The Dramok chuckled. “I thought you might not be quite done. Spilling when no one is even touching your prick? That’s a lot of need, you know.”

“Fuck,” Degorsk groaned. “I don’t know if I can stand anymore.”

“You might have to take another nap,” Tranis agreed. “Or you could have a stim tab. I’ve got a few with me.”

“You rely on those too much.” Degorsk was having trouble keeping up with the conversation. Tranis’ grip was firm on him, making it hard to think as his hand moved up and down the medic’s cock.

“Nag.”

“Stubborn, crack-skull.” The insult came out breathily without the slightest bit of venom.

“Ready for me to fuck you?”

“Always.” The word fell out before Degorsk could censor it.

Tranis chuckled and kissed him again. He drew his hips back, making his dick slide deliciously through Degorsk’s channel. Then he rammed back in, simultaneously hitting the hot spot inside and the Imdiko’s sore ass cheeks. Degorsk wailed.

“That’s it. Feel it all.” Tranis grunted as his groin slapped hard against bruised flesh.

Degorsk could only lie there and take it, ache and bliss churning down low in his loins, roiling in that spot beneath his cocks once more. Tranis leaned all his weight on him, pinning the Imdiko and making him helpless. The Dramok’s hand whipped up and down his cock, stimulating Degorsk until he could barely draw breath. Desperate need closed over him again, stealing all rational thought as Tranis fucked him hard and fast, making that hard ball of fire grow until it seared a new path up his cock. Degorsk screamed piercingly.

Hot cum splattered his stomach and chest as he released. Tranis kept pumping the medic’s cock in his fist until the last drop had been milked. Then he stiffened and groaned between gritted teeth as he shot into Degorsk’s ass, filling it with liquid heat.

The Imdiko closed his eyes, enjoying the pulsing sensation of the cock inside him. Tranis was twice the Dramok of many he’d known, men decades older than him. Maybe age wasn’t supposed to be part of the equation. It sure hadn’t stopped Degorsk from falling in love with him.

Still, Tranis had said he wasn’t looking to settle down yet, a completely understandable decision for someone building his career. Degorsk wondered how many years it would be before the gorgeous Dramok would declare his readiness to clan. He wondered if he dared to hope he and Lidon would still be around when that happened.

Chapter 10

Degorsk took one of Tranis’ stim tabs, getting him back up under his own power again. The hours passed as they waited for some sign of the destroyer or an attack force. The three men were glad to find food rations on the shuttle and that they were still edible. Tranis and Lidon lounged on the bench seat, its back raised once more. Degorsk ate standing up. It hurt too damned bad to sit.

Yet the ongoing heat of his ass had him half-aroused again. The Imdiko thought he might continue misbehaving … in a couple of weeks or so. For now, he’d try to stay out of trouble with his companions. They had really worn him out, or at least it felt that way. Degorsk had seen the effects of truly severe disciplinary beatings, and he couldn’t imagine dealing with that kind of pain. The light touch of his tunic and trousers was something of a trial, even though he suspected Tranis and Lidon might have gone easy on him.

They ate to the sound of the occasional hiss from the frequencies they monitored, hoping to hear something from Piras. After a few minutes of quietly eating cryo-preserved meats and vegetables, Tranis glanced up at Degorsk, who was doing a lot of shifting, trying to find a stance that put as little strain on his aching flesh as possible.

Though the portable medical scanner had confirmed Degorsk had suffered no more than superficial bruising, Tranis’ tone was concerned. “How’s the ass, Degorsk?”

“Perfect, judging from how hard it made you come.”

Lidon snorted laughter at that jab then sobered. “You can take a pain inhibitor, Imdiko. As head of disciplinary action, I find you’ve suffered enough.”

Degorsk raised an eyebrow. “That’s not regulation. The penalty for insubordination excludes pain relief.”

“It also includes a much worse beating than you received. If we’d done it for real, you would be bleeding profusely and incapable of standing. What you got was just enough to satisfy Piras you were punished if your disobedience ever comes up.”

Tranis sighed and tossed aside his meal container. “Which it will, since you have no good reason to be here. I can’t allow you to heal the evidence of discipline, but the captain doesn’t have to know you took something to remove the pain. Take the inhibitor, Degorsk. It’s not pleasant to watch you endure the misery.”

Degorsk was touched that they’d gone easy on him, just as he’d suspected. Not that he was going to complain about it. He still bristled a little to know they offered him an out they’d never give themselves.

He stuck his chin out. “Thanks for the consideration, but if you’re not ordering me to, I’d rather not.”

Lidon arched an eyebrow at him. Tranis frowned.

Degorsk shrugged. “I must have a streak of Nobek in me or something. The pain isn’t all bad, as far as I’m concerned.” He lifted the hem of his tunic a little.

They looked at his crotch. Both men grinned.

Lidon said, “So I see. I can’t wait to tell Piras what an idiot he is.”

Tranis’ gaze was thoughtful. “I hope I’m never so stupid to give up someone of such worth.”

He glanced at Lidon then looked again at Degorsk. The Imdiko’s heart sped up. Was Tranis interested in them? Before Degorsk could come up with some goofball remark that would ruin the moment, Captain Piras’ voice spoke, bringing the other two to their feet.

“Piras to Commander Tranis.”

Tranis and Lidon were in the piloting chairs in an instant. “Tranis here, Captain.”

“We are under attack. I repeat, we are under attack and heading in. Five enemy craft have been engaged, one destroyed. Is the colony evacuated?”

“Yes, Captain.” Tranis exchanged a look with Lidon. They appeared excited, while Degorsk felt a sick roll in his stomach. Despite his hatred of too many casualties, he should be on that destroyer, treating the wounded. Damn Piras for putting him off the ship. The man was an unmitigated asshole.

Tranis was continuing to talk while he and Lidon scanned space. “Return as fast as you can. We have a defense set up. Sending coordinates now.”

After a moment, Piras replied. “Copy that, on our way. I’m not sure we’ll make it or that your defense will be of any use.”

Lidon asked, “Who is the enemy?”

“Tragooms. Weaponry is of Bi’isil, Adraf, Dantovonian, and Yeknas origin. They also have a fully intact and functioning Earther battlecruiser.”

Lidon’s eyes brightened. “Transmit stats on that Earther ship, Weapons Sub-commander.”

Another voice spoke up. “Acknowledged, sir. Transmitting now.”

A new free-floating vid sprang up among the others. It looked like so much babble to Degorsk, but Lidon and Tranis leaned forward excitedly, pouring over the information.

Tranis unleashed a string of expletives that would have made a more stressed Degorsk proud. He had apparently forgotten the shuttle’s com link to the destroyer was still open.

Piras managed to sound amused. “My thoughts exactly, Commander Tranis. It’s huge and heavily armed. Definitely more than enough to put us down.”

Tranis flushed a little at his oversight. “Time of arrival, Captain?”

“Fifty clicks, if we can keep ahead of that Earther ship. I think we can outrun it if we don’t lose anymore engines, and we’re keeping the other three enemy craft busy with our single-man fighters. I’ll keep the channel open so you can monitor the situation. If we don’t make it, get those colonists headed towards the fleet.”

“Understood. Good luck, Captain.” Tranis cut transmission to the destroyer while leaving monitoring open. He looked again at the alien battlecruiser’s information. “Will this shielding work against that Earther ship?”

Lidon pursed his lips. “The weaponry isn’t exactly cutting-edge. The technology is a few decades behind ours. There’s just so much of it. If they unleashed everything at once, it would probably short the shielding out.”

Degorsk knew he didn’t have nearly the expertise as the other two and he certainly didn’t understand the diagnostics that were giving them pause. He couldn’t help but say, “Um, can I make a point that’s probably already occurred to you both?”

Tranis glanced at him with interest. “Go right ahead. All input is encouraged.”

Degorsk said, “Piras came upon five ships, including that Earther one. Tragooms don’t get along well enough to work together like that.”

Lidon nodded. “Usually, no. Once in a great while it does happen though.”

“As you’ve mentioned before, and I’ll buy that. But from what I’m picking up from your conversation, this Earther battlecruiser is big. Can I assume it will take a large crew to run it? A really, really large crew?”

Lidon looked over the information again. “To fly such a ship and use all its weaponry, yes. It would take a great number of people.”

“Maybe too many for a Tragoom leader to bribe enough of a crew to run it effectively?”

“Perhaps, but I don’t believe in luck.” Lidon seemed to be considering Degorsk’s suggestion carefully. He opened the com link. “Weapons Subcommander, send me the data of the Earther battlecruiser’s attack on our destroyer.”

“Data transmitting now, Commander.”

A new readout appeared, and again Lidon and Tranis looked over the information carefully.

“Laser cannons, plasma guns, and percussion explosives. No fighters, though it should have a complement of hundreds,” Tranis mused.

Lidon jerked a nod. “The weapons that were used were fired at a quarter of the ship’s abilities. Degorsk may be right that the cruiser is undermanned.”

“With the other three ships, it’s still more than enough firepower to take out our stations one at a time. Along with a colony’s defensive shielding, such as what we have here. Then a single battle drone takes out the entire colony itself.”

“But the Tragooms don’t know we’ve set this surprise up. They won’t be expecting it. We still have a decent chance with this tactic, Commander.”

Tranis snorted. “I’ll take even a not-so-decent chance. Waiting for Piras is going to be taxing in the meantime.”

Degorsk sighed. “So we’re essentially screwed? Well, at least I got decently laid before I die.”

The other two men rolled their eyes and shook their heads, but neither of them could keep from smiling.

* * * *

Lidon forced himself to put Degorsk to the back of his mind and concentrate on the transmissions coming from the destroyer. Piras’ open channel fed him every moment of the running battle. After a few minutes of helpless listening, the Nobek had to stand and pace to bleed out the tension. Every report and order fed his growing need to do something.

“Earther battlecruiser continues to fall behind, Captain.”

“Not far enough. It will still be on our heels when we get to Wetor.”

“Incoming fire from the Yeknas vessel!”

“Brace for impact.”

“Damage to port cargo holds. No essential systems affected.”

“Fighters, concentrate main fire on the Yeknas ship.”

“Yeknas continuing to gain.”

“Dantovonian ship trying to flank.”

“Evasive.”

“Incoming fire.”

“One engine hit. Loss of fifty percent of its power. Re-routing system.”

“Fighters converging on Yeknas. It is dropping back.”

Tranis had also gotten up from his piloting chair. He leaned against the back of it, his head down, arms folded over his chest as he listened. “I’m surprised the Tragooms don’t send out fighters after ours. That’s all that’s keeping them from taking out the destroyer.”

Lidon nodded. “I think Degorsk had it absolutely right. They don’t have the crew to spare. They weren’t ready for destroyer-class fighter squads.”

Degorsk said, “It’s like they were here simply to punch a hole in the Empire’s defensive boundaries and not looking to engage right away. But four colonies and half a dozen defense stations scattered hours across … that’s a big fucking hole. What are they hoping to send in?”

Lidon and Tranis stared at him. Then Tranis spoke, his tone disbelieving. “That can’t be. Tragooms absolutely cannot band together well enough to attempt an invasion of that size and scope.”

He looked at Lidon, his face pale. A shudder went through the Nobek, though he didn’t show it on the outside. Tranis was right about the absurdity of a Tragoom invasion, of course. But the Tragooms did have the numbers if the impossible was ever to happen. And the signs were there.

Lidon said, “They aren’t taking spoils. There were five ships before Piras took one out. They weren’t fully manned, but they wouldn’t have to be to knock out as much of the perimeter as they have. Instead of running now that they’ve been seen, they’re trying to take out the destroyer, perhaps hoping to silence it before it can alert anyone.”

Tranis looked ill and pissed off all at once. “Only a small attack force to start with because a full-scale invasion would set off our sensors with plenty of time for our forces to mobilize. Take out those sensors, and we have no idea what’s coming before it’s already deep into Empire space.”

“Leaving us scrambling to defend our territory. With potentially catastrophic results.”

Degorsk scowled. “We should take prisoners and interrogate them.”

Lidon gave him a vicious smile. “Tragooms are thieves and liars. They’ll tell us nothing of interest. ‘Let those of nonexistent virtue be exiled for the preservation of the people.’ Or exterminated.”

The Imdiko sighed. “I am so far out of my element when it comes to Tragooms.”

“Not at all.” Lidon could have kissed the man right now and not just because Degorsk was his lifemate. “You saw clearly what was staring us in the face all along. The rest of us are blinded by our so-called ‘knowledge’ of Tragoom tactics. Some chieftain of that misbegotten race has actually pulled enough of them together to challenge us.”

He was interrupted as the destroyer’s transmissions turned frantic.

“Direct hit!”

“Damage report.”

“All starboard engines offline. Down to forty percent power.”

“Dantovonian vessel coming in.”

“All weapons stations, concentrate on Dantovonian vessel. Fire at will.”

“Fighters, keep the other ships off us.”

More orders. More reports of damage. Lidon stood absolutely still, his fists clenched at his sides, able to do nothing but listen as the destroyer fought for its life. Tranis was in a similar stance. Degorsk’s eyes were wide with fear and he was chewing on his lower lip.

“Dantovonian ship hit. All power systems offline. It’s drifting, Captain.”

“Resume heading, as fast as you can go.”

Degorsk relaxed a little. “That’s two Piras has taken out. He’ll get decorated for sure if he survives this.”

On the heels of that, another transmission made the Imdiko tense again. “Maximum speed is only forty percent, Captain. What engines we’ve got left are full out.”

“Earther battlecruiser is catching up, sir. We may not get to Wetor’s defensive shielding before it is within firing range.”

“Do your best. It’s all we’ve got at this point.” Piras’ voice never wavered for an instant. “We’re still here, Commander Tranis. ETA, ten clicks.”

Lidon and Tranis sat back down at the console. Degorsk stood behind them, staring at the vids.

Tranis unmuted his com. “We’re ready for you, Captain. All you have to do is get behind the defensive system satellites, and you’re safe.”

“We hope,” Degorsk muttered just loud enough for Lidon to hear.

Lidon grinned in anticipation, his fingers already hovering over the shuttle’s controls. “Bring them in, Captain. We’ll make them curse the day their mothers’ wombs spat them out.” He watched the vid eagerly, barely able to contain his impatience to catch the first glimpse of the enemy.

The three were silent as they watched the vid relay that was pointed where the fleeing destroyer would be coming in. Continued monitoring told them the fast-flying fighter squadrons were all that kept the Tragooms from taking out Piras and their shipmates. Lidon practiced deep breathing exercises to keep himself from shattering under the stress of anticipation. It hurt to know a great battle was taking place and he was not part of it. Soon, though. If Piras could get here, if the destroyer wasn’t taken out by an unlucky shot from its pursuers, the Nobek would have his chance.

Finally, movement appeared. Small flashes against the blackness of space alerted them to the oncoming ships.

“Here they come.” Tranis was intent, with not a hint of uncertainty in his carriage. Committed in full to the plan, no matter how unlikely its success. Lidon’s mouth twitched in a smile.

He looked back at the equally avid Degorsk. Good. His Imdiko didn’t look afraid as he stood just behind them, watching the growing forms of the battling ships.

Lidon said, “Degorsk, you need to strap in. I have no idea if we’ll suffer a backwash of power. Plus, we might take a direct hit.”

Degorsk nodded, started to move, and winced. “Shit. I’m going to have to take a pain inhibitor after all if I’m going to sit down.”

“Do it,” Tranis said gently. “I want you secured and not bouncing all over the place.”

Degorsk went back to the bench where he’d been so beautifully displayed before, reaching into the medical pouch on his belt as he went. Lidon watched him to be sure he not only activated the field restraint but also the seat’s harness.

“Mother of All. Lidon, look at that thing.”

Lidon turned his attention back to the vid at Tranis’ soft exclamation. The destroyer was easily seen now, its oblong shape listing badly to one side, half its silvery metal surface blackened. The small darting objects ranged around it were the one- and two-man fighters, harrying two clumsily pieced-together vessels. One of the pursuers had the triangular main body of a Bi’isil hunter-killer with other parts cobbled on. The second was a crazed mishmash of mostly Yeknas technology with a few recognizable Adraf components and many unidentifiable others. It looked like something a mentally deficient five-year-old with psychotic leanings would build. Lidon had no doubt the bizarre contraption was a brutal adversary, however. Tragooms were evil geniuses when it came to putting together a fighting craft.

But what held the Nobek’s attention was the massive hulk catching up to the rest of the ships. It looked awkward as hell with a tube-like forward section followed by a fat cylindrical area. At the rear was a rectangular cube.

Lidon didn’t let the clumsy-looking Earther ship fool him for a moment, especially when he brought up the 360 degree vid capture of the vessel. Hatches to what had to be fighter bays circled the midsection of the battlecruiser. Specs showed the monstrous vehicle should have a complement of five times what the destroyer could carry. The telltale banks of plasma pulse launchers and battle-grade percussion blaster barrels covered the entire ship. Two spoked laser cannon arrays with articulated barrels that would allow the battlecruiser to attack an enemy from any direction were the deadly icing on a very nasty cake.

The monstrously huge battlecruiser was a madman’s dream of destruction and death. Earthers apparently loved weaponry with uncontained zeal. Lidon wasn’t surprised to discover he was aroused. He’d love to get on board that thing and play with its systems, outdated as they may be.

Behind them, Degorsk gasped. “That Earther ship is huge. I’ve never seen any ship that size before.”

“But it’s undermanned,” Lidon reminded him.

“You don’t know that for sure.”

Tranis peered at the diagnostic readouts he was receiving from the Kalquorian destroyer. He growled. “That’s a big hole in Piras’ defenses.”

Lidon agreed. “The Tragooms must have got some good shots in. I don’t think the destroyer can get behind the shielding before they hit him and finish the job.”

“Are they in our firing range yet?”

Their shuttle, like every one from Kalquor, had some weapons. In fact, the shuttle, having been on the Bi’isil border, had more weaponry than such vessels typically carried. It was still no match for any of the enemy ships bearing down on them.

Lidon told Tranis, “Just barely. Not close enough to do more than negligible damage. Commander, I must point out attracting the Tragooms’ attention might get Piras the time he needs to get behind the shielding, but a direct hit on us from all three enemy ships could wipe out all our the defenses.”

“I know, but we can’t hang our crew out to dry.”

Lidon considered their options and realized they had none. “No, I guess we can’t.”

“When you’re ready, Weapons Commander.”

Lidon sighted on the Bi’isil-based craft. It was the closest target and therefore the one he could put the greatest hurt on. He opened fire.

As he’d thought, the shuttle’s defensive-grade pulse-fire barely harmed the enemy ship. It certainly didn’t slow it one bit, but it broke off its attack on the destroyer to come straight at them.

“They know we’re here now,” he said, his tone dry.

Tranis barked, “Commander Tranis to Captain Piras, you need to make that ship move as fast as it will.”

“We’re all out, Commander.”

The destroyer was still out of the shield’s range. Meanwhile, the Tragooms were coming in fast.

Lidon said, “Incoming fire.”

Tranis’ fingers flew over his console. “Arming the shield. Let’s see if this works.”

“If it doesn’t, we’ll never know.” They’d be dead.

A second later, the Tragooms’ percussion blast shivered the entire shuttle. Degorsk made a yelping sound. Lidon winced as the shield they’d constructed flared bright with power absorption, blinding him for an instant. Then it coalesced in one spot just in front of the shuttle, the point where the shot had been aimed. Lidon had a moment to recognize it had been a kill shot before it streamed away, heading back on the path it had come in from. It hit the Tragoom ship head-on, knocking it back in a spinning arc. As it hurtled past the destroyer, the Kalquorian ship fired a barrage at it. A quarter of the enemy craft blew apart. The rest continued to tumble off, all its systems dark.

“Shield back down,” Tranis said. “Bring it in, Captain.”

The destroyer flew past them. As it did so, the Yeknas-based attacker came at the shuttle, sighting on them to fire.

“Shield up again.” Tranis sounded positively gleeful.

The Tragooms’ second ship fired, coming right at them as it did so. The resulting fire-back from the shield took the attacker out, shattering it into its too-many component pieces.

That left the behemoth Earther ship. As much as Lidon loved a fight in which he was the unquestioned underdog, he did feel relief as new readouts confirmed Tranis’ report: “Battlecruiser is breaking off and running.”

Degorsk had been right. The ‘cruiser could have demolished the shielding if it had leveled only half of its weaponry at them. Apparently there were not enough men onboard it to man that many systems.

Piras’ voice, finally letting exhaustion creep in, spoke over the com. “Chasing after it would be suicide. A glorious way to go, but it won’t serve the Empire one bit.”

He was right. Even without all its systems manned, the Earther vessel would still demolish the stricken destroyer in a fight.

“As the Book says, ‘all a hero’s bravery is meaningless in a pointless battle’. Besides, we may get another chance at it.” Lidon hoped so. “Weapons Commander to Weapons Subcommander; set long-range tracking to that ship’s energy signature for later retrieval.”

“Acknowledged, sir.”

Piras spoke again. “I’d like to keep that security barrier in place, so we’ll send a shuttle to fetch your crew, Commander Tranis.” Then, with great respect he added, “Excellent work.”

Lidon exchanged a look with the other two. Tranis raised an eyebrow and Degorsk grinned at him. The next meeting with the captain was going to be interesting.

Chapter 11

Two days of frantic work commenced to repair the destroyer. Everyone had their hands full. Tranis’ duties included getting the colonists back to Wetor, bolstering the strength of their underground storage units in case they were needed for emergency shelter, and training them on how to operate the shuttle’s shielding mechanism in case the Tragooms came back for another round. Artmak and the rest flatly refused to abandon their colony, so such measures were required.

Degorsk had quite a few casualties to deal with following the fight with the Tragooms. He put in long hours with the rest of his staff, treating injuries and performing surgeries. Despite all of Lidon’s duties, the Nobek kept an eye on the doctor to make sure he wasn’t emotionally overwhelmed. Degorsk seemed to be handling everything in stride, cracking unending bad jokes and running his busy department with astounding ease.

Lidon had his hands full with getting the destroyer’s engines repaired. He ran endless diagnostics and drills on ship’s weaponry. Having seen the Earther battlecruiser they would soon be chasing after, he wasn’t leaving anything to chance.

With the emergency they operated under, it was some time before the three men were summoned to Piras’ office for a discussion. They stood before the captain’s desk, Lidon and Degorsk ranged on either side of Tranis. Piras sat in his chair, tapping a finger on the surface of his workspace.

He spent long seconds looking at them before finally speaking. “I am putting in for commendations for all three of you. First Officer Tranis and Weapons Commander Lidon, your ruse at the colony which destroyed two enemy ships and saved ours was brilliant. I cannot stress enough my gratitude for your work. And Doctor, Commander Tranis already put in for you to be recognized for your efforts at the mining colony. I have also noted the long hours you’ve worked in treating our wounded following the fighting. Despite the infraction you committed that led to disciplinary action here on Wetor, your excellent work otherwise deserves due accolades. Well done, all three of you.”

Lidon didn’t twitch a muscle. Piras’ compliments were effusive, utterly unlike him. He waited for the other shoe to drop as the captain consulted vid reports.

Piras looked at them again. “We will have the destroyer back up to full strength in less than an hour. Weapons Commander, your department reports we are still tracing the signal from that Earther battlecruiser.”

Lidon answered, “It continues to fly deeper into Joshadan space. It appears to be heading for an area with a large gas giant. The only occupied place in the vicinity is one of the planet’s moons, which is named Phescxo. My understanding is the Joshadans have an experimental colony there, something to do with primitive farming practices.”

“Any sign of distress from them?”

“None. We don’t dare try to contact them either for fear the Tragooms become aware of them and attack.”

“Or take hostages,” Tranis added.

Piras nodded. “We’ll have to hope the Tragooms don’t notice them there.”

He stood and turned away, staring at the wall full of stellar ship models he’d painstakingly built. Lidon knew there were hundreds of hours invested in those intricate pieces, pieces Piras had designed himself. Beautiful work. Once upon a time, Lidon had meditatively watched his captain as Piras put the small crafts together. After only a few days, it seemed as if that life had belonged to another man.

After a few moments of silence, Piras turned back to them, his expression resolute. “My behavior on Wetor towards the three of you was inexcusable. I let personal issues cloud my judgment. My only comfort is that your defense strategy was so effective against the enemy and allowed us to save this colony. If you decide to cite me for my foolishness, I will admit to everything.”

Lidon immediately looked to Tranis. He noted Degorsk did the same, and he started. They were acting as if the first officer was their clan Dramok, the man who spoke for the group. It was so natural as to be frightening.

And just like them, Tranis fell into the clan role. He looked at Lidon. His mouth dry, the Nobek gave a slight shake of his head. Tranis turned his head to gaze at Degorsk. Another small negative shake.

Tranis turned to Piras. “We have no intention of filing complaints, Captain. The situation resolved to a satisfactory conclusion. We wish to go about our duties with no further mention of the incident.”

Piras’ expression remained stoic, but Lidon saw his shoulders relax a little in relief. “I appreciate your generosity. You may resume your posts.”

The three men bowed and chorused, “Captain.”

As Lidon turned to leave, Piras’ quiet voice reined him back. “Lidon, one final word, if I may?”

Tranis shot the Nobek a quick look. His mouth tightened, but he walked out of the office with Degorsk. Lidon wondered if it had been on the first officer’s tongue to demand Piras what he wanted with him. As if he was Lidon’s Dramok. He thought maybe that had been the case.

As soon as the door closed, leaving them alone, Piras met Lidon’s gaze. “I’m wholeheartedly sorry. It’s not easy to be cast aside after so many years. I was hurt. Embarrassed.”

Lidon could understand that. He didn’t want to carry a grudge, not against a man he’d shared so much with. “I’ve known for some time I wasn’t able to give you enough as a Nobek. I’m sorry I let it go on the way I did.”

Piras nodded, grimaced an approximation of a smile. “Well, in any case, I retract my offer to clan. I hope you find happiness.”

“And I, you.”

“Dismissed, Weapons Commander.”

Lidon bowed. “Captain.”

Feeling as if a massive weight had rolled off his back, Lidon left for the bridge.

* * * *

Tranis stood at his station, feeling very good about things. The tension between Lidon and Piras had eased considerably. Tranis himself was getting a commendation. Frequent checks on Degorsk had shown the Imdiko was seeming to handle the many injured crewmen without undue stress. The destroyer was back to full functionality and they had left Wetor behind hours ago. Sure, they were chasing an overwhelmingly armed enemy that may or may not be the harbinger of a full on invasion force, but Kalquorian Command had been alerted to the potential problem. A portion of the fleet was on its way to Joshadan space.

All things considered, life was going quite well. Well enough that the Dramok was contemplating getting together with Lidon and Degorsk at his first opportunity. Not just for sex, though that was certainly on the menu. Having shared so much with the pair, Tranis was curious to know more about the men themselves. Maybe they could have dinner and spend some time talking about things that mattered, the past events that had shaped the philosopher-warrior and passionate jokemaker.

Lidon’s voice interrupted Tranis’ thoughts. “Small craft in our flight path, Captain. It’s Joshadan and flying erratically.”

Tranis consulted his computers. The destroyer’s sensors showed a very small craft, one that wouldn’t normally be flying in deep space. It was suited more for small jumps between planets and moons in close proximity to each other.

Piras asked, “Are we in communications range?”

Tranis said, “Just barely. Com Lieutenant, boost the signal and make contact.”

“Put it on vid if a visual is available,” Piras ordered.

At first Tranis thought there was no visual, then a weak signal flitted on the sensors. He tapped his computer, enhancing the signal strength, and brought the vid up.

He was startled by the sight of humanoids that were not the brightly furred Joshadans he’d expected to see. The aliens almost appeared to be short-haired Kalquorians, though there were substantial differences beyond their unfashionable hair length. Their coloring was the first piece of strangeness. The four men staring back at him were of varying skin that ranged from pinkish-pale to deep ebony. Body structure was the other major distinction. With the exception of one man with wide shoulders and chest that strained his gray shirt, they were devoid of the defined musculature that came naturally to Tranis’ race. The pinkish man in front was spare, almost reed-thin. Another man in the background was very nearly round. The last man fell somewhere in between.

Tranis didn’t have much time to contemplate these almost-Kalquorians as the one in front began speaking gibberish at them. His odd brown eyes with round pupils were wide with surprise or panic.

Tranis’ fingers flew over his computer, though his gaze remained riveted on the aliens. “Translators are on line, Captain.”

His superior’s voice boomed with authority. “I am Captain Piras of the Kalquorian fleet. Can you understand me?”

The slender pink man turned to the ebony-skinned one to his right. “Is there a translator on this sardine can?”

Tranis frowned. The translator hadn’t been able to decipher the foreign word ‘sardine’. And the aliens couldn’t understand a single word Piras was saying.

He said, “Com Lieutenant, tie our translator into their com link.”

“Translator tied in, Commander.”

Piras tried once more. “You are aboard a Joshadan ship but you are not Joshadan. The Kalquorian Empire protects the territory of Joshada. Identify yourselves.”

Pink Man turned back to the vid. “Oh good, that’s got it. Hello, Kalquorians. I’m senior pilot George Huberts, part of the Joshada-Earth farming co-op on Phescxo.”

Earthers. Tranis looked the men over carefully. So these were the aliens that built such insanely huge ships armed to take out entire colonies. The same race many wondered were Kalquor’s fabled Lost Tribe. This was the species members of the Galactic Council hoped were breeding compatible with the rapidly disappearing Kalquorians.

The Dramok was fascinated by how outwardly similar and yet different the Earthers were to his race. Just with this sample of four it seemed the Earthers came in a diverse range of colors and shapes. How was that possible? Was it a breed thing, like Dramoks, Nobeks, and Imdikos that somehow translated physically as well as temperamentally?

Georgehuberts was speaking, and Tranis forced himself to pay attention. “We’ve got a big emergency, and we’re en route to the Kalquorian Empire to get help. Did we make it to your space, sir?”

Piras said, “I am Captain Piras of the Kalquorian fleet. You are still in Joshadan space, however.”

The Earther seemed relieved. “Thank God I found you. Captain Piras, the Phescxo colony is overrun with Tragooms. They’re using it as a base of operations for a huge fleet orbiting the planet.”

Lidon’s voice was steel. “A fleet?”

Georgehuberts blinked. “Well, maybe not a whole fleet, but they’ve got a good two hundred-and-some ships in space and over two hundred shuttles on the ground. We were kind of in a hurry to escape and find help, so I didn’t get an accurate count.”

“How close do you think your count is?”

Georgehuberts shrugged. “Sorry, I can’t really answer that. I’m just a simple pilot employed to transport goods from the colony to visiting supply carriers. I can tell you the Tragooms have a lot of different types of fighting ships including some of our battlecruisers, your destroyers, Bi’isil hunter-killers, gosh everything you can imagine. You name it, they’ve got it.”

Piras exchanged a look with Lidon. The weapons commander said, “We need to know exactly what they’ve got before our fleet gets here.”

The captain nodded. He turned back to the visage of the sweating Earther. “Pilot Georgehuberts, I need you to dock your shuttle with this ship so I can get a full report from you.”

The pink man nodded. “I’ll be glad to, Captain sir.” He went from pink to nearly red. “Um, I’m pretty good with my Earth shuttle, but this Joshadan thing is giving us fits. We’re having some problems figuring it out. I’m not so sure we can dock it without doing some damage to both our vessels.”

Tranis said, “We can lock traction on the shuttle and I can pilot it into a dock, Captain.”

“Do it.”

All four men hunched in the cramped confines of the Joshadan craft visibly relaxed. Georgehuberts said, “Jesus, Mohammed, and Moses, I’ll be glad to get out of this tiny ship. Thanks for the help, Captain Piras. I only hope we got here in time to save some of the people back on the colony. Those Tragooms are eating people and Joshadans.”

Piras grimaced. “Yes, pilot, they have a nasty habit of that, along with other things. I’ll meet you in the dock. End communications.”

The Earthers blinked out. Tranis put his attention to grabbing onto the nearing Joshadan vessel and guiding it to the destroyer’s landing bay.

Piras said, “Lidon, with me. Commander Tranis, join us as soon as you’ve got that shuttle safely locked down.”

“Yes Captain.”

As Piras and Lidon hurried past his station, the weapons commander barked orders into the ship’s com system. “Security detail to Dock Seven, level alpha.”

“They didn’t look demanding of alpha strength,” Piras muttered as they got into the intership transport.

“I’m not going to take chances.”

Tranis carefully steered the alien vessel closer to the ship. They’d been correct that there was a Tragoom attack fleet. The Kalquorian response was still days away, and the closest ships were only a little more than one hundred strong, half of what the Earthers said were out there.

Those Earthers. They excited the Dramok’s imagination enough to distract him a little from the concern of a Tragoom attack force. They were so much like his own people, which somehow made their differences incredibly exotic. Too bad there weren’t females on that ship, because Tranis was eager to know what they looked like.

He had an instant of imagining a female as pale as Pilot Georgehuberts and softly rounded like the communications officer. Now that would be something to see. Something amazing to touch. He hoped Earther women didn’t wear their hair as short as their male counterparts. Long, silky hair to go with a warm, yielding, pale body was an idea to his liking.

Too much to his liking, it turned out. The warning ache in his groin made Tranis turn his thoughts away from alien women and focus his attention on his work. He wasn’t about to greet his first Earthers with an erection.

* * * *

As soon as Tranis’ shift was over, he went to Degorsk’s quarters. The Imdiko let him in with a welcoming smile. His wonderful ass was on full display.

Tranis let his eyes linger over the mold hanging on Degorsk’s wall, thinking about how as nice as the sculptural piece was, the real thing was so much more delightful. How it jerked beneath a strap. How warm it felt under his hands. Damn it, was he getting hard again? He was as bad as a pubescent youngling today.

“I see your delicious ass has moved locations.”

Degorsk grimaced. “I was forced to take it out of my office. Lidon says he doesn’t want other Nobeks seeing it and getting ideas, so I was to move it to a private setting or face the consequences. You’d think we were clanned.”

“I believe that’s where his intentions lie. He won’t accept a Dramok who won’t make you part of the deal.” Tranis thought the pair were a pretty good deal too.

Degorsk rolled his eyes theatrically. “The pressures of being adored.”

“He’s on a double shift to prepare for whatever lies ahead.” Which left the Imdiko alone during his off-duty hours.

“I know. He’s already raided me for stim tabs to get through until the day shift.”

Tranis eyed Degorsk, trying to gauge his mood. “Has he told you the situation we’re going into?”

“Enough that I’m wishing I was anywhere but on a destroyer.” The doctor drew in a breath. “An actual Tragoom invasion fleet. So was my idea correct on what the attacks on the colonies were about?”

Tranis nodded. “It looks that way, according to what the Earthers told us. We think their plan was to take out a large part of the border alarms and defenses before infiltration. That way, we wouldn’t be warned when the main fleet crossed into our territory. With our forces scattered throughout the Empire, the Tragoom fleet might be big enough to get to the home world and actually hold it long enough to do serious harm.”

“If the Tragooms don’t turn on each other first.” Degorsk sounded hopeful.

Tranis snagged the Imdiko’s long braid from where it draped over his shoulder. He stroked the thick, soft plait and then began to loosen it. “They’ll do a lot of damage even if they do start fighting amongst themselves.”

“Don’t I know it.” Degorsk looked unhappy but determined. Tranis decided he was handling his emotions well. Lidon’s therapeutic discipline had done a lot to release the Imdiko’s traumatic weight.

He had a feeling Degorsk was going to need another emotional release after the confrontation with the would-be invaders. The coming battle promised to be deadly, and their destroyer would be in the thick of it. The thought that it might be bad enough for the doctor to resign his commission gave Tranis an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. Life would definitely lose some of its spark without the Imdiko around.

Degorsk’s curious voice brought Tranis out of his reverie. “So tell me about the Earthers. Are they really similar to us?”

“More so than I imagined. It’s got me thinking about the old Lost Tribe legend.”

“You really think we might have a common ancestry? Because if we do, there’s a small chance we could interbreed with them.”

“That would be a thought.” Tranis’ fantasy of a pale, curvy female returned, and he was abruptly, shockingly hard. Spicy arousal scent flooded the air.

Degorsk laughed and tugged his now-freed flood of hair out of Tranis’ hands. He shook it out, letting it settle around to frame his torso. “Are they that attractive?”

Tranis shrugged. “All I saw were the men. They don’t do much for me. One was nearly as fit as we are, but the rest were too skinny or soft. And only one had any real height to him, but he was still shorter than our average.”

“You like something about them.” Degorsk ogled Tranis’ unrepentant erection.

Tranis chuckled at his own stampeding libido. “I was wondering if the women were as varied. I couldn’t help but imagine one with fairer skin. Really light in contrast with our coloring. Not so slender like the one man, but having yielding flesh, all rounded and curved.”

He was making things worse. His cocks throbbed. Tranis shook himself to release the fantasy that wouldn’t let go of his imagination.

Degorsk grinned. “She sounds absolutely wonderful. I’d like to meet such a woman myself.”

“Maybe it will happen. Who knows?” Tranis looked the Imdiko over. “Meanwhile, I’m perfectly happy with what is in front of me.”

Degorsk took a step back and sat on the edge of his sleeping mat. He reached and grabbed a handful of Tranis’ straining crotch. “Prove it.”

Tranis groaned to have that firm grasp on his dicks. He didn’t resist as Degorsk pulled him close. The Imdiko opened Tranis’ formsuit, spilling his eager flesh out.

Every sense came to life as Degorsk kissed the tip of Tranis’ smaller cock, then the larger. Tranis closed his eyes, letting the delicious sensations take him over. Soft lips delighting his lengths with moist kisses. Wet, scratchy tongue laving him, making him harder, wetter. Warm, decadent mouth enclosing his eager cocks. The sound of a throat working as it swallowed the lubricating juices pouring from his skin. A hot, tight fist gripping the base of the secondary cock, pulling on his flesh, making things inside go tight. Hungry mouth driving over the larger prick, sucking him again and again, releasing slowly as that knowing tongue rubbed over the pulsing vein beneath.

A knot of hot tension grew at the bases of Tranis’ cocks. It moved, slowly filling the rear one, making it swell bigger and harder in Degorsk’s fist. The pressure kept growing until that prick couldn’t take anymore. It began to spill into his primary dick, heat starting to surge beyond Tranis’ limits. He gasped, his eyes flying open.

“Hold … hold on, Imdiko. I’m about to come.”

Degorsk didn’t release his lower cock, but his mouth stopped its incredible work on the other. The medic’s purple eyes flicked up to gaze into Tranis’ face. A mischievous smile played around his lips, and he reached to the back of his belt as if searching for something.

“I’m certainly not ready for you to do that,” he said. He released Tranis’ cock and transferred something from one hand to the other. He abruptly grabbed both of Tranis’ wrists, then stood, shoving the Dramok back a step.

Tranis had only an instant to feel something binding his arms before Degorsk twisted him around and shoved him facedown onto the sleeping mat. He realized the Imdiko had put hover cuffs on him, but he was too busy instinctively putting his hands out to stop his fall.

“What?” he cried as his palms slammed down on the bedding.

Degorsk was laughing as he said, “Pin subject in place.”

Just like that, Tranis’ hands and forearms were glued to the mat. He yanked against the cuffs, knowing the futility of struggle but unable to keep from doing it anyway.

He twisted his head to bare his fangs at Degorsk. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Degorsk was busy stripping, revealing his body and avid cocks. “Showing a young Dramok that Imdikos sometimes like to be on top.”

“You bastard! Let me go.”

The Imdiko cocked an eyebrow at him. “Now Tranis, relax. You know how good a dick up your ass feels.”

“I know no such thing!”

Degorsk looked startled for an instant. Then he grinned. Then he started laughing. “Commander, are you a virgin?”

Tranis scowled, feeling his face flush with humiliation. “Of course not! I fucked you, didn’t I?”

Degorsk had his formsuit and boots off now. He worked the seams of Tranis’ formsuit, baring him even as he continued to chuckle. “I mean an ass virgin. Oh my, I knew you were a dominant bastard, but I never thought you hadn’t been on the bottom before!” He gave Tranis’ naked ass a slap.

Tranis growled, only partly from the sting. “I have been on the bottom. Twice. I hated it.”

Degorsk finally stopped laughing. He stroked Tranis’ butt. “Sounds to me like you weren’t with very good lovers.”

The Dramok barely contained a shiver as the other man’s caresses made his cocks ache anew. When he got his hands on that damned doctor…

“I think I’m just not suited for being on the bottom. I will certainly not be topped by an Imdiko. Let me up now. That’s an order, Degorsk.”

Degorsk continued to fondle his buttocks. A finger traced the crack of his ass, and Tranis did shiver then.

The Imdiko said softly, “We’re not on duty, Tranis. And I am not going to let you up until I’ve filled you with my cock. Properly, so that you enjoy it.”

He suddenly grabbed a handful of the Dramok’s hair, pulling his head back as he straddled the younger man’s body. Tranis yelped, surprised to be dominated by the doctor. By an Imdiko. While his mouth was open with the cry, Degorsk took advantage of it, pressing a demanding kiss to Tranis’ lips. His tongue swept in, tasting the Dramok thoroughly.

Tranis tried to jerk away. His tongue shoved at Degorsk’s, trying to push it out of his mouth. He couldn’t break free, couldn’t stop that insistent kiss from having its way. Damn it, Degorsk tasted good, all male, all lust. And he knew how to tease Tranis’ senses until he couldn’t think of resisting. The Imdiko’s tongue stroked his mouth, searching, tasting, discovering until Tranis was moaning and kissing him back, his ability to think wiped clean.

Adding to the luscious possession were those fingers tracing up and down the crevice of Tranis’ ass, pausing to circle his anus with a touch that made everything in his groin clench tight. The Dramok parted his thighs without realizing it, offering more for the gentle fondling. His ass rose off the mat, encouraging more play. Degorsk’s stroking fingers wandered to his cocks, sliding over the wet flesh until Tranis cried out. Then he went back to Tranis’ anus. A slippery finger settled on the aperture and pushed in.

It didn’t hurt, but memories of pain flooded in as Degorsk pumped a long, thick finger in and out of Tranis’ ass. The Dramok screamed his denial and fought, kicking and bucking against the other man, trying to dislodge the invasion. Degorsk let go of his hair. His grip suddenly settled around Tranis’ main cock, and he squeezed.

The air left Tranis’ body in an instant and he froze. Degorsk’s grip ached, just a hairsbreadth from actual pain. The Dramok rolled his wide-eyed gaze back to take in the Imdiko’s set expression.

Degorsk said, “Behave yourself if you want to keep both cocks.”

Tranis swallowed. “You wouldn’t.”

The Imdiko rolled his eyes. “Fine, I won’t rip it off. But I will hurt you to make you behave. A Dramok isn’t always in charge, you know. Sometimes he lets his clanmates take the lead for the good of all. Even his Imdiko. I’m ready to give you that lesson.”

Tranis’ brows drew together. “The Dramok is the leader.”

Another eyeroll. “The smart Dramok steps aside in matters he is not the expert on. Would you tell me, an Imdiko doctor, how to perform surgery just because you’re a Dramok?”

“Of course not.” Tranis tried to shift a bit, trying to find a way to relieve some of that aching pressure Degorsk was putting on his cock. All that got him was Degorsk sticking another finger up his ass. He groaned. That part didn’t hurt, but he remembered all too well how things in his butt could be painful.

Degorsk continued to speak, all the while working the tight ring of Tranis’ anus, loosening him for use. “Nor would I let you command me in a medical setting. In things I know, I insist on taking the lead. And I know quite a bit about sex, my controlling Dramok.”

“But you’re an Imdiko.”

The medic sighed. “Imdiko doesn’t equal submissive. True, I am the gentler breed of our people, but I also have my assertive tendencies. And just as I need to express when I’m feeling pain, I need to express my dominance sometimes as well.”

Tranis couldn’t help the snarl that twisted his face. “So do it with another Imdiko.”

Degorsk answered the snarl with one of his own. “I prefer the challenge of a stubborn Dramok. Besides, you need to know how it feels to be on the receiving end. No Imdiko will clan with a Dramok who doesn’t intimately understand what it means to surrender himself.”

Tranis clenched his teeth. He didn’t want to be on the bottom. He desperately didn’t want Degorsk’s fat cock up his ass. Despite all that, he did understand what Degorsk was telling him. Worst of all, he knew the Imdiko was right.

“Fuck!” he swore.

Degorsk grinned. “Oh, I plan to. The question is, will I have to do so with you fighting me the whole way?”

“I can’t talk you out of this?”

“No. Just as it was good for me to take a beating and unleash my pent-up angst, it’s good for you to get your ass filled with a cock.” Degorsk pressed a gentle kiss to the Dramok’s temple. “Don’t worry, Tranis. I promise to be gentle. You might even be surprised how good I can make it feel.”

“Bastard.” Tranis considered. He was going to get assfucked. There was no way around it. There was also no way his dominant nature would not kick in once Degorsk started shoving his cock in. Tranis knew he wouldn’t be able to resist fighting the Imdiko. His feet and legs were still free, and that was more than enough liberty for him to do some damage to the other man.

He could possibly hurt Degorsk badly. Tranis swallowed, knowing without another set of hovercuffs immobilizing his legs, there was only one option left. One he really hated because it meant giving over every bit of control he had. Still, it was the only way he could guarantee the Imdiko’s safety. For some reason, that was more important than avoiding the reaming he was about to get.

“You’d better bite me. I don’t think I can help but fight you unless I’m well intoxicated.”

“That is not a problem.”

Degorsk moved down, his tongue sliding over Tranis’ spine. Sparkling delight running up to his skull and down to his ass made Tranis gasp. He’d had no idea he was sensitive to touch there.

At some point during his earlier struggle, Tranis had gotten his knees under him. His ass was in the air, he realized. He felt like he was offering himself in a demeaning fashion, and started to slide his legs down.

“No, no,” Degorsk said, his harsh grip on Tranis’ cock loosening so he could stroke down to the tip and back up. “Stay right where you are, ass up and legs spread. I’m going to bite your thigh.”

“The position is humiliating,” Tranis groaned, but he obeyed.

“You don’t mind when I’m like that.”

That was true. Tranis had taken both Degorsk and Lidon in similar positions, enjoying his mastery over them. Now he was getting a little of that back. Tranis ground his teeth together and didn’t move.

Degorsk kissed the cheeks of his raised ass, mouthing them wetly. His fingers continued to work in and out. It almost felt good. Tranis concentrated on that, fighting to banish past trauma from his mind. The two men he’d lost superior position to years ago, both Dramoks, had been as young and inexperienced as he. Clumsy. Eager for their own pleasure. It had been both painful and humiliating to have his ass fucked by them. He had vowed he would never be on the bottom again after the second incident.

He couldn’t think about that. If he did, he’d fight this. Degorsk’s kisses were moving down to his left thigh. He’d be biting Tranis soon, making him compliant. Making him want to please. Mother of All, was he really going to allow this to happen?

Twin darts of pain announced entrance of the Imdiko’s fangs into his flesh. Tranis squeezed his eyes shut. An instant later, the slight discomfort was over. The Dramok shuddered, waiting for the venom to take command from him. To put him at Degorsk’s mercy. Damn it, this sucked.

The first curls of euphoria wafted through his body and mind. A part of Tranis’ dominating personality resisted, trying to drive the intoxication back. He didn’t want this. He didn’t. Want this. He. Didn’t. Want. This. Didn’t…

The thread of his thoughts drifted apart, replaced by glowing warmth. The tension in his body softened. He sighed. The mouth on his thigh withdrew. A languorous tongue licked over the spot, and Tranis’ cocks hummed with pleasure.

“Are you all right, Tranis?” a deep, soothing voice asked.

The Dramok’s eyes fluttered open. One side of his face was pressed into the soft surface of bedding. He faced the wall, on which hung a mold of a very nice ass. An ass he absolutely loved. He smiled.

“I’m good,” he sighed.

The chuckle behind and over him rumbled through his body. The other man … Degorsk … was pleased. That made Tranis feel even better.

“Tell me, how does this feel?” The fingers in his ass pressed deep inside him and moved against a spot that sent lightning surging into his cocks. Tranis was suddenly on the verge of climax. A yell flew from his throat.

“Good reaction.” Degorsk sounded terribly amused.

When Tranis found his breath again, he said, “Shit! What the fuck? Is that what the rest of you are so crazy about?”

“See what being such an aggressive Dramok has made you miss out on? You’ll like my cock in there even more.”

Tranis moaned and wriggled, trying to get Degorsk to stroke that bit again. He’d known all about how rubbing the prostate made others excited, had used it to guarantee his lovers’ enjoyment when he’d fucked them. But after his prior encounters, the Dramok had decided he simply wasn’t geared for being fucked himself.

Maybe he’d been wrong. “Damn. I almost came.” He couldn’t seem to get the Imdiko to touch him there again, no matter how he tried to shove back onto the man’s fingers. Degorsk was much more intent on stretching the tight sphincter muscles.

“I think you’re ready for the main event.” Degorsk withdrew his fingers, and Tranis groaned at the sudden emptiness.

The loss didn’t last for long. Something hot and thick brushed Tranis’ ass, settled against the opening. The Dramok was aware of muscled thighs between his, of one hand gripping his hip, of a fist guiding that burning, slick hardness to the opening. Degorsk was pressing his main cock in, the tapered appendage widening. Tranis couldn’t help but tighten up instinctively, and pain seared. The euphoria from the Imdiko’s bite vanished.

Tranis howled and jerked, trying to get away from the monstrous invader. “Stop, stop, stop!”

Degorsk held still and stroked Tranis’ hair. “Relax. Tensing up makes it hurt.”

“Your huge prick makes it hurt, you sadistic shit!”

The Imdiko’s gentle touch caressed his shuddering body all over. “Well, thank you for acknowledging my endowment. Now relax.”

Tranis buried his face in the sleeping mat’s surface. “Fuck.” The intoxication was making a comeback, urging him to give Degorsk what he wanted, to deliver himself for his pleasure. He concentrated on making himself relax and opening. Just like that, the worst of the agony abated. There was only a slight ache left.

“That’s better,” Degorsk praised, and warmth filled Tranis’ mind to hear it.

He breathed deeply, putting all his will into keeping his body soft, to accept the rigid thickness forging into him. And while the ache deepened, slowly blooming from minor to moderate discomfort, it wasn’t as horrendous as what he’d suffered before. Not even close. Not that he was ready to be on the bottom again anytime soon. It still wasn’t that much fun.

Degorsk continued to stroke Tranis’ shoulders, back, and buttocks. “I’m all the way in. Doing all right?”

Tranis peered up at him from over his shoulder. “Terrific. I’ve got a monster cock up my ass. How do you stand it?”

Degorsk snickered and shook his head. “Oh, you get used to it.”

Get used to a dick splitting him in two? Tranis couldn’t imagine it. “I wish you’d stop laughing at me.”

Degorsk’s grin widened. “Sorry. It’s just so much drama when I know what’s coming next.”

Tranis frowned. “What?”

“This.” Degorsk’s hips moved back, slowly emptying Tranis.

It was a relief to have that girth slipping out. More than a relief in fact. It was almost arousing. Tranis’ much diminished erection twitched with renewed life as the friction sparked deep within.

Degorsk pressed back in, shifting to change the angle of entrance. His cock slid over that hot spot his fingers had found earlier. A blast of sheer pleasure billowed through Tranis’ groin, bringing his cocks to rigid attention. His head came up and he shouted at the ceiling.

“Oh yes. Now you’re getting the idea,” Degorsk said in approval.

Degorsk began fucking him in earnest, slowly, steadily, striking that cum spot each and every time with perfect precision. Tranis gasped with every stroke, heavy pleasure gathering in a ball at the base of his cocks. He forgot all about how unnatural it felt to be beneath another. The ache of being taken faded under the growing bliss of being handled by a man who knew what he was doing. Indeed, the Dramok strained against the hovercuffs holding him hostage, trying to buck harder and faster against Degorsk. The need to climax was robbing him of any kind of restraint. The heat had spilled into his back cock, where it pulsed demandingly, begging for the Imdiko to take him without mercy.

“Please, Degorsk,” he moaned.

A strong hand closed over his front prick near the tip. Tranis uttered a small scream as Degorsk’s thumb swept over the opening, discovering the wetness weeping from there. Pleasure surged, eager to spill into and out of his forward cock. Tranis shuddered all over, moments from climax.

“Good, Tranis. But it’s not quite time yet. Only the ancestors know when you’ll allow yourself to surrender again, and I intend to get every moment of enjoyment from this that I can.”

The Imdiko’s hand moved down to the base of his primary cock, the firm grip strangling off the impending orgasm. Tranis pounded his forehead against the soft sleeping mat in frustration. He had no choice but to lie there helpless as Degorsk took all the time he wanted to enjoy his ass, climax boiling just behind the tight fist holding it back.

Degorsk continued to thrust hard against that delicious spot, torturing Tranis with vicious pleasure. He moved easily within him now, and there was no hint of pain. There was only devouring demand that he be fucked and his cock released to spew its pleasure. Every explosion of breath that left his lungs was a plea for release.

“How does it feel, Tranis?” Degorsk asked.

Tranis only shrieked between tightly clenched teeth. He didn’t want to have a conversation, damn it! He wanted to climax!

“I asked how it feels. Answer me,” the Imdiko growled. A hand slapped Tranis’ ass stingingly.

The heat somehow only made the need to come worse. Every sensation fed the Dramok’s desperation.

“It feels like I’m going to fucking explode,” he howled, except it sounded an awful lot like he was sobbing instead.

“Does it feel good?”

The son of a bitch was determined to make him admit he was enjoying submitting. Which wasn’t true at all; Tranis was simply liking the sensations the very talented Imdiko was treating him to.

Like? Fuck that. Tranis had never been so aroused, so desperate for climax his entire life. And if the only way to relieve that brutal need was to make Degorsk happy, he’d do it.

“It feels wonderful. I love having your cock up my ass. Being fucked by you is the single greatest event in my life. Damn it, Degorsk, please!”

Degorsk laughed breathlessly. “Somehow I doubt all that, but I believe we’ve both suffered enough. Let’s do this.”

With that, the Imdiko pounded furiously into him, his groin making whipcrack sounds against Tranis’ rear. His cock now drove mercilessly against the hot spot, and the swollen sensation of need doubled, tripled, quadrupled. Tranis shrieked into the bed linens as elation became torture.

Then Degorsk was pumping his cock hard, jerking him off with powerful strokes. “Come, Tranis!”

White light and a roaring filled Tranis’ senses. Cum poured into his primary dick in a molten stream, then burst free in violent pulses. He screamed and screamed and screamed as all that raw passion finally shot from him, bathing his belly and chest.

At last the ferocious throbbing eased. He was just coming to his senses when Degorsk groaned and rammed himself in tight. Tranis felt the Imdiko’s cock jerk, shooting his seed deep into Tranis’ ass. Degorsk groaned again, a long, grating expulsion of pleasure as he filled the Dramok.

After a few moments Degorsk lay down on top of Tranis, his long, midnight hair falling over them both in a curtain. He nuzzled his face into the back of Tranis’ neck, making happy sounds.

The Dramok couldn’t help but chuckle at his lover’s antics. “Okay, you silly creature. I still prefer being the one in control, but that’s worth doing from time to time. With you, at any rate.”

He could hear the smile in Degorsk’s tone. “So glad I could clear that up for you. Shower?”

“Hell yes.”

Degorsk let him up, and they crowded into his cramped shower stall to wash each other. They were thorough but hurried in their need to get to bed and gain much needed rest. A quick change of linens and the pair collapsed onto its surface, Tranis spooning behind the Imdiko and wrapping his arms and a leg around the warm body. Degorsk sighed as if he was the most contented man in the universe. His eyes slid shut almost immediately.

Tranis waited until Degorsk’s breath evened out before following him into sleep.

Chapter 12

Degorsk hummed to himself as he sat down behind his desk to go over the reports from the shift before. Medical still had quite a few ailing men from the battle with the Tragooms, but the wounded were no longer spilling into the extended patient area. No one had died overnight. His wall that had once sported his butt was woefully empty, but the reason behind that was a good one. And he’d slept the night through without nightmares, probably due to the very nice body warmth of a certain Dramok. Now that he thought about it, every time he slept with Tranis and/or Lidon, he didn’t have to fight off bad dreams.

All in all, life wasn’t half bad.

When Lidon stepped into his open office door, Degorsk felt a surge of pleasure. Funny how it made him ridiculously happy to see the same man he’d so recently done everything in his power to avoid.

He wiped off his initial bright smile to give the Nobek a stern look. “You’d better not be after more stim tabs. I won’t authorize another shift, Weapons Commander.”

The corners of Lidon’s mouth curled upwards. He looked tired, but not nearly as exhausted as he should, given how little rest he’d had these last few days. Tough Nobek. “I just wanted to stop in and consult with my ship’s doctor before getting some sleep.”

“Oh, so this is an official visit then.” Degorsk knew the goofy smile that returned was not professional in the least. Fuck it; he was in a good mood. Seeing Lidon only made him feel happier.

Lidon grinned back at him. “Well, you are on duty. I like hearing you’re disappointed it’s not of a more personal nature, my Imdiko.”

He sat down in the seat on the other side of Degorsk’s desk and winced. The doctor immediately leaned forward. He kept his voice light, but concern threaded its way into his tone. “Can I offer a pain inhibitor, or will that earn me another beating?”

Lidon shook his head. “I have enough to allow me to sleep.” The smile dropped off his face. His eyes studied the desk between them, and the Imdiko sensed he was gathering himself to say something important.

Lidon kept his gaze lowered when he finally did speak. “Degorsk, I need to have better mobility with this leg. I can’t begin to tell you how frustrating it was when I couldn’t accompany you into the mine. And though Piras didn’t use it as an excuse for leaving me behind on Wetor, he could have.”

Degorsk knew what it cost a man of Lidon’s bearing to say that. To admit he was incapable of performing his duties the way he should must be devastating to his pride. At the same time, the Imdiko felt a sense of quiet pleasure that Lidon knew he was safe to share such a confidence with him. That he trusted him as a clanmate should.

Keeping his tone noncommittal, Degorsk said, “You fulfilled your tasks on the mining colony in such a way that no one can say you were remiss. The Wetor situation did turn out for the best, as well.”

Lidon met his gaze. “We were lucky with that defensive shielding.” He blew out a breath. “I’m proud of my marks of honor, and I don’t want to lose a single one. But I have to be able to do my job effectively. Not for one moment can my capabilities be in doubt.”

Degorsk wasn’t going to make the Nobek ask for help outright. “The best surgeons for your type of injury are back on Kalquor.”

“You could do it.”

The Imdiko smiled, inwardly delighted at Lidon’s confidence in his abilities. But he wasn’t going to let that pride do a disservice to his lover. “I could, but a doctor usually tries to avoid major procedures on those he’s emotionally invested in. As much as I hate to admit it, there are better surgeons who will do a better job.”

Lidon scowled. “Somehow I doubt that.”

“I’ll start looking for the best doctor for you. Once I’ve found someone I’m happy with, I’ll arrange leave for your surgery.”

“Make that leave for both of us. I want you at my side wherever I go.”

Degorsk’s heart swelled painfully at the blatant affection. To cover up how stupidly joyful he felt, he joked, “I feel like throwing a party to celebrate you showing some sense, you stubborn Nobek.”

Lidon snorted. “Well, I figured if I’m lucky enough for us to actually clan, you’ll never let me hear the end of it if I don’t fix my leg.”

“You’d be absolutely right.” Degorsk licked his lips. “I don’t suppose you have any particular Dramok in mind since Piras is out of the picture?”

The Nobek grinned at him. “The same young, overachieving one you’d like to clan with.”

Degorsk laughed. They were on the same page then, and that was good. “He is a challenge, isn’t he?”

“Anything worth having usually is.”

“Is that in the Book of Life?”

“Section seven, fortieth verse.”

* * * *

Tranis was halfway through his shift when the transport doors opened and Lidon walked out onto the bridge. The Nobek had gone off duty only five hours before, badly in need of rest. Yet he looked as lethal as ever, not in the least tired.

Lidon’s eyes immediately searched Tranis out and gave him a nod. Something in the Dramok warmed. When he’d first joined this crew, it had been Piras the weapons commander had looked to right away.

I really need to remember my goals. Career first, clan second. It makes perfect sense given my age, even if plenty of other Dramoks at this stage have already started their clans.

Yet Tranis kept thinking that if he managed to attract Lidon for a Nobek, Degorsk would be part of the deal. And the same was true reversed. The pair appealed to him as none had before. Any Dramok would be a fool to pass up the chance if it was given. But could they ever seriously consider a clan leader so much younger than themselves?

Tranis went back to the readouts on his station. He needed to concentrate on his duties, not the wish he’d found Lidon and Degorsk a few years farther down the road. There was big work ahead, work that not only could further his ambitions, but also meant the safety of the Empire. Stupid romantic notions had no place in his head right now.

He reported, “I am sorry it was necessary to interrupt your rest shift, Weapons Commander. We are nearing the experimental Joshadan-Earther colony. Pilot Georgehuberts has warned us this is as close as we can get because of sensor grid the Tragooms have employed.”

Lidon replaced his second at the weapon command station and studied the vids reporting the situation. His grimace was no surprise to Tranis. The security grid was of Bi’isil origin. The superior technology was far too sensitive for a large Kalquorian destroyer to slip through without alerting the Tragoom fleet to their presence. Georgehuberts and his crew had managed to escape undetected because of the size of the Joshadan shuttle. The tiny ship had been small enough to scrape through the fine net of sensors.

When Lidon spoke, he actually sounded pleased. “One of our fighters could slip in. I volunteer for a recon mission.”

Tranis frowned. The Nobek was absolutely right that a Kalquorian fighter could get through without giving any alarm. He looked at the thus-far silent Piras, who was doing his own frowning at the readouts.

The young first officer came to a quick decision. Without taking the time to consider if it was a good idea, he said, “The weapons commander’s suggestion is a valid one, Captain. However, I don’t think one man should go alone, for obvious reasons. If I may make a recommendation, the grid would allow a two-man fighter to sneak through. I volunteer to accompany Commander Lidon on his mission.”

Lidon stared at him with sharp eyes, though his expression was bland. Tranis couldn’t guess what the Nobek was thinking. Meanwhile, Piras pursed his lips and frowned deeper than ever. Tranis didn’t think the captain’s concern had anything to do with personal issues this time. Piras’ expression was one of a man seriously weighing the risks and opportunities as any captain should.

Finally he nodded. “The destroyer will remain here on this side of the grid and await your report as well as the arrival of the rest of the fleet. We still have five days before the first wave of our defenders shows up to take on this force, so that’s what I’m giving you. Find out what you can, and if you can disable any of the Tragoom force, do so.”

Piras looked from one man to the other, letting them know how important the situation was. As if they didn’t already know, but again, Piras was being the captain. “No doubt that Earther battlecruiser has returned to the main group warning them we’ve been alerted, so they could move at any time. If it looks like they are leaving orbit, get back here on the double. I won’t be able to wait long before I must fall back with the rest of the fleet.”

Tranis and Lidon both said, “Yes, Captain.”

Lidon looked at Tranis, “We should begin our preparations immediately.”

“Agreed.”

They both went straight to ship’s transport. The instant the door closed and Lidon told it to take them to the fighter bay, he raised an eyebrow at Tranis. “Can’t stand to be away from me?”

Tranis pretended to be offended. “You know we have a better chance of doing some damage to the Tragooms if there are two of us.”

One side of Lidon’s mouth lifted, letting Tranis know he wasn’t fooled in the least. “Degorsk will not be happy about this.”

Tranis sighed. “Which is why I need to make sure his Nobek returns to him in as few pieces as possible. I’ve decided I don’t like him to become displeased with me.”

Lidon grinned broadly. “So, you’ve learned the Imdiko breed isn’t one of pushovers? I did warn you.”

“Yes, you did. Make sure he gives you your hover cuffs back.”

Lidon chuckled, not bothering to deny he’d handed Degorsk the means to overcome Tranis with. The smug bastard.

Keep laughing, Tranis thought sourly. I’ll get you back for helping him. His sudden hard grin made Lidon shut up and eye him suspiciously.

Tranis only grinned all the more. You’d better be nervous, Nobek. You’re not the only one who can wield discipline.

They reached the corridor that led to the fighter bay. The pair walked down it, their steps quick. Rounding a bend, Tranis slowed as he saw a glowering Degorsk waiting for them in the middle of the walkway. Lidon never missed a step, and Tranis hurried to keep up.

The Imdiko’s worry beneath a veneer of anger was easy to see. He snarled at them, “Going somewhere?”

Lidon stopped before him and regarded him steadily. “Listening in on bridge business?”

Degorsk’s eyes narrowed. “We’re heading into a situation that could mean high casualties. Of course I’m monitoring the bridge.” His voice lowered. “Besides, you’ve claimed me as your Imdiko, Lidon. Anything to do with you is my business.”

Lidon gave him a slight nod. “Then walk with us and we’ll discuss it.”

Degorsk fell into step with the other two men, keeping pace between them. “Is this really necessary? Can’t others go instead of you two?”

You two. Tranis warmed to hear Degorsk was just as worried for him as Lidon. Keeping his mien professional, he said, “As the second and third ranked officers of this destroyer, it would be irresponsible to send anyone else on a mission of this magnitude.”

A public display of affection from an officer on duty was frowned upon. However, the need to comfort the obviously upset Degorsk overwhelmed Tranis. He brushed his hand against the doctor’s. “We will be careful, Imdiko.”

Degorsk swallowed. They reached the fighter bay doors, which opened obediently.

The grouping of two-man fighters was smaller than the single-man vessels, and they were docked along the far side of the bay. There had been talk of discontinuing their use because of the greater effectiveness of the smaller, faster craft. Speed and the adroitness of movement had replaced the need to have fighter pilots face in opposite directions to fire at the enemy. Tranis was glad it hadn’t come to that yet. Otherwise, Lidon would be going in alone.

Crewmembers were already preparing one of the vessels for him and Lidon, storing supplies they’d need for five days of recon. Tranis had basic training on piloting and firing the weapons, having made a point of getting in as much experience on everything to do with a destroyer-class ship. Still, he knew this was Lidon’s game. Once they were in flight it would be the Nobek in charge until they landed. The first officer had no problem with that.

As they headed towards the fighter, Degorsk muttered, “Nobeks and young Dramoks bent on making their mark don’t know how to be careful.”

Lidon gave him a sidelong glance. “We’re not fools, my Imdiko. With you to come back to, I’ll be extremely cautious. For a Nobek,” he amended. There was no point in offering false security when they all knew Lidon would do his job to secure the Empire’s safety, no matter the danger to himself.

Degorsk halted, grabbing their arms to make them stop too. He looked from one man to the other, his face expressing misery. “Then promise. Swear you’ll return and you won’t be in pieces when you do.”

Lidon gaze was gentle, but his tone held no compromise. “You of all people know there are no guarantees.”

“Then lie to me, damn you. I don’t want to think I’ll have two more men to mourn. I can’t do this again, Lidon. It will destroy me.” The Imdiko was shaking, and Tranis was nearly desperate to embrace him. For the sake of his rank, he couldn’t.

Lidon had no such reservations. He reached up and stroked Degorsk’s cheek once. “In five days, we’ll meet you back here. We’ll be tired and filthy but whole and ready to fuck you senseless. This is my promise to you, my Imdiko.”

Degorsk stared at him a moment more, then finally jerked a nod. He turned his agonized attention to Tranis.

The Dramok wanted nothing more than to wipe the hopeless, despairing look from Degorsk’s face. Not that he would stay behind for the doctor’s peace of mind. No, Tranis’ whole being was tuned to keeping this man safe from the Tragoom threat that loomed. More than anyone else, Tranis wanted Degorsk to not be afraid, to not have to face danger, to not be harmed by a vicious enemy. The intensity of the emotion stunned him.

He couldn’t help but wonder, is this how a Dramok feels for an Imdiko he’s meant to clan?

Steeling his voice to not give away the tumultuous feelings, Tranis said, “We will return to you, Degorsk. And if I’m not in good enough health for your liking, I give you permission to cuff me and make me do whatever you like.”

Degorsk was not amused by Tranis’ attempt at humor. He said, “I guess that will have to do, won’t it?”

The Imdiko took a step away from them. He abruptly turned and ran out of the bay, heading back into the bowels of the ship in a blur of movement. He was gone.

Lidon’s forced lack of emotion betrayed just how moved he really was. “He’s strong enough to survive another loss, if it comes to that.”

Tranis glared at him. “It had better not, Nobek. Is that clear?”

Lidon blinked at him. After only a moment’s hesitation, he bowed his head. “Yes, Dramok.”

They turned to their fighter, hurrying to it without another word. They got to work, double checking the crew’s preparations for their flight and the supplies for their trip.

An hour later, the destroyer was nothing but a mote of distant light behind the fighter. Tranis had watched it grow smaller as they flew away. Lidon faced forward, piloting as expertly as if he still flew almost every day. Before him, the gas giant Sujaptrin grew, along with its tiny moon Phescxo, where the Joshadan-Earther colony was located.

Being a two-man fighter, there was no real forward or aft section. Only the direction it flew determined that. The craft ended in points each way with propulsion jets sticking out of its sides. It was like a two-sided javelin with burners to power it when the landing struts, weapons arrays, and explosive launchers were hidden inside their ports.

Before each man was a console that lit with navigation, armament, targeting, and power information. Their data was enhanced by a steady stream coming from the destroyer’s more sensitive instruments. For now, Tranis had nothing to do. He simply looked at his console to see Lidon’s impeccable piloting skills slip them with astounding ease through the Tragooms’ tight security grid.

Tranis let relief wash through him as they left behind the grid. They still had hours of travel ahead and little to fill it with inside the cramped fighter. He turned his head to regard Lidon, sitting next to him facing the opposite direction.

“So. Degorsk.”

Lidon engaged the auto pilot function to take them to the Phescxo colony before meeting Tranis’ gaze. “What of him?”

“After all he’s been through, he’s finally considering clanning again. For an Imdiko, that wouldn’t be so hard considering how few of them there are compared to our breeds. But the Dramoks your age usually have a Nobek already.”

Lidon nodded slowly, his steady stare never leaving Tranis’ face. “The odds of clanning as a pair are against us, if we concentrated on finding a Dramok nearer our age and rank.”

“Not to mention Degorsk’s constant teasing can be a little hard for some men to take. And you know I don’t mean insult when I say that. I like Degorsk.”

The Nobek wasn’t offended. “His humor is a defense mechanism he developed to keep anyone from getting too close. He’s been afraid of committing to anyone since losing the men he was set to clan with.”

“I figured that out. It’s a waste because when you get past the bad jokes, he’s an Imdiko well worth having.”

Lidon smiled. “Yes, he absolutely is. If no Dramok will have us both, then I will still be content with him alone.”

Tranis thought for a few moments, aware he was about to tread on dangerous ground. “May I ask a very personal question?”

Lidon raised an eyebrow. “Have you asked anything else?”

Tranis laughed at that. “You’ve been most patient with my curiosity. This one might get me punched, however. In such close quarters, I can’t avoid being pummeled.”

Both eyebrows were up now. “Well, now you have me curious. Ask whatever, Tranis. If I’m offended, I’ll wait until you have room to run before I come after you.”

Tranis scowled. “I never said I’d run. Maneuvering room to fight back is all I ask.”

Lidon grinned. “Done. Ask your question.”

“Are you in love with Degorsk?”

Lidon eyed him sharply. Nobeks as a rule were not in the habit of proclaiming love for anyone but their mothers, young children, and Mataras. It was acceptable to laud females with both words and deeds. But among the warrior breed, speaking of softer emotions to other men was often seen as a weakness. A Nobek who uttered such words to his chosen Dramok or Imdiko was thought to be insulting them. It was an admission that he was incapable of protecting his clanmates.

After a couple of beats during which Tranis wondered if his companion would punch him after all, Lidon shrugged and turned to his console. “Yes, and if you tell anyone I said so, I’ll hurt you to the point you’d wish you were dead. I will not have Degorsk knowing I committed the affront of speaking of it.”

“No need. You have demonstrated your devotion quite well. I just had to know for sure.”

Lidon’s eyes were on him again. “Why?”

It was Tranis’ turn to look away. “Because it’s obvious that Degorsk loves you just as much. He needs you to return alive.”

“As I told him, there are no guarantees of that.”

“I know. But you can do your best to be careful. You have your duty to the Empire, but you also have a duty to him. I want you to keep in mind how devastated he’ll be if anything happens to you. Especially if you get killed unnecessarily.”

After a few moments of silence, Lidon said in a quiet voice, “He has suffered enough. I would not be the cause of more pain to Degorsk. Since he cares for you as well, you would be well advised to use as much caution as possible too.”

They flew for awhile without speaking after that. Tranis felt better having elicited Lidon’s protective instincts for Degorsk. It meant the Nobek would perhaps not endanger himself more than was absolutely necessary.

Lidon spoke after some time. “Now I’m concerned you have heard my admission. Perhaps I need to keep you close from now on to make sure you never speak of it.”

Tranis looked over to see the weapons commander’s steady gaze on him once more. The hint of a mocking smile played around the Nobek’s lips.

He warmed as he realized what Lidon was saying. Would he really set aside their age difference and consider Tranis as his Dramok? And what would that mean for Tranis’ ambitions? After all, he’d not planned to clan anyone until he’d attained the rank of captain. But for the chance to clan men like Lidon and Degorsk, Tranis would be as foolish as Piras to postpone such an opportunity. Neither of them would be an impediment to his career.

Tranis lifted his chin in challenge. “Keeping me near enough to watch might be a good idea, seeing as I’m so young and foolish.”

Lidon never dropped his gaze for an instant. “I don’t think there is anything foolish about you, Tranis. Youth has not impeded you gaining maturity in most respects. Degorsk feels the same way.”

The Nobek went back to studying his instrumentation and readouts, letting Tranis have time to chew on that. The knowledge that Lidon and Degorsk had already discussed the possibility of being his clan, that they would seriously consider an offer to do so, had Tranis’ heart thudding fast.

They want me to ask. They want to clan with me.

Tranis’ mind whirled with the possibilities. A lifetime with Lidon and Degorsk. It was definitely something to think hard about.

They flew for several hours. In that time, the two men took turns napping and eating. With no idea of what lay before them, they concentrated on being as well rested as possible.

At last Lidon leaned forward in his seat. “Space just above the colony coming into scan range. Let’s see what we have.”

Tranis brought up his own readout. The vid flickered over his console. He gasped just as Lidon hissed.

Tranis swore. “I know Pilot Georgehuberts said it was over two hundred ships, but I thought he had to be exaggerating. Tragooms just don’t work well enough with each other to do this!”

Lidon spoke in more of a growl than a voice. “Fuck me. This is a full-scale invasion force. They’ve got fifteen of those Earther battlecruisers, fully intact. About 80 vessels made up chiefly of our own destroyer class warships. Plus Bi’isil, Yeknas, and Nasin warships. Over four hundred vessels, no doubt armed to the teeth.”

Tranis wanted to pound something. “A concentrated effort to get at the Empire and her resources. Reverse course just enough so we can send a message to Piras without being detected.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Lidon piloted them out of sensor range, and Tranis transmitted their findings back to the destroyer over a scrambled frequency.

Tranis next tapped into his console. “All right. I’m inputting the codes the Earthers gave us to get into the colony’s outer contained area. Take us into the atmosphere and fly as low to the ground as you can.”

“Mapping flight plan. Activating.”

The fighter arrowed for the colony moon, approaching from the opposite side of Phescxo to avoid detection. An hour later, they entered the atmosphere. The surface was mountainous and Lidon kept their flight low. The men hoped the rugged topography would help mask their presence from the Tragooms.

As he navigated between the jutting peaks, Lidon said, “Command will scramble the main fleet for this.”

Tranis asked, “It will take five days for the first defenders to get here. How long before we have a comparable force to match the Tragooms?”

Lidon grimaced. “Probably never, at least not at the border.”

The Dramok’s heart dropped. “Really?”

“Most of our forces are near the Bi’isil end of the Empire. That’s four months away. They’ll probably go straight to Kalquor itself to mount a defense rather than come here. Georgehuberts said the Earthers don’t have anything battle-worthy closer than three months away.”

“So the answer to my question is, we’ll have about one hundred ships in five days and that’s going to be it.”

Lidon nodded. “Two hundred more that might be mobilized on this side of the Empire to stop the invasion halfway to Kalquor … if Fleet Command sends them.”

Tranis’ mouth tightened. “Is that standard strategy for defense?”

“In a situation like this with our forces scattered the way they are, the home planet itself becomes the primary concern. The first defenders will engage here to slow down the Tragooms so Kalquor’s defense can be solidified. They’ll send orders to the colonies between here and Kalquor to evacuate. No second wave will come to defend the border.”

Tranis took a deep breath. “The home planet won’t fall, but unless we find a way to stop them here, we’re going to lose a lot of ships.”

“And men.”

Tranis thought of Degorsk. The knowledge that the Imdiko was on a destroyer where he had a good chance of being killed made his chest painfully tight. He felt sick and angry all at once.

Damn it. Lidon’s not the only one in love with that man. We’ve got to find a way to stop this invasion.

Chapter 13

They were finally half a mile from the colony. It was still out of sight when Lidon set the fighter down in a valley between two hills. The larger mountains were behind them now, but the terrain was still rolling and difficult.

Lidon checked his instruments. “Gravity within our norms. Hostile environment. No oxygen, some acids in the atmosphere. Temperature is well past the boiling point.”

“What a lovely planet to stick a farming colony on.”

Lidon grinned at him, no doubt more thrilled with the challenge of adversity than put off by it. “Joshadans can make anything work to their advantage.”

“And with little technology. They are an amazing species,” Tranis agreed. “Enabling static survival interior.”

He punched in the command and the interior of the fighter began to shift. The consoles shrank away, moving out of arm’s reach for the men. Their seats sank down to foot level then lower still until they could stand upright within the cabin. The high backrests also shifted and joined with the seats, giving each man a small surface to sleep on. Tranis tapped a wall and a shelf slid out with two spacesuits and helmets. They slipped into the suits and charged them with air pressure. Then they filled the air chambers in the suits and helmets.

Ten minutes after setting down, Tranis and Lidon opened the ship’s canopy and stepped out onto Phescxo’s hostile surface.

Tranis made sure his suit com was switched on. “The contained area is half a mile to the northwest.”

Lidon eyed the baleful glow of the setting gas giant the little moon orbited. “We’ll get there as it starts to become dark. That will help with cover.”

“Let’s move.”

The pair headed towards the colony. The stark, rocky landscape was colored a hectic rust, probably because of the swirling brownish-red aspect of the planet it roamed around. The dusty surface of the moon drifted like smoky vapor with every step they took. Tranis was more impressed than ever with those who had made a colony on this inhospitable moon.

Despite his suit’s cooling system, Tranis was sweating freely. He had no doubt that even if the air hadn’t been pure poison to breathe, the heat would have cooked his unprotected body within minutes. The going was arduous too. Rocks rolled underfoot and the landscape undulated like a rolling sea.

Only a thin crescent of the setting gas giant remained above the hilly horizon when Lidon halted before Tranis. Their surroundings had dimmed appreciably since leaving the fighter.

Lidon held his hand up to signal Tranis to stay put. The Nobek crept up to an outcropping and peered around it. He motioned to Tranis to come forward, which the Dramok did, moving quietly and carefully.

Lidon said, “Colony in view, Commander.”

He moved so Tranis could take his place in looking over the landscape from their cover. The dimming light was not an issue for his immediate surroundings, but Tranis’ eyesight encountered difficulty with the distance. He switched his visor to enhanced illumination and clarity.

The containment field arced high in the air in a shimmering dome. Beneath it, the verdant green fields were a stark difference to the dead moonscape outside the containment. There were buildings made of the natural rock and mortar concocted from the moon’s sands. It was typical of the Joshadans to take advantage of natural resources they found. Tranis admired their ingenuity and ability to make something out of what no one else might see as valid materials. In contrast, the prefabricated metallic structure that squatted near the center of the colony was an aberration. A perfect square, it was even more alien than the green fields growing around it.

After getting a good look at their target, Tranis ducked back behind the outcropping. He asked Lidon, “Best place to go in?”

“According to the Earther crew we intercepted, the southern part is nothing but fields. Tragooms don’t eat plant life, so it’s likely they won’t be anywhere near that.”

“Sounds good.”

Lidon again took the lead as they picked their way carefully to the containment bubble that housed the colony. They were forced to cross a large open area to get right up to the colony. Lidon ran across it first, refusing to let his bad leg hold him to less than a black blur on the darkening landscape. He resumed clarity, crouching close to the ground right next to the containment border.

Tranis raced over to him, going as fast as his legs would take him across the dusty ground. It took only two seconds to reach Lidon’s side.

“No sign we’ve been detected,” the Nobek said.

“In we go,” Tranis answered.

Lidon crept to the shimmery field. He slipped through and was on the other side. He peered into the growing darkness and motioned for Tranis to follow.

The Dramok pressed against the containment bubble. It offered a slight resistance, then formed around his body. Then it pushed him, helping Tranis breach it to enter the colony border.

As Lidon continued to keep watch, Tranis checked his environmental readouts. “Breathable air. Let’s ditch these suits and hide them here.”

They quickly stripped down to their formsuits. Lidon was as soaked with sweat as Tranis. The containment’s cool air was delightful, if fragrant with natural fertilizer.

Lidon looked at the sliver of illuminating planet sinking below the horizon. “I think we should wait for the planet to get all the way down before we try to get to the habitations. Those fields will leave us much too exposed, even for the Tragooms’ bad eyesight.”

“Agreed.”

They didn’t have long before full night was upon them. They crept carefully across the fields, heading for the rock-hewn buildings. Tranis was very quiet, but Lidon’s passage was utterly silent despite his limp. The Dramok envied his companion’s ability to walk noiselessly. Tragooms had very good hearing, but Lidon could have followed only inches behind one without alerting it to his presence.

They reached the first buildings. The flickering of firelight now played in the gloom, and they slunk towards the closest source. They were downwind, and the rank sewage odor of Tragoom rolled over Tranis.

His stomach lurched in response, but he swallowed the burning puke rising up his throat. From the shadows, he and Lidon peered at the thick, blocky bodies squatting around their bright bonfires.

Tragooms were not pleasant to look at. They had snouted faces with tusks that erupted from their lower jaws. Their tiny, nearly blind eyes were set in bark-like flesh. There were intermittent squalling sounds as the creatures argued amongst themselves. The armored hides of the Tragooms were gray, and Tranis knew the skin was almost as hard as rock. Tragooms had very few areas on their bodies susceptible to blades. They were little more than killing machines, always looking for something to scavenge, something to eat, something to fuck.

Right now they were eating bloody chunks of meat. Some still had patches of brightly colored fur. Some had skin like Tranis’, but with varying shades from pinkish-pale to deep ebony.

Tranis’ stomach rolled again. The Tragooms were eating the colonists. He wondered if any still survived, and if so, where they were being kept. Hatred burned bright in his heart. He had heard animals lowing and calling in the distance, so he knew beasts were available for food. Yet the murdering monsters were eating other sentients.

Lidon motioned to him and they headed away from the group. They skirted the circle of stone buildings. At one point, the pair passed a field that had become a landing pad for a myriad of shuttles. What had Georgehuberts said? Two or three hundred short-range shuttles? Tranis could well believe it, looking over the acres of vessels. Many were Kalquorian-based, which pissed the Dramok off even worse.

Lidon halted before him again and motioned for Tranis to flank him. The first officer moved to the Nobek’s side. A few yards before them stood the metallic building that had stuck out so obviously from a distance. It was the largest structure, and Tragooms were milling in and out of its entrance.

Tranis nodded. From the amount of traffic, this was obviously the place the enemy was using as its headquarters. They needed to get in.

Lidon looked over the situation. Tranis did as well, but he knew the Nobek’s experience far outweighed his. He waited for Lidon to move towards the building, letting the security head take point as he was supposed to.

When the weapons commander ran towards the back of the structure, Tranis followed on his heels. Moving faster than the eye could follow, the men reached the shadow of the low building.

Once they knew they could not be easily seen, Tranis took the lead, searching for an avenue of entry into the building. Lidon went into watchful protector mode, keeping an eye out for hostiles as Tranis looked over the box-like structure.

The amount of large ductwork that the pre-fab construction possessed made him hopeful for a way in. He wished he could decipher the thin lettering he stenciled here and there, because it might tell him something of help.

Tranis walked along the side of the building, his sharp eyes taking in every inch of its surface. The multitude of pipes, openings, and seams told him the Earthers’ technology was well behind Kalquorian. It would be easy to dismiss the other race as a potential threat, except for their huge numbers. Had they really overwhelmed their home planet to the point of needing another one? The thought of such fertility, of such an immense population, was stunning.

Tranis couldn’t hear Lidon following him but knew the Nobek was right there. Despite the numbers of Tragooms in the vicinity, the first officer felt ridiculously safe with Lidon watching his back. Damn it, he was going to have to clan earlier than he’d anticipated. Still, Tranis couldn’t help but smile a little at the thought. Fate had thrown the Nobek and Degorsk in his path for a reason. Far be it for him to resist destiny.

A sight along the structure’s wall brought him back to his mission. Slightly higher than his head was a large rectangular vent, covering what might be an air intake or service ductwork. Tranis paused beneath the access and listened. The hum of machinery was apparent. It was ridiculously inefficient to use such a large air intake, but he reasoned if all the venting ducts were so large, he and Lidon would fit inside.

He shot the Nobek a glance. The other man nodded and knelt beneath the vent. Tranis hesitated to step on the crippled Lidon’s shoulders. They were the same height, but the Dramok had greater heft with his wider frame. He didn’t like the idea of stressing Lidon’s injured leg with the added weight. Maybe they should find something else he could step up on?

Lidon arched a brow at him, no doubt wondering why Tranis wasn’t getting to work. The younger man cast a quick look around, but there was nothing nearby that he could see to give him a boost. He scowled. They didn’t have time to waste. The enemy could come upon them at any time.

He placed a booted foot on Lidon’s left shoulder, the side opposite his damaged leg. Then he stepped up on the other, trying to keep most of his weight off the right. Lidon grabbed his calves to help steady him. If he felt any pain, he didn’t remark on it.

Fortunately, the vent cover was a fitted piece, not requiring bolts or anything to lock it in place. Tranis easily slid it out and stooped to let it drop quietly to the ground next to Lidon. He straightened to stick his head into the opening.

It didn’t go far before splitting into a T-shaped junction. What he could see would accommodate him easily. Tranis boosted himself in and crawled down the duct. When he reached the junction he was pleased to see the vent didn’t narrow in either direction. He and Lidon would be able to explore the building through the network easily.

Turning around wasn’t so easily accomplished however. Tranis did so in the middle of the connecting ducts and went back to the opening. He poked his head out and nodded to the waiting Lidon.

The Nobek was able to spring up using his good leg. It was just enough to get his head and shoulders into the venting. Tranis grabbed his arms and crawled backwards, dragging Lidon until he was able to wriggle his way in. Then Tranis crept backwards to get to the T-junction. They paused there.

Lidon whispered, “I hope no one notices that ductwork gaping wide open or the cover on the ground. The thought of a welcoming party waiting for us outside is not one I’m fond of.”

Tranis nodded. “It would definitely put a bad spin on things. Which way do you think?”

They both sat a moment, listening. To Tranis’ right, the sound of the air exchange was louder. That way was where the machinery to run this facility would lie, the instruments that ensured power, atmosphere, the guts of the building. Logic said go the other way.

He and Lidon both nodded towards the left at the same time.

“Too cramped to trade spaces,” Tranis grinned. “I get to lead.”

“I see it breaks your heart. Let’s go, Commander,” Lidon said, giving in gracefully.

They crawled down the vent. Tranis was getting the idea that it served as both a ventilation system and a service conduit for repairs and maintenance. It had low lighting that allowed them to see quite well. Not so inefficient after all, he supposed.

He approached an opening with a screened cover. Tranis slowed and silently crept forward, letting the room beyond come into view in increments. It was small and obviously the sleeping quarters for someone. A tiny raised bunk and a table with a handheld, an identity card, and a cup half full of dark brown liquid on its surface were all the furnishings the room could hold. No one was inside.

Tranis turned his head to murmur to Lidon. “I wish I knew the layout of this thing.”

Lidon whispered back, “It’s small. If it was used for colony headquarters, it can’t take us any more than twenty minutes to find the main control room. They’d have to have one for any shuttle traffic.”

Heartened by Lidon’s assurance that it wouldn’t take too long to find the braincenter of the colony, Tranis moved on. They found it in half the time estimated.

After crawling past more small sleeping rooms, they were suddenly there. After a quick glance inside, Tranis kept going to the nearby junction, where he and Lidon could get turned around so they might retrace their path back to their exit from the building. They did so, and now it was Lidon leading the way. They stopped and sat at the edges of the vent opening that gave them a full view of the colony’s command center.

A quick look revealed it wasn’t much more than a glorified com station with weather indicators. It possessed only the most basic of navigational surveys that would allow the ground crew to bring in shuttles destined for the landing area. A large vid showed the hundreds of vessels crowding that and the field beyond.

There wasn’t even an orbital vid that showed the Tragoom fleet stationed over the moon. Two Tragooms were in the room, each hunkered in separate corners and snuffling thickly in their sleep.

Lidon’s face was brutal with angry disappointment. “I don’t see one damned thing in here that will help us disable that fleet.”

Tranis finally saw one useful item. “No, but that looks like a remote console for the security grid over there. Of course it had to be planet-based and not on board one of the ships.”

Lidon brightened just a hair as he spied the black slate with blinking lights that was typical for Bi’isil control panels. “So it is. We can take it down at the right time at least.”

“And hurry the first wave of our defenders’ destruction.” Tranis thought about the huge number of Tragoom ships in orbit. “We need our entire fleet now. Or Earth’s.”

“Not going to happen. This is a no-win situation. But we will fight them and die well.” The stoic expression on his face was that of a Nobek ready to go out in glory.

Tranis was not a Nobek, and his brain scrambled for a way to stop the Tragooms. To cripple their huge fleet.

He couldn’t repeat his performance from Wetor. The Bi’isil security grid wasn’t one he was familiar with. He certainly couldn’t patch a shuttle into it to arm for backlash fire against their enemies. It didn’t matter that there were plenty Kalquorian craft he knew inside and out here on the colony’s grounds. He looked at the many vessels on the landing pad vid. Not only were there some intact Kalquorian shuttles, there were ships that had been cobbled together from various species’ machinery … including Kalquorian.

Tragooms didn’t develop their own technology. They preferred to take what they felt were the best parts of other species’ equipment and putting them together in haphazard-appearing but very deadly weapons. The nasty bastards highly prized Kalquorian-based navigation and arms in particular.

Tranis’ lips curled to see many craft sporting Kalquorian hulls patched into monstrous hybrid vessels. The shuttles were only a small example of what Tragooms could do, given enough parts to play with. Beyond the near-quarter of Kalquorian destroyers that made up the Tragoom armada orbiting the planet right now, there was little doubt many of the other ships possessed the Empire’s technology.

Their own weapons turned against Kalquor. It made Tranis furious to know there wasn’t a damned thing they could do about it either. No doubt all the codes that linked those pieces of the fleet had been overwritten. The weapons codes were an isolated entity anyway, programmed individually by ship and not tied into the fleet like the navigational systems were.

Tranis gasped as an idea erupted in his mind, coming just as fast and perfect as the defense of Wetor had.

Lidon leaned close. “Tranis?”

It was a long shot and would take an incredible amount of luck, not to mention the best of his and Lidon’s abilities to pull it off. Still, it was better than wading into a battle they had no hope of winning.

Tranis grinned at the Nobek. “I’ve got an idea. We’re not doomed, not quite yet. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

The two men left the colony compound, getting back into their atmospheric suits and escaping to the fighter without incident. While they waited for the fighter’s interior to re-pressurize and the air exchangers to make the vessel’s interior atmosphere breathable again, Tranis discussed his idea with Lidon.

After hearing the first officer’s plan, Lidon was quiet. Tranis waited patiently, knowing the Nobek was considering the proposal from every possible angle. The fighter’s controls emitted a beep, letting them know it was safe to take the suits off.

As soon as his suit was put away in its bin, Lidon said, “I like it. And I know the frequency ranges our ships and shuttles operate on. If the original codes are simply overwritten and not erased, we can get nav control.”

Tranis grimaced. “Too bad we can’t access weapons controls via those codes.”

“That’s exactly why they’re kept proprietary to the ships themselves. Imagine if our enemies got hold of our weapons frequencies. They could turn our entire fleet against Kalquor.”

Tranis shuddered at the thought. “Point taken. Now if we could just find a way to get the surviving Joshadans and Earthers out of the Tragooms clutches, I’ll peg this mission a success.”

Lidon spoke quietly. “I don’t see any way to accomplish that, Tranis.”

“They’re being held somewhere in the colony. If there are few enough guards watching them—”

Lidon grabbed Tranis’ shoulder and made the young man look him in the eye. “Where would you take them? The Tragooms have a keen sense of smell. They’ll track down the colonists anywhere we leave them in the containment area. We can’t take them out either; no suit will sustain them for more than ten hours. There’s not enough room in this fighter for more than the two of us. Not to mention rescuing them will alert the Tragooms to us. They’ll hunt us down and then the first defensive line fails because we’re not around to put your plan into place.”

Tranis blinked at him. “But Piras and the rest won’t be here for five days. By that time, every last colonist could be dead.”

Lidon said nothing. He simply looked at Tranis, the unemotional expression on his face the most chilling thing the Dramok had ever seen.

Tranis’ voice was almost shrill as he protested the unspoken argument. “We can’t just leave them there to die like that, Lidon!”

Lidon squeezed his shoulder. “We have no choice. It’s a few dozen lives versus thousands.”

Tranis tried to come up with something. He waited for another flash of thought, the same brilliant bolt that had saved Wetor and might allow them to dismantle a substantial amount of the Tragoom invasion fleet. No such brainstorm came.

There had to be a way. Had to be. But as hard as his desperate mind scrabbled for that idea, it wouldn’t come. All he could think about was that Joshadans and Earthers were going to die horribly.

“But – but it’s not right. To just leave them to their fate? How can I allow that?”

Lidon looked at him kindly, as if he knew exactly the pain Tranis was going through. And he would, wouldn’t he? How many missions had the experienced Nobek commanded? How many had he been forced to let die or ordered into no-win situations, knowing he was sending men to be killed?

Lidon said, “You will allow it because you are a commander in charge of an important mission and you have to look at the big picture. That’s what leaders charged with the wellbeing of the Empire do.”

Tranis tried to wrap his head around the situation. “I can’t.”

“You will. It’s part of the package that comes with rank. Sometimes you have to knowingly send men in to die. Sometimes you have to leave people behind to die. You didn’t think becoming an officer was going to be all accolades and commendations, did you?”

Tranis didn’t want to admit Lidon was right. But he also couldn’t find a way out of the horrific situation. “I think I may be sick. This is unthinkable!”

Lidon nodded. “Yes, it is. And you never get used to it, not if you’re a good leader. Sometimes, you simply have no choice.”

Tranis began shaking all over and couldn’t make himself stop. He was going to leave innocent people to die. Lidon was right; there was no way to rescue them, not without alerting the Tragooms.

He stared at the floor of the ship. “If I was just sacrificing myself, I could stand it. But to sacrifice others … I think I know how Degorsk feels now. No wonder he keeps talking about resigning.”

Tranis sensed Lidon moving closer. Maybe the weapons commander would punch him now, insist he snap out of the horror overcoming him. Yell at him to stop being a whimpering child and do his job. It was what any of his brothers would have done.

Instead, Lidon’s arms went around him, pulling him close. Tranis looked at him, startled to be treated with tenderness. The Nobek kissed him.

Tranis dove into the comforting embrace, desperate to not think about what he was going to have to let happen to the colonists. His return kiss was needy as he looked for any reassurance he could get. Lidon indulged him, not breaking the kiss until Tranis was moaning into his mouth.

The Nobek brushed Tranis’ hair back from his face as if the Dramok was a mere boy. It was a very non-Nobek move, and Tranis reflected he felt very non-Dramok himself at this moment. He’d never experienced feeling lost and afraid as he did now.

When he’d joined the fleet, Tranis had always seen himself going into battle to save lives. The salvation of Wetor had been the kind of heroism he’d aspired to. But this — this situation was nothing like what he’d imagined himself doing. And now he was falling apart under the strain.

He couldn’t meet Lidon’s eyes. If he’d ever thought he’d have the privilege of clanning the Nobek, it was no doubt gone. “You must be so disappointed in me right now.”

Lidon’s voice was a soothing rumble. “Why would I feel that?”

“Look at me. I’m shaking. I’m weak. I’m no leader. Damn it, I want to curl up and hide from all this.”

“You’re not weak. You’re young and realizing the true weight of your responsibility. There’s no shame in that.”

Tranis scowled at the space over his companion’s shoulder. “You’ve never faltered when it comes to duty, I bet.”

“Actually, I did.”

Tranis finally looked at him and growled. “Don’t patronize me, damn it. I’ll do what I have to here. You don’t need to hold my hand to make it happen.”

Lidon shook his head. “I would never condescend to you, Tranis. The truth is, I failed to face the greatest duty of my entire life. It shames me to this day.”

Tranis searched the other man’s eyes. Lidon was telling the truth. He swallowed. “It’s hard to imagine you shrinking from duty.”

Lidon’s mouth thinned. “Two of my fathers, the Dramok and Nobek, contracted the Hirmog virus at the same time. They were in the last stages, dying slow, agonizing deaths that had no honor. It was horrible to watch. And yet, when we received the official grant to end their lives, I couldn’t do it. I was afraid. Every time I thought I was ready, the guilt consumed me.”

Tranis blinked. “Were you young?”

Lidon’s shoulders sagged. “Fifteen. Old enough to accept the responsibility and spare my mother and Imdiko father the pain.”

“It’s still damned young, Lidon. No one would fault even a Nobek of that age for faltering.”

“I know, but the shame of leaving it to my remaining father follows me still.”

“Did he blame you?”

“Never. He was my strength then, just as he was my strength following my injury.” Lidon managed a wry smile. “Never underestimate the bravery of the Imdiko breed, Dramok. They can be tougher, more resilient than any Nobek you’ve ever known. Feeling any better?”

“About what I must allow to happen? No. I understand it, but I still hate it.” Tranis’ voice dropped to a whisper. “It hurts me inside. It makes me feel … less. As if I should be able to find some way out of this mess.”

“That’s because you’re a Dramok. Not just a Dramok, but an apex version of your breed. Such men expect a great deal from themselves, and when they can’t achieve it, it kills something inside them.”

Lidon pulled him close again, once more kissing and caressing Tranis. This time it wasn’t just comfort he offered. There was heat and ardor in his touch, and Tranis let the cleansing wash of lust take the fear and self-reproach away. When Lidon pushed him down towards the flattened seat cushions that now made up their sleeping surfaces, Tranis didn’t fight. He lay on his back, letting Lidon get on top of him.

The Nobek moved his body against Tranis’ making him hard and aching. The feeling of Lidon’s swollen cocks rubbing against his had Tranis gasping. He didn’t battle for control this time, not even when Lidon planted his hands against his shoulders, pinning his upper body down. Tranis simply gave himself over, immersing himself in the feeling of the other man’s power.

“That’s it,” Lidon whispered. “Let me take care of everything. Let me show you I can be strong for you when you need it.”

Tranis closed his eyes, letting sensation take him over. The feeling of Lidon’s opening his formsuit, of pulling his cocks out, of encasing the primary one in the tight warmth of his body was strangely soothing. For a little while there was nothing but the Nobek’s weight rising and falling over him. The firm pull of his body releasing Tranis only to absorb him in a snug, velvety grip once more. Molten bliss pooled in the base of the Dramok’s main cock. It surged as if in slow motion, filling his prick in a hot stream until it poured out the tip into Lidon. Tranis cried out and arched beneath his lover as his body pulsed nirvana, the only time he moved during the encounter.

When Tranis was quiet again, Lidon lifted from him, freeing the Dramok’s softening cock. He rolled him onto his side and spooned behind him, pushing his hard length into Tranis’ ass. The first officer opened to him, taking the invasion without a qualm. Lidon didn’t hurt him, but that part was only secondary to the younger man. It was the feel of Lidon’s arms around him that mattered. The feeling that he truly could trust his companion to shoulder some of the burden that had suddenly become so hateful to bear.

It was more than lovemaking. It was like a kind of weird, sad, and wonderful homecoming. Tranis pushed back against Lidon, moving against him, offering him everything in return for the security the Nobek gave. When Lidon groaned with release, his cock pulsing liquid warmth deep inside, Tranis felt whole.

Several minutes later, Lidon breathed into Tranis’ ear, “Thank you for trusting me to care for you. I know it wasn’t easy for you to give me that power.”

Tranis looked at him over his shoulder, immersing himself in the man’s warm gaze. He did trust Lidon. With every mote of his being, he knew he could place his complete confidence in the Nobek. It brought his strength back. The man had his back, no matter what.

“Thanks for allowing me let go of my control for a little while. I never knew how heavy a burden it could be until now.” He narrowed his eyes in mock ferociousness. “Just don’t get used to being dominant with me. In fact, don’t expect it to ever happen again.”

Lidon grinned. “That’s sounding more like the Dramok I know. But now that I’ve had a taste, you’ll have to fight me harder for the privilege of my surrender.”

Tranis chuckled. “Sounds like fun.”

It was nice knowing he could admit his pain and lack of surety to Lidon and not be thought less for it. Instead of making him feel weak, it made him more secure in his own strength.

* * * *

The next few days passed far too slowly. Tranis and Lidon returned to the colony compound only once more. They spent an entire night dodging Tragooms and investigating the colony as best they could. The Tragooms were now eating the livestock. No sign was found that any of the colonists were still alive.

Tranis had the place mapped out in his head by the time the first light of the rising planet crept over the horizon. He knew the airfield and how many of the Tragoom shuttles possessed Kalquorian navigation. He and Lidon investigated the command center as best they could from their air vent in the Earther building. They noted the few defenses the overconfident Tragooms had set up. Their enemy had apparently decided the orbiting fleet was all the real protection they needed on the colony.

Back in the fighter, the two men went over their plans again and again, honing their attack strategy. They took walks across the poisonous, barren landscape in their suits when Lidon’s natural Nobek tendencies steered him towards going stir crazy and meditation no longer calmed him. They made love often until they fell asleep.

Tranis had thought the physical closeness of their situation might reduce them to arguing as they slowly wore on each others’ nerves and chafed against the tight confines of the fighter. Instead, it made him realize how much he valued Lidon’s company. Not one ill word passed between them. Tranis also discovered that cramped quarters or not, he’d do anything to have Degorsk with them. He missed the Imdiko, and by the frequency of how often the man’s name came up in their conversations, he knew Lidon was wishing Degorsk was with them too.

If Tranis had entertained any doubts about his compatibility with the other two before the mission, they were all gone now. He was in love with Lidon and Degorsk. If the three survived the coming battle, he would ask them to clan without hesitation. He only hoped Lidon’s hints that the pair wouldn’t mind a younger man for their Dramok would prove true.

Chapter 14

The night finally arrived for Tranis and Lidon to put their plans into action. It was the quietest time for the Tragoom patrols when the two men gained the vent of the Earther building once more. Lidon led the way to the command room this time.

He peered through the vent opening for a few seconds before turning to Tranis. He held up two fingers then flashed a series of hand signals: a fist first, then his pinkie pointed up. Finally he splayed both hands wide and pushed out.

Tranis nodded. Message received: two Tragooms armed with percussion blasters and knives stood on the far side of the control room. Lidon motioned to Tranis to take the one on their left.

The Dramok unsheathed his long knife from his boot and nodded his readiness. Lidon gripped the vent cover, tensed, and was suddenly gone. The vent was wide open and Tranis went through it in an instant.

Tranis burst into the room. He raced for his target, which was only beginning to react to Lidon’s attack on its companion. The Nobek used the heavy vent cover like a shield, bowling the Tragoom on the right over before plunging a knife towards its chest. Then Tranis was on his own prey, fighting to get his knife into the rank creature’s soft spot just below the breast bone.

It was a kill blow, aimed true. The Tragoom uttered a squeal that was more surprise than pain because the attack had come too fast for it to absorb what was happening yet. Wet warmth jetted over Tranis’ hand and arm. He ground the knife further in, digging for the loathsome Tragoom’s heart. He was so intent on killing it before it could kill him that he barely noticed its hard, hooflike paws pounding on his shoulders, leaving blackened bruises that would last for weeks. It heaved beneath him, having been knocked on its back from Tranis’ first rush. A grating bray fell from the tusked snout of the Tragoom, then a geyser of nearly black blood gushed from the hole Tranis had made in its chest. The vile thing fell limp and moved no more.

Tranis stared into the tiny black eyes of his enemy, watching as they went glassily blank. He jerked his knife free and stood, his long legs straddling the still body. Sewage-ripe fluids dripped from his arms to rain lazily on the dead thing. The thing he had killed.

Tranis had never taken the life of another sentient being in hand-to-hand combat. Now that his duty and the frenzied struggle to prevail were over, the shock of having killed something that didn’t live on pure instinct pressed down upon him.

Lidon’s voice right behind him pulled the Dramok a little way out of his shock. “Tranis?”

“Yeah.” Tranis turned around. It seemed to take several minutes before the Nobek slid into view. He blinked at his companion, forcing the muzziness from his head. “It’s dead. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” Lidon’s sharp gaze bore into Tranis’ eyes, and he nodded. “Killing an enemy face to face is a very different thing from firing on him from a ship, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Very.” Tranis took the cloth Lidon offered him and wiped as much blood as he could from his hands and knife. By the ancestors, the things smelled. A new odor made Tranis think his victim had emptied its bowels upon death. Disgusting.

Lidon seemed satisfied with Tranis’ state of mind. “Let’s get to work.”

The Nobek busied himself setting a timed fail on the defense grid. Meanwhile, Tranis scanned the shuttles on the ground, punching in the codes Lidon had provided him. Within minutes, he had access to the still-intact Kalquorian navigational frequency signatures that underlaid the Tragoom codes. Next, he used his connection to the shuttles to scan and find the nav signatures of the Kalquorian-based ships in the Tragoom armada.

“I’ve got them,” he told Lidon. “Downloading all frequencies and codes to my handheld.”

“Timer is set.” Lidon got to work hiding the Tragooms they’d killed in storage bins set in the walls. Hopefully the creatures wouldn’t be found before the grid failed. The plan had a better chance of working if no one immediately suspected foul play. By the time he had cleaned up the blood and all evidence they’d been in the room, Tranis had the codes stored in his portable computer.

They climbed back into the vent, and Lidon pulled the cover closed behind them. In the closer quarters, the stench of Tragoom on their bodies was overwhelming. Tranis knew it would be a long time before he’d be able to scrub it from his skin. And though he truly believed the universe was much better off without Tragooms in it, he also knew he’d never be able to unsee the glazed look that death brought to the eyes of the one he’d killed.

* * * *

The moment Lidon and Tranis got to the fighter and it pressurized, they peeled their atmospheric suits off. Being stuck inside the helmet and suit, awash in the noxious fumes of dead Tragoom on his body was enough to make the stoic Nobek retch. The odor was still stomach-churning in the confines of the fighter, but not nearly as eye-watering.

He watched Tranis carefully as the ship’s interior shifted back into battle mode. Lidon understood the trauma of taking a life in hand-to-hand battle for the first time … even if that life belonged to something as malevolent and debauched as a Tragoom. Fortunately, Tranis’ complete concentration seemed to be on the task at hand. He slid into his re-appearing seat and his fingers flew over his console.

Lidon started the engines. They were finally getting off this horrid moon. No more skulking around. He could look forward to no longer being pinned inside the claustrophobic fighter for hours on end. He couldn’t wait to get back to the destroyer.

Tranis was no less anxious. “Get us into orbit, Weapons Commander, while I input the codes we need.” He was already patching his handheld into his console.

“Acknowledged, Commander. We are lifting off, retracing our entry path onto the planet, and will reach orbit out of Tragoom scanning range in half an hour.”

The trip into orbit was mostly silent. Both men were intent on their work. Not only was Lidon inputting the timing mechanism for security grid breach into his console, but he remained vigilant for enemy pursuit. They’d been careful in their attack on the colony command post, but those bodies could be discovered at any moment. An undetected scan might have noted their quitting the moon. Innumerable things might have gone wrong, things that would get him and Tranis killed and put the Kalquorian fleet in jeopardy.

When they reached orbit, Lidon allowed himself to feel a little relief. Nothing had challenged them, and they were out of the attack force and colony’s scanning ranges.

“Entering orbit now, Commander.”

“Acknowledged. Sending a call to Captain Piras.”

Lidon couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so happy to hear his former lover’s voice. “Captain Piras to scouting team. Responding to signal.”

“First Officer Tranis receiving you, Captain.”

“The first defensive wave is in place, Commander. We are ready to engage the enemy as soon as the security grid is down.”

Tranis muted the transmission and turned to Lidon. “I love how our fleet doesn’t fuck around when they have faith in their officers.”

Lidon grinned as the Dramok re-opened their com. He reported in. “Weapons Commander Lidon to Captain Piras. The enemy’s security grid will be down in forty-three minutes. Meanwhile, the commander and I will begin the attack now.”

Piras sounded amused. Miracles did happen sometimes, Lidon thought as the captain spoke. “Do I dare ask what you two are up to this time?”

Tranis answered, “A large portion of the enemy fleet possesses Kalquorian navigation. We have the codes, which I am transmitting to you now for your use once the grid is down. I hope you don’t mind us starting without you. I’d like to make sure this is actually going to work.”

“By all means, Commander. Good luck and many thanks for your fine work.”

Tranis muted the com again. “He almost sounds like he likes me. He’ll be buying me drinks next thing you know.”

Lidon snorted at Tranis’ humor and shook his head. Piras simply appreciated how good his first officer was going to make him look if Tranis’ plan panned out. There was no real camaraderie in the future for the two men. Lidon just couldn’t see his former lover and the man he thought of as his future Dramok ever being bosom buddies.

Lidon gave his instruments and vids one more look to confirm everything was in the green. He looked over at Tranis and nodded.

The Dramok took a breath and spoke to his handheld, which was still jacked into the fighter’s console. “Command alpha-one-Tranis, commence.”

A new vid sprang into being in front of his face. Information began to scroll. Lidon didn’t watch that; he kept his eyes on Tranis. He felt pride for the brave and resourceful Dramok. He thanked the ancestors he’d not clanned with Piras. When Lidon thought of how close he’d come to doing so over the years, it chilled him.

This was the leader he belonged with. No other Dramok.

Tranis’ gaze was riveted on the vid. A slight smile twitched his lips. “Control of on-ground shuttles established. Command beta-one-Tranis, commence.”

Another few moments of watching. Tranis nodded. “Confirming lift-off of shuttles. I have control of navigation. I am now sending them to intercept enemy fleet.”

It was working. Now there was nothing for Lidon to do but wait the many minutes while Tranis flew well over a hundred Kalquorian-based shuttles re-confiscated from the Tragooms. The first officer’s concentration was all for his work, and Lidon remained silent.

The Nobek, like most of his breed, found inactivity difficult. All his kind were taught from an early age to thwart their natural impatience with meditation. Lidon had the added advantage of philosophical contemplation, honed by his priest father’s mental practices. He concentrated on stilling his thoughts and absorbing his mind in deep breathing exercises. He trusted his companion to do his work well, and that helped him let go.

Letting go of thought was never easy. The mental image of Degorsk was insistent on invading Lidon’s quieting. The most unrelenting thoughts that invaded meditation were the ones a man enjoyed be distracted by. Lidon missed the Imdiko, and contemplating Degorsk made him warm inside. He shooed the adored smile from his mind only to have it return moments later.

Lidon didn’t know how many times he’d dragged his awareness away from Degorsk and back to his breath when Tranis’ voice brought him alert.

“Shuttles have just entered the Tragoom attack force’s sensor range.”

Lidon took the fighter into a random float pattern, which would hopefully allow them to get closer to the invasion fleet without setting off any alarms. If the Tragooms were occupied with dealing with the approaching shuttles, there was a good chance his ship would go undetected.

Tranis spoke quietly. “Sensors indicate a couple of smaller ships are moving from enemy fleet to intercept shuttles. I think they’re confused. One is a Kalquorian nav-based craft.”

Lidon allowed himself a small, tight smile. If that Kalquorian-originated vessel got close enough to link in with the pirated shuttles’ frequencies, the plan might just work.

Tranis growled low in his throat. “Interceptors within frequency range of lead shuttles. Command beta-two-Tranis, commence.”

The pause was only a few seconds, but the time seemed to stretch forever. Lidon had to force himself to not hold his breath. Everything rode on Tranis seizing control of that one ship.

“I have it. Command beta-three-Tranis, commence.”

The vid in front of Tranis scrolled faster than ever, data flowing with stunning rapidity. Tranis’ face erupted into a predatory grin, and Lidon’s warrior instincts woke at the feral expression. He’d done it.

Tranis verified success. “Navigation control of all Kalquorian nav-based craft confirmed. First Officer Tranis to Captain Piras: we have control of slightly less than half of the Tragoom attack force. Stand by for final breach.”

Lidon added, “Security grid collapse in three minutes.”

Piras’ voice: “Acknowledged.”

“Command theta-one-Tranis. Commence.” A moment’s pause. “Confirming Kalquorian nav-based craft homing in on other enemy ships.”

Lidon had steered them into sensor range, and he stared at his vid that showed the armada. Flashes of light flared brightly, confirming the Kalquorian-based ships were moving under Tranis’ power and smashing into other ships.

The Nobek couldn’t keep the happiness out of his voice. “Enemy laser fire and pulse cannons activated and targeting Kalquorian nav-based craft. They are destroying their own fleet.”

The distance between the fighter and the Tragoom armada made the small pulses of fire and explosions seemingly unimportant. However, Lidon knew it was sensational chaos happening over there.

Then came the final piece of the puzzle. Lidon transmitted, “Security grid has gone offline, Captain. The way is open to your attack force.”

“Acknowledged, Weapons Commander. Our ships are on their way. Estimated time to arrival, ten minutes.”

Tranis switched the com to mute again. His initial excitement seemed to be wearing off already as he maneuvered the hijacked Tragoom vessels. He wore a slight frown. “They’re taking out the Kalquorian-based ships fast. They’ve wasted no time figuring out that’s where the problem lies. They know we’re on to them.”

Lidon watched the would-be invaders descend into bedlam. “I’m not sure they’re aware the security grid has gone down. The diversion is a success. Not to mention taking out quite a bit of their attack force.” He could barely contain his delight. Tranis’ ruse was working superbly, even if the usurped crafts were being quickly disabled or destroyed. “I’ll bring us closer as our defense force arrives, just to keep an eye on things.”

“Let’s do that. I’m down to twenty percent of the seized ships already.”

Lidon checked his instruments. “Kalquorian force arrival in two minutes.”

Tranis scowled. “We’re still outgunned.”

The Nobek snorted. “I’ll pick our military over twice the number of Tragooms any day.”

“I’m with you on that score. Several non-Kalquorian based ships are breaking off and fleeing towards Tragoom space. They have no idea what’s going on.”

“Like the cowards they are, they’re running. One minute to engagement.”

The Kalquorian destroyers were in sight now, swiftly closing in on the confused Tragooms. Seeing single- and double-man fighters leaving the larger ships gave Lidon a jolt of the old excitement of fighting. This would not only be a glorious battle, it might be one they could actually win after all.

Tranis’ grin was back. “Shall we join in the fight?”

Lidon’s tone filled with disappointment. “Fighter squads are tactically joined. We’d mess them up if we stormed in among them. Better to watch, cause distraction, and pick off troublemakers when we can.”

“I leave the strategy for that to you, Weapons Commander.”

“Thank you, Commander.”

The Kalquorian fleet began firing on the Tragooms. As the battle was engaged, Lidon flew them in closer, keeping an eye on the action and looking for any opportunity to take his measure of enemy blood. His bad leg was cramped and growing painful in the small space of the cockpit, but he wasn’t about to let it keep him from firing on any stray foes he could find.

The Kalquorians were still badly outnumbered, but the Tragooms were in such disarray that they were slow in responding to the new threat. Lidon was able to find Piras’ destroyer and mark it in his console to keep track of it. True to form, his former lover was leading the charge against the enemy.

“The Earther battlecruisers are starting to band together,” Tranis noted.

He was right. The fifteen monstrous vessels flew close to each other, their combined firepower taking out several Kalquorian destroyers in a vicious barrage of fire. In contrast, most of the Kalquorian weapons made only minimal to moderate damage to the enemy craft.

Lidon grimaced. “The Tragooms may not have the manpower to properly run those damned things, but their defense systems are holding.”

Tranis whooped suddenly. “We got one!”

They watched as the battlecruiser exploded in several places. Its lights went dark from power loss, and it drifted crippled, if not utterly dead.

The celebration was shortlived. Lidon growled at his readouts. “Shit. Tranis, Piras is in trouble. The destroyer has lost several sections.”

Tranis’ intake of breath hissed in his ear. Their destroyer was in retreat from the main fighting, and a battlecruiser was pursuing it, firing heavily. Explosions bloomed on the hull, leaving gaping holes.

Lidon was aware that his fangs had descended and he was snarling. He was watching many shipmates die glorious deaths.

He told Tranis, “Half the defensive shielding is down on Piras’ ship. No return fire. They must have lost weapons control. They aren’t going to make it.”

As Tranis growled deep in his throat, Lidon thought of Degorsk. His Imdiko. The man he’d loved for years, waited patiently for in hopes the doctor would someday get over his past hurts enough to love him back. He watched the cruiser bear down on the damaged destroyer, seconds away from taking the very heart out of Lidon.

Five Tragoom ships, all with Kalquorian hulls at the center of their cobbled-together frames, suddenly converged on the battlecruiser. Tranis shouted, “Get the fuck away from my Imdiko, you gurlucks!”

The ships crashed into the Earther craft. Explosions rocked the immense vessel, and it spun away, its menace vanquished. Piras’ destroyer flew out of the main battle area.

Lidon closed his eyes for an instant, allowing a moment of the profound emotion that swept through him. Then he set it aside, silently promising he’d feel it later, in private. Swallowing the lump in his throat so he could speak normally, he said, “Very nice save, Commander. Your Imdiko?”

Tranis drew a shuddering breath and turned his head to look Lidon in the eye. “Yes, Degorsk will be my Imdiko. I know that’s a package deal, so you might as well get used to the idea of a lifetime with me.” He looked back at his console, and his eyes widened. “We’ll have to discuss it at a later time, however. Piras has another attacker on his tail, and I don’t have any defector ships close enough to pull his ass out of it this time.”

Lidon cursed and checked his readouts. This time it was a Bi’isil hunter-killer closing on the destroyer. His fighter couldn’t do much against such a craft, but there was no choice but to try.

“We’re going in. Get ready to fire.”

Lidon swung the fighter around and pursued the Tragoom ship firing on the crippled destroyer. He got them into range of the Bi’isil hunter-killer. He and Tranis triggered their blasters as he flew past it and turned for another round. The damage they did was negligible. All they could hope to do was distract it from attacking the destroyer for as long as they remained alive. They had to buy Piras time.

The Tragooms fired back, and the fighter shuddered. His tone almost casual, Lidon said, “We’re on fire.”

Tranis was just as nonchalant. “Foam flame retardant online. It’s keeping the fire off the engine, but can’t quite reach it all. We might as well keep attacking.”

“Coming around for another pass.”

Lidon swooped down on the Tragoom craft again. This time he was able to avoid the return fire. His leg was pure misery, but it felt good to be flying again. It felt good to have Tranis at his side while he did so.

Piras’ voice filled the cockpit. “Commanders Tranis and Lidon, break off attack and retreat a safe distance. We’ve got this one.”

Tranis checked his instrumentation as Lidon took them out of range. “Acknowledged. There is a second ship coming in, Captain.”

Lidon snarled at the sight of another Tragoom craft, its origins impossible to trace. The mishmash of a vessel was racing towards the destroyer, but he continued to move away as ordered.

Piras answered, “We see them.”

The pursuing Bi’isil craft suddenly lurched away from the destroyer, toppling end over end. It hit the second ship hard, tearing both vessels to pieces.

Tranis’ mouth was wide open in shock. “What the hell was that?”

Lidon roared in approval before answering. “From the readings I’m getting, it looks as if Piras tied a shockwave device to his still operational deflectors. Fucking brilliant maneuver.”

“I’m glad you appreciate my ingenuity, Weapons Commander.” Piras sounded amused at Lidon’s obvious admiration.

Lidon looked at Tranis, who looked at the live com link he’d forgotten to mute. The Nobek raised an eyebrow at his companion, and Tranis pulled an apologetic face.

Piras’ next comment was all business. “We seem to be clear of the fighting now, so please dock aboard at your earliest convenience. I could use some help here.”

“Yes, Captain. On our way.” Tranis made sure to mute the com this time.

Lidon glared at him. “I think I’ll have to discipline you for that bit of forgetfulness, young Dramok.”

Tranis’ brows lowered. “We didn’t say anything to get us in trouble.”

“This time.”

Tranis sighed and acknowledged his mistake. “Why do I feel that having you for my Nobek is going to be hard on my ass?”

“In more ways than one,” Lidon promised with a grin.

Tranis grinned back. Clanship had been offered and accepted, at least informally. Once they had Degorsk’s okay, they’d make it official.

Fifteen minutes later, the two-man fighter docked in its bay aboard the destroyer. The ship was on emergency power, apparent by the dim backup lights that supplemented the pulsing red alarm lights. Machines hissed their damaged complaints as Tranis and Lidon got out of the fighter.

A harried crewmember approached. He called out to them. “Are you going to the bridge, commanders?”

“Right away,” Tranis answered.

“You’ll have to cut through engineering, go through the dining section, and past the crew quarters to reach a functioning transport that will take you there. Atmospheric shield doors are down for much of the ship.”

Tranis nodded. “Thank you, crewman. Let’s go, Lidon.”

They took the route described by the man. Corridors were filled with smoke and fire retardant foam. Lidon noted Tranis’ set face as they passed the dead, dying, and injured along the way. Crewmembers who were not medical personnel were attending the bleeding and burnt men as best they could with first aid cases found in bins throughout the destroyer. Screams ricocheted against the buckled walls, with an undertone of continuous groaning that came from both men and ship.

Lidon shook his head at the carnage. “Degorsk and his staff must have their hands completely full for none of them to be here in person. This is bad.”

Tranis pursed his lips. “Just what the doctor didn’t need to have to deal with, as if he’d not been traumatized enough. Damn, this will give me nightmares.”

They passed the dining hall’s wide opening. Lidon couldn’t help his eyes widening to see the tables the crew took their meals on were being used as ad hoc beds for the injured. And every available space was covered.

Tranis averted a too-pale face from the sight. “Good idea to bring them here for triage. Too many to treat in Medical itself.”

Lidon agreed. “Hopefully we can get more medical personnel from other ships to help Degorsk out if the fighting goes our way.”

They ran through the crew quarters area, its hallways mostly empty of the casualties that had slowed them down elsewhere. Everyone would have been on duty for the fight, emptying this part of the ship. Lidon was relieved when they finally got to an operational transport and headed for the bridge. He looked forward to getting to his station and finding a way to tear more Tragooms apart for all the suffering they’d visited on his people.

Lidon and Tranis hit the bridge, ready to get the destroyer fighting again if possible. This section of the ship had been spared any damage, and Piras looked unflappable as he acknowledged their entrance. “You’re just in time to get the good news. The majority of the Tragoom fleet has broken off.”

Both men slowed their headlong rush to get to their stations. “We’re done fighting then?” Tranis asked.

Piras nodded. Strangely, he didn’t look entirely pleased to share his news. “This destroyer is too damaged to pursue the remnants of the Tragoom fleet. Allow me to congratulate you both. Your ruse in taking the navigable ships and turning them on the rest of their force, along with the confusion that brought on has completely undone the invasion. The stolen Earther battlecruisers have been left to fight alone.”

Lidon couldn’t help but be disappointed. He was more than ready to fight. “They still show signs of being undermanned?”

Piras nodded. “They are also much slower than our destroyers. Without the larger attack force to help them, they are having a bad time of it.”

Tranis grinned. “Bigger does not necessarily mean better.”

Lidon started towards his station. There was still a lot of work to do, including finding out how bad off the destroyer was.

Piras moved in front of him, blocking his progress. “Weapons Commander, belay that.”

Lidon stared at his former lover questioningly. The captain was looking at him with open concern. Compassion. The Nobek got a bad feeling in his gut. “Captain?”

Piras motioned Tranis closer. “The news isn’t all good. As no doubt you noticed, this ship took heavy damage with numerous casualties.” He took a breath. “Medical was the first hit. The hull was breached. Where it used to be is a big hole.”

Lidon’s heart slammed painfully in his chest. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the color drain from Tranis’ face.

Degorsk.

The Nobek wanted to scream at Piras to shut up, to not say another word. He couldn’t find his voice. It was locked in his throat, the knot of a horrified howl choking him.

Piras said, “The head medic’s office and the lab were immediately sealed by the atmospheric doors, but we haven’t broken through to them yet. No doubt, you’ll want to go and see if anyone managed to get in.”

Tranis managed to speak. His voice sounded very far away to Lidon. “Sensors haven’t located any life sign?”

“All sensors in that area are nonfunctioning. We don’t know if we’ll find anyone when we finish opening the wall.” Piras looked from one to the other. Terrible sympathy was stamped on his features. “Both of you are excused to oversee the operation if you wish. I hope you find Dr. Degorsk safe and sound.”

Lidon and Tranis sketched bows before hurrying off the bridge. Neither spoke as they navigated the circuitous route that the damaged ship demanded they take to where Medical had been.

Chapter 15

Several minutes after learning Medical had been destroyed, Lidon and Tranis arrived at the corridor that intersected with the one that had once gone to their Imdiko’s department. Now that hallway was sealed off by a thick metal atmospheric shield.

Two crews of men were working to open the walls that enclosed the lab section and Degorsk’s office. As Lidon and Tranis ran up, a section of the lab wall came away. A very small group of techs and medical personnel emerged from their protected room. Degorsk was not among them.

A crewman who had been working to free the trapped men noted the officers’ approach. He gave Lidon and Tranis a quick bow. “Commanders. We’ve got four alive here.”

Tranis grabbed one of the shaking medics. “Where was Dr. Degorsk when this happened?”

The man blinked fast. “He was doing inventory on supplies when I saw him a few minutes prior to the explosion. He was trying to make sure we had all we needed in case of a large number of casualties.” The medic flinched, as if expecting Tranis to beat him. “He would have been in the main part of the department when we were hit.”

Lidon’s stomach twisted to hear the report, but he had a job to do. Mourning would have to wait as long as there were other lives to be saved. “We’ve got mass wounded in the dining hall. Help should be on its way soon, but you’ll have to do the best you can until it arrives.”

The medic nodded. He actually seemed to take strength from being given duties to perform. He turned to the other three who had survived with him. “Grab whatever you can from the lab and let’s get to work.”

Silent and grim, the tiny group went back into the lab and gathered supplies. Lidon followed Tranis over to where the other crew was working to open Degorsk’s office. The flare of lasers cutting into the wall halted as the Nobek workers lifted their heads and scented the air.

One growled, “Why do I smell Tragoom?”

Lidon snarled, “Because the first officer and I had the great joy of killing a couple in hand-to-hand. Get that damned wall open.”

The crewman flinched a little under Lidon’s hectic stare. “Yes, Weapons Commander.” The lasers flared to life once more.

Moments later the cutting was done, and Lidon and Tranis joined the crew in pulling the slab of wall from its place. Lidon knew better than to hope, but he couldn’t help but study the faces of the men staggering out of the tiny space that had once been his Imdiko’s. An orderly … a second-class medic…

Lidon’s heart swelled fit to explode as Degorsk emerged from the rubble, blinking uncertainly as he crossed from the black maw of his unpowered office to the lit corridor. Lidon didn’t grab the Imdiko in a fierce embrace as he ached to, but his grip on Degorsk’s arm as he helped him out was tight. Tranis grabbed the doctor’s other arm, his relieved smile stretching from ear to ear.

Degorsk looked at the two of them, his expression completely befuddled for a few moments. Then a slow smile spread over his face.

“Well, look who decided to join the party,” he said softly. “You know, a simple ‘Hello Degorsk, we’re back,’ would have sufficed. You didn’t have to blow up my damned department to get my attention.”

“It’s good to see you in one piece, Doctor.” The softness of Tranis’ voice held a galaxy full of emotion, emotion Lidon shared.

Degorsk nodded. He suddenly swayed as his knees seemed to come unhinged. Lidon and Tranis grabbed hold of him, keeping him on his feet.

The Imdiko shook his head hard and stiffened his legs. “No, I’m okay. It’s shock, that’s all. No injuries.”

“Just the three from this room, Commander,” someone said behind Lidon.

“Damn. Anyone else make it?” Degorsk asked.

“Four others from your department,” Lidon told him. “They’ve already gone ahead to tend the wounded.” The full miracle of his Imdiko’s survival swept down on Lidon. “How the hell did you end up in your office? One of your staff said you were in the main part of Medical.”

“We were missing some medications, so those of us doing inventory went into my office to check the computer files. If we’d waited two seconds later, we would have been in the main part and—” Degorsk stopped. He swallowed. “How fucked up are we?”

Through the smile he just couldn’t seem to lose despite the heavy casualties of his ship, Tranis said, “The stuff of your nightmares. Worst case scenario.”

Degorsk looked at him and Lidon. He blinked suddenly overbright eyes. “Not quite the worst, Commander.” He shook off their support and straightened, gathering his strength like invisible battle armor. “You know, I hate this fucking fleet.”

Lidon allowed a smile of his own to peek through. “We know.”

“Good. Just so we’re clear on that. Let me get my kit and point me to where I need to be.” Degorsk turned back to his office and halted, looking at them over his shoulder. “Oh, welcome home.”

Lidon snorted and shook his head. It was time to get back to the bridge and his duties now that he knew Degorsk was alive and making worse jokes than ever. Tranis was needed at his station too. Yet they both went into the office with Degorsk, hovering near their Imdiko as he claimed his kit that would do far too little for too few people.

* * * *

Many hours after the fighting ended, Degorsk finally finished seeing that the wounded and dead were loaded onto the hospital and morgue ships. The only thing that had gotten him through the endless bodies and blood was knowing Lidon and Tranis were alive. Alive and incredibly well. He’d not lost them.

He tried not to think of anything else as he dragged his weary body to his quarters. After miraculously surviving in his dark office after the blast that destroyed Medical, reluctantly coming to terms that most of his staff was gone, and then plowing through the endless wounded with only first aid kits until help arrived, Degorsk was done. He’d finally had it. He was resigning from the fleet. Lidon would have to be content with a long-distance relationship, seeing Degorsk on the home planet when his leave allowed it. Others made it work. So could he and his Nobek. As for Tranis … well, maybe that could eventually happen too despite everything.

It would be a shame if he lost the Dramok he wanted due to weakness, but Degorsk simply couldn’t work on a destroyer anymore.

The Imdiko felt no surprise when he entered his quarters and found the two men sitting on his sleeping mat, waiting for him. Cleaned up and absolutely beautiful to his gaze, they stood to greet him.

Too tired and stressed to think straight, Degorsk jabbered almost incoherently. “You have no idea how good it is to see you. I am so glad you two are alive. So, was playing spy fun? You pretty much saved the Empire’s ass from what I heard. Did I smell Tragoom on you earlier?”

“As long as you don’t smell it now,” Tranis said.

Dramok and Nobek closed in on him, surrounded him, held him tight between their bodies. Degorsk gratefully sank into the comfort. They stood that way silently except for a strange, almost barking sound that filled the room. It took some time for the doctor to recognize it was someone sobbing. It was a wretched sound, so harsh it made his whole body shudder. Degorsk didn’t know why there was someone in his quarters crying so loudly nor why Tranis and Lidon didn’t make them stop. He had no idea the sounds came from his own throat. All he knew was a wrenching force was making his stomach and chest ache and he couldn’t help jerking. For some reason Lidon’s shoulder, which his face was pressed into, was damp.

After a little while, the terrible sounds tapered off and ceased. His body quieted enough that he could enjoy the warmth of the men holding him. Degorsk blinked. How long had they been standing there? Were the others waiting for him to talk?

The Imdiko lifted his face and looked at the men he’d been so afraid he’d never see alive again. By the ancestors, they looked wonderful. He asked, “So what happened?” The croaking quality of his voice surprised him.

Lidon shook his head. His expression was soft, a funny look for a Nobek of his ferocity. “Later. Right now, it’s time we took care of the caregiver.”

Degorsk had no ability to argue as his companions stripped him naked. They had rough, calloused hands, but they managed to be tender with him just the same. He loved those hands. Loved how they felt against his skin. Despite the fatigue and angst plaguing him, their touch had his dicks twitching with interest.

Tranis and Lidon coaxed him into the tiny shower stall. Somehow they managed to fit themselves in it with him. Degorsk thought about protesting. He was a grown man and capable of washing himself, thank you very much, but he simply couldn’t find the will to resist. And it felt so good. Warm water sluicing down over him, those coarse hands cleaning him with sometimes embarrassing thoroughness. Rubbing his shoulders, back, chest, arms, thighs. Mouths joined in, kissing him with a softness that made him weak all over. The rough yet careful hands closed around his cocks, stroking insistently. Slippery fingers pressed into his ass, searching until they found the sweet spot inside and rubbed, insisting on his pleasure. They made him violently hard and then they made him violently climax. His shrieks rebounded against the close walls, echoing so it sounded more like a pit of damned souls than a man in the throes of orgasm.

When that was over, Degorsk’s forehead dropped to lean against Tranis’ shoulder. This time he knew he wept, the moans soft as he released pain and misery and relief. When he was done, the other two helped him out of the shower. They dried him as if he was only a child and laid him on his sleeping mat, crowding in close to make the narrow surface hold them all. Sandwiched between the two strong males, Degorsk pressed his cheek to Tranis’ chest, listening to the Dramok’s heart beat.

The position made Tranis’ voice extra deep and rumbling when he spoke. “Nobek Lidon and Imdiko Degorsk, will you be my clan?”

Degorsk laughed. He was sliding into sleep already, a slumber he knew would be deep enough to keep away the nightmares. He mumbled, “I’m so out of it. I swear I thought you just asked us to join your clan.”

Lidon spoke into his hair, which someone had unbound at some point. Degorsk didn’t even remember that part, but dismissed it to hear his Nobek’s words. “He did ask us to clan, you beautiful wreck of a man. If you will give your permission to be Tranis’ Imdiko, then I will be his Nobek.”

Tranis’ Imdiko. Lidon’s Imdiko, officially. It was too good to be true, so maybe Degorsk had already fallen asleep and was lost in a happy dream. Who was he to deny such a wondrous fantasy? The horrors of the day, of the past days when he didn’t know if Tranis and Lidon still lived, passed away. He smiled.

“Oh, all right, I’ll join your clan. You two don’t have to be so pushy.”

Chuckles filled his ears. Degorsk sank deeper into their warmth and let Tranis’ heart drum him to sleep.

* * * *

Tranis was called into Piras’ office first thing two mornings after the battle, two days after he’d clanned with Degorsk and Lidon. He stood before his captain’s desk while Piras sat behind it, making Tranis wait while he fussed with something on his computer.

The first officer couldn’t imagine what would warrant a private conversation. There was so little to do on the ship as to make most the surviving crew work only half-shifts. The destroyer was on much reduced power and limping to its new home, a salvage facility. It was too badly damaged to warrant repair.

Tranis had allowed himself to hope he and his new clan would be assigned to a ship not under Piras’ command. While the captain had treated them with nothing but respect since their return – even offering rarely-seen compassion when it wasn’t known if Degorsk was alive or dead – the proximity to Lidon’s former lover was too close for Tranis’ liking.

Piras finally turned to him. He stood, and to Tranis’ shock, bowed. “Congratulations, Captain Tranis. It is my understanding you are the youngest Kalquorian to ever attain the rank.”

The younger Dramok’s mouth dropped wide open. He stared at Piras in disbelief. Finally his vocal chords unfroze enough to allow him to speak. “Captain?”

Piras smirked, probably at the very un-captain like behavior of his former first officer. “After your actions on the colony and during the battle, I think you’d be offered the rank of admiral if protocols allowed it. I have no doubt you’ll be given command of a destroyer.”

Tranis had dreamed of this moment, anticipating the thrill and pride of attaining such a rank. Instead, his mind was filled with those he had let die on the Joshadan-Earther colony so that the first wave of Kalquor’s defenders could be saved. He thought of all the dead men Piras had led into battle and how he might someday have to do the same. All those lives on his shoulders, depending on him to not fuck up.

He could fully appreciate how Degorsk felt about being the doctor on a ship whose sole purpose was battle. For Tranis, the glory of command had been tarnished by the events of the last few days.

The new captain put aside his dark thoughts and bowed as was expected. He said, “Thank you for the news, Captain Piras. The appointment is a great honor. Will Lidon be promoted too?”

A flicker of momentary sadness appeared on Piras’ face. It smoothed out and he said with no emotion, “He could be a first officer if he wished, but you know how Nobeks are. They hate being administrators. He flatly refused the commission, so he’s to be decorated – again – and remain a weapons commander.”

Tranis agreed Lidon would be miserable as a first officer. True, Tranis had found his duties exciting as of late, but the position during peacetime usually entailed more management and supervision duties than the action a Nobek naturally thrived on.

Piras pursed his lips and looked down at an empty spot on his desk. “I was told you moved into clan quarters. I’d congratulate you on that as well, but my heart wouldn’t be in it.” He looked up at Tranis, and there was hurt and anger in his eyes. “I’ve been with Lidon for over a dozen years and could never get him to be my Nobek. In a matter of months, you steal him away. I respect you as an able officer, Captain Tranis. You are brilliant and a credit to the fleet. But I don’t like you. Not one bit.”

Tranis nodded. “I don’t suppose it would help you to know I had no intentions of clanning anyone until a few days ago. Least of all my commanding officer’s choice for Nobek. I know it wouldn’t soothe me were our positions reversed.” He took a deep breath. “I’m sure a man of your abilities and rank will attract a Nobek who will appreciate you for what you are.”

Piras’ eyes narrowed, as if wondering if Tranis had just insulted him. Tranis himself wasn’t sure.

The older Dramok finally said, “I can’t say I’ll be interested in pursuing a lifelong commitment with someone else. There aren’t many Lidons out there. I hope you appreciate how fortunate you are.”

At least there was one thing the pair could agree on. “Very much, Captain Piras. Very much.”

* * * *

Degorsk stared at Tranis in amazement. “Captain?” He exchanged a look with a grinning Lidon. “Congratulations, my Dramok. Though we shouldn’t be surprised. You certainly deserve the promotion.”

Lidon added his congratulations. While they admired the additional silver bar on Tranis’ uniform, Degorsk hid the sick feeling in his gut. He had yet to tell his clanmates he was resigning from the fleet. He knew he should have shared that information before he’d agreed to clan, but he hadn’t been thinking clearly when Tranis asked.

Afraid they’d pick up on his unease, Degorsk turned to the blank wall of their temporary quarters. A full clan’s room was much larger than single-man quarters, and they were all enjoying the additional space. Lidon had plenty of room for his altar. Tranis had hung a shelf for his kurble ball to rest upon, and Degorsk’s butt cast adorned the far wall. There was more wall space where they might have displayed their commendations, but with only two weeks of travel before they got to the salvage facility, it had seemed pointless. Not to mention none of the three men were much for showing off their accolades. That was why the Imdiko found himself staring at absolutely nothing.

Behind him Tranis said, “There are several new destroyers ready to launch. I’ll have my choice of command.”

Lidon growled, a sound fit to set Degorsk’s hair on end. “We’re still getting those three weeks of leave, aren’t we?”

The medic was quick to point out, “Twice that number when you factor in your surgery and rehab.”

“That doesn’t count. Being stuck in a medical facility is even worse than shut up in what’s left of this destroyer.”

Tranis chuckled. “Feeling claustrophobic, my Nobek?”

“Less than half of the ship to move around on. Before that, I had to endure five days crammed in a fighter. It wears on a man, even when he has ample distraction and exercise.”

That earned more laughter from Tranis, who no doubt enjoyed the euphemisms ‘distraction’ and ‘exercise’ for what had apparently been a lot of sex while the two men were stuck in their fighter. Degorsk turned around to share in it, though he felt no humor whatsoever. He wondered when he had become the serious member of this trio.

Lidon’s sharp gaze skewered him, and the doctor knew he’d been caught. “With good news to buttress our spirits and a clanship we are all thrilled to be a part of, our lives should be a joy. Perhaps our Imdiko will now share what has him feeling so low these last two days.”

The Nobek was smiling but there was nothing kind about the look in his eyes. It made Degorsk tremble inside, but he was determined to not spoil Tranis’ big moment.

“What are you talking about? I’m very proud of my heroic clanmates. You deserve all you’ve gotten and more. A year’s supply of Plasian leshella, naked dancing girls, your mighty cocks commemorated in precious metal sculptures—”

Tranis interrupted. “Lidon is right. I chalked it up to fallout from the battle, but you’re not snapping out of whatever has you in a rut. Do you need to tell us anything, Degorsk?”

Degorsk smiled brightly, not ready to give up. “Yes. I think we should get naked and celebrate. That’s what I really wanted to say.”

Lidon glowered. “He’s holding out on us, my Dramok.”

“I see that. I trust you can locate your strap without much effort?”

“Quite easily.” The Nobek moved towards the part of the wall that contained drawers where their belongings were stored.

Degorsk panicked. He didn’t want another round of discipline. “Damn it, not now.” He started backing towards the door.

Tranis blocked him. “Right now, unless you tell us what’s wrong.” His glare was as steely as Lidon’s.

The Nobek pulled a thick black strap out and snapped it in the air, making Degorsk flinch. “Last chance, my Imdiko.”

Degorsk clenched his fists at his sides. “Fine, make me the asshole that ruins Tranis’ good news. I’m resigning from the fleet. Happy?”

Lidon cocked a brow and Tranis’ eyes widened. The Dramok asked, “You intend to remain on Kalquor once we get there?

Degorsk nodded, his heart miserable. “I’m sorry. I just can’t take looking at hundreds of men dying all around me and not being able to do a damned thing about it. I can’t board another destroyer, not even for you two. The thought of it makes me want to scream.”

Lidon looked to Tranis and waited for his reaction. The Dramok was their leader now. His direction would determine what happened next.

His expression filled with concern, not anger, Tranis moved to stand in front of Degorsk. He grasped the doctor’s shoulders and squeezed. “I understand, my Imdiko. I’m still trying to reconcile having to leave colonists in the Tragooms’ larder for those five days. I know it was necessary to successfully stop our enemies from invading the Empire, but it preys on me.”

Lidon moved close. The strap had disappeared, and his arms went around Tranis and Degorsk’s waists. “No one doubts you did what you had to, my Dramok.”

“It doesn’t mean it sits well.” Tranis’ gaze never left Degorsk’s face. “I know how you feel, Degorsk, but I don’t want to go a year at a time separated from you. That’s what we’re looking at from the patrol missions available to me.”

“I don’t want that either,” the Imdiko whispered. “But I won’t be any good to you or anyone else on another destroyer. I’ve got nothing left.”

Tranis drew a deep breath and nodded. “I guess I don’t have to take command of a destroyer—”

Degorsk’s temper went hot in an instant. “You can’t settle for less than that. I would never ask you to sacrifice your career for me.”

The Dramok’s expression was stubborn. “I want you with me.”

Degorsk could have punched him. “On what? A transport barge? A colony supply ship? Those are beneath you, my Dramok, and I won’t have it. I can’t live with the guilt of you giving up what will be a successful career any more than I can live with working on one of these death ships.”

“I’m not asking your permission, Imdiko.”

Degorsk’s instinct was to shut up and obey that commanding tone, but there was too much at stake. “No. No, you will not take some shit assignment for me. Absolutely not. I don’t give a damn if you are the Dramok.”

They were nearly nose to nose. Tranis’ face had gone red with fury at Degorsk’s display, but the Imdiko was not about to back down. He was not going to be the reason Tranis didn’t live up to his potential.

Lidon pushed them apart. “Stop cursing at your Dramok, Degorsk. We need cool heads to figure this out.”

Tranis refused to lower his livid stare from Degorsk’s face even as he spoke to the other man. “Do you have a suggestion, Lidon?”

“Not yet. You two calm down so we can solve this puzzle.” The Nobek abruptly shoved Degorsk hard, nearly knocking him off his feet. “Lower your gaze and open your fists. Acknowledge Tranis’ leadership or be punished. Right now.”

Lidon was right, but it took effort for Degorsk to bow his head. He slowly opened his hands at his side, releasing all signs of aggression towards his Dramok. “Of course he’s my leader. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stand by and let him throw his career away. You mean too much to me, Tranis.”

“And you mean too much to me to leave you behind. Even if you are pissing me off to my very limit right now.”

Lidon stood slightly between them, forcing them to keep focus on what he was saying. “So this is what we need. We have to find a ship that will keep Degorsk with us, something with minimal prospects for bloodshed on a large scale. A ship that will allow Tranis to fulfill his ambition and potential.”

Tranis added, “And a ship that will keep our Nobek challenged and his need for action satisfied.”

Degorsk had settled down enough to attempt a weak joke. “We don’t ask for much, do we?”

Lidon sighed. “The Book says, the answer to every question is there. One only needs to find it.”

Degorsk wanted to laugh at that bit of useless information, but he knew another outburst would not be taken well by his clanmates. He managed to keep quiet though he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they all three couldn’t possibly get what they each needed from one ship.

* * * *

Hours later, Tranis and Lidon commandeered an auxiliary computer station on the bridge. Power was low, but with the destroyer only required to make its way to its final resting place, little was being used. Plus, the men had the rank to do as they wanted for the most part. As a captain now, Tranis had no duties on board Piras’ ship. With no weapons and few defenses left, Lidon had very little to do. Meanwhile, Degorsk had no medical department to run, but he was back in their quarters with no idea of what his clanmates were up to. The Dramok and Nobek had decided to leave their sensitive Imdiko in the dark for now. He was stressed enough.

Lidon scrolled through the command assignments Tranis might consider beyond captaining a destroyer. So far the choices had been depressing. Everything was a major step below Tranis’ goals, but he was grimly determined to keep Degorsk with them. He’d run a garbage scow if that was what it took, except for the fact such an commission would harm the doctor’s battered psyche. Things were not looking good for their new clan.

Lidon made a rude noise, giving vent to his own dismay. “Not much glory to be had here. Barges. Repair ships. Hmm, raiders.”

Tranis shut down that in a hurry. “Don’t even think about it. Raiders are barely a step up from pirate ships. My brothers would disown me after they finished beating me to a bloody pulp.”

Lidon nodded and kept scrolling. “The fleet is thinking of suspending those operations anyway. What else? Refuelers. Spyships.”

“Spyships?”

Lidon looked at him. “It is important work. And not without prestige. Interested?”

Tranis considered. “Our operation on the Phescxo colony was covert. I found it a decent challenge.”

The Nobek grinned. “I got to kill a Tragoom. I can live with those kinds of benefits. Let’s see what the details are and the availability.”

He scanned the readout quickly. “Small ships with a complement of less than one hundred men. No direct offensives taken against enemies except when required to salvage a mission or save lives. Cloaking technology and some arms requiring a weapons commander. Lots of planetside infiltration.” His tone told Tranis he was intrigued by the possibilities.

Excitement filled the Dramok’s gut. “Degorsk might be all right with that since there would be less men and few offensive engagements.” That actually appealed to him too. Fewer men to command meant less he might lead to their deaths. “What about you? Will it fit in with what you need?”

Lidon’s grin was one of anticipation. “What’s not to like? The infiltration missions offer plenty of danger for any Nobek to enjoy. Not only that, but that branch of the fleet is begging for senior officers. Everyone transfers to the destroyer class as soon as they can because that’s where they get all the accolades.” The stoic Nobek was showing obvious enthusiasm. “And look at this, Tranis. You have so many options for spyship command: Bi’isil space, Tragoom territory … there’s a big recruiting push for operatives on Earther colonies too. Not their home world though; apparently their defenses are impossible to get through.”

“Maybe I could finally see one of their women.”

Lidon nodded. “They don’t let too many off their planet, but who knows?”

There had been some unpleasantness with the Earthers they’d encountered who had escaped in the Joshadan shuttle. Once the aliens had discovered Kalquorian men enjoyed intimate relations with each other, Pilot Georgehuberts and his companions couldn’t get away fast enough. Apparently, their religion abhorred same sex relationships to the point of considering it criminal.

Tranis snorted. “What a strange culture. They have plenty of women, yet don’t allow most of them to serve on their ships. And then they expect the men to not enjoy each others’ company? I bet there is a lot of drinking among their kind.”

Lidon arched an eyebrow. “I’m sure illicit liaisons are the rule as well. You can’t tell me they aren’t alleviating their natural needs with each other.” He dropped the subject, more interested in their future work. “I like this spyship option, Tranis. I think it’s a good fit for all of us.”

“I’ll speak to Cap – uh, Admiral Piras.”

Hours after Tranis’ promotion, Piras had received word he too had been advanced in rank. Lidon had been correct in that their mission’s success in undermining the Tragoom threat would reflect well on their commanding officer.

Lidon smirked. “He’s in his office. My bet is, he’s practicing his strut.”

Tranis couldn’t resist teasing. “Just think, Lidon. You could have been clanned to an admiral instead of a lowly captain.”

Lidon’s upper lip curled. “Don’t make me beat you. I will, you know. I’m still head disciplinarian on this hunk of salvage, and Piras would be too happy to honor such a request.”

Tranis chuckled at the threat and headed for Piras’ office. The future was starting to look bright again.

Chapter 16

Piras stared at him as if Tranis had suddenly transformed into a Tragoom. “A spyship?”

“Yes, Admiral.”

“Really? When you could have a destroyer?”

Tranis had no intention of telling Piras the exact reasons for his decision. Half-truths would work fine. “My clan is up for a new challenge, something that we haven’t done before.”

Piras leaned back in his chair and considered Tranis. “You do realize such a move will delay your taking actual command of a ship by about two years?”

Tranis blinked in surprise. “There are a great many missions available right now.”

“Indeed there are, As a captain and now an admiral—” Piras preened a little as he reminded himself of his new rank, “—I’m to look out for likely candidates for those missions. But spyship work is greatly different from that of a destroyer. You’re off the regular communications grid with the rest of the fleet, the dangers are more of a one-on-one personal nature, there are interrogation methods Lidon would have to learn, languages to master … even your Imdiko will have to be re-trained if he’s to be the head doctor on such a vessel.”

Tranis considered this new wrinkle in his plans. He’d been in a headlong rush to climb the ranks for years, to make his brothers proud, to show them they hadn’t wasted their time and money on him. Two years of training would certainly slow that progress down.

But he’d already made captain. More importantly, this career shift had the potential to keep Degorsk with him and Lidon.

Tranis squared his shoulders. He didn’t have to pretend the firmness in his voice. “As I said, we’re ready for a new challenge.”

Piras looked him over and nodded. “Very well. I’ll tender my approval of your change of field. I am surprised, though. While the work of a spyship is invaluable, it comes with few public accolades. Gathering information wins many wars. More importantly, it helps us avoid many wars, but it gets little to none of the glory.”

“I’ve had my share of glory, Admiral. I’ve found other rewards worth more than rank and commendations.”

“Indeed. Your Nobek is such a one.” At Tranis’ raised eyebrow, Piras grudgingly added, “I suppose you feel that way about your Imdiko, as well. Lidon certainly does. No offense, but I really don’t understand what you two see in such a man.”

Tranis couldn’t help the smile in his tone. “As Lidon might quote, ‘There are sometimes hidden qualities that take careful scrutiny to appreciate.’”

Piras shook his head. “If you say so.”

Tranis just barely managed to keep a smirk from making an appearance on his face. Piras’ blindness and arrogance had cost him not just Lidon, but a very wonderful Imdiko. Tranis sent silent thanks to the ancestors he himself was not so afflicted.

* * * *

Degorsk took a deep breath. He kept his stance relaxed. He would not lose his temper again. He would not disrespect his Dramok. It wasn’t easy with guilt crowding in on him. Fortunately, the past hour of sitting in the clan’s quarters and reading from Lidon’s copy of the Book of Life had given him some equilibrium.

He kept the frustration he felt out of his voice, speaking his protest quietly. “A spyship? Well, I admit it beats a garbage scow, but it’s still a step down for you, Tranis. And a lot less opportunities for glory, Lidon.”

The Nobek actually looked pleased, as if the solution he and their Dramok had arrived at was a hidden treasure he’d discovered. “It’s less glory only when it comes to public recognition. I don’t need that kind of acclaim. The glory I strive for comes from here.” He thumped his chest hard.

Tranis also seemed excited at the prospect. “It is not a step down. The financial gain and prestige accorded from my superiors is tremendous.”

If either of them was acting simply to make him feel better, they were doing a damned fine job of it. Degorsk wished he could read their minds and be certain, because he really didn’t want them to suffer because of his decision. “You need your chance to shine so all can see.”

Tranis folded his arms over his chest and gave the Imdiko a level gaze. “I’ve got that after this last mission. I don’t need any more awards or commendations. What I need now is my Imdiko with me.”

Degorsk still couldn’t allow himself to be convinced. “When I agreed to join your clan, it was never with the intent of making my Dramok and Nobek accept commissions they’d be miserable at.”

Lidon’s eyes narrowed. “We won’t be miserable. I am looking forward to this new pursuit.” When Degorsk opened his mouth to voice another protest, the Nobek’s tone took on a warning growl. “Before you call me a liar and get yourself in more trouble than you can handle, take note of the Book of Life: ‘a falsehood told to make another feel better will only make things worse for all in the end.’”

Tranis drew close. He snagged Degorsk’s braid and began unraveling it. “We are more than content with this opportunity, Degorsk. The question is, are you comfortable with it?”

The Imdiko looked at the two. His clanmates, men he cherished above all others. For better or worse, they had made their decision. Now he had to make his.

Degorsk thought carefully about all the information they’d given him. Flying about in enemy territory still offered opportunities for carnage. However, with less than a hundred men crewing a spyship, the injuries and deaths would be on a much smaller level. A level he thought he could deal with. He’d be able to keep his promise to his long-dead companions.

Most importantly, he would remain in the company of his clan.

Degorsk took a deep breath. Let it out. “I think I might be able to handle it.” He gave them both a mock pout. “Although I was looking forward to trying a new branch of the medical field. While you two get a fresh challenge, I’ll continue to patch up cranky Nobeks. You get all the fun while I get all the growls and threats.”

Lidon grinned at him. “You’ll definitely be challenged. Doctors on spyships are trained in a variety of new disciplines, including hypnosis to use on prisoners.”

Tranis had loosened Degorsk’s hair and stroked his fingers through it. “Plus there are all those languages and customs to learn. I’m leaning towards specializing in covert operations on Earther colonies. They have one government but thousands of languages.”

Degorsk looked at him in shock and not a little trepidation. “Thousands? Damn it, Tranis, I’m a doctor, not a linguist.”

Lidon stepped close, his eyes dark. “Oh, I think you’ll do fine. You have a rather talented tongue.”

Degorsk couldn’t resist teasing his fierce clanmate. “Was that a joke, Lidon? Do I dare hope my influence is rubbing off on you and you might be developing a sense of humor?”

The Nobek snarled at him. “You are the most insulting man I’ve ever known.”

“So do something about it.”

Degorsk was facedown on the bed before he knew what was happening. Lidon’s weight settled on his thighs, and a moment later, Tranis was sitting on his back, facing the Nobek. The doctor’s pants were jerked down beneath his buttocks. Hard slaps made his ass sting, and the Imdiko yelped. His cocks swelled in reaction.

They kept at it until his ass burned. Degorsk’s cries were not those of a man in pain. Being helpless for their discipline had him rigid and wet with need.

The spanking ended and Tranis chuckled. “He sounds like he’s having as much fun as we are.”

“He’s one hell of an Imdiko.”

“I’ll say. And look how gorgeous his ass is when it’s red.”

Degorsk joined in the conversation. “You should fuck it instead of talking about it. What is it with you two and all the yapping anyway?”

Another stinging slap to his pulsing hindquarters made him hiss. “No one gave you permission to talk.”

Oh, so they were going to be like that, were they? Degorsk could feel their gazes on the back of his head. He didn’t dare turn to look at them. He’d get into trouble for sure.

“Look at me, Imdiko.”

Well, hell. There was no denying that commanding tone. So Degorsk turned his head and looked at the two men over his shoulder. The wide grin he couldn’t get off his face beamed at them.

Tranis and Lidon howled laughter. They fell to either side of him on the wide sleeping mat.

“You are impossible, my Imdiko,” Lidon gasped between guffaws.

“Mother of All. What have I clanned?” Tranis asked the ceiling.

“This!” Degorsk shouted, shoving Tranis onto his stomach and laying on top of him in an attempt to overpower his Dramok. He rubbed his eager cocks against the other man’s ass.

A wild struggle ensued. It didn’t take Lidon long to join in the melee, and since he’d decided to fight on Tranis’ side, Degorsk was quickly overpowered and stripped nude. Not that the Imdiko minded, at least not at first. But when the men snapped hover cuffs on his wrists and ankles and Tranis drew the cockring out of a drawer, Degorsk felt a surge that was half-dread, half-anticipation.

“Oh, don’t do that,” he groaned. “I hate that thing!”

“Really?” Tranis arched an eyebrow at Lidon. “I think we have finally found the perfect punishment for this masochist.”

Lidon’s smile was pure evil. “I will put it into use for the next infraction. Say, two or three days of wear the next time he shows his Dramok disrespect?”

“And a week for any insubordination.”

Degorsk whimpered. He’d go insane if they made him wear the cockring for that long. Which was apparently the point.

“But he’s going to behave now, aren’t you Degorsk?” Tranis asked, slipping the tight circle up to the base of the Imdiko’s rigid primary cock. Leaving him terribly hard and unable to climax. “You’re going to stay silent and offer that delicious ass to your clanmates so we’ll take it back off and let you come.”

“Eventually,” Lidon sneered.

A million wisecracks filled Degorsk’s throat, along with a few choice curses. He bit his lips together hard to keep them from spilling out and getting him in the kind of trouble he truly didn’t want.

Cruel laughter filled his ears. “Good Imdiko,” Lidon said. “It’s nice to know you do have a little self-preservation.”

They ordered the hovercuffs to put Degorsk into a kneeling position, with his hands at the small of his back. In this vulnerable state, he had no defense as Tranis and Lidon closed in on him.

Tongues plundered his mouth, exploring and searching with thoroughness that stole the Imdiko’s breath. Teeth nibbled at his lips. Tranis remembered the sensitivity of Degorsk’s ears and traced the curves of one with the tip of his tongue while his warm breath filled the canal. Gooseflesh sprang over the Imdiko’s skin. Lidon tugged at the opposite earlobe with his teeth, nipping just hard enough to bring pleasurable pain. Degorsk groaned in reaction to their assault.

They moved lower, rough fingers tugging at his nipples, turning the tips into hard pebbles. Coarse tongues swirled around the dark brown discs and flicked teasingly. Hungry mouths sucked. Sensation zapped from Degorsk’s nipples to his main prick, making it strain with fullness against the tight barrier of the cockring. He sobbed in aroused agony, tortured by pleasure and unable to make it stop.

“Having fun?” Tranis smirked. He plucked Degorsk’s nipple hard, sending daggers of pain and delight down to his needy cocks. The Dramok’s eyes, the purple nearly lost behind the dilated pupils, dared Degorsk to say anything defiant.

The Imdiko shuddered and looked away. He had every idea they would torment him for a long time, but as long as he didn’t give into the compulsion to antagonize them, they would let him climax. If he said a word, he had no doubt Lidon would make good on his threat to keep him in the cockring for days.

“Such an obedient Imdiko,” Lidon gloated. His teeth tugged on Degorsk’s nipple, making heat spill downward to roil in the Imdiko’s gut. Degorsk cried out and his hips thrust forward instinctively.

“I think he wants attention down there,” Tranis said. His rough hands moved over the doctor’s abdomen, heading for his groin.

Degorsk did not want their efforts focused on his cocks. Not while he wore a cockring. Not when he was helpless to stop them. A desperate cry slipped through his teeth.

“I think you’re right,” Lidon agreed. He gave Degorsk’s nipple a final lick and began gently biting his way down.

Tranis seized both of Degorsk’s cocks. Feeling that tight grip on the avid flesh brought a surge of need fighting to get past the cockring. The secondary prick swelled until Degorsk thought it might explode. His head fell back and he groaned.

The Dramok rubbed up and down, stroking the cocks hard. Then Lidon’s mouth arrived, and a slow, caressing lick teased the tip of Degorsk’s front organ. The sensation of wet, hot, rough flesh tasting him galvanized the Imdiko. His whole body stiffened as it battled to release the intense pressure. But he was blocked. The boiling cum could not escape him.

He howled and jerked frantically against the cuffs holding him. There was no give. He was trapped. Meanwhile, Tranis continued to stroke up and down his lengths. Lidon’s tongue swirled over the tip of the Degorsk’s front cock, and now fingers were groping for the entrance to his ass.

“Please, my Dramok,” Degorsk begged. He was becoming desperate for release.

Tranis’ gaze held no pity. “Accept the domination. Give yourself over.”

“I do! I submit.”

“You have not. You will completely surrender to us by accepting that we will let you come when we decide to.”

Degorsk blinked at him. He couldn’t think very well past those rubbing hands, that fondling tongue, or the searching pair of fingers that were now inside him and hunting for the hot spot that would make everything so much worse.

“Tranis, I don’t understand. What do you want from me?”

Those dark eyes stared at him without blinking. “I want you to yield everything. Even if I play with you for hours on end, even if I keep you in the cockring and don’t let you come at all, you will not resist. You will accept it as what pleases me as your leader, your master, your Dramok.” Tranis’ voice lowered until he was whispering. “I want you to make yourself utterly, completely mine, Imdiko. I will not accept less.”

Lidon found the place he was looking for on the heels of Tranis’ demand. Violent ecstasy surged to make Degorsk scream. His hips jerked, desperate to find a way to either come or get away from their insistent and painful pleasuring.

“Stop fighting, Degorsk. Be still and concede.”

The Imdiko could barely hear over the roar in his ears and the brutal clamoring of his body. He needed to come. He needed to come right now.

But he couldn’t, and his clanmates weren’t letting up. Stroking, demanding hands. Wicked, teasing tongue and sucking mouth. Fingers pressing and rubbing inside him. And that fucking hateful cockring damming up the release he would kill for right now.

This was what he got for cursing at his Dramok. For angrily defying him with a raised voice and clenched fists rather than discussing their issues calmly. Degorsk knew that was what this was about. He’d known he was doing the wrong thing when he’d aggressively challenged his new clanmate. Now Tranis was asserting his rightful leadership over the Imdiko, as had been implicitly agreed to when Degorsk had joined his clan.

He had no choice but to submit. To be tortured with lust and need until Tranis was satisfied the clan roles had been accepted.

Shaking violently, his rioting body pleading for relief with no assurance it would receive it, Degorsk bowed his head. “I surrender to you, my Dramok. Everything,” he said, his voice a thin thread. He’d never spoken more difficult words.

“We’ll see. For your sake, I hope it’s true.”

Tranis and Lidon continued their sensual assault. The Dramok’s hands squeezed to make Degorsk shudder as he masturbated him. Lidon’s tongue swirled and licked the tip of his cock, where the Imdiko could feel his pulse thudding violently. His clanmate’s fingers buried deep in Degorsk’s ass, rubbing that interior cum spot with merciless, gorgeous pressure. A hard knot of molten, brutal demand had gathered at the base of his cocks, excruciating in its desperation to escape.

The Imdiko sobbed with want, but he remained absolutely still for the torment. He wanted the agony to end, but more so, he wanted to please Tranis. To prove he really did deserve to be the Dramok’s clanmate.

“I’m ready to enjoy that ass now,” Tranis said after several minutes that felt like hundreds of hours.

Lidon ordered the cuffs so that Degorsk crouched on all fours with his legs spread wide. Tranis mounted him, his thick primary cock sinking into the Imdiko’s flesh, making Degorsk full. He groaned as he felt his Dramok’s second cock rub beneath his.

Tranis’ fist closed around Degorsk’s front prick near the tip. “Move into my hand,” he ordered.

Degorsk trembled, but he didn’t hesitate to obey. Thrusting his hips forward, he forged into Tranis’ hand until it met the base of his cock. The motion slid the dick up his ass almost completely out.

“Keep moving. Fuck yourself with my cock.”

The Imdiko moved back, impaling himself on Tranis while sliding through the tight grip of his hand. His leader’s prick found that spot inside him, and a cry escaped Degorsk’s lips. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t.

“Keep going. Don’t stop.”

Degorsk was sobbing in erotic agony, but he did as he was told. He would show Tranis he accepted him as his Dramok. That there was no hesitation, no doubt, even if it killed him.

“Harder. Faster.”

A choking cry was the Imdiko’s only concession to his misery. The pistoning of his hips was making Tranis’ cock rub hard against his prostate, making his guts twist from denied orgasm. That he was forced to be the instrument of his own torture was not lost on him.

A fist caught hold of Degorsk’s hair, pulling his head up. Lidon kneeled on the bed before him, his eager cocks pointing at his mouth. “Open. Take me,” the Nobek growled. His face was feral with need.

Degorsk opened his mouth. Lidon slid inside, pressing until he entered the Imdiko’s throat, which Degorsk had the presence of mind to keep relaxed. The delicious spicy flavor of his clanmate only heightened the doctor’s desperate need, a need he could not acknowledge. Against his tongue, the feeling of smooth, hot skin over iron wound his groin tighter still.

The air filled with Lidon’s grunts as he eagerly fucked Degorsk’s mouth. The Imdiko’s choked moans and sobs mingled with those sounds, as well as the hurricane-force breathing coming from Tranis, intercut with the occasional demands of “Harder. Faster.” Moist noises of flesh working flesh underlay it all.

Lidon’s grip on his hair tightened. The Nobek withdrew almost all the way out of Degorsk’s mouth. He seized his cock and jerked hard on the length. “Let me see myself fill your mouth with my cum,” he gasped.

The Imdiko opened his mouth wide, showing Lidon the cock tip nestled on his waiting tongue. Meanwhile he continued to ram himself against Tranis’ cock, never losing his rhythm.

Veins stood out on Lidon’s muscles as he closed in on the ecstasy Degorsk was denied. “Coming,” he groaned. “Coming. Oh. My Imdiko!”

Hot, sweetish-spicy fluid poured into Degorsk’s mouth, sliding back to run in a thick stream down his throat. He swallowed his Nobek’s offering, making his beloved clanmate a part of himself while he watched Lidon’s face work in grimaces of pleasure. He accepted every pulse, every precious drop given to him. When the juices ebbed, Degorsk closed his lips around the tip of Lidon’s penis, suckling with the hope of drawing out just a little more.

Lidon caressed his cheek. “My Imdiko,” he sighed.

A few moments later, Tranis let go of Degorsk’s cock to seize his hips and hold him still. He fucked the Imdiko, his groin clapping hard against Degorsk’s ass. The intensity of the taking made Degorsk yell.

He’d thought he’d been in hell before. Now the pressure on his cum spot was doubled.

Lidon moved down so that his face was level with Degorsk’s. He reached to take hold of the Imdiko’s aching prick. Degorsk’s yell was nearly a scream this time.

“Take the ring off him. I’m getting ready to come,” Tranis gasped.

At last that terrible pressure at the base of Degorsk’s cock slid loose. Cum surged eagerly, ready to fill his main shaft and burst free. The Imdiko fought it. His Dramok had not given his express permission yet.

Tranis drove into him over and over. Lidon’s gaze was avid on Degorsk’s face as his hand massaged up and down his prick, trying to make Degorsk give in to his own selfish urges. He would not. He would not. Not without his Dramok’s leave.

But it hurt so damned bad…

“Come, Degorsk! Come right now!”

Tranis’ shout came just before the Dramok lost his rhythm. Degorsk felt the first pulse of his leader releasing into him, and then he knew his surroundings no more.

Liquid fire surged from his very core, shooting into his cock, pouring up and up, and finally erupting. The world was all blinding brightness then, and a fierce but wondrous pain suffused his loins. He spilled and spilled and spilled, the monumental elation bursting from him for a glorious eternity. His guts seemed intent on turning him inside out, just to be sure he would be utterly emptied.

There was the small thought buried somewhere in the back of his brain that the orgasm might actually kill him. He didn’t care.

Degorsk didn’t die, however. Little by little the expulsions eased. He felt the soft surface of the sleeping mat beneath his hands and knees first. Then the lovely weight of Tranis on his lower back. Heavy warmth dripping from his belly and chest. The Imdiko blinked and his gaze met Lidon’s. The Nobek was watching intently as Degorsk regained reality.

“Are you back with us, my Imdiko?” he asked softly.

Degorsk couldn’t quite remember how to make speech happen, so he made a noise that was half-grunt and half-sigh.

“I’ll second that,” moaned Tranis. “Damn, I think I sprained my prick holding out for so long.”

“You can’t sprain your prick, you crackpot,” Degorsk snorted. “Trust me, I’m a doctor.”

Laughter greeted his retort. “He’s back,” Lidon said. He planted a noisy kiss on Degorsk’s lips.

“So I hear.” Tranis leaned down to cover Degorsk fully, his beefy arms embracing the Imdiko. “And it’s good to have him with us.”

Degorsk twisted his head to look at his Dramok. “Just try to get rid of me. You can’t fly far enough or fast enough to get away, Captain.”

“Good. Some fates a man doesn’t want to escape.” Tranis grinned. He looked every bit as happy as Degorsk felt. Which was impossible.

A lifetime of Tranis and Lidon at his side. He couldn’t think of how things could get any better, but who knew what the future held? Degorsk could only imagine.

The End

OTHER BOOKS BY TRACY ST. JOHN AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM:

Unholy Union

The Font

THE NETHERWORLD SERIES:

Drop Dead Sexy

Blood Potion No. 9

Once Bitten Twice Dead

THE CLANS OF KALQUOR SERIES:

Alien Embrace

Alien Rule

Alien Conquest

Alien Salvation

Alien Slave

Alien Interludes: Clans of Kalquor Short Stories

Alien Redemption

Please visit Tracy’s website at http://www.tracystjohn.com/

and Tracy’s blog at http://tracystjohn.blogspot.com

Follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/@TracySaintJohn

Enjoy the free serialized Clans of Kalquor story Shalia’s Diary at http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Do you have a taste for erotic sci-fi? Meet the Clans of Kalquor, Tracy St. John’s bestselling BDSM-futuristic series.

Alien Embrace

Amelia Ryan fled Earth’s fanatically religious government to live quietly among the aliens of Plasius. Her life of peace shatters when a three-man clan from the planet Kalquor kidnaps her and holds her prisoner.

With their people poised on the verge of extinction, the Kalquorians are determined to have Amelia for their mate. Amelia is equally determined to escape. But when her body thrills to the ruthless domination of her captors, she finds herself surrendering to desires she never imagined possible.

Mild BDSM. Captive situation/forced seduction. Multiple sexual partners. Retrospective MOM and rape of the heroine—not by the hero.

All I can say is, get out the hose, because this book set me on fire. –Carla, RomFanReviews

I think fans of the real erotic, futuristic science fiction are going to enjoy this book as much as I did. –Hunter, Happily Ever After Review

Alien Rule

Marked for execution, Jessica McInness knows joining the enemy is her only hope for survival. However when Kalquor’s crown princes arrive to rescue her, she discovers the three alien men aren’t quite what she hoped for in lifelong mates. Arrogant and brutish, the royal clan infuriates her—and awakens passions as no other men have.

The Kalquorians are determined to seduce the temperamental woman who inflames their lusts. They relentlessly pursue the hesitant Earther, resorting to forceful means to claim her as their mate. But love comes at a high price when the princes’ choice of a princess incites a rebellion on Kalquor…and endangers Jessica’s life.

Mild BDSM. Forced seduction. Multiple sexual partners.

Alien Rule is a fascinating, erotic, entertaining, and romantic tale full of mystery and suspense. Ms. St. John you rock! —Tallyn Porter, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

This book with its unconventional love story had everything I enjoy in a book. The sex scenes are numerous and thoroughly enjoyable. You may want a nice cold drink on hand. —Amy Hopkins, The Romance Studio

Alien Conquest

Cassidy Hamilton doesn’t think life can get any worse after being sequestered in a convent on Europa. A Kalquorian invasion changes her mind in a hurry, and she barely eludes her people’s greatest enemy. Fear and desire become a heady mixture when her spying reveals the aliens’ intentions for Europa’s nuns: bondage and seduction.

Mild BDSM. Captive situation/forced seduction. Multiple sexual partners.

The sexual scenes in this book are extremely hot, but it is the ending of the story that will take the reader by surprise. –Candy, Sensual Reads

Alien Salvation

Lindsey McInness and her parents are barely surviving on post-Armageddon Earth. When a Kalquorian shuttle crashes nearby, Lindsey has no choice but to offer herself to the clan on board in exchange for food and rescue.

Bacoj, Japohn and Vax are stunned when a young woman presents herself to them for their sexual pleasure. Kalquorians of their youth and low rank have no expectation of finding the elusive Earther mates Kalquorians covet so highly. But the strong willed and yet yielding Lindsey seems to be a perfect fit for them … until they learn her secret that threatens to tear the entire clan apart.

Mild BDSM. Multiple sexual partners.

This book contains lots of hot sex and a plot filled with action. –Candy, Sensual Reads

Alien Slave

Dani Watson is a sex slave on the planet of Dantovon. Having escaped post-Armageddon Earth, she’s resigned to spending several years working in a brothel to pay off her slave contract. Her one consolation is that she avoided being captured and enslaved by the Kalquorians.

When a Kalquorian clan buys her contract, Dani attempts escape. Crashing on a remote moon gets her puts her life in jeopardy, leaving her and the clan of Gelan, Wynhod, and Krijero fighting for survival in a hostile environment. Worse still, they’re being hunted by a group of brutal Tragooms who are determined to capture Dani and subject her to a fate worse than mere slavery.

Mild BDSM. Captive situation/forced seduction. Multiple sexual partners.

Alien Slave is a captivating, futuristic, erotic romance story. If you like science fiction, fantasy, and lots of hot alien sex, this story has it all. - Stacey Krug, Siren Book Reviews

I’ve been waiting for this book and I must say this is probably the best of the series so far. –Fashionta, Booked Up Reviews

Alien Interludes: Clans of Kalquor Short Stories

Clans of Kalquor short story collection. Nine tales revisiting the alien clans of the first five books and their Earther mates:

Hunted - Amelia Ryan is stalked through the Kalquorian wilderness by a dangerous Nobek with no chance for escape.

Abduction – Rebellion is brewing on Kalquor, and Empress Jessica is the insurgents’ latest target.

The Negotiation – Saucin Israla must deal with Earther Colonel Tyler Carter, a man whose threat involves her heart.

Michaela’s Child – Michaela Blake finally has a child of her own, but how will she regain her clan?

The Sentence – Cassidy Hamilton’s grandfather faces a sentence worse than death for his part in Armageddon.

A Family Affair – A clandestine tryst re-opens old wounds for the Imperial Family.

An Improper Proposal – Lindsey McInness’ clan’s homecoming is marred by the machinations of a greedy councilman.

Sins of the Past – Imdiko Krijero and Nobek Wynhod’s past may cost Dani Watson her life.

Prelude to Redemption – Young Dramok Sojan finds more than he bargained for in the ruins of an Earther women’s prison: broken but unbowed revolutionary Rachel Hicks.

Mild BDSM, including spanking, bondage, Dom/sub play. Forced seduction. Multiple sexual partners. Graphic sexual content with a hermaphrodite (Michaela’s Child).

Alien Redemption

Imdiko Conyod’s clanmates Dramok Erybet and Nobek Sletran are home from the war. However, he no longer knows these men. Changed by the horrors they’ve seen and done, they are very different people. How can he allow them to clan the traumatized Earther Rachel Hicks, whom he’s come to love so deeply? And how can he not clan her when she’s the only thing right in his life?

Erybet and Sletran keep secret the truth of the terrible crime they committed on the Earther colony of New Bethlehem. The damaged clan tries to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives with Rachel, a woman as passionate as any three men could wish for. But the murders of other Earther women mean Erybet and Sletran must face the monstrous act they thought they left behind. Someone calling himself the Beast of New Bethlehem is murdering Earther women … and the killer may be closer to the clan’s beloved Rachel than anyone suspects.

Mild BDSM, including spanking, anal play/intercourse, bondage, Dom/sub play, forced seduction, multiple sexual partners (m/f/m/m) and homoerotic situations (m/m).

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16