Tha-lah Read online

  Chapter Fourteen

  The Elite

  The loading docks were located on the largest asteroid in the belt. It was one of the busiest hubs in the entire network with new ships constantly arriving. Every corner was bustling with activity. Ry-ahl’s contact owned a large six-sectioned freighter. Each of them was made up of five hundred storage cubes.

  That kind of ship was perfect for delivery into hard-to-reach areas. Depending on the order, a single cube or an entire section could be remotely detached and maneuvered. The elite warriors now traveled to the inner part of the belt concealed inside one of them.

  Tyl’mok, the freighter captain, had most of them rigged to avoid life signs detection. He was unlike any other Jog’nafan they’d ever encounter. Groo’lat knew he was still ruthless, but true to his cause.

  “I’m in the business of making credits while ruining the consortium,” Tyl’mok proudly declared when asked why he helped them.

  His wife and sons had been kidnaped and killed by mercs working with the consortium. As far as the Kreeh-nosh, he blamed them for the downfall of his race.

  “Two minutes to dock.”

  Groo’lat looked up still surprised at the added feature. The cube had a concealed AI and a fully independent navigational system. Tyl’mok had told him only three of his containers had one. There was no telling when freight had to separate and make a run for it. Pirates and mercs were a constant hazard in these parts.

  “Warriors, activate your armor now. Groo’lat, you’re with me. Xy, O’frahm, you’re together. The rest of you take your positions by the exits and cover us,” Commander Dru-lah ordered. It was the second mission under his command. His reputation as one of the best combat warriors in the armada was well deserved.

  Groo’lat vowed to fight with all his strength and skills to bring Security Chief Mah’yanna back safe and sound. As a sign of atonement, he carried the same ro’traal from the prison. It’d belonged to a guard who had died during the attack. By slaying as many enemies as he could, he would bring honor to his senseless death. Commander Dru-lah agreed to return it to the family.

  Squaring his shoulders, Groo’lat followed his commander out while sending his mate all his love. This was no longer a suicide mission. He now had a reason to live.

  “Docking completed. Opening hatch doors.”

  An assortment of robotic units unloaded the cargo as the warriors quickly deployed. Once inside, they had to avoid detection as long as possible.

  The asteroid was a small facility with only three levels. Based on Tyl’mok’s specs the lower level was just storage, the second contained the research lab and the first level the actual testing and subject holding cells.

  “Spread out. Search pattern nineteen eighty,” Commander Dru-lah ordered, drawing his ro’traal.

  Groo’lat activated the holo map, which pointed to the corridor to the right. According to it, there was a row of cells fifty feet ahead.

  “Attention, the fight schedule has changed. Proceed to the main testing area now. You have two minutes or you’ll be disqualified.”

  The sudden announcement could only mean T’zaal knew they were there.

  * * * *

  “Sir, we’ve detected seven life signs near the cargo bay.”

  A Kreeh-nosh foot soldier rushed in with the news. T’zaal hated working with these lowly incompetents, but had no other choice. Once he defeated the Pendo’rahns, he’d go after the insolent breeders. Those who refused to submit would be killed instantly.

  “Is there a small female among them?” He knew the answer already, but wanted concrete proof of the Pendo’rahn duplicity.

  “A female is with them. She’s a Pendo’rahn warrior.”

  “Check again. The female should read as Pendo’rahn but much smaller.”

  “Negative, the only female is just your average size warrior” the foot soldier replied while narrowing the search parameters.

  “Very well then, make the announcement. The fight starts in two minutes.” T’zaal had expected something like that to happen. After all, he didn’t think for a moment Briq would just hand over his mate.

  He was still angry over Gaal’ya’s betrayal, but he still had some of Gigi’s voice stored in a secured location. What he really wanted was to test his serum. He couldn’t think of a better subject than the strongest female in the armada.

  “Sir, should we dispatch security to intercept?”

  “No, let them come.” T’zaal plans hinged on everyone witnessing what he could do to all Pendo’rahn females.

  He left the command center, heading for the cells. She was still full of defiance like her brother had been all those years ago. Torturing her, knowing she was a Prahn-kril, gave him untold pleasure. Briq had stolen a very valuable subject and injured T’zaal’s leg. Having his sister publicly humiliated was only fair.

  “I see you’ve awakened, filthy Pendo’rahn whore.” She’d lost consciousness after silently enduring forty-eight hours of painful tests. Truth was they were completely unnecessary. He just wanted to make her suffer.

  T’zaal had perfected his serum a couple months ago, using the samples he’d taken from Gigi. The test trials had been inconclusive. Trac’xian females exhibited longer orgasms. Jog’nafan experienced a feral-like state. The single Galadonian subject developed into a full-fledged female.

  He concluded Galadonian physiology changed according to the sex of the donor. Xy became male, because he’d combined his DNA with Bah-Troy’s. Mah’yanna would be the first Pendo’rahn female to receive the fully developed formula.

  “My name is T’zaal,” he uttered contemptuously. “I’m the one Pendo’rahns will never forget. I’ll bring the Protectorate and their mighty warriors to their knees.”

  He jabbed a needle hard into her neck, fully aware of her pain. The change was almost instantaneous. Her pupils became dilated and her respiration rate increased. She was now fully aroused. The time for his revenge was at hand.

  The entire event was being broadcasted live throughout the galaxies. Let the mighty Prahn-Kril watch while their brave Mah’yanna was defiled by many. Let them hear her beg for more until she died.

  He dragged her by her chains like the animal she was and then pushed her inside a cavern. This area of the lab was used to test the subject’s endurance and fighting skills. T’zaal would never forget the look in her eyes when he handed her an old ro’traal. She finally understood death might be a better option.

  * * * *

  “Commander, life signs up ahead. They’re coming from a large cavern.” Groo’lat used their comm secured channel.

  “We’re in position to your left,” O’frahm joined in.

  “I’ll take point. We’ll go on my mark.”

  No one better than Groo’lat understood the commander’s need to rush. If the tables were turned, he’d probably do the same.

  “Isn’t it strange no one tried to stop us so far?” Xy asked, looking around, almost expecting trouble to come from every corner.

  “I know. Full armor mode—now. Prepare for combat.”

  Groo’lat stepped in front of the commander, blocking the way before Dru-lah could take the lead. It was a clear act of insubordination, but he couldn’t allow the officer to get hurt.

  “Commander, let us take point and clear the way for you.”

  Groo’lat reasoned the security chief should be his only concern. The rest of them would engage the fighters while they made a clean getaway.

  “What’s your plan?”

  This was the first time he’d ever discussed strategy with anyone. Usually, he unquestioningly followed orders. Pride surged through him at Dru-lah asking his opinion.

  “Well, Xy has been dying to try out his new toy.” The Galadonian grinned, pressing a switch to unlock the massive gun from the back of his armor. “Why don’t we let him?”

  “That’s what I’m talking bout. Bring it on, baby,” Xy screamed, blowing up the door with his new pulse cannon. It had a neuro interface w
ith adjustable settings and a blast radius of up to two miles wide.

  Groo’lat shook his head, remembering how much Xy enjoyed “a good frackking and a good fight.”

  “Elite, move in. Honor, loyalty and strength.” Dru-lah gave the order, and they ran into the middle of the bloody fight. It didn’t matter if they’d never been in combat together. They moved as one.

  Groo’lat’s team skidded to a halt. Like him, their gazes trained on the incredible scene before them. Naked, dirty and bruised, Security Chief Mah’yanna stood in the middle of the cavern, brandishing an old banged-up ro’traal. Three Jog’nafan surrounded her, but made no attempt to attack.

  Groo’lat’s stomach churned as he took in her condition. She was in full k’lyaa, appearing to hold on to her sanity by sheer will power. Even in her current state, the security chief’s swordsmanship was remarkable.

  “Combat formation three twelve. Protect the security chief.”

  They took flanking positions, killing anyone who crossed their paths. If the others noticed the fear in their commander’s voice, they didn’t show it.

  A group of K’luk males attempted to rush her from the sides, but she jumped, twisting around in midair and then landing behind them. Their severed heads bounced several feet away from the force of the blow. Her weapon might be old and blunt, but she was the best elite warrior in the armada.

  The Jog’nafans closed rank around her, but didn’t try anything. They probably planned to wait until everyone was dead, then make their move. No one noticed the Labonian sneaking in until they heard her scream. He gripped her from behind, trying to drag her away. Every Pendo’rahn warrior in the room felt her pain as if it were their own.

  “Mah’yanna,” Dru-lah’s strangled voice called out. “Hold on. I’m coming.”

  Her pain had to be excruciating. Any male who touched her, pushed her deeper into k’lyaa. Sexual intercourse was the only way take away some of it. Even if the commander was willing, it might be too late.

  “Dru-lah.” Her legs buckled. “I can’t…please…hurry…” Her strangled cry spurred their resolve, their ro’traals cutting a deadly path toward their leader.

  “Xy, can you aim at the holo-spheres?” If there was no other choice, Groo’lat wanted to ensure the couple’s privacy.

  “You betcha,” Xy shouted back and aimed his cannon at them. “All right, you motherfuckers. Come and get it, you little freaks.”

  The prince might be reckless, immature and crazy, but he sure knew how to handle a pulse cannon. Every single shot met its mark and pulverized the little mechanical eyes.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Goddess Feast

  “Q’alor II, are you receiving this?” Tha-lah gulped and pressed her hands against her chest. The holo-vid streamed from the asteroid the second the warriors stepped into the cavern. She was aghast to see Security Chief Mah’yanna’s exposed, battered body.

  “We are, priestess,” Third Commander Kyr-lee responded stoically.

  “Can you intercept and stop it?”

  The signal came from the main satellite array and then bounced off to different parts of the galaxies. Big entertainment companies paid a huge fee for communication rights. The council had banned all rebroadcasts from the badlands, but with so many cyber pirates around, the sanction was useless.

  “We can try to scramble their long-distance signals. The Glaxians said they can’t stop it completely, though.”

  Under council law, the badlands was now considered enemy territory. Since they’d clearly broken their treaty, the Q’alor’s II’s attack was justified.

  “Please do it. We mustn’t allow anyone to see the security chief in this condition.”

  Warriors sometimes took part in live broadcast fights. They were perfectly legal and a good outlet during long periods of inactivity. This one was a violation of Protectorate law, because Mah’yanna had been kidnapped and forced to fight.

  “Agreed. We’ve been cleared to use deadly force if necessary. We’ll be there in less than an hour.”

  “Thanks, third commander.” Something was wrong. Tendrils of fear wrapped around her mind. Tha-lah decided not to wait any longer. She had to take matters into her own hands. “Rag’mar, prepare to release docking clamps.”

  “We are not scheduled for departure until the elite returns.” This AI was more autonomous than Divine Light. Rag’mar was so advanced many considered it sentient.

  “Rag’mar, Seurity Chief Mah’yanna’s life is more important. Time is crucial. The closer we are to their location the faster we can start healing protocols.

  “Understood. Unlocking docking clamps. Heading adjusted. We will rendezvous with the elite in five minutes.”

  “Thanks, Rag’mar. Ne-yii, please monitor the holo-vid while I prepare.”

  The ship had a decent supply of high-grade gly-urq. It was the security chief’s state of mind she worried about.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  Tha-lah was so glad to have her father back. She valued his counsel above anyone else’s. “I can’t explain it, but I have to do this.”

  Mah’yanna had taken this mission, risking her own life. She was a proud warrior who always placed duty before her personal life.

  If they didn’t get to her soon, she might lose her mind or even die. The alternative was to perform a sexual healing. O’frahm had confided that only Dru-lah would be able to reach the security chief in her current state. They’d been close since childhood.

  “Priestess,” Rag’mar’s synthetic voice droned. “We are receiving a commlink transmission.”

  “Patch it through.”

  “Priestess.” Groo’lat’s strained voice confirmed her earlier gut feeling. “We need the Rag’mar now.” Their bond was strong, even at a distance.

  “I know. We’re almost there.” The stone around her neck throbbed, seeking its mate. She stumbled and would’ve fallen if not for her father’s quick reflexes.

  “Warrior, according to the specs, there’s an old waste disposal shaft thirty feet from your current location.” Ry-ahl had been monitoring all channels and joined in.

  “I see it, but how are we supposed to get the security chief safely out?” He went on to explain the neuro implant had been disabled. She had no bio suit to protect her from exposure.

  “I will extend my shield around the opening.” One of the ship’s distinctive features was the ability to spread its shield over a target area in case of emergencies. “You have one or two hours before it loses integrity.”

  “Understood. We’ll wait for you there. Priestess…”

  She closed her eyes, cherishing the tender caress on her soul. He wasn’t a man of words, and she was fine with that. She didn’t need the pretty ones of a shallow promise.

  “My soul knows.”

  Her feelings tumbled out, reaching for the one she held above all others. They connected briefly with the intensity of a thousand suns. It was glorious. She’d once wondered after she’d met Briq if a male would ever think of her with such pure devotion. Pendo’rahns weren’t overly emotive, but their love was all-consuming.

  * * * *

  Groo’lat took the helm and switched to manual controls. Five Jog’nafan fighter cruisers were in hot pursuit, but he was a better pilot. Once they opened fire, he quickly steered the ship on a reverse loop, coming up behind them. He fired a quick succession of shield-penetrating particles. His third round hit two of them, clearing the way for Rag’mar to slip through before they could fire back.

  Commander Briq’s shuttle was an incredible feat of engineering and ingenuity. Combining the best of Pendo’rahn and Glaxian technologies, it also boasted a few modifications. Who else but a reckless smuggler would install such a dangerous weapon? Shield-penetrating particles were for the most part unstable and very tricky to handle.

  The Q’alor II hailed them, arriving just in time and taking care of the remaining ships. A warning had been issued across the badlands. The Protectorate wouldn’t hesitate
to destroy anyone found guilty in the conspiracy to kidnap and torture Security Chief Mah’yanna.

  “Warrior, we have an urgent message from Xy and O’frahm.” Third Commander Kyr-lee and a medical team waited by the docking bay, ready to take over Mah’yanna’s care. She’d collapsed shortly after boarding the shuttle. Dru-lah and Tha-lah kept a constant vigil by her side.

  “Put it through.”

  They’d left the asteroid, but the fight was still going on full force. He hadn’t wanted to split up from the rest, but they were greatly outnumbered.

  “Attention fighters,” T’zaal had announced through the comm. “I’ll triple the amount of credits for the death of all Pendo’rahns and their allies.”

  The entire room had become a slaughterhouse after every scumbag had rushed to collect the bounty.

  In the middle of the carnage, a group of Jog’nafan, including the ones surrounding the security chief, had come to their aid. They’d claimed to be part of Tyl’mok’s pack on a deep-cover mission. With their help, they’d been able to buy Dru-lah time to care for Mah’yanna.

  “Q’alor II, evacuate the area. Repeat, leave the area immediately. T’zaal activated auto-destruct before escaping. The entire rock is about to explode.” O’frahm’s comm was breaking up, and he sounded out of breath.

  Groo’lat had seen him fighting a bunch of Kreeh-nosh before he’d made it out.

  “Listen, there’s a waste disposal chute nearby. Find it.” He ran inside. “I’ll circle back to get you.” Groo’lat tried to boost the signal, but there was too much interference.

  “No, it’s too frackking late. Leave us. Hey, Groo’lat, tell the priestess it was sweet having her as a slave.”

  At another time he would’ve been mad at the Galadonian, but he knew him better now. Humor was his way to make light of a tense situation.

  “Transmission lost. I cannot establish another link.” Something was jamming the commlink. “I could launch a small short-range satellite.”