Author's Notes:

'Jack's True Calling' is the sixth story in the saga of Jack Danner. Minimal effort is made in this tale to explain the backstory so it is highly recommended you read the first five stories in the following order:

• Jack's New Job
• Jack's New Position
• Jack's Daily Grind
• Jack's Wage Slavery Parts 1 & 2
• Jack's Snow Day

All characters engaging in sexual relationships or activities are 18 years old or older.

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Chapter 1

"Happy Liberation Day, Jack!"

Mella, a petite, honey gold Altarian with a not so petite appetite for sexy play time with Jack, was giving him her usual greeting hug. Hands firmly gripping his ass as she ground her small body against his much taller one.

"Thank you, Mella," he said and gave her a kiss before pulling her hands from his butt and spanking hers to send her back to her desk.

He knew this kind of office behavior back on Earth would have him out on the street, if not behind bars. The workplace rules in the Trade Commission Office on Altaria were... a little odd. Considering that he, the boss, was the one being fondled and groped like a sex object by the rest of the staff, Earth's sexism was turned on its head. Granted, without the malicious intent.

"Good morning, everyone!" he said with a sigh as numerous pairs of lovely large eyes looked back at him fondly. Some had more lust than fondness in them but he'd gotten used to that as well.

"It's a new day and we have work to do! Let's get it done!" he said with enthusiasm and received grins and a little applause from the staff. He sighed, again. They found his attempts at motivational speaking... amusing.

He'd been trying out new catch phrases to see if he could find a new way to keep them focused on the job... and not so focused on his body. His last attempt, 'Let's do it!', had almost started a lust driven stampede and ruined office productivity for the day.

They were an excitable bunch.

He touched the tablet on Leffera's desk and refreshed its screen to see his updated schedule for the day. Then he looked around for her. "Has anyone seen Leffera?" he called out.

Stasha, a tall and surprisingly curvy female with deep caramel coloring, was seated nearby and leapt to her hooves and beat out two others to stand before him eagerly, ears trembling. She was a new hire and was already proving to be... aggressively helpful. She smiled widely at Jack. "She said she'd be a little late this morning. I believe she said she had a doctor's appointment."

Jack's expression showed his worry. "I hope she's ok."

Stasha suddenly looked distraught that she'd made him upset. "I- I- I'm sure it's just routine!" she stammered. He nodded though his mind was elsewhere. She began to panic. "I'm sorry if I've upset you!" she squeaked.

Her nervous tone brought him back to the present and he saw she was now in distress. Automatically, he reached out and pulled her to his chest to calm her. It's what he did at home with the ladies he lived with. It always worked with them.

For a deeply infatuated young female working her dream job, being in the embrace of the object of her obsession was... suddenly too much. She bleated quietly and went limp in his arms. Jack was surprised by just how heavy she was. Most Altarians were petite, svelte and light. Stasha had some 'meat on her bones' as the Earth phrase went, though it could never be said here. Amongst a race of herbivores, even hinting at being a carnivore could trigger a flight response.

While Altarians never really became fat, Stasha was definitely a plump armful. Not knowing what else to do he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the couch in his office. He heard a few moans of envy from the staff members he passed and fought back another sigh.

He gently placed Stasha on the soft couch and went to sit at his desk. He had work to do.

As he settled into his chair, his mind went back to Mella's greeting this morning. 'Liberation Day' was a relatively recent invention. Commemorating the day the slaves were freed from the Allsa Komanae home world. Remembering those who never made it home. He caught his reflection in his darkened screen and saw he was absently running his fingers across the cool metal of his slave collar.

He frowned as he shook off the funk he was falling into. Today was actually the sixth anniversary of that day. That was plenty of time to heal from it and he'd had the help of his friends.

The Allsa Komanae were finally extinct. After Liberation Day, they'd been hunted down and those who didn't put up a fight were sent through a one-way gate to their home world. The vast majority of them had expired there, the organic components of their cybernetic bodies eventually breaking down from the accumulated genetic damage. Damage the Gates were programmed to inflict on their predecessors the Mahrell Drun.

Not all of them had been captured, however. There'd been a few who, as their intellectual capacity degraded, chose to go out in a blaze of glory and take as many of their hateful enemies with them as they could. Humans, Altarians, and Chuuruthians were the main targets of these crazed individuals. The number of victims these cowardly attacks took was fortunately very limited.

These days, when one of their cybernetically supported bodies was discovered hidden away in a suspicious location, the bomb squad was called in to do the disposal.

It was Tik documentarians who'd begun the task of locating the names and home planet locations of all of the kidnap victims, alive or dead. They were politely asked to leave the planet a short time after they'd begun assisting Earth's Allsa Komanae hunting parties. That cooperation, combined with the 'martial nature' of the support they gave to the Altarian's 'invasion of the Allsa Komanae home world', raised serious doubts in the minds of the other members of the Gate Network. The Tik's behavior had always been neutral and peaceful. Now it had exceeded what the Gate Network members were willing to accept. From that time on, the Allsa Komanae home world was off limits to the Tik. Documentarians, historians, anthropologists, and special teams of investigators from multiple worlds worked to identify the remains they'd exhumed from each of the mass graves the Tik had found.

To take home the ones who weren't liberated.

Jack glanced once more at his reflection in the screen and took a deep breath. There was at least one major difference in him since those early days. He no longer carried the weight of those deaths on his shoulders as his survivor's guilt was a thing of the past. While it still made him sad, he could live with that as the people around him made him very happy.

He gave his head a shake and turned his attention to his schedule for the day and began reviewing the background information for each petition.

A few minutes later he heard gentle crooning as Stasha began to stir.

"Eep!" she squeaked as she sat up suddenly, looking around.

Jack smiled at her when she turned to face him.

"Oh no! Did I sleep through our love making?" she blurted.

Jack snorted in amusement and shook his head. "There was no love making. You passed out when I hugged you to calm you down. You just got a little too excited. It's ok," he said gently.

"Oh! Oh my! I'm so embarrassed!" she moaned.

"Don't be. You were very sweet!" he said to assure her and received a hopeful smile. He knew what she wanted and needed to hear. "When I make love to you, you won't fall asleep."

She made another happy, excited noise.

"I believe Leffera was going to braid my hair this morning. Would you do me the honor?" he asked and she leapt to her hooves to rush behind him.

He sorely missed the short hair style he wore back on Earth but the Altarians insisted his long hair suited his positions at the Trade Commission and Embassy far better so he kept it long. Each morning, a 'volunteer' would braid his long blonde hair into a braid and tie it with a bow.

Glancing at the clock he saw he still had time before his first interview.

Stasha was humming happily to herself as she skillfully wove his hair into a braid that hung down his back, almost to his ass. He really needed to get it trimmed back a little. He was allowed to do that at least.

Once she added the bow she sighed contentedly as he stood and turned to face her.

"Thank you for the braid," he said smiling down at her as she was almost leaning against his chest. She hadn't moved back when he stood.

She seemed to be staring at his mouth. He needed to get to the interviews so he dipped down and kissed her, holding her in his arms once more.

She melted against his body as she thrust her tongue into his mouth and grabbed his ass with both hands. What was it with Altarian females and his ass?

He gently pulled back from the kiss and she swayed on her hooves for a moment. Finally, she opened her eyes and beamed a smile at him. He gestured towards the door with a smile.

She spun on her hooves and quickly made her way out with a glance back and a smile on her lips now that she had a promise that they'd make love in the future.

Once she was out, he shook his head in amusement and made his way downstairs to begin the interviews. He had a busy day ahead.

Chapter 2

FennLann De Jark, King of Phem Kalos rolled his shoulders and did his stretches in preparation for battle. He smiled to himself confidently. His next opponent would definitely be a challenge as he knew Jaas Tenn Gunnk, Warrior Supreme of the Eastern Lands was strong and fierce. FennLann snorted gently. He also knew Jaas was a relic of a bygone era. His thinking was trapped in the past. The eastern continent, second largest land mass on Phem Kalos, wasn't as technologically advanced as their western neighbor and they actually chose to remain that way as if afraid to allow their society to advance.

As the military leader in charge of the western continent's warriors, FennLann kept his eye on Jaas to make sure he wasn't building a massive army of his own warriors for invading. His research had set his mind at ease on that point at least. Jaas did have an army of warrior caste Phem Kalos males but the numbers were nowhere near the levels one would need to start a war.

Inviting Jaas to compete against him in the Annual Phem Kalos Arm Wrestling Tournament was a tactical move. It was destined to solidify FennLann's position as ruler of the planet and Jaas' subordinate role as the eastern continent's leader. No one had ever beat FennLann at Arm Wrestling. He'd viewed all the media available to study the techniques of Earth's best arm wrestlers. He'd built up his body's strength and flexibility and was supremely confident of his victory. It was this confidence that was key. A warrior could lose the battle before entering the ring if he didn't have the confidence in himself and in his ability to seize victory.

FennLann nodded to GharLenn Du Harr, his lead advisor who was at least three decades his senior, to indicate he was ready. The old warrior nodded and opened the door. They left the inner chamber and marched down the hall towards the stadium. The larger chamber could contain most of FennLann's elite warriors and many of his ruling council.

As they approached he heard the crowd chanting his name and FennLann's chest swelled with pride. These were his warriors and they were cheering for their leader. The closer he got, the louder their voices became until the sound was thunderous as he stepped into the stadium. The room was round with stepped benches to allow each level a clear view of the battle area. He smiled up at his people as he made his way down the aisle and climbed the stairs to the platform where the battle would take place. He saw strangers here and there amongst his warriors and council members and realized these were the warriors the eastern leader had brought with him.

Jaas was waiting for him at the top, an amused look on his scarred face. FennLann snorted to himself once more. The brute was in for a surprise.

GharLenn raised his arms as he faced the audience and a hush came over the crowd. "Welcome to the Annual Phem Kalos Arm Wrestling Tournament. It is my great honor to introduce your King and reigning champion... FennLann De Jark!"

The room filled with roars of approval and FennLann smiled as he raised his hands and slowly turned to face the cheering crowd. Cameras set up around the room were capturing this momentous occasion. While video technology had been used on Phem Kalos in military, scientific, person to person communication, and security applications for hundreds of years, every ruler before FennLann had refused to allow its use by the citizens. He saw the use of broadcast video in the homes of his people as a means to enrich them with knowledge, to unify them, and to inform them. 'Televisions' were becoming very popular amongst the households on the western continent and he enjoyed 'speaking' to his people in special broadcasts. He was aware of the resistance of adopting the new use of the technology on the Eastern continent. FennLann allowed himself another snort.

As he walked around the raised platform, he spotted the foreign warriors, scattered amongst his people but easily outnumbered five to one. It was a capacity crowd this year.

When he finished, he turned to face Jaas across the table and grinned as he held the eyes of the other leader. He saw impatience in the body language of the other warrior.

GharLenn saw he was able to continue. "For a special exhibition match, our King has invited the Warrior Supreme of the Eastern continent. It is my privilege to introduce, Jaas Tenn Gunnk!"

A single deafening voice shook the room with a fierce battle cry and FennLann tried to spot where it was coming from. He was shocked to discover it came from the throats of all the visiting warriors in perfect synchronicity. The room echoed with the cry when it abruptly ended. His eyes went to Jaas and saw the leader was watching him with an expression bordering on contempt.

FennLann forced down his hackles and approached the table to take his position holding the other leaders eyes the entire time. He pushed his robe from his shoulders and flexed his thick muscles to prepare them.

Jaas unclipped his cape and allowed it to fall to the floor behind him. He was also powerfully built but he definitely showed more scars from the battles he'd fought. He took his position as well.

GharLenn faced both warriors. "Are you aware of the rules governing this tournament?"

FennLann never looked away from Jaas as he nodded slowly.

Jaas gave GharLenn a nod too as he kept his eyes on FennLann.

"Take your positions."

FennLann placed his right elbow on the pad on the table as his left hand gripped the bracing peg.

Jaas followed suit and their palms slapped together as they took a grip.

FennLann's left eye twitched involuntarily as he felt the strength in Jaas' painfully tight grip. He saw a slow grin appear on his opponent's lips.

GharLenn noted the proper positions and nodded to himself. "BEGIN!" he shouted.

Two bones in FennLann's right hand splintered immediately as Jaas squeezed with all his might. FennLann gasped and in that moment of weakness, Jaas threw everything into a grand push. There was a sickeningly loud crack as FennLann's humerus fractured just above his elbow. Strength gone in the arm, Jaas slammed it down against the touch bar.

The visiting warriors roared their pleasure as their leader raised his arms in victory.

FennLann was stunned as he looked at his twisted arm. He looked up into the eyes of Jaas and saw open contempt there. The fierce warrior lifted his cloak and hung it on his shoulders again before turning his face back to FennLann. He slowly walked around the table.

"Now that your little game is done, I declare you unfit to rule Phem Kalos. By the Ancient Laws and Traditions I claim the title of King in a trial of combat!" Jaas roared. His hands came out of his cloak and FennLann's eyes widened as he saw Jaas was wearing fighting hook gauntlets, weapons outlawed due to their barbaric nature. He tried to lurch back from the table but before he could Jaas had a grip on his injured arm and his left swept in.

The hooks ripped through the muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and gouts of blood sprayed from his ruined throat. All he could do was gurgle as Jaas lifted his heavy body and slammed him down on the table surface.

The chamber erupted into chaos. Jaas' warriors yanked deadly, charged whips from under their belts and struck out at their enemy around them. The whips exploded any flesh they struck and in expert hands, proved perfect weapons in these close quarters. The slightest touch tore fingers from hands, limbs from torsos, and heads from shoulders. These were prohibited weapons as well but wielded by the elite warriors of the eastern continent, even the seasoned western warriors were no match.

As FennLann's life pumped out of his ruined throat he watched Jaas smile as he took in the horrific acts his warriors were committing.

GharLenn walked into FennLann's view and he saw the old warrior barely glance at him before moving to Jaas' side.

"My King, the cameras. They will have warned the rest of the army," the old advisor said.

Jaas looked at him in annoyance. "Yes, I'm aware. They'll be mopped up by the rest of my army waiting outside." He eyed the old male critically. "Is this the level of 'advice' I can expect from you?"

GharLenn blinked at him in surprise as his mouth moved soundlessly. That silence was replaced with a sudden scream as Jaas slashed him from groin to chin with the hooks. Blood and gore gushed from the terrible wounds then the advisor dropped to the floor, dead before he hit.

FennLann watched Jaas roar and leap into the battle which was quickly winding down as his warriors were slaughtered. He'd failed them when he'd invited Jaas to compete. Now the monster was loose and there was nothing he could do to protect his people or his family.

This was the thought FennLann took with him into the dark.

Chapter 3

Jack hummed to himself as he left the Embassy. He'd had a really good day and his spirits were soaring. The morning's interviews at the Trade Commission had gone very well with four new import deals being signed. After lunch, in his diplomatic capacity at the Embassy, he'd met with a race he'd never encountered before. He loved meeting new races!

The Harruushans were relatively new to the Gate Network and they were finding their new 'neighborhood' to be a less than welcoming place. Like the Altarians, they were Herbivores, mostly peaceful, and principally non-aggressive. The male and female pair he'd met were tall, almost a head taller than he was, but their ears reached up far beyond that. He couldn't help but see their resemblance to the ears of an Earth Hare... if they were edged and tipped with feathery white hairs. As the Harruushan diplomats had been embarrassed by their fascination with his horns, he'd had difficulty looking away from their lovely, mobile ears.

Most of their height came from their long legs. Powerfully muscled thighs and long shins, their dual jointed legs were linked to strong feet with three broad toes. Like steel springs, they'd used their superior ability to leap to escape the predators on their planet. They were covered with an incredibly soft brown fur with olive overtones. Large eyes to match their large ears for detecting predators. This female's eyes were green while her partners were blue. They had wide mouths with white grinding plates much like the Shreen. These were frequently visible as their happy dispositions made them smile often. They had long, strong arms, ending with long fingered hands, three on each with a thumb. Apparently, most were very lean with little extra weight and with their fur they only wore the briefest of kilts, again similar to the Shreen.

Continuing this comparison to the snowy planet denizens, in their early history, the Harruushan sun underwent a strange shift in energy output. As the planet was on the far edge of Allsa Komanae space, it was theorized that the potential cause for this alteration was an early attempt by the Allsa Komanae to destabilize a star. It happened only a few hundred years prior to the time the Shreen's sun mysteriously went nova.

The effect on the ecology of Harruusha was dramatic. Plant life absorbed these new levels and their growth exploded, leading to a greatly increased food supply for the residents.

It also directly affected the Harruushans. Where once they had a minimum litter of 1 kit and a maximum of five kits, the new generation, born and bathed in the energy of their altered sun found this range had shifted to three to ten. Over the next series of generations however, they noted that their original lifespan of sixty to seventy years had actually decreased to 50 to 65. Living in the higher energy environment fed them well but wore them out quicker.

Eventually, their numbers allowed them to overwhelm the slower breeding predators which hunted them. That's when their chief problem began.

Their home planet could only support so many beings so they'd implemented drastic measures to control the birthrate while they looked for ways to expand outwards from their home world. When the Tik found their planet, their civilization had advanced to the point where their space program was sending out scout ships to find alternate planets for their people. They needed to expand but they'd found nothing that could support life within the range of their ships.

The Harruushans were looking for another home for their people but each planet they visited turned them away. No one wanted to host a race that bred quicker than the natives. Especially one which had overpopulated its own planet to the point where they threatened to exhaust its resources.

Jack read their application and the supporting documents prior to the meeting and was genuinely impressed with the civility of the couple he'd met. While he understood the pair couldn't be used as an accurate representation of their people, he was going to recommend to the Queen they send a delegation to Harruusha to get a broader impression of their civilization. If they were as civilized as he suspected they were, then perhaps they could be invited to live on some Altarian worlds. Unless the genetic damage was permanent, perhaps removing them from the effects of their home star's energy would, after a few generations, show signs of reversing? He was no geneticist but Jack wanted to help them. He knew his intentions were likely affected by his ingrained hatred of the Allsa Komanae and the evil they sewed. Anything he could do to repair the damage done... well, he would make the suggestion at the very least.

The couple had been very excited when they weren't immediately sent packing after making their initial plea and the interview went on longer than they all expected. He made no firm promises other than he personally felt there was merit to their case and he would bring it to the attention of the Altarian Queen.

In their joyful excitement, they'd hugged him before they left the Embassy and that had been... an odd sensation. Held tight against their lean, strong bodies Jack detected a slight mint scent which wasn't at all unpleasant. He'd caught the female leaning in for a second sniff of him and he wondered what she made of his Altarian/Human musk. It always made him feel a little subconscious as he couldn't smell it himself but Altarian females were always making note of it. Getting accustomed to new scents was just part of his new life amongst the peoples of the Gate Network.

He was a little late in leaving tonight but Diana told him to check the local market on his way home. He stopped and picked up a large order of fish. SennLann and the twins had been craving some for a while but there hadn't been a good catch recently. Apparently, it wasn't really the season for it. He had no idea how that worked as the climate seemed to remain constant here.

He made his way home with his heavy packages thinking how happy they'd be to see this. As he approached the front of his building he glanced up towards his unit's balcony on the top floor.

The enormous balloon filled with frigid water struck him straight on his horns and exploded over his head and shoulders, splashing all the way down his body. The weight of the water tore his shopping bags from his hands and slammed them to the ground. Bags splitting open, the wrapped parcels of fish scattered in all directions.

Jack closed his eyes in frustration as his ears picked up the faint sound of shrill laughter from two harmonized voices.

He looked down and began picking up the soaked parcels. Luckily the paper wrapping the fish was waxed so it wasn't damaged by a little water. He filled his arms as he shivered.

The twins were incredibly inquisitive and had discovered the joy of playing pranks. He was going to have to speak to them, again. He'd gotten them to stop teasing the other children but it seems they'd just targeted him instead.

He carried the packages to the front door where a grim-faced security guard was waiting for him. She opened the door and held it for him as his hands were full.

"Good evening, Whella," he said as he dripped on the carpet.

She looked up from the floor to fix her eyes on his. "Mr. Danner, we have a problem."

Jack sighed. He knew what was coming or at least who it was going to be about.

"Your twins. They are frightening the other residents of the building!" Whella said insistently.

Jack's face fell. "They didn't water bomb others, did they?"

"What? No! They ride on top of the elevators and make noises which makes the occupants very nervous! They sneak into the ductwork and shoot little wads of sticky substances at those passing by from the intakes in the hallways. I've been fielding complaints all day!"

Jack frowned. "Ok, that will stop. My sincerest apologies. I will find a less mischievous outlet for their energies."

Jack made his way to the elevator with Whella following. She pressed the call button for him then gave him another stern look before walking back to her office.

He stepped in when it arrived and asked for his floor. The elevator took him up and let him off at the top level. As his hands were full he couldn't touch the handle to let himself in. Instead he bumped the doorbell hard with his elbow and heard it ring multiple times in quick succession. There was a shriek and something fell with a clatter just inside the door. This was followed by some growling noises.

Moments later, Eve pulled the door open with a stern look on her face. Behind her and a short ways back Adina and Zaina stood side by side covered in whip cream and looking contrite. The floor inside the door was a mess of whip cream and a crumpled tin pan which obviously once contained the fluffy white dessert topping.

Jack glared at the two imps, watching their little pink tongues scooping up the sweetness from their faces as their gold eyes watched him cautiously.

Eve looked back towards the window then back to him in surprise. "It's not raining. How did you get so wet?"

"Them. They hit me with a water balloon. A big one," Jack growled. "I'm freezing!" He looked at the mess. "Were they planning on hitting me with a pie in the face too?"

Eve blinked at him in confusion. "A pie in the face? Why would they..."

Jack sighed and just shook his head. He wasn't up to explaining ancient Earth humor. Obviously, the twins had been watching some vintage Earth comedies. He stepped inside and his wet shoes immediately slipped out from under him on the slick dessert topping. Wrapped fish packets went everywhere pelting Eve and the twins as he landed on his ass with a thump.

"Ow!" he groaned.

The twins were struggling to suppress their laughter to the point where he could see them shaking.

SennLann appeared behind the group. "YOU. NAUGHTY. GIRLS!" she snapped and the twins froze with wide eyes.

Diana arrived and quickly disappeared to return with a bundle of towels. Everyone got busy wiping up the mess. SennLann scrubbed her squirming daughters and nipped them to hold still. Eve scrubbed the floor and got Jack to take his wet shoes and socks off before standing on one of the towels. Diana picked up the dropped packages and took them into the kitchen.

Emily and Joseph came charging around the corner to say hello and took one look at the grim expressions on the adult's faces before spinning and rushing back to their toys.

"What do you say to Papa?" SennLann growled.

Two sets of gold eyes looked up at him. Jack could see the guilt and worry there, the growing realization that he wasn't laughing with them, that he'd actually hurt himself because of their actions. Eyes began to blink rapidly as their emotions flooded between them. "Suh-suh-sor-Sorry!" they stuttered out in a broken harmony.

Jack sighed and took off his sodden shirt. He accepted another towel from Eve and dried his hair and wiped his chest and arms quickly. He hung the towel around his neck and looked at the twins again.

They were six, going on seven, but they were still small, each standing only three feet tall. According to SennLann that was normal for Phem Kalos female children. They were also very light but strong. Their energy levels kept them on the move constantly so their muscles were hard and sleek. Their fitness levels put his human children to shame, though they were very active as well.

"Up," Jack said with his arms wide and the two sprung up to land on his hips, an arm flung around his neck with the other hand braced against his chest. He quickly pulled his arms in behind their legs so they could brace themselves against them comfortably. They looked into his eyes intently as he carried them into the living room. He was putting his thoughts together for how he was going to approach this. He would have to speak with SennLann first but he had the beginnings of an idea of what he could do to keep them out of trouble.

"I spoke with our building security today. They received a number of complaints from the residents in the building about being frightened and taunted. These are our neighbors. People we need to stay on good terms with as we live in close proximity. This is their home too. They deserve to feel safe here. You made them feel unsafe and unhappy. I know you thought it was funny but you have to understand how they felt. It wasn't funny to them. Like me getting hit with a large balloon of cold water after I had such a good day. It took my happiness away," he said as he held their eyes which were doing that blinking thing again. He pulled them in close and they rubbed their faces against his chin.

"Sorry Papa," they said in unison then pulled back to look at him sadly.

"If you want to watch Earth TV shows please remember, you can't believe everything you see, especially from their entertainment shows. Humans are a weird bunch," he said gently.

"Daddy!" Emily scolded him from where she sat on the floor with Joseph.

He smiled. "Sorry Emily, but I grew up on Earth so I know better than you how weird we can be. Well, you and Joseph aren't weird and your mom's not but a lot of people back on that world certainly are!"

"You forgot to include yourself. You're not weird either!" Joseph exclaimed.

"Thank you, Joe," he said smiling at the boy who grinned back.

He looked back to the twins. "No more pranking the neighbors. No more riding on top of the elevators or crawling around in the duct work. And no more water balloons!" They nodded but looked a little desperate. He knew they were bored. He had to get them something to do and he had his idea. "Listen, your mom and I will talk and we will come up with something for you to put your energies into. OK? Please stay out of trouble until we can get it arranged."

Their eyes lit up with excitement immediately. He suddenly stuck his arms straight out like he was about to dive of a diving board and their support disappeared. They spun in place to face his hands and grabbed them.

"OOPLA!" Jack cried and they coiled their flexible bodies to swing up to do handstands on top of his outstretched hands. It was a considerable effort for Jack to support them so he gradually lowered his arms until they sprung away.

"Go take a shower to get that sticky stuff off your fur!" he called out.

They raced off down the hallway giggling happily all the way.

Jack dropped himself to the floor to cozy up to his daughter and son.

"Daddy! You smell like fish!" Emily complained.

He gave her a wide eyed exaggerated look of hurt and she burst into giggles.

"Stinky daddy!" Joseph chimed in then burst into giggles too.

He grabbed the kids and blew raspberries onto their tummies as they squirmed and shrieked with delight.

Eve and Diana arrived and plucked the kids from Jack's arms making him pout. The kids clung to their mothers as they grinned back at him.

"Emily is right, you smell like fish," Diana said with a raised eyebrow.

"Off to the shower with you!" Eve continued.

"Fine! Geez! Never get to have any fun!" Jack said in an exaggerated grumble causing his kids to giggle hysterically.

"You get plenty of fun." Diana said with a small smile on her lips and Jack fought to hide his answering smile from the kids.

He trudged off to the master bedroom and closed the door before he allowed himself to grin. He loved playing with the kids and was looking forward to spending more time with all of them including his Altarian kids this weekend when they all got together at Queen Elissa's. He wasn't sure if Judge Aaros would be back in the capitol by then as she was returning from working on one of the colony worlds. She'd taken their son Douglas with her so he could get as much exposure to the other races of the Gate Network as possible. He was showing a keen interest in becoming an Ambassador. Following in his Dad's footsteps.

The kids were all growing up so it was time to think about getting them some schooling. Altarian schools didn't work like Earth schools. There were no regimented ages they had to begin at and each student's curriculum was individually assessed and managed. They didn't 'compete' against each other as each would have their own strengths and weaknesses. Strengths were maintained and weaknesses were assessed to see if they could be improved. If not, they were noted and the curriculum adjusted for it.

At their last get together, they'd decided 'as a family' to enrol the kids in school this year. That meant Alex, Max, Gwen, Lillian, Douglas, Emily, and Joseph would all be going to an Altarian school... for females. It was time to shake up Altarian society. The Altarian Male School Headmasters were going to be a cranky pain in his ass but their curriculum produced lazy, self-absorbed flakes... in Jack's opinion.

Adina and Zaina wouldn't cope well in a school environment and had already absorbed most of the educational materials as SennLann tried to keep their hungry minds occupied. Jack would speak with her after his shower.

He enjoyed the hot spray for a short time then dried himself off and pulled on a casual button down shirt. He missed t-shirts but he couldn't get his larger horns through the neck hole easily and he stretched them out with his wider neck and shoulders anyway. Jeans though, there was a casual luxury he could still indulge in and did whenever he could.

He walked back out into the living area and Emily and Joseph ran up to grab his legs as they stood on his feet. Adina and Zaina leapt at him once more and climbed up to sit on his shoulders and cling to his horns.

"Dinner!" Diana called out and the kids all giggled as this meant Jack had to walk to the dining room with the kids hanging off of him.

Much to their delight, he made mechanical noises like he was a robot as he thumped across the room and into the dining room.

"That's where you all are!" Eve exclaimed as he arrived with kids in tow. "Dinner time."

Emily and Joseph released his legs and rushed around the table to their seats as the twins slid down his arms to rush away to theirs.

Jack took his traditional spot at the head of the table and smiled at Eve, Diana, and SennLann as the food smelled so good!

The twins were vibrating with excitement as they smelled the fish! SennLann smiled at them as her own mouth was salivating.

Diana served the children first and Emily and Joseph guarded their plates from the twins with false scowls until large portions were served to Adina and Zaina. Their eyes were wide with delight and their little noses were twitching madly as they stared at how much they'd been given. They looked to Diana and she just smiled at them as she served their mother a portion just a little larger. SennLann also looked to Diana in surprise.

"You love this meal more than I do so you three can share most of mine. I'll just have a little," Diana explained. SennLann jumped to her feet, rushed over and hugged Diana tightly, her face pressed between the tall brunette's large breasts as she purred loudly.

Jack smiled as he watched the flush run up the pale skin of Diana's neck. SennLann rushed back to her seat, oblivious of the state she'd left Diana in. The tall brunette took a deep breath and continued serving.

Eve dished out the vegetables and then everyone began eating.

"If you are feeling full, stop eating," Jack warned the three who were ravenously gobbling down the fresh cooked fish. SennLann and her daughters barely acknowledged his comment so he shrugged and enjoyed his own meal.

He told them about meeting the Harruushans and gave his impressions of them. Diana immediately picked up that they shared traits with Earth's hares and raised an eyebrow at him with a sexy little smile. He snorted quietly and smiled back at her.

As they finished up their meals Jack looked over at SennLann and her daughters. Sure enough, they'd glutted themselves on the meal and were looking like they were falling asleep at the table. He smirked and wiped his mouth as he stood up. He moved to collect the twins who were still trying to shovel little bits of fish into their slowly chewing mouths as their eyelids drooped. They made quite little growling noises as he took their forks away.

"How about we pack this up for your lunches tomorrow," he said to them gently. They paused and nodded, slowly turning to lift their arms to his shoulders. He scooped them from their chairs as he rolled his eyes at Emily and Joseph who grinned back at him.

Jack carried the girls to their room and gently set them on their bed. They immediately curled up together and were out. He blinked at how quickly they'd fallen asleep. They'd obviously eaten way too much tonight. He shut off their light and closed the door on his way out.

When he got back to the dining room he saw Eve was bracing SennLann in her chair. Jack shook his head and lifted the sleeping female into his arms.

"Why did they get so sleepy, Daddy?" Emily asked.

He smiled. "They ate so much their bodies told them to go to sleep so they could digest all that good food. That's why you should stop eating before you get stuffed." Emily and Joseph nodded with smiles and pushed their plates away, though Joe went back for one more baby potato.

Jack turned and carried SennLann to her bedroom. He placed her in her bed and she began to purr as she licked her lips in her sleep. He would talk to her about his suggestion for her daughters in the morning.

Once he was back to the table he saw Emily and Joseph pretending to be asleep. Eve and Diana grinned at Jack and he gave them both kisses before he picked up the two kids against his chest and carried them to the bathroom where they all brushed their teeth. Then he got them to their rooms and sent them inside to get ready for bed. He went back to the kitchen and helped clean up and pack the leftover fish for the three sleepy heads. Eve and Diana went to tuck in their kids and when he was done in the kitchen he went into Joseph's room to give him a kiss goodnight. He followed Eve out and she closed the door. She gave him a sweet kiss and told him good night with a little smirk on her lips.

He watched her walk away to her room with a puzzled expression on his face. Then he went into Emily's room. Diana was just finishing up a story. He gave his daughter a kiss and wished her sweet dreams. He followed Diana out and she shut off the light and closed the door.

When she turned to look at him Jack suddenly realized why Eve had smirked. Diana was almost twitching with need. Big green eyes looked into his hopefully and he nodded. She grabbed his hand and dragged him across the condo to the master bedroom. He flashed back to the first time they'd been together on Earth. Then, she'd dragged him across her house to her bedroom.

Once they were inside the master, behind the closed door, she quickly undid his shirt and pushed it back over his shoulders. He returned the favor, undoing the two clasps on her Altarian gown, and soon her large tits were exposed. He immediately took them in his hands and kneaded the firm flesh. He bent and kissed her nipples and found himself dropping back onto the bed. She manhandled him in her desperation and he was impressed with her strength. Off came his jeans in a series of frantic tugs and she was knee walking up his body. She was ready and he was too so she skipped the foreplay, lined him up, and drove him deep inside her in one thrust. They gasped in unison at the bliss they felt.

He knew what she needed so he took her hands and lifted them to his horns. She trembled as she took a grip on the thick black spears growing from his hairline. He knew the bone caps were in place so she was safe from the deadly tips. He could tell she deeply affected as her grip was intense and her breath was coming in gasps. He needed to catch up so he began to lift his hips to drive himself into her heat faster and faster.

She cried out wordlessly as her eyes began to roll back and her jaw went slack. Her body clamped down on him in pulses with her orgasm and this was all he needed to reach his own release. She slumped forward on his chest, breathing hard.

As they relaxed together, enjoying the afterglow, his mind went back to that first time. That interlude had led to Emily but he wasn't worried about her getting pregnant now as she'd received a birth control implant. If they decided on more children she'd have the implant removed.

Jack had suggested he could do one but he'd been voted down by the Queen. And Karrel. And Leffera and... well, the list went on. The Altarians were not impressed with the idea of him restricting his fertility in any way.

Diana pushed back and green eyes twinkled as she looked down at him. "So... bunny people?"

"No! And don't you start calling them that!" he sighed. "They're Harruushans. Their similarity is purely coincidental and you can't tell them about it as that would be highly insulting."

Her eyes widened. "Am I going to meet them?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I'm going to speak to Elissa but it'll be up to her and her council whether or not the Harruushans are allowed to emigrate some of their people to Altaria or one of the colonies. They need to get away from their planet and its altered sun. To see if they can reverse or correct the damage it's doing to them."

Diana slid off of Jack's body to lie next to him. "You're a good man, Jack."

He shook his head. He didn't think he was doing anything special here. "They seem like really nice people. If she agrees that it might be worthwhile, I'll suggest Elissa send a delegation to their planet to get a more accurate impression of the people. If the delegation agrees then we might see some Harruushans on Altaria."

Diana gave him an impish smile. "Are they attractive?"

He looked into her eyes and a slow smile appeared on his lips. "Yes, well... the ones I met were. No idea if they were representative." Her eyes were still twinkling. "You thinking what it might be like having sex with a Harruushan?"

She gasped and pushed at him but he could see something in her eyes... a curiosity and something else.

"Talk to me," he said and her face flushed with embarrassment. She covered her face with her hands but he gently pulled them away and looked her in the eye.

Diana squirmed and looked at him but saw he wasn't judging her. She took a deep breath and nodded to herself. "You know... you know how I get. My... earliest memory of feeling this way happened in my teens when I was sitting in my parent's playroom on a Saturday morning watching vintage cartoons. There was a rabbit and he was so much smarter than everyone else and... I... imagined what it might be like." She shook her head, lost to her memories. "I'd never fantasized about anything like that before. The thoughts were so provocative and intense, it stuck in my head. I was so confused. It didn't make sense so I just pushed it down deep in my mind. My parents did their best to isolate me from the Gate Network and the races coming to Earth but the first time I saw aliens, those thoughts resurfaced and I was confused all over again." She held his eyes and smiled happily at him. "You were my first experience with someone who wasn't human, I mean fully human- you know what I mean!" she finished in exasperation.

He grinned at her. "I'll have to introduce you to Dann."

She blinked. "Who's Dann?"

"He was the male Harruushan diplomat I met. A handsome specimen of his race. I think he might enjoy a tumble with a lusty Earth woman," Jack said with a grin.

Diana's eyes widened in surprise and she gave his arm a half-hearted slap at his audacious suggestion. Jack watched her face closely and he could see she was imagining it guiltily.

"Wouldn't you get jealous?" Diana challenged.

"If you were giving him your heart and cutting me from yours, I'd be really sad but do you really think I've lived the Altarian lifestyle this long without overcoming my Earth based concepts of infidelity and jealousy?" Jack said reasonably. "Sharing pleasure with another willing being is no threat to my relationship with you. I know you and SennLann have enjoyed each other."

Diana squeaked in embarrassment as she thought that had been private.

Jack frowned. "Please don't keep secrets from me. That always backfires and someone gets hurt. You're the only one who's still dealing with the stigma of casual sex in a long term relationship. I love you woman! I'm secure in that knowledge. I know you love me too. I'm not worried about you finding a little happiness in the arms of a lover. What kind of hypocrite would that make me?"

She pouted as she realized she'd messed up but he didn't look angry or hurt so she just kissed him tenderly and cuddled in against him. They were quiet for a bit as she processed what he'd said.

"Would... would you make love to a female Harruushan?" she asked quietly.

He smiled. "If Juul offered I suppose I would. She was very pretty and very nice."

They were quiet for a while and Jack thought Diana had finally fallen asleep.

"Would you be there if Dann agreed to have sex with me?" Diana said in an even quieter voice.

Jack's eyes widened in surprise. So the old fantasy lived on. "Before we get any ideas, I don't know if they have any taboos against cross race sex or have any interest in it but if those weren't concerns to them and if all the stars aligned, then yes, I'd be there."

She snuggled in tighter and they both let it go, for now.

He was glad she'd opened up so she could feel comfortable about discussing sex in the future. It wasn't healthy to keep secrets in a relationship.

Especially in one as complicated as theirs.

Chapter 4

It took five days of vicious and bloody skirmishes but by the end, Jaas Tenn Gunnk stood in the throne room of the palace facing his squad of elite warriors and shared a victory roar with them. At thirty two in number, they were short eighteen voices. These losses Jaas felt the most acutely but considering what they'd achieved the price was bearable.

Truthfully, they'd defeated the larger western army with relatively few losses of their own. While they'd fought with a desperate ferocity, the warriors of the west were too accustomed to their conveniences and just played at war. They'd soaked too long in the civility offered by the Gate Network. They'd grown soft while his hardened warriors fought with a savagery their ancestors would have been proud to behold.

Jaas smiled as he looked over the gathering. Most of his army was celebrating their victory in the city outside the palace, with orders to let the residents live as their continued survival was required for the functioning of the city. Unless they attacked or were found harboring a member of the western army, they were safe.

He snorted. Maybe safe was too strong a word. His men had their blood lust up. There would be fights and some citizens were likely to get hurt. The females would be up for grabs to quench his men's other desires. He would let that go for tonight. They'd earned it. Tomorrow was soon enough to bring them back to order.

Tonight, he and his elite warriors would feast and drink at a very special banquet following an ancient ceremony his ancestors practiced after defeating their enemies. The well-deserved reward for victory.

He looked to the gathered warriors and felt pride and honor sweep through his being at being their leader. He'd come so far.

When he'd first joined the Eastern army so many years ago, he floundered as he wasn't sure of his way. His father had been cast out and died in shame. Jaas had hastily joined the army to combat that shame but he lacked focus and discipline and took many beatings.

Then he moved in with his uncle and his life changed direction. The elder had been a fierce warrior in his time but was hobbled by the numerous injuries he'd endured. However, his mind was as sharp as his tongue and his remaining eye saw something in Jaas. His studies of Phem Kalos history had led to the discovery of scrolls containing an ancient warrior's code. He knew what Jaas needed and introduced him to the scrolls, encouraging him to follow this path. Jaas finally found meaning and purpose for his life. He took the philosophy to heart, pledging to live his life by the code.

He quickly began to make his way up through the ranks. The code gave him a strength and savagery that none could withstand. Soon, he began to draw the attention of the Eastern leaders. They saw him as a threat to the peace of the region. When they tried to covertly contain him and the warriors who began to follow him, they failed.

Jaas made converts to his cause faster and faster. He was outspoken on how the Phem Kalos had lost their way. The peace they were offered by the outsiders dulled claw and tooth. It denied who they truly were. They were warriors. It was their destiny to battle and defeat any who opposed them. Jaas walked the path of the ancients and became Warrior Supreme, ruler of the Eastern continent as the old leaders, 'retired'.

Since that day he'd honed his army into the killing machine it was today. He'd shrewdly kept the numbers down, maintaining their so called king's belief of their inferiority. However, his troops became sharper, stronger, and far deadlier than the west's army. He'd reintroduced the banned weapons their ancestors perfected and made his men practice with them until they were experts with the cruel and vicious tools of war.

He'd prepared himself and his army so when the day finally came when he told them they would be taking the Capital during a visit, not one had doubted his wisdom. They had complete and utter faith in him. He could see it in their eyes. They would follow him against any enemy and they would bring him victory.

Skarl Vonn Augg, Jaas' most trusted commander approached with a determined look on his scarred face. Some of those scars were put there by Jaas when they battled during his rise to power. Skarl was the weapon the Eastern leaders had sent to deal with the upstart. Instead, they handed Jaas one of his best warriors... once Jaas defeated him and convinced the fighter he was destined for more than his 'leaders' envisioned.

"Jaas, you claimed it at the tournament. Are you going to take on the title of King now?" Skarl asked.

Jaas made a rude noise. "I already have a title. It will suffice to keep the weaklings in line."

Skarl nodded his approval.

"How go the preparations for the feast tonight?" Jaas asked.

Skarl frowned uncomfortably. "We found them where you said they'd be. It didn't feel... good... taking the lives of the little ones."

Jaas caught his commander's eyes and held them. "You understand the importance they play in the ceremony," he said earnestly. He needed his men fully committed and he valued Skarl.

The warrior's eyes showed his resolve once more. "Yes! Of course! We did our duty. There are no loose ends... except one."

"What?!?" Jaas snarled.

"SennLann Du Kess, the King's cousin is missing. She wasn't in the royal enclave." Skarl confessed.

"Check with the concubines!" Jaas growled.

Skarl nodded. "We did. She's not there either."

Jaas was not happy that a member of the previous ruling family's bloodline was unaccounted for. Granted it was only one female but he wanted them all. These females would be his personal slaves. "They kept records! Find her!"

The commander bowed slightly then rushed away.

Jaas allowed himself a small smile as he acknowledged that once again the ancient ways had fulfilled their promise. His enemy was vanquished, the offspring of the ruling party had been culled to eliminate a generation thirsting for vengeance, and the females were his breeding stock to create a new generation of faithful warriors. His ambitions were being met with the success the warrior's code promised.

He walked amongst his elite warriors comparing new scars and hearing of their victories. He listened to their tales of fallen comrades and the vengeance they'd taken for each death. He was so proud of them!

They heard a chime and he smiled at those around him. "It's time to feast!"

Another roar went up and they made their way to the adjoining dining room. The vast table was set with drink and platters of food but in front of each seat was a plate containing a single cube of raw meat.

Everyone stood before a place setting with some lighthearted position jostling. Then they looked to the head of the table where Jaas stood before his own place setting watching them. The room fell silent.

"Our being here today was destined. The moment we decided to follow our own path and shed the false promises of the outsiders, we took on the mantle of greatness. Yet, this is still early days. Too long the people of Phem Kalos have been blinded to the true destiny that is theirs to take if only they opened their eyes. Our eyes are wide open. We see what we want and we take it!"

The room erupted in shouts of victory. As quickly, the room went silent as they waited for his next words. All eyes were on him.

"We will reshape this world to how it should be. Then we will set our sights on expanding our domain as our forefathers originally intended before the Gate Network interrupted the natural order. The Phem Kalos Empire will be reborn!"

Now the noise was deafening. He smiled savagely and watched his warrior's excitement with pride.

Skarl returned, nodded to his leader, and took his position at Jaas' right hand. He looked down at the plate then glanced at Jaas as he suddenly realized what it was. He barely kept his surprise and revulsion from his face.

Jaas extended a claw and pierced the cube of meat on the plate before him and held it up before his face. Everyone followed his example including Skarl.

"We will crush our enemies. We will take what is theirs and make it ours. We will end their bloodlines. We will thrive and prosper as they return to the dust. This is the path," Jaas boldly spoke and turned his eyes to Skarl as the room echoed his final words.

"This is the path!"

Jaas placed the morsel of tender meat in his mouth and savored it. He watched his warriors enjoy the tidbit as well. He saw Skarl chewing and smiled when the commander swallowed. He'd had a moment of doubt about the strength of the commander's convictions but he'd passed the test. Knowing intimately what they were eating and following through was as strong a test as the leader could devise. He allowed himself to relax completely.

"Eat and drink my warriors for you have earned it!" Jaas roared out and they tore into the platters of roasts before them and poured themselves ale. He grabbed a wild boar's leg from a platter and joined in the feasting.

Skarl poured himself some ale and rinsed his mouth with it before swallowing.

He couldn't get the vision of the child's terrified eyes looking up at him out of his mind.

He needed ale. Much more ale.

Chapter 5

Monday morning Jack had a special treat. SennLann and the twins joined him on his walk in to work.

He'd finally managed to have his talk with SennLann and she saw the wisdom in his idea though she was a little nervous about it. They'd talked it over with the others when they got together at Elissa's on the weekend and they'd all agreed. He'd reached out that night to make the arrangements.

Jack smiled to himself as he remembered tumbling around in the back yard with his kids. He'd brought along an eight player croquet set and explained how the game worked. It quickly devolved into knocking each other's croquet balls all over the back yard and then became a wrestling match, all kids against Dad.

This morning he'd gone running and as usual the twins went with him. They were able to keep up with him over the distances he ran even at the speeds he maintained so he was toying with the idea of having them join him in an annual off-world run he did. He'd talk it over with SennLann closer to the date.

It was Embassy duty this morning and he had guests to speak with the twins, first thing. It was the reason SennLann was with him.

They went in the building and up to the offices. As they walked into the outer office Denee looked up from her desk and smiled at Jack. Her smile widened as she saw SennLann and her girls.

"Good morning Jack, SennLann, Adina and Zaina! What a pleasant surprise!" Denee grinned.

"Yeah, it was nice to have their company on my walk here," he answered as the twins darted forward to get hugs from the female.

Denee looked over at Jack after giving SennLann a hug as well. "You have guests in your office."

He smiled. "Yes, I was expecting them. Thanks!"

Jack collected his family and led them into his office. Sitting on the couch were two black Altarians, using the time to inspect their weapons. These quickly went back under their gossamer black gowns as they stood. Jack moved forward and gave Gee and Bal a hug. This was his turf and if he wanted to hug them here he could. They didn't complain too much and Gee even smiled... a tiny smile which disappeared as quickly as he noticed it.

Adina and Zaina stood before the agents looking up at them in awe.

Jack knelt down between the girls and got their attention. "Remember I promised I would find you two something to do? Well I've arranged with the Ministry of Security to get you two some training with agent's Gee and Bal. They will take you through the Agent training protocols and you must give them your complete attention at all times and follow their instructions. They will be assessing you on how you are progressing and if I get reports of you two misbehaving in any way, the lessons stop. Is that understood?"

The girls were vibrating with excitement and nodded to him rapidly. He stood and faced the agents. "They are voracious learners. They learn very quickly, their retention is excellent, but they share a gestalt sensory input which can lead to distraction. I filled you in on that so just be aware of it while doing training. I gave them training on how to isolate their individual experiences and function like that but your training is a completely new story. Their fitness and endurance is excellent. All this said, their curriculum is up to you and the Ministry. Thank you very much for taking your time for this."

Gee touched his arm. "We will take good care of them. They will be safe with us." Bal nodded with a neutral expression.

Jack rubbed his daughter's heads and they sprung up to his chest to hug him.

"Thank you, Papa!" they blurted in harmony. Then they dropped down and hugged their mom. "Thank you, Mama!"

"Be good, behave, and listen carefully to your teachers!" SennLann said with a smile and they nodded with wide grins.

With a final nod to the two agents, he and SennLann watched them head out of his office. Before the door could close there was a knock and another pair of agents entered quickly followed by Elissa.

"Queen Elissa! I wasn't expecting to see you this morning! This is a pleasant... no?" Jack stopped as he saw the stress on her face. One of the agents moved to the window while the other stepped back to the door and closed it. Before it shut Jack saw two other agents outside. The Queen needed a security escort on Altaria? His nerves jangled. "What's happened?"

"I called your condo this morning and heard you and SennLann had already left for the Embassy. I need to speak to you both." She gestured to the large display on the wall above the couch and he nodded. She pointed her comm at it and the screen came on with an image of a battle scarred Phem Kalos warrior. He was a big and nasty looking brute.

Elissa turned back to them. "Word has finally gotten out from Phem Kalos. This is Jaas Tenn Gunnk, Warrior Supreme of the eastern continent. He and his army have invaded the western continent and have defeated the western army. I should say they destroyed them. None have been allowed to live. It's barbaric how they slaughtered them!"

SennLann was looking up at the screen, trembling slightly. "FennLann?"

Elissa looked at her sadly. "The first to die at the claws of this warrior. I'm sorry to say we didn't see this coming. The eastern continent of Phem Kalos is off limits to travel for 'outsiders'. Its isolationist policies on top of the difficulty our envoys have visiting at all made it impossible for us to gauge the threat. It seems FennLann suffered from the same lack of information. Now he's dead, as is his army. No word on his family."

"The children are dead. All of the ruling party's children are dead. The male members of the cabinet will be dead. The women will be his breeding stock," SennLann muttered quietly as she continued to stare at the image on the screen.

"What?" Jack gasped.

SennLann looked to him. "The only thing females in the royal enclave are allowed to read is the history of Phem Kalos. If he came from the east, and he slaughtered his enemy's army so completely, then he's following the old ways. He will clear away the males and the children to eliminate an entire generation. Then he will breed a new generation with the females which he will make his new warriors. If he is following the old ways."

Jack was shaking with rage. Kill the children? Breed the females? He turned his eyes back to the screen.

"One thing we have learned since he took over is that he is putting the people of the capitol on a project to re-establish the Phem Kalos Empire.

Jack turned his eyes back to Elissa in confusion. "Travel between the planets is done by Gates. The Tik prevent the use of the Gates for invasions."

Elissa looked grim. "The Phem Kalos region of space is actually close to the Altarian and Wuu regions. If the Phem Kalos re-establish their space program, with the planet's resources behind him, Jaas could have his fleet in place in as little as five years."

Jack recalled his trip on the Allsa Komanae space ship and shuddered. Then his mind returned to the females Jaas was going to turn into his slaves. His rage quickly exploded.

"DAMMIT! We have to do something for those females!" he growled.

"No Jack, we can't interfere. This is a Phem Kalos internal affair. The Gate Network members have already put us on notice that we've been flagged as 'invaders' due to our rescue of you and the slaves on Allsa Komanae. If we act now, we risk severe embargos or even expulsion from the Network! If the Phem Kalos proceed with their preparations for war then we'll act in our defense. I have a call with Jaas tomorrow to see if he intends to send a delegate to the annual treaty signing. If you promise to behave yourself during this call, I'd like you to be there so I can gauge the accuracy of the rumor of his xenophobia."

Jack struggled to throttle his rage and took slow deep breaths. He knew it was his experiences at the hands of the Allsa Komanae that were driving his current emotional upheaval but knowledge of the cause wasn't the same thing as being able to manage his reactions. Finally, he was able to nod and look her in the eye. He saw her concern as she'd been with him during those terrible nights afterwards.

"Yes. Yes, I'll be there. Thank you," he managed.

She nodded and touched his arm. "Thank you." She turned to SennLann. "I'm sorry for your loss."

The Phem Kalos female shook her head and held the Queen's eyes. "I've lost nothing. He was dead to me the moment he abandoned me."

Elissa nodded and with a final look at Jack she shut down the large screen and left his office. Jack sat on the front edge of his desk as he went back to brooding about the enslaved females on Phem Kalos.

SennLann moved forward and leaned in against his chest, nuzzling his neck. He wrapped his arms around her.

"If I could get them all out, you know I would," Jack sighed to her.

"I know. You are a good man, but the Queen is right. It is too dangerous for the Altarians to interfere. Too much is at stake for them," SennLann sighed in return. They rested like that for a bit until his desk comm beeped.

"And life moves on," he said with a sad smile.

SennLann kissed him and made her way to the door. "See you tonight."

He nodded and went to answer the comm.

Life moves on.

Chapter 6

Jaas waited impatiently for the technician to cue up the video in the royal offices. Skarl had found the records of FennLann's communications during his time in power and went back a little earlier than that looking for the last references of SennLann Du Kess. They hadn't found any sign of her anywhere in the capitol. Nor was her body buried in the royal cemetery.

"You may leave us," Skarl said to the young male who quickly left the room.

Jaas watched him go with a snarl of distaste on his face.

"The sub-warrior caste has its uses, Jaas," Skarl said evenly as he examined the controls. He could handle it from here.

The leader looked at his second in command and snorted. "Yes, but only when they know their place."

Skarl looked at Jaas. "Oh, he was terrified. You smelled his fear too."

That brought a smile to Jass' face but they had much to do. "Show me."

"The first reference I found was actually footage of SennLann Du Kess off planet!"

"WHAT?!?" Jaas roared in shock.

Skarl glanced at him and nodded. "Two advisors to, then Prince Regent FennLann, FennHark De Kurk, Councillor of Long Sight and FennDurr De Dent, Councillor of the Fist smuggled the Princess off the planet. Their intention was to sacrifice her on Altaria during the treaty signing and start an incident that would lead to war. The plan was poorly conceived and its implementation was even worse and led to this." He started the playback.

They saw the Prince Regent confronting the two large but older warriors. Behind him was SennLann and Jaas' eyes widened as he took in her unique ebony coloring and beauty. He wanted her! She was clinging to an odd creature with horns.

FennDurr attacked the Prince and FennHark went for the Princess but the horned one grappled with him instead. They watched in shock as it killed Fennhark with its horns and then knocked FennDurr over the balcony railing.

Both Jaas and Skarl cried out in disgust when the Princess proceeded to mate with the creature with the horns. Skarl slapped the button to stop the playback.

"What corrupting powers does that beast have to twist the Princess' mind like that?" Jaas growled as he looked a little ill.

Skarl shook his head as he growled to himself about having more images in his head he would never be free from. He found the second clip and looked to Jaas. "The second video is of a call between FennLann, the Queen of Altaria, and the horned alien. According to the title of the video... he's a diplomat on Altaria."

"He is not Altarian," Jaas asserted.

"True. We will need more information on him," Skarl agreed and started the clip.

Jaas cried out in outrage when he heard FennLann had shunned her. For such a lovely creature to be sentenced to death was yet another crime planted at the feet of the former king. His death was too quick- Jaas jolted in surprise when SennLann walked into the picture carrying two bundled infants! She was alive!

"Twins!" Skarl gasped.

They gasped once more when this 'Jack' named SennLann and the children as his.

"No! NO! He cannot have the female and the twins are a blasphemy. Even though they're merely female they were born off planet. They must be eliminated." Jaas growled. He looked to Skarl. "Get me more information on this 'Jack' creature. I need to know everything about it. Where it lives. Who protects it. Where it goes."

Skarl nodded. "I will get our spies on it."

The comm on the desk beeped and they looked at each other. Skarl pressed the button.

"There is a call from Queen Elissa of Altaria waiting. Should I put it through?" said the nervous voice of the male who'd fled the room earlier.

The two warriors looked at each other. "Yes," Jaas said as he held the eyes of his second in command.

The large screen changed to a scene of the Altarian Queen standing next to the horned creature. Jaas and Skarl were both frozen for a moment as it felt like perhaps they were being spied on too.

"Am I addressing Jaas Tenn Gunnk, Warrior Supreme of the Eastern Continent?" the Queen asked politely.

"You are addressing Jaas Tenn Gunnk, Warrior Supreme of Phem Kalos. Queen Elissa?" Jaas corrected and she nodded regally.

"Allow me to introduce my Ambassador, Jack Danner." The horned one nodded but his eyes never left Jass'.

The warrior felt the hairs on the back of his neck begin to bristle. The Ambassador's mane stretched down to his ass! And his horns... looked... different from the video they'd watched. He struggled to keep his revulsion from his face. "My second in command Skarl Vonn Augg." He saw Skarl nod to the screen.

"You are the new ruler of Phem Kalos?" Queen Elissa asked politely.

"I am."

"One imagines you have much to do during this transition. I called as it is customary at this time of year for the two leaders of our people to confer on the preparations for the annual treaty signing ceremony-"

"Before any discussion of said activity can begin, it has just come to my attention that your... Ambassador employed some form of trickery to obtain the Princess SennLann Du Kess. Our citizen must be returned to us. Now."

The Ambassador's neutral expression was quickly replaced by anger. He finally spoke and his voice was deep and rough with suppressed rage. "Either you're delusional or worse, a revisionist. SennLann was smuggled off Phem Kalos and brought to Altaria by FennHark De Kurk and FennDurr De Dent, two extremists trying to use her as a pawn to start a war. FennLann used an ancient Phem Kalos ceremony to bind SennLann to me to protect her from them. When FennLann became King and SennLann was no longer convenient, he used another of your delightful traditions to abandon his pregnant cousin, fully expecting her to die from the abandonment!"

"Jack, enough," Elissa said, placing a hand on his arm. Jaas' revulsion could no longer be hidden and a snarl appeared on his lips. Elissa looked to him with a calm expression. "The Phem Kalos Ceremony of Transference was witnessed and recorded. SennLann has been given Altarian citizenship by royal decree. Her twin daughters are citizens of Altaria by birth."

A shiver ran down Jaas' back making his fur stand on end at the mention of the twins.

"Indeed enough! I've heard all I can stomach. If you don't deliver the exiled Phem Kalos females, relations between our worlds will be entering a very dark period," Jaas snarled.

"If you're determined to ignore the truth and follow your lies instead, if your path depends on the death of children, then you have no honor and cannot bear the title of Warrior!" Jack snarled in return.

With a roar, Jaas slammed his fist on the comm, smashing it and severing the connection. He stood shivering and panting in rage and revulsion as Skarl stood silently at his side, doing his best to hide his shaking.

Jaas stared at the blank screen incredulously. How... how could that freak accuse him... him of having no honor!

"Get me information. I want SennLann alive. I want the twins exterminated," Jaas growled quietly and Skarl nodded with a wince. Jaas missed that and the troubled look in his commander's eyes.

"Jack Danner. I want to kill him personally," he hissed to himself.

He looked at the mess on his desk. "And get me a new comm."

-=-

Elissa blinked at the blank screen and looked at Jack incredulously.

"How was that helpful?" she cried. "You're supposed to be an Ambassador!"

Jack held her eye and took slow even breaths. When he calmed, he spoke.

"Ambassadors maintain peace when possible. When it isn't, they gather information about the enemy to make an assessment of their weakness so they can pass this vital information to their leader. Juice has no intention of maintaining the peace. He's a war leader. He wants stuff and kills to get it. He is very easy to enrage and acts impulsively. I saw his xenophobia as clearly as you did. That said, it's highly likely he's deadly in a fight as he has no regard for life. He will not back down. Unless something is done, you will have war with Phem Kalos. The second in command had a look of intelligence about him. He definitely flinched when I mentioned the children. He might be persuaded to turn on his leader but it depends how much of his leader's craziness he's swallowed."

"Did... did you call Jaas 'Juice'?"

"I did."

Elissa stared at him in confusion. "Why?"

"He's overly aggressive. He's prone to violence. He's obsessed with strength over everything else. On Earth there are people who take drugs to enhance their ability to grow muscle tissue to get stronger. We call this 'juicing' and the side effects of doing it match his behavior. You can't reason with a juicer. Their rage is too close to the surface."

Elissa looked at Jack and wished she could deny his assessment but she was afraid he was right. It was going to be her task to convince the Gate Network council that the actions they would need to take were purely defensive and they were already working under a cloud of suspicion. But she had to put that aside for now as she had to reach out to the Wuu and let them know how poorly the call went. The Wuu were also within striking range of the Phem Kalos.

"Thank you for your assessment Jack. I need to speak with the Wuu leader now. Could you wait outside?" she asked gently

Jack nodded and made his way out into the outer office closing the door behind him.

He dropped himself into a chair and went back over his actions in that call to see if he'd blown it. He knew his rage over what this monster did was going to taint his work as an Ambassador but the moment they'd locked eyes he knew beyond a shadow of doubt that there would be no negotiating with him. No way to convince him to stick to the path of civilized behavior. He had that fervor about him that said he was on the path to glory and would let nothing stand in his way.

He felt the eyes of Elissa's assistant on him and looked up to see her nervous gaze. He realized he was snarling and baring his teeth. He immediately composed his face. "Sorry about that," he mumbled.

He was worried about Elissa and the task she had ahead of her. Her people were pacifists. They were up against a predator of the worst kind. She also had the trouble with the Gate Network officials being on her case. Aggressive military activity was a quick way to discover yourself cut off from the rest of the Network. Nobody wanted that.

The phone on her desk chirped and the assistant listened to it for a second before looking to him. "Ambassador Danner. Queen Elissa would like you to join her again."

He raised his eyebrows in surprise as that must have been a short call with the Wuu! He stood and let himself into her office again and saw she was standing before the display. Typical for the race, the Wuu was standing much too close to the camera and its image filled the big screen. They enjoyed representing themselves as larger than life.

Elissa gestured for him to stand next to her so he did.

"Greetings, Jack Danner," a mechanical translator's voice said.

"Greetings, Wuu Leader," Jack returned. The Wuu weren't really fans of fancy titles.

"Queen Elissa has explained that the Phem Kalos appear to be gearing for war. Or at least they have a leader who intends to. I would hear your impression of this being," it asked.

"He calls himself Warrior Supreme. He's defeated the only force on his planet capable of fighting back and I understand he slaughtered all of the warriors. He has no more opponents. What do warriors do when they've pacified their home?" Jack asked.

The Wuu purred. "They visit their neighbors." Jack nodded. "Queen Elissa, you will have difficulty making any military preparations, even to protect yourself. I would speak for you at the Gate Network council meeting."

Queen Elissa nodded to the Wuu with a smile. "Every bit of help will be appreciated."

The Wuu paused for a moment then addressed Jack. "I received word that you defeated a nine metre Dynast Class Skrahak, singlehandedly. What weapon did you use to do this?"

Jack smiled making sure he displayed a lot of teeth. He reached up and pulled the bone caps off. "The weapons I used were destroyed in the hunt. The following day my horns fractured along stress lines and my body shed them. I'm told my new ones are far stronger and more resilient than the originals." He tipped his head forward to display the black horns, the deadly tips plain to see.

The Wuu made an odd surprised sound followed by loud purring. "I would very much like to hunt with you one day!" Jack nodded to the leader with a toothy grin causing it to purr again.

"Queen Elissa, the Wuu pledge to assist the Altarians in any way we can should the Phem Kalos decide to take military action," the leader said and Elissa graciously bowed.

The Leader turned to Jack once again. "I did some research and saw the footage of you defeating two of Phem Kalos' fiercest warriors at a Treaty Signing ceremony. I find this irony to be... delicious." Jack just nodded with a smile which got more purrs. "While peace is always preferred, we will be ready if that isn't possible. Our fleet of ships stands ready." With that, it signed off.

Elissa looked at Jack with a worried expression. "My allies live up to their reputation of having a blood thirsty nature."

Jack held the Queen's eye. "Humanity's veneer of civility is paper thin as well. But there are times when that isn't a negative." He saw she was unhappy with the decisions she was going to have to make. Maybe he had something more positive for her. She needed to have a little happiness in her day.

"Have you seen my report on the Harruushans?" he asked

She smiled and nodded. "Yes, they sound lovely."

"I think it would be an excellent idea to send a delegation of Altarians to their planet to meet with the people and see just how compatible they are," he suggested.

"Would you join them?" Elissa asked.

Jack paused to examine her expression but she was just showing simple curiosity. Of course, she was adept at hiding her true intent. "No... I don't think so. It should be people who'd be living in close proximity to them. Just people meeting and getting to know people. We're talking about having the Harruushans living on an Altarian world. That's something to get used to. Or not. Chemistry is a tricky thing."

Elissa beamed him a wide smile. "Exactly my point. Sometimes the chemicals need a catalyst to get them to react. Jack, you're a very reliable catalyst. I think you should be involved."

"Oh... well, uh, I suppose I could," he muttered.

Elissa nodded. "It's settled then. Could I ask you to get that organized?"

He blinked at her as he heard a dismissal in her request. "Sure. OK."

Jack left the office wondering what just happened. He thought he'd be delivering her something to get her mind off the looming crisis with the Phem Kalos and instead he was walking out with another project.

How did she do that?

Chapter 7

Five days later Jack found himself leading a group of twelve Altarian volunteers through a Gate with a special guest at his side. He wasn't sure of the wisdom of bringing such a newbie and homebody with him on a field mission but Diana had begged to join him ever since he'd gotten back from Elissa's office with the mission ball in his court.

They were only going to be visiting for five days and it was a meet and greet so they weren't going to be doing anything too physically strenuous. He grinned as he knew he should be giving Diana more credit as she worked out regularly in the building's gym. She wasn't a couch potato by any stretch but her endurance and cardio could probably be better.

Due to her formidable chest proportions Diana hoped she wouldn't be doing any running. She'd brought her sports bra but wasn't looking forward to putting it on. For now, she was wearing one of her Altarian gowns and aside from looking nothing like an Altarian, she fit right in.

They'd been assured that the sun's higher energy output would not harm them for the limited time they would be there.

The group's limited baggage had been sent through in advance and had been delivered to their final destinations.

As they arrived on the other side of the Gate, their guides, Dann and Juul, rushed forward to meet them, grinning excitedly.

"Welcome to Harruusha!" Dann gushed. His eyes first went to Jack's horns then to Diana's breasts and widened in surprise.

Jack nodded to Dann as he watched Diana's expression which was priceless. Oh yeah, the old fantasy was alive and well. She was gaping at Dann without saying anything so he touched her arm and she jolted. "Hello!" she blurted as her face flushed pink.

Juul giggled at Diana's wide-eyed look then she glanced to Jack.

"May I introduce my very good friend and mother of one of my children, Diana Haven." Dann reached his hand towards Diana, palm forward and fingers pointing skyward. Jack showed her how to touch palms then she did it with Juul as well.

"We were so excited when you contacted us to take this first step!" Juul said to Jack with twinkling eyes.

Jack nodded then introduced the remaining members of their party. They came from all walks of life on Altaria. Most impressive to Jack was the presence of a male. When they'd met on the Altarian side of the Gate, Jack had recognized the diminutive male immediately. Numell had taken control of his life after his last meeting with Jack outrunning the falling GowGow tree. He now had a job! He worked for a courier company delivering packages and his confidence had picked up significantly. He didn't have many male friends but his female ones compensated for that quite well.

The goal would be to integrate the Altarians into the lives of Harruushans working similar occupations so they would have that commonality to begin with. Jack and Diana would visit each periodically over the next five days to get status updates and just generally see how they were getting along. It wasn't a hugely scientific experiment but Jack thought it might get them some understanding of each other.

Dann and Juul had taken the listing of occupations and had found matches within their local community willing to take in a visitor. The Altarian would live with the host for the five days. If all went well, they would plan a visit for the Harruushans on Altaria.

Jack saw the group of locals enter the chamber. The Harruushan diplomats passed each before Jack and Diana to touch palms and gawk politely at each other.

There was a variety of heights but most had the sleek and slim muscles of the diplomats. The range seemed to be from 5' 8" to 6' 8", minus their ears of course which rose skyward another two feet at least.

One of the shorter Harruushans brought up the end of the line and stopped before Jack. "You two aren't Altarian," the female blurted.

While the coloring of their fur was largely uniform Jack spotted differences in the face shape, eye shape and color, body proportions, and patterns within their ears that gave each their individuality. This female had intensely blue eyes and a flattened nose with a slight overbite. Jack thought she was definitely cute.

"No, Diana here is Human while I'm a mix of Human and Altarian. We both live on Altaria though," he responded.

The group made happy noises as this was proof that the Altarians weren't averse to hosting other races. A positive sign already.

Dann got the show going by calling out names from Jack's list. As each was called they were paired up with their counterpart on the Harruushan side. Once this was complete each waved to Jack, Diana, Dann and Juul and made their way outside. Finally, it was just the four of them.

"You two are with us. We'll give you a tour of the city tomorrow and the following day we'll begin visiting the others. Does that sound good?" Dann asked. Jack and Diana nodded and smiled.

"Dann and I have an apartment right in the center of the city as it's close to where we work at the new Embassy building," Juul explained.

"Outgrew the old office?" Diana asked.

Dann smiled. "No, the office is new because we never had one before. We set up the embassy about seven years ago and have been visiting other planets on a regular basis since then trying to find someone willing to hear our case." He gave them an embarrassed look. "Earth refused to speak with us," he said awkwardly.

Jack nodded. "Don't feel bad. They refuse everyone. They're an insular bunch. They don't get along with each other much less people from off planet. Truthfully, they aren't all bad but in mobs? Not so civilized."

"You two must be those exceptions!" Juul said with a grin.

Diana grinned happily at her. They left the Gate Terminal and walked into... jungle.

Seeing their confusion, Dann smiled. "The Terminal is on the outer edge of Ghan, our capitol city. Most of the planet is covered by growth like this. It makes for difficult ground travel and when the Tully still existed it gave them cover to attack us from."

Diana looked at the dense jungle around them with trepidation. "The Tully are extinct?"

Dann nodded. "Long gone! There are still dangers in the jungle but the apex predators were wiped out. Every last one. Our people also clear the jungles around the cities and towns of most of the dangers in case the children get out and go exploring."

"Do you two have children?" Diana asked.

Juul and Dann burst into laughter. The male touched Diana's arm. "I'm sorry, we should have said from the beginning. We're siblings."

Diana flushed a bright pink in embarrassment but Jack just gave her a quick hug and smiled at her.

"I'm so sorry," Diana said with a smile as she waved at her face to cool her flushed cheeks.

"How do you do that?" Juul said looking closely at Diana's face. "How do you change color?"

Jack grinned as Diana was too flustered to speak. "It's an automatic reaction Humans have for certain emotions or intense sensations. A temporary rush of blood to the skin of the face or neck. It's called blushing when it is tied to embarrassment. Diana doesn't have any real reason to feel that way but she's nervous about traveling to new worlds and meeting new people and cultures."

"You haven't visited any other planets in the Gate Network?" Dann asked.

Juul was touching Diana's cheek to feel the heat, with her permission of course. Juul's eyes widened as she felt how warm it got. Dann looked for permission to touch as well and Diana nodded timidly. The male touched Diana's cheek and Jack saw her nostrils flare and her lashes flutter at the feel of the soft finger pads. Dann seemed a little dazzled by Diana's soft, bare skin. His eyes dropped to her tits once more and widened as he saw the obvious projections under Diana's gown.

Jack stepped in before things got awkward out here in front of the Terminal building. "So how long a walk is it to get to the city center from here?"

Dann's eyes snapped to Jack as he realized he was staring rudely. He relaxed when he saw Jack wasn't acting jealous. "It's too far to walk so we will take the underground transport. Oh! Are you claustrophobic? Are you ok in crowds?"

"I'm good. Diana should be ok as well," Jack offered.

"Good, it's this way," Juul said. She and Dann led the way.

As he followed, Jack put his arm behind Diana's back to guide her forward and to make it easier to whisper to her. "Are you ok?"

Her eyes flashed up to his. "Am I making a fool of myself?"

"Not at all. I know what to look for so I can see how much you're affected by their touch," he replied with a gentle smile.

She caught his expression and a slight smile appeared on her lips as well. "So much better than the cartoon!"

Jack snorted quietly and they continued on.

The jungle was quickly reduced to well-groomed and artistically shaped and placed flowers and vines in planters... everywhere. While the volume of foliage definitely decreased it was very much part of every structure. Out here on the outskirts of the city, the buildings all seemed to be low rise, single or dual level dwellings. They saw children, large groups of them, running here and there around the yards of the homes. These groups caught Jack's eye and he had to smile, thinking of his own kids at home. Dann and Juul waved to the watching parents and to the kids as they led the way through the neighborhood.

"Suburbia," Jack said to himself but Diana heard and grinned with a nod.

Juul's ears were pointing in his direction and must have caught that as she looked back at Jack curiously. "What is 'suburbia'?"

Jack gestured all around them. "It's a term we use to refer to the expanse of family dwellings and sprawling village like developments on the outskirts of our own cities."

"Oh! Yes, we have a lot of that!" Dann nodded with a grin. "Many don't like living within the center of the city."

They passed a school with an enormous play field which made sense considering the physical needs of the kids with so much energy to burn off. Jack filed that information away for later discussion with Queen Elissa.

He looked to Dann. "Is there a reason you placed your Gate Terminal so far outside the core of the city?"

Dann looked back at him with a wince. "There was no available space in the core when the Tik found our planet and offered us a Gate. We have two terminals. The one we came through is for people. The cargo Gate is on the northern edge of the city. It's less populated there. We're on the eastern side of the city and here is the underground transport terminal."

They went through the doors of another low rise building covered with flower boxes, then across a wide lobby to a bank of elevators.

They stepped into a car and moved to the back as seven more Harruushans crowded in. Diana peeped in surprise at the tight quarters but smiled to their hosts to show them she was ok.

"Bend your knees and brace yourself," Juul said in warning as an afterthought.

The floor seemed to drop away.

Diana gave a little scream and Jack wrapped his arm around her as she clung to him. "Bend your knees," he said calmly as he held her eyes. She calmed then their weight came back quickly and then some. For the Harruushan's long spring-like legs this was nothing but Jack grunted with the extra load he was carrying.

Front and rear doors opened and they moved with the flow to allow the next group who would use it to get to the surface.

Jack was attracting loads of attention from the other travelers but he was used to that.

Diana was wobbly and drew concerned looks from their guides.

"Are you well?" Dann asked Diana who just nodded.

"Our elevators move at a much slower pace with no free fall." Jack explained.

"Our apologies! The elevators are set to the most expedient speeds to manage the flow of our people."

"It's fine. I was just surprised," Diana explained.

They moved on to the platform which was beginning to fill. "We want the R28ALN," Juul said looking at a large display on the wall. "Tunnel twelve! It's almost arrived! Let's hurry! Follow!"

The Harruushans surged forward and Jack took Diana's hand to help her keep up. Her other arm was wrapped across her chest. Dann looked back then immediately moved to Diana's side. "May I?" he asked. Jack looked at him curiously as Diana nodded. Then she was up in the tall diplomat's arms and he was racing after his sister. Jack grinned and put on a burst of speed to keep up. There were a lot of travelers in the passage but they seemed to know where to walk or run to avoid collisions. Then Jack noticed their ears twisting and turning constantly. They must be getting locational updates. He was at a distinct disadvantage here.

Tunnel twelve was a good distance down the corridor but they finally arrived and dipped through the entrance to arrive at the platform just as the train pulled into the station. The platform was packed as Juul and Dann stopped at the back of the crowd. The male set Diana down on her feet and she clung to him for a second as she wobbled, pressing her tits against him. Jack saw Dann's ears tremble and Juul chuckled at her brother's excited state.

The doors opened and the crowd surged forward. Their group followed and just managed to squeeze in before the doors closed behind them. Diana was once more pressed up against Dann's chest and Jack was squeezed up against her back. Juul was pressed against Jack and Diana's side. There was barely room to breathe much less move.

"Oh! Your face is changing colors again!" Juul said quietly in delight.

Jack snorted gently and glanced out the window to see the tunnel lights flashing past rapidly. The train was already moving. He hadn't felt anything.

"Inertial dampeners?" he asked Dann around Diana's head.

"Yes, can you imagine how uncomfortable this ride would be if the train was constantly throwing our bodies against each other?" Dann replied.

"Mmmm..." Diana grunted.

"Are you well, Diana?" Juul asked.

"Yes... it's just... very close in here... A lot of touching. Not used to it," she managed, her voice a little breathy, and she glanced out the corner of her eye at Jack.

Dann smiled. "The Harruushans know something about living in close quarters and have no issues with touching."

"This is a good thing considering your population levels," Jack suggested and Juul grinned with a nod.

Jack noticed the ears of the Harruushans around them were finally still. Relaxed. In a group, tightly jammed together in the train, they were at peace. No worries about predators or running into others. They almost seemed... content.

The ride to the city's core was fast and mercifully short as Jack could feel Diana's gradually increasing desperation. The stimulus was becoming too much. Her body trembled and she ever so slowly rubbed her ass back against Jack. This wasn't keeping him calm either. When the train entered a station and the dampeners disengaged, the opposite side doors opened and the press of bodies eased as the train emptied.

Jack put his arm around Diana and walked off the train with her, following their companions. They made their way out of the central terminal, amazed by the flow of citizens rushing here and there. So many!

Diana was calming down but clung to Jack's arm for his solidity.

Then they were outside... or at least outside the terminal building. Towering buildings surrounded them on all sides. Only the smallest glimpses of sky could be seen. Walkways between the skyscrapers could be seen above them in the hundreds. Flowers and vines were... everywhere. The air carried the light scent of the flowers and there was none of the industrial scents one might expect in such a crowded urban center.

"Oh my god..." Diana sighed.

Cleverly placed and aimed lighting highlighted the blossoms as if fireworks had exploded all around them then froze in time.

Dann and Juul grinned at their awestruck expressions.

"Welcome to Ghan!" Juul said happily.

Once they began moving along the pedestrian way, the impression of fireworks became amplified by their movement. They were at risk of being dazzled if they didn't focus on the backs of their guides.

Finally, they turned into a doorway and found another elevator bank.

Dann looked to their two off world guests. "Remember, more gravity at the bottom and less at the top. Bend your knees and brace yourselves."

The door opened and they entered. Once more Jack assisted Diana but she was ready for the experience this time so she remained silent and gave Jack a grin at the top.

Dann caught himself staring at the dramatic movements of Diana's large tits inside her gown. Jack gave him a grin and Dann's guilty look eased.

When they left the elevator they found themselves in a bustling shopping area.

"There is a wonderful restaurant just up a ways. It's our favorite spot and we've reserved a table with an excellent view." Dann said gesturing up the wide hallway.

As they made their way Jack and Diana eyed the shops offering a wide variety of goods from electronics to handcrafted art. The Trade Commissioner in him made Jack catalog what he was seeing in terms of viability for the Altarian market. He smiled at Diana and she grinned excitedly back at him. He recalled that this was only the second time she'd been in an 'alien' market. Her first shopping trip on Altaria had been a burst of excitement for her as well.

They reached the restaurant and the host greeted their guides with familiarity. They were regulars, then. Juul discreetly waved to an older Harruushan female standing before the kitchen doors who grinned and ducked back into the steamy interior. Jack scanned the staff and the customers at the tables and his mind clicked with an intuitive leap.

"This is a family run business, isn't it? Your family?" He asked with a smile. Diana glanced at him in surprise.

Dann and Juul's ears twitched and they stared at Jack in shock. "How..." Dann asked.

Jack shook his head. "I can't tell you how I know, but I'm picking up a... similarity between you two and the staff."

He looked out the entrance to the crowds passing by in the busy hallway but the impression didn't surface there. He looked back to the diplomats and the young female working as the host and it clicked again. He still had no idea as he shrugged while they all watched him curiously. He thought back to their trip to get here to see if he'd felt it any other time. The children running around on the yards. There was... a synchronicity to the movements of their ears. He'd become sensitized to this from working with Adina and Zaina's shared perceptions. Harruushan family groups might share a similar bond. Maybe it tied into their comfort in groups but he was just speculating. Again, he put that aside as something to discuss with Elissa.

The host handed one of the table servers a tablet and their group followed her to the far side of the restaurant to a table next to huge windows. Diana glanced down and squeaked in surprise as they were very high up. She turned to Jack. "The elevator ride didn't seem that long! How could we be so high up?"

Dann nodded to the windows. "This side of the building faces the Deeps. We entered from the other side. There is a very deep canyon running north to south through the capitol. It was incorporated into the city's plan. There's a very strong, fast moving river in the bottom of the canyon which offers plentiful hydro electric energy. We also tap into geothermal energy."

They placed their orders, stir fry vegetarian meals with spices that shouldn't give them any issues, and took in the scenery.

"It's all so... different," Diana said, struggling to find words to express the experience for her.

Jack chuckled. "I have to get you to travel to more worlds with me. You liked Chrystan. Well, not the snow but the people and the hot spring resorts." He remembered the first time they'd visited the unisex locker room and she discovered she would be walking around nude in front of all the Shreen. She'd been almost beside herself with excitement when they'd returned to their room.

Diana's face flushed again as she gently slapped his arm but her eyes were twinkling merrily. She'd enjoyed the communal sleeping pit experience as well. "The Shreen were lovely."

"We don't care much for cold weather either," Dann said with a shudder.

Diana grinned. "Something else we have in common! I grew up in a very warm place on Earth so I detest being cold. Chrystan was very cold!"

Juul smiled. "Not a place we'd choose to petition at."

Dinner arrived and they enjoyed their meals as conversation turned to how they produced their food in vast hydroponic gardens. Jack described how the Shreen did the same.

"If it weren't for our preferred climate differences it sounds like the Shreen and the Harruushans would get along very well!" Dann said.

Jack nodded in agreement. "Except, the Shreen never leave their planet."

"Oh! Because they prefer the temperature?" Juul asked.

Jack shook his head. "They are... connected to their home. For them, the forced migration from their original home world to Chrystan was traumatic. If Chrystan hadn't been so hospitable to their needs I think they might not have survived the experience. I can't really express the significance of their... integration with their home. They are not travelers. They're fine with the occasional visitor but the idea of wholescale tourism failed to take root."

Dann shook his head. "For us, a place is just a place. There is no significance from one to the other as long as both support life."

Jack nodded his agreement and pushed his empty bowl back. "That was wonderful! My compliments to the chef!"

"Why did the Shreen have to leave their planet?" Juul asked tentatively.

Jack saw she appeared to be nervous about the answer and he wondered why. "Their sun suddenly and mysteriously became unstable. Like yours, it was suspected that the Allsa Komanae had somehow interfered with their sun. The Tik found a reference to Chrystan in the Altarian archives and the Altarians gave them the planet. It was too cold for their use," Jack explained.

Ears trembling and eyes wide, Dann made an odd sound. "What... what happened to their sun?"

Jack looked to the siblings who were both leaning forward waiting for his answer. He understood now. They were hearing what might have happened to their people. "The sun went nova and consumed the planet. Everyone was off before it happened though."

Brother and sister shared a frightened look.

"The Allsa Komanae weren't successful with your sun though and Jack put an end to them," Diana blurted to ease their fears.

Jack gave Diana a stern look as genocide wasn't something he was proud of. She immediately looked contrite.

Dann and Juul we're back to staring at Jack but now it was confusion not fear that showed in their large eyes.

"We'd heard they died off after the Altarians invaded their home world and believed the rumors that the Altarians were the ones responsible," Dann said quietly.

Jack saw he was stuck. If he denied his involvement then the Altarians were labeled as murderers. Alternatively, he could own up to his guilt. There was no real question in his mind.

"The Altarians had nothing to do with the death of the Allsa Komanae. I killed them." It came out with more ferocity than he'd intended but there was a lot of emotion involved for him. He rarely had nightmares about his time with the Allsa Komanae anymore and he was over most of his other emotional trauma, largely due to the compassion of the Shreen.

He felt a hand touch his and looked down to see it was Diana's. Then a long fingered hand, furred with short, black painted claws rested atop his other hand. He looked up into the gentle eyes of Juul.

"Did they give you that collar?" she asked gently.

Jack cleared his tight throat. "Yes. The Altarians were on a rescue mission. They found me and the other slaves and brought us home."

Dann looked outraged. "So why are the Altarians being accused of invading?"

Jack sighed. "The Gate Network worlds know it was a rescue mission but they don't like the preferential treatment the Tik gave Queen Elissa during the event. The Tik are the only race of Sentient Mechanicals found in the Network. They control the means of travel between the worlds and prevent its use for military purposes. This means everyone is deeply dependent on them. They are neutral in all matters of interplanetary foreign policy and must remain so. When I was kidnapped by the Allsa Komanae, the Tik were aware that I wasn't the only one who'd gone missing. They value life more than any race and decided to assist the law abiding and peaceful Altarians to enter Allsa Komanae space with 'protection'. The fact that this protection was comprised of some of the hardest, most dangerous soldiers from Earth severely strained the good will of the other members of the Gate Network. For some reason, humans are not well liked in the Network. We're considered the 'Barbarians at the Gate', I believe the term goes. So, because of all of this, Altaria is being punished. Politics."

The table went silent for a moment as they processed this information.

"I'm sorry Jack," Diana said quietly with a sad look on her face.

Jack rubbed his face and shrugged, forcing a smile back onto his lips. "It's fine. Our young friends are learning new things about how things work with the Gate Network. Not everything they learn is going to be positive. There's a lot of inertia and fear amongst the races who make up the Network. Change is not seen as a good thing and being on the side of what's right and good doesn't necessarily guarantee fair treatment from the others. That's life. Roll with the punches and try not to take it personally."

The older Harruushan female from the kitchen arrived at the table with a plate of small cakes.

"For our special guests," she said with a sweet smile on her face. Her fur definitely had much more grey than brown in it and her movements were slower than her children's.

"Jack, Diana, may I present our mother, Helas," Dann said with a gentle smile.

They touched palms with the senior.

"A most wonderful meal!" Jack said, drawing a happy smile from her.

"An after dinner refresher," she said gesturing to the tray. They all picked up one of the cakes which proved to be light and crisp pastry on the outside and minty cream on the inside.

The mint was very refreshing and they nodded in appreciation.

The mother flicked her ears and a group of her children arrived to clear the plates. An unspoken language? With a final nod and smile, the mother moved off in the direction of the kitchen.

"How about we finish off with some herbal tea at our apartment. We should be able to catch the sunset from our balcony," Dann suggested.

"That sounds very nice," Jack agreed and Diana nodded.

They left the restaurant, waving at the younger siblings working the tables. They went back to the elevator bank and went up to the top floor.

As they walked down a well-lit corridor with apartment doors widely spaced apart, Dann spoke to them over his shoulder. "Normally we wouldn't get such a spacious apartment but as diplomats we have a second bedroom for guests."

"You don't put guests in a hotel?" Diana asked.

Juul glanced back at her in concern. "I'm sorry. We don't have hotels on Harruusha. The concept of having living spaces that no one lives in permanently just doesn't fit our culture. If you are uncomfortable with sharing the apartment with us we can let you have it to yourselves and we'll find alternate sleeping arrangements."

"No! It's fine! I have no issues with sleeping with you- I mean, with sharing your apartment!" Diana blurted and blushed furiously.

"Ah! That's the brightest shade of pink yet!" Juul exclaimed with a wide, delighted smile.

Dann unlocked the door and led them inside the apartment. They were in a small vestibule and the Harruushans stepped into a foot bath just to the right of the door. As they wore no shoes they cleaned their feet when they entered their home. Jack and Diana undid the releases on their shoes and slipped them off. This earned them an appreciative smile from Juul who then led them further into the apartment.

Jack immediately grinned as he saw the layout largely matched the living space of the Shreen. Directly to the right was a small kitchen with a dining area before it. Straight ahead was a wide, cushioned conversation pit. To the left were two doors and Jack would lay odds that one was a room for hygiene and the other was a bedroom. On the other side of the dining area to their right was another door which was likely the master bedroom. Beyond the pit was floor to ceiling windows and a set of doors leading to a balcony as wide as the apartment. Beyond that was a view that took his breath away.

"Wow! Look at that view!" Jack exclaimed. Diana made a delighted sound.

Dann grinned at them and led them around the pit to the balcony doors. They stepped out and Diana suddenly shrank back.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked.

"There's no railing!" she squeaked.

Dann walked to the edge and reached out a hand. The air before his hand glowed and brightened as he pressed. He looked back at Diana. "Energy shield. Keeps us from falling out and keeps stuff on the outside from getting in. It also doesn't block this incredible view of the rooftops of Ghan."

Jack realized they were on the tallest building in the center of the city looking west. The roof tops of the towers around them generally became lower the farther out from the center you went. It almost felt like a slope gradually descending to the suburbs. Like... if you had powerful enough legs, you could leap from rooftop to rooftop and flee the city. Smart.

They found seats on the lounge chairs arranged two to a side but angled to face the sunset as well as the opposite chairs.

"I'll prepare the herbal tea," Juul said as she ducked back into the apartment.

They made themselves comfortable and relaxed back into the cushions.

"Ah, this is nice," Jack sighed. Dann smiled.

Juul quickly returned with four mugs on a tray. She placed them in the holders on each chair. "The herbs in the tea have a soothing, relaxing effect much like Earth's cammo- camile?" she tried.

"Chamomile?" Diana asked.

"Yes! Chamomile," Juul finished gratefully.

"You've done some research," Jack said approvingly.

"Well, we are diplomats, after all," Dann responded with a smile.

They sipped at their tea as they watched the setting sun paint the scene laid out before them with a warm orange light.

Jack noticed he was definitely feeling relaxed after only a few sips. He looked over at Diana and saw she was looking very relaxed. He touched her hand as she went to lift the mug again. "If you drink any more you'll fall asleep out here," he said with a smile.

"Is the tea not to your liking?" Juul asked with concern.

"It's delicious!" Diana purred.

Jack grinned at her then looked to their hosts. "It is really good, just much more potent than Chamomile on human metabolisms. I'm a mix so it's not as potent for me."

"Is it common for brother and sister to share an apartment?" Diana blurted, wide eyed.

Dann grinned. "No, normally we'd find mates and start a family of our own but that's what's leading Harruusha to its present predicament. Over population."

"When we became diplomats we pledged an oath to remain single. We'd be leaving the planet for long periods so it wouldn't be fair for those we left behind," Juul said then looked to Jack guiltily as he was also a diplomat. "I- I didn't mean to imply anything-"

He raised his hand to stop her apology. "No offense taken."

Dann seemed to have something on his mind and looked at him closely. "We research the cultures of the people on the planets we are going to petition and Earth has many diverse cultures. One of the common threads we found was pair bonding. Exclusive relationships. I don't mean to judge you in any way. I'm just curious. Your behavior towards Diana doesn't match what I was expecting to see. She has born you a child yet you show none of the possessiveness I was led to believe exists in a human relationship."

Jack smiled at Diana. "Make no mistake. I love this woman completely. I'd die for her and I'd kill to protect her." The woman made a sweet sound and jumped up from her chair to join him on his. She cuddled in next to him and he gave her a kiss. He turned his face back to his hosts. "Humans can be a pretty volatile bunch, in our actions and emotions. That said, I quickly learned when I began to live amongst the Altarians that I didn't feel this possessiveness and jealousy that my race is so famous for. When Diana came to live with me on Altaria I let her know right from the beginning if we were to have a relationship it wouldn't follow human 'norms'. I have relationships with a number of Altarians, one Phem Kalos, and a female of a race we haven't identified. My relationship with Diana gives me an emotional foundation that I don't have with the Altarians."

"We understand you have relationships with Altarians including the Queen. You are the male parent for some of her children." Dann glanced awkwardly at his sister but she just looked back at him curiously as she seemed unaware of the point he was making. "You have sex with others... and Diana, you are not possessive either?"

The woman looked at Dann and shook her head. "Like Jack said, he told me in advance what I could expect from him. I- I made such bad choices when picking boyfriends before I met Jack. I picked men who didn't respect me. Men who mentally and physically hurt me. Jack loves me. He doesn't lie to me. He listens to me. He does have sex with others but that doesn't change his feelings for me. I can depend on him." She paused for a moment then grinned a little giddily. "Jack said he wouldn't deny my finding pleasure in another's arms." Her eyes locked on Dann's for a moment and his ears began to tremble.

Juul and Diana burst into giggles simultaneously and the moment was broken.

Dann grinned then the doubt reappeared on his face. "You are teasing."

Diana grinned but shook her head as she bit her lower lip.

Dann's eyes went to Jack curiously.

"We have no idea if Harruushans have social or personal taboos when it comes to interspecies sexual relations. I think we've made it pretty clear we don't," Jack said calmly as he watched their reactions.

Juul's ears began trembling as well as she grinned at Jack. "We are... very open to trying new things. I think my brother is very taken with Diana!"

"Juul!" the brother exclaimed then turned his eyes back to the woman he'd carried in his arms today. "I confess to being... more than a little curious."

Jack could feel Diana trembling against him. She was clinging to him so tightly.

"Perhaps we could move inside to continue this conversation in privacy," he suggested.

Juul nodded quickly as her grin widened.

Dann also nodded and everyone climbed to their feet. They paused for just a moment to take in the last rays as the sun slipped under the horizon.

"Lovely," Jack said as he looked away from the display to look into Juul's wide, delighted eyes.

They moved into the living room and Dann stood awkwardly next to the sunken conversation pit. Jack picked up on this and gestured to the cushions below. "Why don't we just relax for a bit, get to know one another," he suggested and Dann smiled gratefully. Jack was picking up the idea that the male might be a first timer... which he supposed made sense considering his oath. He was curious about that.

They moved down into the large pit and Jack smiled. "The Shreen have a very similar layout to their homes including a cushioned area like this."

"The more I hear about them the more I like them," Juul sighed.

Jack sat and leaned back against the pillows across from Dann. Juul and Diana shared mischievous grins then swapped sides so Juul was cuddled up against Jack and Diana was pressing her body against Dann's side. His ears were back to trembling. Jack's ears would have trembled too if they could as Juul felt very good against his body.

"The oath you two took, it doesn't prevent you from having sex, does it?" Jack asked.

"NO- I mean, no, we can but we can't take a mate or have children," Dann blurted and explained nervously.

Jack nodded with a smile. From his behavior, he was fairly certain that Dann was a virgin. He wondered if Juul was the same as she seemed much more comfortable. He looked to Diana who was beginning to run her hands over Dann's chest, sinking her fingers in his fur and feeling the muscles underneath. He saw by her expression she was definitely slipping into her fugue state as her fetish kicked into high gear.

He looked to Juul who suddenly swung a long leg over him as she moved to straddle him and pressed her lips to his. Her body was so firmly muscled and yet so soft, it made for a delightful contrast. Her kiss was definitely inexperienced so he took her head in his hands and slowed the kiss to let them enjoy each other's lips. When he pulled back she had a dreamy expression on her face. Her eyes widened once more.

"Can we undress?"

Jack smiled and nodded. For her it was just a matter of removing her kilt. He was wearing much more clothes. He was just taking off his shirt and she tossed her kilt up onto the rim of the pit. He saw the fur between her legs was darker then picked up the scent of her heat. Her ears were trembling as she reached out to run her fingers across his bare skin.

"Ooo, so smooth!" she purred.

Jack heard Diana's gasp and saw her gown was off. Dann had her big tits in his hands as he stared at them with wide eyes.

Juul was tugging at his pants so he undid the belt and fasteners and she made a happy noise as they slid down his legs.

Diana cried out and threw back her head as she held Dann's head against her right tit. Then it was Juul's turn to exclaim in delight as she tugged Jack's underwear down.

"So thick!" she purred as she wrapped her fingers around his erection. When her tongue stroked across the head Jack gasped. Her tongue was rough! Not sharp or painful but way too much stimulation. She grinned up at him and he gestured for her to climb up once more.

She straddled his thighs, used her hand to line him up with her opening and pressed herself down against the head of his cock. He realized the darkness of her fur was due to how wet she was. She gasped as the head moved inside.

"AAAhhh, so thick! It feels like you're stretching me wide open!" Juul moaned.

"If it's painful don't-"

"No! It's not." Juul grunted as she forced more of him inside her. "The feeling... of fullness... so intense!" Juul finished with a gasp.

Jack took her face in his hands and kissed her as she undulated on his lap easing more and more of him inside. For Jack, she felt incredibly tight, hot, and silky soft. Finally, she had all of him and they held still, just getting used to the sensation. She pulled back and closed her eyes as she concentrated.

He glanced at Diana but she seemed to be doing ok. Her panties were off and Dann was naked as well. If the male was an example of the average Harruushan then he understood Juul's comment. His cock was a few inches longer than Jack's but had much less girth. It did have ridges. Then it was driving up into Diana as she dropped herself down on it. He heard her gasp and smiled at her sound of joy.

His attention was drawn back to Juul whose beautiful green eyes were slowly opening. Jack could feel her muscles rippling along his shaft. It almost felt like he was moving in and out but she'd locked him in place with her legs as she had all of his cock inside her heat.

"Jack! I'm there! EEEEEEEeeeeeeee!!!!" she suddenly blurted and squealed as Jack looked at her in surprise. He still had some ways to go and she'd given no sign she was that close.

She clung to him and the rippling went on and on.

Where Juul remained still and moved internally, Diana rode Dann's cock like there was no tomorrow, Her round ass slapped his thighs again and again as she drove him deep inside. Dann's head was thrown back with an odd expression Jack couldn't identify as bliss or agony. Maybe it was both. Diana finally sucked in a deep breath and grabbed the fur on his shoulders in her fists as she cried out her bliss. Now Jack knew Dann was in pain as that grip looked tight.

Juul's eyes flew wide as she pushed up from his chest to stare into his eyes. "OH! You're still hard! AH! It's- it's... ah! Again! EEP!"

Jack watched with concern as Juul's eyes closed and she clenched her jaw, her body shaking. She didn't do that the last time.

Diana sagged onto Dann's chest, releasing her hold on his fur. She slowly rocked from side to side to enjoy the afterglow. This motion was all it took to trigger Dann's release and he grabbed the sides of her tits in his hands and squeezed them. Diana cooed happily.

The internal rippling sensation from Juul and her shaking did the trick for Jack and he found himself clinging to her firm ass as he came. She squealed again and her muscle tremors became more pronounced.

When he was done he gently lifted her from his softening cock before her motions caused him to become hard once more. She was gasping for breath and sagged against his side as her eyes closed.

Jack looked over to Dann and he was out as well. His eyes caught Diana's looking back at him. He could see she was no longer under the thrall of her obsession. Her eyes held nervousness until she saw the love in his. Then a wonderfully happy and loving smile spread across her face. Relaxing, Diana tucked herself in next to Dann as her eyelids drooped.

So it seemed they were going to sleep in the pit. That was fine with Jack as the temperature was comfortable as were the cushions. He shifted positions and managed to lie flat with Juul resting against him.

It had been a very busy day so he let his eyes close and joined the others in slumber.

-=-

Jack stood at the top of a hill overlooking a city made of ugly grey boxes. He felt a tugging at his back as he looked over the cold emptiness of the deserted city. Something wanted him to flee this place. But he couldn't leave them. The ones who didn't get rescued. The ones still in chains.

Jack tried to step forward but his feet were stuck in the mud. He heard the frightened cries of children and the mournful weeping of mothers and tried harder but he still couldn't move.

Suddenly there was a low rumble like distant thunder except... it wasn't. Jack struggled to get free. He was being held down!

The low rumble grew and he knew that sound! He knew whose throat it came from! He had to get free! To face him!

With a roar of his own Jack surged up, tossing Diana and Juul to the cushions on either side and grappling with Dann to take him down. His teeth were bared and he was growling.

"JACK!"

Diana's shout finally cut through the lingering fog of his nightmare and he became aware of his surroundings... including Dann's frightened eyes looking up at him.

Jack immediately helped Dann up. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" He glanced over to Diana. "I- I guess I was having a nightmare?"

She nodded. "We heard you talking and making noises in your sleep. You started to thrash so we tried to hold you down."

"That was a mistake," Dann offered, still looking a little frightened.

Jack gave him an apologetic look as he racked his brain. "I can't... even remember what it was about. I haven't had one in months."

"I didn't know humans could be so... fierce!" Dann muttered.

Jack just nodded tiredly as he ran his fingers through his hair. It was still very early so they settled back and eventually Jack heard the deep breathing of the others. They'd managed to get back asleep. He still had too much adrenaline in his system.

He gently slipped out from under Juul's arm and climbed out of the pit, picking up his clothes on the way.

Jack dressed then walked out onto the balcony. Dawn was coming. Even on an alien world, he could feel it.

The air was just a little cool but that was a bit of a relief after the extra warmth of Juul's fur.

He walked to the edge of the balcony until he felt the beginnings of the protection field pushing against him then took one step back. From here he could see a good portion of the city. The Harruushans seemed to favor curves over straight lines and he felt mildly comforted by that. An image of ugly square buildings, row after row of them, flashed by in his mind. He closed his eyes and sighed. So, that's what he was dreaming. He hadn't for some time. He wondered what triggered it. It might have been their conversation the night before. He shrugged to himself.

He did his breathing exercises and felt calm return to his mind.

He stood there watching the city slowly waking. He would have loved to have gone for a run but he'd get lost in the unfamiliar streets. Besides, it probably wouldn't be long before the crowds made that impossible. So many people living so close together!

He knew that similar conditions existed on Earth as well but it was beyond his personal experience.

The sun was coming up now and its light began to paint the buildings before him. It was coming over his shoulders and felt good.

"Jack?"

He turned and walked back to the doorway where Diana waited for him. She looked a little anxious so he leaned forward and gently kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and he felt her trembling.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked.

She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. "I woke up and you were gone. After being with Dann last night I was a little worried you might feel differently about me today. Then I saw you standing on the edge of the balcony. It made me nervous."

He smiled at her. "Silly girl, I love you! Nothing's going to change that! Do you feel differently about me? I was with Juul while you were with Dann."

She shook her head as she looked into his eyes. Finally, a smile returned to her lips and she leaned her forehead against his. "How do you put up with all my insecurities and flightiness?" she sighed.

"Oh please. You're not flighty! You're much more grounded now than you've ever been. Motherhood has done amazing things for you! And your anxieties are the product of your upbringing. Everyone carries things with them through their life. It's part of who you are and since I love everything about you, it's not something I put up with."

He kissed her once more then she squeezed him tight in a hug.

When they pulled back they looked in at the sleeping Harruushans. They showed no sign of stirring so they decided to relax on the balcony's lounge chairs. They pushed two together and held hands as they spent the next half hour watching for signs of the city waking. Here and there someone would appear in a window or come out onto a balcony to water their plants.

"Apologies for our sleeping in."

They turned their heads to the balcony doors where their hosts shuffled out to join them. Dann was watching Diana with an odd but intense look in his eye. Juul only had eyes for Jack so he smiled at her.

"No need to apologize. I'm sorry for the rough night last night," Jack apologized in return.

Dann finally looked to him. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Much better, thank you. It was an old Allsa Komanae nightmare," he explained and Diana's smile dropped away.

"I'm so sorry I mentioned it last night!" she said sincerely.

He shook his head. "I think it was more due to the events happening on Phem Kalos that made it resurface," he said with a sigh. He smiled and lifted Diana's hand to press against his lips. Her smile returned and Dann's ears twitched. His distracted look returned.

Juul picked up the conversation from her distracted brother. "You may use the bathing suite before us then we will head down to breakfast before beginning our tour.

Nodding, Jack stood and helped Diana to her feet. They made their way inside and took quick showers before getting dressed. Dann and Juul took their turns and soon they were headed back down to their family's restaurant.

They greeted the matriarch of the family once more and enjoyed a delightful meal as they discussed the day's itinerary. Dann and Juul were going to jam as much Harruushan culture as they could into the one full day they had available.

Jack grinned at their enthusiasm. "Looks like a busy day!"

Dann and Juul both looked at him with concern. "Is it too much?" she asked

"No, let's see how much we can get in," he returned with a smile and Diana nodded.

They headed out to do just that.

-=-

It was well after sundown when they dragged their weary bodies back into Dann and Juul's lovely apartment. They'd visited an art gallery, a school, a food marketplace, a goods shopping centre, listened to musicians at a concert, and watched a group of Harruushans race back and forth across an open field in some sporting activity with rules they couldn't easily discern. They also did a factory tour, visited the hydroponic gardens, and rode train after train, elbow to elbow with the people of Harruusha.

Jack's brain was buzzing from the input he'd absorbed and his gestalt impression of the Harruushans told him they were a good fit for the calmer and quieter Altarians. They'd be like a shot of friendly, happy adrenaline. He'd keep that to himself until he'd had time to review the reports from the Altarians in his test case.

He climbed down into the conversation pit and dropped back against the cushions with a sigh. Diana plopped down next to him and smiled at him.

Their hosts settled themselves in the pit and looked curiously at Jack and Diana. "We didn't wear you out today did we?"

"It was a lot to take in but I'm so glad we did!" Jack exclaimed. "It was a wonderful day!"

"I'm pooped," Diana sighed.

"OH! Do you need a shower and a change of clothes?" Juul gasped.

Jack started to belly laugh as Diana's face froze in surprise. He finally managed to speak. "Earth phrase. She only meant that she's tired. She didn't... do the other."

"Oh!" Juul exclaimed and they all began to laugh.

Diana's laughter did fun things to her tits much to Dann's delight. Jack noticed his eyes had taken on a similar glazing Diana's did when she was entering the fugue state of her fetish.

Dann leaned forward a little to look into Diana's eyes. "Are you too tired to have sex with me?" He glanced to Jack who grinned and looked down at the lovely brunette. She looked back at Jack and bit her lush lower lip.

Jack nodded and moved to the opposite side of the pit to give them space.

"You'll have to do most of the work this time," Diana said quietly to Dann. He immediately moved to release the clasps on her gown and exposed her tits. She gasped and grabbed his head as he squeezed them in his hands and began to lick and suck on her stiff nipples. She cooed and cried out happily.

Jack smiled at Juul. "Dann has a definite obsession for Diana's breasts," he said quietly.

Juul's fingers were already undoing the buttons on his shirt and he looked at her in surprise. "I want you on top tonight," she purred.

Jack undid his pants and pushed them off as Juul tossed her kilt up onto the lip of the pit. When he threw his clothes up there as well he felt her hands tugging him by a sensitive part. He had to follow her down until he was stretched out across her body. He kissed her and she trembled under him.

"Please Jack! I'm ready," she whispered and she rubbed herself against him.

He pulled back to position himself and slid slowly into her heat.

"Oh Jack! So thick!" Juul moaned under him.

He smiled and eased back out then forward again, repeating this until he was pressed up against her body. He knew what came next. Her legs lifted to wrap around his hips, locking him in place as she shook and quaked under him.

"AHHH! JACK! SO GOOD!" she cried.

He looked over at Diana and saw she was watching him. He held her eyes as her lids fluttered from the intense sensations Dann was giving her. The Harruushan male was jerkily driving his hips forward and back, trying to mimic the thrusting she'd done the night before but the intensity was throwing him off.

Juul's pussy was rippling against him constantly now as she approached her release and he realized this is how they were designed to have sex. The male held still as the female's internal contractions triggered them both. He wondered how Dann was enduring the extra sensations. His expression continued to be a mix of bliss and pain.

Jack smiled at Diana and she smiled back. She wasn't in her usual fugue state so she might have been too tired after all.

"AAHHHHH! AHHHH! YYYEESSS!!!" Juul cried out as Dann announced his own release by crying out wordlessly, his hips shaking badly.

Diana eased Dann up and out as Jack pulled free from Juul as well, her legs releasing him. The Harruushans sprawled on the cushions to gasp and shudder through their aftershocks. Jack and Diana weren't close to their own release but neither felt the need for one now.

They eased themselves out of the pit, taking their clothes with them. They freshened up in the bathroom and prepared for bed. The guest bedroom had a very nice sleeping platform which they climbed onto, pulling the sheets up to cover them. Diana pushed herself up on one elbow to gaze down at him. She flipped her ebony hair back over her shoulder as a smile slipped onto her lovely lips. She leaned over him and kissed him tenderly. Then they snuggled together.

"I love you, Diana."

She smiled and held him just a little tighter. "I love you too, Jack."

They sighed in unison as they relaxed in each other's arms, ready for whatever tomorrow brought them.

-=-

The remaining four days passed at a much more relaxed pace. They visited the Altarians and found them all in good spirits. They were enjoying seeing how their Harruushan counterparts worked their occupations and were able to share tips, tricks, and techniques as well as learn the same from their hosts. There hadn't been any significant conflicts. Some disagreements but as both races were largely non-confrontational they found ways to compromise or just settled on agreeing to disagree.

They visited an Altarian surgeon named Olenka who'd been paired up with a male Harruushan named Denna, also a surgeon. From the way they held hands and traded fond glances throughout the interview Jack was pretty certain a new couple was born. That was a promising sign.

Dann and Juul were perfect hosts and gave Jack and Diana space from time to time. They did hint that they would welcome sex again, if so desired. Jack and Diana accepted that offer on two more occasions. On their last interlude Juul crashed through three orgasms before Jack's release finally arrived. The female was exhausted but fell asleep with a smile on her face. Dann discovered the joy of resting his face between Diana's tits during sex and he found bliss, while still seeming to express pain.

As the interviews proceeded, Jack was eager to see how Numell was doing. He was working with a courier here and their interview ended up being the last on the schedule, the night before the group was to head back to Altaria.

The entire group of Altarians and their hosts met at a nightclub on the top floor of a building not far from the diplomat's apartment.

Jack, Numell, and Cheen, the Harruushan courier he'd worked with sat in a booth at the side of the dancefloor and talked about their time together. Diana was already out dancing. Jack was relieved to hear a glowing report from Cheen on Numell's performance and compatibility.

When the interview was done Cheen looked to Numell. "Are you going to join me dancing with the others?"

He nodded. "I'll be with you in a moment," he said as she slipped out of the booth.

Cheen surprised Jack when she leaned over and gave Numell a kiss. "Don't leave be waiting on the dance floor for too long!" she said with a grin and bounced out to join the others.

Numell looked at Jack's interested expression and grinned self-consciously. "Uh yeah. I've found the Harruushans to be... very affectionate."

"Ah! Numell! You've come to dance?"

Jack and the male Altarian looked to see another female Harruushan by their table looking at them with a happy grin.

"Oh! Hi Stella! Yeah, I- I'll be out there soon," the smaller male said.

"Who's your friend?" Stella asked.

"This is our Altarian Ambassador, Jack Danner," Numell said proudly.

Stella tilted her head curiously. "You don't look like an Altarian."

Jack grinned. "I'm only part Altarian. The rest is Human."

"Nice meeting you! See you on the dance floor," Stella said looking at Numell and moved off.

Jack's eyes returned to the male across the table who was smiling widely. "I met Stella on a delivery. She works in an office close by," Numell explained.

Nodding, Jack panned his eyes over at the dancers and saw Diana waving at him, gesturing at him to join her with a smile. He nodded to her and raised his finger to indicate soon. He spotted Dann dancing close to Diana, eyes fixated on her bouncing tits. The boy had it bad.

Then he spotted Juul watching him with an equally hungry expression. He gave her a smile and turned his eyes back to Numell.

"So Harruushan females find Altarian males... compatible?" he asked.

Numell smiled and nodded then his expression became concerned. "Well, they won't like the ones with bad attitudes."

Jack nodded, knowing exactly which ones he was speaking of. "You'll just have to keep being the representative of what's best in Altarian males. Set an example for the others to follow!"

Numell's face lit up with a huge smile.

"Now, let's get out there and have some fun!" Jack said as he slipped out of the booth. Numell was right with him.

They were greeted with a lot of smiles on the dance floor. He traded a smile with the smaller male as their dance partners moved closer.

It was going to be a fun night!

Chapter 8

Queen Elissa received Jack's positive report like a lifeline as all she'd been dealing with over the past week was bad news regarding the Phem Kalos. They were ramping up their Space Program. The current estimates had them achieving fleet readiness in three years. Their new leader would be working their techs and skilled labor force to death in the process but she doubted he cared.

He locked Elissa's door and they made love on her couch until he felt the tension leave her shoulders. They cuddled afterwards and she rested her cheek on his chest.

"What would I do without you Jack?" she sighed and cooed as his hands sought out any lingering tightness in her back and kneaded the knots away.

"Meaningless question. You have me for as long as you want me by your side," he said. "Besides, you are the wisest ruler that I have ever had the honor to meet. You're brilliant and you have brilliant people to advise you when you need it."

She looked into his eyes and kissed him deeply. "You are so good at lifting my spirits!"

"You're lifting something of mine again," he said with a wicked grin. She snorted and rolled to her feet before he could get a grip on her hips.

"Ah ah ah! No, we've had our fun but I have to get back to work!" she said, forcing her smile away.

He grinned at her as they dressed. She was trying to hide the smile beneath a serious expression but it just wasn't working. Finally she made a shooing gesture. "Off you go you sexy, distracting man!"

He chuckled as he moved to the door.

"Oh! I just remembered. It's time for my annual trek to Shoo Duu Dhen for their marathon as I've been invited again. Any concerns I should be aware of?"

Elissa looked at him and seemed to be thinking about that. "I don't think so but I'll have Hellna contact you. When do you leave?"

"In two days."

"I'll ask her to call you tomorrow," Elissa said.

"Have a lovely day, my Queen," Jack said, making his voice deep and sexy.

Her eyes flared. "Out! I have to get some work done today!"

Chuckling evilly, Jack unlocked the door and stepped out. Elissa's assistant looked up at him with wide eyes.

"You have a lovely day too," Jack said, keeping his voice a deep purr.

"OUT! I need Marina focused on her work too!" Elissa's voice barked out the door of her office. With a grin on his face he left and made his way home. The work week was over for him and he hadn't seen his kids for a week.

The stroll along the walkway to his apartment was peaceful and relaxing but as he approached his building he looked up as he wasn't about to get hit by another water bomb. The twins had been spending their days at the Security Ministry learning... what it took to be an agent he assumed. Gee and Bal's mental discipline was something he knew the girls needed. There was only so much he could do to prepare them for life. He'd be there for them and give them as much love as he gave all of his children. He knew their intellect needed to be guided and stimulated or it would get them into a level of trouble nobody wanted. SennLann was onboard with his suggestion as she knew they'd be under expert supervision.

He entered the building comfortably dry and waved to Whella who nodded to him as he walked to the elevator. She didn't chase after him so... that was a good sign.

He went up to his floor and to his door. He listened but heard nothing. He cautiously opened the door and heard his kids laughing in the other room. He closed the door and Eve stopped as she walked past the hallway. She smiled and walked up to him to wrap her arms around him. He hugged her in return and kissed her tenderly.

"Welcome home, Jack," she purred once the kiss ended.

"It's good to be home," he sighed.

"Diana got home this morning," she said looking at him curiously.

"Yeah, I stopped by the embassy to write up my report on Harruusha when we got back and then I went to speak with Elissa to give her the report." His concern for the Queen must have shown on his face.

"Is she all right?" Eve asked.

He shook his head. "The new leader on Phem Kalos is going to be a problem for her. He's a real war monger. If something isn't done, there will be a war between Altaria and Phem Kalos."

Eve held his eyes. "Something?"

He sighed and deflated. "With the members of the Gate Network watching Altaria so closely, Queen Elissa can't take any overt steps which could appear to be aggressive or warlike. It's insane! I don't think the Tik would agree to isolate Altaria even if the Gate Network members demanded it but the Tik are dealing with the paranoid behavior against them too."

"Daddy!"

His voice must have carried to the living room as Emily and Joseph rushed up to him to grab his legs as Eve stepped back with a smile. Adina and Zaina leapt up to land on his shoulders. The twins kissed his cheeks and rubbed their heads against his. He gave them kisses too then they leapt away as he knelt to hug and kiss Emily and Joseph.

"Mommy said we're going to the park tomorrow!" Emily blurted happily.

"That's sounds like a wonderful plan!" Jack said in delight.

"I wish Judge Aaros and Doug were back from their trip so they could join us!" Joseph added wistfully.

"Soon I hear," Jack replied and saw Adina and Zaina's ears perk up at the mention of Douglas' name. He smiled to himself then caught Eve's smile as well.

They made their way back to the living room where SennLann rushed out of the kitchen and pounced on him. He gave her a hug and a kiss.

"It is good you are home!" she purred.

"It's good to be home." He glanced at the twins who were being remarkably well behaved. He'd have to get to the bottom of this new development but in the meantime he needed to speak to their mother privately for a second. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Ooo!" she grinned.

"No, I just need to speak with you," he insisted. She wasn't listening as she rubbed her face against his chin and wiggled her body in his arms.

He sent an exasperated look towards Eve but she just snorted in amusement and pointed over her shoulder to his bedroom door. Eve collected the kids as Jack carried the purring female into his bedroom and locked the door behind him.

"I want to ask you a question about the twins," he began but she was already pushing his pants down his legs. Sighing, he undid his shirt and tugged it off.

A tickling, scratching sensation tormented his balls and he saw gold eyes looking up at him mischievously as she ran her tongue over them. She stroked the underside of his cock and the overstimulation worked its magic as he stiffened quickly. She purred as she felt how hard he'd become.

Jack surprised her by suddenly lifting her and tossing her onto the bed. She twisted as she flew over the mattress and landed on her hands and knees. He didn't give her time to recover as he leapt onto the bed and covered her body with his. A slight shift and he was sliding into her wet opening. She yowled in surprise and her purring rumbled from her chest as he reached bottom. He drew back and slammed forward to slap her ass.

"You need to listen to me when I'm talking to you," he growled as he spanked her ass with his pelvis.

His thrusts got faster and faster and her ass was taking a beating but she just squirmed under him. She began to make that odd chattering noise which told him she was there. That was good because so was he. With a growl, he drove deep one last time and pinned her to the mattress as he came.

She turned her face up to him and he kissed her.

When he was finished he pulled free and flopped down on his back next to her. She moved to lie on top of his chest and rubbed her face on his chin.

"You wanted to ask me something about the girls?" she asked timidly.

He looked at her in frustration.

"I'm sorry. I- I missed you," she said quietly.

He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently. She purred happily.

"We're going to the park tomorrow but the day after I'm going to Shoo Duu Dhen to run in an annual marathon. I'm invited every year. This time I'd like to bring the twins with me. They can manage that distance and pace now and I think they'd enjoy themselves. I'll only bring them if you agree. I'm also waiting for confirmation from Hellna that there aren't any security issues which might make it a bad idea."

Gold eyes looked deeply into his as she thought about his request. Finally she huffed. "If Hellna says it is safe I'd still like you to take Gee and Bal."

"They wouldn't be able to keep up."

"They don't have to run. They could pace you in an armored carrier," SennLann suggested.

Jack chuckled. "Yeah, I don't think the Shoo Sha would appreciate us bringing a weapons platform to their 'Peace Run'. This event honors the sacrifices made to bring them a thousand years of peace. Besides, the Tik wouldn't allow us to bring one to the planet."

She snuggled in against him. "Well, let's see what Hellna says. When is she going to tell you?"

"Tomorrow."

He felt her nod.

"How has it been going with the girls training?" he asked.

SennLann pushed herself up to a seated position next to him so she could look into his eyes. She winced slightly from her tender bottom. "Gee and Bal are very pleased with their progress and I've seen a wonderful change in their behavior already. They have much better control over their impulsiveness. They seem to be thinking things through before acting."

"That's wonderful!" he exclaimed. "I'm so glad they're getting this training!"

"They love it too! They're so eager to go each morning! Gee and Bal pick them up at the door downstairs and drop them off at night."

Jack looked at her in surprise. He hadn't expected this level of service from the security agents. He was itching to speak to them about the girls to get an assessment of their progress.

"Dinner!"

SennLann's face suddenly showed her guilt. "I was supposed to help Diana prepare tonight's meal."

Jack climbed off the bed and grabbed a clean shirt and some shorts. "So I guess you can help me clean up afterwards. I'm going to take a quick shower. I'll be right out."

When he walked out to join them in the dining room, he gave Eve and Diana a kiss and thanked her for the meal.

The family enjoyed their meal and Jack listened to the kids describe their week. Adina and Zaina's comments were very light on detail. They just said they were studying hard and learning a lot from Gee and Bal. Jack's curiosity flared but there was nothing he could do about it tonight.

He truly enjoyed the domestic bliss of dinner with his family. Even the simple chore of tidying up afterwards was a pleasure. The kids helped by bringing the dirty stuff into the kitchen. He washed and SennLann helped with putting the dishes away. These actions gave him such a feeling of peace. It reminded him of his childhood when he'd do the same with his Mom and Dad.

Once they got the kids settled in their beds, SennLann headed off to her own after getting a kiss.

Eve and Jack settled on the couch and Diana plunked herself down on a chair facing them.

"Thank you so much for bringing me with you to Harruusha. It was eye opening to immerse myself in a new culture," she said with a smile.

"You handled yourself really well. I wouldn't hesitate to bring you on another visit," he said proudly and she beamed a happy smile at him. Then her expression showed some concern.

"I think Dann was becoming a little obsessed with me by the end of the visit though."

Jack smiled at her. "Definitely a breast... male," he finished awkwardly with a grin.

"The night at the dance club, he begged me to have sex with him one last time," she confessed.

"Really? Did you?" Jack asked. He was seriously impressed by how comfortable she was talking about this with him. Before their visit she'd been so timid and hesitant. She'd seemed almost guilty about her desires. She'd obviously had a breakthrough. He thought about that and realized it might have been that second night when they'd watched each other and moved off to sleep together afterwards.

"I was too tired after all that dancing so..." She grinned at him in embarrassment and glanced at Eve. "I pulled him into a stall in the ladies room and use my boobs to stroke him to his orgasm."

Jack barked a laugh as he imagined how Dann would have reacted to that. "He must have thought he'd died and gone to Heaven!" Eve looked at him curiously so Jack explained. "I highly suspect Dann was a virgin when we met him and he was immediately and completely enthralled by Diana's breasts."

Diana shook her head. "He always looked like he was in pain when we had sex." She thought about that. "Especially when I got him off between my boobs."

Jack smirked. "Were you very vigorous with your motions?"

She looked at him in surprise. "Yes, I just wanted to get it done quickly."

He nodded. "I suspect the normal method for Harruushans to have sex is for the male to insert himself into the female and let her internal rippling bring them both off. Not a lot of friction. Just squeezing pulses. The friction must have been... intense."

"OH!" Diana gasped. "Oh my god! I was hurting him?!?"

"I think the young male might have found enjoyment in that as well? He didn't ask you to stop or do something else, did he? Of course, as a virgin he wouldn't know how it's supposed to feel for a Harruushan."

Jack thought about how Dann behaved the next day when he and Juul took them back to the Gate Terminal. It made sense to him now. The stiffness to his movements. The constant furtive glances at Diana's chest. The lost expression on Dann's face as they turned to walk through the Gate to return to Altaria. His smile faded as he began to worry for the young male. "I'll send him a private message, suggesting he speak to someone about how sex should feel. If he enjoyed it, then I don't know." He shrugged.

"I think Juul was becoming a little overly attached to you as well," Diana suggested.

Jack looked at her in surprise. "What?"

"I was aware of how she looked at you when your attention was on something else," Diana explained.

He rubbed his face then ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to get involved with them sexually. If they were virgins, as I suspect they were."

"Jack, they were both adults! You're making us sound like sexual predators!" Diana gasped.

He held up his hands. "No, I agree they were adults but maybe they weren't emotionally mature enough to deal with something like this. It's always a risk when you get intimate with someone. Maybe we should've paid closer attention."

He saw Diana was looking a little unhappy about this latest development so he stood up and pulled her to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug. "Listen, instead of sending Dann a private message, next week we'll make arrangements to go speak with him and Juul. We'll find out if they are ok or need to talk this out."

Diana felt better and nodded. Then she yawned mightily. "I'm going to bed. See you in the morning."

Eve gave her a hug as well and Diana headed off down the hall to her room.

Jack looked into Eve's loving eyes. "Will you stay with me tonight?" he asked. She nodded so he took her hand and led her to his bedroom and closed the door. He dropped his shirt and shorts on the bed and saw she'd slipped out of the Altarian gown she wore and was sliding under the covers. He turned off the light and joined her, facing each other with smiles on their lips. She moved forward and pressed her lips to his and he caressed hers gently. Her breathing picked up and she moved to kiss him more deeply. He pulled her up onto his body and she smiled again as she felt him pressing between her legs. He held her face in his hands and kissed her until she thought she'd pass out from the pure sensuality of it. Her passions aroused, she positioned him and took him deep inside. She felt her mind lifting higher and higher as her pleasure climbed.

His hands on her ass, his mouth on hers, the heat of him inside her, their breathing, she was only registering these moments in flashes as they clung to each other, driven by their mutual need and love. She wasn't sure who crested first as they were so evenly matched.

As they coasted down from their plateaus they shared a smile. She rolled off his chest to tuck herself next to him and sighed. She was always amazed by how well they fit together in so many ways.

She really felt like she was part of him and he was part of her.

And that's exactly what she needed.

Chapter 9

Jack couldn't keep the grin from his face as the twins tried to contain their excitement. As they waited on the sidewalk outside the Gate Terminal, the girls were bouncing on their toes and clung to each other's hands. Their eyes darted from him to every arriving taxi to see if it contained their escort.

He looked in his small backpack to make sure one more time that he had their running shoes and gloves. This was going to be a long run and while he knew they could do it he wasn't going to risk the tough pads on their feet and hands. He was already wearing his running gear which included thin black running tights. With their fur, the twins would be fine but he recalled the cool mist he ran in every year, so now he wore tights.

Jack spotted the Security Ministry vehicle at the same time the twins did and they let out an involuntary squeak of joy. The large van settled down next to them and the side door opened. Gee and Bal stepped out. Jack watched the twins come to attention and vibrate with excitement. He smiled and looked over with surprise at the two agents. He spotted the pride in their eyes as they nodded to the two girls. Then they cleared their expressions and turned to face the van with small remotes in their hands. Two black, personal skimmers floated out of the door on their lift fields and waited patiently behind the agents.

He looked closer at the skimmers as they were larger than he'd ever seen them. He raised an eyebrow and looked to Gee.

"The Ministry had to design a skimmer able to keep up with you and last as long as you do. Balancing the output of multiple personal skimmer lift units made it too bulky so the single lift unit on these came from a van," she explained. Jack looked at the skimmers in surprise. That was a lot of power for something that only carried one person. They must move damn fast!

Bal slapped the side of the van and it lifted away from the curb and headed back to headquarters.

Without another word Gee and Bal set off for the entrance, their rides humming with quiet power as they followed. As he fell in behind the agents he looked to the twins who were all grins.

The security agents parked their skimmers as they approached the counter with Jack and the twins.

"Five for Shoo Duu Dhen," Jack said.

The customs and security agent took their names and had to register Adina and Zaina as this was their first trip through a Gate. The twins touched the sensor pad to give a biometric reading then they were good to go.

They made their way to the Gate and walked through onto another world.

Gate Terminals were constructed to follow some uniform design elements so stepping from one planet to another wasn't too jarring of an experience. However, there were some elements the buildings made no effort to control and some it couldn't. They immediately felt an increase in humidity but the air was cool and fresh. The gravity was also a little lighter than Altaria. Not a lot, but noticeable.

The twins grinned excitedly and Jack shared it with them. He was so eager to get out there on the road.

The Terminal was busy with guests coming in from multiple planets for the run. Mostly Shoo Sha returning home to celebrate but here and there Jack saw special guests like himself. The event was by invite only and Jack had been attending for the last few years. The prior year he mentioned he might bring along the twins so there was an open invitation for them.

As they waited their turn, they spotted a few Deen-Diin, a tall and skeletally thin race. Jack had never run with the Deen-Diin before and from the look they gave him he supposed he wouldn't be doing it today.

He thought he caught sight of some Human runners just exiting the building. These would likely be famous marathon runners from Earth.

Just ahead of him in the incoming queue Jack spotted two members of a race he was aware of but had never personally met.

The Klaekta were another race of herbivores. They resemble bipedal elk. Tall and broad shouldered, they had dense reddish brown fur. While the females tended to be larger than the males, both sexes had racks of razor sharp horns. As they were standing side by side calmly, this pair was a male/female pair bond. Ridges of bone ran vertically down their backs where additional, smaller horns grew.

One of the reasons Jack had never met one was the fact that they were vain, insular, and as a whole suffered from a superiority complex over other races. That was too bad as they were well known for their art and culture though they allowed little of it off their planet and rarely accepted visitors.

Having such large, powerful bodies, they were obsessed with health and vitality as this was a requirement for prime mating positions to keep the race pure and strong.

Jack had heard that the Klaekta home world was a natural wonder on the surface. It was said that it was like one large forest and garden as all of their buildings were underground. As they favored wide open spaces, all underground chambers were build much larger than physically required.

Jack had never heard of Klaekta being involved in long running events so he wondered if this couple was here on business or if they were here for the marathon in some capacity. They seemed aware of him as they glanced back at him a few times. He tried a friendly nod but they just turned their backs on him from that point.

Gee made a rude noise and Jack turned to look at her in surprise. He saw she'd been watching the Klaekta as well. Gee noticed his attention.

"I've never trusted or liked the Klaekta. They're always so snotty and aloof. They never smile and have no sense of humor," she growled.

Surprised laughter burst from Jack as Gee's description of the Klaekta matched his own impression of the Altarian security agents, initially.

Gee and Bal scowled at him and scanned the room.

Letting his laughter settle down with a sigh, Jack turned his attention to the most well represented race in the room, their hosts, the Shoo Sha. There were so many returning to their home planet to participate.

They were flightless avians with two powerful legs made for running. Jack thought they were comparable to the legs of an Ostrich but their bodies were not as broad or round as Earth's largest bird. Fully grown adults were just a little taller than Jack, minus his horns. They had two sets of arms. Larger outer arms with strong gripping appendages. These limbs, in ancient times, had once been wings though it was questionable if they ever had the ability to fly. A second, smaller set of arms were front facing and had excellent dexterity. These were used for intricate work.

Their two large eyes were mounted on the sides of their heads giving them an excellent field of view but for conversations they turned their heads to 'face' others.

Jack knew from personal experience that their greatest joys were to run and to laugh.

Their home planet, Shoo Duu Dhen, was a world of endless misting rain and pale yellow-gold skies. The most interesting fact about its solar system was the fact that while Shoo Duu Dhen orbited a yellow sun, a second, smaller sun orbited the first out beyond Shoo Duu Dhen. The second sun's orbit matched the planet's path and pace around the central sun. It if wasn't for the highly reflective cloud cover, the planet's surface would have baked away. The temperature remained steady with only a minimal variance from pole to equator, again, thanks to the cloud cover. Having a slow spin of roughly 40 hours for a complete revolution, constant cloud cover, and suns on either side of the planet made for an odd day/night cycle. Night was the period when the planet surface faced 90 degrees from either sun and even then it didn't get very dark.

The odd day cycle combined with the static nature of the climate drove outsiders to distraction after extended exposure so visitors were always short term.

The Klaekta finally registered their arrival with the customs agent and moved off towards the doors. Jack saw they were both carrying large cases with them with trade kit flags dangling from them. So, business it was. Jack wondered what it would be like to run with such large antlers.

"Papa! We can't see," Adina said as Zaina looked up at him with begging eyes. He smiled and nodded. A second later they were perched on his shoulders, clinging to his horns, and giggling madly. They'd almost missed their target as they'd used too much strength in the lighter gravity.

"Sillies," he teased and they patted the top of his head as they grinned happily, scanning the room from their new vantage point.

Jack saw the female Klaekta take a second look back and pause in the doorway as she saw the twins. She said something to her mate who almost glanced back but the female pushed him out the door. Jack frowned after them. Why were there so many antisocial races?

The Harruushans then came to his mind. And the Chuuruthians. The Tik, the Altarians, the Shreen and, of course, the Shoo Sha. Jack smiled, feeling better now that he'd reminded himself that there were good people out there too!

Soon enough they reached the customs desk and the twins hopped down to register their biometrics. The customs agent was delighted to see the two Phem Kalos females. He gave them directions to the event registration kiosk just outside the terminal.

The group left the building and were immediately covered in the dew from the mist like rain. Jack looked up and saw the horizon was beginning to glow with a faint gold tone indicating the sun was rising.

They joined another queue but this one moved quicker as there were more Shoo Sha available to register the runners. The clerk they stopped in front of was also delighted to see the twins and excited to add them as participants as there had never been a runner from Phem Kalos before. After a fair amount of excited squawking, two officials joined them at the desk and presented the twins with special commemorative pins. Adina and Zaina were thrilled, couldn't stop grinning, and pictures with the officials were taken.

While that excitement was going on, Jack got them registered and got their numbers and bibs. The two Altarian security officers were allowed to join him as long as they remained out of the way of all runners. This meant they had to go... up. They weren't too happy about this but they agreed.

Jack got the bibs onto the twins and the pins went onto the bibs. They put on their running shoes and gloves then Gee took pictures of the three runners. The 'before' images. Then they boarded the shuttle bus which would take them to the start line. Gee and Bal followed on their skimmers and easily kept pace. It made Jack a little nervous to see them moving so fast on the hovering platforms which offered so little protection.

Adina and Zaina were thrilled.

"Can we ride with Gee and Bal on the way back?" Adina asked while Zaina pressed her face against the window of the bus.

"I don't like Gee and Bal riding those dangerous things so there's no way I want you two on them!"

"Awwwww-" they began.

"No."

The twins rode the rest of the way in silence but they never took their eyes off the agents.

The moment the bus landed the twins were tugging at Jack to get out. He grinned and they were soon outside soaking in the ambiance of the event. There was so much energy and everyone was so excited to be there. Jack picked up some snacks he knew the twins would like. There would be water and juice stations along the way plus light foods to fuel themselves if they began to bonk. He didn't think that was likely though. They'd had a very good meal the night before and at breakfast.

The announcers were beginning to give directions as the run was going to begin soon. He walked over to speak to Gee and Bal who had been directed to the sidelines. They didn't look happy. Adina and Zaina stuck close to Jack on the crowded pathway.

"Once the run begins the path clears pretty quickly. The Shoo Sha are fast runners. We'll be way back in the field by the finish. We'll have the road to ourselves probably a third of the way in as most everyone will have passed us by then. You should be able to get much closer by that point," Jack suggested.

That seemed to mollify the agents somewhat.

Gee turned her attention to the twins who were examining the skimmers closely. They snapped to attention when they noticed the agent was focused on them.

"Remember your lessons. Spare a slice of your focus at all times to your environment. Read it for clues," Gee said as Bal kept an eye on the movements.

A camera drone from one of the news channels hovered by and they waved at it before it moved on.

"Are these going to follow us along the entire route?" Bal said sourly.

Jack smiled at her. "There is huge interest in this event. All of the local news and sports channels will have cameras in the air and some will even be from off-planet as there are representatives from many planets running today. As Adina and Zaina are the first participants from Phem Kalos they will likely get their fair share of attention from the cameras."

Bal's mood didn't improve with that information.

There was nothing Jack could do about that. Then he spotted two of the event coordinators trotting over to their position with two camera drones following closely. "Speaking of which," he muttered to the Altarians as he turned to face the approaching officials.

"Ambassador Danner! So wonderful to have you back with us!" the older of the two officials exclaimed. While the visual differences between the Shoo Sha were minimal, Jack saw this one had a darkened band on its broad beak which identified him for Jack as Kenneckennectewakkattakukennec. Luckily, the previous year he'd let Jack shorten that name.

"Hello Kenn! It's great to be back!"

Kenn nodded to his fellow official. "This is Cakennackennackettennakettecketta, my replacement for next year. She's learning the role."

"I understand our names give you trouble. You may call me Cake," she said kindly.

"Please call me Jack," he responded with a nod and gestured to the twins. "Please let me introduce my daughters, Zaina and Adina Danner." He knew better than to mention the Altarians.

Cake's large eye regarded the twins, then him, looked up to his horns, then back to his face. She was obviously confused. "Daughters?"

"Adopted but no less mine," he clarified. "I was there for their birth. They are Phem Kalos by race but Altarian citizens."

"I don't believe I've ever seen a Phem Kalos female aside from the video of Princess SennLann mating with you!" Kenn exclaimed.

Jack looked away in embarrassment.

"They have tails! The Princess has no tail!" Cake gasped.

Jack looked to the twins who were staring back at the female Shoo Sha in concern. He ran his hand affectionately over their heads and they smiled up at him. He addressed the two officials.

"Yes, they were born with them. Apparently there's a barbaric Phem Kalos edict that requires all newborns to have their tails cropped. Their mother and I decided they were perfect as they were so there was no need to mutilate them." Jack smiled at the twins. He hoped that got back to a certain self-proclaimed 'Warrior Supreme'.

"Well, it's a great honor to have you and your daughters at our annual event! Good running!" Kenn said with a dramatic flourish for the cameras. Jack and the twins smiled and nodded to the two Shoo Sha who returned it and rushed away, the camera drones following in their wake.

"Was it wise to make that comment about mutilation?" Gee asked.

"Maybe not but it needed to be said," Jack said firmly. He was still having that dream about the women and children left behind and his frustration flared as he knew horrible things were happening now on Phem Kalos and his hands were tied.

He looked down at the happy faces of the twins and pushed the dark thoughts away. He wasn't going to ruin their day for them. It was time for them to join the runners. He looked to Gee and Bal. "See you out there."

Jack then guided his excited daughters back to the path to take position with the runners.

The countdown had begun.

-=-

Vecc Dar Snee, diplomat for Phem Kalos on Altaria, left the taxi, walked across the small yard, and rang the door chime on the humble dwelling on the outer edge of the capital city. He was visiting a business colleague as the cover story went. The door opened and the male Rakin smiled and gestured for him to enter. Once the door closed the false smiles were dropped.

Playing the role of diplomat was one of the most difficult missions Jaas had ever sent him on. So many throats that needed slitting and all he was allowed to do was smile and pretend to work with these grass eaters.

Tonight though, the pretense was over. Tonight he was on a real mission. One worthy of a warrior! He was retrieving his leader's stolen property. If anyone got in his way, he was sanctioned to 'eliminate the obstacles'.

He was meeting up with a sleeper cell of mercenaries. This one was a team of Rakins. They had uniformly stocky bodies which were covered with brown grey fur with horizontal bands of black fur, the first one across their eyes and the last around their ankles. Minimal variations in this pattern spawned the insult of them being ultimately interchangeable and highly replaceable.

They were physically tough, generally sullen, often vicious, and completely amoral as they were willing to do anything for money. Rakins could be found on almost every planet in the Gate Network taking on unpopular work positions in hazardous conditions. They were primarily scavengers and their toughness compensated for their lack of a sharp intellect. They got by and survived and that was the most that could be said for them. Their home planet had become a dump, polluted and stripped of its resources. Few Rakins lived there now. Many took jobs on other planets and on the side acted as onsite soldiers for hire as the Gate Network made invasions impossible.

Altaria was large enough of a target to justify the cost of maintaining these small groups of agents, ready to be hired for exorbitant cost to do... whatever needed doing. As he entered the home he saw the team had assembled and were already dressed in their black camouflage outfits. It was time for him to put on his own.

The Ministry of Security agents tailing him would remain outside, waiting for him to complete his visit. The mercenary team had another exit two blocks away and their transport would be waiting for them there.

The team of three had been briefed. Their role was support only. They were to eliminate any obstacles that prevented him from collecting the target. The owner of the property was off planet so they should be able to do this quickly.

Once he was dressed in his own gear he nodded and the entrance to the tunnel was opened. A recording of him conversing with the home's occupant would keep the agents outside occupied, if they were listening.

The team rushed through the tunnel until they reached the entrance to the second house. The mercenary at the lead indicated it was safe to emerge and they did so quickly. Once the coast was clear they moved outside and into the back of the Ministry of Security van they'd stolen from the maintenance yard short hours ago. The controls had been lobotomized but it would get them to where they needed to be.

The van lifted into the sky and made its way towards its target at a leisurely pace.

They had a little time to kill.

-=-

Diana smiled to herself as she treated the surface of the cast iron skillet Jack had purchased to make paella. With him off running with the twins, Diana had treated Emily and Joseph to one of their favorite meals. She'd added seafood to the paella and it had been a huge hit! SennLann had gone back for seconds as did the kids. Eve wasn't as fond of the shrimp, mussels, or scallops though she enjoyed the seafood flavored rice quite a bit.

The large frying pan was very heavy but she was proud that her visits to the gym were paying off. She could hold it by the handle one handed now.

SennLann walked back into the kitchen from the hall and smiled at her. "The kids are watching their movie. Thank you again for that amazing meal!"

Diana returned the smile.

A massive thump blew the front door in, sending debris and dust surging into the living room and kitchen as Diana and SennLann grabbed the edge of the countertop.

The kitchen door was suddenly filled with a man dressed in black. He looked to Diana then to SennLann. He stepped into the room and lifted his right hand which held a gun. It was pointed at the Phem Kalos and he pulled the trigger.

The dart rang the frying pan like a bell but dropped to the floor harmlessly.

Diana held the pan in her outstretched hand. She gaped back at the surprised look in the attacker's eye then turned to SennLann. "Get the kids in the panic room!" she yelled and SennLann left like a black streak. Diana blocked two more shots with her pan as she moved to cover the exit to the hall. A second man dressed in black entered the kitchen and Diana lifted the pan nervously. The first fired off another shot. Diana blocked it but staggered back against the counter as something thumped into her throat. Gingerly, she touched the spot and felt the hilt of the throwing knife sticking out. It was slick with her blood but she remembered she shouldn't pull it out. The pan fell from her numb fingers as her legs gave out and she dropped to her knees. The pain began and it blotted out everything else. She couldn't breathe and the room began to fade as she listened for the sound of her daughter's voice. She prayed SennLann got to them in time.

The man who'd thrown the knife began to move around the counter but stopped when Eve charged out of the laundry room screaming in rage. He reached for another knife but Eve's head hit him in the gut and carried him out into the living room. She heaved upwards, her deadly horns ripping the man open from stomach to chest. He screamed in terror as his guts spilled over her.

His partner chased them into the living room and threw his own knife. It struck Eve in the shoulder but hit bone before it could sink too deep. Snarling, she reached back and pulled it free. She stomped on the gutted man's forehead with her hoof and his skull cracked, stopping his screams. Eve tackled her next opponent before he could get his gun free and dragged him to the floor. The metal studs on his gloved fist caught her on the left cheek, gouging her skin but she ignored the pain. It was nothing compared to what she'd lived through. Eve roared and plunged the knife into the man again and again as he punched and thrashed under her. He had to die.

Vecc burst through the door and ignored the small horned female ripping apart the man on the floor. He had to get to SennLann before she escaped. He was to kill her children as well if the opportunity arose. He ran past the two struggling on the floor and rushed down the hall. He dipped his head into an open doorway and yanked it back, narrowly avoiding the heavy glass paperweight thrown at his face. He jumped back into the room to see SennLann leaning back against a wall of bookcases. Her fur was standing on end and she hissed ferociously as if promising him death. He began to smile when she suddenly sprang straight for his face. He managed to fire a dart which caught her in the chest midflight. She scratched his cheek badly before he knocked her back from clinging to his chest. He winced from the pain and put another two darts into her before she went limp. Cursing her, he threw her over his shoulder. He saw no sign of the children and he'd pushed his luck long enough.

It was time to make his escape.

The third man in the squad came into the apartment to see one of his team mates with his intestines stretched out across the floor and the other one feebly trying to stop a small grey female from stabbing him. The downed man had a death grip on one of the female's horns but from the number of wounds on his torso, he was already dead. Rakins were tough but not invincible. The grey one seemed to notice his entry at last but she wouldn't pull free in time to avoid the bullet he was going to put into the back of her head.

Eve was panting with the effort to keep stabbing the man who wouldn't die. She heard something and turned her head slightly. There was a gun pointing at her head and her vision filled with the size of the barrel. She waited for its roar.

A bell rang loudly and blood splashed across Eve's face. Bits of brains and bone followed. The bell rang again as the cast iron pan struck the floor, dropped from nerveless hands. Eve blinked and saw Diana's eyes roll up as she began to fall. Eve tugged away from the corpse under her and reached out to catch Diana as she toppled. She saw the knife sticking out of her throat and cried out as the taller woman fell on her.

Vecc rushed out into the living room and saw the carnage. His left eye kept trying to close from the painful cut on his cheek. His team was down. All dead. These females were more formidable than he expected. He leapt over the dead human female and rushed out the door. He had to get to the van on the roof. There was very little time left before the Security troops arrived.

Eve carefully rolled the limp weight of Diana over onto her back. The deadly little knife was so deep in her throat. Eve rushed over and grabbed the phone to dial up emergency services.

"Ambulance and security to Ambassador Danner's residence, NOW!" she screamed into the phone and dropped it on the table. She had to go after that last man, the big one. She'd seen him run by with SennLann over his shoulder.

Before she could move, there was a colossal explosion and parts of the ceiling caved in. Eve was tossed to the floor and bounced there painfully as the floor heaved from the shockwave.

When Eve came to, the kitchen was on fire and the damaged fire suppression systems struggled to put it out. Ministry of Security troops in their black gowns were rushing into the apartment. She pushed herself to her feet and pointed them to Diana. Wearily, she ran down the hall past the flames to the theatre room. No sign of the children but they would be in the panic room as Jack called it. She pressed the concealed release and the door began to retract.

"Emily! Joseph! Are you all right?" she called out.

She heard crying and the children looked up at her in terror.

"It's ok, they're gone. We have to leave. There's fire so we have to go. Stay close to me and stay close to the right side wall. Let's go." Her calm voice managed to get them moving and they dashed past the burning kitchen to be grabbed by the security officers who hustled them out of the apartment and out of the building. She'd seen no sign of Diana so she hoped she was on her way to the hospital.

They were pulled into an ambulance and the children sat on a bench against the wall as the vehicle lifted off for the hospital too. Emily and Joseph watched the paramedic inspect her for wounds.

"You only have a few cuts, two are deep but will heal fine. You seem to be covered in a lot of blood and... bits of... this is brain matter!" the paramedic gasped then glanced towards the children.

Looking at Emily and Joseph, she saw they were staring back at her with wide eyes. She winked at them as she'd seen Jack do. "Not mine. Mine are all still inside my head."

Joseph grinned at his mother's gentle tease. Emily still looked a little panicked.

"Diana made this mess all over me when she took out the last attacker with her frying pan," she said and saw Emily brighten up.

"Where's Mama?" Emily chirped nervously.

The paramedic smiled at Eve. "We took her on ahead to the hospital. You'll meet up with her there after the doctors check her out too," she said to calm the young girl who nodded.

Eve smiled but looked out the back windows as she hoped Jack would return soon. Diana hadn't been breathing when she'd called for the ambulance and SennLann... she had no idea where she was. The children needed their father. Soon!

-=-

Jack felt a sensation of peace settling into his being as he ran along the path between the two cities. Most of the crowd had left him in their wake a long time ago, the Shoo Sha being excellent, and fast, runners. He didn't mind. For him, running wasn't about racing or winning. It was about this, the feeling of being at peace with yourself and being one with the road, the wind, and... the twins. He smiled down at them as they easily kept pace with him. The lighter gravity made a difference as well. He could see they were in the zone too.

Gee and Bal were humming along on either side of the path about ten feet up and ten feet back. He'd glance back at them from time to time but their eyes were busy scanning the area around them. Aside from the scenery there wasn't much else to see as it'd been at least half an hour since they saw the last Shoo Sha run past and wave. Before that the Deen-Diin had loped by without so much as a glance in his direction. They were fast runners, as he'd suspected.

The mists thickened and thinned as they climbed hills and descended into valleys along the route. Now they seemed to be following a coastline as he could smell the ocean and hear the surf. There was a fog that thickened the mists now and then but it felt good on his face. The path had leveled out and by his estimate they had just past the halfway marker.

He was seriously impressed with the improvements the Shoo Sha had made in the surface of the pathway they ran on. Three years ago it was a dirt path beaten smooth by thousands upon thousands of tough feet. Then it was covered with a fine ground gravel, and the previous year it'd been a smooth pavement. Now there was a thin layer of something over the paving that gave it a slight spring and cushioned their foot falls. If he'd known they'd done this he would have let the girls run without the shoes and gloves.

Putting all that aside he let his mind slide back into the peace of just... being.

Minutes later he saw the shape of a solitary runner ahead as his group slowly overtook him. As he emerged from the mists Jack saw he was barefoot. He reminded Jack of a runner he'd had the honor to run beside for a short time in the Boston marathon when he'd been a teen. Aaron Temesgen was a legendary marathoner from Ethiopia and Jack had followed his career when he could. His fledgling running hobby took inspiration from the man's feats of athleticism. Finding himself running next to the man in Boston had been a formative experience for him though neither had spoken a word to each other. He'd kept up to the man for several miles then they'd shared a smile. The barefoot runner pulled away and left Jack watching his back slowly disappear into the distance.

This runner's movements were similar... Jack looked closer and his gate was identical! As they pulled up beside him Jack smiled in surprise as it was Temesgen himself! Just a much older version of him.

Aaron glanced over and turned wide eyes on the horned man. "Gazali!" he exclaimed.

Jack smiled as he thought he'd picked up what the man meant as he was looking at his horns. He smiled at the older man. "Gazelle?"

The man smiled and nodded in return.

He shook his head as he continued to smile. "Just... a man."

"I think... more," Aaron said.

Jack grinned at him and drew a smile from the man as well. They ran together for a while just enjoying the novelty of the experience.

A camera drone caught up to them and circled them getting shots from all angles. Aaron rolled his eyes at Jack and the camera moved forward to keep pace with them.

Jack decided to just ignore the camera and looked over to the smaller man. He had to tell the runner how much he meant to him.

"I ran... with you... in... Boston." When the old man gave him a skeptical look, Jack nodded. "In my... teens... Long... before... these." He pointed to his horns. He glanced at Adina and Zaina who were watching the old man with interest. "Mr... Temesgen... from... Ethiopia... Africa... Earth." He grinned at them as they smiled at the old man. "I run... because of... him!" Talking was so hard as they ran but he was so thrilled to be running with the man once more. He looked over to the man and saw he was watching Jack's face intently. Jack couldn't stop the stupid happy grin from spreading across his face.

A look of recognition came to Aaron's eyes and he looked forward.

Jack could see the man's back straighten just so. His knees lifted just a little higher. His arms pumped just a little smoother. Jack watched in awe as the runner he'd paced back in Boston in his teens seemed to flow into the limbs of the old man. His gait smoothed out and Jack saw the pride in his eyes before he began to slowly pull away from Jack as he had so many years ago. Jack was awestruck and just watched him go. Eventually he disappeared into the swirling mist and fog.

The hairs on Jack's arms were standing on end from the magic of the moment. He ran on in silence as the twins shared a look.

They were alone again for a time, just them and the road.

Adina picked up on it first. A difference. A vibration. Through their link Zaina immediately triangulated the change and their ears swung back in unison.

When the bright flash exploded behind them Adina was already airborne, slamming into Jack's right arm causing him to topple to his left, out of the path of the charging male Klaekta whose head was down, razor sharp horns pointing forward for the kill. Jack tumbled on the cushioned pathway as Adina sprung free. The male disappeared into the fog ahead of them.

Immediately after the flash, the camera drone which had been focused on Jack and the twins dropped like a rock and exploded on the pathway in a shower of sparks.

Gee and Bal also found themselves in freefall as their skimmers suddenly lost power after the flash and fell from the sky. Both kicked off to the side and tucked into a roll when they hit the ground. The skimmers didn't land so gracefully and wouldn't be returning to the skies any time soon. Gee gestured to Bal to make for Jack but a sudden brightening made them throw the gown's cowls over their heads. Deadly bolts of blue light struck the agent's gowns but the heavy mists drained some of the energy from the beams and their gowns deflected the rest. They fired back but their targets were hidden by the mists and were constantly moving. The firing increased when they attempted to move. They were pinned down!

Jack got back to his feet and pulled the caps from his horns, tossing them aside onto the grass. He listened for the Klaekta to return or his partner. He glanced at the twins but they were constantly moving. They'd yanked their gloves and shoes off.

A second set of beams began firing out of the mists at the twins but they leapt, twisted, and changed directions erratically. Jack recognized the moves from the pursuit orbs he'd got them.

Jack felt the heavy thump of hooves approaching from behind him when the male rushed from the front. He managed to grab the wrists of the male and grappled with him. He was very strong but he wasn't trying to throw Jack down. The male glanced over Jack's shoulder and braced himself. The thuds were almost upon them.

Surprising the male, Jack yanked him forward off of his hooves as he dropped and brought his legs up to throw the male towards the charging female. She couldn't see this with her head dropped forward so she slammed into her mate's back. The points of her horns stabbed deeply into his body as the smaller horns on his bony back ridge tore away the flesh from the right side of her face. She screamed shrilly.

The massive female's inertia continued to crash forward, knocking the male and Jack back. One of the points of the dying male's horns deeply scratched Jack's left cheek before they tumbled to a stop.

The shooters in the mist immediately intensified the firepower on the agents while giving up on hitting the smaller targets. Gee and Bal were beginning to roast in their gowns from the constant bombardment. When they heard the sounds of the two drones accelerating towards them they switched their weapons to armor piercing rounds, rapid fire. Just as the drones emerged from the fog, the agents rolled clear of their gowns to fire a barrage at the incoming weapons platforms. The heavy metal of the rounds ripped through the armor plating and blew the drones into large chunks which rained out of the air to crash onto the path.

"Stay clear of them!" Gee snapped to the twins. "They could still be dangerous."

Adina and Zaina turned their attention to the fallen assassins.

Jack was on his side facing the male's horns. His eyes had trouble focusing but when they did he saw a white liquid dripping from the bony points. He looked into the dead eyes of the male and slowly pushed himself away from the body.

"Papa?" Adina called out.

"I'm ok but stay back! I think their horns may be poisoned," he cautioned.

Gee was instantly by his side and he picked up the scent of singed fur. He looked to her and she was nervously looking at his cheek.

"Yeah, he got me on the face. Stings like a sonuvabitch," Jack moaned.

Gee grabbed his hair and forced his head back as she poured water over the cut.

"FUCK!" Jack howled as this turned the sting into a roaring inferno. He pushed her away and squeezed his left eye closed. "FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!"

"Is Papa going to be ok?" said Zaina's fearful voice.

That got Jack's attention and he blinked painfully over at his daughter. "I'm- I'm good but stay clear as I'm covered in the goo. Can you find the bone caps for my horns?" He looked at his clothes and saw the smears of the poison here and there. "fuck," he wheezed.

He pushed himself to his feet and Bal braced him. She was wearing protective gloves which actually made him feel a little better. Then he noticed she had some burns on her arms. "Are you two ok?" he asked.

He got a stiff nod from Bal but Gee nodded with a small smile.

They heard a moan and the female moved her legs. They all moved to the side to face the large female but remained out of her reach.

"I take it you were paid to do this?" Jack asked her, voice wobbling with rage but she just looked at him with a baleful glare. With the skin missing from the right side of her face, her range of expressions was going to be limited to baleful or fearful.

"You did it very poorly," Bal said and blew the assassin's brains out through the back of her skull.

Jack looked at Bal in shock. She looked up at him. "She was going for her gun." Gee nodded.

They heard distant sirens. "Here comes the calvary," Jack said wearily. He moved to the side of the path and sat down. Adina and Zaina sat down facing him a short distance away and clung to each other as they watched him nervously. They tossed the horn caps to Jack and he put them back on.

"I'm really proud of you two for how you handled yourselves just now. You saved my life and you kept yourselves safe at the same time. Very proud," he sighed with a smile.

"You're not going to die, are you Papa?" Adina asked.

"What? No. I don't know what kind of poison it was but I don't think I got enough of it for it to be deadly," he assured them. They looked like they desperately wanted a hug but he couldn't. Not covered in poison. He looked back at the assassins and saw Gee carefully collecting a sample of the substance from the horns. Bal was searching the bodies and pocketing anything she found. Then she cautiously approached the downed drone and plucked a control board from its now exposed internal workings. Both had gone back to wearing their partially melted gowns. He supposed they still needed the pockets.

An ambulance arrived as well as a fire crew and security. The paramedic immediately went to pull Jack into the ambulance but he warned him of the poison. When Jack made his way inside the Shoo Sha cut his clothes free.

"Couldn't I have just pulled them off?" he complained to the Shoo Sha who handed him a blanket to cover himself with.

"Who is the medical specialist here?" it returned so Jack settled back on the stool. "Was the wound rinsed?" Jack nodded, recalling the painful experience. "I must rinse it more thoroughly."

"Shit," Jack grumbled.

The paramedic held a curved bowl against Jack's cheek under the wound and used a squeeze bottle with a thin nozzle to spray directly into the ragged tear on his face.

"fffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkk!" Jack growled quietly as he held as still as he could.

When the paramedic was satisfied it had washed away as much of the milky substance as it could, it dabbed Jack's cheek with sterile gauze and pulled the bowl away to dab at the remaining drops.

"Enough! Please," Jack begged, pulling back. His face throbbed and felt oddly stiff.

Gee leaned in the back door of the ambulance holding a small stick with a droplet of the white substance on it. "Can you analyse this?"

The paramedic looked at the agent in surprise then nodded. First, it taped a gauze bandage across the tear on Jack's cheek. "Have this looked at by a doctor immediately when you return to Altaria," it insisted.

"yes," Jack said shakily in a weak voice.

The paramedic took the stick from Gee and moved to a piece of equipment mounted on the inner wall of the ambulance. With a whir and a few pings the screen presented an abstract but colorful graph. "Oh!"

"What?" Jack asked.

"It's a bioengineered nerve toxin. It looks like it was made to be highly toxic for a specific genetic signature but this simple machine doesn't have access to the archives to determine which race." It looked back at Jack. "It's very potent. If it'd been designed for you, you'd already be dead."

Jack looked to Gee. "We need to get home. Now." His eyes went to the twins waiting outside then back to the agent. "Make sure they don't touch me until I've been decontaminated." Gee nodded.

Jack looked to the paramedic. "Thank you," he said and got a nod.

The news drones arrived shortly after they emerged from the ambulance. Gee directed the group over to a security van that would take them back to the Gate Terminal. Wrapped in his inadequate blanket, Jack glared at the cameras wondering if the people who hired the assassins were watching. He knew the best revenge was to live a long and happy life but at the moment he wanted to be standing on someone's neck.

The journey was quick and the Altarian agents got them through the Gate quickly.

Jack's eyes widened in surprise when he stepped onto Altaria and saw the room filled with security agents.

Gee and Bal flashed signs to one of the grim faced agents then glanced back at Jack with stricken expressions. His nerves went on high alert.

"What's happening?" he blurted.

Two agents wearing gloves took his arms and rushed him outside and into the back of a van. It lifted and accelerated away. He looked back and saw Gee and Bal ushering the twins into another van before he lost sight of them. He looked forward again and didn't bother talking with these agents as he knew it would be a futile effort.

It wasn't long before he saw the hospital up ahead. They landed on the roof pad and the agents guided him out of the van and into the building. The blanket was tugged away and stuffed into a plastic bag. They grabbed his runners too which also went into the bag. He was enveloped in a hazmat suit and rushed down a few floors to the decontamination suite.

Chief Physician Jinnae was there and Jack relaxed a little until he saw the strain at the corners of her eyes. Something was happening. Before he could ask she popped the suit's faceplate off, tugged the bandage from his cheek, and pushed him into the chamber.

"Remove the suit and step into the scanner," she said.

It was a little cold to be standing naked in the small room but he did as told and soon felt a tingle running down his body.

"Bioengineered toxin detected. Analyzing. Decontamination process beginning," the machine said. Jack had no time to prepare before he was hit by a stinging spray from all sides. It was especially painful on his injured cheek.

"Keep your hands away from your face!" Jinnae barked. He struggled to comply but it hurt so fucking much! His cheek muscles felt so freaking stiff under the tear as well.

When the jets stopped he was drenched and shivering. Once more he was blasted from all sides but this time it was just warm water. Not hot enough though, as he was still shivering when it shut off. A door on the wall inside the chamber popped open and he saw a big fluffy towel inside. He grabbed it and dried himself off as best he could. His face throbbed and sharp sparks of pain leapt from the torn edges.

The chamber door opened and Jack stumbled out, wrapping the towel around his waist.

"Sit here," the doctor said pointing to a stool. Her expression remained stiff and Jack's nerves were screaming at him.

"Hold very still," Jinnae said.

She gently and carefully glued the edges of the tear. "This is going to scar. You're going to need microsurgery to repair this," she muttered quietly.

Finally she was done and taped a bandage over his cheek. Jack could wait no longer. "What happened?" He froze when the doctor's expression stiffened and her eyes looked glassy. "WHAT HAPPENED!" he yelled.

The outer door opened and Hellna, the Minister of Security walked in also with a grim expression. Jack immediately rushed to her. She held her hands up to stop his questions.

"There was an attack on your apartment. Four males dressed in black commando gear landed a stolen Ministry van on the roof, blew your front door in and entered. Eve killed two of them. Diana killed another. The fourth got away... and took SennLann with him.

"WHAT!?!" Jack bellowed.

Jinnae finally found her voice. "Your children are safe but Diana was badly injured in the attack. Jack, she died from her wounds but the paramedics were able to bring her back to life in the ambulance. We just... don't know how long she wasn't breathing. We called in the top surgeons from Chuuruthia. She's still in surgery."

"I- I have to see her!" he blurted.

"Yes, when she's out of surgery. It's too soon to tell..."

Jack turned to Hellna. "SennLann?"

"The fourth attacker set off explosives in the van on the roof which caused a tremendous amount of damage to the building and your apartment. The fire burned too hot for us to inspect it for bodies. When it cooled enough we discovered it was empty. We think he used a wingsuit to base jump from the roof. There's a block by block search going on now and footage from all cameras in the area is being reviewed. There is no way off the planet. We've locked down the Gate Terminals."

Jack was shaking. He didn't know what to do first. He needed to see Diana. He needed to hunt for SennLann. He needed to see Eve- the children!"

"My family! Where are they?" he asked.

"They're all downstairs in the private waiting room- JACK! Put on these gowns! You're naked!"

He dropped the towel oblivious of their surprised looks and pulled on the gowns, one backward and one forward and tied it closed. Then he followed Hellna out into the hall where they picked up an escort of two security agents. They took the elevator down two floors and began walking down a long hallway. The twins were standing just outside the door to the waiting room and when they saw Jack they made a bee line straight for him. Opening his arms, he caught them against his chest which knocked him back a little. They frantically rubbed their faces against his chin and he kissed their faces as he walked faster towards the waiting room. They trembled and purred loudly as they looked up at him.

Hellna's comm buzzed so she and the agent's stopped out in the hall as Jack entered the room and let Adina and Zaina jump down. Jack dropped to his knees as Emily and Joseph ran to him. He hugged them against his chest and kissed their faces as well. Emily burst into tears and Joseph looked at her sadly. Jack stood, holding the young girl, letting her cry against his neck as he kept Joe close to his hip. He walked over to Eve who stood and smiled weakly at him.

"I'm sorry Jack! I tried to stop them all-" Eve began and Jack touched her lips with a gentle fingertip.

"No. Don't you dare blame yourself for this! You protected our family while I was out... playing. If anyone's to blame-" It was Eve's turn to touch his lips to stop his words.

"You're not to blame either," she said softly.

Jack wanted to know who was. "Do-" He turned to face Hellna who was in the doorway. "Do you have any idea who they were?"

Before she could answer, there was a sudden commotion in the hallway and Queen Elissa entered with Max and Gwen. A very pregnant Karrel followed with Alex at her side and an equally pregnant Leferra with Lillian brought up the rear. How they'd convinced him to have more children he wasn't sure. The group immediately came to him and made a fuss over Emily, Joseph and the twins. Jack gave the ladies kisses and assured them he was fine. He hugged his kids. Eve took Emily who was nodding off in his arms.

Jack looked once more to the Minister of Security. "It has to be that monster on the Phem Kalos throne!" he growled, baring his teeth.

Hellna looked very uncomfortable and glanced at the queen. Elissa looked back in puzzlement. "What's happened?"

"I just received word that Vecc Dar Snee, the diplomat Jaas Tenn Gunnk sent to negotiate the treaty conditions, crossed a Gate to Phem Kalos roughly thirty minutes after the attack. He had a diplomatic courier box with him... large enough to contain SennLann if she were tucked into a ball. The cases are shielded from scans as Diplomats aren't screened as thoroughly. He did have an injury to his face and his physical dimensions roughly match the description Eve gave us of the last attacker."

"SONUVABITCH! We need to go after him! Get the Tik to loan you that carrier again and we'll get her back!" Jack roared.

Elissa held up her hand. "JACK! Calm down! You know we can't do that! The Tik are under too much scrutiny from the last time they assisted us. We also can't invade another planet. The Gate Network would immediately demand Altaria be removed from the network for an extended period, if not permanently. At minimum we would be banned from trading with a majority of the worlds. It would set our relations with the other worlds back centuries!"

Hellna saw the rage in Jack's eye and caught his attention. "You have to rely on our diplomatic efforts to remedy this situation. As an official representative of the Altarian people you of all people must show respect for our legal process."

Jack rocked back in surprise. "The other side isn't respecting the process and it was their diplomat that committed the actual crime!"

"No offense to Eve but her witness statement that Vecc roughly matches the attacker's size and injury location isn't sufficient proof that he committed the crime. He left no physical proof nor do we have any security footage validating her claim. As Altarians, the burden of maintaining a civilized response under these circumstances must be upheld for the good of the people."

Jack stared at her incredulously. He unconsciously stepped closer to the female as he drew in a deep breath.

Elissa saw he was losing his cool. "JACK!" she said sharply to stop his next words. He jolted then took a few more deep breaths as he turned his head to look at her. She slowly shook her head.

Jack knew her hands were tied as well.

A Chuuruthian surgeon walked through the open door into the waiting room and Jack was immediately at his side. The doctor looked exhausted. "You are Jack Danner?" He shook his head as he closed his eyes and rubbed his face wearily. "Of course you are. My apologies. It was one of the most difficult surgeries I've ever done but I wanted you to know I believe Diana did well. While there were some dangerous moments early on, I now fully expect her to pull through. Her brain waves have returned to normal and show normal levels of activity. The level of trauma her brain suffered during the interval when she stopped breathing, we'll just have to wait to see the extent of the damage when she regains consciousness. The injury to her throat was significant and required extensive microsurgery to repair the damage. She also had severe damage to her vocal cords which I did my best to repair. She lost a lot of blood but we have her stabilized. Now she just needs rest and time. We're keeping her in a coma for a week or so to ensure she gets that rest during this most critical time."

Jack's relief roared through his body and he wobbled a little on his feet. The surgeon reached out to brace him and suddenly found himself in a full body hug.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Jack gasped to the surprised surgeon. When Jack finally released him, he nodded to the others and walked away, whiskers trembling with delight and a pleased smile on his face.

Elissa and Karrel guided Jack back to a chair next to Eve and got him to sit.

The twins squeaked in delight and Jack looked up to see Douglas entering the waiting room followed by his mother Aaros. His unique coloration of sharply contrasting black and white stripes in his fur dazzled the eyes of Adina and Zaina and they were drawn to the quiet young male. Jack noted he was already showing signs of being larger than the average male Altarian as well.

Aaros was a vision in white. She'd been born with the opposite reaction the same monochromatism genetic mutation that left Gee and Bal with completely black fur and eyes. He smiled at her when she approached and made to stand but she touched his shoulder to keep him sitting and dipped down for a quick kiss. He made it linger and she pulled back with a flustered but happy expression.

"Welcome back!" Jack said to her and she smiled but her expression quickly turned serious. "How is Diana?"

"The surgeon says she's out of immediate danger but we'll have to wait to see when she wakes up," Jack forced out of his tight throat.

He looked to Douglas and gave him a hug, flustering the boy as well. Jack wondered at his son's serious nature. At 6 years old he acted with far more maturity than his siblings. "Douglas, you look well. You've grown since I last saw you too!"

Drawing himself up proudly Douglas finally smiled in return. "Thank you! I'm exercising every day and I can feel myself getting stronger too. I'm going to work at the Embassy and be an ambassador like you!"

Jack smiled broadly but winced as his injured cheek throbbed.

His son looked between Eve and Jack at their matching facial bandages. "We were told the apartment was attacked but you weren't home at the time. What happened to your face?"

"Oh that, we were attacked by a team of Klaekta assassins when we were on Shoo Duu Dhen," Jack said with a wave of his hand.

"WHAT?" Elissa gasped and looked to Hellna for confirmation.

"I've been here with you! I haven't received the agent's debriefing report yet!" the Minister complained.

Elissa rushed back to Jack. "Tell us what happened!"

Jack saw all eyes were on him. "Well... we went to Shoo Duu Dhen to run in their marathon. When we went through the custom's intake process I saw a Klaekta female and male pair bond there. They were carrying trade cases and stared at us oddly but that's common for me. They seemed surprised to see the twins though," he said with a frown. "Anyway, halfway into the run they fired off an EMP and knocked out Gee and Bal's skimmers then pinned them down with energy weapon fire from attack drones. Adina and Zaina heard or felt the Klaekta assassin coming and moved me out of the path of its charge. They saved my life." He smiled at them proudly and they smiled back. "They had to avoid being... shot." He paused. "The attack drones didn't fire on me! Not once."

"They originally intended to take you alive."

Heads turned to see Gee and Bal standing in the doorway.

"What? That makes no sense! Both the male and the female tried to gore me with their horns. Both raced in with the intent to kill!"

Gee nodded then continued. "Their plans must have changed when they spotted the twins. The programming on the attack drone we got the control board from showed two targets for elimination. Primary target was us, your guards. A secondary target, most likely hurriedly added after the initial programming, was the Phem Kalos twins. The assassins weren't aware the twins were going to be there. Jack, their horns had two layers of toxins. The underlayer was a muscle paralyzer keyed for Human biology. The original weapon meant to paralyze you for easier transport to their client. The top layer, hastily applied and still runny, was a nerve toxin designed to kill the twins. We haven't determined yet how they obtained it so quickly."

Jack touched his cheek and realized the muscles underneath were only now beginning to relax. The stiffness! He looked back at Hellna but her expression was still guarded. She wasn't going to move on this new evidence. He looked to the agents. "Did you determine who their client was?"

Gee shook her head. "The Klaekta's personal comms fried themselves before they could be read."

"That's enough Agents," Hellna said sternly. "Report to headquarters for a formal debriefing."

Bal looked like she was going to argue but Gee touched her arm and with a final glance back to Jack she pulled her partner out the door.

"What happened to the Klaekta assassins?" Douglas asked.

Jack looked back to his son as he tried to suppress his inner rage. He took a couple of deep breaths. "We killed them." He realized that came out far harsher than he'd intended. Douglas just nodded thoughtfully and Hellna's expression darkened. She nodded stiffly to the Queen and left the room to follow her agents.

He shook his head. Something needed to be done. They couldn't just play nice with these people. He knew exactly who was responsible. It was the only reasonable explanation. Jaas Tenn Gunnk had demanded the return of SennLann and the twins. He wanted SennLann as his new breeding stock. The thought sent surges of rage and fear through him. He took some more deep breaths. The twins were the daughters of the now dead King and Jaas would want them dead. Jack had insulted Jaas. No doubt he wanted Jack captured so he could torture then kill him. He looked to Elissa but realized her mind wouldn't be going to the same dark places his was. Too many centuries of civilized responses.

"Jack, I know that look in your eye. You mustn't do anything as that would jeopardize your position as Ambassador. Even I can't protect you if you violate Gate Network laws."

He couldn't speak. He couldn't look her in the eye. This was where the difference in their cultural backgrounds became an unpassable divide. It was a deeply painful truth for he loved Elissa dearly.

With a sad frown the Queen left the room with Max and Gwen. The kids waved back as Jack gave them a little smile and wave of his own. Karrel joined her mother with Leffera at her side. Jack waved to Alex and Lillian as well.

Jack looked up into Aaros' eyes and saw her smiling back.

"I'm not here as a Judge. I'm... off the clock," she said with a raised eyebrow. Douglas smiled up at her.

"But you feel the same way as the Queen?" Jack asked.

"No." Jack looked surprised so she explained. "The Queen is trying to protect the very essence of Altarian civilization. She cannot do anything that betrays that mandate. Our Minister of Security represents the word of law for our people. She cannot betray that. I'm not saying I agree with or even understand the use of violence but there is an extraordinary amount of external pressure being placed on Altaria by the Gate Network. I acknowledge this is not an opponent our civilization is capable of dealing with on its own, at this time."

Jack stood and pulled Aaros into his arms and held her against his body until they were both trembling. "How did you become so wise?" he whispered into her ear.

She pulled back and he could tell she was deeply touched. She looked up. "I listen. Like our son does."

Jack just nodded proudly.

He sank back into his chair, the day having worn him out.

"You look like you could use a good night's sleep." Aaros looked to Eve and the kids and saw they all looked worn out. "You all do. Your home was damaged in the explosion and fire. Where are you sleeping tonight?"

Eve pointed to the suitcases in the corner which held the clothes and personal items the security agents gathered from the burnt apartment. "They were going to put us up in a hotel tonight."

Aaros shook her head. "You'll stay at my home. I have plenty of room."

"Thank you," Jack sighed. He wanted desperately to see Diana but she wasn't in any danger at the moment and would be asleep for days. Perhaps it was better she didn't know in advance that he was going to do... something. Or try to, at least.

Jack carried Emily and Eve carried Joseph as Aaros spoke to their guard escort. Douglas followed the group, Adina holding one hand while Zaina held the other. His flustered look was back.

The group climbed into a Ministry van as agents loaded the suitcases into the back. Then they were on their way to Aaros' home on the outskirts of the city. She had a fair amount of property and the single story dwelling was quite large and sprawling.

Jack cast her a questioning look.

"My mother came from a large family. This was their homestead. She inherited the home when her siblings all moved off planet. My mother passed away years ago and left me the house. It's too large for just Douglas and me, but it's been in the family for so many generations. I grew up here too."

Once they landed by the front door, Jack and Eve carried Emily and Joseph out of the van and everyone went inside. The agents left the suitcases inside the door then took up positions outside the home to guard. Jack wondered if Hellna also ordered them to keep an eye on him.

As they walked into the main living area Jack saw a large conversation pit and his eyes lit up. It was very similar to the Shreen and Harruushan pits.

"This is the first conversation pit I've seen on Altaria!" Jack said quietly with a smile.

Aaros smiled as she remembered. "My mother's mother's mother travelled a lot and visited Shreen. She designed this when she returned. I have many fond memories of spending the night in the cushions listening to my mother and her friends laughing and talking until dawn."

"Could we sleep there tonight? I think the kids would sleep better being close to us since they're in an unfamiliar place," Jack asked.

Aaros blinked at him then the pit. "I suppose. From what I've read, the Harruushan's certainly seem to prefer sleeping in the pits."

"They do. I can say that from personal experience. Diana can as well," his smile slipped away as his mind went back to her in the hospital. Aaros touched his arm in sympathy then they all descended into the pit and onto the cushions.

Jack set Emily down and stretched out beside her. Eve rested Joseph next to Emily and took up a position on his other side looking back at Jack. She touched her bandaged cheek and he smiled as he touched his own.

Douglas looked undecided until his mom reclined behind Jack. The twins took his hands and tugged him down into the pit and curled up on either side of him when he rested back against the cushions beyond the feet of the adults. Jack smiled at him and he returned it before letting himself relax and drift off.

Aaros snuggled up to Jack's back as she enjoyed his warmth and solidity.

Soon everyone was breathing deeply, fast asleep, except Jack and Eve who were looking into each other's eyes across the children.

She knew, without him saying a word, he was going after SennLann.

He knew, without her saying a word, she would protect the children and Diana while he was away.

She knew he loved her as he knew she felt the same for him. They touched their injured cheeks again wondering what strange kismet brought them together and made them share so much. Jack reached out and Eve's hand met his halfway. They held hands for a moment then released.

Eve closed her eyes and let her exhaustion take her.

Jack remained awake for a little longer. He had to plan. He didn't know what SennLann was going through and dwelling on that wouldn't help her so instead he planned.

He was going to get her free. To do that he was going to need help.

Jack had a pretty good idea who he might convince to join him.

Chapter 10

A shiver ran through SennLann's body as her perception of herself and the world slowly flowed back into focus. She was... uncomfortable. In pain. Some parts of her body ached from a beating but... nothing felt broken. The surface she was lying on was a metal mesh below a thin blanket. She opened her eyes and saw she was in a cage. Forcing her eyes to focus beyond the bars she saw stone walls and another cage.

Inside that cage was a Phem Kalos female!

Suddenly she knew exactly where she was and cried out in shock and dismay.

"Be quiet! He will come to check on us if you make noise," a quiet voice hissed from the opposite cage.

SennLann took slow deep breaths to calm herself and eased herself up to a seated position. She looked across to the other female. She had a rare golden brown coloration to her fur. She was quite lovely if you got past the deep sorrow and fear in her eyes. "Who are you?"

A gentle sigh came from the other cage then, slowly, an answer. "I'm the former Queen, FrenHall du Tren."

SennLann looked closer. "I'm SennLann du Kess, the one FennLann abandoned for you."

There was a quiet gasp of recognition from FrenHall. "I- I was sure you were dead! He shunned you!"

SennLann's fur puffed out in anger. "I wasn't his to cast away! FennLann bound me to another. Jack Danner. Jack reminded me I was his mate and saved me. He's going to be coming for me." She felt that conviction deep in her bones. He would come. He'd find a way. She shivered and her fur settled.

"Is Jack Danner a male who never lets anyone take his possessions?" FrenHall whispered bitterly.

"No! Jack doesn't treat me as a thing. He loves me and he only wants my happiness!" Seeing FrenHall's eyes watching her skeptically she smiled. "I was pregnant when FennLann abandoned me. Jack took on the role of father to my twin girls! He loves them like his own!"

"Twins!?!" FrenHall gasped.

"Yes! They are amazing! Healthy, happy, and incredibly smart! So very special!" SennLann gushed but kept their special abilities a secret for now. "They are the first Phem Kalos children ever born on another world."

SennLann looked around and an inkling of familiarity was sinking into her mind but she couldn't quite grasp it. "Where are we?"

FrenHall sighed. "We're in the cellar of the Royal Palace. Jaas has taken over the capital with his warriors." Defeat echoed in her voice.

SennLann examined the cage she was in and was shocked to realize it wasn't locked. Then she recalled growing up on Phem Kalos. Females stay where they're put. She grinned to herself and amended that statement. Females stay where they're put... unless they've been shown a better way.

As FrenHall watched her with wide frightened eyes, SennLann carefully lifted the latch, gently opened the door just far enough to slip out silently, and crossed over to the other female's cage.

SennLann could now smell the odors coming from a pail in the far corner of FrenHall's cage. Her stomach heaved and her anger grew. "Listen, I know how to escape. FennLann and I used to play in the palace and he showed me the secret passages.

The female shook her head in fear as she leaned against the bars of the cage. "You- you can't defy Jaas!"

SennLann snorted and pointed back to her cage. "I already have." She looked at FrenHall sternly. "If you don't escape, you won't survive. We need to go. Now." SennLann opened her cage and held out a hand which FrenHall stared at.

"If- If- if you trust Jack to rescue you, shouldn't you just wait?" the Queen squeaked.

"Jack relies on me to take steps to protect myself until he can get here. He depends on me as much as I depend on him. I trust him and he trusts me, equally."

FrenHall looked stunned by the concept but reached out to take the offered hand. SennLann guided her out of the cage and down to the far corner of the room. Then SennLann looked back with a wicked grin. She looked to the frightened woman. "Give me a moment."

She rushed back to the cages to make a few preparations.

FrenHall was trembling with fear when SennLann returned with a satisfied smile on her face. Reaching a claw point between two stones she pushed and there was a click. She pushed a section of the wall inwards. The former Queen stared at the passage in shock.

SennLann took her hand and pulled her inside and closed the door until it clicked once more. It was pitch dark inside but SennLann knew the passage intimately. She gently squeezed her hand. "Stay close. We're going to move quickly."

Her other hand touching the wall, she moved down the tunnel at a brisk run until she smelled the odors of the market place. SennLann slowed and almost overshot the stairs to the right that led up to another hidden door. Using her memories she touched the inner latch in the right places and was rewarded with a muted click.

Pulling gently on the door, she opened it a crack and peeked around the edge. Not two hand spans away was the back of a tent. One of the marketplace tents had been set up against the outer wall of the palace. She tugged on FrenHall's hand and they slipped into the small gap between the tent and the wall. SennLann carefully closed the hidden door in case she needed to use it again. Never disclose your secrets. She smiled to herself then noticed FrenHall staring at her incredulously.

"How can you smile at a time like this?" the Queen hissed quietly. "I'm terrified!"

"Every step we take in a direction we want to go, every action we do which benefits us, and every second of freedom is one more victory for us!" SennLann said with a grin. "Stay sharp and stay close!"

She didn't tell her fellow escapee that she was butchering quotes from old Earth movies she'd watched with Jack. She could never remember perfectly how the lines went but she loved those overly dramatic movies he'd found for them to watch together. The war movies were particularly useful at the moment.

The marketplace was shutting down now that dusk had come and gone. The stragglers were packing their wares away for the next day. Beyond the strip of paving the market was set up on was the canal which circled the palace. They'd have to cross a bridge to get into the central town with its ancient shops and cramped living quarters above. Two and three story buildings jammed side by side, the ground floors being retail space and upstairs either more retail or homes. The roads between the rows upon rows of buildings were either wide avenues or narrow back alleys. SennLann and FrenHall would stick to the latter.

First challenge was crossing the bridge. With their unique coloring they stood out. They'd need to cross unseen. She looked back at FrenHall. "Do you know how to run with hands and feet?"

The former Queen looked at her like she'd gone mad. "I- we- I haven't done that since I was a child!"

"But you remember how?" SennLann pushed. She glanced at the row of vehicles passing, heading for the bridge.

FrenHall tilted her head side to side in a gesture indicating 'probably'.

"Good enough. Stick to the shadows beside the cart. I can't wait for you, so keep up!" SennLann blurted then dashed out from between the tents and ran right beside one of the moving carts. She ran on all fours to stay below the top of the cart's load. She prayed FrenHall followed her lead. The guards were all on the lit side of the bridge, on the opposite side of the cart from her. She'd noted the guards looked bored so she was betting on them not stopping any of the carts. That bet turned out to be a winner as she made it to the other side of the bridge and leapt off to the left into the entrance of the alley that ran parallel to the canal.

She turned to look back and collided with FrenHall who was leaping into the alley entrance. They tumbled into garbage cans, knocking them over and shattering some empty bottles stacked next to them on the paving.

"Why did you stop?" FrenHall growled as she struggled to get to her feet.

"I wasn't sure if you saw me duck into the alley!" SennLann grumbled, embarrassed by her mistake.

"Wut- what do we have here? Some find bitches tossed in the trash?"

SennLann and FrenHall froze at the aggressive tone from the male voice coming towards them from the alley.

"Hey! You're Jaas' special bitches!" the warrior growled as he stepped between them and the canal, crowding them against the building. FrenHall was beginning to shrink in on herself in defeat but SennLann was desperately trying to think of a way to escape.

"I'm sure Jaas wouldn't mind me fucking you before I bring you back," the brute said with a leer, reaching for his belt.

He was close enough now that SennLann could smell the alcohol on his breath. He was... he wanted to rape her?

Fur standing on end, she sprang from the ground at his face and drove the broken glass into his eyes, twisting and grinding the jagged edges of the bottle necks against the destroyed orbs.

The warrior staggered back, screaming silently, and SennLann kicked off fiercely, jerking him backwards. His legs caught the low wall and he tumbled over it. Hitting the water below, he immediately went under due to his heavy armor.

SennLann stood at the wall and watched the water but he didn't resurface.

She dropped the bloody glass into the canal and slowly walked back to FrenHall, shaking herself to get her fur to lie flat once more.

The female was staring at her in shock. "How... how did you..."

"I only have sex with who I choose to mate with." She finally began to calm down. "I choose Jack... and Diana occasionally," she admitted.

The back door of the shop they were next to opened and eyes stared out at her. Three young females looked at SennLann in awe.

"Come inside!" one of them said. SennLann and FrenHall quickly followed the instruction. She noted they were wearing bandages.

The largest of them spoke. "I'm Ghret. This is Tess and Strell. We're sex workers. Were." The three gave each other worried looks. "The new warriors are savages and hurt us. Two of our friends were killed tonight. How were you able to defeat that warrior! He was so much larger than you!"

SennLann just smiled. "The element of surprise should not be underestimated," she said. "No enemy is too large to fall." She looked around the darkened room. "What is this place?"

"It's a funeral parlor. The upper floors are the brothel. They sent us downstairs as our injuries make us unsuitable for fucking. We have nothing left to offer. Tomorrow we may be customers of this shop if the brothel owners decide they don't want to wait for us to heal."

SennLann was outraged and FrenHall was gaping at them. "I had no idea this was happening!" she gasped. Palace life was sheltered from many of the cruelties of life on Phem Kalos.

"Teach us to fight! Take us with you!" Tess pleaded. "I don't want to die but I want revenge for Raya and Talis!"

SennLann nodded as she smiled at them. She then walked over to the shelf and took down the bolt of flat black gauze. This is what the funeral home wrapped bodies with. It looked a little like the material Gee and Bal's gowns were made of. It would make excellent stealth gowns for moving in the shadows.

"I need scissors."

Minutes later SennLann was standing before four black clad females. She'd fashioned rough capes for them, not brilliantly done but sufficient. In the darkened room they faded into the shadows. Her own black fur was dark enough.

FrenHall looked stunned but SennLann grinned with vicious glee. "I was living on Altaria when I was captured and brought back to Phem Kalos. My mate, Jack, will be coming to rescue me. We'd better be ready. Collect weapons you can conceal."

Each came back with a knife of some kind. SennLann didn't want to ask what these knives were used for in a funeral parlor. They were exceptionally sharp.

She recalled the games Jack played with the twins and realized that he was preparing them to fight for themselves. The pursuit orb taught her the lessons too. "Look at me and listen. The enemy is big, strong, and well-armed but they have definite disadvantages too. We're more agile. We're much faster. We have better night vision. We can move with more stealth. Best of all, they stupidly underestimate females. They think we're weak and submissive. All of this means we can use surprise to unbalance our enemy. We'll strike hard and fast. We'll strike from the shadows and slip away. If it's safe to do so, we kill. Sometimes we'll only cripple. Understand this, we must fight for our very survival as no mercy will be given to us."

"We- we need to free the concubines and wives! The children have been murdered," FrenHall blurted and the emotions she'd been suppressing suddenly exploded.

SennLann wrapped her arms around the crying woman. "We will make them pay for that. That and so much more. But we're going to do it my way as we all need to stay alive to fight another day. I'm going to live and get back to my twins."

The three young females looked at her in surprise. "Twins?"

SennLann grinned at them. "Beautiful and brilliant twins!"

FrenHall got control over herself again and nodded so SennLann let go.

"Ok. Tonight we need to find a place to set up a base. It must be abandoned and offer multiple escape routes. I think we'll need to head away from the centre of the city. Grab that bolt of cloth."

"Why? We already have stealth gowns," FrenHall asked.

"You don't think our little rebel force is going to remain this small, do you?" SennLann grinned and Ghret put the bolt under her arm as she smiled wickedly too. They checked the alley then slipped out into the shadows and worked their way further away from the bridge. Twice they crossed wider avenues only to duck into the darkness of the alleys.

The final time they did this they made their way up the alley to be confronted with a small lit courtyard at its end. On the other side of the courtyard were two dim alleys leading left and right and a wider street leading straight ahead. A recycled cooking oil truck was parked facing the entrance to the alley they entered from. Four properties beyond the truck was a restaurant patio where five warriors were drinking, already obnoxiously drunk.

"We'll have to circle back-" SennLann began.

"It's them," Tess blurted quietly.

"Who?" SennLann asked, looking at her.

"The ones who killed Raya and Talis," Strell growled.

SennLann frowned. It was too soon for them to begin their rebellion. These ladies weren't ready. That said, tonight they needed this and their target was in a prime condition to be taken out. She tried to remember a movie which dealt with this but came up blank. Ok, she was on her own. First things first. Escape route.

"Strell, Tess, go back down the alley and find us two escape routes which will quickly get us three blocks away from this location while keeping in the shadows. You have one minute. Stay hidden. Go now."

They looked excited and frightened as they raced away, hugging the wall.

"Ghret, collect three fist sized rocks or something that can be thrown and will hurt. Go." She went.

"FrenHall, a block back we passed a restaurant with torches on their patio. Get one but stay hidden. Go."

When she was alone she slipped up to the oil truck and tapped on the side of the tank to see how full it was. She waited for the warriors to burst into laughter or roar before tapping. The tank was three quarters full.

Next, she made her way carefully to the back of the truck and confirmed she could throw open the valve when the time came. There was no lock on the release lever.

The warriors started roaring and laughing and SennLann froze. She looked over to the patio and a young male worker was being slapped around by the drunks. As a literal prisoner of the palace for all of her years before Altaria, she'd had no interaction with non-warrior caste males. She's seen them from time to time when she and FennLann explored the palace's secret ways. But he was warrior caste and would have killed any non-warriors who'd tried to even speak to her.

When warriors mated, their male offspring were always warrior caste. Those gene's bred true. Female children were either killed or sent to live as a ward of the state. Maybe to become a shop worker... or to get sold into the sex trade.

Looking at the victim of the brute's rough play, she realized she'd never paid any attention to regular males. This example was just a little larger than the average female but definitely lacked the musculature and aggression of the warriors. He finally managed to scramble back inside and the drunks went back to the drinks he'd brought them.

Sighing in relief SennLann slipped back to the front of the truck. The four were eagerly waiting for her. She smiled and outlined the plan.

-=-

SennLann was in position waiting for the bait to arrive. FrenHall stood in the shelter of the truck holding the lit torch. She was staring into the flames and that worried SennLann a little. Pushing that from her mind she inched closer to the back of the truck and reached around to lift the release lever just a fraction. Even with the smallest of cracks the pressurized oil began spraying as a fine mist onto the road behind the truck. Then she realized she couldn't close the lever. If she let go, the valve would slam fully open. So she held on for dear life and prayed for the three females to hurry.

Her arm was shaking with fatigue when the three walked out of the side alley and walked up the sidewalk towards the truck until they were across the street from the patio. They'd been noticed as the rowdy voices quieted down for a moment then came the rude comments and insults. The three ladies launched their rocks and struck their targets with punishing effect. Terrified by the roars of rage, the ex-sex workers ran for the darkened alley behind the truck as fast as their legs could take them. The warriors stumbled out into the street as a group and began to chase. With a gasp of relief SennLann released the handle and a jet of oil shot from the truck to splash on the street and spread outwards in a flood.

The first three warriors to hit the oil slipped and fell onto their faces into the slippery stuff. The two behind them tripped over their comrades and fell onto them. SennLann gave up on hiding and moved behind the truck fully the yank down on the handle to stop the flow. It was enough for their purposes.

She heard them sputtering and screaming their rage from the slick paving.

FrenHall stepped out from behind the truck with the three at her back.

"Now," SennLann said.

"For the children," FrenHall said and threw the torch onto the oiled road. The fire raced towards the warriors as they screamed and tried to run.

"For Raya and Talis," Ghret said.

The deeper oil by the five sodden Eastern warriors accelerated the burn. As it raced up their bodies the fireball was climbing to rooftop levels. The screams were horrific but quickly cut off. The heat was so oppressive, SennLann grabbed and pushed the others back into the alley. They had to escape. Now!

"Go! We need to be free to fight another night! We still have to find a place to hide tomorrow," she hissed at them and that finally got through their daze. They raced away into the night.

Hours later they slipped into an old factory on the outskirts of the city. The building had been abandoned for some time but there was access to drinkable water nearby and it had several escape routes so it met their needs.

They dropped their weary bodies onto the tattered carpet of an interior office, exhausted.

SennLann stood before the group. "We've made an excellent start on the revolution."

She got tired grins and purrs from the others.

"Get some rest. We need to be ready for tonight's targets. I saw some possibilities on the way here."

FrenHall stared at SennLann in awe. Then she jolted as what was said finally sunk in to her tired brain. "Wait... revolution?"

SennLann nodded. "The warrior caste has to go. Their time is over. The people need to take Phem Kalos back. And we're going to be the ones who help them do it."

FernHall blinked at her. "Do the people need a Queen?" she asked in surprise.

SennLann held her eyes. "If the Queen proves to them with her actions that their wellbeing is her primary concern, as Queen Elissa of Altaria does for her people, then yes! I can think of no finer example of a 'representative of the people' than her. You could be the same for the people of Phem Kalos. As the last surviving member of the previous ruling body, it falls to you to give your people someone to look to once the dust settles, after we win this revolution."

FrenHall blinked at her, wide eyed. "So, you don't want to lead them afterwards?"

"I'll be going home to Altaria with Jack to be with my daughters," she sighed happily. "You have the title. Now you have to prove worthy of it," SennLann said with a shrug. "I'll take first watch." She missed the grins on the faces of her first three recruits.

As she moved away to take up an observer's position, she knew she was being a little hard on the 'Queen'. She was tired, FrenHall had played her part in FennLann's abandoning her, and what she said was true. FrenHall would have to step up her game. If she wanted to lead her people she needed to take her responsibilities for them to heart.

She smiled to herself, wishing Jack was here to see how responsible she was being. She was a little proud of herself.

And that felt surprisingly good!

-=-

Jaas smiled to himself as he made his way to the door to the cellar. His latest acquisition would have had plenty of time by now to contemplate her new situation. Her fear would be a delicious counterpart to their mating tonight.

He was saving FrenHall for a special broadcast for the west's precious televisions. He would make it once they'd completed the massacre of the remaining western warriors. The people of the western continent would see what he thought of their previous leader. He had FennLann's head on ice and he'd fuck the 'Queen' as they watched.

Chuckling he opened the door and started down the steps. He frowned when he saw the lights were out at the base of the long staircase. He growled at the shitty condition of the palace. The Eastern palace was a much simpler structure with less flash and its lights worked.

No matter. He continued down the steps into the dimly lit section. He wasn't going to let this little inconvenience disturb his enjoyment of the 'Princess'. He would fuck her several times toni-

Jaas' foot stepped onto something slick and shot out from under him five steps from the bottom. He crashed down, his tailbone striking the stone edge painfully as he tumbled the rest of the way to the bottom.

He lay there stunned for a second then realized what it was he stepped on. His fur was covered in shit and piss. He staggered to his feet, wincing from the bruised tailbone and staggered towards the cages. He stopped and gaped at the open doors. Then he saw the chamber pots lined up neatly side by side on the floor. A final display of defiance. He rushed ahead and searched the room but they were gone. He walked back to look at the chamber pots again.

Jaas roared his rage until he ran out of breath. He was shaking from unspent adrenaline. He needed to kill someone.

Blood rushing through his ears he finally registered the sound of his warriors rushing down the stairs to assist him. He turned to warn them but it was too late. Five reached the trap on the bottom steps, slipped, and crashed down to the floor at the bottom. Screams of pain echoed off the walls as two were impaled on the drawn blades of the others.

First blood went to the bitch SennLann but Jaas would feel her blood dripping from his jaws once they found her.

He wrinkled his nose. He needed a bath.

Chapter 11

Aaros ordered in breakfast for the family and they sat around the large dining room table enjoying the meal. Sunlight streamed in the floor to ceiling windows and shone on the happy faces of the children. She smiled as she imagined this was how it was for her mother's large family. She liked it. Feeling eyes watching her she looked over to see Jack smiling at her.

"It's wonderful having so much family around you, isn't it," he said gently and she realized he... understood. A wide smile burst onto her face and his widened too.

She continued to watch him as he looked down at his mug of juice and took a sip. His eyes looked towards the children and she saw a hint of pain on his face as he watched Emily talking with Adina.

Diana was in a coma and might have suffered brain trauma during the attack. The twin's mother was in the clutches of a homicidal tyrant. She suddenly knew exactly how Jack must be feeling looking at the children. She sucked in a breath and stood up. She turned and walked away quickly before her emotions exploded forth.

She made it as far as her bedroom at the end of the hall. When she turned to close the door Jack was right behind her. She squeaked in surprise then she wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers. She kissed him desperately and his big hands were on her body. Yes! She wanted that so much. She heard the door close then she was being lifted in the air, Jack's mouth still tasting hers. The mattress was suddenly under her and she was frantically pulling her gown up as he roughly pushed his pants down.

Then he was inside her and she gasped into their kiss. This was the intimacy she needed so much!

Altarians didn't form long term relationships but she hadn't realized how lonely she'd been until he'd come into her life. Maybe it was her isolation that made her crave the bond Jack offered. When he gave her a child that loneliness had been pushed back significantly. Jack was suddenly part of her life, doggedly determined to be a part of Douglas' life as well. Their encounters over the years since the birth shone like gems in her life. She'd thrown herself into her work, telling herself that Jack was so busy with the others and his work. He didn't need her too. But she could feel it in his kiss, in the strength of his hands, in how his body fit hers so well.

He pulled back from the kiss to look into her eyes. She tried to look away as he seemed to be looking into her soul but his hands moved to hold her head in place. Her bliss surged and he sighed with pleasure as well.

"You know I need you, don't you?" he said and another gasp was surprised from her. "Oh my god! You didn't know?" he gasped. He began kissing her passionately and tears dropped from her eyes as she clung to his strong body. Her joy was exploding and she felt her entire body being lifted to the heavens.

Jack was driving himself into her body almost desperately until he finally pinned her to the mattress with his hips as she felt his heat surging into her. She cried out as her own release overwhelmed her. He kissed her tears away and she felt light as a feather.

They clung to each other as their heart rates returned to normal. He looked into her eyes again. "Aaros, please know I need you. Your beauty, grace, and wisdom take my breath away."

"Jack, I-"

"Jack? I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but Gee and Bal are here and they're rather insistent on speaking with you... immediately," Eve's voice said through the door. They picked up on the anxiety in her voice clearly.

Once more Jack searched her eyes and she felt his body relax as he saw the love there. "Sorry, I should see what that's about," Jack said with a small smile of his own as he pulled himself from her.

She gasped then nodded happily as he eased himself off the bed. She watched him dash into the washroom and soon he returned, dressed. He leaned over her and kissed her tenderly sending a thrill through her body once more. Then he was moving to the door. He looked back. "Hold that thought," he said with a grin before he slipped outside.

Aaros dropped her head back to the mattress and sighed. He did such amazing things to her! But better than that, he needed her.

Then she felt it.

Her eyes went wide in surprise as she felt new life begin inside her. She looked to the door and almost called out but stopped herself. She knew what Jack had to do now. He didn't need to have this on his mind while he did it.

She placed her hands over the new life and smiled to herself. Loneliness would be a thing of the past.

As long as Jack returned.

-=-

Jack met Eve at the end of the hall and she looked quite contrite. He gave her a quick kiss. "It's ok. It must be important." He glanced out the window into the back yard and saw the kids playing on the lawn. Security agents could be seen on the edges of the property.

He walked into the living room and saw Gee and Bal standing there fidgeting.

"We must go. Get your things. Now," Bal said and Jack's eyebrows rose.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

Gee gave him a sour look. "We know you're going after SennLann. We're going with you. But we must leave now or the Gates will be closed to us. We saw the order being written up. Elissa and Hellna know you equally well but the mechanism moves slowly. Especially, since we added a block to the mail server to park mail referencing you."

Jack smiled, picked up a small duffle he'd packed first thing, and gestured to the front door.

Gee blinked at him. "You're ready to go?"

He grinned at them. "Yeah, I was just waiting for you guys!"

Bal glared at him then looked to her partner. "He is infuriating." Gee nodded then led the way.

Jack kissed Eve then rushed out the door after the agents.

No one saw the gold eyes of the twins, watching and listening from behind the sofa.

Bal directed Jack to get into the back seat of the Ministry cruiser, a sleek, fast, and... small vehicle. It was a tight fit and his horns hit the roof.

"You couldn't have gotten a larger vehicle?" Jack complained as he squeezed himself further down in the seat. Bal snorted.

"This vehicle is not registered to us so we couldn't be picky," Gee stated.

Jack looked at the agents over the back seats in surprise. "Uh, how much trouble are you two going to be in when we get back?" he asked hesitantly.

"If we get back, we will be arrested and will lose our jobs at the Ministry. We're already on the watch list for disobedience and insubordination. It was just a matter of time," Bal said in a matter of fact tone. She glanced over her shoulder at him. "You are a good man but a bad influence."

Gee was trying to hide her smile as Jack sat back, head tilted at an odd angle because of his horns. He was stunned by what they were doing for him.

They parked in the long term parking lot and hustled over to the Gate Terminal building.

"I assume you have a plan? Please don't tell me we're going to try to go straight to Phem Kalos," Gee said.

"I do have a plan but it isn't too late for you two to back away from this," he said.

They looked him in the eye.

"You could say I forced you to drive me here at gunpoint."

More silent glares.

"Ok, but don't tell me later I never offered you a way out," he said.

"Where are we going?" Bal growled.

Jack smiled at them. "Chrystan!" His smile grew wider at their sour expressions.

They entered the terminal and immediately walked up to an available customs and security agent.

"Name and destination please?" the pretty clerk asked with a smile as she admired his horns.

"Jack Danner with agents Gee and Bal for Chrystan."

She wrinkled her nose. "Oh! I've heard it's very cold there!"

"Yes, but the people make up for it by being so warm and inviting," he said in a deep, sexy rumble.

She entered the data as she held his eyes and barely glanced at the screen. "Gate 3."

"Thank you," he said and returned her heated look. Gee tugged him away and Bal brought up the rear as they made their way to the Gate.

"Must you flirt with every female?" Gee asked.

"If you want them to keep their eyes off of their screen you do," he looked over his shoulder and sure enough, the clerk was watching his ass. She waved as he smiled at her.

The moment they were out of view they dashed for the Gate and leapt through the mirror surface. They landed in a pile on the other side. Jack craned his neck to look up towards the customs booth and was relieved to see a Shreen staring back at them in surprise.

"Let go!" Bal complained. She was sprawled over his chest as Jack had managed to land under the two agents, protectively clutching them to him.

"He's warm," Gee said and Bal shot her partner a look. They pushed off and walked away, leaving Jack to help himself up. He joined them at the desk and smiled at the curious agent.

"Sorry, tripped there on the way through," he explained. The Shreen just blinked at him. "Uh, Jack Danner, Altarian Ambassador. Could I ask you to contact Tanz for me and ask her to join us here?"

The agent nodded and picked up his comm.

"Why are we not going to see her ourselves?" Gee asked with a frown.

"We're not staying?" Bal blurted hopefully.

Jack smiled at her. "Right. We're not. I do need her to do something for me though."

"Perhaps this would be a good time to fill us in on your plan?" Gee asked with another frown.

Jack ran a fingertip up Gee's forehead to smooth the lines. "You're going to give yourself worry lines if you keep frowning like that."

She slapped his hand away... but gently.

"Bear with me. I'll divulge the details shortly," Jack said.

Bal looked at Gee. "He's making it up as he goes," she said grimly. Gee nodded.

"Oh, ye of little faith," Jack sighed.

"Who is this 'Ye'?" Gee asked.

Suddenly, Tanz burst through the outer door and, with a grin, ran over to Jack to wrap her arms around him.

He hugged her tight as well and suddenly found himself involved in a very heated kiss. When he managed to pull back she grinned at him excitedly.

"You've come to visit us again? Why didn't you just meet me in the Palace?" she asked.

"You got here fast!" Jack exclaimed.

"I was in the Market. Answer my question!" she grinned.

"Unfortunately, I'm on a mission so I can't stay. Time is of the essence. I do have a favor to ask of you though." He glanced at the agents and guided a surprised Tanz a short distance away.

Gee and Bal looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

They heard Tanz squeak in dismay as Jack spoke quietly to her then she was nodding vigorously and, with a final kiss, she turned and rushed away. Jack returned to the agents.

"Is this coat and knife behavior necessary?" Gee growled.

"Cloak and dagger. It's clo- never mind. We have to move quickly. Anything that instills a sense of urgency is helpful at this point.

"Are you going to fill us in on your plan now?" Bal asked with a scowl.

He nodded. "We need to find the Major and her team."

Gee and Bal nodded and he could see them actually relaxing. He blinked at them. "You didn't actually think I was planning on doing this with just the three of us did you?" he asked incredulously.

The two Altarians just looked at him and he realized they had... and they would have followed him into that hell. Suddenly he was having trouble swallowing as his throat closed up with emotion. He pulled them to his chest and kissed their surprised faces.

"Stop that!" Gee exclaimed, pushing gently against his chest.

Bal glanced at her partner then began pushing as well. "Be calm! We must go! Now."

Jack released them and struggled to compose himself. Honestly, his emotions were a little too raw at the moment. "Sorry... I- I'm not sure where to begin with finding them."

Bal gave Gee a resigned look. "See, he was making it up as he went." Gee nodded. "I believe I know how to find Leo Orlov," Bal continued.

Jack looked at her expectantly but she just turned to walk back to the Shreen customs agent. "Three for Chuuruthia."

"Leo is on Chuuruthia?" Jack asked with a puzzled expression.

Gee and Bal made their way to the Gate with a frustrated Jack following.

"Is this some kind of revenge?" Jack grumbled at their silent treatment.

Bal looked back at him with just the slightest hint of a smile on her lips as she passed through her mirror image.

Jack followed. The scent of flowers swirled around him as he stepped onto the other planet. The air was warm and sweetly scented and he felt himself calming. He looked to the outside edge of the room where sunlight was filtering in and gleaming off the petals of the flowers lining the wall. Ah yes, Chella Orchids. That's why he felt so good.

Chuuruthia really was a lovely world. As civilized and peaceful as Altaria but with a male population willing to pull their weight in society. So... a more balanced culture perhaps. Chuuruthians might resemble bipedal versions of Earth's caracal cats but they were highly intelligent, socially outgoing, and deeply compassionate. Their doctors and surgeons were in high demand throughout the Gate Network so everyone kept on good terms with them.

Finding someone like the Corporal in such a... peaceful setting, just seemed odd.

They approached the Chuuruthian customs agent. Jack saw it was a female with lovely green eyes. He immediately thought of Diana.

"Ambassador Danner! Welcome to Chuuruthia! I'm so sorry to hear about your recent difficulties!" the agent said to him, her whiskers trembling with emotion.

"Thank you," Jack managed through his tightening throat.

"We are looking for a Tik by the name of 'BassDrop'. Is it still on Chuuruthia?" Gee asked.

The customs agent checked its terminal. "The one with that name was here and hasn't passed through our Gates but they create their own so it's possible it may not be here. Your best bet would be to inquire at the Tik Enclave."

They nodded to the agent and left the Terminal Building. They summoned a taxi and moments later they were on their way.

"It feels odd to be retracing the steps we took to rescue Jack." Gee said to Bal whose expression was grim from the memory.

Jack quickly looked out the window before he lost control and hugged them again. He missed the agent's look of concern as they misinterpreted his gesture.

The flight in the taxi was uneventful and Jack was seriously becoming anxious at how much time was slipping by. He began to see more and more Tik flying here and there. He looked ahead and saw a sprawling complex with an incredible amount of activity buzzing around it. The sun glittered off the sides of the chrome Tik flying here and there with purpose.

The taxi landed outside the doors and they asked for it to wait for them before they headed inside. A Tik with interesting stylized markings all over its chassis floated towards them. "Hello! Welcome to the Tik Enclave on Chuuruthia. I'm BassDrop. How may I assist you today? Oh! Hello again Agents Gee and Bal!" It paused. "Ambassador Danner! It's very good to meet you! I heard the stories of the successful rescue mission but to meet the being who was the catalyst for such a monumental event is truly an honor!"

"Catalyst?" Jack said in surprise. Elissa had called him that too. It felt odd to hear it again, from a Tik no less!

"The responsibility for the abductions and the political unrest lies exclusively with the Mahrell Drun. Your abduction was the event that began the chain of events which led to the discovery of the Mahrell Drun's continued existence. Their threat to the safety and security of the entire Gate Network allowed the Tik to support the rescue effort."

"Which, to this day, your people are still paying for," Jack said.

BassDrop dipped forward slightly in a nod. "A price we would gladly pay for the good done that day."

Jack fought back the urge to beg the Tik to intervene once more. He knew they couldn't. He looked to Bal instead. She nodded.

"It is my understanding that you have struck up a friendship with Leo Orlov," she said.

"Yes, Leo and I communicate often," the Tik agreed.

"Since his retirement from Earth's Security Council Force, we fell out of contact with him. We were hoping you might be able to tell us where we might find him," Gee said.

"I will do better than that! I will take you to him." BassDrop said. It turned to Jack. "We may not be able to assist to the same degree we did to rescue you and the others but we are not without compassion for your current predicament. We track potentials for unrest very closely. The Phem Kalos are preparing for war. Never a good thing. I sense events are once more in motion and the Tik would be negligent if we failed to document it."

"We would welcome any assistance you might be able to provide," Jack said thankfully.

BassDrop dipped a nod and blurted a noise to a passing Tik. It's gleaming, unmarked chassis contrasted highly with the duller, art adorned outer shell on BassDrop. It took up position as greeter.

They went back out to the taxi and BassDrop squirted another tone at the vehicle once they were inside. They quickly rose into the air and rocketed back to the terminal.

"Humans are often driven by haste and anxiety. Expediting the journey to the Terminal will relieve some of this for you, yes?" it asked.

"Very much appreciated!" Jack said as he did his best to not look at the land rushing by at a dizzying speed.

The trip back took a quarter of the time the outbound journey did. The taxi immediately took itself out of service once they were back on the sidewalk. BassDrop led them back inside and up to the Customs agent. They gave their names and the Tik gave their destination.

"Four for Moscow Gate Terminus, Russia, Earth."

The Chuuruthian nodded to the unique group. "Good luck on your mission. Gate 2."

"Thank you," Jack said to the agent and followed the others through the mirrored surface.

As they stepped onto Earth Jack realized this was the first time he'd done it without attempting to disguise himself first. Fuck it. They walked up to the Customs desk and the man behind it blatantly stared at Jack's horns.

"Ambassador Danner from Altaria, with my security escort... and a Tik. Here to..." He turned to BassDrop with a curious look.

"Dance."

Jack raised an eyebrow then turned back to the customs agent. "Dance."

He touched the biometrics pad as the man on the other side of the counter was still gawking at his horns. His ID blinked up on the screen and that seemed to break the man from his trance. "Duration of stay on Earth?"

Jack looked to the Altarian agents. Gee answered. "Less than a week."

Jack repeated that and the Customs agent just waved him on. Once they left the terminal Jack felt the eyes on him. He pushed his unease aside. He didn't have time for that. He looked around and smiled. He was standing in Russia for the first time in his life! It was late, maybe 11PM so there wasn't much traffic or people around but he certainly recognized the spires of Red Square in the distance.

His thoughts took him back to when he was just a poor young man moving from place to place in the States, reading about all the amazing places on Earth that he would very likely never see. One of those places was Russia... and here he was. Life's journey was a really strange path.

BassDrop flagged down a ride to the club where they were going to 'dance'. The taxi arrived and they got in. "Club Spade is very close," the Tik said.

"So we really are going to dance?" Jack asked in surprise.

"Tik don't dance," BassDrop said.

Jack noticed one of the art pieces painted onto the side of the Tik was an Ace of Spades. "Yet you wear the symbol of the club," he said with a smile.

BassDrop gently touched the art then turned to face Jack. "I make music others dance to."

"Really?" Jack asked, intrigued.

"Do not play the music within the confined space of the taxi!" Bal growled.

"You will hear my music soon when we get to the club. Leo has reintroduced it to the people. His club is very popular amongst the young humans," the Tik explained.

"Leo runs the dance club?" Jack asked in surprise, beginning to doubt the man would want to join him.

"Leo owns the dance club," BassDrop replied.

They flew on in silence but not for long as the club was very close to the Gate Terminal. They exited the taxi in front of the club near the back of a line of people waiting to get in. The music thumped and boomed faintly through the walls of the club. The building wasn't pretty, its cinderblock edifice painted white with large black spades scattered over it, all down the side. Now that Jack was standing next to it he could see how large it was and how long the line of people waiting to get in was. Jack saw they were mostly young, dressed to party, some almost wearing nothing, and once they caught sight of Jack's group their excitement went off the charts.

BassDrop moved closer to Jack to be heard over the screams of the people in line. "I must greet my fans," it said. Then it moved next to the line and reached out metallic tentacles to touch the outstretched hands.

Glancing back at the wary agents with a smile, Jack moved forward as well and shook hands and posed for pictures with the excited kids. He wasn't too surprised that most looked like they were between the ages of 18 and 25, the rest not being much older than that.

They walked up the line slowly, making their way towards the big double doors. Jack was actually beginning to enjoy himself as the kids were all so happy and excited. He gave them time to get their pictures and shake his hand. Some, he even allowed to touch his horns.

Then he came face to face with a young couple who'd gone to extreme lengths to 'customize' their bodies. They had metal studs through their eyebrows, noses, lips, ears, nipples... and other areas. Then came the extensive tattooing. The young man had black stripes down his arms, over his shoulders, and across his chest. She had leopard spots covering the same surfaces. Her small breasts were clearly visible through the shear blouse she was wearing.

Most shocking for Jack were their horns. He couldn't see how they were attached but each had two three-inch horns sprouting from their foreheads. The couple stared back at him in awe.

The male blurted something to him in Russian so Jack reached out to touch BassDrop. The Tik turned to look at them.

"Do you speak Russian?" Jack asked.

"Yes," the Tik responded.

Jack gestured for the young man to say it again and he did.

"Oh! They would very much like to see your slave collar," BassDrop explained.

Jack glanced at the couple and looked at their body adornments once more. He never thought of his collar as anything other than something he had to live with. It certainly wasn't jewelry to him. He saw their hopeful expressions and realized they'd never understand that. Still... he began slowly undoing the buttons of his shirt.

"Please tell them the collar was bonded to me by the Allsa Komanae without anaesthetic. Painful beyond anything I'd felt before. As much as I want it gone for what it represents, it's permanently bound to my nervous system."

He pushed the sides of his shirt open as BassDrop translated for him. He saw his words strike home with the young man but the female was just enamored with the beauty of the wide silver rectangles that circled his broad neck and the fine etching on its surface. She reached forward to touch it but her partner caught her hand and shook his head. She looked up at him then into Jack's eyes as the Tik's words finally sank in. She looked away in shame.

Jack tilted his head forward and gently tapped one of her small horns with one of his much larger ones.

She glanced at him in surprise then smiled as she saw he wasn't upset.

He'd felt something odd when he bumped her horn. He looked to the Tik. "Can you ask them how their horns are attached?

BassDrop rattled something off and the young male grinned and blurted his response.

The Tik nodded to the couple. "Implanted magnets. I must move on."

Jack nodded to him as the Tik continued down the line. He looked at the couple and once more tipped his horns forward. They both reached up to feel his horns and realized his were, again, a permanent fixture. Jack shook their hands and moved on as he buttoned his shirt. He glanced at the agents and they were scanning the crowd vigilantly.

He caught up to BassDrop just as they reached the doors. The three large doormen nodded to the Tik and eyed Jack and the bone caps on his horns. They poked around in his duffle. The Tik spoke to them when they went to block the Altarians. One called for confirmation then they were inside the club.

Gee and Bal immediately put ear plugs in to block the loud thumping music. The Tik guided them to a staircase guarded by two more bouncers who just stood aside for them.

Upstairs they found a private seating area overlooking the dance floor. Two young women were sitting on either side of the tough looking assault specialist. He'd kept his peppered gray hair short but he was in blue jeans and a white silk shirt, open to his waist. Tattoos and scars adorned his arms and chest and the ladies squeezed up against him. They were each running one hand idly over his chest through the opening of his shirt as they watched the approaching group. Leo tilted is head to the exit with a smile and they stood and left.

Leo stood as well and touched BassDrop's tentacle. Then he grinned and shook Jack's hand and the agents. He pressed a button on the table and the volume of the music immediately and dramatically reduced in the seating area to make talking possible.

"Welcome to Club Spade!" Leo said grandly.

"I understand you now own the business! Congratulations!" Jack said.

"Thank you! Is true. All you see is mine," Leo boasted and gestured around them.

Jack nodded appreciatively and felt his hopes dim as the man seemed happy and content. "That's amazing. I'm so glad for you!"

As she wasn't hearing Jack speak his mind, Gee made an annoyed sound. "Leo, we need your help."

Jack shot her an annoyed look.

"What? Leo isn't a mind reader!" Gee continued.

"What do you need?" Leo asked curiously.

Jack turned back to the man. Suddenly his plan seemed very selfish. There was a good chance they would all end up dead. Even if they survived they'd be breaking Gate Network laws. There would be repercussions. Leo's dream retirement was at stake.

"I can't ask you to risk this," Jack sighed.

Leo's eyebrows rose. "What is favor? I can say no for myself."

Jack looked the man in the eye then nodded. "The new ruler of Phem Kalos sent a team of assassins to kill me and the twins, Adina and Zaina. They failed. At the same time, he sent a team against my home. Eve killed two and Diana killed one but she was badly injured. The remaining attacker took SennLann with him back to Phem Kalos. She's... I'm going to get her back."

"Gate Network won't allow Altaria a second rescue mission," Leo said as he nodded.

Jack scowled. "Worse, they're threatening the Altarians with closing the network to them if they do anything 'war-like'. Their neighbor Phem Kalos is building a fleet of ships for the purpose of expanding their empire. How are they supposed to defend themselves under that threat?"

Leo looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a slight smile on his lips. "So... is rescue mission for Altaria too."

Jack blinked at the man. He hadn't considered it that way but he supposed that was true. He nodded.

"Then yes, I will join you," Leo said.

"But all this-"

"Will still be here. This, this is fun. It is..." Leo frowned in frustration as he looked for the words. "Is not who I am. I join you. That is me!"

Jack smiled at Leo and they shook hands.

"We get Maxim tomorrow. He sleeps now. I make arrangements. Need one hour, maybe two. You dance, drink, eat then I take you to get sleep. Yes?" Leo explained and they nodded.

Leo left the seating area and went downstairs. Now that Jack had him and potentially Maxim on their side his energy picked up and he wanted to get moving. He started to pace.

"Jack! Go dance! Burn off that energy. We'll watch you from here," Gee growled at him.

He looked back at her then nodded, dropping his duffle on the chair as he headed for the stairs.

When he got down to the dance floor he moved out into the crowd drawing surprised smiles and exclamations. He just let himself join the beat and began to move. The people around him were delighted to find a celebrity amongst them. Flashes were going off around him but he just ignored that and worked his body and tried to calm his anxiety.

He was coming for SennLann.

-=-

Vecc Dar Snee rushed through the halls of the palace to reach Jaas' personal office. His leader had summoned him urgently.

When he reached the door, he knocked. "Come!" Jaas called out from inside. He opened the door and entered.

Jaas waved him over to stand before a large screen. On it was playing a video of some kind of running race. He glanced over at his leader wondering why they were watching this.

The leader looked at his warrior, his eyes immediately going to the scar on his left cheek that made the eyelid twitch occasionally. Another insult from the bitch SennLann!

"This is the network footage taken on the day you collected the Princess for me. The failed assassination of Jack Danner and the twins." He gritted his teeth as he mentioned the children. The fur on the back of his neck began to prickle up until he forced it down. He'd watched the 'interview' Danner gave where he spoke of the twins as adopted and Altarian citizens. He almost lost himself to his rage when that creature called the Phem Kalos barbaric for mutilating their children. Instead of destroying yet another comm unit, he'd called for Vecc.

"Our spies have reported Danner has left the safety of Altaria and has made his way to the planet of his birth, Earth. The social media mechanism on that planet tracks real time positional data." He nodded to the tech next to the desk comm and multiple images of Jack posing with youthful humans covered the big screen. "He has gone to a dance club. There are only two agents with him." Jaas moved closer and seized the warrior's shoulders to look him in the eye. "He's insulted my honor and the traditions of Phem Kalos. I want him dead. He needs to be dead by the hand of a Phem Kalos to pay for his transgressions. Our vengeance must be witnessed.

Jaas looked to the screens and Vecc followed his eyes. There were so many pictures and short vids of Danner with the young humans. He seemed very popular. The leader refocused on Vecc. "Unlike the Altarians, Humans respond to threats with deadly violence and nothing unites them like an alien foe. We don't need them interfering in our business with Altaria. This has to be a surgical strike. Take out Danner, the agents only if the opportunity arises, and no one else. Can you do this?"

"Yes Warrior Supreme!" Vecc roared fiercely, causing the quiet tech to tremble. Jaas and Vecc shared pleased looks at the smell of the small male's fear.

"Here are the location coordinates. Be swift. Your target moves quickly," Jaas instructed.

Memorizing the details Vecc nodded to his leader and rushed from the building. He got a lift over to the Gate Terminal and was through the Gate in minutes. He walked up to the Customs desk.

The agent looked up at the intimidatingly big Phem Kalos and noticed his left eye twitched above a nasty looking scratch. "Name and purpose of your visit."

"Vecc Dar Snee, Phem Kalos diplomat. I've come to... dance." Vecc touched the biometrics reader and silently cursed himself for his inability to lie convincingly."

The customs agent snorted softly. "Tonight, the diplomat's dance."

Vecc stared at him intensely until the unnerved man continued.

"The Altarian Ambassador came through earlier tonight to dance as well," the man stuttered.

Vecc nodded and smiled. "Yes, I will... dance with him."

"Oh!" the man blurted as he quickly scanned his eyes down the diplomat's large frame. His body language changed as well. The nervousness was... gone!

Vecc looked at the agent cautiously. "What do you mean, Oh?"

The customs agent shook his head vigorously. "Nothing! Nothing at all! I hope you enjoy your dance with the Ambassador!"

Vecc nodded, satisfied the agent had accepted his story. "Yes, it will be a most glorious dance," Vecc said, smiling as he thought about how good it would feel to kill with just tooth and claw.

The agent beamed a happy smile at him then locked it down into a neutral expression.

"What?"

The man just gave his head a brief shake. "And how long will you be visiting," he said with a trembling voice.

Vecc watched the agent closely. He seemed to be having trouble with his breathing. "It will be a one night dance."

The customs agent snorted in surprise then covered it up by pretending to cough. His face had taken on a reddish tone. "Excuse me."

"Is this going to take much longer? I must get to the dance club before he leaves!" Vecc complained.

The broad smile made a brief reappearance. "Enjoy your magic evening with the Ambassador." He gestured towards the exit. Then he winked.

Vecc moved to leave the building, wondering at the Human's behavior and feeling strangely unsettled by it, like it was aware of his real plans and was somehow supportive.

Once outside, Vecc summoned a taxi and gave the club's address. He was grateful that the club was nearby. The trip only took a few minutes but even that felt too long. When it finally settled down, he exited the taxi and walked towards the front door. The Humans lined up against the building's wall behind a rope were all calling out to him and waving their arms at him. His fur was beginning to stand on end from the attention he was getting. Flashes of light from the Humans followed him all the way to the doors.

Three large males blocked his entrance to the club.

"You must wait in line with the others," the middle one said, staring him in the eye. Vecc shuddered with his need to gut the insolent Human but his leader's command was clear. He turned back and walked along the line once more, hearing them call out to him and wincing at the constant flashes of light.

When he reached the end, he saw some of the humans were leaving the line. He paused when he noticed this group were all wearing fake horns resembling those of his target. They were all wearing loose sweaters with hoods as well. One, a petite female with a long multicolored mane turned back to face him with a smile. "If you were hoping to get inside, think again. Jack is dancing with the people inside so no one's leaving. This means no one else is getting inside. The club's at capacity."

"What?!?" Vecc growled.

The female just nodded sadly. "We came from New York to see him but now we're just gonna wait in the hopes of getting a picture when he comes out."

The Phem Kalos looked up the line to the three large male's preventing them from entering. He looked back at the female then realized she'd used the familiar name for Danner. "Do you know the Ambassador personally?" Maybe he could use their relationship to get inside.

The female giggled excitedly. "We're the largest and best Jack Danner fan club on Earth!" she gushed.

"Don't listen to her! She's talking bollocks!" a voice rang out.

They turned to look at another group approaching. These males were wearing fake horns, open necked dress shirts, dress pants, and running shoes while the females of the group were all wearing Altarian style gowns, fake fuzzy ears, and make up to give them the coloring of the Altarians as well.

"Crap! Who let the snotty wannabe's join the party!" muttered a skinny bearded man standing next to rainbow mane.

Vecc looked back at the leader of the new arrivals and, for a second, he thought it might be Danner himself. Then he noted the man's long skinny neck.

"Everyone knows the Ambassador Danner Appreciation Society of London is the penultimate Danner Fan Experience. Your little New York affair may have slightly higher numbers but you lack the depth required to truly appreciate the Ambassador!" the tall man with a long white blonde mane said while looking down his nose at the others in their 'hoodies'.

"Hey! Jack Danner is one of us! He's not some stuck up pretentious prick!" a short, barrel chested man with bad facial hair barked at the other group who started to make ugly sounds in return.

Vecc was becoming annoyed. He didn't have time for this bickering. "Does anyone in either group know the ambassador personally?" he growled.

Both groups became quiet as they traded uneasy glances.

"None of you? What use is this 'fan club' if you can't even get to see him?" Vecc exclaimed and threw his hands in the air in frustration. He wanted to kill someone so badly but they all just stared back at him glumly. He turned his glare on the three men blocking his access and began walking towards them again. He hadn't come all this way to be thwarted by doormen!

He suddenly realized he was being followed by the two groups from 'New York' and 'London' who kept themselves separate as they walked. Rainbow mane and White mane walked just behind him.

When they got to the front of the line Vecc glared at the men, eye twitching, as they tensely looked at him and the large group of nerds behind him wearing costumes. "Tell Ambassador Danner his... fan club is here and wishes to speak with him." If he couldn't get in, maybe he could draw the freak outside.

One of the men was speaking into his comm unit. When he was done he faced the Phem Kalos and nodded. Vecc turned to the two club leaders who smiled back at him excitedly. He nodded in return then decided he would move to the opposite side of the street. He'd need to separate Danner from these Humans before he killed him. Jaas said Danner had to die by the hand of a Phem Kalos. With the number of personal cameras present, images of the freak's death would quickly spread across the Network and everyone would learn to respect Phem Kalos. He suddenly realized how great an honor he'd been given by his leader.

He would teach them all to fear the Phem Kalos.

-=-

Jack was enjoying himself on the dance floor amongst the happy couples. He was burning off his nervous energy and his muscles felt loose and hot. He'd been dancing for almost two hours straight. From time to time he'd glance up and see Gee or Bal keeping watch over him. That brought a smile to his lips. He'd tried to get them to come down and dance with him but they were having none of that.

Speaking of smiles, the crowd dancing around him was a happy bunch. He moved around the dance floor and nodded to the couples and individuals who grinned back at him. He'd lost count of how many pictures he'd posed for, how many people he'd danced with. He did recall dancing with the young couple with the extensive tattoos and piercings. They were hard to forget.

He moved to the bar once more for another bottle of water. He'd had two already but he swore he'd lost that in sweat! His shirt was drenched and open all the way to let out the heat. The bartender, an older man covered in tattoos and sporting a thick black beard and an outrageous pompadour, grinned at him and handed over the water. Nodding his thanks Jack drank half of it before setting the bottle on the bar.

He noticed one of the security people making his way over to him. He leaned closer once the man reached him.

"Your fan club is outside asking to speak with you. We cannot let them in as the club is full," the man said into his ear.

Jack pulled back to look at him in surprise. He had a fan club? This was news to him. The man made a gesture with his hands indicating horns. Jack's eyebrows rose higher still. He glanced up and realized Gee and Bal wouldn't be able to see him at the bar. A fan club! That was hilarious and sounded safe enough. He was still feeling the buzz from dancing with all these happy people. The idea that more were outside and wouldn't get in made him want to go outside and at least say hello.

He leaned in close to the security man's ear. "Could you let the Altarians know I've gone outside to speak to them?"

He saw the relief on the man's face and patted his shoulder as he made his way to the front door. He glanced at the hall leading to the washrooms as his bladder reminded him of all the water he'd drank during his dancing. Not all of it was lost to sweat. The urge wasn't too bad so he continued to the exit.

He met BassDrop at the door and the Tik opened it for him. "I understand you have a fan club."

Jack snorted with laughter. "Yeah, that's hilarious! Completely news to me!"

The moment he stepped outside there was a huge roar of excitement. Jack blinked in surprise as he saw the sidewalk and one lane of the street was filled with people dressed in hoodies and fake horns on the right and on the left was a group where only the men wore fake horns but the women were dressed and made up to look like Altarians. He was stunned as he slowly walked down the steps to greet them.

Two stepped forward, a woman in a hoodie with brightly colored hair wearing the fake horns and a tall skinny man with hair as long as his, also wearing fake horns. Both were smiling widely.

"I have a fan club?" Jack managed, the reality of it plainly visible.

Rainbow hair girl made a quick step forward to get closer drawing a frown from the other. "I'm Anna-Lee Parker, Head of the New York Branch of the Jack Danner Fan Club." She gestured to the hoodie wearing group behind her who all cheered. Jack grinned at them and waved. They cheered louder.

The tall man stepped forward now. "Christophe Davenport, Leader of the London's Ambassador Danner Appreciation Society." He gestured to his people. "It is truly an honor to meet you!" He bowed and Jack immediately responded as his diplomat instincts kicked in. The young man's smile couldn't have been wider and his group were bowing and smiling as well.

Jack looked to Anna-Lee and she looked a little put out by Christophe's joy. Jack wondered at the dynamic between the two leaders then he saw that antagonism was actually between the two groups. "I'm sorry to say I've never heard of either group! I don't come to Earth very often as I've had... bad luck on previous visits. I usually have to travel with a large security team." He looked back over his shoulder as he was expecting to see Gee and Bal but no sign of them yet. "How long have you guys been doing this?"

"Since the First Liberation Day!" Anna-Lee blurted happily and Christophe nodded with a slightly pained expression at the comparison.

"I'm deeply flattered but also confused. Why would anyone want to celebrate... me?" he said shaking his head.

Anna-Lee pointed to the slave collar plainly visible now on Jack's neck. "That's why! What you went through and how well you came out of it! You're an inspiration to us all!"

"Suffering at the hands of a race of monstrous villains yet able to continue your diplomatic duties with style and grace. Truly breathtaking!"

Jack was no longer listening. He was actually having a little trouble breathing himself as he looked across the street into the eyes of the being he thought he'd never have the opportunity to confront. The Phem Kalos who stole SennLann from him. "VECC!" Jack roared.

Anna-Lee and Christophe stumbled back a little from Jack and everyone turned their heads to see who this 'Vecc' was. They saw it was the large furred alien standing across the street grinning menacingly at Jack with his claws exposed. The groups parted, leaving a corridor between Vecc and Jack.

"Greetings Jack Danner. Our Warrior Supreme has given me the honor of killing you!" Vecc said with glee.

"YOU ATTACKED MY FAMILY! YOU KIDNAPPED SENNLANN!" Jack continued to roar as he slowly stepped closer to the waiting warrior. The members of the fan clubs were now glaring at Vecc as well. Jack reached up and pulled the bone caps from his horns and wrapped his fingers around their comforting weight.

"My leader will enjoy the bitch soon!" Vecc chuckled.

Jack caught the unintended message. Jaas hadn't 'enjoyed' SennLann yet and that gave Jack hope. Still, this bastard was going down! He eyed the deadly fangs and claws, the dense muscles on the brute and knew he had to avoid grappling with him.

Jack surged forward as Vecc sprang upward with a mighty roar, his arms outstretched with claws extended, ready to tear into Jack when he landed on him from above. Except Jack's move was a feint as he suddenly stopped. Vecc's leap was going to fall short and there was nothing he could do.

Throwing his arms upwards between Vecc's, Jack knocked them wide as he drove his horns into Vecc's sensitive nose.

There was a loud crack as the nose broke. He staggered back as the pain was so intense his eyes flooded with tears, blinding him.

Jack's left fist, weighted with the bone cap crunched into Vecc's right cheekbone knocking his head back. Then his right fist struck Vecc's throat causing him to choke.

Flailing, Vecc's claws ripped through and tore away Jack's shirt, leaving three shallow scratches on his chest.

"DIANA!" Jack screamed as he drove his left fist into Vecc's ribs which popped wetly. "EVE!" A right to his other side and more ribs broke. Vecc desperately flung his arm out and managed a lucky cuff to the side of Jack's head but that was his least vulnerable spot. Jack kicked Vecc in the gut, knocking him back against a parked car. "My kids!" he growled.

Breathing hard, Jack surged forward to slam his horns against the broken nose once more. Vecc's legs gave out as the flare of intense pain destroyed his muscle tone and he crumpled to the ground.

"That was for SennLann!" Jack spat and glared down at the broken Phem Kalos. He wanted to kill him more than he'd ever wanted anything. The names of his family repeated in his mind and each one seemed to cry out for him to end the life of this piece of shit.

"JACK!"

He looked back. Gee was standing on the steps with Bal behind her. They stared at Jack in shock.

He turned back to look at the being who invaded his home and hurt the ones he loved. He'd tried to kill them. If there was justice in the world he'd be allowed to exact his vengeance. He wanted to kill him... but he wouldn't.

He snorted. He wasn't finished with him though.

Jack unzipped his pants and pulled himself out through the opening. He finally released his bladder and pissed on the defeated male. He took his time and ignored all other distractions, the shrieks from the gathered crowd, the flashes popping from all sides, the cheering. He only saw the horrified look in the warrior's one open eye which was perfect. When he was done he shook himself off, the droplets landing on the prone warrior.

As he tucked himself back into his pants, he gave Vecc a look of contempt. "Crawl back to your leader and tell him he's a fucking coward for sending a piece of shit like you after me. Of course, I should expect no better from someone who murders children and enslaves females."

Vecc was trembling, partially from rage but mostly from fear and shame. He knew... he knew he couldn't defeat him. He knew Danner would have killed him if the grass eater hadn't stopped him. He'd seen his death in Danner's eyes.

It still didn't feel like enough but Jack just snorted again and walked away, slipping the bone caps back into place. Only then did he notice the bloody mess he'd made of his knuckles. His hands hurt so much but he wasn't about to show weakness now.

He saw Anna-Lee watching him with awe while Christophe looked... distinctly uncomfortable. He paused before the man. "Something wrong, Mr. Davenport."

"You... urinated on him, in public," he said gesturing to the Phem Kalos who was struggling to his feet. "Not the most diplomatic... treatment?"

Jack wanted to scream in the young man's face but instead he took a long slow breath as he watched the warrior stumble away down the street in the direction of the taxi stand. "One of the primary duties of a diplomat is to ensure there's no miscommunication between two disparate groups of people. The Altarians are peaceful, civilized, and gentle. The warrior caste of the Phem Kalos are the exact opposite. Vecc is the diplomat their new ruler sent to Altaria. While there, he attacked my home while I was dealing with a hit squad his leader sent after me. Vecc destroyed my home, terrorized and injured those I love, and kidnapped SennLann who remains captive on Phem Kalos. Tonight, their leader sent Vecc to Earth in a second attempt to assassinate me. That's how their diplomacy works so, a true diplomat adapts. I believe tonight he got my message with complete clarity, wouldn't you say?"

The man looked him in the eye and nodded faintly.

Gee and Bal took his arms and gently led him back inside the club. BassDrop followed them inside.

Once inside Gee looked up at him. "Your hands-"

"Hurt very much, yes. The scratches hurt too."

"Why did you go outside without us!" Bal growled as she gently inspected the three shallow grooves slashed across his chest.

Jack gave her an exasperated look. "I went out to speak to a fan club not fight a Phem Kalos assassin. Besides I asked a security man to let you know where I went."

"He didn't. You went to the bar then you didn't go back out to the dance floor. We searched for you but we didn't expect you'd leave the club," Gee insisted.

"Right... sorry."

Leo walked up to them and looked at Jack's chest and his bloody knuckles. "Have you had enough fun tonight?"

Jack smiled and nodded wearily.

"Good! I take you to my home. You rest. Tomorrow we pick up Maxim."

Jack nodded. Sleep sounded good.

His sense of urgency was returning. Knowing SennLann was alive and hadn't yet been molested was a relief but his actions tonight may have put her at risk.

His anxiety must have shown on his face as Gee gently took his hands in hers.

"She will be fine. Jaas will vent his frustration on Vecc."

Jack nodded to her, needing to believe.

-=-

Dawn was approaching as the shadows slipped through the opening in the fence and entered the old bedding factory.

The 'guerilla fighters', as SennLann called them, dropped down to the old worn cushions in exhaustion. There were twelve of them now and they were quickly becoming a major aggravation for Phem Kalos' new ruler.

Tonight alone, SennLann's fighters had crippled five of his Eastern warriors, severing the tendons just behind their ankles. It was terrifying to go up against the fierce warriors but SennLann had shown them how to strike unseen and escape into the night.

FrenHall, their second in command ensured each member of the group ate something and drank some water. They had support amongst the people in the town. Food and water were left out for them. Sometimes females came outside to speak to them and give them news. They were surprised and pleased to see they had some support from the males as well. Of course, they weren't warrior caste.

SennLann entered the building with their latest recruit. Petite, golden-brown fur and quite lovely but frail emotionally. On her way home from her job as an office worker at the palace, she'd been pulled into an alley by a huge brute. He'd only had time to tear her office gown off and begin to climb on top of her when SennLann drove a slim, needle dagger through his ear, deep into his brain. She'd left the twitching warrior drooling on himself in the alley and fled with the young female.

She'd had a brief conversation with the female outside and that just cemented her unease about her state of mind. SennLann got her some food then put her with the three original ladies to watch over her.

She gestured for FrenHall to join her. They moved a few rooms away.

"I'm concerned about the new one, Miri," SennLann said quietly.

FrenHall nodded. "She seems... damaged."

"I don't think this was the first time she was assaulted but she won't talk to me about it. We need to get her professional help. She won't be able to heal while she's with us." She sighed as she didn't know what they could do for her.

"How much longer until Jack rescues us?" FrenHall sagged as she leaned against the wall.

SennLann threw an annoyed look at the female who'd willingly replaced her, knowing she'd die from it. She closed her eyes and sighed. To survive this, she had to let that go. "It will take as long as it has to take. If it was easy he would be here already. What you have achieved in just these initial days has never been done in the history of Phem Kalos! As tired as you are now, take pride in that!"

FrenHall looked to SennLann and gave her a weak smile. "The fact that we are still alive is a miracle I have you to thank for making possible. That we are also getting vengeance against these monsters is completely unexpected and intensely welcome. However, as each day passes my dread increases as I don't know how long our luck will last."

SennLann gripped the female's shoulders and stared her straight in the eyes. "Luck is for fools! We survive because we plan and only act after we've carefully considered our moves including plotting our escape routes. Caution and intelligence are what keep us alive, not luck!"

FrenHall nodded in acceptance and looked comforted by SennLann's conviction.

"Go get some rest. Send Ghret out to join me for first watch."

When she was alone SennLann leaned against the wall and allowed herself just a moment of self-pity. She was tired too. Her life with Jack was blissfully peaceful compared to this. Seriously, the only real exercise she'd gotten then was trying to keep up with the twins. She grinned as she recalled hunting that damned pursuit orb with her daughters. Her fitness now was largely due to that intensely frustrating and addictive toy. If- no, when they defeated the monsters in power here she would ask Jack to order many, many pursuit orbs for the people of Phem Kalos. She chuckled quietly, imagining the day she'd introduce them. Her ears swiveled back as she picked up the sound of Ghret approaching.

"This is why we all look to you in awe," the ex-sex worker said with a small smile on her lips.

SennLann looked at her in surprise.

"You have us fighting an enemy with superior numbers and strength, using methods and strategies none of us ever thought of, and we're actually winning our little battles. At the end of the day we're exhausted and dreading the next day as we have to do it all over again. Yet here you are, smiling and laughing while we wonder if we'll ever have something to laugh about again."

SennLann frowned at the large female. She was going to have to start giving them pep talks before and after their missions. "Don't you understand why we're doing this?"

"To get revenge-"

"Wrong."

Ghret blinked at her in surprise.

"Try again."

The recruit thought about it.

"To weaken the enemy for when Jack arrives?"

"No."

Ghret was looking at SennLann in confusion. "Why are we doing this?"

"To have a world where we can laugh, love, play, work, and express ourselves without fear and oppression. We're going to create that," SennLann said with conviction and a smile.

"How?" Ghret exclaimed, caught up in SennLann's energy.

"We're already doing it. Come on. I'll take the lookout on the city side. You watch the country side. Stay alert and we'll get our turn to rest in a couple of hours.

SennLann was already going over in her head the plans for the night ahead and missed the smile Ghret aimed at her.

-=-

There was no moon tonight so the shadows were deep and plentiful. As SennLann and FrenHall scouted the target they'd discovered the night before they heard a soft clicking. They moved back into the deeper shadow by the wall of the building as one of their group joined them.

"Macelyn found something. A munitions truck parked outside a bar!" Strell said excitedly.

SennLann shared a look with FrenHall then silently followed Strell two blocks to the north. SennLann grabbed Strell's hand before she could move further down the dark alley.

"Wait."

The three held still as SennLann's eyes darted around the alley and up to the rooftop. Something was tingling her nerves. Her mind flashed to when she'd trapped the pursuit orb under the bed. The painful shock she'd received resurfaced in her mind to remind her to be cautious. The dark alley which should have seemed like a safe passage suddenly felt like a trap.

"Who's ahead?"

"The rest-"

"Get them out. One at a time but quickly." SennLann insisted and Strell looked like she might argue but she saw SennLann's fur standing on end and nodded quickly.

"Climb up to the roof on the building across the street then come back to tell me what you see," SennLann said to FrenHall.

The female looked at her wearily as she hated climbing but she darted away to follow her orders.

The group began appearing and each gave her a look of frustration. She whispered at them to make their way back to the hideout and they left with frowns on their faces. When Strell returned SennLann took her arm.

"Where is Miri?"

The sudden look of dread on Strell's face told her Miri was still watching the munitions truck.

FrenHall returned suddenly and tugged at their arms with a frantic look in her eyes. "On the roofs... at least five... warriors on each... around courtyard," she panted quietly but frantically.

"Go back to the hideout and take everyone to the building we stayed in two nights ago. Go now!" SennLann hissed quietly. The two raced away, darting from shadow to shadow.

SennLann eased her way deeper into the alley until she was able to peek around the corner. The first thing she saw was a black stealth gown on the ground. She carefully reached out and pulled it back into the alley. Looking up, she sucked in a breath as she saw Miri, in all her golden-brown glory walking slowly across the lit courtyard in plain view. Then she saw the grenades tucked in her hands. Grenades they'd collected from the body of the brute who'd attempted to rape Miri. SennLann doubted the warriors were watching her hands. She wanted to call out, to tell Miri to run but there was nothing she could do. Slipping back into the alley she stopped as she saw two warriors enter the other end. She sprung upwards to pull herself up onto the narrow ledge that ran along the building facade. She slowly eased herself forward on the ledge, then held still as the warriors got closer.

An enormous blast shook the ground quickly followed by a series of increasingly violent explosions. Three warriors fell from the rooftops to hit the pavement with wet thuds.

One of the warriors in the alley was knocked off his feet but the other one remained upright as SennLann found herself tossed from the ledge. She landed on all fours and immediately dashed forward. She stabbed the blade of her dagger deep into the standing warrior's inner thigh as she passed between his widely braced legs. Then a blast wave caught SennLann and tossed her head over heels. She lost her grip on her dagger. She tumbled out of the alley into the street then staggered into the alley on the opposite side as the ground behind her was torn up by gunfire.

They'd spotted her. She poured on the speed and changed her course, leading her pursuers South-West, not in the direction her group was actually heading, North-West. As she'd put some distance between her and the slower moving chasers, she pried open a sewer grate then backtracked a block to hide behind some large dumpsters behind a restaurant. She held her breath to be as silent as she could and because the reek was making her gag. She carefully wiped her tearing eyes.

Fire and emergency crews were rushing to the scene of the explosions, filling the night with sirens and flashing lights. Amongst this chaos, a group of three warriors entered the small alley and she heard them cursing.

"How are we supposed to find one small bitch in this stinking dump!" one complained but SennLann heard the nervous tremor in his voice.

"Did you hear? Herk Dun Hool is down. He's still alive but that's all. His mind is gone!" another nervous voice said.

"FUCK! I WANT TO KILL THAT BITCH SO BADLY!" a third roared and shot the dumpster.

"What are you doing?" the first hissed.

"Sorry! I'm just so... angry!" the shooter grumbled.

"Just for that, you get to be the one who looks inside it," the first voice said sternly.

"Pull it out into the light at least! Fucking shadows!" the nervous voice grumbled.

SennLann desperately looked around for a weapon of any kind as her cover was about to be lost. She heard their footsteps getting closer as she prepared her claws. She'd go for their eyes.

"Are you assholes shooting at shadows again!" a voice from the far end of the alley shouted.

"No... Fuck you!" the shooter barked back.

"Leave that shit alone, they found where she went. She's in the fucking sewers!"

"Dammit! That makes so much sense! No wonder we couldn't find her! She's been under us the entire time!"

SennLann slowly released her breath as the footsteps moved away. When the coast was clear she slipped across the street and wove her way across the city. She listened in when she got close to the Warriors stationed at major intersections and collected intel. Finally, she made her way back to tonight's hideout on the edge of town, constantly watching for a tail.

When she slipped inside the darkened building she saw nervous faces looking back at her.

FrenHall pulled her into a tight hug then immediately pushed her back and snorted. "You smell bad!"

SennLann smiled wearily. "I had to hide behind a food dumpster. I don't recommend that. They were going to check before they got called away."

"We heard and felt the explosions! What happened?"

SennLann's eyes went hard. "How did Miri get the grenades?"

Macelyn's expression showed her guilt. "She said carrying them made her feel safer."

SennLann closed her eyes and shook her head. "She jumped into the back of the truck where soldiers were waiting. She'd armed the grenades first. The munitions truck must have had explosives in it. The entire block was leveled."

"So she took many warriors with her!" Macelyn said hopefully.

"Their lives weren't worth hers!" SennLann hissed. "Don't you understand yet? We are few, they are many! We need to survive every battle. Sacrificing one of ours serves their goal of defeating us!" SennLann's fur was standing on end and every eye was on her. She tried to calm herself. "Tonight was filled with mistakes. Miri should not have been with us as she wasn't ready. She shouldn't have been given the explosives. The enemy set a trap and we almost walked right into it. We cannot afford mistakes-"

"How did you know it was a trap?" Strell blurted.

SennLann looked at her. "I didn't. I just started with the assumption that it was. Then I was able to see how good a trap it would be. I asked FrenHall to check. I was cautious. I took the time to properly assess the target. This isn't a race. It's survival." She sighed wearily. "Now the enemy will be extra vigilant. They won't be as sloppy. We will have to be more selective in our targets. We will have to be more careful about planned escape routes and meet up points. Today will be review day. Tonight, we will just look for a new place to hide. No targets tonight. Everyone, get some sleep. Macelyn, you and I are on first watch."

The young female looked exhausted but understood. The responsible pay their dues.

Chapter 12

Jaas jolted awake as a rumble shook the palace. He was instantly on his feet and running for the command center as he pulled his robe on, cinching it tight around his waist.

"What's the situation?" he barked as he entered the room. Up on the big screen was a map of the capital. A red circle outlined one of the city blocks. He glanced over at the tech manning the console which controlled the display and the young male trembled, looking back at his screen. Jaas snorted the scent of fear from his nose. He was quickly growing tired of his underlings needing to be coddled to get them to work. He'd ask his second in command to begin training his warriors on this equipment.

"Well?" he asked as calmly as possible.

"The ambush site has... exploded. Reports are just coming in now." The small male kept his eyes on his screen and began to read.

"Nine warriors are dead, twelve are injured, some severely. Eight are missing."

"DAMMIT!" Jaas yelled then took some deep breaths. "How many of the females did we get?"

The young male's face froze as he continued to read. When his eyes turned to Jaas, the warrior swore he saw a glimmer of hate in the smaller male's eyes.

"One. Miri. Miri is dead."

Jaas gave him a blank look. "Who's Miri?"

The tech struggled to get control over his emotions. "Miri worked in the palace offices in the historical records department. Quiet, sweet, gentle Miri who wouldn't hurt anyone."

Jaas stepped up to the tech and grabbed the back of his neck, forcing his face against the screen. "Check your numbers again. She did hurt someone! Twenty-nine warriors! What about the civilians in the buildings?"

Jaas released him and was surprised to not pick up the scent of terror. He looked at the tech a little closer but the male just went back to work, pulling in reports. The leader felt an odd sense of unease.

"The inhabitants were forced to evacuate the buildings by your troops when they set up the ambush. The explosion in the courtyard was contained by the surrounding buildings but they collapsed shortly afterwards. The missing eight may be under the rubble," the tech continued, his voice strengthening.

Jaas stared at him, fighting the urge to crush his skull. "How could one female do this?"

"An eye witness report from a survivor indicated Miri had two grenades when she leapt into the back of the munitions truck," the tech replied.

"Grenades can't do this kind of damage!" Jaas roared pointing at the screen.

Skarl entered the room. "The munitions truck used in the trap wasn't empty."

"What?!?" Jaas exclaimed in confusion.

Skarl nodded. "The truck contained the replacement energy cells for the palace fortifications."

"They were supposed to use an empty truck!"

"There was a mixup at the transport office. A loaded truck went to the ambush site while the empty truck went to the palace. Instead of sending for another truck or just unloading it, the onsite team moved ahead with the mission using a loaded truck," Skarl explained.

The tech spoke up once more. "Princess SennLann was seen fleeing the scene but escaped into the sewers. Also, the warrior she attacked in the alley has died from his injuries. So, the numbers are ten dead, eleven injured, and eight missing warriors to one dead female warrior-"

With a snarl, Jaas dragged the tech from his chair and held his unresisting body over the back of the console. "YOU WILL NOT CALL THEM WARRIORS! They are FEMALES! They are NOTHING MORE!"

Skarl moved to gently pull the smaller male from his leader's grip. "The technician made an unfortunate slip of the tongue."

Jaas threw the tech to the floor then spun and left the room.

As he stomped back to his room he seethed with frustration. Didn't they understand? The path was very clear. Females had to be contained or they would ruined everything. Males must rule from a position of strength and privilege or society would unravel into anarchy and the species would weaken.

He'd make them understand even if he had to kill every last one of the western continent females to get to SennLann.

"Jaas! Vecc is back!" Skarl bellowed down the hall.

Smiling in anticipation, Jaas turned and walked back to the main hall. He caught the tension on Skarl's face just before he rounded the corner.

Jaas stumbled to a stop when he saw his fiercest warrior.

His face was swollen. He was holding his ribs protectively. The most visible damage was his nose which was obviously broken. Badly. Blood and mucus slowly dripped from the flattened bar.

Then he smelled it.

Urine. Pungent and musky. If Vecc had lost control of his bladder after such a beating Jaas might have accepted it.

But this smell didn't come from a Phem Kalos.

"No," Jaas whispered in shock. He couldn't. He wouldn't have dared. But from the shame in Vecc's eyes he knew he had. Then he recalled telling Vecc to ensure Jack Danner's death was publicly witnessed.

"Tell me no one saw this happen."

Vecc tried to speak but his voice had been stolen from him by his injuries. Finally, he hung his head and turned his eyes from his leader.

Jaas trembled with a rage he could not contain.

The second in command watched nervously, not knowing how his leader would react. The stench of urine got worse as Vecc lost control in his terror.

It was too much for Jaas. He grabbed a nearby flag standard holder. Vecc only had time to squeal before Jaas crushed his skull with the weighted base.

Jaas heaved a deep breath as he stared at the twitching corpse then continued to pound the body with the base as he screamed his rage.

Throwing the bent holder aside Jaas turned to Skarl as he gasped for breath.

"Leave that there... as a reminder... of my... disappointment... for not completing... a simple task." He looked back at the mess on the floor then noticed it was on his robe and his fur.

"I'm going to go... take a shower," he said calmly and walked away.

-=-

Skarl was grateful Vecc died quickly. It wasn't much of a mercy but still.

He waited until he heard the door on Jaas' suite close. He looked at the destroyed warrior on the floor and wondered how the Human/Altarian had bested one of their elites. Taking out the two old fools with FennLann was one thing but destroying an Eastern Warrior in his prime was something to be concerned about. He needed to see if there was any footage of the battle.

He made his way into the command center and saw the tech reviewing the reports coming in from the explosion. The young male glanced at him and Skarl saw his shoulders relax just a little.

"You're Dennie, yes?" The tech nodded. "I need you to tap into the Earth Social Network once more. I need you to find references to 'Jack Danner' and 'Vecc' posted within the last six hours," Skarl instructed.

With a nod the tech placed a request to connect to the Earth net. "We're being refused," he said after a moment.

"What do you mean, refused?" Skarl asked with an edge to his voice.

Dennie looked him in the eye. "I submitted an official Phem Kalos governing body request to connect to Earth's network but it returned a message indicating we do not have permission at this time. Our access is 'under review', it states."

"We need to know what happened between the Altarian Ambassador and Vecc Dar Snee." Skarl fixed his eye on him. "Vecc's in the Main Hall and he's quite dead. He was badly injured when he arrived to report he failed to complete his mission. Jaas killed him for failing. Something very bad happened on Earth. Is there any way to find this information elsewhere?"

Dennie looked at him and seemed to be struggling internally. Skarl could have threatened him but this male seemed to have been pushed a little too far today. So, he waited patiently as he could. That seemed to pay off as Dennie finally nodded. "There is the Dark Net. They operate outside of the Earth Net controls. We would have to bargain for the information we need."

"How do we pay them? What currency? How much?" Skarl asked.

The tech's eyes now showed his nervousness. They glanced to the hall where Jaas' suite was then back to Skarl. "Information is their currency."

Skarl blinked at him in surprise. "What can we offer them?"

Another glance to the hall. "You said Vecc is dead? Video footage offering proof of this would be something they would value."

Skarl's lip rose with a rumbling snarl as the offensive idea of sharing this with strangers triggered an automatic response. He forced it down and took a deep breath. He needed that information. He nodded.

"Please come with me," Dennie said as he pulled out his personal comm and walked out of the command center to the main hall. They stopped next to the body. Dennie struggled to keep from throwing up. "What did he do to him?"

"Jaas beat him with that," Skarl said pointing to the damaged flag holder.

They were alone so Dennie set his comm to capture a vid. "Please stand there."

Skarl frowned at him. "But I'll be in the vid if I stand there."

"We need you in the shot as you are a known member of the new rulers of Phem Kalos and what's left of Vecc isn't very identifiable. Your presence in the vid will set its value on the Dark Net."

Skarl felt distinctly uncomfortable about this but he nodded. He watched Dennie shoot the vid of Vecc's body then he was pointing the comm at Skarl and gesturing to the body.

Shifting uneasily, Skarl pointed to Vecc's remains. "This is- was Vecc Dar Snee."

Dennie stopped the comm. "Ok, now we see if we can get a buyer."

They went back to the Control Center and Dennie checked the latest reports. He looked at Skarl. "Three of the missing eight have been found. They were crushed under the collapsing building. Two of the injured have died as well."

Skarl nodded. The losses they had tonight were approaching the numbers they had on a single day during their initial invasion.

Dennie was tapping the keys on the console rapidly and had his comm linked to it as well. The young male looked at him with wide eyes. "There are many vids of the confrontation."

"I need one with a clear picture, close as possible so we can hear what's being said," Skarl said and Dennie filtered the search results. He found one and the sample image showed it must have been shot from the leading edge of the crowd facing the fight. Very close.

He opened a request with the owner to trade and seconds later a response came through indicating interest. Dennie completed the trade and his file uploaded as the fight vid downloaded.

Skarl went to the doorway and saw Jaas heading down the corridor striding purposefully towards the exit. Likely heading off to the site of the failed ambush they'd planned. Sighing with relief he went back to Dennie's side.

The tech handed him an earpiece. Skarl saw the wisdom in that and put it in his ear.

They turned their attention to the big screen.

For all its vicious brutality, the fight was heavily one sided with Danner easily taking Vecc apart after the devastating blow to his nose. Skarl got Dennie to pause the video when he saw a flash of red against the Ambassador's knuckles. So he was injured but it didn't seem to even slow him down. They listened to Jack rage against his attacker and Skarl jolted when he mentioned his kids.

Dennie gasped in shock when the Ambassador pissed on the defeated warrior but Skarl's thoughts were trapped by his words.

"...I should expect no better from someone who murders children..."

Skarl pulled the earpiece from his ear and left the room, unaware of Dennie's troubled stare.

He needed fresh air. He needed a drink. He needed... what he needed he would never have again.

He left the palace to find himself a tavern to help him forget.

Chapter 13

Jack looked at the gauze and bandages wrapped around his hands protecting his bruised and cut knuckles. He grinned as he thought it made him look like a boxer preparing for a fight. Gee and Bal were giving him looks like they thought he'd lost his marbles, again. He lifted his hands in the classic boxer's stance and threw a few quick jabs, bobbing and weaving as he showed off his fancy footwork dancing around them. Bal flicked a finger against his knuckles and he gasped at the sting and stumbled over his own feet. Gee braced him to keep him from falling on his face.

"Can't you behave for at least ten minutes?" Gee asked.

Jack sighed and sat in the hospital waiting room chair again. The building was very old and located in St. Petersburg. They were in Maxim's home town and the man apparently worked here. They'd been nice enough to treat his hands while Leo located his friend in the big building. Jack's anxiety to keep moving was preventing him from sitting still.

His comm buzzed and he pulled it out to see who'd sent him a text. Keeping his account active on the Earth network paid off! He smiled as he saw it was Tanz. She'd come through for him in a big way! He responded with a thanks and promised to visit soon.

That done, he went back to being anxious.

As he surged to his feet once more to harmonized groans, the door swung open and a clown stepped inside. Face paint, big red nose, crazy hair sticking out horizontally with a bald top. His clothes were outrageously bold colors in stripes above huge shoes. A real clown.

"SennLann is kidnapped? Altaria is in danger?" Maxim asked.

Jack's jaw dropped as he stared at the man.

Gee rolled her eyes at Jack's stunned silence. "Yes, the Phem Kalos have SennLann and are gearing for war. The Gate Network is applying undue pressure on Altaria, preventing our preparations."

Jack finally recovered from his shock and reached for the man's hand.

Maxim looked at the bandages. "What happened to your hands?"

Jack looked at them too. "Oh, uh, I beat up the Phem Kalos diplomat who kidnapped SennLann."

"You did not kill him?" Maxim asked.

Jack's expression showed a hint of his inner rage. "I wanted to but he had to deliver a message from me to his master."

Leo walked into the waiting room and looked at his friend in frustration. "Well?"

"Da. I'm in."

Leo grinned. "Good! We must move quickly. Get changed or will you amuse the enemy to death?"

Maxim gave him a scowl and left the room.

Jack looked to Leo. "What does Maxim do here?"

"Plays with children to keep spirits high. Is good medicine," Leo said with a smile.

Jack's guilt came rushing back and it must have shown on his face as Leo held up his hand. "They kill children. Maxim is in."

Shaken, Jack nodded.

"We get Nann next," Leo announced.

"What's the Captain up to these days?" Jack asked.

"Retired, like Maxim and me. She is history teacher. High school in Australia."

Jack's face fell again as Maxim entered the room, wiping his face clean in a towel. "What did you tell Mr. Danner?" he grumbled to Leo.

Jack walked over to the man. "Jack, please! I immediately thought of you guys when I first planned to go after SennLann but I didn't even stop to think of what you might be giving up."

"They murder children. I'm in," Maxim insisted.

Jack nodded gratefully. "Thank you, both."

"Let's go get Nann!" Leo said with a grin. "She will be so happy to see us!"

-=-

"What the fuck are you doing here?" the tall slim redhead gasped to Leo after she pushed him out of her classroom and followed him into the hall.

They'd made the trek from St Petersburg to travel through the Moscow Gate to Sydney, Australia then had taken a fast shuttle to a fairly small High School in the neighboring city of Wollongong. Jack had wondered aloud how Nann had ended up teaching here but just got shrugs and a smile from Leo. That man had immediately burst into her classroom to tell her the news only to discover she was conducting a test for her students.

Nann suddenly noticed Maxim then her eyes went wide as she noticed Jack, Gee, and Bal behind him. They went really wide when they saw the 'tattooed' Tik hovering behind them. "What's going on?"

With an uneasy glance at the others Jack stepped forward to make his plea. "SennLann was abducted by the new ruler of Phem Kalos who is planning to restore the Phem Kalos empire. The Gate Network members are threatening to vote on closing Altaria's Gates if they make any aggressive actions like arming to protect themselves against the Phem Kalos. I'm going to get SennLann back." His voice trembled a little as he finished and Nann saw Gee trade a worried look with Bal.

Leo looked at her excitedly. "We are going with Jack."

Nann gave him a concerned look then turned her eyes to Maxim.

"The new rulers have murdered the children. They use females to breed a new generation of warriors," Maxim said grimly.

Nann looked shocked.

"Ms. Graf? Who are these people in our hallway? Oh my word! Is that Ambassador Danner? Of Altaria? And a Tik!?!" a balding older man with a neatly trimmed beard gasped when he approached and caught sight of Jack's horns.

Nann gave the group a nervous look. "Yes, Principle Wallace. Please let me introduce my friend Jack Danner and his security detail Gee and Bal. This is..." she said gesturing to the guests and stopped as she struggled to recall the Tik's name.

"BassDrop," it offered.

"Right! Sorry," Nann finished. She didn't bother with introducing Leo and Maxim as the man was clearly mesmerized by Jack.

Wallace was grinning delightedly as he reached to shake Jack's hand but noticed the bandages at the last second. He shook the hands of the agents and touched the offered tentacle from the Tik. Turning back to Jack he gripped his forearm. "It's truly an honor to have you in our school. It would mean the world to the students if you could spare them just a moment or two to say a few words to them!"

Jack gave him a surprised look. "Speak to the students?"

"But I'm conducting a test," Nann said quietly gesturing to her classroom.

"Really Ms. Graf, how often do we get such an important visitor to our school? You can reschedule your test," the man said in annoyance.

Nann gave Jack an apologetic look but he just shrugged.

"Ok, but I truly have to keep it short," Jack insisted to the principal.

The man's smile widened and he nodded. He looked to Nann. "Listen for the page then bring the students to the auditorium."

With a final glance at Nann's flustered expression, Jack followed the principal who was scurrying away. He picked up his pace to not be left behind in the unfamiliar building and the others rushed after him.

The high school wasn't a big place so it didn't take long before they were standing on a small stage at one end of a gymnasium. Maxim finally explained to Mr. Wallace that he and Leo were Jack's Earth based security detail. The man quickly accepted this and asked them to stand at the sides of the stage which they did with amused grins.

On the way to the gym the principal had poked his head into the front office to ask the workers inside to page the school and get all students and faculty to join them in the gym. It wasn't long before they began arriving and the volume in the gym increased dramatically. Their excitement was clearly visible on their smiling faces. Personal comms were out as they shot pics and vids. More students arrived until the gym was packed. The teachers lined the outer walls and Jack saw the office workers as well. There were a few unhappy faces amongst the teachers.

Principal Wallace raised his hands and called out for quiet. The teachers assisted in quieting their students. The man looked out over his student populace with a very pleased look on his face then glanced back to Jack.

"As you can see, we have very special guests visiting our school today. Ambassador Jack Danner and his Altarian Security Detail, Gee and Bal. I've asked him to say a few words to us." With that minimal introduction he turned to face Jack who looked back at him in surprise. Seeing he was on his own he moved to the front of the stage.

"First off, good afternoon!"

The returned greeting was deafening. He grinned and held up his hands and they quieted down.

"Can you hear me clearly at the back?"

More cheers, from the back group this time. Once that settled down he put his hands on his hips and looked out over the happy faces. He recalled his days in high school and didn't recall smiling as much as these kids were so he was glad they had it better. "I wasn't expecting this honor so I didn't prepare a speech. I was just here visiting a good friend, Nann Graf." Excited squeals erupted from one side of the gym and Jack saw Nann's smile and nod.

"It truly is an honor to address you today as I'm looking at Earth's future. While it might not seem like it now, you are the ones who will be setting the course for its society very soon. Your decisions and actions will determine how Earth is perceived... out there. While I may not look like it now, I was once very much like you. These are a very recent addition," he said pointing to his horns and got some chuckles. "I carry with me Human values I learned as I grew up as a kid in the States. These values are ever present when I interact with the different races from the planets of the Gate Network-"

"Beating the cat man bloody with your horns and fists then pissing on him is demonstrating your Human values? What kind of lesson is that for our kids here?" one of the teachers yelled. She was a plump woman with short hair and her face was red with indignant fury.

"MRS. BLAKE! PLEASE!" Principal Wallace bellowed.

Jack raised his hand. "No, I'd like to answer that. She's right. On the surface, that was a terrible demonstration of how Humanity would like to be perceived. We're already considered a bunch of violent goons compared to some of the other races in the Network who have millennia on us. But Earth isn't the only planet plagued by violence. The Phem Kalos, of which the 'cat man' is a representative, are now led by one of the most violent xenophobes I've ever had the displeasure to speak with. I've only had to resort to 'bare knuckle diplomacy' on two occasions and in both, their diplomat was attempting to kill me. The first time was with the Allsa Komanae. We now know what a rotten bunch they were. The second time was last night. The Phem Kalos I fought was the diplomat their new leader assigned to the duty. This same diplomat attacked my home on Altaria, destroying it, and badly injured members of my family. He kidnapped Princess SennLann and smuggled her to Phem Kalos for his leader to use as breeding stock." There was a gasp of outrage and shock but Jack continued. "Last night, Jaas Tenn Gunnk, the psychopathic ruler of Phem Kalos, sent this diplomat to Earth to publicly assassinate me for expressing my outrage at their barbaric practice of murdering the children of the previous ruling body and enslaving the adult females for breeding purposes."

Jack listened to the murmuring and held the eyes of Mrs. Blake as he continued. "As a diplomat it's my job to communicate with other races and ensure the message is understood. The Phem Kalos warriors understand very well the message I sent home to Jaas. I could have killed Vecc. Trust me, for the pain he inflicted on my family I wanted to."

He saw he'd gotten through to the woman.

He turned his eyes out over the students and raised his voice. "But we aren't the violent goons they accuse us of being. We will defend ourselves if pushed but the Gate Network needs to see we deserve a seat at the table. Even if, initially, we're just there to keep the true goons in check." He smiled at the kids.

"Hey, Earth, Altaria, and the Tik? We're the good guys!"

The teens exploded with cheers and he waved at them as he gestured for Gee, Bal, and BassDrop to come forward. They did so, reluctantly but waved to the kids too. The cheering just got louder.

A bell rang indicating the school day had concluded.

"Why can't I get this kind of reaction with my staff pep talks at the Embassy or Trade Office?" Jack asked the Altarians but they just gave him weary stares.

Principal Wallace stepped forward and shook his hand vigorously causing Jack to wince.

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry!" the man gushed when he realized what he'd done.

"It's ok," Jack insisted gently flexing his hand. "Now I need to speak to Nann then I really have to get going."

"Of course, you can use the spare office in the main building," he offered. The Principal waved over Nann to meet them at the stairs.

Jack nodded and they left the stage to walk through the crowd of students. Jack gave a lot of high fiving which, luckily, didn't hurt his knuckles. BassDrop really enjoyed doing high fives as well. Many pictures were taken with the kids but eventually they made their way through the crowd and over to the offices.

The Principal had to be gently excluded from participating in the conversation but soon enough they were alone.

Nann immediately looked to BassDrop. "Do you have any news about Ray Sharif?"

Leo and Maxim's smiles slipped away as they heard the pain in their friend's voice. Jack looked to her in concern.

"I'm sorry, but your friend is still in self-imposed seclusion." BassDrop said.

"What happened to Ray?" Jack asked.

Nann looked to him with pain in her eyes. "A few years back I had a little bout with illness. It was serious but curable and it really shook Ray. He suddenly realized he was going to outlive us... by a great deal and that deeply affected him. The concept of his longevity hadn't sunk in. His new body will give him the ability to see millennia go by but he still has a human mind. He went to Chuuruthia to speak with the oldest Tik, Socrates and Plato then locked himself away. He's refused all requests from us to speak with him."

"Maybe he needs to speak to a psychiatrist or a counsellor? Someone who understands the human mind? Not that any of us could truly comprehend his unique situation but a more intimate understanding of humanity might serve him better than an understanding of the nature of longevity," Jack suggested.

"I will address your suggestion with the ones named Socrates and Plato. Please note, Ray has secluded himself from us as well."

"Stubborn bastard!" Nann snapped.

"Da, he was and is," Maxim said softly.

Nann glanced to Maxim and walked over to give him a hug. She hugged Leo as well. When she pulled back she seemed calmer, more at peace. She looked to Maxim. "So... what's this madness that Leo convinced you to join?"

"This is not a secure location to discuss details," Gee suggested.

Maxim nodded to the Altarian. "It's to help a friend. Pure and simple," he said with an innocent look.

Nann gave him a skeptical look. "Yeah, well, I'd better come along to keep an eye on you two."

Jack gave her a troubled look. "What about your teaching job?"

She smiled at him. "Don't get me wrong. I love teaching history. It's a passion of mine. But you have a Tik joining you which likely means history will be made. Being part of historic events beats teaching about them."

Jack smiled at her then shared a look with his grim faced Altarian escorts. "There's still a high probability of failure and even if we succeed we may be considered more infamous rather than famous."

Nann fixed an eye on him. "Are you still doing it?"

He blinked at her. "Of course."

"That's good enough for me. Let's go!" Nann said.

Jack looked at the three soldiers who smiled back at him. He realized in his rush to get moving he'd missed a critical detail. "Shouldn't you guys have bags, weapons, armor?"

Nann waved his concerns away. "Don't worry about that. The Colonel will hook us up."

"Colonel?" Jack asked.

"Cha'Risa got a promotion. She's still working." When Jack made to protest, Nann lifted her hand to stop him. "It's a desk job. She's probably about to go mad by this time. Stealing her away will be a tender mercy."

Nann walked to the door and opened it. Waiting outside, trying to look casual was the principal.

"Morley, I'm afraid I'm giving you my notice as of this moment. Destiny is calling, I'm off to participate in history. I won't be returning so I wish you and the students at this fine institution the best of luck in your future."

The man appeared shocked as his mouth was moving but nothing was coming out. There was a little wistfulness in his eyes as if he wanted to go too.

Jack shook his hand, ignoring the ache in his own. "Thank you for the opportunity to speak with the kids. It was a tremendous honor."

The man absolutely glowed with pride at Jack's words. Gee and Bal nodded to the man and BassDrop shook his hand.

When they got outside they were met by grim faced men in Earth Council Security Forces uniforms. One stepped forward with a tablet in his hand. "Ambassador Danner. Agents Gee and Bal. Nann Graf. Leo Orlov. Maxim Volkov. We have orders to detain you for questioning." He glanced at the Tik. "You aren't the one called Ray Sharif are you?"

"No, my name is BassDrop."

The officer looked back to the tablet. "We don't have any orders for you."

"May I come with you? I'm documenting the events around the Ambassador and I must say I wasn't expecting his journey to take this turn." After a pause, the man nodded.

"How did you find us?" Leo asked.

The officer directed them towards the waiting van and they moved towards it. "Social Media is flooded with videos and photos of you and all are geotagged. It really wasn't hard."

Clambering into the van they took seats. Jack saw Gee and Bal looked a little sad but also a little relieved.

Jack ground his teeth. He wasn't ready to admit defeat. He would get out of this somehow.

He had his suspicions who set the Earth Council Security Forces on his trail.

Chapter 14

Hellna sat in Queen Elissa's waiting room as the ruler was on a call with the Deen-Diin trying to gain support with the Gate Network members.

She glanced down at the tablet in her hand and once more confirmed she'd queued the vids for Elissa to see. Jack had been a very busy boy since her two best agents snuck him off the planet. That thought pained her as she was left with no recourse but to relieve them of their duties when they returned. She was loath to press charges against them but she might have to.

She frowned once more as she thought what a bad influence Jack was. He wasn't just a busy boy, he was a bad boy too.

That thought took her mind to sexy places which made her squirm in her chair so she focused on her frustration with the man to calm her. She glanced at Marina who wasn't watching her but had this... little smile on her lips.

She was about to ask her what she was smiling about when the comm beeped.

"You can go in now," the assistant told her.

Hellna walked into Elissa's office and gave her friend a worried look. The queen looked exhausted. "When was the last time you got some sleep?"

Elissa smiled wearily. "Soon. Did you find Jack?"

Hellna smiled at the hope in Elissa's voice. "Yes, he's actually been really easy to find if you know how to search on Earth's social network." At Elissa's curious look Hellna gestured to the large display on the wall and received a nod. She linked her tablet and a still appeared of Jack standing between two humans wearing fake horns.

"What?" Elissa blurted in surprise.

Hellna smirked at her friend. "Apparently, Jack has a fan club on Earth or maybe more than one as they're dressed so differently." She played the vid.

Elissa gasped in fright when the Phem Kalos assassin appeared but both females fell silent as they watched Jack destroy him. Elissa squeaked in shock when he pissed all over the defeated warrior. She traded looks with Hellna who'd also been affected by his display.

"He... fights well," Hellna acknowledged with a slight catch in her voice.

Elissa snorted then returned to the business at hand. "What was Jack doing at the dance club in Russia?"

Hellna nodded as she struggled to regain her equilibrium. She switched the image on the screen to a still someone took of the group leaving the club. "He is accompanied by Gee and Bal as well as an unknown Tik and a man named Leo Orlov."

Elissa nodded slightly. "I know that name."

Hellna displayed a shot from a party at Elissa's home. There was the Earth commando team smiling for the camera.

"He was one of the Earth Council Security Forces personnel who assisted in Jack's rescue. The next reference we have is a single picture of Jack posing with some hospital workers in St Petersburg, Russia. His hands are bandaged so the fight the night before caused him a little damage."

Elissa made a sympathetic sound.

Hellna shook her head and continued. "He next surfaces in a big way at a small high school in Australia. You can see Maxim is now with him and you can see in the corner of this image Nann Graf, another member of the team. I checked. All three are retired. None are soldiers any longer."

She played the vid of Jack giving his speech to the students and Elissa had tears in her eyes and a huge smile on her face when the kids cheered for him. Her heart was yearning for Jack to return.

"Oh, bring him home Hellna! Bring him home before he tackles something bigger than he can defeat."

"I contacted the Earth Council Security Forces for them to pick him up for questioning," Hellna assured her. "Once he's in their custody I'll request they send him back through a Gate to us."

She suddenly looked uncomfortable and Elissa's smile slipped away. "What is it?"

"That message Jack sent to the Phem Kalos? We found a video on the Dark Net showing Jaas' reaction to it." She played the final clip she had.

Elissa gasped as she saw what was left of Vecc.

Both females jumped when Elissa's comm chirped. They shared a look as Hellna broke the connection between her tablet and the screen.

"Yes, Marina?"

"Priority call from Judge Aaros."

Elissa and Hellna shared a worried look. Not a friendly call just to say hello.

"Put it up on the big screen."

Soon they were looking at the distraught faces of the Judge and Eve.

"What is it? What's happened? Not another attack?" Elissa gasped.

"No! Nothing like that but the twins are missing!" Aaros replied.

"How did the kidnappers get past the agents we have on your property?" Hellna exclaimed.

Eve and Aaros looked flustered. It was Eve who continued. "They weren't abducted. They left a note. It said they were going to Phem Kalos to help Jack free their mother."

"What? How do they expect to get there?" Elissa asked.

"We have no idea but you shouldn't underestimate them. If there's a way, they'll find it." Eve suggested.

There was a commotion out of the range of the camera then the zoom on the camera automatically widened to include one of the ebony security agents who'd been on duty at the property. She looked a little agitated and kept glancing to the Judge and Eve.

"Permission to speak openly, Agent Day," the Minister of Security said.

The agent gave a quick nod. "We've had a serious breach at the estate. One of our vans was infiltrated and a variety of items were removed. A... note was left behind apologizing for the theft and indicating their father would reimburse the Ministry for the items."

"What kind of items?" Hellna asked.

Now the agent looked very uncomfortable. "No energy weapons but a variety of throwing blades." Another shift of unease. "And explosives. Approximately 30 explosive seed pods stored in a rolled gel strip. Two dozen conventional charges with micro detonators. And three spark charges."

"Why would they take explosives?!? They don't know how to use them!" Elissa cried.

Now it was Hellna's turn to look uncomfortable. "Actually, they probably do. Gee and Bal took them through Agent basic training and they flew through the course in record time. I gave the agents permission to begin the twins on more advanced lessons."

Hellna looked to the screen. "When did the breach take place?" she asked.

The agent shook her head. "We don't know. We can't tell how they got past the lock on the doors. We wouldn't have known about the theft except for the note they left, inside the van in the back."

Eve spoke next. "I put them to bed last night. This morning they weren't there but their pursuit orbs were gone so I thought they were outside exercising. They need a lot of exercise. When they weren't inside for lunch we started to worry and search. We found the note just before supper time," she explained.

"That's approximately when we discovered the breach," the agent added.

Hellna looked to Elissa. "So we have a rather large window when they may have left. If their intent was to go to Phem Kalos they'd have to go to the Gate Terminal. We've stopped shipments to the planet due to their potentially hostile activity-"

"Excuse me? Did you actually say 'potentially'?" Eve said tersely.

Hellna nodded stiffly.

"I think Vecc's admission of Jaas' possession of SennLann proves their involvement in the kidnapping," Elissa said gently. Hellna looked to the Queen then nodded slowly.

"Regardless, there are no cargo shipments going to Phem Kalos for the last week. The Tik wouldn't allow the twins to pass through a Cargo Gate. They'd have to get a customs agent to open a Gate for them off planet and that's just not going to happen."

Eve stared at Hellna until she sighed and used her comm to contact the Gate Terminal. She moved off to the side as she made the call. The others just traded looks as they waited.

Hellna returned with a troubled expression. "This morning at around 3:45AM, one of the closed customs agent stations spontaneously activated and opened a Gate."'

"Where did the Gate go?" Elissa asked in dread.

"Phem Kalos... but according to the report I was given, the Passenger Gate entrance on Altaria was directed to a Cargo Gate exit on Phem Kalos," Hellna replied.

"They can do that?" Elissa asked.

"I've never heard of it being done and the Tik certainly wouldn't approve, but I think the twins just proved it works. Just don't ask me how they did it," Hellna said.

"We need to speak to the Tik at the Cargo Gate on Phem Kalos!" Eve blurted.

"We'll ask the Tik at our Cargo Gate to speak to it. If the twins have managed to somehow get to Phem Kalos, there isn't anything we can do about it," Hellna insisted.

Eve made a very loud and rude sound in her frustration and walked out of the view of the camera as Aaros watched her go with a look of concern.

Agent Day spoke next. "What are your orders Minister?"

Hellna glanced at the screen, obviously upset. "No change. Continue the protection detail."

The agent nodded and left the picture as well. The screen automatically reset to only focus on the Judge.

"Aaros, we will keep the household in the loop on our findings," Elissa said.

"Thank you," she said and the screen went dark.

Hellna gave Elissa a defensive look but the Queen just closed her eyes and raised her hands in surrender. "We must work in the interests of the people, our laws, and our civilization. That is our paramount responsibility as much as it sometimes chafes."

She sighed wearily. She had one more call to make before she could call it a day and get some rest.

"I just hope Jack can forgive us when we bring him home."

Chapter 15

Colonel Cha'Risa Ash gently tapped her finger pad on the desk surface to disconnect her call. Had she allowed her true feelings to show she might have driven her fist through the surface. When command had 'offered' her this new position she'd had no idea how deep into the mire of politics she'd be sinking. She was a tactical officer, meant to command a team of specialists in the field on covert missions against opponents that often vastly outnumbered her team. She'd brought them all home time after time until the mission when she'd lost Ray. Once she'd finished the Allsa Komanae hunting missions and tidied up the smuggling ring she was given a promotion which brought her to this place. Lost in administrative hell. She should have retired with her team.

Rubbing her face, she leaned back in her chair and stared out her floor to ceiling office window, with its glorious view of the plain grey wall of the hallway that went past a row of equally gloomy offices. When she first arrived in this purgatory she'd tried to connect with her fellow inmates but discovered they enjoyed this work. So... she became an outcast amongst the outcasts. She'd requested a change of assignment but suspected they just wanted her to give up and resign her commission. She'd never given up anything in her life.

Sighing she glanced at the desk to see who she'd be calling next. Movement drew her eyes up and she saw a group of grim faced security officers walking by. She jolted upright in her chair when Nann walked by closely followed by Leo and Maxim. They hadn't spotted her.

Her heart twisted in her chest when a Tik hovered by but she caught it's markings and knew it wasn't Ray. Still-

She actually squeaked in surprise when the two Altarian Agents went by and nodded to her. Seeing Jack Danner waving at her as he walked by brought her right up and out of her chair. The group was followed by four more surly looking security officers. She shut down her terminal, probably triggering a mark against her in her quarterly performance review report. She stepped out into the hall and walked after them.

The group was separated into two interrogation rooms, humans in one, everything else in another. The officers closed the doors then four of them left while the remaining four took up station next to the doors. Cha'Risa boldly approached the security officers by the door to the room her friends were in.

"You collected the trouble-makers?" she grumbled.

The two men snapped to attention seeing her insignia. "Yes, Colonel."

"Have the charges been presented to them yet?" she snapped.

"No, Colonel. We just arrived," one said.

She snapped her fingers as she held out her hand to the one who spoke. When he blinked at her, her scowl intensified. "The warrant, give it."

He quickly handed her his tablet. She scanned the page quickly and snorted. "What is this?" she glared at the officer.

"It's the warrant-"

"There's nothing here! Suspicion of complicity in potential conspiracy against foreign- GEEZUS! Who wrote this piece of shit?"

She shoved the tablet back into the hands of the officer. She opened the door and went in as the two guards glanced at each other with troubled expressions.

Leo and Maxim began to smile but dropped them when they saw her expression.

Cha'Risa made a sound quietly through her teeth. The three went completely still, their training kicking in. "The warrant that brought you three in is beyond vague but hints at conspiring to overthrow a foreign government. Any evidence to support that charge?"

The three passed glances back and forth. Maxim recalled Gee telling him the room wasn't secure when they spoke to Nann but he went over what was said and found nothing truly incriminating. Suggestive but not truly incriminating. Nothing they'd said in the public spaces had been sensitive either. He looked up at Cha'Risa and glanced down to indicate negative. Leo and Nann did the same. She touched her temple with her fingers. "Right," she sighed, relaxing a little.

She put the scowl back on her face and knocked on the door. The security officer opened it and she stepped out. She immediately moved to the other agents who straightened their posture. She held out her hand and the officer immediately handed her the tablet. A quick scan of the data and she sighed. "Shit. Babysitting duty." She handed the tablet back and immediately entered the room. "I'm Colonel Ash. We were asked by the Altarian Ministry of Security to deliver you to them. This will happen momentarily. First, an interrogator will ask you a few questions in regards to a potential conspiracy to overthrow a foreign government with the three who came in with you. Do you understand?"

Gee and Bal nodded and touched Jack's hands to get him to remain quiet.

With a nod Cha'Risa knocked on the door. When the door opened she stepped out and came face to face with Colonel Gerrit. The man had been a thorn in her side since her arrival. Tall, dark, handsome, with muscles where they needed to be. Physically, she found him very attractive. It was his air of entitlement and his need to be right about everything, especially when he was wrong, that repulsed her.

"Colonel Ash! What are you doing in my interrogation rooms?" The way he said her name always sounded like he was saying 'Ass' so it had to be intentional on his part. She suddenly saw the opportunity to short circuit his little witch hunt.

"This time it seems like I'm saving your ass from embarrassment. I've seen first year cadets write up tighter warrants than the one you brought these three in with," she said pointing a thumb at the door where Nann and the boys waited. "Their honor has been measured and found true beyond any shadow of doubt."

Gerrit bristled at her tone but she continued. "And are you aware of the significance of the Ambassador in this room? No, of course you aren't as you don't have sufficient clearance." That jab was particularly effective in rattling the man's cool. Gerrit had been under suspicion as a colluder by the internal investigators as they dug out the rot the Mahrell Drun had seeded in every level of Earth's government. He'd missed out on all the 'glory' of the rescue and the subsequent elevated security levels.

With his insistence on following the minutia of every rule and regulation, he'd hindered many of the investigations to weeding out the corrupt officers. The best they'd been able to do with the officers of questionable loyalty is move them to ineffective positions... and keep an eye on them. It irked Cha'Risa beyond measure that she found herself now in their company.

"The warrant was sufficient based on the statements made by the Ambassador regarding Phem Kalos!" he snapped.

"Oh? Did the Ambassador state he was planning on invading Phem Kalos to overthrow its government?" Cha'Risa asked with interest.

"Of course not! He was highly critical of the practices of this foreign government and, on a personal level, he accused them of kidnapping one of his alien harem!"

Cha'Risa saw the quirk of distaste on the man's lips. "Careful Colonel, your xenophobia is showing." Gerrit snarled at her but she continued. "Unless the Ambassador has explicitly stated his intentions to visit the planet for said purpose, you have nothing but suspicions. Basing a warrant on that is an abuse of your authority and I'll be submitting a CN-303E-97232 form to the appropriate departments to report this unless you immediately abort this groundless investigation."

Gerrit's nostrils were flaring with suppressed rage as he knew she was right and, in spite of his hate for her, he was impressed that she was even aware of that particular form. Eyes locked on hers, he spoke to the guards. "Release Nann Graf, Leo Orlov, and Maxim Volkov." Then he turned his eyes to the other guards. "I'll deliver the Ambassador to the Gate Terminal now."

"We'll deliver him," Cha'Risa corrected him.

He fixed a cold eye on her. "I will do the hand-off as I made the initial contact with the Altarian Ministry." She nodded.

Nann, Leo and Maxim exited the room and glanced at the angry look in the new Colonel's eyes.

Cha'Risa turned to them. "We'll accompany the Ambassador to Altaria."

Gerrit's face just darkened with anger.

The other guards opened the door to the second interrogation room and gestured to the occupants to exit. Soon the vestibule was rather crowded. Gerrit addressed Jack.

"Ambassador Danner, I'm Colonel Gerrit. I'll be escorting you back to Altaria at the request of the Altarian Minister of Security under the orders of the Queen of Altaria."

Jack just gave him a stony glare and a small nod.

Somewhat mollified, the Colonel led the way down the hall to the elevator bank. They all squeezed in and took it down to the basement where they were met by four more security officers and boarded a large van. This flew them to the Gate Terminal. The procession entered the building and Gerrit spoke to the customs agent.

When he returned he looked straight at Jack.

"I understand the Minister of Security will be meeting us on the other side so I'll go through first with two of my agents. You and your agents will follow." He glanced at Cha'Risa. "How the rest choose to enter is up to you. Gate 1."

BassDrop moved to Jack's side and extended a metallic tentacle. Jack's grim look cleared for a moment as he shook it in surprise. The Tik floated away towards the Gate room as Jack watched in disappointment. Gerrit watched and smiled slightly. He turned and led the way again.

When they entered they saw BassDrop was resting on the floor charging himself from a wall plug next to Gate 1. Without a second glance Gerrit puffed up his chest and stepped through the mirrored surface. Two of his agents followed while two others took up position on either side of the gate to ensure the Ambassador entered.

With four more security agents bringing up the rear Jack had no choice but to step through with Gee and Bal right behind him.

Cha'Risa glanced at her team and they stepped through next.

BassDrop suddenly hummed up to full power and rose to quickly slip in front of the two agents moving to enter the gate. "My apologies for rudely butting in like this," it said before slipping through the Gate before the agents.

They scowled then the final two followed to bring up the rear. Colonel Gerrit was waiting on the other side. When he saw them he scowled.

"Where's the Ambassador?" he barked.

The agents glanced at each other. "They all went through. We're the last two," one agent replied.

"DAMMIT!" Gerrit swore. He turned back to face the ire of the Security Minister.

"You just had to bring three people through a Gate," she huffed then spun to storm off with two black Altarian security officers in her wake.

Gerrit turned to one of his agents. "Get us a Gate for Earth!" he barked and the agent hustled away.

He didn't know how Ash did it but he knew she'd fucked him over. He'd submit a CN-303E-97232 on her the moment he returned.

-=-

Jack prepared himself to face Hellna and took a deep breath to calm himself so he wouldn't say anything rude right at the start. He'd ease himself into that.

When he stepped through the mirror he stumbled to a stop in shock. He soon felt small hands on his back pushing him forward, away from the Gate exit.

"Jack, do not block the way through," Gee scolded.

Up ahead Jack could see the Customs agent desk and waiting for him to approach was a small orange ball of fur. He was on Wuu! "What? How?" he muttered.

Cha'Risa and her team stepped through and looked around in surprise. "Where are we?" she asked.

"You are on Wuu, as Gee requested," BassDrop said as it moved further into the room.

Jack looked at the pleased smile on Gee's face. "How did you know I wanted to go to Wuu?"

Bal frowned at him. "We work... worked for the Altarian Security Ministry. You didn't think you could keep your plan a secret from us forever did you?"

"You bugged my comm?" he gasped.

The two agents just gave him a look which told him he was being a slow student again.

He sighed. "Of course you bugged my comm."

Cha'Risa looked to the Tik. "I thought it took two Tik to open a Gate."

BassDrop tilted forward in a nod. "That's correct but altering the destination of one already open is something a single Tik can do. Something Gee and Bal were aware of when they asked me to intervene."

Jack looked to the Tik. "I'm grateful you did but I was under the impression that you were only going to be an observer."

"I'm here to observe the historic events you are setting out to undertake. That was being interfered with. So I merely balanced that interference with a little of my own," the Tik explained.

Jack grinned at it and gave the Tik a high five. Then his brow furrowed again. "Wait! When did you discuss this with them?"

"If you'd stopped pacing in the interrogation room you might have been more observant," Bal griped.

"There is still the matter of the equipment Colonel Ash was going to arrange for the team," Gee said looking at them.

Cha'Risa smiled. "If I can get access to a line to Earth I can make the necessary arrangements."

"I'm sure that won't be a problem," Jack assured her as he turned to walk to the customs desk.

The Wuu was vibrating slightly as Jack stopped before it. "Ambassador Danner with my security detail. Here to speak with the Wuu Leader, if possible."

"Greetings Ambassador Danner!" the customs agent's voice came from its translator. "It is an honor- oh! You are wearing the Skrahak bone caps on your weapons!" Its voice became a little more excited and its vibrating became more obvious.

Jack grinned and nodded. Obviously, he had a fan here too. "Yes, from the Dynast Class brute I killed."

A loud purring noise filled the Wuu's booth making Jack chuckle.

"Have a profitable visit, Ambassador Danner!" the Wuu said and Jack nodded as he headed to the exit with his group following.

They stopped by a bank of public comms. "I should 'officially' contact the Wuu Leader's office and ask for an audience," Jack stated.

Cha'Risa and Nann gave him an incredulous look as they thought this had already been set up.

"Jack flies by the ass of his pants," Gee grumbled.

"It's 'seat of his pants'..." he mumbled indignantly, looking at her in annoyance. He turned back to the comm and dialed the number.

"Wuu Leader Office. State your business," a clipped voice stated bluntly.

Jack knew how to play this game. "Ambassador Danner from Altaria, requesting an audience with the Wuu Leader to discuss matters of mutual interest."

The clipped voice immediately became warmer. "Ambassador Danner! Your gift arrived today! We weren't aware you would be visiting as well!"

"An informal visit. Pleasure, not business," Jack clarified. "I brought along some warrior friends of mine."

Jack heard a purr on the line. "You are at the Gate Terminal in the capital?"

"We are."

"I'll have a van pick you up. How many in the party?"

"Eight."

"Ten minutes. Looking forward to your visit!" The line went dead.

Jack looked at the comm in surprise at the abrupt disconnection but put it back on its base.

"They hung up on you," Gee sighed resignedly.

Jack rolled his eyes at her pessimism. "Ten minutes until our ride arrives." He looked to Cha'Risa. "You can make your arrangements now. Have them deliver it to the Wuu Palace, in care of you. How quick can you get your equipment?" he asked.

"In hours or next day delivery," she replied.

Jack nodded. "Tomorrow is fine." He smiled at the group. "Tonight we dine!"

-=-

The Wuu Leader was feeling especially satisfied with the evening's entertainment. Jack Danner was mesmerizing the gathering of government officials with his tale of his Skrahak hunt. The large room was filled with excited Wuu and the Leader could smell their blood lust was almost at fever pitch.

Dinner would be served moments from now and it was looking forward to the delight when the main course would be announced to be fresh Skrahak! The present from the Ambassador was most welcome and exceptionally generous. The Wuu Leader wasn't certain if they'd be able to consume so much! They'd certainly try!

When Jack reached the point in his story where his two Altarian friends had attacked the Skrahak to draw it away from the younglings, the Leader was most impressed. That their deadly weapons barely managed to annoy such a large adversary just made Jack's crippling blow that much more exciting. The space filled with cheers as he described feasting that night on a large steak from his kill.

The Wuu Leader had been keeping his eyes on the grass eaters as Jack spoke and was once more surprised how they didn't look away in fear or revulsion. They were definitely made of stronger stuff than the rest of their species. Still the Altarians understood honor and were excellent trade partners even if the Humans got a larger share of their market.

Speaking of Humans, the warriors Jack brought with him were reputedly amongst the select group that initially took Allsa One and Allsa Komanae! The Leader wanted so much to hunt with them. It would be glorious!

It wasn't keen on the presence of the machine being in their group but if Jack vouched for it then he could accept it.

The servers arrived and the cheering reached new levels of volume as the scent of roasted Skrahak filled the room.

The Leader moved to the podium and silence fell.

"Our honored guest, Ambassador Danner, has brought us fresh Skrahak from Chrystan. Maybe not from a Dynast Class..." It paused for the amused purrs. "...but still very welcome! Enjoy!"

A roar of approval rolled through the hall and Jack grinned at the Wuu. The food was served and the noise lessened as everyone enjoyed their meals.

The Leader was pleased to see the Earth warriors were all enjoying a large slab of the meat accompanied by some cooked tubers and greens. The Altarians passed on the steaks but enjoyed the vegetables. They showed no aversion to being surrounded by meat eaters. Ambassador Danner's steak was very large and he seemed to be really enjoying it.

One of the chefs stopped by to assure the Leader that all of the servers and kitchen staff would be able to enjoy some of this feast as well.

It was a very satisfying evening indeed!

-=-

Jack finally pushed his plate away as he was stuffed. The Wuu really knew how to roast meat! He saw the others were winding down as well. The Wuu Leader was gesturing with the knife it used to cut the steak so he turned his attention to it.

"That injury you have on your face. It looks fresh. How did it happen?" it asked.

"A Klaekta assassin team, hired by the Phem Kalos ruler, attacked Gee, Bal, my twins and I while we were on Shoo Duu Dhen for a marathon," Jack replied.

"This sounds like another excellent story!" the Wuu purred.

Jack smiled and noted the room had gone quiet as he had all ears... or whatever organ the orange fur balls used for hearing.

He told the story as dramatically as he could without stretching the truth and saw they were loving it.

As he finished the story by describing the poison they found on the horns of the assassins, the Wuu Leader screeched in outrage, startling Jack.

"FFFAAAHHH! Poison! The least honorable way to kill!" it growled and the sound was picked up by the other Wuu.

Jack nodded. "There were two substances on their horns. A poison to kill the twins and a paralytic to stun me so they could deliver me to the Phem Kalos leader. I believe he intended to torture and kill me because I insulted him. He sent one of his warriors to kill me last night." Jack held up his bandaged fists. "I broke him and sent him back to his master with the message that I wasn't impressed."

The Wuu Leader went still. "Jaas Tenn Gunnk is proving to be as persistent as he is bloodthirsty. You might need to address this... directly."

Jack nodded. It was time to set the hook. "The Dynast Class Skrahak was a formidable opponent but my next hunt is going to be the most dangerous yet."

The Wuu Leader shivered with excitement.

Cha'Risa couldn't contain herself. "There is still a large obstacle to any plan of us... going on this hunt," she said, picking up the euphemism Jack was using. "We cannot march through a Gate armed for... hunting! The Tik wouldn't allow it!" BassDrop tipped forward and back slightly as a nod.

Jack sighed as he watched the Wuu Leader. Inside he was grinning like an idiot. He could kiss Cha'Risa for her perfect timing.

The Wuu went still then began to purr loudly. "Ambassador Danner, I believe the Wuu might be able to assist you on this hunting expedition. We enjoy the activity as well and would welcome the opportunity to hunt alongside you and your warrior friends."

Jack nodded thoughtfully as if he was considering the idea. "That would make for a much better hunt... but only if the hunting party restricted itself to targeting just the fiercest and most aggressive targets. Non-combatants are strictly off limits."

"Naturally. We are of like mind on that issue, completely," the Wuu Leader assured him.

"And the expedition would be for the experience alone. No claims would be made," Jack continued.

"Agreed. It will be a glorious experience and this is enough," the Leader purred.

Now it was Nann's turn to let her curiosity loose. "What about the Gate?"

Jack smiled at her. "We're not traveling by Gate."

"A space ship!" Leo blurted excitedly and Maxim's grin matched his friend's.

Jack nodded. His last experience with true space travel in a ship was at the hands of the Allsa Komanae so that dimmed his own enthusiasm. "Your ship has room for our group?"

"We prefer large spaces so, yes," the Leader confirmed. "We will obtain cryogenic sleep pods for you and your friends. Jump space is not a pleasant experience for the mind. We will be ready by end of day tomorrow." Jack nodded to it with a smile. Then it moved to face the gathering.

"TO THE HUNT!" it bellowed and the others roared in unison.

Jack shared a smile with Cha'Risa who gave him an impressed look.

He turned his smile to the Altarians but they just rolled their eyes.

Meh, you couldn't impress everyone.

Chapter 16

"ARE MY WARRIORS GRASS EATERS?!?" Jaas raged as he paced back and forth in the main hall before a collection of his troops. The large room was smelling better now that the corpse of Vecc had been removed. He'd have to thank Skarl for suggesting it was time.

"THESE ARE FEMALES! YOU ARE WARRIORS!" he roared.

His bloodlust was on him and he desperately needed to kill someone. Except he couldn't afford to lose any more warriors and he'd recently found killing the weak civilians did nothing to quench his hunger.

Finally he returned to his chair. "What happened with the incoming relief warriors at the docks last night?" he growled.

As Skarl was working with the techs to identify some crisis at the Gate Terminal, his third in command Daag Tees Jiik was standing before him uneasily, reading from the tablet in his big fist.

"The ship had been enroute for four days from the Eastern Continent. It was in the harbor moving to the dock when there was an explosion on its port side at the water line. The source of the explosion is unknown at this time. The ship quickly began taking on water as they continued to attempt to reach the dock. We only managed to save a third of the Warriors. The rest went down with the ship or drowned when they leapt off the ship and sank in the deep water. Four were crushed between the ship and the dock."

Jaas grit his teeth. "How many civilian deaths?"

Daag looked at him in surprise then back to the tablet. "Uh... none. The flotation devices on the ship were designed for their size and weight so they stayed afloat. The dock workers were able to get them out of the water."

Jaas glared at Daag but realized he couldn't kill him either. "How many warriors are able to join the ranks?"

"We saved sixty but ten were injured. Fifty warriors were integrated into the ground troops. They are being brought up to speed on the latest methods for dealing with-"

"DEALING WITH?!? YOU AREN'T DEALING WITH ANYTHING!" Jaas roared as he leapt from the seat. He shook himself to relieve some of the stress. "What about the traps we're setting? Have we captured any of them?"

Daag brightened up as he saw something on his tablet. "We managed to corner three on a rooftop- oh."

"What?" Jaas asked grimly.

"One of the three leapt onto the face of a warrior and they fell off the roof, killing two warriors on the ground. She somehow pulled the pins on his grenades after they landed."

Jaas shook his head in shock. "What of the other two on the roof?"

Daag looked back to the tablet. "Uh... they escaped in the confusion."

Jaas shook with rage. Someone needed killing. "We've captured none of them?"

His third in command glanced to the warriors behind him then back to his tablet. "Uh... we did capture one."

"WHERE IS SHE?" the leader stepped closer to his Lieutenant.

"She splashed acid on the face of Bobh Vess Klarh, the warrior who caught her. He lost an eye and ear to her," Daag said gesturing to the warrior at the front of the group with a bandage wrapped over half of his face.

"Where is she?" Jaas repeated quietly and the group shifted uneasily at the deadly tone in his voice.

Daag looked back at his leader in fear. "Bobh killed her."

Jaas lunged at the bandaged warrior with fangs and claws out but collided with Skarl, who'd just arrived, and they went down in a pile. The leader had his claws against his second in command's throat but Skarl didn't blink as he held his gaze. Jaas saw... acceptance there and it shook him. "What are you doing?" he hissed quietly.

Something crossed Skarl's face then he sighed. "Kill any more of your warriors... and you lose," he whispered.

The leader growled and climbed to his feet. He glared balefully at Bobh then made his way back to his chair.

Skarl stood up as well and accepted the grateful looks from Bobh and Daag. "Go hunt for a beer," he said to the two as he took the tablet. He waved the warriors out of the room but shook his head when the civilian looked for permission to leave as well. The City Commissioner still had to make a report and needed to hear his. Skarl turned to approach his leader as the warriors left quickly. He touched the tablet a few times to bring up his report. He was getting better with the tech but needed more lessons from Dennie. He frowned as he hadn't seen him today.

"What wonderful news do you have to report? What went wrong at the Gate Terminal?" Jaas growled.

Skarl sighed quietly "We may have spotted the twins on the planet."

"WHAT!?!" Jaas bellowed as he leapt to his feet once more. "Why wasn't I notified immediately?"

Skarl shook his head. "There wasn't conclusive proof as the cameras in the Cargo Gate facility only caught two black streaks shooting through the Gate before there was an EMP burst knocking out the power momentarily. Even the Tik were dazed for as short time. The second image we got was of a tail slipping out through a ventilation duct. It's the twins or something else that has tails. It doesn't make sense for the twins to come here-"

Jaas finally smiled but it wasn't a friendly one. "Unless they are coming to find their mother! They're what, six? How hard can it be to catch two children?" Then his smile soured as he recalled how much trouble their mother and the other females were giving his warriors.

"We're losing warriors every night to injuries. Specifically cut ankle tendons. It doesn't kill them but they can't walk or run. We've housed them all in the barracks outside the palace entrance but we'll run out of room there soon," Skarl explained. "We can't see the enemy coming and we can't catch them. Their eyesight is better at night. They move faster, silently, and with greater agility. They only attack at night and searching during the day hasn't found any sign of them."

Jaas glared at him for a moment. "I'm ordering a curfew. Any females found on the streets between nightfall and sunrise will be shot. Tonight we'll issue warnings but starting tomorrow, death."

Skarl opened his mouth to ask if Jaas had been listening to him at all but the City Commissioner's shocked gasp drew their attention. "There are females who have to be out at night as that's when they go to or return from work!"

Frustrated, Jaas stepped over to the smaller male and backhanded him, knocking him to the ground. "You're a fool for not realizing we're at war."

"With females?" the commissioner exclaimed in bewilderment.

"Worse! With the idea that females are somehow more than just that, female. They're acting out! That needs to be squashed viciously or they'll start believing they have power... and are somehow our equal! Don't you understand?!? If they have their way, our very way of life is lost. Society as we know it crumbles!" Jaas barked at them. The Commissioner continued to blink stupidly at him. "Get out! Tell them!" The City official scrambled to his feet and ran from the room.

Jaas turned to glare at Skarl. "Find a way to capture one of these females so I can interrogate it." His second in command nodded then turned paused to speak.

"Something is wrong with network security. I need assistance from Dennie-"

"Find another tech."

Skarl blinked at Jaas' tone. "But he's the one-"

"Find. Another. Tech."

A chill ran down Skarl's back and his stomach twisted painfully. He gave a brief nod then left the room.

Jaas walked to a window and brooded as he looked out over the city as the sun set. The path, the words that turned his life around and set him on this course to victory, gave him no directions on how to deal with this kind of enemy. They weren't fighting for their honor. They were fighting to survive.

Somewhere out there in that growing darkness was his enemy. He needed them exposed where he could see them and strike them down.

And he was running out of warriors.

-=-

SennLann looked out at the gathering of her 'guerillas' and allowed herself just a moment of satisfaction. The message was getting out and the females who'd been abused, abandoned, or threatened were flocking to her cause. Even the females who were safe in their homes with caring families or secure in their occupations made requests to join them. SennLann let them know they could be more help remaining in their places in society, keeping tabs on the movement of the warriors, and providing information, food, and supplies to the fighters. They'd gone through their bolt of black fabric and a second funeral home had given them a second bolt.

She passed her eyes over all of the frightened but resolute expressions and suddenly realized how proud she was of them. She was proud of being a Phem Kalos! There was greatness in each and every one of them! The memory of the additional losses they'd had surfaced in her mind once more and she made a note to address that point once more. Martyrs helped their enemies more than it helped them.

Their numbers had reached a critical point. While not huge, thirty fighters was too many to safely house in one hideout. She was going to announce the group was being split in two. She'd spoken to FrenHall about this and she'd agreed to lead the second team.

SennLann raised her hands and the gentle murmurs immediately ended. It was time to begin.

She gave them their pep talk and praised individually those who'd shown excellent judgement the day before. Their efforts didn't always yield casualties amongst their enemies but as long as they all got to fight another day and kept the enemy frustrated and off balance, it was a victory.

She turned her face to Ghret and Tess. The absence of Strell was deeply felt. "What happened?"

Ghret spoke for them. "We saw a patrol of five approaching through the neighborhood up ahead. Behind us a truck arrived to make a delivery. We lost all shadows that way so we went up. We thought the patrol had passed us when the door to the roof crashed open and a young female was roughly shoved out and fell to the roof. A warrior followed her out. He looked back and told his partners to wait their turn. She was a friend of Miri and worked at the palace. They were going to rape her. I slipped around the outer wall and wedged the door to the stairwell closed. The girl ran to the edge to throw herself off but Tess tackled her. That's when the warrior must have realized Tess was one of us and charged at her and the girl." Ghret stopped as Tess began to cry. She hugged her friend and the group remained silent until Tess had recovered.

Picking up the story where she left off Ghret looked to SennLann. "Strell leapt on his head and scratched his eyes but he gripped her leg and was moving too fast to stop when he hit the low outer wall. He went over and took Strell with him. We looked over the edge and saw them hit. Strell landed on top of his body but we could see she was hurt. She pulled the pins on his grenades just before the last two members of the patrol still on the ground arrived. The blast killed them all. The warriors behind the locked stairwell door tried to blow it with one of their grenades but it was too strong and collapsed the top flight of stairs so they couldn't get to us. We used a power line to cross to a neighboring building then went down the stairs and out a back door to escape. The young female, we left with her friend who lived in that building."

SennLann fought back her own tears as she recalled the night she'd met Strell. How she was one of the first to join and how caring she had been. "It is painful to lose a friend, a loved one. What else was learned?"

Ghret's eyes flashed to hers, filled with pain and shock but... acceptance. She saw SennLann's pain as well. "Instead of waiting on the roof, we should have immediately moved to the other roof and slipped away in the ni-"

"If you had, that young female would have been raped by the three warriors. Undoubtedly, she would have been killed afterwards," SennLann interrupted.

Ghret twitched in surprise. She hadn't expected that from their leader. She struggled to find a solution to the events but her mind went around and around. She couldn't see a winning scenario. The options were just too limited.

SennLann sighed with a nod as she saw Ghret reach her conclusion. "Sometimes... there is no way to save everybody. It is difficult to accept that. Painful too but we can only do our best." She looked into the eyes of Ghret and Tess. "I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend."

Ghret and Tess moved to SennLann and she hugged them as tears were shed. She let this continue for a short time then gently pushed them back. "We must prepare for the night as our enemy will want blood for their fallen warriors and our job is to ensure the only blood spilled is their own."

SennLann was long past the point where she could recall the quotes from the war movies she and Jack watched but she knew one thing. She was never going to watch another one of those movies again. Diana mentioned something about 'Rom Com' and she thought she might like to try those next. She gave herself a shake to bring herself back to the moment.

"We've grown too large to continue to stay in one hideout. As of tonight, I'm splitting the group. FrenHall will lead Team 2. Fifteen of you will be assigned to her team. We may shift you between groups as we go to balance the teams. If more people join we may need to create a third team. We have contact points for sharing intel and we will orchestrate our attacks to cause the most disruption we can while remaining invisible. That is our mandate. Strike from the shadows and live for tomorrow."

She nodded to FrenHall who began calling out names to build her team. They'd created the list together earlier that day.

"SennLann!"

Everyone turned to see Macelyn rush into the room out of breath.

"Strangers... dressed in black... a male and two females... making their way... towards the... center of... the city!" she gasped out.

"Dressed in black?" SennLann asked in surprise. The female nodded to her. SennLann gestured to Ghret and Tess to join her and they all followed Macelyn as she rushed back outside, always keeping to the shadows. SennLann was very pleased with how careful her people were. They'd learned well.

It took them a few minutes to catch up to the newcomers. She kept her people back and gestured for Ghret and Tess to go up on the roof of the single story garage under construction to scope out the street ahead.

The moment they disappeared up the side of the building there was a roar ahead and the sound of fighting. Macelyn and SennLann slipped up to the corner of the building and peered around it.

The young male was protecting the two females by spinning and jabbing a black staff at two warriors. He was slowly forcing them back towards the garage but had to dodge the powerful swipes from his two opponents. By their somewhat sluggish reactions it was highly likely the warriors were drunk but that didn't make them less deadly. One had half of his head in bandages but he managed to score a blow against the smaller male's shoulder and blood splashed. The two females screamed as their protector was driven to one knee.

The non-bandaged warrior prepared a killing blow.

Ghret and Tess dropped from above with heavy construction bricks held in their outstretched arms. Concrete blocks met the skulls of the warriors and bone gave way in a spray of gore catching everyone in the area.

SennLann rushed around the corner as the male turned to face the two new attackers but dropped his staff. Macelyn was at SennLann's elbow as they looked closely at the three. The two young females went to the male to immediately begin wrapping strips of cloth over the wound as they glanced at the new arrivals.

"We can't stay here. We have to move. Now!" SennLann said tersely. She looked at the bodies. She wished they could hide them as she wanted the fact that they were this far outside the core of the city to remain a secret.

"It's you! Princess SennLann!" one of the females gasped. The young male looked at SennLann in shock as well.

As if reading her mind, the male stood and moved to the sewer cover and opened it. He dragged the bodies one handed over to the opening and dropped them in. The cover went back on and the male slumped. All that was left was a blood stain and smear leading to the sewer grate. They kicked sand over that. Best they could do. She nodded her thanks to the male.

SennLann looked at the blood and brains on her two fighters. "Get them moving. We have to get you all cleaned up and get a real bandage on that shoulder. But we need to move NOW!" she hissed and they moved.

The new arrivals weren't as skilled at keeping to the deepest shadows but they managed to keep up. SennLann led them to a building a short way from the hideout as it had water and a small medic bay they'd set up. She turned to Macelyn.

"Go tell FrenHall that we've had an incursion of warriors this far out so we need to rotate 90 and find new accommodations," she said holding the other's eyes. Macelyn nodded and rushed away. Their plans for the night had just changed. No attacks. Just new hideouts.

It was odd that there was just the two warriors. They always patrolled in teams of five. Being drunk this far out from the core of the city was also odd. There were no taverns out here so they must have been drinking closer to the center of the city then made their way out here, but again why?

Tess directed the group into the makeshift shower room they'd set up and showed the newcomers how to quickly rinse the blood and gore away. Luckily the evening was warm so being wet wasn't so unpleasant.

Ghret began applying a bandage to the cuts on the male's shoulder. He was a nice looking specimen and traded shy looks with Ghret.

"Who are you and why are you dressed like that?" SennLann insisted.

The taller of the two females stepped forward. "I'm Neema Fenn Trett. This is my sister Lorna Fenn Trett and our older brother, Ghray Fenn Trett. We're from Emmor, a small village a two day walk from here. There are no warriors in our village so we have an easier time moving around and getting information. We've been listening to reports of your progress in the city. We've come to help!"

SennLann stared at them in shock. "How is information about us being shared?"

"Independent radio. King FennLann introduced radio a few years ago. An ancient technology from a planet called Earth! Audio only. The Eastern continent didn't want it so they aren't even aware of the reports going out from the capital nor are they checking these wavelengths. There are three separate independent stations in the city alone. Stations farther out pick up the stories and broadcast them again. We've all been listening with great interest to your battle!" Neema said excitedly.

"It's not a battle. It's a revolution." SennLann said.

Eyes went wide.

"The day of the warrior caste is over. The people of Phem Kalos deserve to control their own destinies and have a say in the governance of their world," SennLann stated. She looked at the three young people. A plan was forming in her mind. "You want to help?" Three eager nods. "Spread the word. Make sure the people know what we're really fighting for. Their future! They need to know. Can you do this?"

More excited nods.

"You'll come with us tonight as we move to locate a new hideout. I'll give you the details and tomorrow you head back to begin spreading the word. How does that sound?"

"It sounds incredible!" Lorna gushed.

Macelyn rushed back into the room. "SennLann! We just got word that a ship carrying reinforcements from the Eastern Continent sank as it entered the harbor today! Only a third of the Warriors, maybe forty to fifty managed to get off the ship before it sank taking the rest into the deep water!"

SennLann looked at Macelyn in confusion. "Why did he send his warriors by ship? They could have gotten here much faster by flying transport!"

Macelyn just shrugged.

"Why did it sink?" SennLann asked.

"The report said there was an explosion shortly after it entered the harbor. No idea what caused it," Macelyn said.

"It was a good thing for us though!" SennLann sighed. So fifty more warriors to deal with. That was less than welcome news but better than one hundred and fifty.

"Also, FrenHall wants to speak to you about rescuing the concubines from the palace," Macelyn said quietly with a concerned look and SennLann moaned.

"I'll go talk with her, again," SennLann said. She turned to the two young females who were watching her breathlessly. "Macelyn will get you proper stealth gowns and will guide you to the new location." She looked at Ghret and Ghray who were speaking quietly to each other with small smiles on their faces. They didn't need any help, obviously.

Tess joined her as she made her way back to the hideout. Almost everyone had left, moving off to locate two new places to hide in the morning.

FrenHall was waiting for her with two other black garbed females. They looked terrified so they were the new recruits. FrenHall would take good care of them.

"We need to get them out!" FrenHall launched into her argument the moment SennLann arrived.

"We will but it can't be just yet. There is much too much heat on us and the palace is too well guarded. Once we've established two bases we can launch simultaneous attacks in multiple locations. That will create a diversion, maybe one large enough to clear sufficient personnel from the palace. We will get them but we will do it my way!" SennLann said with a reasonable tone but with barely disguised frustration.

FrenHall looked her straight in the eye and fidgeted. She knew she couldn't get into the palace unseen without SennLann's assistance. "Soon," was all she said as she turned to leave, gesturing for the two newbies to follow her.

SennLann sagged. She shared a look with Tess. "Come on. Let's find us a new place to rest our heads."

She only hoped FrenHall's impatience didn't cause them all to lose their heads.

Chapter 17

"Ambassador Danner? Ambassador Danner? Jack? Please wake up."

Jack's mind struggled to comprehend these outrageous demands as his consciousness moved through a heavy fog.

"Jack, you must wake up. Your body is malfunctioning."

Recognition finally flared to life. That was BassDrop. The Tik.

"Mmmmmwwwzzzzzz-"

"No, don't try to talk aloud. Your body is still asleep. I just woke your mind. Just think the words to me."

That request was odd enough to make Jack's eyes open. Then he realized he couldn't.

"Mmm-" No, think words.

"BassDrop. What. Happened?"

"Good! I was worried your brain might have been damaged when the changes began."

"Changes?"

"The cryogenic sleep pod the Wuu procured for you appears to be unable to cope with your unique physiology. Once we were underway and slipped into jump space, it began to make alarming noises so I investigated. Your hair has detached from your body-"

"MMMMzzzz!"

"Think the words, Mr. Danner."

"I lost my hair?" he finally managed.

"No, it's still in the chamber with you. It's just not attached to you any longer. It's fascinating! All hairs have detached!"

Jack was silent for a moment just so he could let that sink in. He'd complained about his long hair for years. Now it was gone. How was he supposed to feel about that?

"Jack? Your heart rate is a little high."

"Trying to cope with more changes, BassDrop. Give me a moment. Wait... did you say ALL hairs?"

"Yes. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and even body hair!"

Jack wanted to scream. He was so tired of having to adjust to every change his crazy genetics threw at him. Now he was going to look like a naked mole rat... with horns! DAMMIT!

"Please remain calm Ambassador Danner! I'm having difficulty recalibrating the sleep pod to keep you alive. Remaining calm would help me significantly."

Coming back to himself, Jack pictured a calm and serene mountainside meadow and put himself in it. He was surprised and delighted at how real it all felt. The sun was warm on his skin, the grass was soft under his ass and crossed legs, and he could smell the wild flowers the gentle breeze brought to him. He took slow, deep breaths of the fresh air and felt a serenity settling over his mind.

"Oh my! I hadn't expected that!" BassDrop gasped.

Jack kept a firm grip on the mountain-view and spared a bit of his attention for the Tik. "Expected what?"

"That I would feel... what you feel!" was the awed reply.

Jack considered this and his grasp on his peaceful scene began to slip. "How are we communicating?"

He felt the Tik's hesitance and its surprise that this came through the link as well. Jack understood now and the meadow disappeared. "It's the collar. Isn't it."

"I'm very sorry for the intrusion but I needed to know if your cognition had been affected," the Tik said contritely.

Jack sighed. The sharing was very intimate but he could see the necessity.

"I thought the receiver was broken," Jack said.

"It remains so. I bypassed it with a direct connection. It took me some time to decipher the signal but I finally managed it. The technology in this collar is... breathtaking! AH! That wasn't a term I understood until now!"

Jack sighed. He couldn't get angry about this. The Tik was keeping him alive. "Can you fix the sleep pod?"

"Yes, I believe I can but it will take time. I need you to remain conscious until it is ready."

Jack didn't think that sounded too bad. "How long will that take?"

"No more than six hours I estimate."

Jack felt a wave of relief, he could do six hours.

BassDrop eventually broke the silence. "Where was that mountain meadow located?" it asked curiously.

"Hmmm? Oh, that was just an amalgam of images I've seen and memories of real meadows."

Now it was the Tik's turn to be silent for a time. "That wasn't a real place?" BassDrop asked incredulously, drawing a surprised chuckle from Jack.

"No, but it certainly felt real, didn't it!"

"How is this possible?"

Jack was confused by the question. "How was what possible?"

BassDrop paused as it collected its thoughts. "Tik perceive reality in wavelengths most organic life cannot perceive. It's incredibly beautiful and profoundly humbling. It serves as one of the primary factors for our appreciation of all life. What I just experienced through you wasn't real but it was layered with your perception of reality. I was not expecting to be able to... access that."

Jack twitched when he flashed back to the sensation of glass shards in his brain, a memory of the Allsa Komanae's presence in the link.

The Tik twitched as well and made an odd sound. "Pain, I'm familiar with but nothing like that. I'm sorry if my link to you makes you re-experience this."

Jack brought himself back to the meadow in his mind and felt the soothing peace return. Once he was calm he addressed the silent Tik. "That's what the collar was designed for. It captures all of my sensations and shares them, whether I want to or not. Unlike the Allsa Komanae, I can't actually sense you at all in the link. If you didn't speak to me I wouldn't know you were there."

"Can you... imagine other places? With other sensations?" BassDrop asked hopefully.

Jack smiled to himself as he relaxed in the meadow. "What kind of sensation?"

"Every kind!" the Tik said excitedly.

Jack recalled Club Spade and thought of the dancing he'd done there. He was suddenly in the club, out in the dance floor jumping and dancing to the driving beat of BassDrop's music. The heat of the bodies all around him, bumping into others by accident or intention, some bodies soft and others not, the joy of just moving. His lungs expanding and contracting powerfully, sucking in air to power his muscles which burned and tingled. There was a tang in the air, sweat, musk, cologne and perfume.

"Please return to the meadow! Reduce your heart rate."

And they were back amongst the flowers. Jack felt himself calming immediately.

"That was... intense!" the Tik said in awe. "I see why the young enjoy the club so much now. This experience will greatly improve my music I believe. Now that I know what you feel when you dance to my music, I can tune the experience-"

"Hang on there, you're only experiencing my perception. Not everyone feels the same things," Jack insisted. "I think your link is strengthening and stabilizing the memories. I can't normally hold a memory for that long nor do I typically feel the sensations so sharply."

"I am holding the memories as I'm recording the experience. It's what Tik do." The Tik's attention left for a second. "I'm sorry, I must focus more of my resources on your cryogenic unit which is proving to be more difficult to recalibrate than I first anticipated. You can remain here or in some other comforting memory."

Jack rested back with his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. He felt the warmth of the sun on his face and the cool breeze brought him the sweet scents surrounding him. The grasses below him were soft and gently tickled his sides.

He wondered if he'd be able to fall asleep as he felt so at peace. The only thing that would make this better would be having his family with him.

This made him think about Diana. A pang of guilt coursed through him as he still felt responsible for what happened to her. He should have been there-

He felt gentle fingers touch his lips and his eyes opened. There was Diana, reclining next to him, pushed up on one elbow gazing down into his eyes, with love in hers. She flipped her ebony hair back over her shoulder as a smile slipped onto her lovely lips. She leaned over him and kissed him tenderly. Then she snuggled down next to him. Jack blinked at how real it all felt. How- he suddenly recalled this was a memory from his time with Diana on Harruusha. As memories went, it was pretty damn good. She was tight against his side. That felt so good and his heart swelled with love for the beauty... His hands slid into her silky hair and he kissed her sweetly as they stood at the end of his bed in his apartment. She sighed and the kiss deepened as she began to make little needful sighs... Jack's need for her flared as he moved his lips to her throat, her body stretched out across his on the mattress. Diana gasped and wrapped her fingers around his stiff cock... The intensity made Jack moan then he moved to Diana's large tits as he pressed her body back against the wall of his shower. Hot water sprayed over them as he sucked and teased her stiff nipples making her gasp and thrash... Jack rolled them over on the bed and moved down to taste her. Diana only managed to take this for a short time before she pulled him up her body, hands gripping his horns. He wasted no time as he drove himself deep into her heat. Diana cried out in bliss. Her heels hooked around his legs and she pulled him deeper as his strokes sped up. Soon he was pounding her with his hips against the mattress as she clung to his horns. Diana called out his name and the sound was so sweet to his ears. Her release was quick and explosive and he was right there with her. They clung to each other as they caught their breath.

"I love you, Diana."

She smiled at him, love shining in her eyes. "I love you too, Jack," she said as she faded away.

Jack's heart leapt in his chest until he recalled he was just reliving memories and her fading meant nothing other than that.

With that came a sick realization that he wasn't alone with his thoughts.

As he hadn't been on Allsa Komanae.

"BassDrop, you... experienced that too, didn't you," he said stiffly.

"My sincerest apologies at the invasion of your privacy. I- I didn't know how to interrupt you once you began. Then I- I couldn't. It was a completely novel experience. The intensity of the intimacy. No Tik has ever 'made love'. That's what it was, wasn't it?"

Jack's frustration was threatening to choke him. He knew the Tik truly meant no harm. It was fighting to keep him alive but it still felt like a horrifying invasion.

As it had been when he was enslaved.

His mind began filling with a pressure he had to release.

Jack was suddenly standing at the end of a long concrete pier facing a violent and angry sea. Waves slammed into the pier unrelentingly. Cold, salty spray splashed down on him from the spent waves.

Forks of lightning flashed from dark clouds and a chill rain pelted his body as wild winds tried to rip him from the pier.

Facing all of this, he unleashed his screams of raw rage and frustration.

Eventually, slowly, his rage drained away and gradually the sea calmed, the rain stopped, and the winds became gentle breezes while he steadied his breathing. He inhaled slowly through his nose and exhaled through his mouth in controlled breaths. He felt... better. Not perfect, but better.

"Jack? Are you... well?" BassDrop asked nervously.

Jack sighed. "Yes... sorry. I had- I just had to let go of the anger and frustration." He was beginning to get tired of speaking to the air so he imagined BassDrop hovering before him. That was better.

"Oh! What an odd sensation of displacement! I'm looking at myself from your perspective!"

"Lots of new experiences for you today," Jack sighed. Then he thought of something. "These experiences. You're going to share them with the other Tik, aren't you."

"Yes. We share all of our knowledge and experiences. These will be especially valuable."

Jack frowned. "I don't suppose I could convince you to forget or erase them-" At the Tik's gasp he knew he was asking the impossible. "Ah, I see, but the thing is, those experiences were not only intensely intimate, they were extremely personal. They weren't meant to be shared beyond Diana and myself. They should never have been shared at all."

BassDrop was quiet for a time as Jack made himself comfortable in the meadow again.

"I'm sorry Jack. Tik cannot delete memories and we must share our experiences for the improvement of all Tik. I've flagged all memories I'm retaining from my link with you as sensitive which means the Tik will not refer to them outside of our collective. Nor will they be shared with Tik which haven't developed a sufficient level of experience."

Jack contemplated that and sighed as he recognized this was the best answer he was going to get in this situation. "Fine."

Suddenly everything went black for a time then Jack felt a hard surface under his back and his chest hurt. He couldn't see any light or hear any sound.

"Jack! Are you... well?" BassDrop's voice, inside his head again.

"Ow."

"Does that mean you are well?" the Tik asked.

"I'm alive." He felt his face and there was something wrapped over his eyes. A metallic tentacle gently moved his hands from it.

"We are still in jump space. It would not be good for you to try to perceive the sights and sounds of this place."

"What happened?" Jack asked.

"I had to remove you from the pod. The software began to have cascade failures. This would have led to your permanent death so I pulled you out. You needed to be shocked back to a normal heart rhythm. I'm sorry about the bruising to your chest."

"So... how long until we arrive?" he asked.

"We are still in the dilation of jump space. I understand we will depart jump space with only three days having passed externally. Inside the bubble, it takes... far longer, hence the cryogenics. I had assumed I could get your chamber working while it was operating but that effort failed, badly. Now that you aren't in the chamber I can factory reset the device and begin recalibration from scratch. This will take two to three days. If I'm successful, you may enter the chamber and sleep out the remaining time."

"If you can't?" Jack asked.

"Then I will keep you company for the three months the journey inside the bubble will take."

"Will I have to remain awake?" Jack asked nervously.

"Oh! No, that was just while you were in the chamber. You may sleep as you like now. You may wish to sleep as much as possible to make the time pass more quickly."

Jack felt a little better but not much. He'd keep his fingers crossed that the Tik would be successful. Three months was a long time to spend blind and deaf with only a voice in your head to talk to.

Shit.

-=-

Gee struggled to open her eyes. Sounds faded in and out and her muscles felt like mush.

"Drink this."

A bottle was pressed against her palm and someone wrapped her fingers around it. Her hand finally recalled what to do and gripped on its own. She slowly lifted the bottle and the opening touched her cheek. She slid it over until it reached her lips and slowly tilted it back. It was a shock when the liquid hit her tongue as that organ didn't seem to know what to make of the flavors swirling around on it. Instinctively, she swallowed and felt the liquid strike her stomach which wasn't happy about the new arrival.

"Keep it down, Gee. Swallow it all."

Something familiar about that voice.

She continued to swallow and each one was a struggle. Her body said no each time but she managed it. She actually began to feel energy returning to her muscles in short order and her head started to clear.

Gee's eyes finally managed to focus on the face standing before her and something... something wasn't right!

Jack smiled at her look of confusion. "What? You don't like my new look?"

She cleared her throat before she tried to speak, her eyes going up to his horns, locked onto his eyes in surprise, then back down to his jaw.

She frowned. "What have you done?"

Jack snorted at her mild accusation as he reached up to run his fingers through his new hair. Only reaching mid-neck, it was nowhere near as long as it had been when the chamber fucked him up.

When BassDrop determined it needed a proper medical scanner to get accurate readings for Jack's unique physiology to calibrate the cryogenics unit, Jack found he'd had time on his hands. He'd remained awake while the others slept the journey away. He was able to sleep from time to time but jump space did nasty things to his subconscious and the nightmares had been... epic.

He'd spent the three months blindfolded, ear muffled, and linked to BassDrop through his collar to protect his mind against the visual and auditory distortions of jump space. This meant he hadn't been able to see his new look. He recalled the relief when he felt the fuzz of new growth on his scalp and face. He'd been spared from spending the rest of his life completely hairless.

The new hair grew in quickly and far thicker than it had previously been. It was also jet black. Most likely a present of the monochromatism aspect of his Altarian genes. It was a drastic departure from his original blonde locks. His eyebrows had grown back, again, thicker and black. He was on the fence about his new, thicker and longer eyelashes however.

His facial hair wasn't spared the change either. He'd had time to grow a healthy, thick black beard.

He reminded himself that it could have been far worse. His body hair may have returned as black but at least its density hadn't increased to the point where he was covered in fur!

More disturbing to him had been the change of his eye color. Wide black limbal rings now covered most of his irises with only a hint of the original blue near the edge of his pupils. His eyes were much more like Gee and Bal's though theirs were completely black. Another present from the Altarian genes and virus.

Gee reached out her hands to touch his beard and her eyes widened. "Soft!" she sighed.

Jack pulled away gently and nodded to her as he moved to wake Bal.

Gee watched him gently assist her with her nutrient drink and ease her out of the chamber.

"JACK!" Bal gasped when her eyes opened and she grabbed his beard in both hands.

"Hey! Ow! Let go! It's attached!" he gasped and winced.

Bal's eyes traveled up to his head and she gasped when she saw how short his hair was.

"You CUT your HAIR!?!" Bal barked in outrage.

"No, it fell out and regrew," Jack said gently opening Bal's fingers to release his beard.

Bal looked over at Gee in confusion and shock.

BassDrop was waking Cha'Risa and the others, ensuring they drank their nutrient drinks.

Cha'Risa sat on the edge of her chamber gaping at his change.

Nann gagged on the electrolyte drink and BassDrop wiped her mouth. It lifted her hand to indicate she should drink more. Her eyes finally opened and nodded to the Tik then her eyes locked on Jack in shock. BassDrop moved on to Maxim then Leo.

Once they were all awake and relatively alert, the group gathered at the seating area near the front of the cargo bay the cryogenic units were arranged in. Jack addressed the group.

"Good morning." He grinned at them. "As you can see I've had another little adjustment. My Altarian genes aren't finished it seems. Thankfully, mostly cosmetic this time."

Gee and Bal were looking at him with small and subtle smiles as they liked his new coloration. And his beard.

"What happened?" Cha'Risa asked softly. "What happened to your eyes?!?"

Jack glanced at BassDrop who move forward to answer. "Jack's cryogenic sleep pod could not cope with his mixed biology. His Altarians genetics conflicted with the Human chemistry the chamber was attempting to use to freeze his state. Then the reverse happened. Perhaps his body attempted to... compensate and his Altarian genes asserted themselves, again. When I was unable to calibrate the chamber and his body began to fail I removed him from it," the Tik said.

The group looked at BassDrop in shock. "How long?" Nann asked.

"Three months."

Jack stood as a sudden need to act after such a long wait surged through him. He knew only three days passed in 'reality' but he'd had three months of anxiety over not being there to protect SennLann.

"Our hosts will be joining us shortly, I understand," Jack said.

"What is jump space like?" Leo asked curiously.

Jack glanced at the Tik. "For me it was dark and silent, except for BassDrop's voice." They'd agreed not to go into detail on how the Tik could access his collar. That would remain a secret. To alleviate the boredom, they'd spent a fair amount of time in Jack's imagination and memories. BassDrop had a seemingly endless list of experiences it wanted to record which Jack willingly supplied as it was a good distraction. He wasn't able to fulfill all of the requests and made it clear there wouldn't be any more sexy stuff.

"Because of the eye and ear protection I can't tell you." He paused. "I can say it was boring."

He glanced over at Gee and Bal who were still admiring his beard. "Don't get used to the facial hair! It's going when we get home!"

Gee made a little sound of protest and the commandos burst into chuckles.

The hatch between the cargo bay and the Wuu section of the ship opened and Wuu Leader entered with a few of his crew.

"Ambassador Danner! You- you look like a P'Ti-Kak!" it exclaimed.

Jack blinked at the revulsion in the Wuu's voice as it held very still.

"I'm not sure how to respond to that as I have no idea what a P'Ti-Kak is," he muttered.

Cautiously rolling forward, the Leader stopped a short distance away. "It is you, yes?"

Jack was surprised at how such a small cosmetic change would affect the Wuu's perception of him. "Yes! My hair just changed color because my sleep pod failed. BassDrop saved my life but my body... changed, a little."

The Wuu made a strange noise. "We will address this failure with the manufacturer. They will pay with their lives!" it screeched.

Jack held up his hands. "Whoa! There's no need to kill them! The machine just couldn't work with my hybrid genetics." He eyed the nervous Wuu, concerned about its overreaction. "Seriously, what's a P'Ti-Kak?"

The Wu turned and its crew mates moved a little closer. The Leader turned back to Jack and its trembling just stopped. "An extinct predator on Wuu. Long dead. Your resemblance is... merely surprising."

Jack smiled. He understood now. The Wuu Leader couldn't show fear in front of its people. Even instinctive fear. "Ah, good," he said with a smile.

The Leader continued. "Yes. We are close to Phem Kalos space. We're in orbit above a planet we maintain ownership of and often use for hunting. I've sent some of the crew to collect a few kills. Our cover story is a navigation and control core failure which will take us into Phem Kalos space. When we arrive we will broadcast that we need to make an emergency landing." The Leader gestured to its crew. "The ship is ready to begin its approach to Phem Kalos and once we do there's no turning back. This is the last opportunity to change your minds. One more consideration, we will make it to the surface but it will be a one way trip for this ship. If we leave at all, it will have to be through a Gate."

Jack looked to the others and saw no hesitation, just resolute nods. Emotions swelling in his chest, Jack nodded to the Wuu.

Wuu Leader turned back to its crew. "Set course for Phem Kalos once the hunters are back onboard." The crew rushed away to prepare.

Turning back to Jack, Leader gave himself a little shake to settle its fur. "We'll make planet fall in sixteen hours."

Nann shifted uneasily. "I'm not comfortable with the term, planet fall."

The Wuu purred in amusement.

Chapter 18

SennLann looked up from the map she and Ghret had been drawing battle plans on when she heard a commotion at the entrance to their hideout.

"I have to speak to SennLann! I have an urgent message from FrenHall!" a young voice insisted.

They'd just been finishing before they set out, the sun having set not too long ago. This meant this messenger had traveled in daylight. She looked at Ghret. "Get everyone out now. Tell them this hideout is compromised. We'll use the paint factory tomorrow morning. Let everyone know." Ghret nodded and rushed away.

SennLann was fuming as she approached the young one who was watching her with a look of awe in her eyes.

"You will keep up with me!" she snapped, irritated by the hero worship. SennLann was tired. She slipped out the entrance and shot away from the building, hugging the wall, staying in the darkest shadows. She spared a tiny bit of attention to ensure the messenger was still following.

Finally, six blocks from the hideout SennLann stepped into a doorway and grabbed the young female as she almost rushed by. The youth squeaked in fright.

"It's me! Tell me your message!" SennLann hissed quietly.

"Oh! Uh, FrenHall needs to speak with you immediately. She will be by the old post office."

Huffing in frustration, SennLann knew what this was likely about. Every day it was the same demand. Rescue the concubines! Every day that mission became more of a trap. While they were whittling Jaas' numbers down, the warriors still held the palace, and its inhabitants, in their iron grip. She knew the secret passages but getting that many people out in stealth would be impossible. The concubines were safer where they were.

With a final frustrated look into worshipping eyes, SennLann slipped back out into the alley and moved quickly to get to the post office.

She circled the block twice and saw no sign of a trap. She was surprised and impressed to see the young female had managed to keep up and remain hidden. She was emulating SennLann and copying her every move.

With a quiet snort, she slipped across the block to join FrenHall and Tess who both jumped at her sudden appearance and once more when SennLann's shadow appeared.

"Lana, please join Marress at the fish market," FrenHall said tersely.

"But..."

"Go!" FrenHall snapped.

"Easy!" SennLann admonished her, feeling bad about her own behavior towards the youth. She turned to her and took her hand. "Thank you, Lana. Be safe! You're our future."

With a joyful smile, Lana slipped away.

SennLann turned back to FrenHall whose face held a stricken look.

"Killia is dead. He killed her," FrenHall gasped quietly.

SennLann knew exactly who 'he' was by how bitterly FrenHall said it. She didn't recognize the name Killia, however. "Who-"

"My cousin!" FrenHall managed before she burst into tears. One of the concubines. One of the females SennLann had refused to rescue. Tess pulled FrenHall into a hug as she looked at SennLann in dread. "Jaas broadcast her execution. He said he would kill another one every 12 hours until you surrender yourself. He accused you of setting off the explosions in the armory, the truck depot, and the port. He said he wouldn't tolerate any further inconveniences."

SennLann stared at them in shock. "We're not responsible for the explosions. My team didn't do them."

"Neither did ours," Tess replied as FrenHall got control over her tears.

Sniffing, she aimed her sad eyes at their ebony furred leader. "We cannot wait any longer."

SennLann sighed but knew it was true. She nodded. It was a trap and they'd have to walk right into its mouth.

She realized she'd run out of time.

"Tess, I'm going with FrenHall. Join up with Ghret and tell my team to make as much noise as possible but stay hidden, if they can. Use the grenades. We need to draw as many of the troops out of the palace as possible. Find some volunteers to take control of the broadcast center. Arm them as well as you can to hold it or destroy it if they are going to be overrun. Jaas doesn't get to make another public execution. Go quickly and be safe!"

Tess must have felt something was off as she pulled SennLann into a tight hug. "You be safe, too!" With a quick kiss on the cheek, she rushed away. When they were alone, SennLann looked at FrenHall who was looking at her hopefully if nervously. "You understand, it's a trap. We might not be able to free any of them. We may just die in there. If it comes to that, if I get a chance to take Jaas with me, I will."

FrenHall held her eyes and nodded with conviction. She knew the risks were high and if that's where fate took her, she could settle with taking Jaas to the grave with her.

-=-

It was looking like it was going to be another quiet night with just a token effort made by SennLann and her followers. Fuck, Jaas wanted to feel her neck snap in his hands!

He would have to settle with killing another of his concubines. He hated the waste but he needed something to draw out the leaders of the... he hated to use the term rebellion, as it leant the females some credibility. He'd kill one of the young ones tonight. That would push SennLann and FrenHall to the breaking point.

He noticed the tech suddenly peer closely at his screen then look over his shoulder at him.

"Sir! The... females are launching an offensive on the truck depot on the eastern edge of the city! Several troop carriers are on fire! Ten warriors are confirmed dead. The rest are pinned down."

Jaas wondered at their choice of target. Could they use the trucks as weapons... yes, they could! The energy cells!

"Send six squads of troops to hold the depot and push back the females!" Jaas growled to Skarl who passed the command to his troops.

The tech had tapped into a nearby traffic camera and watched as another truck went up with a brilliant flash.

"Sir?"

"NOT NOW!" Jaas snarled.

The tech looked nervously at Skarl.

"What is it?" the second in command asked quietly.

"We have a distress call broadcasting from an incoming ship."

That caught Jaas' attention. "What? A space craft?" The tech just nodded.

Jaas scowled at the smaller male who touched his controls and the big screen split between the fires at the truck depot and a representation of the planet, the nearby moons, and an approaching dot which seemed to be changing vectors strangely.

"Is it Altarian?" Jaas asked.

The tech tapped the controls and read the response. "No sir, its registry is Wuu."

Jaas had been hoping it was that freak Danner, coming to 'rescue' the Princess. "What is a Wuu ship doing in our region of space?"

The tech spoke into his mic and listened to the response. "They say they were hunting at a planet on the outer edge of their territory. Their control core failed as they were returning to Wuu. They are asking for an emergency landing."

Jaas shook his head as he grimaced in distaste. "Denied. I have no desire to have any of those orange vermin on Phem Kalos. Inform them they must turn back."

"But sir-"

Jaas raised his hand to strike the disobedient tech but was blocked by Skarl who stepped between them. It was too much for Jaas. The frustration of fighting the enemy he couldn't see, and hearing reports of his warriors being bested day after day by these... females... pushed his rage to the breaking point. Jaas grabbed the front of Skarl's uniform and threw him down. He pounced on the fallen Warrior and roared in his face.

"YOU WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH MY DISCIPLINING AGAIN!"

Skarl held his eye insolently then tilted his chin up slightly, exposing his throat.

Jaas felt a wave of unease rush through him. So be it. He raised his hand for the killing blow.

"Sir, the ship has changed vector again. It cannot be redirected. It's entering our atmosphere," a frightened voice interrupted him.

Snarling, Jaas pushed himself off of the prone second in command and turned back to the tech. "Shoot it down."

The tech gasped at the order but quickly connected to the Air Defence Center to give them the order. "They are beginning to fire on the incoming ship." The tech's voice trembled.

The graphic on the big display zoomed in to show the ship's progress and they waited for it to wink out... but it didn't.

"All those guns and they can't hit one ship?" Jaas asked incredulously.

"The ship is moving very oddly but its present course has it landing outside the city," the tech explained.

"How oddly?" Jaas asked quietly.

The tech looked over his shoulder at the big warrior.

"Evasively."

-=-

Nann struggled to keep her stomach from climbing up her throat to escape her body. The ship surged forward again and the internal dampeners struggled to compensate. They'd apparently been turned down to minimal levels to allow the ship to move very quickly.

The concussive bursts shaking the ship told her it was a good thing that they were moving this way. Better to be shaken than shot out of the sky.

She looked across to Leo and Maxim who were giggling like school children on a field trip.

"Is like... best roller coaster ever!" Leo called out to her and Maxim nodded with a big grin.

She aimed a scowl at them then looked to their leader who seemed to be keeping it together. Then Nann noticed the white knuckles and the jumping muscle in Cha'Risa's jaw. She smiled at the woman's attempt to present a brave face.

BassDrop had securely tied itself down with four tentacles to mooring points on the deck. She noticed it was on standby mode. Resting through the ordeal... or just avoiding it.

The Altarian Agents were also sitting still but they had their eyes closed tightly. Likely recalling their long ago tumble through a Gate into the Australian outback. They were probably wishing they were packed in impact gel now as they had been then. Of course, impact gel would be no protection at all in a fall from space. Her stomach lurched at the thought.

Finally, she looked at Jack.

Glancing up she took in the sharp points of his horns. She recalled the preparations Jack had done before they strapped in. He'd opened his duffle and pulled out a wide leather belt with two old leather holsters. Her mind had flashed back to a western movie she'd seen as a kid. She was so relieved to see he was actually going to carry weapons. But instead of the dual six shooters he'd just placed the bone caps from his horns in them. Then he'd warned everyone to stay clear of the points.

Of course Leo and Maxim had asked for a demonstration of exactly how sharp they were. Poking a hole through a metal wall access panel they'd worked loose was sufficient to satisfy their curiosity.

Nann had watched Jack pull two small jars from his bag next and examine them. He seemed to be struggling with a decision then he put one of the jars back into the bag. Jack used a small brush to liberally coat his horn tips with the sticky substance from the remaining jar then it too went back into the duffle. Finally, he'd stuffed the bag into the ship's disposal chute.

As she sat, strapped into her chair her curiosity was burning about what he'd put on his horns. She looked to his face and saw he was utterly calm though the ship jerked one way then the other, up and down accelerating and decelerating in a seemingly random pattern. He... went with it.

"How are you so calm?" she cried out over the noise of the ship complaining.

Jack smiled at her. "I spent three months unable to do anything but wait and worry. This? This is doing something. I have no control over it so I'm thinking about what I'm going to do to that bastard when I get down there."

She nodded to him and actually felt a little better.

She'd feel even better once she got off this crazy ride.

The ship dropped from under them. Leo and Maxim chuckled happily.

Nann scowled and swallowed her stomach once more.

-=-

Jaas watched with the others in the control room as the ship evaded most of the surface to air blasts. The ones that did any damage were only glancing blows and none did sufficient damage to bring it down.

"Current trajectory still has it landing outside of- course change!" the tech called out.

The ship suddenly gained altitude while swinging wildly over the rooftops towards the palace.

"Use the palace guns on it! SHOOT IT!" Jaas bellowed.

"The palace fortifications are still offline. The required energy cells went up in that munitions truck," Skarl said.

Jaas bared his teeth at his second in command then looked back to the screen. The surface to air battery had stopped shooting at it because they were too close to the palace. The cumulative damaged the guns had done finally had an effect as sparks and smoke suddenly exploded from the back of the ship, causing it to lurched sideways. It first looked like it was going to land in the palace courtyard but it skewed and wobbled to the right and crashed down on the barracks, obliterating the building... and his recovering troops.

The view switched to a camera on the opposite side of the courtyard. Jaas was about to order his warriors to attack when the side of the ship blew open and a torrent of small orange fuzz balls poured out, each somehow holding a small spear. Then his eyes widened in surprise and delight. Two Altarian agents stepped out followed by a tall, horned figure. Its mane, including its beard, was black but Jaas was certain it had to be Jack Danner. Four humans carrying weapons and a Tik followed him from the ship.

Jaas smiled as his bloodlust soared. Here was an enemy he could fight face to face. Danner wasn't carrying any weapons. He seemed to prefer hand to hand which made Jaas happier still. He needed to kill someone so badly. Danner's death at his claws would be such a sweet victory after so much frustration.

He picked up the mic as the tech triggered the palace wide paging system. "The horned one is MINE! Kill the rest." Jass looked to the tech. "Order the squads sent to the truck depot to return."

The palace shook with a muted thump and the lights suddenly went out. The screens went dark as well. Their security systems were offline and communications as well.

The emergency lights came on and Jaas looked to his second in command. "Stay here and get the power back on. Get those squads back here. I have a freak to kill."

As Jaas strode purposefully from the command center, he grinned and flexed his claws. Danner's blood would feel good dripping from them.

-=-

SennLann eased her way through the tunnel beneath the palace. She had FrenHall at her back and six volunteers. They were all aware that there was a good chance they weren't getting out alive.

The faint light of their glow sticks gave them all the light they needed to navigate this older tunnel, bored through solid rock. It was smaller and deeper than the others. Ancient, SennLann guessed. FennLann hadn't liked using this one as its narrowness made him nervous. She had no issues with it now as it was going to get them close to the kitchens which were close to the Royal living quarters.

Her team would be starting their diversion now. She hoped they would be safe.

The ground heaved under their feet and only a few of them remained upright after the shockwave passed.

"What was that?" FrenHall gasped as she picked up her glow stick.

SennLann gestured for her to be quiet then moved forward quickly to climb a long set of stairs. They extinguished their glow sticks as they reached the landing at the top of the stairs. SennLann eased closer to the hidden door and listened carefully. Voices were mumbling something. She caught the words 'ship' and 'invaders' then the voices moved away.

SennLann's heart soared. She knew what it had to be! "Jack! He's arrived!" she whispered to the group and quiet but excited squeaks returned. She eased the door open and saw it was dark in the hall as well. Glancing both ways in the hall she saw only emergency lighting was operating. This would make their task easier.

They moved through the dark corridors and reached a fork. FrenHall touched SennLann's shoulder and received a nod. She turned to one of her team.

"Marress, take Jeena and Seva down to the right to the servant's quarters and the kitchen and collect the staff. Get them all out through the tunnel. We're going after the concubines," FrenHall said.

They split up at the fork and SennLann led her group to the left.

At the next intersection, SennLann and FrenHall peered around the corner and saw six elite warriors positioned in a vestibule at the entrance to the royal family living quarters. A corridor led away just beyond them on the other side of the vestibule. SennLann knew that hallway led to the main Audience Hall.

SennLann watched in stunned silence as a pursuit orb rolled erratically across the floor, chittering angrily. She flung out an arm to hold back her team as three of the warriors moved forward to investigate the orb. One managed to grab it but received a nasty shock before it sprung from its hand and zipped away down the far hallway with the others in fast pursuit. The stunned one followed close behind.

While distracted, the other three guards didn't see the twins drop from a vent above them until the black streaks bounced off them and away, running directly towards the hiding females.

As they rounded the corner, SennLann grabbed them. Startled, Adina pressed the button on the trigger in her hand. A terrible boom shook them as the vestibule echoed with the sound. They glanced around the corner and saw the warriors were down, one dead and the others badly injured. Three of FrenHall's team rushed in to take their weapons and hid behind the bodies, covering the entrances to the vestibule.

FrenHall immediately went to the door, unlocked it, and led the way inside. She rushed forward and pulled her sister into her arms.

"Hugs later! We have to go now!" SennLann hissed.

Gunfire rang out in the vestibule behind them and the prisoners shrieked. One of their team poked her head in the door. "We got the three remaining warriors when they came back," she said.

SennLann relaxed just a little and realized she hadn't let go of Adina and Zaina's hands yet. She looked down into their eyes. "Where is your father? Why did he bring you?"

The twins shared a look. "He didn't. We snuck through the Gate," Adina said cautiously.

Zaina rushed to continue. "We discovered you escaped but we couldn't find you."

"Instead, we helped and waited for you to show up," Adina finished.

SennLann stared at her naughty, brave daughters then the sense of urgency returned. "We'll talk when we get to safety!" She looked to FrenHall. "We have to go-"

A burst of gunfire ripped through the air then two warriors were standing in the entrance of the room pointing their nasty little machine guns at the group. Jaas stepped into the room behind them and grinned at SennLann and FrenHall.

"Thank you for gathering in the only room in the palace with no other exit. SennLann, you've proven to be quite problematic but now that you're contained this little 'discontent' can be squashed for good."

SennLann snorted, drawing a scowl from the leader. "We're only a small part of the revolution. Not even the most important part. The message has spread. The day of the Warrior has ended."

"Your message and efforts are meaningless! I'll crush the rest of your people as easily as the three in the hallway," he scoffed.

FrenHall stepped forward and sneared at him. "You can't win if all you can do is fight. The females now know they have nothing left to lose. And they won't be waiting for you in a small little room for you to find and kill. They'll be everywhere. In the dark. While you sleep."

The room suddenly filled with a flash of white light and the sound of electronics sizzling. Before the Warriors could realize the aiming systems in their guns had been fried, the twins were bouncing off their chests.

The concussion wave from the explosions that ripped the two Warriors apart, slapped everyone else from their feet and sent them into oblivion.

-=-

Jack's knuckles ached from punching the Warrior's hard faces so now he had a pair of clubs. They were actually wooden chair legs but so far they'd proven to be harder than the heads he'd thumped them against.

He did his best to stay out of the way of the Wuu warriors. Their swarming attack was actually rather gruesome to watch. The much larger Phem Kalos warriors were proving to be no match for twenty to thirty small orange balls of fur... armed with tiny spears. Up to five of the diminutive warriors might be lost for every Phem Kalos taken down but the effect of seeing your comrades killed by a swarm was extremely demoralizing.

Jack lost track of the four Earth commandos when a squad of warriors suddenly burst through a side door into their midst. That's when Jack had grabbed a handy chair and brained the first one through. The chair broke, as did the skull of the warrior, and Jack was left with his clubs. Gee and Bal pushed him further down the hall as the Commandos went after the remaining four with their blades.

Before he was pushed around a corner by the Altarians and the Wuu, Jack saw a spray of blood from Leo's chest and Maxim grappling with the final warrior. Then Jack was in the thick of it once more as another squad jumped them.

Gee and Bal held their own with their throwing daggers, though collecting them slowed them down.

Jack reached the main Audience Hall before anyone else in his group and found a huge empty chamber. The emergency lights mounted high along the walls around the room were buzzing quietly and cast an eerie light over the space.

He was tired, frustrated, and wanted this done!

"JAAAAAAAAAAS! WHERE ARE YOU, YOU FUCKING COWARD! JAAAAAAAAAAS!" Jack bellowed.

-=-

Jaas cracked open his eyes and lifted a hand to his head. It was ringing badly. He stared around himself and saw his warriors weren't much more than a red smear and chunks. He turned his eyes to the two small children that took them out. He shook his head gently. Madness. Weeks of losing his warriors to females. Now children? He forced himself to his feet and staggered forward. He knew how to deal with naughty infants.

Seizing them by the fur on the back of their necks he lifted them from the ground.

He heard a sound as his hearing returned. "-UCKING COWARD! JAAAAAAAAAAS!" That had to be Danner! And he was close by!

With a final glance at the unconscious females, Jaas rushed out of the room holding the twins out from his body, as they seemed to be waking up. He walked down the corridor and marched boldly into the Audience Hall.

"DANNER! So, you've come to die? You get to see the deaths of these abominations first!"

Jack looked at the twins and saw the fear in their eyes. Dropping the chair legs, he tilted his head down and began to charge directly at Jaas across the wide chamber, keeping his eyes on the twins.

The Warrior Supreme gaped at the freak. Didn't he see he was holding his adopted children? Maybe he didn't care for them after all?

Jaas extended his arms straight forward to put the children directly between him and Danner but the freak just increased his speed.

"OOPLA!" Jack yelled and the twins curled their bodies up to cling to the top of Jaas' arms, their neck fur still caught in his painful grip.

Jaas could no longer see Danner so he lifted his arms higher to peer between them. Then it was too late to avoid Jack's charge as he dipped under the outstretched arms to crash directly into his hardened leather breastplate, just above his stomach. The stiff armor shattered, Jaas lost his wind, and they all went down in a pile, the twins rolling away.

As he struggled to suck air back into his lungs, fire coursed through Jaas' left cheek, just below his eye. A sharp horn had bitten deeply into Phem Kalos flesh.

Jack recovered first and pushed back up to his feet to stagger backwards into the arms of the two Altarian agents.

Cha'Risa and the others ran into the room after him but Jack held up his hands to keep them from shooting Jaas. Jack saw bandages on Leo's chest and another around Maxim's head.

The Wuu rushed in, howling, many covered with the blood of their enemies. Their numbers had decreased as well, but not by many. They quieted when Jack held up his hands again.

The Wuu Leader purred to Jack as he saw the Phem Kalos struggling to his feet. "You have captured the Leader! Do you intend to fight the Phem Kalos hand to hand?"

Jaas stabilized himself on his feet and looked down at his shattered breastplate. He tugged it down and the armor fell away in pieces. The Wuu's words finally registered in his mind and he grinned at the possibility of killing Danner with his bare hands.

There was a sudden commotion behind him as SennLann, FrenHall and the former concubines rushed into the room. Jaas took a few steps away from the entrance to put some space between himself and the angry females. He looked down in surprise as his legs had difficulty moving as they were starting to feel tingly and a little numb. Jaas rubbed his fingers together and they tingled too. His lips also felt odd.

SennLann smiled at Jack and he returned it. Then he looked to the Wuu. "As much as I'd enjoy ending the miserable bastard, this kill doesn't belong to me." He looked beyond Jaas to the group of enraged females who'd lost their husbands and children to the monster before them. "I'd be stealing it from the rightful owners. Jaas' death belongs to them." Jack said, gesturing to the females.

Jaas looked uneasily at the slow approach of the females then back to Jack. No! He would not be denied killing Danner! He tried to lunge toward him but only managed a short shuffle before delicious shivers ran down his spine as his body tingled.

He suddenly recalled a call from the Klaekta assassins asking for poison to put on their horns to kill the twins. His fingers reached up to touch the deep gouge on his cheek. His eyes locked on Danner's only to see the creature touching his own cheek with a wicked knowing grin. Jaas' eyes flicked up to the tips of the black horns. Something was smeared on them. The tingling in his extremities got worse.

A sudden piercing pain shot through his body as daggers plunged into his back. He spun and clumsily managed to knock back three of the females in a lurching backhand but the dam broke. He was swarmed by screaming females who stabbed at him viciously. He choked on a roar as a knife struck his throat. It turned into a wail of agony as he was dragged to the ground. FrenHall was front and center and drove her blade deep into his chest as she bared her teeth in a scream of rage.

Gee stepped forward and handed Jack a wipe. He reached up and carefully cleaned the goo and blood from the tips of his horns. Then he put the caps back on.

"Danner! You poisoned him?!?" the Wuu leader accused incredulously. It sounded outraged.

"Nope. It's just a native herb the Phem Kalos use as a stimulant. Makes them tingle. I understand it's quite enjoyable. I'm wiping it off as I don't want to expose the kids to it."

The Wuu Leader made some odd choking sounds of its own then began to laugh. He finished with purrs at Jack's cleverness.

SennLann hadn't participated in the killing of Jaas, who was wheezing out his last breaths, looking like a very bloody pin cushion. She rushed over and leapt into Jack's arms to kiss him. Then she rubbed her face against his beard and purred very loudly as he held her against his chest. The twins clung to his legs. He set SennLann down and the kids were immediately in his arms and he kissed them too.

"How did you two get here?" he asked.

Adina and Zaina shared a guilty look. "We snuck through the Cargo Gate."

Jack shook his head as he closed his eyes to stop them. "Never mind. It's better if I don't know." He kissed their cheeks again. "I'm just glad you're both safe."

SennLann ran her fingers through his beard. "What happened to your eyes? Why is your hair black? How did you get that scar on your cheek? Why is your face so furry? I'd gotten used to it being naked but I like it this way much more!"

He shook his head with a little smile. "Don't get used to it. I'm shaving it off when we get home."

Her purr deepened as she smiled knowingly.

The pursuit orb rolled by and the younger females began chasing it. The twins twitched. "Go collect it before it drives the others insane or leaves the Audience Hall! Watch for warriors!" Jack told them as they sprang away from him to join the pursuit.

SennLann hugged Jack again. "I was preparing for your arrival. We escaped from the palace and began a revolution! Fighting back from the shadows. We were taking back our rights!"

Jack hugged her again. "That's amazing! I'm so proud of you!"

FrenHall approached and SennLann turned to her. "Jack, may I introduce Queen FrenHall du Tren. This is Jack Danner."

Jack bowed to FrenHall. "Your majesty."

FrenHall blinked in surprise at SennLann for her use of the royal title. She nodded to Jack. "I must thank you for your timely rescue-"

Jack shook his head. "I didn't rescue anyone. You saved yourselves. Me and my friends," he gestured to the commandos, "...we were invited on a hunt with our good friend, the Wuu Leader." The Wuu in question rolled forward and exchanged greetings with FrenHall.

It picked up the story. "Our ship had a problem with its flight control and guidance computer on the way home and we crash landed here. My sincerest apologies for the damage our landing did. As compensation, we will gladly provide protection services for a period of time you may define, after which we will return home," the Wuu suggested. FrenHall blinked at this as she grasped the magnitude of its offer.

Jack nodded. "We were savagely attacked without provocation when we fled the crashed ship. We just stumbled upon a revolution already underway."

SennLann nodded to the Queen as she held her eyes. FrenHall smiled at them both as she understood his meaning.

FrenHall bowed to the Wuu. "We would gratefully accept your assistance in protecting the populace during the transition period."

The ladies behind her all grinned at this.

FrenHall's sister gasped as she saw a warrior walk into the Audience Hall at gunpoint. His armor was gone and all he was wearing was a loin cloth. The smaller tech holding the weapon was wide eyed and nervous but he marched the warrior across the room. The Wuu growled and pointed their spears at the big Phem Kalos but he showed no threatening motions.

To Jack, he looked... relieved.

"Who have you brought to us?" FrenHall asked the tech, her voice tight.

"Jaas' second in command, Skarl Vonn Augg. He saved my life... more than once," the tech answered.

Skarl's head slumped forward. Then he dropped forward on his knees.

"Begging for mercy?" FrenHall snapped.

"No... kill me," Skarl's voice rasped out.

FrenHall's eyes widened. "Kill you? Can't bear being captured? Defeated?" FrenHall's voice was starting to get a little shrill.

"No. Can't bear the memories any longer. The children. I killed them. I killed your children-"

FrenHall was on him in a second, knocking him onto his back with her knife pressed against the side of his neck. Her eyes were wild and she was making a keening sound, her grief being ripped from her soul.

Skarl relaxed under her and lifted his chin to expose his neck as his eyes closed.

No one moved. He was hers to kill. Some of the other mothers screamed at her to do it, to slice his neck open, to end his miserable life. Payment for their children.

FrenHall shook as her body and mind waged a battle. She pushed herself up to look in his eyes as she pressed the blade against the throbbing vein on his neck. Her teeth creaked from the pressure on her clenching and a little spittle dripped from her lip onto his fur.

Skarl's eyes opened in confusion.

"You wish to die? You wish to escape the torment of their cries in your ears, the memory of the terror on their faces?" she hissed.

"YES!" Skarl gasped, his body shaking.

"NO! No, you shall NOT have that peace! You took their lives from us! YOU'RE LIFE BELONGS TO US!" FrenHall screamed.

Skarl looked at her desperately.

"You will wear their murders as stains on your honor. You will work for the rest of your life to balance that terrible debt! And on your deathbed, when you are too old to keep your heart beating, you will ask me again if you may die. Only if you have earned it, will I agree." Tears were dripping down FrenHall's cheeks. "Swear on the souls of our children that you will obey!"

Gasping with the grief tearing at his heart, Skarl held her eyes. "Yes!" he choked out then broke down, weeping for the weight of his sins on his own soul.

FrenHall stood and looked down at the warrior for a moment then turned her eyes to the former prisoners, many of whom had tears in their eyes while others still showed rage.

"No one will grant him the mercy of a swift escape. He will repay his crimes with years of service, sweat, and tears. Is. That. Understood," she growled as her eyes moved to each one with challenge in her eyes. All looked away before she did.

She looked back at Skarl whose expression was one of utter defeat.

One of FrenHall's team rushed into the hall and over to her with a comm in her hand. "FrenHall! Ghret called from the telecommunications building! They've taken it over. The workers there are all helping! They're broadcasting a call to revolution though the audience on the eastern continent is probably very limited." Her expression became grim. "There was one soul on the eastern coast who had a television and caught the message. He contacted the station and said he could see a huge number of Eastern Continent warriors mobilizing."

"How many?" Wuu asked.

The woman with the comm shook her head and no one else seemed to have an answer to that one.

FrenHall looked to Jack nervously. He just tilted his head towards Skarl. Her eyes widened as she realized the resource she had.

"Skarl, you will get the warriors to surrender," FrenHall said.

He shook his head.

"Already you break your oath?!?" she exclaimed.

He twitched painfully as he shook his head again. Then Jack saw him refocus himself. "I meant they won't surrender. Especially to a female. It will never happen. They will fight to the death."

"How many will come?" she asked.

He held her eyes. "Close to seven hundred warriors."

FrenHall gasped. "How will they get that many warriors to the western continent?

"They will send roughly one hundred by air. The rest will come by sea. A four day journey," Skarl explained.

Wuu Leader made a surprised sound. "By sea? On ocean faring ships?"

"Yes."

"Why?" the Wuu asked.

"The Eastern Continent has been planning an invasion for years. The ships are ready and they work. No one watches the sea for invaders any more. It was a practical solution. That's how an eastern mind works."

The Wuu was silent for a moment then it turned to FrenHall. "As enjoyable as it would be to battle with these incoming warriors, I can arrange a more... expedient method of my own. With your permission, I will send some of my people home to Wuu through the Gate to make preparations. I can promise that none of the ship bound warriors will set foot on your continent. The ones who arrive by air will be met by my people."

FrenHall nodded and the Wuu screeched something to its entourage and three rushed away.

"The Gate is under whose control?" Wuu Leader asked.

"The Tik, always," BassDrop offered. "The civilians are still allowed to work but there are no Warriors on site. No one will risk damaging the Gate."

A Wuu rolled quickly into the Audience Hall. "Wuu Leader! More Warriors are arriving in the palace courtyard! At least forty of them!" Its voice sounded more than a little eager.

FrenHall looked to Skarl. "These are the ones Jaas sent to the truck depot and likely any patrols they encountered on the way back," he explained.

"We have sufficient numbers to deal with them. Would you like to join us?" Wuu Leader asked Jack with a grin in its voice.

"I have to get my family back to Altaria," Jack said. "Thank you for everything."

"It was an epic hunt as I suspected it would be," the Wuu Leader purred. "I will send a group with you to the Gate Terminal to ensure you reach your destination." Jack bowed to the Wuu Leader and its purr just got louder. It left with a fair number of its warriors, all eager to get a chance to fight the remaining Phem Kalos warriors.

"We'll stay with the Queen," Cha'Risa said to Jack. She looked to the unhappy expressions on Leo's and Maxim's faces. "You two need medical attention before you go joining any more battles."

Nann stepped forward to speak with FrenHall. "Hello, I'm Nann Graf, a friend of Jack's. I have extensive knowledge of revolutions as I'm a history teacher on Earth. If I might make a suggestion, if you have control of the broadcast systems you should make an announcement of your new government to assure your people there's stability and continuity. Ask them to pass the message along. We can take you there."

FrenHall looked at the commandos with wide eyes as it finally sunk in what it meant to be the Queen to her people and how much more responsibility she had for them. "Yes, please." She looked to Skarl. "You will join us." He nodded, looking lost.

Cha'Risa smiled and shook Jack's hand. "As usual, it was an adventure I'll never forget."

"I don't know how to thank you!" Jack said, his voice becoming a little rough. He gave her a hug as she smiled broadly.

Nann got a hug too and the boys shook their hands and the hands of Gee and Bal as well. FrenHall squeezed Jack and SennLann in a big hug then let the commandos guide her, Skarl, and the surviving members of her team out of room.

The Wuu escorts led Jack, SennLann, and the twins out of the palace where they saw the Wuu overwhelming the arriving warriors. Their group took a different exit to make their way to the Gate Terminal.

As they walked, SennLann recalled her statement to FrenHall that once the dust settled, she and Jack would go home to Altaria to be with her daughters. She looked down at Adina and Zaina's smiling faces and realized this was even better.

They went inside the Terminal Building and said their goodbyes to the Wuu who left in a hurry to join the battle.

Jack and his group met excited male and female workers who arranged a Gate for them to Altaria. It took some time before the Gate accepted the destination. Obviously, someone on the other side was concerned about who was entering from Phem Kalos and was making preparations.

When the mirror surface finally appeared the Tik moved to the front of the group.

"I will leave you now," it said, reaching out a tentacle which Jack touched.

"Thank you for saving my life and for helping me save my family. I have no way of truly repaying you for that," Jack said. SennLann and the twins were looking at Jack nervously at his mentioning being saved by the Tik.

"You have given me experiences that no other Tik has ever shared. The Tik are eternally grateful for this."

Jack's face heated up as he recalled some experiences he wished he'd never shared. "Yes, well... thank you." The Tik moved to the Gate and touched it before entering. No doubt temporarily altering it to go back to Chuuruthia. To share those... experiences with... millions of Tik. Jack sighed.

He looked at Gee and Bal. "Ready?

They nodded. "Let's go home," Gee said.

They walked forward and stepped into a chamber filled with Altarian security. One stepped forward stiffly.

"Gee, Bal, you will surrender your weapons and accompany us to headquarters."

The agents handed over their gowns but left a thin veil wrapped around their bodies for modesty. With a final glance at Jack they left with their escort.

The senior agent then turned to Jack.

"Ambassador Danner?" she asked looking wide eyed at his dark eyes, short black hair and beard. When he nodded, she continued. "By the authority of the Ministry of Security, I hereby place you under arrest."

"WHAT?" SennLann growled loudly.

He turned to her and took her face in his hands. "It's ok. I expected this. Girls! No! Give me your backpacks," he said as he caught the twins preparing to spring him from the trap. They froze at his stern voice.

Jack accepted the bags from them then immediately handed them over to Altarian Security. They relaxed once they had them.

He knelt and hugged his girls and kissed SennLann when he stood back up. Then he let the security team lead him away.

His family was home. He wanted to check on Diana but that would have to wait. They would fill him in soon enough.

They were civilized like that.

-=-

SennLann and the girls watched Jack being led away. Several agents walked up to them. "We will take you to the hospital for an examination. The other members of Ambassador Danner's family will meet you there.

She nodded and took the hands of her daughters. They followed the agents outside and into the back of a van. She wondered if they'd done the same thing to Jack.

It didn't take long to reach the hospital. They were immediately brought to Chief Physician Jinnae who ran some tests and gave SennLann an injection of vitamins. There was deficiency from her diet on Phem Kalos.

"We were told we would see the rest of the family," SennLann insisted once their tests were done.

"Let me take you to Diana," Jinnae said.

"She's the only one who came?" SennLann asked with wide eyes.

The physician looked at her in surprise. "Oh! You were kidnapped that night so you don't know."

SennLann glanced at her daughters and saw they had sad eyes. "What? What happened!?!" she gasped and seized the doctor's hand.

"Diana was critically injured in the attack. She stopped breathing and her heart stopped at the apartment but the paramedics managed to bring her back. We don't have an accurate measurement of how long she was in that state. She came out of the coma a few hours ago but she's still very weak."

"Please take me to her," SennLann asked. The twins hugged her.

They went up a few floors and down a hall to a private room. SennLann rushed forward when she saw Diana on the bed. Eyes turned in her direction but the look on her face was confused. There was a large white bandage around her throat.

SennLann looked back at Jinnae. "What happened to her neck?"

The doctor smiled for Diana's sake. "She was badly injured but some highly skilled surgeons repaired most of the damage. She can't speak yet but the Chuuruthians said they could probably bring back much of the functionality of her larynx."

SennLann moved closer to Diana, right up to the side of the bed near her face. Green eyes tracked her and the confusion was still there.

"Diana, I am so sorry they hurt you!" she said as tears came to her eyes. She lifted one of Diana's hands and pressed it to her cheek. The green eyes locked on hers. She kissed the inside of Diana's wrist and the woman made a small grunt noise.

"Don't try to speak Diana. Your vocal cords aren't ready," Jinnae cautioned as SennLann held her lover's hand.

Diana's eyes went to the physician then back to SennLann with an almost desperate intensity.

"I love you, Diana!" SennLann said softly. She leaned forward and gently kissed Diana on the lips.

The woman squeaked then gurgled but her lips returned the kiss.

"SennLann, please. You are causing her distress!"

"No! She recognizes me!" SennLann gasped.

Beautiful green eyes were filling with tears of joy as flashes of memory identified the lovely feline being as SennLann. She didn't know why her memory was so spotty but it frightened her. Being with someone who she recalled loving was such a relief. She struggled to keep her eyes open but the burst of emotions had drained her. She smiled at SennLann then slipped into sleep once more.

SennLann watched Diana fall asleep and gave Jinnae a worried look.

"It's ok. She's just exhausted. Her body is doing a lot of healing. It was an extremely positive sign that she recognized you."

SennLann gathered her daughters in her arms for a hug then they followed the doctor out of the room. The twins squeaked with happiness when they saw Douglas walking down the corridor with his mother. Then they spotted Eve with Emily and Joseph. They raced ahead to throw their arms around their brothers and sister. SennLann caught up and more hugs were given. Jinnae guided the group into a waiting room as Karrel and Leffera arrived with their own kids Alex and Lillian but also with Max and Gwen. No sign of Queen Elissa though. SennLann and the twins enjoyed more hugs and kisses then they all got comfortable.

"How is Diana?" Karrel asked Jinnae.

The doctor smiled. "She woke earlier today and was awake when SennLann and the twins arrived. She didn't immediately recognize SennLann but after a short time she did. This exhausted her so she fell asleep once more. All in all though, an excellent sign for her recovery. Everyone should expect some confusion from her at first but she is remembering. It would be best if we start the visits tomorrow after she's rested. Small groups. We will have to take it slow. Eve, if you could bring Emily and Joseph tomorrow morning?"

Eve nodded with a smile on her face and gave the kids a hug.

"How is Jack?" Aaros asked SennLann.

"Oh! I should tell you before you see him. He's had another change due to his Altarian genes-"

"What?!?" Jinnae gasped.

SennLann nodded to the shocked faces. "His hair, it's black! And he has a beard! He looks so good!"

The doctor blinked at her. "That's it? His hair color changed?"

SennLann looked at her curiously. "Yes. Oh, and his eye color too! Isn't that enough?"

"How did it happen?" Jinnae asked.

SennLann thought for a moment. "I can't remember if he told me. I don't think he did." She gave her head a shake. "But that's not as important as the fact that Jack's been arrested!" SennLann blurted.

Karrel nodded with a sad look on her face. "Mother told me they would have to if he went after you."

SennLann's fur began to stand on end as her anger grew. Karrel held up her hand to head off the explosion. "We all accept that, of course, he had to go but as our Ambassador he stepped beyond the bounds of our laws. There have to be consequences."

"Tell us what happened on Phem Kalos," Eve asked as everyone wanted to know and that was a less contentious topic.

With a final huff, SennLann settled back in her chair to get comfortable.

There was much to tell.

Chapter 19

Jack woke in his cell feeling... good. His family was safe. His enemy, the latest one at least, was no longer a threat to himself, to his family and to Altaria. He was home. All in all, it had been a pretty successful trip. He rubbed his beard thoughtfully.

While he hadn't been allowed to visit personally, he'd received word from the hospital last night that Diana woke and she'd recognized SennLann. She couldn't speak and was very weak from her ordeal but she was alive and recovering. Thinking about Diana brought a tightness to his throat that made it hard to breathe.

Rather than dwell on what might have happened, Jack rolled off the bunk and it folded into the wall to give him more floor space to do his workout. He'd have preferred a run but beggars and prisoners...

When he was done he stripped off his sweaty one piece and tossed it into the recycler. He touched the controls on the wall and the shower began. Shampoo automatically dispensed onto his head and he scrubbed it in until it washed away. Body wash landed on his shoulders and he scrubbed that over himself as well before it rinsed off.

The hot air blasted him from all sides and he slowly turned in a circle until he felt sufficiently dry. The floor and walls sucked up all the excess water. By the time that was finished, a new one piece was dispensed. He saw this one was white, not the sickly green he'd immediately taken a dislike to.

He dressed and two seats extruded from the floor. The larger one was definitely meant for him but who was his visitor?

He sat and felt the tug of the chair's security field. He wouldn't be leaving the chair until they allowed him up.

The door opened and Queen Elissa entered the room and immediately defeated the purpose of the field by marching across the small room to kiss him. He smiled and kissed her in return.

She pulled back with a sweet but sad smile on her face. "I told them all this wasn't needed but they can't show favor."

Jack nodded. "That's fine. It's quite civilized and very comfortable."

Elissa looked at the seat for her and frowned. "Move it here," she said as she pointed to the spot right before Jack. After a brief pause the chair sank into the floor and a new one came up where she was still pointing. "Thank you."

Jack looked up at the white walls and remembered another room with white walls that hid a viewer gallery. They'd gotten quite a show that day. As his guards got today he supposed. He sighed.

"Is this new coloration permanent?" Elissa asked.

"No idea. I was brought directly here from the Gate Terminal so I never had a chance to speak with Jinnae... or see Diana."

Elissa scowled then looked away. She composed herself then looked him in his eye. "I can't officially thank you for what you've done for Altaria. I can't even personally do it. You know though, don't you?"

Jack nodded.

She looked down and sighed. "You've put me into a very tricky spot." She shifted on her chair. "I spoke with the new Queen of Phem Kalos. She told me quite the story of how you're little hunting party with the Wuu went astray due to technical difficulties. How you just happened to crash land on their planet. How grateful she was that you came to her assistance. Your friends from Earth made quite an impression on the Queen as well. The Wuu Leader has a new exclusive trade partner."

Jack just sat quietly, listening and offering no excuses or explanations.

Elissa sighed. "It's a nice fiction and the Gate Network is gobbling it up as the Wuu make them almost as nervous as Humans do."

She held Jack's eyes with hers. "The truth... what the Altarian courts will see, is the fact that you broke Altarian laws. You are our Ambassador and you, at the very least, participated in overthrowing a foreign government." She raised an eyebrow in question.

"The revolution was in full swing when I arrived. That was SennLann and FrenHall exclusively. They didn't take well to being enslaved. They decided to do something about it." Jack shrugged. "My only interaction with Jaas was to make him release his grip on my daughters. The Queen and her entourage were responsible for his demise-"

"With the help of the Wuu you convinced to join you on this 'hunt'!" Elissa exclaimed.

"Yes, I asked them to join me but, no, the Wuu didn't touch Jaas. Exclusively, that was the Queen and her ladies." Jack said calmly.

"The Wuu are hunting down all of the Warrior caste Phem Kalos and killing them! I received word just before I arrived here that the Wuu sank an... armada of ships... from orbit," she said incredulously.

"What the Wuu do for the new Phem Kalos Queen was arranged between those two. I had nothing to do with any of that," Jack explained.

Elissa saw she wasn't getting through to Jack. "You were ordered not to leave the planet."

"I received no such order."

Elissa gaped at him and he looked back calmly. "What?" she mumbled.

"I left before the order arrived," Jack explained.

Elissa looked down at her hands on her lap. "I'm sorry Jack. You are very clever and I love you very much but I can't protect you from this. You were aware of our need for you to respect our laws. If you were just Jack Danner, your roguish charms might let you get away with what you did. But you're our Ambassador. You broke Altarian Law. If we don't enforce the laws of our society then that society crumbles."

Jack took her hands in his and ran his thumbs over them. "I wasn't telling you those things to show how clever I was. Everything I told you was the truth. I will always speak the truth to you. You can rely on me for that. You can also rely on me to protect the ones I love. This time it was SennLann, the twins, and Altaria. While I didn't kill Jaas or overthrow his government, actions I instigated led to the circumstance where a new government received the support it needed to survive its attempt to replace a hostile and dangerous ruler. They also avoided a tremendous loss of civilian lives. That is definitely interfering with another planet's government. However, this new one is not only not a threat to Altaria, but it will be a better Gate Network citizen and more importantly, it will be better for the people of Phem Kalos."

He smiled at Elissa. "I love Altaria and Altarians but what I love most about it, is also its greatest threat. Your gentle yet tenacious grip on your principles of civilized behavior make you easy prey for the more aggressive, less civilized races."

"Like Humans?" Elissa pouted.

He grinned, "Yes, like Humans. Our civility is a thin veneer but luckily for you, this time you had one of the barbarians on your side."

Jack released her hands and held out his wrists, close together, prepared for handcuffs. "That said, if Altarian laws allow for no flexibility, even for the preservation of the society it protects, I throw myself at the mercy of the court, with no expectations."

Elissa watched him with wide eyes. She had to think but all she wanted to do right at this moment was jump on his lap and kiss him! She stood and walked slowly back to the door. She opened her mouth to speak but she had no words. She saw the love in his eyes and found them.

"Do you trust me?"

Jack smiled gently. "With my life."

She smiled in return and left him to his solitary reflection.

Chapter 20

Jack stood at the crest of a hill overlooking a fantastic garden. The beauty spread out before him and he soaked in the sights and scents of the gorgeous parkland.

Behind him, he heard the construction noises of the large two story house being built into the hillside. As it was incorporating the top of the slope into its footprint, it wouldn't look tall but it was going to be very wide, integrating many of the natural elements and features of the hillside into its design. It was Jack's new home and he'd be sharing it with Diana, Eve, SennLann, Aaros and all nine of his current kids. Aaros' little surprise for him would be sleeping in her mother's room when she was born. There would also be guest suites for at least six more.

On the opposite side of the valley at the top of the hill, Jack could just make out a beautiful small cottage. He'd learned it was once owned by the man who designed the park and who saved the lives of the Chuuruthian people. While he'd lived there for years with his mate, no one lived there now and it had become a historical monument, open to visitors to the park.

In the field below, his children, Human, Altarian, and Phem Kalos were happily running around and playing with a group of Chuuruthian kids they'd met in the park today.

His black and white stripes made Douglas the easiest to follow amongst the flowers. He was coming to live with him along with his mom. She was currently back on Altaria finalizing the preparations of her home to host a large family of new immigrants. Jack was looking forward to getting to know Douglas much better.

Jack saw the twins chasing him and shook his head with a grin.

Along with the kids, Eve was down there keeping an eye on everyone. She looked up the hill and waved to him. He waved back then turned to face the others in their group.

Diana was resting on a lounge chair under an umbrella. In the month it took Queen Elissa, Hellna, and the courts to come to a decision on what to do with their disobedient Ambassador, Diana had slowly recovered her strength in the hospital. She also recovered much of her memory though there were significant gaps. Some of them were more painful than others. Lost memories of Emily's early years hurt Diana the most.

Jack walked over to her and she tilted her face up for a kiss. Her neck scars were very visible but the Chuuruthian surgeons assured they could fix that when she was ready. He kissed her soft lips and she purred happily.

Jack snorted as he pulled back from the kiss because SennLann, sitting in the next lounge chair, was watching Diana with a lusty expression. The Phem Kalos female was quite taken with Diana's new low and gravelly voice. Again, the surgeons suggested they might make improvements to her voice if she chose to have it done. SennLann was not in favor of that. Diana didn't speak much yet as she was still healing but SennLann loved every word.

He ran his eyes over the construction of the home and smiled to himself. The house was not only spacious inside without appearing to overpower the natural setting it was built into, but it had all the amenities of his apartment in Altaria.

That thought brought a pang of sadness. He was going to miss living on Altaria but this was the best solution Elissa could come up with and it was pretty damn good!

Due to the laws he'd bent/broken, Altarian law demanded that Jack give up the title and authority of Ambassador. He could no longer hold any position in the Altarian government as he was being banished. He was 'no longer allowed to reside on Altarian soil'. That's even how the law was written in the books.

So Jack resigned his position. That had been extremely difficult emotionally as he had so many friends in the office and he wouldn't be seeing them with anywhere near the same frequency.

Jack was also worried about protecting the Altarians from the predations of more aggressive members of the Gate Network. He had an idea percolating in the back of his mind about how he might still be able to assist the Embassy on a freelance consultant basis. Maybe a private assessment service, like he'd done with the Harruushans. He would broach the subject the next time he visited Elissa, Karrel, and Leffera. Thankfully, while he could no longer live on Altaria, he was allowed day visits. Elissa had explained to him that was the purpose of the public spectacle of his banishment. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.

The banishment created a second issue for Elissa. While its multi-governmental nature created a loophole allowing him to retain his position as Trade Representative for Earth, seeing him working on Altaria every day defeated the perception of his punishment.

This is where Elissa introduced a brilliant idea. Chuuruthia! They would set up the Altarian Trade Commission office on Chuuruthia and he could live and work there!

Hearing the rapid approach of hooves he turned and Mella collided with him in a hug and grabbed his ass. He smiled down at her and gently pulled her hands from his ass. He gave her a kiss and she smiled happily at him.

"Hello Mella," he said.

"Jack! The gorgeous new Trade Commission office will be ready for operation next week! I'm so looking forward to working there with you!"

The Chuuruthians had offered office space near their Gate Terminal so the Trade Commission workers could come through and work with Jack. Applicants would now come to Chuuruthia to apply for trade with Altaria. Odd, but it would work.

"I was speaking with Denee from the Embassy and there's been a surge of applications for transfer from the Embassy to the Trade Commission but we're fully staffed," Mella said with a grin which turned into a nervous look as she continued. "There's also been rumors that, now that the Trade Commission office is offworld, it falls into a new employment category which requires that staffing change to a rotation system. I'm not in favor of that!"

He gave her a hug to calm her and felt her tremble in his arms. "We're all having to make adjustments to this new situation," he said gently.

Seeing her pout he thought of something to brighten her mood. "I've been informed that there will be a new, larger home theatre built in the new house. Movie nights will return." She cheered happily and tilted her face up impishly for another kiss. He gave in to her request and found her active tongue tangling with his. She pulled back and gave him a hot look. "I'm- I'm expected back so I'd better go." She turned to leave then spun back. "Oh! Make sure you invite Stasha to your first movie night as the girl's been seriously depressed since they announced your banishment." He nodded and she turned to leave once more. He gave her ass a little pat which made her giggle happily. Then she walked to the taxi she had waiting for her to return to the Gate Terminal.

Jack waved to Mella as the taxi pulled away. He wondered what her visit was supposed to have been about. It couldn't have been just to tell him about the office opening or about Stasha. She could have called for that. Finally, he just shook his head. He walked back to Diana and SennLann and pulled up a chair next to them on the temporary patio.

He leaned back and soaked up the sunlight. After a bit, he felt fingers in his hair and opened his eyes to catch the hungry look in Diana's eyes. He caught her hand and kissed her knuckles until she squirmed and tugged her hand away. She'd have to wait until they got back to the hotel. That's where they were living until the home was ready.

SennLann chuckled at Diana's squirming on the lounge chair.

Jack went back to relaxing and his mind took him to the call he'd received the night before. The Altarian operators had redirected the call through the Chuuruthian network to his comm. Cha'Risa updated her address book with Jack's new number and location after he invited her and the team to the party he'd be throwing when his new home was completed.

She'd told him that the only 'punishment' she'd received when she returned was a demotion back to Major. She also managed to transfer out to a training facility, passing along her knowledge and skills to the next generation of security agents.

Maxim's new ear had grown in and he was back to making the kids laugh in the hospital. Leo went back to his club and was proudly displaying the new savage scars on his chest to thrill the ladies.

Nann had remained on Phem Kalos to share her knowledge of Earth's battles for equality with FrenHall. Earth had a rich history with this particular fight and Nann was an excellent History teacher.

Jack opened his eyes when he heard the sound of another taxi arriving. The hilltop was a busy place!

When he saw Karrel step from the vehicle with a bundle in her arms, he quickly rose to his feet and met her halfway.

He gave her a kiss and a hug then led her back to the shade under the umbrella. Kisses and greetings were given then he gave Karrel his seat, sitting on the edge of Diana's chair. Only then did Karrel hand him his new daughter. Rebecca had fur with a definite red tint which reminded him of one of his favorite childhood teachers. He'd run out of family to name the children after.

He once more marvelled over how tiny Altarian babies were. Tiny miracles.

"I wasn't expecting to see you so soon after this little one was born," Jack said.

Karrel smiled. "I was in the neighborhood."

Jack raised an eyebrow and she chuckled as she looked down the hill to watch Alexander laughing and playing with the other kids. "Ok, fine! I came to see how my son was doing."

Jack followed her eyes and enjoyed seeing them so happy.

"You're still fine with Alex going to school on Chuuruthia?" Jack asked. With his banishment, he couldn't fight to get his male children accepted in the female schools on Altaria. The curriculum in the Chuuruthian schools was comparable without the stigma or segregation present on Altaria.

The only controversy this move caused was when Queen Elissa announced her children Max and Gwen would be joining their siblings for schooling in a non-Altarian school. If it had been any planet other than Chuuruthia, it would never have been allowed.

"Yes, knowing you're here with him is a major relief. Alexander is so much more centered, courteous, and empathetic than the other males of his age group. I think this environment is actually better for him."

Jack wasn't going to argue with her about that. He did his best to be a meaningful part of all of his children's lives to augment their time with their mothers. That was one of the concerns he had with being asked to father more. He was only one man with a fairly demanding schedule. More kids would just decrease the time he could give to each.

Karrel smirked at him. "I was also asked by the staff in the Trade Office to bring you the schedule for next week's applicants. It seems Mella was a little too excited about coming to see you and forgot to bring it." She pulled a tablet from the shoulder bag she was carrying and handed it to him.

"Ah! That's why she was here! She was a little excitable," Jack said with a sigh, taking the tablet.

Karrel studied Jack's face closely. "How are you doing with all this? Banishment was... rather severe as a penalty. Many are saying it was too severe. Especially considering how Altaria benefited from your actions. You have significant support back home. You may be able to challenge the ruling."

Jack gave her a sad smile. "That's nice to hear but I'm not going to add any additional stress to Elissa's life. She did her best to balance the demands of Altaria's laws and its code of ethics." He shrugged. "I broke the law. Yes, Altaria benefited but that doesn't change the facts of what I did. I'd do it all over again. Maybe this time I'd kill the bastard myself as I'm paying for it regardless."

Karrel snorted in amusement. Then she turned to look at the home. "I can't tell how far along they are."

"It's going to be a few weeks. They move really fast but the interior is huge! I got a walk through. It's impressive. For now, we're in the hotel by the Gate Terminal." He changed the subject. "How is Leffera doing? How is Benjamin?" Their son had been born within days of Rebecca but Leffera hadn't recovered as quickly as Karrel.

"Both are fine. She's going to come visit you for a while. She's taking time off work to concentrate on her health and her new son. She needs to take it easy for a bit," Karrel explained.

"She's ok?" Jack asked with a worried tone.

"Yes, but... the doctor said no more babies for her. I'm stopping at two as well. It's enough," Karrel said with a smile as she took Rebecca back.

"You'll stay for dinner?" Jack asked.

Karrel smiled and nodded. She reached out and ran her fingers through the soft hair of his beard with delight. He'd decided to leave it on until he went back to work and that delighted everyone aside from Diana. She missed his blonde hair and beardless face. She'd get one of the two soon enough.

"Did you receive any news about Gee and Bal?" Jack asked.

Karrel frowned. "No. The chill between Mother and Hellna is slowly thawing but the Minister of Security does not answer questions regarding her personnel for anyone."

Jack frowned as well. He was really starting to worry as he hadn't heard anything from them or about them since he was separated from them at the Gate Terminal.

"I don't think you need to worry about them anymore, Jack," SennLann said with a grin.

He looked to her but she was pointing down the hill. The two agents in question were slowly climbing the hill, each carrying two large black duffle bags and they looked heavy.

Jack leapt to his feet and ran down the hill to meet them. They stopped as he approached and gently set their bags down before he reached them. They knew what was coming. He wrapped his arms around them both and lifted them up against his chest to kiss their faces. They endured this for a short time.

"Jack, put us down," Gee sighed but a small smile was on her lips.

He gently set them back on their hooves and grinned stupidly at them. "You're wearing your agent gowns! Does this mean all is forgiven and you've been reinstated?"

"No. We were forced to retire," Bal said with a scowl.

"What?!? But..." Jack blurted in surprise as he gestured to their uniforms.

"These belong to us. Everything in these bags belong to us. It's everything we own," Gee explained.

Jack puzzled that one out. "You're here with everything you own in four bags? What about your home?"

"We lived in the barracks. All our lives," Gee said.

Jack was stunned. They were homeless! "You're both living with me then!"

"Are you sure?" Bal asked nervously.

Jack blinked at the insecurity in her voice. "Of course I'm sure!" he exclaimed.

"We can work as you're personal security. We almost were your personal security," Gee remarked.

"Regardless of what you choose to do, you're living with me. I insist," he said firmly, looking them in the eye.

They nodded with slight smiles on their faces.

Jack grabbed the handles on the bags and snorted when he realized how heavy they were. He did manage to lift them but it wasn't going to be a pleasant climb back to the top. "Geezus! What did you pack in here? Those super powered personal skimmers?"

"No, but be careful with them. Do not drop the bags. That would... not be good." Gee and Bal exchanged serious looks and Jack was suddenly nervous about the potential munitions he might be carrying.

Gee watched Jack struggling with the bags as they climbed. "It's your fault for living at the top of a mountain." Jack just sent a glare at her back as the two Altarians moved ahead to greet Diana, SennLann, and Karrel.

Jack finally caught up and gingerly set the bags down. His limbs were trembling from the workout.

He plopped down on the grass to catch his breath. Moments later Adina and Zaina were stretched out on top of his chest.

"Papa's ready to play?" they said in unison.

"Yes, Papa is ready to play."

With excited squeals the twins pushed themselves up and were bouncing on their toes as Jack climbed back to his feet. He looked over to the ladies relaxing in the shade and smiled at them as they grinned at him.

Then, with a dramatic roar he chased after his squealing daughters down the hillside towards the others who were all grinning excitedly at his approach.

Life was very good indeed.

Epilogue

Jack and Diana sat side by side in the dark on two lounge chairs, looking out over the darkened valley below. They held hands and sat quietly enjoying the solitude and the stars above.

The party had long ended and their guests had either gone home or were crashing in their hillside home which they'd finally moved into.

It had taken a few weeks longer than expected for the workers to complete the construction of the hilltop... mansion. The word stuck in Jack's head because of its size and finishes. Natural stone and gleaming woods were everywhere! The lighting was artistically placed for maximum impact yet provided excellent illumination.

One of the features he'd requested at the last minute, and had added some delay, was a cushioned conversation pit. It comfortably fit up to 15 adults and was the focal point for the main living room. A custom made crystal dome was installed into the ceiling above the pit so they could stargaze at night just like in Tanz' apartment on Chrystan.

They'd also added two additional rooms for Gee and Bal. It turned out they put bunk beds in one room and used the other one to store their... personal effects. That room got a very secure lock installed. One even the twins couldn't pick.

The kids loved their new home and enjoyed going to school together. The Chuuruthian kids were delighted to have such interesting new friends.

Gee and Bal took it upon themselves to continue Adina and Zaina's training which delighted the twins but gave Jack pause. With just the little training they'd received they managed to outwit the Gate technicians including the Tik to infiltrate another planet. Then they ran a covert op on that planet. And they were only six- seven now! Jack was worried about what they'd be able to achieve once they were fully trained. Gee and Bal dismissed his concerns as they were very proud of their charges.

The party they'd thrown tonight for all their family and friends was hosted on the new outdoor space before their home. The patio was lit with slowly twinkling lights. The meals they'd served were well received, and they'd danced from sunset until the wee hours of the morning.

Elissa had gone back to Altaria after many smooches from Jack and getting a promise from him of a visit the following weekend.

Leferra had called it an early night and Jack worried about her diminished energy levels. She and Jinnae had both assured him she would bounce back. Having the Chief Physician at the party had eased his mind about his first Altarian friend.

Cha'Risa and her old team all showed up including their Tik friend Ray Sharif. During the visit Ray had approached him while he was unoccupied. Jack's mind returned him to that moment and the awkward conversation he'd had with the man in the Tik body.

"Mr. Danner? Jack. Uh, could I speak to you, privately?" Ray asked nervously.

Jack looked at him curiously, nodded and led him over to the far side of the patio. "What's on your mind?" he asked.

"I think you might be aware I've been offline for a period of time. I was having some... issues with depression. My transition from Human to Tik had a bit of a setback."

Jack nodded to him so he continued.

"A while back Nann got sick and that started a downward spiral for me. The longevity of a Tik's life... it's not something a Human should have. We don't share their perception of life. While I was in that emotional pit, I examined my reactions and started reviewing my instantiation, as the Tik like to call it. What I found... I- I couldn't deal with."

Ray paused, seeming to struggle with what he wanted to say. "My... creation came from a series of copies my organic self mapped from his mind. I have all the memories of him but I've never had a human body. The copies that were made didn't contain the... sensations."

Jack suddenly got an inkling of where this conversation may be going and he began to feel uncomfortable.

"Hanging out with Nann and the guys, it was good. But in my depression, when I reviewed those memories I began realizing, I couldn't recall the sensations of drinking, enjoying a burger, the scent of perfume. My memories record the actions but nothing else. This is where I hit my lowest point. They stopped feeling real. I... stopped feeling real. I'd lost that connection to my humanity but I'm not a Tik. I even tried to be a Tik but that failed. The Tik think very, very differently than Humans do. So I disconnected from my friends. I sank further into my depression as it was just easier to be offline. You don't feel anything in that state."

Jack watched the hybrid being sadly as he knew what it felt like to feel alienated and lost. While his personality had always pulled him back from the brink, he was familiar with the symptoms that led to depression.

"I- I had a visitor recently. BassDrop." Jack twitched at the name. "It knew I was having problems. It offered me a solution but said I had to get your permission to share the sensory data." Ray could see the unease in Jack's body language. "BassDrop said it linked to your collar and shared your perceptions for three months?" he asked a little desperately.

Jack cleared his throat. "The fact that he was able to connect at all was supposed to be a secret."

"It remains a secret. I'm not able to share that information with anyone but you and BassDrop. The Tik can do crazy things with information," Ray blurted nervously.

He took a deep breath as Ray waited.

"What exactly did it say we shared?" Jack asked.

"Day to day activities, right down to breathing, blinking, swallowing, eating, yawning, scratching an itch, hiccups-"

Jack held up his hands to stop the excited recital of all of the mundane activities he'd experienced during that time. He was pretty sure he'd farted more than once as well. He hadn't heard anything about the dreams he'd had about Diana. Maybe BassDrop had shown a little discretion after all.

He looked at the young man trapped in the tin can. His compassion flared and with it a deep sigh.

"What do you need from me?" Jack asked quietly.

"Oh my god! I was so worried you'd say no!" Ray sobbed.

Jack just shook his head. "They're just my sensations of living as... me. I'm not sure how it's going to help you," he said, curious despite his unease.

"We did the same actions but I don't recall the sensations that came along with doing those actions. BassDrop gave me the files he made from the recordings but they're locked. Once they unlock, my memories will map to the sensations from your experiences and I'll have complete memories. The memories will be real!" Ray exclaimed.

Jack was impressed in spite of his misgivings. "If I give you my permission how can I be sure you won't tell anyone about the link to my collar and... stuff."

"The lock BassDrop added still prevents me from sharing anything about it with anyone... aside from you," Ray assured him.

Jack examined the trembling being. "How do I give you my permission?"

Ray paused. "I think- I think you just have to say it."

Taking another deep breath and hoping it didn't bite him on his ass, Jack said the words. "I hereby give Ray Sharif permission to access the data from me."

The sound a Tik makes when it drops from an eye level hover onto crushed gravel is surprisingly loud.

Everyone turned to look. Cha'Risa, Nann, Leo and Maxim all came running.

"What happened?!?" the Major barked and the others crowded around.

All the lights on Ray's sides were off. It looked like a complete power down. Nann got down on her hands and knees and put her ear against Ray's side. "I hear something. A whirring and gentle beeping."

There was a soft ping and Nann climbed back to her feet dusting off her knees, as lights began turning on once more.

"What were you two talking about?" Cha'Risa asked.

Jack looked to her. "It's personal."

She glanced at the other guests who were watching curiously and nodded to him assuming it had something to do with Ray's recent depression.

"Ray? You ok buddy?" Leo asked.

"Lllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeooooooooo?" Ray said in a long drawn out note.

They shared worried looks.

"Ray, shake it off!" Nann growled.

He returned to his hovering state as an odd chirping came out of the speaker on his chassis. Then it sped up and they recognized it as laughter. Ray's voice finally smoothed out and returned to normal but he was still laughing. Joyfully. They couldn't keep the smiles from their own faces as Ray reached out tentacles and hugged his friends and finally Jack.

Nann grinned at her friend. "Wha-"

"I'M BACK, BABY!"

They erupted in laughter at Ray's boisterous exclamation.

"You feeling better Ray?" Maxim asked.

"So much better!" Ray said with a chuckle. "Can I have a private word with Jack for a moment?"

"We must reboot the Major from time to time," Leo said with a grin as they turned away. Cha'Risa swatted his shoulder and he laughed. They went back to the tables and people returned to the dancefloor.

"I take it the files loaded successfully?" Jack asked quietly.

"Yes! Oh my god, I feel so much more complete. I feel like... me! Thank you so much!" Ray gushed.

Jack nodded. "As long as it remains between us."

"jack"

He turned to face the quiet growl and saw Diana coming to see them.

"Oh! Oh my," Ray suddenly blurted as he turned to face Diana.

"everything... ok?" Diana asked with a smile.

"Hi Diana!" Ray gushed.

She gave him a large smile and Ray made an odd sighing sound.

Jack looked at him suspiciously and when the tentacle came out reaching for Diana's boob, she took hold of it and shook it. Again, Ray made the odd sigh.

"You ok, Ray?" Jack asked with just a little edge in his tone.

Ray pulled his tentacle back as he looked to Jack. "I'm sorry. I- I think I may be a little in love with Diana."

Jack's eyebrows went up in surprise and Diana made a low rumbling noise which he knew was laughter. She flashed a smile at Ray. "Thank you."

She looked to Jack questioningly and tilted her head back towards the house.

"I'll be right there," he said and she walked off with a final glance at Ray.

"I'm sorry Jack. I didn't realize the recording had... is this a dream?"

Jack scowled. So BassDrop hadn't edited the data. "Yes. Please... that wasn't supposed to have been shared."

"Ah, sorry. I don't have a way to forget or delete-"

"Yeah, BassDrop filled me in on the sacred nature of data," Jack grumbled.

"Thank you for what you've done for me. I feel more like... myself than I have since I woke up in this body."

Jack nodded then shook the offered tentacle. "I'm glad you're feeling better. If you ever need to talk about being a hybrid or if you're just feeling blue, please give me a call. You'll find an empathetic ear here."

Jack headed into the house and found Diana tidying up with Eve. He slipped his arms around both and kissed their foreheads.

They gave him happy smiles then Eve turned to face him. "There's a call from the Gate Terminal. You have two visitors not on your list who would like to come visit. Dann and Juul?"

"Ah! The Harruushans! I forgot to invite them!" Jack exclaimed and looked to Diana with a wide grin. She looked back at him with a happy, expectant smile.

She didn't remember.

"Diana, do you recall Dann and Juul? They're brother and sister. Harruushans. They look like tall... rabbits?" he asked carefully but her face remained empty of signs of recognition. When he mentioned they looked like rabbits however, her eyes took on a familiar glint. He looked to Eve. "Could I ask you to let them know the Harruushans are welcome to come up to the house?" Eve nodded and he dipped down to kiss her. She pushed him away gently to end the kiss and went to make the call with a smile on her face.

"Have I met them?" Diana asked.

Jack nodded. "You and Dann were intimate... a few times."

Her eyes widened in surprise and she gave him a worried look. "It's ok, I was there with you the first few times. Dann is a little... obsessed with you."

She smiled cheekily. "Like Ray."

He grinned and nodded. "I can't blame them."

"Did I tell you about the first time?" Diana asked.

"The Saturday morning cartoons, yes."

She smiled timidly and he pulled her into his arms. She felt so good.

"Penny for your thoughts," Diana asked, drawing Jack back to the present. He hadn't heard that ancient phrase since his mother used it when he was young. It brought a warmth to his heart to hear Diana using it.

He looked across to the other lounge chair and gave her hand a little squeeze. "I was actually just thinking of you. About Dann and Juul's visit tonight."

He felt her fingers tighten on his as she recalled the moment as well. The Harruushans had been shocked and visibly moved when Jack told them of Diana's ordeal and how she'd lost her memory of her visit to Harruusha. Dann had looked a little desperate until he saw how Diana was looking at him like a delicious dessert. Much like the look Juul was giving Jack. He had to suggest they get reacquainted the following night due to the party they were currently hosting. That had cooled the runaway lust and the siblings had joined the other guests on the dance floor.

That also gave Jack some time to come up with what he was going to say to the two obviously infatuated Harruushans. He wasn't sending them packing but he wanted them to at least be aware of their behavior.

The party ended very late as people made their way home after hugs and kisses from the hosts.

Inside the house behind them the children were all snuggled in their beds. SennLann, Aaros, Eve, and Leffera were asleep in theirs. The Harruushans were sleeping in the living room conversation pit with Cha'Risa, Nann, Leo, and Maxim while Ray recharged from a nearby power outlet. The commando team would be heading back to Earth, Phem Kalos for Nann, after breakfast.

Jack was still too wired from the activity tonight to sleep so he and Diana went out to the chairs to enjoy the stars.

"It's an amazing life, Jack. Thank you!" Diana said.

He looked at her in surprise but her eyes held only happiness and love. He was moved beyond measure that she could feel this way after everything she'd endured. Perhaps her incredibly positive perspective was gained from her literally coming back from death.

He pressed his lips to the back of her hand and sighed as a sense of peace settled over him.

Diana was right. It was an amazing life. He could hardly wait to see where it would take him next.