 
Other titles by Elizabeth Maxim

Fiction

Advantage*

Bishop Pair*

Zwischenzug*

Positional Play*

Simultaneous Display*

Pawn Storm*

Dark Bishop*

Pin*

Bind*

Diagonals*

Promotion*

Analysis*

_Adjudication_ _*_

Metatron's Legacy*

Cauldron of the Gods^

* Metatron's Army

^ Dragon Core

Published by Doorways Publishing House

Copyright © 2020 by Elizabeth Maxim

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher except for the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

elizabethmaxim.com

# CHAPTER ONE

Don't tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results. – _George S. Patton_

Azlaan, Vetria System

Azlaan Warrior Compound

Rare were the times Ryn of Azul, Commander of the Azlaan Warrior Forces and senior member of the Dynamic Government found himself surprised. Even rarer did he find himself robbed of speech. The man sitting on the opposite side of his desk had managed to do both.

"I take it by your silence you'll help me?"

"Before I answer that," he said at last, sparing a moment to look out onto the compound that served as both headquarters and home to the men and women under his command. If he wasn't mistaken a personal grind between two of them was about to erupt into something more. Not that he was surprised. The two warriors were hotheaded, opinionated, and, not unlike himself, arrogant and while such qualities made them excellent fighters it meant they were prone to disruptive behavior, a problem in the chain of command. Not to mention it was drawing a crowd of people who should be minding their own duties, not spectating.

He'd known for some time he was going to have to do something about the situation but with the Council removed from power and the coalition style government that replaced it newly installed he was busier than ever. It irritated him that much of what time he did have was spent on petty bureaucratic issues, like entertaining requests from diplomats who thought they were more important than they were. Diplomats such as the man waiting patiently for him to continue.

Yes, the war was technically over, but the Twelve Star Systems was vast. There were plenty of pockets of evil that needed to be dealt with. It irritated him that as a leader who knew this, a warrior who could do something about it, he was stuck behind a desk watching his men get into schoolyard spats. He considered. Maybe there was a way to kill two birds with one stone. He turned to the diplomat whose attention was still fixed on him. "What's your interest in the woman?"

The man, an Azlaan of indiscriminate age, simply gazed back with eyes that were more orange than golden yellow which told Ryn he was from the outer regions of the planet and thus an unknown quantity. Since the man's need put Ryn in the driver's seat of the negotiation, he would overlook that irritation. For the moment. "If I'm going to ask one of my people to put their life on the line I need to know why."

"It's a matter of diplomatic governance."

Ryn grunted. Diplomatic governance. Bullshit speak for _I don't have to tell you a damn thing_. And though he hadn't said as much there was no doubt the irritating old man would go to the Azlaan monarch, another irritating old man who happened to be Ryn's _uncle_ if he pressed the issue. He was about to discuss mission parameters when shouting and a shove alerted him that the time to do something had arrived.

He stood. "I need to deal with this. I'll be right back." At the door he turned. "Don't touch anything. It's all laser locked."

The diplomat stared coolly, his orange eyes glowing. "There isn't a code I can't break. Not that you have any secrets I don't already know."

Deciding the man was bluffing he was about to step through the door when the unknown quantity put a hand to his arm staying him. He glanced at the diplomat's hand, debated the benefit of teaching him a lesson for daring to touch him.

"You can trust me, Ryn of Azul."

Not bothering to respond to such a ridiculous comment he went out to deal with the other irritation of the morning.

* * *

"Such an assignment is beneath a warrior of your status Clovis. In accepting it you dishonored your standing."

The words stopped Ryn in his tracks. Curious as to what assignment Kael was referring to, he waited.

"I don't have to explain myself to you."

"Your honor should have you -."

"Honor has nothing to do with it," Clovis replied, the almost bored tone evidence that the senior warrior was far from concerned. "I do not respond to fools."

"It is not foolish to -."

"You are unaware of the mission parameters and yet you judge me. That makes you a fool."

Sound logic, Ryn decided but it still didn't explain what mission -.

"We are not players in one of the Princess' fairytales."

Ryn raised his eyebrows at that. Fairytales? None of the missions -. Puzzled, he tried to sort it out.

The princess in question was Cirhce, graduate of Dynamic Military Academy and leader of Metatron's Army. Head of the Dynamic Government, she _was_ a princess though he'd never seen it be a problem. A soldier, she'd consistently shown she was more than willing to put her life on the line. He doubted Kael had a personal issue with the leader of the fledgling government. Fairytale, he repeated to himself. He frowned. Was the warrior referring to the playful stories the princess told the children of the Compound?

Cirhce frequently brought her daughter to the Compound to play with Ryn's nephew who would someday play a role in her government if not her army. The two were often joined by other children who lived on or near the Compound that housed the fierce warriors. He'd heard the playful tales she told, tales of dragons to be slayed and knights whose job it was to protect. What did that have to do with -? Understanding dawned. He stepped forward. "I gave him that assignment, Kael." He wondered briefly how the warrior found out about it. "If you have an issue with any mission you bring it to me." When the hothead opened his mouth, he pointed. "In my office. Now."

* * *

Ryn hauled the senior warrior to his feet.

"Thanks," Clovis mumbled as he slapped dust from his lapels.

Ryn smirked. "Tough day at the office?"

Clovis snarled for the crowd of onlookers to disperse before replying. "He was within his rights."

Interesting. Was it possible the two had managed to get to the point they could agree to disagree? He hoped so as it meant he would be able to assign them as a team. He looked to where Kael was stomping his way to the administration building located at the center of the vast compound. That he didn't understand the full nature of the mission nor what it represented told him his faith in Clovis had not been misplaced. The arrogant warrior had not bragged.

"You kept your word."

It said much about his character for it would have been tempting for someone so young and so arrogant to brag about the unique and unusual mission.

"I kept my word, but Kael is smart. He deducted the truth on his own. I simply refused to confirm it."

"Do you think -?"

"He will not say anything. That is not why we fought."

"Tell me."

"He is disappointed because he only sees the actions not the why of them. He feels the actions have compromised my integrity and if there hadn't been a larger context, he would be right."

"Has something happened?" If the man was having second thoughts he needed to intervene.

"No. I am simply putting myself in Kael's shoes. For all his strength and intellect, he is young. He lacks experience."

Ryn nodded. "I am about to rectify that."

"Sorry about the disruption."

"As it served a purpose – letting him vent safely? I'll overlook it." He was going to do more than that.

"Generous."

"Go get cleaned up then take the rest of the day off."

Clovis cocked his head.

"You kept your word. You deserve the day off."

The canny warrior grinned. "I was thinking of taking a week."

Ryn regarded him curiously. He'd just let him off from punishment and he was asking for more?

"I am rotated off. I was thinking of heading out."

So, the fight had happened off hours. For one of them at least. That Clovis hadn't pointed that out – simply graciously accepted the decision - told Ryn the man before him was indeed maturing. "Got a destination in mind?"

"Catana. Figured I'd do a little gambling."

"Spying you mean."

"Of course."

The planet's capital was a gathering point for spies and mercenaries, making it the best place in Vetria if not the Twelve Star Systems to gain information and there was no better place within that capital to go for it than the gaming hells. He handed him a card. "I expect a return on my investment."

"Oh, you'll have it," he replied taking the monetary chip. "Any particular direction you need me to look?"

Not bothering to glance at his office, he nodded, gave a name.

"That's it? Just the name? No planet of origin or current -?"

"She's at Dynamic but I don't think she's Eolighten."

"Good enough. Any idea her field of study?"

"Interspecies Physiology."

Ryn could see his lieutenant wanted to ask why such an individual would garner his interest but was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself.

"It'll be done."

"Never doubted it," he replied then made for his office to deal with the two irritants inside.

* * *

Chest heaving, Kael stalked past the onlookers - many of whom were smirking - toward the Commander's office. He was about to go inside when a hand grabbed his arm. Snarl on his face, he turned.

"I'd take a moment to center yourself if I were you."

"What business is it of yours?" he growled at the Azlaan who was Ryn's assistant.

"Watch your tongue young one or I'll be reminding you who's the superior warrior. Don't think I can't."

No longer able to fight due to an injury sustained during the Light Being Civil War, the elder did deserve his respect. And Kael didn't doubt he could make good on his threat. That didn't mean he had to listen to an old man nagging.

"I apologize. I will -."

"There is someone of importance inside," the warrior – for he was still considered such – interrupted. "He, too, deserves your respect." He pointed at the courtyard with a hand that still trembled despite several surgeries. "If you don't want to find yourself demoted or worse you'll learn to cool your temper. You have a lot of promise, Kael. Don't waste it."

"Thank you for your counsel," he managed. "May I go inside? I promise to put on my best manners."

Loga shook his head and stepped back to let him pass. "Hot-headed impulsive -."

"Were you any different?" a voice drawled from the outer doorway.

"Is that why we get along so well?" he asked his commander. "Peas in a pod?" When Ryn made to step past he reached out. "Ryn."

The tone startled Ryn. It was the tone of an elder about to impart something of import but damned if he could guess what. He glanced at his office door. Was his assistant about to a lecture _him_ on his temper?

"Your visitor."

His eyes narrowed. "Yes?"

"There's more going on than you know or understand."

"Isn't that always the way?" In his life at least. "Thanks for the head's up." He made to go in but Loga tightened his grip.

"I know him."

He waited.

"I'll not say more but know this. I never expected to see him again and I doubt he realizes I recognize him."

Which meant the man sitting in his office was not a diplomat. Or perhaps he was but that was not all he was.

" _There isn't a code I can't break."_ He looked at the door to his office, mentally sighed. A spy. That he could so easily break codes meant that like himself, the diplomat was an Energy Tracker.

All Azlaans had energetic abilities that could be exploited, turned into professional assets. Energy Trackers were able to perceive energy either visually or audibly. In his own case, he detected the subtleties of energetic cohesion visually which meant he should have recognized the energetic resonance in the diplomat. Or perhaps not. Though they were both Azlaan they were from cultures that had diverged over the centuries, their evolutionary paths distinct and separate. Because of the war.

"Thank you for your counsel on the matter. _Now_ may I go inside?"

With another shake of his head, his assistant stepped back to let him pass.

* * *

"I take it you two have introduced yourselves?" Ryn asked as he went to stand near the window. With the light at his back, even muted as it was, his expression would be hidden, at least partially, giving him a tactical advantage.

"We have," the senator confirmed. "I assume since he is here this is the one you have chosen?"

"He is. Did you tell him?"

"Not wise until I confirmed he was the one," the senator replied then handed a portable communications device to the warrior.

Ryn studied the Azlaan senator. The diplomat's arrogance had gone far to cover the fact he was a man used to being in charge. Which told Ryn that whoever he was he was a leader, in truth not just a political figurehead. He wondered briefly if he would have been able to detect that had Loga not tipped him off. That he couldn't answer told him he'd lost sight of the forest for the trees and would do well to consider taking a break himself. But later, after the irritants in his office had been dealt with.

* * *

"What's your interest in this woman?" Kael asked handing the missive back to the diplomat. On the whole of it he found diplomats tedious. That he found himself having to babysit one told him his little stunt in the courtyard had cost him. At least he assumed the woman needing protection was another diplomat. It wasn't possible she was only a student. He may have pissed off his Commander by fighting in the courtyard, but the skirmish was hardly worthy of the punishment he appeared to be facing.

"That does not concern you."

"I told you," Ryn interjected, "if one of mine is going to take on a mission that may endanger his life, he needs to know why." When the arrogant bastard gave him a look of defiance and remained silent, he added, "How is he supposed to protect this woman if he doesn't know why she needs protecting?"

"As I understand it," the senator replied, "she has made a breakthrough that may prove a cure for TDS."

Time Distortion Sickness, an incurable condition that often resulted in madness and generally led to premature death. Of course, there _was_ an effective therapy that could reverse symptoms and allow the victim to live a fairly normal life, but that therapy came with restrictions and challenges that made it all but impossible to replicate beyond a small group.

"I don't need to tell you what would happen if that information fell into the wrong hands."

* * *

Kael stared. That information? That information was, if he understood the situation correctly, a young woman whose life would be in grave danger were it to get out she may have a cure. He looked at the Commander. His face was in shadow but if his body language was any indication, he was not happy. Whether or not that was due to surprise was unknown. He stiffened. Did he regret his choice? Did the fight with Clovis, one of the Commander's favorites, cause Ryn to lose confidence in him as a warrior? Not wanting to lose the opportunity to regain the Azlaan leader's trust, he spoke. "I assume it's known this is what she was working on? A cure?"

The senator shook his head. "Fortunately, and unbelievably, no."

"No?" He found that hard to believe. Talk about bragging rights! Any progress toward treatment, let alone finding a cure, would guarantee someone's career. Provided they lived long enough to get the information into the right hands that is. Maybe not so hard to believe she kept quiet after all. He was about to ask for details when the senator responded to his comment.

"It would seem the woman was smart enough to keep her intentions to herself. She put out a decent cover story."

"What's the story?" Ryn demanded.

"She told the administration her research is to identify hereditary markers that will help determine which populations of interspecies mating are most likely to inherit diseases passed down genetically."

Continuing to face the two irritants, Ryn turned his head, looked out over the now empty courtyard. The story was not only plausible, it was clever. It would allow someone a great deal of freedom for the simple fact that TDS was a disease rooted in genetics.

The condition developed when an individual took a round trip through an artificial time gate, an interdimensional portal created by the Iconoclast to destabilize the fabric of the universe. Since anyone who wasn't a Light Being or Light Being descendent didn't have the genetic legacy necessary to travel through the gates without serious repercussions, it was a foregone conclusion that the bastard's victims developed the debilitating disease. His gaze drifted toward the far edge of the Compound, to the dwelling there. The cottage situated near the forest's edge belonged to Commander Corus Argai, key Dynamic official and close friend. And, thanks to being pulled through an artificial time gate by a traitorous Light Being from another dimension, a victim of TDS. That it happened while Ryn had been training him on a device he developed to help in the fight against such a thing made it all the more personal.

"Where is she now?" Kael asked.

Ryn turned his attention back to the two irritants. "At Dynamic."

"No."

He shot the diplomat a look of disgust. He distinctly remembered being told -.

"I didn't tell you where she was in case I needed to go elsewhere for help."

Elsewhere? Who else would -? "You spoke to Verix."

The Light Being Commander was number two in the Dynamic Government. He was also the reason there _was_ a Dynamic Government instead of a Council of vipers who couldn't rule a group of school children. They certainly hadn't been able to keep the Iconoclast from gaining power and if it hadn't been for Verix and his allies, the bastard would have succeeded in his sick plans.

"Cirhce."

Ryn crossed his arms, stared up at the ceiling. Sometimes, he thought breathing a long breath through his nose, he wished the Princess didn't have _quite_ so much faith in his ability to work miracles. If his suspicions about the identity of the diplomatic irritant in his office were correct, they were going to need one to keep this assignment from going to hell. Especially given the identity of the other irritant in the room. Or, his temperament rather.

"Where is she?" Kael asked drawing attention back to said irritants.

"An undisclosed location."

"An -?"

"And it will remain undisclosed until we have reached an agreement. First," he said directing the comment at him, "I assume we have an understanding?"

"We do."

The man turned to Kael, his orange eyes glowing like the fiery star Vetria. As seen from Eol, that is. The thick multi-layered mist that shrouded Azlaan meant the orange star only ever appeared pale yellow to its inhabitants. "Do you accept this assignment Kael?"

"I do."

"Then we will leave as soon as you're ready."

"Why the urgency?"

"She is on a schedule dictated by the Academy," he explained referring to Dynamic Military Academy. "And," he added after a brief pause, "she's waiting for us."

Kael looked at the Commander. "Sir, I have duties."

"I will make certain they are covered. Go."

# CHAPTER TWO

Eol, Vetria System

Zanuch Isle, Waterfront

Kael stepped off the dock, looked around. In all his travels to Eol, he'd never been to Zanuch nor its sister islands, Arun and Antia. Located at the center of a large lake a significant distance from the Dynamic Military Academy, the island was a destination for tourists and university students alike. He supposed it was as good a place as any for an introduction.

"Seems to me," he began as he followed the senator along the busy waterfront, "it would be more consistent with the cover story if we were to meet at the Academy."

"Normally, I'd agree with you."

"But?" He followed the Azlaan diplomat into a drinking establishment did a quick reconnaissance. Though the interior was darker than he would have liked the place was relatively empty. And the senator seemed at ease which left him believing all would be well. A small woman with dark skin and grey eyes came from behind the bar.

"It's good to see you Senator Gortis." She angled her head toward him in greeting. "How may we serve you gentlemen?"

"A booth if you please, Gestile. We are only here for drinks."

Moments later they were seated, each with a brone. The senator pointed. "I'm surprised you didn't order a beer. I understand the beverage is a favorite with Ryn's men."

"Not all of us," he countered. "And not a wise move if you don't want to draw attention to yourself." Ordering the beverage that had made its way across the universe thanks to the Princess, who'd grown up on a planet called Earth in another dimension, would definitely be noted.

"Unless it was common in these parts," the senator pointed out.

"Which it is not," he countered then gave the man a cool stare. "Is this how it's going to be senator? You goading me in an attempt to confirm Ryn made the right choice?"

"I trust your commander," he said by way of reply.

"You brought me here for a reason." He sipped the alcoholic beverage that was similar to Earth's beer. "What is it?"

"How do you know we aren't meeting Livia here?"

He gave the man a bland stare.

"Okay, we aren't meeting her here, but she _is_ close."

When he said nothing further, Kael began to wonder whether this was a legitimate assignment, or if he really _was_ being punished for what Ryn considered a childish spat.

" _If you have a problem with one of my assignments you bring it to me, do you understand? And if you do, you'd better have a legitimate concern. If it's anything other than the safety and well-being of the men and women with whom you serve or those you are sworn to protect it isn't a legitimate concern. Is that clear?"_

" _Very."_

" _Dismissed."_

He didn't blame the Commander for the sharp rebuke and on the surface it did seem petty. After all, it was none of his business who Clovis had relations with. It was the implications of it being an assignment that had him upset. If word got out that Ryn was assigning his guys to what amounted to stud duty, the reputation of the fierce warriors would suffer; perhaps irreparably. The only redeeming factor was that the woman belonged to a race that had been their bitterest enemies for generations. Clovis' actions could be seen as a way to gain information. That the woman was high up in the Dynamic Government pretty much guaranteed the mission would be seen as a coup for Ryn in terms of gaining influence. The problem was, Ryn, too, was high up in the government. There was no need -. He took a long drink. It wasn't the woman it was her people.

Isolans, Ivarans, Indarans. The tribes from the planets known collectively as the Ivory Isles had taken sides in the Light Being Civil war. Their choice cost the lives of tens of thousands of innocents, many of whom were Azlaan. His mother's village was wiped out, her family slaughtered. It was a miracle she and her brother survived. Hell, it was a miracle they weren't still at war.

It was only through centuries of tireless work by many, Azlaan and Light Being alike, that they were where they were, what amounted to a stalemate. He certainly couldn't credit the tribes with the fragile peace. Not before Cirhce at any rate. Ivaran by birth, the woman who was raised on Earth of another dimension then trained at the military academy known as Dynamic had worked hard to restore a fragile trust between the Vetrian planets of influence, of which Azlaan was one. Her work went far to strengthen the cease-fire into something closer to peace if not an alliance and though he admired the Princess and her ideals, like many of his fellow warriors, he remained skeptical.

"Livia."

"Yes?"

"She's -."

Why had the senator cut himself short? He'd read the file, hadn't seen anything about the student that gave him pause. Trying to discern whether or not the man was being theatrical, he waited for him to continue.

"She's worth protecting. I'll leave it at that. Oh, here she is."

He was unsurprised the diplomat lied about the meeting location. Par for the political course. Sliding from the booth, he turned to get a look at his assignment.

The woman stopped in her tracks. " _You hired an Azlaan?_ She gaped at the senator. _"Are you out of your mind?!"_

* * *

Kael spared a moment to be thankful he'd mastered the art of the neutral expression, a requirement for anyone wanting to be more than a foot soldier. It wasn't the rude comment that had him so appreciative of his discipline, it was the woman. She was stunning. As he watched her approach, he tried to determine her heritage. That she had a problem with his suggested she was from a race that had, at one point at least, been at war with his people. Red hair suggested she could be Solan though she wasn't built like any Solan he'd ever seen. Solan women were generally stocky with big bones that made them formidable warriors. Livia was willowy, tall and graceful. Some of the Solans – those from the outlying territories – were tall but again, their thicker builds made it unlikely she was related to them. She got close enough that he could see her eyes. Deep brown they appeared to have a red tint. His gut tightened. There was a thin edge of orange encircling the iris. Orange _?_ _She was Azlaan?_

"I'm Isolan," she sneered and at that moment he realized he'd spoken out loud. So much for remaining neutral.

"You also have manners," the senator censured. "This man has graciously agreed to ensure your safety as you complete your research. He is a well-respected member of an elite group of warriors. You have no quarrel with him or his."

Livia closed her eyes briefly. The senator was right. This man had done nothing to her. She looked at him steadily. "I apologize. That was unkind."

"I accept your apology and," he added with a brief smile, "I understand." He swept a hand toward the booth. "Will you have a drink?"

She slid in next to the senator.

* * *

Kael would have thought the woman afraid of him but for the piercing gaze zeroed in on him. She wasn't sitting next to the senator because she was afraid of him, she was sitting in a place that put her directly across from him so she could face him – speak to him as an equal. So, she was intelligent. That could go either way as far as he was concerned. There were different levels of intelligence. Many a warrior had not had formal schooling and yet were unsurpassed in their value.

" _You hired an Azlaan? Are you out of your mind?"_

Something told him the woman sitting across from him drinking a beer was more than academics.

"When do you want to leave and where do we go from here?" he politely inquired. If her expression was any indication, she was surprised he asked her counsel in the matter. He shrugged. "You're the boss."

She looked out the window, met his gaze. "Are you familiar with my work?"

"You're completing a research project." No reason to give additional information until and unless necessary.

"The final phase requires samples from a variety of locations."

"What type of samples?"

"Plant life."

"Not animal?" No need for blood? That was boring. He liked hunting. As an Azlaan, the idea of finding yet another use for the animal that gave its life for another was appealing.

"No but that doesn't mean obtaining the samples won't be tricky."

"How so?"

"Some of the plants have characteristics that are optimized at odd hours."

"So, you have to harvest at night. What else?"

"They aren't always in friendly locations."

Now she was talking his language. "Can you give me a list of those locations prior to our visit?"

"Yes, though I ask that you not assume I chose the locations at random or without being aware of the risks. And, I've been to most of them." One side of her mouth went up. "Without a brave Azlaan warrior as an escort."

"Which ones have you not been to?" he asked ignoring the barb. Not that he was bothered. It was good to know where her head was at. He would factor it into the mission. And she was a mission as evidenced by the heat energy flowing from the diplomat. The man was definitely on alert. He frowned as he picked up a fluctuation in the man's energetic field. Worry? About whether or not -?

He'd already promised to keep her safe. What did it matter whether or not he got along with her?

"One."

"Which one have you not?"

"Isolar."

She was Isolan but hadn't been to Isolar? Hadn't she been born there? Was it a trick? Deciding it might be a test, he held his peace.

* * *

Eol, Vetria System

Zanuch Isle, Transport Dock

It was all Kael could do not to question Livia on her choice of captains. The warrior in him assessed the man, the boat, the location of the boat, and found all wanting and while that was often an auspicious sign for a warrior, for a student wanting to complete a research project it was a potential for disaster. If the man taking cash from the research student was any indication of her judgment, he could see why the senator had sought out the Azlaans.

For centuries the men and women at the edge of the Vetrian Star System had survived by turning within, to the place where true knowledge lived. At one with their environment and the universe at large, they relied on their instincts to survive. Not that they did not have brawn for their instincts drove them to build strength and eat wisely. To live wisely. As for intelligence, throughout the centuries they'd adapted as necessary, mirroring what the universe seemed to expect in order to prosper.

Not that there hadn't been hard lessons along the way, but those lessons had been mined and used to help the next generation rebuild if not prosper to a new level.

"Okay."

He looked at his charge, noted flushed cheeks, bright eyes, a glow to her energetic field. "Okay what?" he said with a calm that belied the desire to connect energetically to something that was lifeblood to any Azlaan. Passion.

A closely held secret, it was the key to his people. To their success. He let out a slow breath, angled his head. "You obtained passage?"

"I did. He remembered me so he isn't worried about -."

"You know him?"

"Well, I don't know him but a group of us from the university did a field trip and he -."

"He remembered you from a group?" He narrowed his eyes. "What did you do?"

She seemed nonplussed. "What do you mean what did I do?"

"If you were in a group and he remembers you it's because something about you stood out. What?"

"I -." She turned to the captain who was watching them, looked up at him. "I don't know. I – he's a nice guy okay?"

A nice guy? A suspicion took root. "Did you speak to him?"

"Of course. I paid him to -."

"No. Before. When you were with the group."

"Oh. Well, yes. I wasn't feeling too well that day so I -."

"What was wrong with you?"

Her cheeks pinkened. He frowned. He had no time for silliness. "Why were you sick?" he demanded.

"We'd been out celebrating the night before. I -."

"Was hung over. What were you celebrating?"

"A bunch of us got our grades back. It was a particularly difficult seminar class. We passed."

It was nice to know she was capable of relaxing. Her rude comment aside, his impression of her was that she was all business - and academic business at that. Since, in his experience, it was typical of research scientists, he hadn't been overly concerned by it. If anything, it meant she was less likely to stand out which boded well for the mission. Satisfied he indicated they should go.

"You are ready?" the captain of the small vessel asked and Kael noted amusement in his energetic field. Obviously, the man thought they were a liaison. Since that worked in favor of the mission, he decided not to correct the misconception.

"We are," he replied then made to help Livia onto the boat.

* * *

Livia stepped onto the boat, frowned at the captain's smirk. She hadn't meant to spurn the Azlaan's offer of assistance, she was just used to being on her own. And she wasn't so feeble she couldn't step from the dock to the vessel without falling into the water. Still, she'd do well to remember the situation. It made sense he would want to help her as he probably considered it part of the mission parameters. And she needed to avoid undue attention which meant she needed to act like she was at ease around the warrior.

Like most Azlaans, Kael was tall, with the distinctive blonde hair, dark eyebrows, and yellow eyes that glowed during times of high energy. Of course, some Azlaans, such as the senator, and her own antecedent, had orange eyes, marking them as being from the outer territories.

Though technically under the Azlaan monarch's rule, those from the outer tribes tended to be independent in their thinking and their ways which made for a general tension when interacting with their inner core brethren.

Kael was, she would readily admit, handsome. He had the physique typical of his warrior class, but he also possessed a – gentleness evident in his energetic field. Evident to anyone who looked closely that is. The observation surprised her. How could a lethal soldier have any softness at all?

" _Azlaans have a respect for all living things. Sometimes that respect deepens, becomes something more."_

Her grandfather's words, spoken long ago, made her frown. She may detect the softness. That didn't mean she was about to trust the warrior beyond his ability to keep her safe while she completed her research. Without looking she knew he'd come close and a part of her felt bad for the fact she hadn't been completely honest with him about what the mission entailed. Yes, she needed to gather samples, but she also needed to deliver them. To Isolar. Something told her when he found out he would be irritated beyond belief. With her. For some reason – a reason she didn't want to examine too closely – the thought of losing his respect distressed her.

* * *

Kael watched the research student balance against the deck as the boat rocked back and forth. The journey to Antia, a forest covered island uninhabited but for a few caretakers, would be short but choppy. Still, the captain seemed to know what he was doing for the ride was relatively smooth.

She appeared at ease with the constant need to shift her very muscular legs, but he was still tempted to steady her against him. Only part of that stemmed from a desire to touch her. And if he did it was only because doing so would give him an idea of just how strong she might be which was good information to factor into the mission. What kept him from following up on that thought was the idea she might shrug off his touch which would definitely be remembered by the captain who was watching them closely from the wheelhouse.

" _You did not come with the students?"_

He didn't like that the man noted she was alone rather than with a research group but since they hadn't discussed the reasons they might be traveling together he hadn't commented. Perhaps the Eolighten captain would think them paired in spite of her refusing his offer to get her on the boat. Interspecies relationships were becoming more common in the wake of the Council's removal from power and as Azlaan was relatively close to Eol, it was plausible he and Livia were together.

A sudden jolt sent Livia stumbling into his arms. Bracing his feet, he held her steady as they maneuvered their way toward a line of boats waiting to let passengers off. To his consternation they motored past and continued on. He would have released the woman who'd stiffened the moment he touched her, but the water was choppier than ever requiring him to adjust in tandem with her.

He appreciated that she didn't speak. He didn't want to admit it, didn't even like thinking it, but the truth of the matter was, he was deeply affected by the feel of her and that affectation would be evident in his voice.

Most knew glowing eyes as evidence of Azlaan passion, but their voices, already deep, became deeper, rougher when experiencing passion - what the Light Beings referred to as high emotion. At that moment his entire body was experiencing an energetic surge.

For one he could smell the scent from whatever she used to wash her hair. That it was scented told him she had a tendency toward quiet defiance as he knew for a fact such practices were frowned upon at the Academy because it was seen to increase if not cause sexual tension. Though not outlawed fraternization between students at the military academy was definitely frowned upon. To that end, all soap and shampoo was provided by the university, none of it scented. That she'd purchased something -.

Had she purchased it? It could have been a gift from a lov -.

His mind slammed a lid on the unproductive thought even as he was forced to tighten his hold thanks to waves buffeting the small vessel. Finally, mercifully, they were pulling up to a mooring station. Closing his eyes, he took a moment to go through centering exercises. Livia's very fit very beautiful body had definitely made an energetic impact.

"You can let go now."

He opened his eyes, stepped back. He was about to say something when the captain spoke.

"I'm impressed. Not many can stand without having to hold onto something." The man chuckled. "Though you were holding onto something, weren't you?" Without another word and without waiting for comment, he went over to work with a man waiting on the dock to get them secured.

"Why did we pull in here?" he asked. He was anxious to get his mind – and his body – far away from the beautiful red head.

"What I need is in a difficult to access location. We could have gone from the main port but it's a far more laborious climb."

A far more laborious climb? The woman was definitely academia. Shrugging into the packs they'd stored in the wheelhouse they followed the captain ashore.

# CHAPTER THREE

Keenly aware of the Azlaan warrior walking beside her, the heat of his body an all too fresh memory, Livia approached a young girl sitting at the end of the dock, playing with her pet.

"Hello, Karmee." She held out a shiny rock. "For Tastas."

The girl who was the granddaughter of the captain grinned before taking the trinket. "Thank."

"You're welcome." When the girl's eyes defocused, she frowned. Reaching out she touched her left shoulder, smiled when instead of recoiling as she had done once upon a time, she looked up. Keeping her eyes on those of the young girl, Livia touched her own nose then the girl's. "You're welcome, Karmee. I'm glad to see you practicing."

The smile disappeared from the girl's face, but she appeared untroubled by the comment. Livia gave her a gentle pat before stepping away to talk to the captain.

"Thank you for the ferry over."

"You have a place to stay?"

She patted the pack strap on her shoulder. "We do."

The captain looked up. "Storm's comin'." He looked at her, his grey eyes conveying his concern. "You should be inside."

"We'll be fine. I've slept out under many a storm cloud."

The captain shook his head. "You need shelter."

Kael was about to ask for details when the captain held up a finger. Believing he was being silenced, he held his peace. When he spoke, Kael realized he was making a point to Livia.

"Feel that wind? It is from the east. That is an ill wind. We are shifting relative to the moons. The storms that come at such times are to be respected. Do you understand?"

"What do you suggest?" Kael interrupted. The last thing they needed was to draw even more attention to themselves and he could see Livia wanted to argue.

"You will stay at my house."

"I'm not -," Kael started, closing his mouth when he saw the man's affronted expression.

"You think I would harm you? After what she did for my Karmee?" He frowned at Livia. "You will stay with us. Come. Let's go. The storm approaches."

"I need to gather -."

"Tomorrow," the captain snapped. "It's too dangerous now. Too dark."

Kael saw the man spoke the truth. Dark clouds were rolling in from the opposite side of the island which was likely why he hadn't noticed earlier. He probably should have felt the change in air pressure, but he'd had his energy focused on other things.

* * *

"What did you do for Karmee?"

Livia looked over to where Kael was sitting near a toasty fire reading a book, debated how much to say. Karmee's condition wasn't well known and was definitely not understood though it was feared. Talking about it with someone she didn't know well could end badly and for all that the Azlaan warrior seemed respectful of others, she really didn't know him.

"She seems to have TDS," he volunteered.

She looked around the comfortable space. They'd finished a simple dinner with the captain and Karmee, and her caretaker before being shown to the captain's personal library where they were invited to relax and enjoy a nice wine from his private collection.

"No one is close," he said setting the book aside to come nearer. "If that's what you're worried about."

Livia nodded. "It is TDS. Of a sort."

"Of a sort? A new variant?"

"Her mother was heavily pregnant when she was pulled through a time gate."

"Ah. Where is she now?"

"She died giving birth to Karmee. I think she knew Karmee was affected because she gave all her energy stores to her during the final moments. If she hadn't there is a good chance Karmee would have died."

Unfortunately, in passing her energy tainted by the trip through the artificial portal she guaranteed her baby became infected. A difficult choice for a dying mother.

"She belongs to the captain?"

"She's his granddaughter."

"What was it you did for her?"

"Karmee does not have full blown TDS though she definitely exhibits symptoms, as you saw today." The defocused eyes were a giveaway. The telltale sign was indicative of a loss of temporal awareness. TDS was the result of a conflict between the victim's energetic rhythm and that of the environment they were in. If they went through a portal in one direction the symptoms were generally not debilitating, remaining more or less an awareness that something was out of whack. When a person pulled through returned to their native dimension their cells were unable to reconcile the discordant frequencies of that environment in spite of having been born in it.

Early symptoms were confusion, loss of eye contact and eyes that went out of focus as the mind and body tried to regain energetic equilibrium. Over time the individual withdrew from the environment, recognizing nothing and no one within it. The constant need to defend against energetic dissonance siphoned precious energy weakening the victim and leaving them susceptible to a number of medical conditions most of which led to premature death. It was a painful heartbreaking thing to watch. Especially in children. As for Karmee.

"There are therapies used in the early stages to help reduce stress in the victims. Gentle touches and forced eye contact when possible can allow them to remain grounded. It works for awhile though eventually the syndrome advances and nothing can keep them grounded in the present."

"Is she in early stages then?"

"Hard to say. As far as I am aware, she is a one-of-a-kind. I know Ladel is fiercely protective. He refuses to take her to Sola to be evaluated by experts."

"I don't blame him," Kael responded. He had his own opinions of the general approach to TDS, committing the victims to the institution on Sola. Yes, they would be looked after and yes it was not always possible for the victims to remain with their families but if what Livia was saying was true, Karmee was not a true victim. That she'd made it to nine or ten years of age and was able to communicate suggested she was managing the condition. He wondered if the therapy Commander Argai had undergone would work for the young girl. He was about to say something when they were plunged into darkness.

"The storm," Livia said and he detected the slightest tremor of unease in her voice.

"So, it would seem," he replied then reached for his pack. Within moments they were looking at each other over a portable light.

"Oh, good, you're ready."

Livia looked at their host who was standing in the doorway in all-weather gear. Ready? "For what?"

He used his own portable light to point at the one Kael was holding. "To go hunting of course."

* * *

Stooped over, her hands on her thighs, Livia took a gulp of air. She was fit but the climb to the caves had been steep.

"I thought you said it was dangerous to do at night," Kael queried, and she noticed the warrior was, unsurprisingly, barely winded.

"If you went the traditional way, yes. This is better."

"Why is it better?" he asked following the man into an entrance obscured by shrubbery.

"Because," Ladel replied, "no one comes here. This is my land."

If Livia's expression was any indication she too was surprised by the declaration.

"If you went the common way you might find what you are looking for, but you would be seen by many. That she came alone and with a bodyguard tells me she wishes to avoid that."

So, the old man knew the truth. Some of it, at any rate. Not bothering to confirm the captain's suspicions he followed him down one of three tunnels. They didn't go far. "Is this what you are looking for?" Ladel asked pointing.

Judging by Livia's gasp, it was more than she was expecting. He watched curiously as she stepped forward, leaned in to closely examine the small plant growing on the wall of the cave. Blue with tinges of purple, it was lovely which meant it was likely poisonous.

Livia stared at the captain. "How did you know?"

"Karmee."

So, he knew whatever she was doing had to do with TDS.

"This is – this is a precious gift. Thank you." She removed her gloves long enough to grab a sample container from her bag. "I'll only need a small sample," she explained putting the gloves back on. "It shouldn't harm the plant."

"If it does there are others."

She glanced over. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to show them to me. If I could get more than one from different locations, I can research the different properties."

"I will show you."

Three hours later they were back in the library. This time they were joined by the captain and his granddaughter who had become distraught at the loss of power.

"Was Tastas scared?" Kael asked the girl who held her grandfather's hand so tightly her knuckles were white.

"Scared," she confirmed then looked down at the animal sleeping in her lap.

"We have those on Azlaan," he went on referring to the small fury animal with a long tail and sharp talons known as a moby. Though fierce in a fight they were generally affectionate which made them good pets. Provided you got them shortly after birth and from a reputable dealer.

"Do you?" Ladel asked, then pulled his hand free but only so he could place it on the young girl's head. "Are they common as pets then?"

"Not so much. Azlaans tend to leave nature in the wild. Unless the animal has a function, hunting or defense, or," he added pointing at the sleeping beast, "for comfort, we leave them in their natural habitat."

"I imagine it makes it easier to study any evolutionary patterns," Livia put in, and he detected fatigue. No wonder. It had been a long day and an exhausting climb both up and down thanks to the steepness of the terrain. He couldn't imagine she hadn't picked up on the captain's unease as they traipsed back through the foliage. It may be his land but he, too, was worried about being seen with the lone student and her bodyguard.

He looked at the girl noted eyes drifting closed then answered the research student. "It does." He stood, walked over to the older man who was being a good and generous host. "She's asleep and you need yours." When the captain reached for the girl he stayed him. "I'll carry her. I saw, you hurt your leg."

"She does not know you."

"No," he replied gently lifting the sleeping girl while Ladel scooped up the moby, "but she's asleep, so she's unaware she is being carried by a stranger. Lead the way."

* * *

Livia stared up in the dark. She couldn't get the image of the fierce warrior cradling the girl protectively yet gently as he followed the captain through the maze of hallways toward the sleeping section from her mind. And a maze it had been. Built into a steep hillside the domicile was a testament to times past when defense was a necessity. Because of the war.

The Council's war of greed left generations dead - or destroyed when their cultural identities were wiped out. In some cases, such as her own, wiped out by genetic intervention when warriors took women considered the spoils of war.

Yes, the war was long in the past, but victims remained. She knew this not from her genetic research but from experience. She was one of them. What else could she call herself but a victim? The almost constant confusion and inner turmoil robbed her of peace and while she'd eventually learned to focus it into academic discipline, there were times when it cut through, ate at her. Like now.

The image of Kael tucking a blanket around the sleeping girl, making sure her pet was close then checking to make sure Ladel wasn't in pain reminded her of the gruff warrior who had raised her then walked out of her life without a backward glance.

It didn't matter that the warrior hired by the senator to keep her safe in no way resembled the man who'd plucked her from certain death when he took her to live with him. It only mattered that both had a side to them rarely shown in their daily life, a side that told her that like her grandfather, the man sleeping across the room was capable of deep affection.

Did it make him a better warrior she wondered or was it a disadvantage and therefore a liability? If the way he'd steadied her on the boat was any indication the warrior had learned to manage his softer side well enough. She turned on her side, electing to face the wall rather than the warrior in question. When a hand touched her shoulder, it was all she could do not to scream.

"You're awake."

And she wasn't a coward. Sitting up she scooted back against the wall. The room wasn't completely dark, but Kael's face was definitely in shadow, making reading his expression an impossibility. "So, I am."

A hand brushed hers. "Come."

"What do you mean, come? Come where?"

"Come on," he said then tugged gently.

"Where are we going?" she huffed as she allowed herself to be pulled from the warmth of her sleeping roll.

"Ladel suggested you might find it difficult to sleep beneath a strange roof. He gave me permission to take you up to the watch tower."

* * *

Livia stared at the horizon. Lights from Zanuch's waterfront stood against an otherwise black canvas as the moons of Eol were obscured by storm clouds. When a streak of pink light zigzagged across the sky, she jumped then laughed at herself. She sobered. "I'm not afraid of storms," she insisted quietly.

"I never thought you were."

"Not even after that foolish display?"

"It was a normal response. Neither of us was expecting it."

"I didn't see you jump."

"I was affected."

"How?"

"My stomach tightened."

She tried to determine whether or not he was telling the truth or just trying to make her feel better. He seemed the type to do that. In fact, the fierce warrior had been very kind to her in spite of her rude behavior. When another bolt of electrical current cut the sky, she sucked in a breath. "That was close," she murmured. Maybe being up so high in the midst of trees during an atmospheric surge wasn't the brightest idea.

"If it makes you nervous to be here -."

"No!" She grit her teeth. "I mean it's beautiful up here. I -."

Kael stepped close to the research student. "Take your boots off."

"What?"

"Take off your boots."

"Why?"

"Do it. Trust me."

She did as he asked. Her eyes widened. "Are your feet bare?"

"Of course," he replied. "Feels good doesn't it?"

"Yes. How'd -?"

"I live on a forested planet that experiences numerous atmospheric disruptions including surges. Grounding your body with a natural material is soothing."

"Isn't it dangerous to be up so high?"

It was all Kael could do not to pull Livia against him. That he wanted to do it in order to make her feel safer made it all the more difficult to resist.

"This tower has stood for millennia. It has never been struck."

"You asked."

"Naturally. Of course, I assumed we would be safe since it's unlikely Ladel would send us to our death. Bad for business."

When she laughed, he immediately channeled energy down through his body in an effort to keep his emotions in check.

"You know," she said after a time during which they stood in comfortable silence and watched the light show, "I think I can sleep now. If you'd be so kind as to show me the way back?"

* * *

Kalta 4, Brogana System

Dynamic Research Compound

"I assume you're good with heat?" Livia queried with a sidelong glance as they stepped out of the transport station. Proximity to Brogana combined with intense humidity meant Kalta 4's temperatures were higher than what most considered comfortable. As a result, the planet was sparsely populated making it ideal for researchers looking to study environments not impacted by species colonization.

"As this is pretty much what we have at the Azlaan Warrior Compound on Catana," he replied, "yes."

"It gets this hot on Catana?" That surprised her. Yes, the planet's climate was tropical, but she didn't recall the heat ever feeling that intense.

"For part of the year and once you get away from Perm it can be incredibly humid making it seem even hotter."

"Is Azlaan humid?"

"You don't know?"

"I know what I've read and -."

"And?"

"Forget it. So, is it?"

"Is what?"

"Is Azlaan humid?"

Kael decided to let it go – for the moment. "The mist that covers the planet keeps Vetria's heat from penetrating fully so in spite of the fact it's humid year-round, it never gets hot enough for it to be a problem." At least, not that he'd ever noticed but he'd be the first to admit, he loved his home world and therefore was biased.

"We're meeting someone. Oh, there he is." She waved. "Lyke! Over here!"

The man in a Dynamic uniform with a science patch on his left shoulder smiled and started toward them. Dark skin and blue eyes marked him as an Isolan. Or partly, at any rate. Some Balens had dark skin but typically had grey eyes. Tall and sporting a beard, the man seemed genuinely happy to see Livia.

"Hello there," he exclaimed taking her hands and kissing them. "It's so good to see you again! When I saw your name on the request docket, I told Krem I would take care of it."

"Told him, did you?" she commented and Kael noticed the sparkle in her eyes. "Threatened him is more like. Lyke? This is my friend, Kael."

"Hello, friend Kael. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Lyke. I'm a senior administrator at the research compound. I've been working with Livia on her project for over a year."

"It's nice to meet you."

"Have you been to Kalta 4 before?" he asked as he led them toward a waiting vehicle.

"Two years back," he replied.

"During the storm."

"Yes."

His team had already been in the star system when they received the distress call. A series of intense tropical storms had left several small villages underwater. He and his team along with a number of others from throughout Brogana and the nearby Kelios System responded. It had been one of the more difficult months of his life. Wading through muddy water filled with debris under a constant downpour and very little sleep had taken its toll. And when the storm systems moved out, they were put to work salvaging what was possible and rebuilding what wasn't.

"I was here during that storm," Livia said quietly.

"You were?" Why would Dynamic send a species physiology student he wondered? It wasn't as if she was a medic.

Livia nodded. We'd just gotten back from a research excursion in the Sartus System when we heard about the storms. We went to the school administration, asked to be given leave to come and help since we knew the area and many of us spoke multiple languages."

"You speak Harrow?" he asked referring to the local dialect. It was an obscure language not generally known or spoken outside the Brogana or Kelios systems

"Wouldn't be a good species physiology student if I didn't learn an obscure language or two," she replied with a smile and a wink.

"Don't let her fool you," Lyke spoke from the front. "Livia is brilliant. An obscure language or two. Be serious!"

"How many?" Kael asked.

"A handful," she admitted.

# CHAPTER FOUR

"If by handful you counted the hands of everyone in this vehicle," Lyke shot back. "Livia is a gifted linguist."

"Is that true?"

She gave him a steady look. "I guess." She shrugged. "Isolans are generally good with dialects. It comes from having to learn so many."

"Why?"

"Agriculture is the primary source of income on Isolar. The planet's diverse eco-system means there are hundreds upon hundreds of areas with unique offerings. No one tribe owns it all so it became necessary to learn multiple tribal dialects in order to ensure good trade relations."

"But you said you'd never been to Isolar."

"I'm Isolan. Several dialects were spoken in my home." At least until her mother and grandmother passed away.

Kael detected a brief fluctuation in Livia's energetic field; a fluctuation that told him there was a deep sadness associated with the topic. He searched for something else to talk about, realized it wasn't necessary.

"We have arrived."

"You aren't staying?" Livia asked the administrator who was still behind the wheel. The fact she seemed disappointed combined with the administrator's joy at seeing her made him wonder at their relationship.

"No need." Lyke winked nodded toward him as if he was the reason making him again wonder if the two hadn't been lovers, might still be. "We trust you."

* * *

Kael kept an eye on Livia as he watched the vehicle disappear from sight. It was hard to tell whether or not she was upset the administrator hadn't stuck around. Worried it might be a sore subject he simply asked, "What now?"

She pointed toward the dense tropical forest. "We hike in find a place to set up camp."

He remained silent as they waded deeper into the tangle of trees and shrubs that served as a living laboratory for research students. As he understood it an indigenous species lived at the far edge and though they were aware of those who periodically intruded into their space, they kept to themselves.

They hiked for a good hour before she stopped. She smiled at him. "This is perfect."

"If you say so," he replied then looked for a space to put their sleep rolls.

"There's a stream just through there. The trees will shelter us from direct sunlight during the day and the rest of the fauna should help keep us warm through the night." When cool winds blew through the forest situated in a valley.

He well remembered the delta between day and nighttime temperatures. In point of fact it got downright chilly at night which had made an already difficult situation perilous as they'd had to keep rescuers and victims alike from succumbing to hypothermia. "I trust you," he said because it seemed she expected him to comment.

"Are you hungry?"

"No." They'd had a hardy meal on the interplanetary transport.

"Okay then. We'll set up camp then get to work scavenging."

* * *

Livia added her samples to the environmentally regulated chest, locked it, then took a moment to stretch. Putting hands to her lower back she arched backward, groaning as she did so.

"I can help with that."

She eyed the warrior curiously. "With what?"

"The stretch." He stepped behind her.

"What are you going to do?"

"Lift you in such a way that your muscles will release energetic tension. You have no reason to fear. I won't hurt you."

"Have you done this before?"

He frowned until he realized she was teasing him. "Yes, I've done this before and with others far larger than you." When she gave him a strange look over her shoulder he scowled. "It comes in handy after a battle."

"I imagine it does," she replied quietly. "If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate it."

He was tempted to point out he wouldn't have offered if he did. "Hold still."

When her back cracked, Livia groaned. "Oh, that feels good." He tweaked her twice more before setting her on her feet and stepping away.

"Thank you. What about you? I don't know how to -." She stopped speaking because he'd begun a series of twists and turns, she assumed would achieve the same end. The moves were familiar to her. Her grandfather used to do them.

" _What are you doing?"_

" _Keeping my muscles supple and strong. Here, let me teach you."_

"Would you like me to teach you?"

Kael wasn't sure what to make of Livia's expression. A moment ago she'd seemed lost in thought but now she was looking at him as if he were a demon. "The moves won't harm you. Our female warriors do them without any negative repercussions."

"I know."

That surprised him. From what little he'd gathered he would have bet she had very little understanding of anything Azlaan and he guessed whatever she might have had reflected whatever cultural norms were associated with the territory her progenitor was from. Provided she even knew him or if he'd been in her life in any meaningful way if she did. Which, given her response to his identity that first day, he doubted. Or maybe it was just that the individual had treated her poorly. His gut tightened at the thought. "Well?"

"Um, no, I'm fine, thanks. What you did for me is enough. Listen, I stink. I'm going to go to the stream and have a wash."

He frowned. How was he going to protect her without getting close enough to do so and if she was going to bathe -?

"I can guess what might be bothering you. I'm fine on my own. I promise you we're quite safe here. The Loonies aren't anywhere near here."

"Are you talking about the indigenous people who live at the far end of the compound?"

"Yep. They don't wander too far from home but even if they did, I speak Loonie. They have no reason to harm me."

It galled him to admit he was relieved not to have to watch her bathe. Ever since he'd steadied her on the boat, he'd had to resist the urge to deepen the cursory light level energy connection that enabled him to monitor her well-being during the mission. He was adept at weaving the low-level connection and normally he would easily be able to filter out any harmonics not related to basic well-being pulses, but the situation was turning out to be anything but normal.

He'd been fully prepared to do no more than tolerate the research student for the duration of the mission. Especially after her rude comment at the drinking establishment. Instead he found himself being drawn to her. She was intelligent yes, and fit, but there was something -. "Did you know the Azlaan?"

Kael closed his eyes. What in Vetria possessed him to ask such a thing? He opened them. "I apologize. That was inappropriate. Forgive me." Penitent, he watched as she turned and, without a word, disappeared into the trees.

* * *

Hand on the zipper of the thermal jacket, Livia looked up to see Kael coming through the shrubs. She was about to tell him she accepted his apology when he spoke.

"I can't leave you unprotected. I won't stay but I need to remain within shouting distance."

"Oh. Well, okay." She pointed. "There are some boulders a short distance that way. You might use them to do some centering exercises." She gave him a look. "I'll yell if I need anything but I'll be fine. I promise." When he turned to go she called out. "I know you didn't mean anything by your question and to answer you, yes, I knew him."

The warrior nodded in acknowledgment before disappearing into the foliage. She wasted no time, unzipping then removing the jacket, followed by the thermal tank and pants. They, too, could use a wash but she'd wait til their next stop so she could do it properly. Setting the clothing aside she put her hunting blade where she could reach it then stepped into water that, because it was not fed from a mountain stream, was a tolerable if not pleasant temperature.

" _Did you know the Azlaan?"_

It was natural Kael would be curious though she doubted it was because he expected to know the man who was – indirectly – responsible for her existence. Azlaans were long-lived energy beings so it wasn't a given he was dead. That didn't mean Kael would have any reason to believe he'd know him. It was obvious from the orange ring around her iris her grandfather was from the outer territories which meant it was unlikely Kael would have met him. Unless he was someone of importance, which she highly doubted. From what she knew and remembered of the man who dropped her at the Academy before disappearing from her life, he was just one of the many barbarians who'd stormed the villages of the Ivory Isles, leaving their mark – the distinctive yellow or orange eye color Azlaans were noted for - in those who, like her mother, came as a result.

Deciding she didn't want to think about it any longer, she grabbed the scented soap she preferred and began to wash her hair. When something bumped her leg, she jerked then rolled her eyes.

* * *

"Not you!"

The expletive that followed the declaration sent Kael running. Blade in one hand, laser weapon in the other, he burst into the clearing near the river fully prepared to attack only to find no one in the area other than a very beautiful and very naked research student.

"What happened?" he managed and worked to calm the heart slamming off his ribs even as his gaze dropped to her breasts.

Livia dragged a hand down her face. Of course, Kael would think she was in trouble, dolt that she was for yelling and for what? She held up the perp.

Kael stared at the dead water snake. He recognized the species for they'd outnumbered the victims and rescuers added together. "I see. I thought -." He stopped speaking not because she was nodding but because he realized he was staring at her in what could only be called open lust.

Livia immediately grasped the depth of her faux pas. She needed to do something and fast lest she give the handsome Azlaan the wrong impression. "Here," she called out, "catch." She tossed the dead snake unsurprised he caught it without taking his eyes off her breasts. Now what?

Kael knew it was rude to stare but damn if he found himself unable to move either his eyes or his legs. She was so damn beautiful.

Her skin was light in color except for the area surrounding her nipples which was a deep red and in that moment he knew without a doubt the exact region her ancestor was from. She was Karstanaan. He'd been in bed with one the month before which was how he'd learned of Clovis' _mission._

" _He did what?!"_

" _He made love to an Isolan dignitary, so she didn't have to be sold."_

A number of Isolan societies auctioned untouched women to supplement tribal income. Azlaans had done the same once upon a time. The thought of any man wrapping that long silky red hair in his fists as he -.

"Do you know how to cook caliph?"

The question snapped him out of the lust-turned-to-rage haze. "What?"

She pointed. "That's what they're called. That particular species that is. Do you know how to cook it?"

He stared mute. She shrugged. "It's fine if you don't because I do but if you wouldn't mind sk -? I assume you know how to skin and clean one?"

"Yes."

"Great. I'll be over just as soon as I -. Are you okay?" Of course, he wasn't but she would do what she could to give him an out. "How'd the exercises go? Or did you do more stretches?" Her grandfather used to stretch using trees and rocks to increase opposing muscular tension.

Kael managed to take one then two steps backward. With a nod he turned and head back to the campsite, dead snake dangling from his hand.

* * *

"This is quite good."

Livia smiled reflexively. "My grandfather taught m-." She stopped talking before she made the situation worse. She did _not_ want to talk about a man she hadn't seen in a decade.

"Would this be the Azlaan progenitor?" He nodded. "I thought it tasted familiar. The recipe, I mean. It's good. Did you get what you need today, or do we need to go foraging again tomorrow?"

"I got what I needed," she confirmed grateful the warrior had given her an out. She reached for his empty plate. "If you want to go bathe in the stream, I'll be fine and I promise I'll only call out if it's a real emergency."

Deciding it wasn't a good idea to focus on the very vivid memory of long red hair caressing naked curves, Kael focused instead on the words. He smirked. "I guess that means it wasn't just smoke blowing across the campfire." He wanted to laugh at the look on her face. "Smell that good, do I?" When she continued to stare in apparent confusion he added, "The stream?"

"Oh, no. You're fine. I just thought you might -. You did a lot of climbing. I just assumed -."

Maybe he hadn't been the only one affected by the staring contest. At the stream Either that or she was upset about letting it slip that the ancestor that left her so enamored of Azlaans was a grandfather. He'd assumed it wasn't a father but what did he know? Azlaans were long-lived energy beings and the Twelve Star Systems were vast. And, not everyone acknowledged the war was over.

* * *

It was conceivable, he supposed as he made his way to the stream, that some inter-species relationships were based on affection if not love. Not every warrior raped and some of the conquered - especially those from the Ivory Isles – had been – still were – more than happy to be with Azlaans. Because it got them away from their fathers and brothers or any other male who – by tribal law – owned them.

" _I can't say I wouldn't have done the same."_

Drawing a finger down his belly, Banna had gone on to explain that having one's first time with an Azlaan was desirable and often preferable.

" _Azlaans are notoriously passionate yet caring lovers."_

The declaration had been made as she crawled atop him, pulled him inside.

" _And to_ _be with someone of standing? Someone you know won't hurt you? Far superior to going to the highest bidder don't you think?"_

In spite of the physical pleasure of Banna riding him he'd been distracted.

" _What are you so upset about?"_

She'd initially thought his anger was due to the woman's cultural identity.

" _It isn't as if the Isolans are the only ones."_

He'd known of course that the Isolans were not the only ones to auction their untouched women though the Azlaan government had outlawed the barbaric practice decades earlier. Something to do with a royal who almost died at the hands of the man who took her.

" _Yes, I know that story and no, I'm not going to tell you. I mean it, Kael. Not even upon threat of death would I ever say anything. She suffered enough the first time. The last thing she would want was pity."_

" _How is it you know of it?"_

" _My mother was there. Look, she almost died, okay? That's all I'll say but that she did? The brutality? It's why the practice was banned planetwide."_

Banna's mother was a healer so he had a pretty good guess who that royal was, but it didn't matter. As she'd said, she'd suffered enough and no, she would not accept pity. If anyone tried? They'd find their medicines turned to poisons for she was the best natural healer on Azlaan if not in Vetria. Having reached the stream, he proceeded to strip then waded in.

* * *

Livia searched the in vain for interesting planets or stars. Thanks to a thick layer of clouds, none were visible. She supposed she should be grateful. The lack of light theoretically made for better sleeping conditions. Realistically the only benefit was that the darkness would obscure her expression. From Kael.

The heat of his gaze, like the heat of his body as he'd steadied her on the boat was all too fresh in her mind. And her body truth be told. Damn Azlaan energy.

When she'd first detected the subtle vibrational shift, the ever-so-slight rise in temperature in her energetic field, she'd assumed it was due to the low-level energetic connection Kael established shortly after they'd come to an understanding at the drinking establishment on Zanuch.

" _If you prefer to establish the energy connection yourself, I have no problem with that."_

She'd declined for pragmatic reasons. For one, she wasn't that much of a control freak. For another, she didn't know the depth of connection needed for protection. And lastly, she wasn't about to have the warrior thinking she was afraid of him. The senator seemed to trust him, so she would, too.

The gentle probing of his energetic tendrils as he'd sought the optimal place to latch into her field told her immediately Kael was adept at such delicate intrusions. Not that she was surprised. Energy beings, Azlaans had had centuries in which to perfect their technique and as a warrior it would behoove him to go the extra distance to perfect finesse. Such connections could be used to channel energy into an ailing or injured partner to give him or her strength. They could also be used to extract which made the trust between two individuals establishing a connection more than just a good idea.

Early on she'd dismissed the vibrational and climatic anomalies as being the result of the connection. Now, she knew better. That she and the warrior sleeping a short distance away shared a deeper resonance was due to an energetic compatibility went beyond client customer. It was rooted in a shared genetic history.

Yes, her grandfather was from the outer territories and yes, those from the distant regions had a distinct evolutionary path that diverged sharply from those of the inner core. But her grandfather was from a time before that path diverged, a consequence of the war. It meant she and Kael had energetic links closer than what might otherwise be known. Or believed possible.

" _You'd think we weren't all Azlaans."_

Her grandfather's railing against post-war prejudice had gone far to prepare her for her time at Dynamic though to be honest, by that time, mired in her own little world of chaos, she'd brushed it off in order to focus on her studies.

She didn't like to think of the pain of those days, of how she'd missed the man who'd wished her luck then disappeared. Unfortunately, the very handsome warrior snoring close by made that an impossibility. _Why_ had the senator hired an Azlaan? He _had_ to have known how she would feel!

" _Your grandfather asked that I make contact."_

Make contact?

She'd had a hard time assigning the rather cold-blooded remark to the man who'd been kind to her. Until he dropped her off like so much baggage, that is.

" _Why?"_

" _Because he can't be here himself."_

' _Can't or won't?"_

" _As you will."_

# CHAPTER FIVE

The senator from the outer territories apparently knew her grandfather. May even have considered him a friend. She could never really tell for the member of the political elite used his name in vain as often as he paid him a compliment.

" _He would trust my judgment in this."_

Those had been the senator's words when she'd questioned him about the wisdom of hiring one of Ryn's men.

" _Isn't it a bit of overkill?"_

The elite squad of warriors were used strategically either in defense or in furthering the interests of Azlaan. As she didn't fall under either of those endeavors, she'd been dumbfounded to learn the protective escort hired by the senator was of Kael's stature.

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

Rolling to her feet she had the blade from her belt before the Azlaan could make another move.

Kael wasn't sure what to make of the fact the research student had two weapons trained on him before he'd so much as taken a breath. He sheathed his own weapons drawn in reflex, stepped close. "Your grandfather teach you that?" he quietly asked before grasping the more lethal of the two. Guiding the laser into her wrist holster he took her hand, rubbed a thumb over the palm, pleased when her fingers curled around it in automatic response.

"I would never hurt you."

To Livia's consternation if not irritation the Azlaan turned and, without another word, disappeared into the darkness. Before she could even think of something to say he was back.

"Here."

"Wha -?" Cold metal touched her lips, effectively silencing her.

"Drink. It will settle you."

Unless she wanted to really get into it with the arrogant warrior, she would be a fool to do anything but obey. And hadn't she said she would trust him? Wrapping her hand around his she guided the flask as she took a sip, coughing when fiery liquid burned its way down her throat.

"I assume you've had the like before."

"Plenty of times," she admitted through watering eyes and a stomach that burned.

"Thought as much. Come. Sit."

"I don't -."

"If you keep on this path, you'll regret it. I am not about to let you harm yourself so get that through your head right now. I already told you I won't hurt you. I was hired to protect you or have you forgotten?"

"I haven't forgotten a thing," she snapped than accepted another taste. "It's been so long," she admitted then wanted to kick herself for letting the sentiment slip.

"You should visit."

Frowning at his back, she nonetheless allowed Kael to lead her to the grouping of boulders where he made a relatively comfortable spot for her to rest before taking a seat across from her. She wasn't sure whether she was relieved or irritated he did nothing to provide light given he was seeking illumination, damn him.

"I take it you've detected the connection beneath the connection?"

"What are you talking about? What connection?"

He snorted. "You know what connection. We both have Azlaan energy moving through our veins which means we are energetically compatible. We feel each other," he unnecessarily clarified. "I've been doing my best to filter out the noise but -."

"Noise? I'm noise?"

Kael grinned at the indignant tone, debated whether or not to elaborate on just what _noise_ he'd been filtering. Especially since that moment at the stream. Deciding doing so would only steer them into dangerous territory, he fell back on his earlier plan of taking the opportunity to learn more about her. Why wasn't she plugged into her heritage? Even if she despised the blood and energy that flowed through her, she was at Dynamic. Plenty of diversity there. Not to mention her field of study suggested she had a desire to understand the unspecified factors that drove species behavior.

"Why don't you visit?" he asked handing her the flask. "This is only a sampling of what -."

"I know what it is," she growled, her feisty spirit warming him. It was good to know his readings were on target. Her Azlaan blood ran true. How that factored into any Isolan behavior remained unknown. Not that he was an expert by any means. Unable to resist the opportunity and not wanting to waste the chance to strengthen their connection, he leaned forward, guided the hand holding the flask to her lips. "You should visit." He waited one heartbeat, two. "You have no idea what you're missing."

* * *

Kalta 4, Brogana System

Interplanetary Transfer Station

Kael handed two tickets to a tired looking research student.

"I already bought tickets," she complained.

"I know. I traded them in for something better."

"You -?"

Drawing her to a relatively empty corner of the waiting lounge, he stepped behind her put hands to her waist. When she stiffened he leaned close. "Relax. I decided it's better if we act as if we're together for the remainder of the mission."

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"Because," he explained brushing his lips briefly against her jaw, "it will draw less notice if we appear as a couple making it safer than if I'm seen as your bodyguard."

Livia decided as she searched for a reason to argue and came up short that it had been a mistake to let the warrior use her soap. Heat rose from the place where his tunic rested against the base of his throat, combined with the luscious fragrance, sendig it in her direction; every bit a lover's caress. And thanks to his proximity she would wear that combination of spice and virile warrior for the rest of the day.

"I assume this works for you?"

_Worked for her?_ His scent would be all over her as she lay in bed and given they would be spending the next two nights on the Interplanetary her bedroll would continue to smell of him for the foreseeable future!

"Livia?"

"It's– a - good idea," she stammered.

"You'll get a better sleep, too."

How in the universe had he come to that conclusion?

"I got us a private berth "

It was all she could do not to groan. She would never get any sleep now!

"It's on the warrior deck instead of the student section so it will be much quieter."

Oh, it'd be quiet alright. Except for the sound of her energy crashing off the walls of what would no doubt be an intimate space. Too intimate, damn it!

"That was thoughtful," she finally managed.

"You're not okay with this."

"It's fine," she countered. "I – it caught me off guard, that's all." She gave him a lop-sided smile. "I don't like the unexpected."

He leaned close. "I'm an Energy Tracker, Livia. I can see when you lie."

* * *

Livia stared at the water food. It was an elegant dish, one that cost far more than she ever would have spent on herself. She would reimburse the Azlaan but that he'd purchased it as part of the game he'd decided they play didn't sit well with her.

They were _not_ a couple, nor would they ever be. Especially once – _if -_ he discovered the truth of who and what she was. Not that she'd let her mind go in that direction. It was just -. She really did like him and had hoped they might become friends

"Is anything wrong with the food?"

Not the food, she thought, just the lie stuck in her throat.

"Are you unwell?"

The sharp tone snapped her out of her moment of pity. "No. I'm sorry. I'm just tired. The meal is delicious. Thank you for -."

"If you'd rather -."

"Kael, please stop interpreting every shift in my energy pattern as a lie. You know better than any that fact is not motive."

She may be hedging but not for reasons he would suspect.

"I'm a research scientist working on a rather delicate project the nature of which requires I keep secrets." She took a bite, considered her next words, how they might be interpreted. She really did like the idea of having the warrior as a friend. "I like you, Kael. So much so that I find myself having to bite my lips in order to keep from telling you more. But I can't. I'm sorry."

* * *

Kael watched Livia pace the top deck of the interplanetary making the two-and-a-half-day journey to the Sartus System. Reserved for Azlaan and Light Being warriors – along with the occasional Solan warrior – half of the sprawling space was kept clear so the physical species could walk, stretch, and train as needed. That several others, many of whom – like Livia – were in Dynamic uniforms, were doing likewise meant no one would pay any attention other than to make note of her, who she was with.

" _I like you Kael."_

The declaration contrasted sharply with her response to his suggestion they travel as a couple. He'd been tempted to reassure, explain that none of those they would be traveling with would ever believe such, but his pride had been pricked. Did she think him beneath her? It didn't fit with his perceptions but given what little time they'd spent together, the circumstances, he supposed it was possible. But for one thing. He'd felt her response to him.

More than once her energy had spiked when he'd gotten close, including at the Brogana Transport Station. And there'd been that time at the river. She'd gazed at him steadily even as his eyes kept drifting to her breasts and when he'd shared a drink with her later that night? If the fluctuations in her energy field were any indication, she'd not only fully expected him to kiss her, she would have welcomed it.

"Kael?"

He stood. "Banna." He glanced over, saw Livia speaking with a Light Being Energy Tracker who lived in the Alpec System. "This is a nice surprise. Where are you headed?"

"Zena. My cousin's wedding." She leaned close. "She's marrying a Light Being."

He worked to keep his surprise from showing. He knew Verix Sterling the Energy Shifter who'd led the rebellion against the Council of Twelve, married Princess Cirhce, but as far as he was aware, none of the other Light Beings in relationships had gone through a formal ceremony. Not that there were that many. Forbidden from entering into romantic liaisons by the Council, it was only recently that the powerful energy beings who were the apex army throughout the Twelve Star Systems were able to consider such. He had to admit, he was intrigued. "Which one?"

"Lorkus. He's marrying my cousin Kenda."

He'd crossed paths with the Light Being energy healer but had to admit, he didn't know him as well as Omart, the Energy Mover who was a frequent visitor to the Compound on Azlaan.

"Councilor Sartus is performing the ceremony."

"Indeed."

Though the Council was no longer in power, some of those deposed remained in positions that were more than figurehead but less than authoritative. The former Councilors were playing a key role in maintaining stability as the Twelve Systems transitioned to the new coalition government.

"He can't let Vetria one-up him."

"I don't understand."

"Councilor Vetria performed the ceremony that joined Verix and Cirhce."

"Ah."

"Yes, ah. The two are so competitive. I'm just surprised it took this long." She looked thoughtful. "Maybe it's because Kenda is expecting Lorkus' baby."

Before he could respond to the fantastical notion – Light Beings had been thought to be incapable of natural reproduction – she was speaking again. He liked Banna but had to admit, he was happier when her mouth was otherwise occupied. He wasn't a fan of gossip.

"What are you doing here?"

He started to point toward Livia when he realized she was no longer in sight. He looked around, only mildly panicked at the thought he'd lost her. She was on the Warrior deck of an Interplanetary. She was not only unlikely to be lost, she was perfectly safe. It wasn't as if they were trying to escape an assassin. He would have handled the mission far differently had that been the case.

"If you're looking for Livia," a deep voice said, "she went to the lower deck to visit with some friends from the Academy."

"Thanks, Vacorh."

The Light Being Energy Tracker, as stoic as the rest of the powerful energy beings that were once beholden to the Council acknowledged with a slight inclination of his head then moved off.

"Livia?"

"It's not what you think."

"That's what they all say," she teased.

"No. I'm -." Boy had he put his boot in it this time. Yes, he'd told Livia that was the impression he wanted others to get and yes, he felt it was safer for people to assume they were together. If it was known she had a bodyguard, it would draw attention and increase the odds some low-level mercenary trying to score points would take a shot at her. But if Banna somehow discovered she was Isolan -.

"She's just a friend. I'm helping her out with a research project."

"Sure." The Azlaan from the outer territories shrugged. "Why not?"

* * *

"Are you Livia?"

Livia turned from where she'd been staring out at the stars and though she didn't confirm, she did give the pretty red head what she hoped was a friendly expression.

"My name is Banna. I'm a friend of Kael."

"Ah. Nice to meet you."

"So, you're at Dynamic. What's your discipline?"

"Species Physiology."

"Wow. Lots of lab work. You obviously aren't destined for standard duty. What do you hope to do when you graduate?"

"Honestly? I'm not sure. I've been approached -."

"Teaching?"

"Well -."

"Don't."

The unasked-for advice surprised her. Then again, maybe not. If experience had taught her anything it was that Azlaans, including the senator, were some of the most opinionated individuals in the Twelve Star Systems. As she'd run into a variety of representatives from each of them in her years at Dynamic – students, faculty, political elite - she felt confident in her conclusions. Though, she had to admit, Kael seemed to be the exception.

"May I ask why you feel compelled to -?"

"You're Azlaan."

"Livia," Kael said walking up. "I see you've met Banna."

"I'm Isolan," Livia flatly replied.

* * *

If a hole in the interplanetary opened at that moment and sucked him into the Sartic atmosphere, Kael would have died a happy man. Far better, he believed, than looking into the startled gaze of the companion who'd shared his bed only weeks before.

Banna frowned at the pretty red head who was obviously from -. "Your eyes," she said plaintively, eager to understand.

"My grandfather -."

"Livia is of -."

Not at all certain of the relationship between Banna and Kael and tired of the tangled triangle, Livia cut through the chaos with a simple question. "What does being Azlaan have to do with my career choice?"

"That your eyes are orange tells me you're from -."

"The outer territories. I get that. What does -?"

"It's in your energy. It's who you are at the core."

"Is that right," she replied acerbically.

Unaffected, Banna continued. "We are free spirits. We live to understand the foundations of the universe. We need to know who we are."

Livia stared. How had this stranger summed up her entrance application so quickly?

" _Why did you choose Species Physiology?"_

" _Because I need to understand."_

She hadn't written those words on her application nor spoken them in her interview, but the sentiment had been in every word.

"We are seekers, Livia. We - more than any species in Vetria - perhaps all the systems– seek to understand. We seek truth. Because we need to know, need to understand. No matter the path we take we follow that need. If you put yourself in a position that stifles the freedom to seek -."

"But professors have access to -."

"Other people's words. Other people's ideas. Other people's experiences. It will never satisfy such as you."

"And you? What do you -?"

"I think -," Kael started only to be shoved away.

"I am a seeker, yes but my need to understand drives me to -."

"Yes?"

"It matters not. How I gain my answers is consistent with my path. I only suggest you not stifle your energetic core by spending your days talking of other people's discoveries. You are on a research mission yes?"

"Well, I -."

"Don't you see? You are not reading about someone else's research! You are conducting your own! You are on an interplanetary! Doesn't that tell you -?"

"Why are you on an interplanetary?"

Banna laughed. "I'm attending my cousin's wedding."

"That's -."

"I do not do this for family. I do this to be there when my no-good uncle's sweet innocent daughter marries her magnificent Light Being lover. How else am I to understand this post-Council world?"

* * *

With a last look at the bedroll across the room, at the beautiful Azlaan sleeping in it, Kael slipped from the berth he secured for he and Livia and made for the main deck area. As hoped, he saw Banna mingling with the warriors loitering there.

"Kael," she said giving him a welcoming smile, "I had a feeling I'd be seeing you. Come." She put an arm through his. "Let us get a drink."

"I don't -."

"You can have water," she admonished steering him toward the small space reserved for off hours dining.

"I need to -."

"I'm sorry. I didn't -."

Kael took a deep breath. "It's me who needs to apologize. I -."

"I didn't realize -."

"No!" He shook his head. He was seriously losing perspective. Damn Clovis!

_Damn Clovis?_ Damn Ryn damn it! If he hadn't assigned one of his best warriors to take the Isolan woman's -.

"I did not tell you everything."

He frowned. "There's nothing to tell."

"That's not the point. Kael you are dear to my heart, but you do not know the ways of the universe."

Rather than respond to a comment he didn't understand he took a drink of water. His eyes watered. "You -."

"Spiked it? Why of course, my dear. Drink up and listen to Banna."

"It's not what you think."

"You don't know what I think."

Kael closed his eyes and tried to distract himself with a vision of killing both Clovis and Ryn – and the senator – and Ryn's assistant for that matter - slowly.

"Do you understand what a gift you are? She is fortunate to -."

"I am _not_ taking her innocence," he hissed. "That is _not_ what this mission is about!"

# CHAPTER SIX

Banna stared out at the stars and pondered everything that had transpired that day. No matter which way she turned it she couldn't make the pieces fit.

"You did nothing wrong."

She turned. "Vacorh, isn't it?"

"Yes," the stoic Light Being replied. "I saw what happened."

"Heard it you mean?"

He shook his head. "I am an Energy Tracker. We see energy patterns."

"Some of you hear them."

Again, he shook his head. "You are thinking of Azlaan Trackers. Light Beings are different."

"You can't be all that different," she responded. "It wasn't all that long ago the two species intermated."

"Long enough that there are significant divergences."

Banna sighed. Why was it everyone was so intent on pointing out differences? The universe would be a better place she believed if people sought the common. Perhaps she was overly optimistic. Not even Azlaans could come together as evidenced by the distrust between the outer tribes and those of the inner core. She didn't envy Azlach in his rule of such an unruly group.

"I understand you are attending Lorkus' wedding?" he politely inquired.

"I am. He's marrying my cousin, Kenda." She smiled. "I am happy for her. Kenda is sweet. She deserves happiness."

"Do you think she can be happy with a Light Being?"

"She agreed to marry him didn't she?"

"That does not translate to -."

"Why wouldn't she be happy with him? He is handsome" – all Light Beings including the one she was speaking with were – "and he is kind. He has been good to her."

"You have seen them together?"

"Only once but it was enough."

Vacorh's eyes narrowed. "Can you explain?"

"Explain what?"

"How you were able to conclude after one interaction that -?"

Though he didn't understand her response, Vacorh was pleased Banna laughed. He liked the sound of it, the feel of it as it vibrated in his energetic field.

"First of all, it wasn't an interaction, it was a visit. I'd heard -."

Vacorh read the fluctuations in Banna's energetic field, tried to ascertain why the Karstanaan had stopped speaking and was so uncomfortable.

"You heard?" he invited.

"It matters not. I paid my cousin a visit to make sure she was well."

"If I'm to understand then I need to know the context of the visit."

Banna rolled her shoulders. It had been a long day. "It doesn't -."

"Please," he said fighting the urge to massage the beautiful Azlaan's shoulders. He so wanted to touch her, pull her gentle energy into his field. "I'd like to understand." Desperately needed to.

"That's something I can relate to," she volunteered then shrugged. "Why not? It's all in the past, right?"

"What is?"

"Kenda was sent to prison in place of her no-good cheating father. To pay off his gaming debts. Lorkus met her there."

"I am familiar with the story."

"Are you?" she asked, surprised. As far as she was aware, the circumstances around Kenda's release from prison were classified. The only reason she knew the truth was because her cousin, whom she had always had a close relationship with regardless of how far apart they lived, had confided in her.

"Strykus is a fellow Energy Tracker."

"You two are friends."

"Yes."

"So, you know -."

"That Kenda's release was unplanned? Yes."

"She did not deserve -."

"No," he interjected. "Forgive me. I did not mean to imply that her release was undeserved, simply that it was unanticipated."

She nodded. "So I watched them, watched Lorkus with the baby."

Kenda had been impregnated while in prison – a victim of rapine. Vacorh had heard - though he had yet to confirm \- that the rapist was an Arc, a class of Light Being that had been turned in order to be part of the Iconoclast's evil army and while Arcs were dwindling in number thanks to the efforts of Cirhce of Ivar, there were pockets of the evil beings wreaking havoc throughout the Twelve Star Systems. While he felt sympathy for what happened to the young woman what interested him was the idea that her baby was part Light Being. "Do you know if -?"

"The baby is Lorkus'? No but he is every bit his father." She'd seen right off how protective if not possessive of Kenda and her son the Energy Mover was.

"I know Lorkus did not father that child," he stated. "I wondered if the babe's father was an Arc? As is rumored."

"Yes," she said softly. "The baby is half Light Being. Lorkus is -."

"I know where he stands. He is a healer. He would never reject the babe or its mother."

"It? It is a he, Vacorh. His name is Denis and he is a beautiful sweet little boy who adores Lorkus as much as Lorkus loves him."

Banna wasn't surprised when Vaorh's irises turned yellow and elongated, a sign of high emotion what Azlaans knew as passion. How could he not feel passion at the idea Lorkus – a fellow Light Being - loved?

For centuries the powerful energy beings were forbidden from participating in romantic liaisons. Being forced to repress their emotions, to reject who and what they were – energy beings every bit as passionate as any Azlaan – had taken a serious toll. If not for the collective forces that worked to overthrow the Council of Twelve, there was a good chance the beautiful beings would have flamed out forever.

"How do you know it is love and not merely possessiveness?"

Banna inhaled sharply as an energetic ping vibrated within her field. This Light Being wanted to know love. More than that she guessed. He wanted to know passion, to experience it in all its facets. Including the physical.

"Yes," he stoically confirmed.

She wasn't surprised the energy being read her energy though under normal circumstances such an act would be considered invasive, if not outright rude. But there was nothing normal in this post-Council era.

"No," he agreed. "Do you have an escort?"

An escort?

"To the wedding."

Oh. "Do you mean a date?"

"Yes."

"No."

"Neither do I."

"Um." Banna's heart began to beat faster. "Before we go further with this," she said, her voice quivering. She'd never felt ashamed of her choice of profession before but if she was reading the situation correctly, Vacorh wanted her to show him -.

"You need to understand something," she said before she lost heart. "I'm a companion."

" _I do this to be there when my no-good uncle's sweet innocent daughter marries her magnificent Light Being lover."_

Yellow eyes stared impassively. "Which makes you perfect."

" _How else am I to understand this post-Council world?"_

"Who better to show me the way forward?"

* * *

Banna's gaze dropped to the notch at the base of the Energy Tracker's throat where a pulse beat strong and steady, a stark contrast to the rapid beating of her heart. She licked her lips. This beautiful powerful being was humbling himself to her? A nobody from a nowhere region who just happened to love -. She ruthlessly shoved the fact she enjoyed her occupation down deep.

"I wouldn't have approached you about this if I didn't think you enjoyed it."

The absurd comment made her want to laugh. He was treating the prospect of losing his virginity to a woman who made a living making love to Azlaans as if they were negotiating a contract for land while she stood wondering if she'd remain conscious long enough to reply let alone follow through.

The idea of intimacy with the Light Being both excited and terrified her. She'd long been drawn to beings with whom she shared energetic compatibility though a healthy sense of self-preservation had kept her from adventuring too far afield. And she had to admit, she hadn't come across too many Light Beings who had an energy signature compatible with her own. She'd always believed her first non-Azlaan liaison would be with a Balen, the feisty neighbors to the east.

The dark-eyed dark-skinned warrior looking at her as if he truly saw her for who and what she was, and not just her profession and what she could do for him was totally unexpected. In all honesty she wasn't sure what to think.

Like all Light Beings, the Energy Tracker was handsome with a warrior's physique that, unlike his Azlaan's counterpart, was understated. She'd go so far to say elegant whereas Azlaans were more likely to bulk up. Both species were tall though Azlaans always appeared beefier. Perhaps it was their uniforms chosen with care to show off physical strength to its best advantage.

Light Beings wore Dynamic military jumpsuits that hid their sculpted bodies. The only reason she even knew what was beneath was because she'd helped a local healer treat a particularly gruesome wound after a battle with the Balens in which the Light Beings came to their aid.

" _I had no idea what lay under that uniform."_

" _And it will stay that way."_

The Light Being Energy Shifter had misunderstood the teasing. _Of course,_ she would never divulge anything that might endanger the brave warrior who had come to their rescue. Knowing there was no way she could help him understand – stoic Light Being that he was – she'd simply apologized and moved on to the next patient.

Vacorh watched the beautiful redhead wrestle with her passions. "I am fully aware of what you do for a living, Banna. It doesn't change the fact I very much want to -."

"I understand," she interrupted, her tone clipped.

He was fascinated. "You are not used to someone wanting you for you." As opposed to what she could do for them. He planned to make their liaison a mutually beneficial experience. He'd been assured such was not only possible, it was desirable.

"I wouldn't say -."

"I wasn't planning to pay you."

She couldn't help but laugh at the indignant tone. What a refreshing bit of honesty! "I wouldn't have taken any compensation."

He stepped close put a hand to her shoulder. "I know. You have good energy, Banna. All the way through. This, I can see."

She drew in a long breath, closed her eyes in an attempt to reset her equilibrium. The Energy Tracker's touch, the feel of his energetic pulse against her shields, was having an odd effect.

"I believe," he said stoically, "you are turned on by me."

Her lips twitched. Not turned on by his touch or their energetic compatibility but him. "Yes," she agreed, "I believe I am." She opened her eyes gave him a warm smile. "I like your honesty, Vacorh."

"Deceit is tedious."

"Maxim of the Light Beings?"

"As you wish."

She shook her head. Oh, she was so glad she decided to accept her cousin's invitation.

"As am I."

"So," she said breathing out slowly, "when are we going to do this?" She glanced around, grateful to see that other than a few curious glances, none of the other warriors in the area were paying them any attention.

"I am not ashamed of being seen with you nor am I ashamed of you. As for when. You are not too tired for now?"

She swallowed, shook her head slowly from side to side.

"I have a private berth," he volunteered.

"So do I."

"Then I will come to you. In ten minutes?"

"I'll be waiting."

* * *

Banna paced the small space and wondered if she would embarrass herself by fainting or worse, throwing up all over the handsome Light Being. It wasn't the idea of being intimate with a powerful energy being that had her shaking in trepidation. Azlaan warriors were every bit as lethal. They were just quieter about it, preferring to be underestimated by their enemies.

Not that they were enemies any longer. Though the partnership between the two species had been forged out of necessity it had developed into an alliance that, though still evolving, was solid.

It was the burden of responsibility she felt to the Light Being that had her so anxious. This wasn't simply a case of walking a warrior through his first time, something she'd done occasionally throughout the years. It was helping a powerful energy being who was forced to repress his innate ability to love to find the strength and courage to let that repression fall away. It was helping him find the strength and courage to embrace all the facets of joy that came with intimacy shared between two people who cared for each other. She wondered briefly if she should point out that she was very particular about who she formed relationships with only engaging in physical intimacy if there was at least a friendship, decided it was probably more information than he needed to know. She continued to pace. What if she failed him? The wound would be far deeper than physical disappointment. If she screwed up, she might very well destroy him.

* * *

Vacorh wasn't sure what to make of Banna's pale visage. Had she changed her mind? He asked as much but rather than answer she pulled him into a berth that was one of the few that came with a private bath.

"You won't have a fatal energy spike, right? You'll be okay if -?"

Oh. She was concerned for him. Understandable. Prior to energetic strengthening treatments – a necessity after the fall of the Council mandate - Light Beings who experienced high emotion – what the Azlaans called passion – suffered energetic spikes that overloaded their electrical systems, often killing them. Obviously, she was worried sexual intimacy would kill him.

"I have seen Dr. Kinkaid," he assured. The brilliant DNA scientist who was also the Princess' biological father, was an expert in Light Being physiology. He'd developed treatments and techniques to strengthen their energetic cores making it unlikely they would experience a spike. All Light Beings had undergone the strengthening treatments in the wake of the Council's disbanding though not all wished to pursue a relationship. Years of repressing feelings and desires upon threat of execution could not be overcome with a writ.

"What does that mean?"

"I have had my energetic core strengthened." When she just shook her head, he explained. "I will not suffer a fatal energy spike."

"Oh. Good."

He noted the uneven flow in her energy field. "You are nervous. Perhaps if you had a drink -."

"I don't want a drink! That's all I need," she muttered.

"But if it would help you relax -."

"It'll make me throw up!"

"Why?" He considered. "Perhaps this is not a good idea. When I approached you -."

"Stop!"

He waited and while he waited he debated the wisdom of following through on his plan. He liked the Karstanaan. If pursuing a physical relationship with her was making her ill -.

Banna could only imagine what was going through the Energy Tracker's mind. What little experience she'd had with Light Beings proved to her what literal creatures they were. Many of the nuances of interspecies communications were beyond them which set up for plenty of misunderstandings. She worried he would absorb her uncertainty through his energy field and feel himself responsible when she was the one who was -.

"I'm scared," she blurted unwilling to put her fear on his shoulders.

Vacorh could see for himself the Azlaan was afraid but of what? He'd already assured her he would not suffer a fatal energy spike. Was it that he was a lethal soldier? The Light Beings and Azlaans shared a healthy alliance. Did she think he would punish her if he was displeased by the act? "I have no intention of causing you harm, Banna."

"Of course not. That's not why I'm scared."

The colors and patterns swirling within her wildly fluctuating energy field reminded him of the skies on his home world just before a storm. "Explain." He took a deep breath. "Please."

"I don't want to screw you up."

"I don't understand. How would -?"

"This is important to you."

"Yes."

"It's more than just physical."

It appeared she was still concerned about an energetic spike. Did she think he was unaware of the specifics involved in the intimate act? "I am aware of the risks, Banna. I have seen the films."

"Are you talking about those stupid training films put out by the Council? Forget it. Useless. Everyone one of them."

"I am not speaking of the training films. In anticipation of the pursuit of physical relationships by Light Beings, educational materials -."

"I told you -."

Deciding to test a move he remembered from one of the movies he was trying to describe, Vacorh stepped close and took Banna's hand. Bringing it to his chest he pressed it against his heart, covered it with his own. "Please," he implored, moderating his tone, "let me explain."

"Okay."

The steady rhythm of his heartbeat transmitted through physical touch was having a calming effect on the beautiful Azlaan. He was pleased as it was evidence following his instincts had worked. He'd been concerned he would not be able to trust them when it came to something so foreign as physical intimacy.

" _The same instincts that serve you in combat will serve you in this."_

Dr. Kinkaid had taken great effort to assure the lethal soldiers they could trust feelings they were just beginning to allow themselves to acknowledge.

"The films I am talking about are not training films but rather movies included in the educational material made available to all Light Beings after the fall of the Council mandate." All Light Beings had been encouraged to go through the materials whether or not they were interested in pursuing a physical relationship.

" _If the opportunity presents itself you want to be prepared."_

The doctor's sage advice had proved fruitful as there was no way he could have anticipated finding the ideal opportunity so soon after completing the energetic treatments.

"What's the difference between a training film and a film that is educational?"

"The educational films have a plot."

"I don't understand."

"That is how the Princess explained it. She said the other films were closer to something called pornography if it was directed by a high school biology teacher." Whatever that meant.

"I can see by your expression you still don't understand. I've been given permission to share the film if I felt it would help in the pursuit of a relationship. If you would like -."

"How about we consider that later? This is getting us nowhere. I guess I just have to trust that you know what's involved and you aren't worried -."

"I'm not," he interrupted then, deciding to again go with instinct, pressed his lips to hers when she opened her mouth presumably to argue. His Azlaan, he was pleased to note, had fire in her core.

# CHAPTER SEVEN

Vacorh might not be experienced Banna decided but there was no doubt he knew what he was doing kissing her. _Shut up and get on with it._

Smiling against his mouth she murmured, "message received," then proceeded to deepen the kiss.

* * *

Kael paced the small space made smaller by the fact that not ten feet away a beautiful woman – a woman he knew from an earlier energetic read would welcome him into her bed – lay sleeping.

" _Do you understand what a gift you are?"_

That was the problem. He did. He absolutely knew what he could do for the intelligent if seemingly aloof Dynamic student who identified with a culture he was beginning to suspect she had no affinity with. An Isolan who'd never been to Isolar?

Even without the orange ring in her beautiful eyes he would have known what she was. Her mannerisms all but screamed Azlaan, and a Karstanaan at that. Which told him much.

Those of the outer territories liked to tell themselves they were the true Azlaans. The pure. They bragged to anyone who would listen how, by following the old ways, they had preserved the essence of what it meant to be Azlaan. How they hadn't sold themselves out for political gain. As if that's what the Azlaan Light Being conflict had been about.

Not that those of the inner core were any better. That they'd managed to keep their race from being annihilated in a war that was not theirs was due to a variety of factors that included random fortune, the wisdom and foresight of those who lost much, and the hard work of thousands, many of whom were not Azlaan. In spite of this the arrogance engendered by victory provided a breeding ground for self-proclaimed superiority which fostered distrust and resentment between the two societies.

" _We are seekers."_

He'd easily seen the research student was deeply affected by Banna's declaration but why? Because it forced her to consider that she was more Azlaan than she wanted to admit and if so, how would that affect his relationship with her? Or, more to the point, how might it change the way she related to him? He hadn't seen any evidence she thought him beneath her. Outside her reaction to his suggestion they do nothing to correct the perception people - other than Azlaan and Light Being warriors - often got - that they were a couple. And she had been acting distant ever since. Dinner was certainly awkward. And immediately after she'd gone off in search of other company.

He continued to pace the small space. Did he want her to consider him more? He wasn't looking for a steady relationship, didn't believe she was either. And yet -. Her response to him at the Dynamic Research Compound on Kalta 4 suggested she might be open to such.

A sound drew his attention to the cot. She'd burrowed even deeper into the bedroll and was curling in on herself. Was she cold? That was a situation he could do something about, but did he trust himself not to take things further if he crawled in next to her?

* * *

Hissing out a sigh of frustration, Livia flipped over, yelped in surprise. "Kael? What are you doing in the middle of the room?" She frowned rubbed her eyes. "Why aren't you in bed?"

To his complete irritation he blurted out the last thing he wanted to say but what was apparently the first thing that came to mind. "Banna -."

"Oh. Yeah, about that. Listen, I know I was rude. I was planning to apologize tomorrow." She yawned. "I know she's a friend of yours." When he didn't say anything she pushed up on an elbow. "What's the matter? Are you cold, too?"

The question, concern for his welfare broke through the litany of self-recrimination. _Why_ had he mentioned Banna? Yes, Livia had been rude and yes he considered Banna a friend but the beautiful redhead frowning at him had drawn the wrong conclusion about their relationship! Well, he mentally corrected, if he was to be perfectly honest about it, she hadn't. But he doubted Livia realized Banna was a companion.

"Look, if you're going to get in here, do it already. I'm freezing!"

Kael noticed she was holding her bedroll open so he could crawl inside. Yellow eyes began to glow. It wasn't the idea of being in direct contact that had his energy surging, it was that she was doing it for him. So, he'd be warm. Not that that was a problem. Energetic beings, Azlaans, like their Light Being counterparts, had higher body temperatures. That that energy radiated several feet from their bodies meant they could easily share such warmth which is why he was ready to get into the bed with her though he'd planned on only lying on top of the covers.

"Look, if you're worried about my sensibilities, I've done this before."

"Slept with a man for warmth?"

"Yes."

Her matter-of-fact tone made him wonder what else she'd done besides huddle for warmth.

Livia didn't like the look in the warrior's glowing yellow eyes, quickly sought to disspell any misunderstanding he may have gotten. "Sometimes we have to go to locations that are downright chilly. Like Kalta 4. When we were there helping with the flood victims? Four of us huddled together in a smaller-than-appropriate-for-four shelter." The portable shelter she'd brought from Dynamic – her personal shelter - was meant for two at most.

He was almost afraid to ask. "Two and two?"

"Three and one," she replied. Her mouth twisted in irritation. "I was the one."

"What spec-?"

"Look, we were all from Dynamic, okay? We all knew each other and had been on research trips before. We trusted each other."

"Isolans?"

"Two Light Beings and a Solan."

Eyebrows up. Two Light Beings and a Solan crawled in with -? He just couldn't picture it.

"The Light Beings were instructors at the school. At least, one of them was. One was on campus for some kind of conference or something." She decided not to mention the identity of that one since he was on the interplanetary.

"And the Solan?" he inquired. Solans generally kept away from Dynamic, preferring to educate their students at their own universities.

"Someone who was pursuing a diplomatic career. He knew his physical strength would be an asset and agreed to come with me. He lived across the hall," she added then yawned again, jarring him to action.

To his consternation she turned away and scooted closer to the wall the moment he crawled in.

Livia could feel the confusion and irritation rolling off of the Azlaan, decided the best thing to do was do what she could to clear it up. She'd never get back to sleep otherwise and she needed to. She'd been waking up off and on for hours due to feeling cold. It hadn't occurred to her to turn up the temperature of the room thinking her bedroll enough to keep her warm. Obviously, she was going to have to upgrade. Letting out a sigh she turned over, looked into eyes glowing yellow. Yep, definitely irritated.

"I – you're bigger. This isn't the largest cot even if the bedroll stretches to accommodate the two of us. I figured moving closer to the wall would give you the space you need for a comfortable sleep."

Kael stared into eyes ringed with orange. He wondered if the orange ever glowed. Perhaps a test? He maneuvered closer. "I will have no difficulty sleeping and you said you were cold. My proximity means you benefit from my heat." He waited. Was it his imagination or -? He stretched his left arm out. "You can use it as a pillow."

Bingo! He knew it! Glowing, the hallmark of an Azlaan feeling high emotion. The thought of what emotion might have ignited the energy – of what it might mean for the two of them \- made him smile.

* * *

Vacorh was puzzled by the expression on Banna's face as she stared at his bare chest. The lust was easy enough to identify but there was another emotion swirling within her energetic field. Unfamiliar, he tried to determine whether or not it might be a threat to his system.

Banna drew her gaze up, tried to ignore the stab of disappointment at seeing Vacorh's eyes dark brown. Then again, maybe she should be happy they weren't glowing yellow. It wasn't as if she'd have been able to tell with any certainty exactly what emotion was causing such a reaction. It might not be lust. What if it was anger? Because she was just standing there. Her gaze drifted back to his beautiful chest. She licked her lips. Did she dare tell him what she wanted?

It was the fear in the Azlaan's energy field that prompted Vacorh to speak. "Do you still fear for me? I promise you I will not suffer a fatal energy spike."

Keeping her eyes fixed on his pects she shook her head slowly from side to side.

"And you aren't afraid I'm going to harm you?" Perhaps she'd detected tension as he tried to determine whether or not he was under some sort of threat from any dissonance that might exist between them. He wanted her but the fact of the matter was their two species had spent centuries at war. Perhaps such a truth was lodged deeply within their energy fields though he wanted to think not.

"Um, no. I -." She looked up at him. "Can I touch you?"

"Of course." How else were they going to copulate?

* * *

Letting out a shaky breath, Banna reached out a hand, immediately closed her eyes. Oh, he felt so good!

Vacorh lowered his system's alert level in response to the energetic transmission. "You like the feel of me," he stated stoically. It boded well for the rest of the evening.

Not bothering to comment, Banna stepped close, took her hand away from his chest and rested her cheek against it. She let out a sigh of contentment. Bliss.

Vacorh looked down at the woman snuggling against him. Was he supposed to do something in response to this show of acceptance? He wanted to think it was affection that put calm in her energy field but realistically it was too much to hope for. They barely knew each other though he had to admit he'd felt an immediate affinity to the Karstanaan. He wanted to return some of the pleasure she was sending his way but how?

Rifling through the various movie scenes he'd mentally catalogued he searched for something that might help him know what to do. Fortunately, the Karstanaan didn't seem to expect anything in particular. Nothing from any of the movies he watched gave him an idea, so he decided to consider something a little closer to home. The Princess was emotionally demonstrative. Many times he'd seen her embrace warriors in a show of support if not affection; warriors she'd seen kill in battle. Deciding it shouldn't cause panic, he brought his arms around the beautiful redhead and applied slight pressure. To his satisfaction he felt her face crease in a smile.

"This is nice," Banna murmured then looked up. "You feel so good. Your energy," she clarified.

"We seem to have energetic compatibility," he agreed stoically.

Banna grinned. Such a Light Being response. She sobered. Was that all it was to him? A scientific exercise? Not that she was helping she supposed. He asks her to show him how to have sex and she starts off by talking then simply resting her cheek against his chest? She drew back, pulled his hands back to her waist when he removed them.

"It's more than that," she said quietly.

"Explain. Please."

Banna turned, paced away. Explain? How?

* * *

To Vacorh's surprise an unpleasant electrical surge passed through his energy field. It wasn't the surge itself that surprised him so much as the fact he could interpret it.

His species had long been able to detect patterns they subsequently mapped to a variety of responses though the fact they'd been forced to repress their own inherent ability to feel meant it was little more than an academic exercise. That he was able to understand the emotion moving through the Azlaan wrapping her arms about herself was nothing short of astonishing. She was – forlorn.

Banna turned. "What?"

"You are feeling forlorn. For me."

Drawing a hand down her face she took a couple of steps in his direction. "You know, if you keep asking me to explain what I can't we're never going to get this done."

Ignoring the fact he didn't like how she referred to their exploration he asked, "Why can't you?"

"Because I can't find the words to do it justice!" she snapped. "Look -."

"Then let's just do it."

Her lips parted and her gaze moved from eyes that had elongated and begun to glow to a chest that fed her with the most soothing energetic pulses she'd felt in ages - perhaps ever – to a wonderfully familiar bulge in his uniform. It was going to be alright. "Take off your uniform."

Nonplussed by the sudden demand he nonetheless obeyed.

"Lay down."

"I don't -."

"Please."

Not at all comfortable with the suggestion Vacorh remained where he was. "Not until you take off your clothing."

"How about we compromise? You sit on the edge of the cot and I'll come close and remove my clothing."

Deciding it a reasonable compromise – after all he could easily launch an attack – he acquiesced.

* * *

Banna didn't have to be a Light Being to feel the tension in the powerful energy being sitting on the edge of the cot, ready to pounce. She didn't particularly like the lethal tinge to the energy flowing her way, but she did plan to exploit it to their advantage by channeling it into excitement. It helped that she didn't believe the malevolence was aimed at her so much as a by-product of the very real fear he may have a fatal energy spike. For all his talk about energetic strengthening from who or whatever Dr. Kinkaid was, the truth of the matter was he'd never had sex before. There was no way to know for certain how his energetic system would handle it.

Reaching up, she pulled pins from her hair, ran her fingers through before tossing her head. There was no particular look she was after so much as wanting to ease the tension from her scalp.

"I can -."

"Sit. You can help me later."

Reaching around she undid the clasp at the back of her neck before pulling the zipper to her waist. Gently tugging on the material at her wrists, she shrugged then pulled back. Angling her head she looked over, tried to gauge how he was reacting to the sight of her breasts. Not that he hadn't seen breasts before but -.

"I like them. May I touch?"

"Soon," she promised then shoved the dress down. Stepping out she draped it over a chair, took a deep breath then tossed her head again. It wasn't part of the sensuous dance she was engaging in. She'd always liked the way her hair felt as it brushed across her shoulder blades, even in the shower where water plastered the red locks to her shoulders, the weight a reminder she took pride in her appearance.

"You have beautiful hair," he acknowledged and she considered how nice it was to have someone who could read her so easily. Or perhaps it was that he was willing to reveal himself to her through honest observation rather than telling her what he thought she wanted to hear.

Naked she stepped over, crawled up onto the edge of the cot, putting a knee to either side of the powerful warrior, smiling when he held her steady.

"Is it okay if I press myself to you?"

"Yes," he replied stoically and she was happy to see his eyes glowing.

"I'm still scared," she admitted.

"I know. I will do what I can to put you at ease."

"Will you scoot back just a little? That way I won't feel as if I'm about to fall backward."

"But my hands -."

"Are going to be in my hair," she finished taking one and moving it to her cheek. "Touch me?" she implored and wondered if it would help to tell him she never let any of the Azlaans such a luxury.

"I would like to know why you trust me but later."

"Yes," she answered softly, "later."

* * *

Kael eased himself away from the sleeping woman who'd sighed contentedly before placing a hand to his chest and falling into a peaceful slumber. Their close proximity – his heat – made it all but impossible for him to sleep. Not to mention her nearness was testing his reserves, stretching them to the breaking point. He liked the research student and while he knew she ached for more – for what her energy instinctively knew he could provide – he would not betray her trust.

If they were closer to the completion of the mission, he might consider taking such steps but they had three more stops, two of which were back in the Vetria System which meant another lengthy transport on an interplanetary.

He momentarily debated whether or not to seek out Banna, apologize for putting her in a difficult situation. He really did like the vivacious Karstanaan. She wasn't responsible for the chaos of his mission. Deciding he'd pay her a visit after the mission – to explain himself – he crawled into his bedroll and, breathing out a sigh of relief at the coolness, closed his eyes. It was going to be okay.

* * *

Vacorh looked up at the Azlaan woman. "I don't like that you -." He let out a sigh, a rare show of emotion. "I would prefer to be on top because I would feel more in control. I do not like feeling -.

Banna put a finger to Vacorh's lips followed it with a gentle kiss as she angled her hips over his waist. "It's not about control," she promised reaching down to stroke him between the thighs. "I'm simply helping you find your rhythm."

She waited to see whether or not he was amenable to the change of course. They'd started out with him on top, but the clumsy jerky movements resulted in a great deal of discomfort, necessitating a change.

" _Let me be on top."_

His ego had taken a hit.

" _I do not think -."_

"Once you have established your rhythm," she assured working as she talked, "you will have full control. I promise."

"I don't understand -," he hissed pushing against her, the need for control overwhelming. He didn't want to hurt Banna but she needed to understand – _he_ needed to be in control. It was in his nature. It was who he was. The pressure burned, surged. "I need to do this!" he growled then pushed up, pulling her down as he did so. "I _need_ this and _you_ need to understand what I am!"

A gentle smile spread over Banna's lips. "I think you found your rhythm."

# CHAPTER EIGHT

Vacorh stared in shock. He'd done it. Without even realizing what was happening he'd -. "You distracted me."

"No. That implies deceit. I did what I told you I was going to do. I helped you find your rhythm."

He considered, energetically scanned. She was right he decided, there was no deceit. She'd talked him through the process. If he hadn't been so focused on her words or so worried over the technical aspects, he might have been aware of what she was doing. Though he had felt some of it. "You rubbed me. While you talked."

"I did," she confirmed. "To keep you hard. That way, when I lowered myself over you, it was a smooth entry."

"But -."

"I knew you would respond."

"But I don't remember -."

"Your body does. It's in your nature, Vacorh. You couldn't not thrust up in response to how good it felt being inside of me."

"I don't -."

"Think about it. You're a Light Being. From what I understand no other species is as adept at splitting their energy. It's what makes you superior warriors." It was something the Azlaans had been trying to master for centuries, without success. "It will ensure you are masters at this, too." Because they would never have to fully lower their guard.

"But I do not want my consciousness split away from my body when I do this! I want to enjoy and savor every moment of it!"

She placed a hand to his cheek. "And the next time you will. Whether you want to admit it or not, my love, you were very frightened. The fear came from not knowing what to expect." Or knowing whether or not the doctor's work was enough. "Now that you know nothing bad will happen? There will be no fear blocking your participation." No fear blocking his pleasure.

The Azlaan's logic was sound, he decided and so nodded. "I look forward to the next time."

"As do I, my love. As do I."

"You call me love."

She read the unasked question in the energy. Did she call everyone love? _No._ She waited to see whether he received the energetic pulse.

"You love me?"

"It's in my energy isn't it?"

"That is energetic compatibility."

"If you can manage to sweep away the residual fear then you will feel I speak the truth."

He grunted. Not _know_ she spoke the truth, _feel it._ He went through a series of centering exercises, focused on the unfamiliar vibration cycling through the top layer of his energetic field. Little more than a galvanic skin response the deep affection – what she described as love – was looking for a way to penetrate deeper. "I feel it," he admitted at last then gave her one of his rare smiles.

* * *

Livia sat on a comfy bench near a window, pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around them before looking out at the stars. She'd slipped out of the berth unsurprised Kael was still sleeping. He'd been up half the night.

She'd gone to bed early, woke when he left the room they were sharing - presumably to go visit with Banna. She wasn't sure how she felt about that. She'd readily seen how comfortable the beautiful Azlaan was around him. It was obvious they knew each other in _that way_ but she'd also sensed a strange dissonance between the two. Originating, interestingly enough from Kael.

If she didn't know better, she'd say it was because he was uncomfortable. Because of her. But that would imply he wanted to know _her_ in _that way_ and other than suggesting their silly game of charades, he hadn't sent any signals that he had any interest in her beyond tolerating her as a client he needed to protect. Not that she could blame him. When she wasn't being rude, she was distracted.

Sensing a change in air pressure she looked up. "Vacorh." Coming out of Banna's berth. Now wasn't that interesting?

"Hello Livia. You are well?"

"Yes. I – I didn't realize you and Banna were together."

She'd first met the Light Being Energy Tracker on Kalta 4 during the rescue mission. He was one of the three. She'd found him to be one of the more amicable energy beings which was why she hadn't had any difficulty accepting him into her small shelter. She'd happily spent the night sandwiched between him and the Solan from her dorm, their heat keeping her toasty as her calm demeanor kept them from focusing on the dissonance they felt in each other's presence.

"We weren't," he replied jerking her attention back to the present. Had he been picking up on her musings? Likely. She replayed his words. They weren't? That implied -. Her eyes rounded. "Did you -? Was this the first time?"

"Yes."

_Wow!_ "Um – wow. Are you -? I mean -?" She blew out a sigh. "I'm sorry if I seem rude but are you okay?" He certainly seemed okay. Happy even.

"I am happy. And yes, I'm okay." He gestured. "May I?"

"Yes, of course."

He took a seat across from her. "And you? Did you spend a good evening? You seem – tired."

"I didn't sleep well," she admitted. "I was cold."

"Why didn't you adjust the thermostat?"

"Good question." She shrugged. "I think it's because I hovered at the edge of awareness."

"What does that mean?"

"I was in a deep enough sleep that I couldn't drag myself out of bed to do something about the temperature. Lazy, I guess."

"Would you like me to get you a cup of joy?" he politely inquired referring to a warm beverage that helped clear the mind and energy field.

"That's okay. I'll take a shower once Kael's awake. I'll be fine after that."

"Why do you dislike Banna?"

"I don't dislike her," she immediately answered, "though I understand why it came across that way and I intend to apologize for being so rude." She shook her head. "She pricked at my weakness."

"Which is?"

"I'm sensitive about my Azlaan heritage."

"Ah."

That was one thing Livia had always appreciated about the powerful energy beings who were the Council's army for centuries. Ever stoic, they rarely delved deeper than basic answers though she suspected that was about to change. Emotion drove people to dig, even if they bled as a result.

"I do not wish to cause distress."

"No but you know? Sometimes people need to feel pain."

"Why?"

"Because if we were to remain numb to our own sensitivities, we would never see them in others. We would become callous and that's when trouble starts." She looked at him. "I think that's why the war went on so long. People became indifferent to it because they were indifferent to others – because they were indifferent to themselves."

"There is merit in your theory."

She stared out the window for a long moment, looked into eyes of dark brown. Was he filled with nervous energy because of what he'd just gone through? Had he sought out the company of someone he trusted to understand?

"Perhaps."

"You are to be congratulated."

"It was not a battle won."

"In a way it was. You faced the unknown and came out the other side. That's victory and every bit as monumental because you will never again be able to go back to the other side."

"It didn't feel all that monumental," he answered, and she got the impression he was disappointed by that.

"And there is no other side to return to," he stoically added.

She looked out at the stars and considered her words. It wasn't as if she could speak from experience, but she had spoken at length with someone who had given her tremendous insight as to what it meant to stand on both sides. She turned back to the energy being patiently waiting.

"You may not feel it at the moment," she started, "because there are so many thoughts and emotions moving within your energetic field and you're probably suppressing most of them as they aren't as much of a priority as those associated with safety and well-being."

"'Understood."

"You have accomplished something that has changed you on a fundamental level. Trust me, it was transformative energetically. Others will notice it though most probably won't have the guts to say anything to you about it."

"Understandable."

"And at some point when you allow it, you'll tune into those transformative energies and as you do? You'll integrate them into who you are."

"You speak from experience?"

Um. "No."

"Then how do you know this? I am not trying to make you uncomfortable I simply wish to understand more about this process."

"Someone I trust explained it to me in great detail."

Which suggested, Vacorh decided, that she too, wished to understand. Perhaps she was putting off the act until she completed her research. "Was this person you trusted a male or female?"

"A female. She's on the faculty and is sponsoring my research." And, she was Isolan and had been very willing to tell Livia about the world where her family lived before the war. "That's how I learned to trust her as a reliable source of information."

"Do you believe she would be willing to answer a few questions?"

Livia wasn't sure how to answer. Kara had never asked her not to discuss the situation with anyone but that was a far cry from having a Light Being show up at her doorstep. "Can I ask her first? From what I know if her I don't think she _will_ have an issue, but I'd like to be sure."

"I understand. You have my contact information?"

"I still have it." He'd given it to her after the time on Kalta 4. For several moments they sat in silence. "Why did you choose Banna? I assume you know her and -."

"I never met her before yesterday."

* * *

When the air pressure around him shifted Kael turned, saw that he'd been joined by a Light Being by the name of Blox. The Energy Mover worked the Khafra System. He didn't have to connect energetically to know he was every bit as interested in what Vacorh and Livia were discussing as he was. He angled his head, received a subtle nod in response. Of course, the energy being had probably alerted his colleague to the fact they had an audience.

" _I did. He informed me it will not be a problem so long as the woman does not become aware."_

The woman. He wasn't sure what to think of the fact he didn't like Livia referred to as such.

" _How should I -?"_

He wasn't surprised the Energy Mover sought to placate him. Energetic healers Energy Movers sought to restore energetic equilibrium whenever they could.

" _She is yours?"_

" _Yes," he answered reflexively, not uncomfortable with the idea of it._

" _She is very beautiful."_

" _Yes."_

" _Her energy is soothing."_

Was it? He hadn't noticed. He'd only been on the receiving end of the irritation she shot in his direction. Then again, to an Azlaan warrior, even that was soothing at times. Acknowledging the compliment of his choice, he turned his attention back to the conversation going on close by.

* * *

Livia was stunned. They'd never met before yesterday? That suggested spontaneity. As a species physiologist, Livia was fascinated by the prospect the Light Being had been motivated by emotion rather than logic.

Yes, with the fall of the Council Light Beings were no longer executed for experiencing high emotion but generations of repression could not be undone simply because someone said something. That the Energy Tracker acted spontaneously suggested he was comfortable with emotions that might lead to such behavior, which further suggested he'd been in touch with them far longer than might otherwise be believed.

"There is no good answer for that," Vacorh responded, having read her, "but for some of us emotions could never be silenced."

"That must have been awful to live with."

"For some," he agreed.

"You found a way to siphon off the tension."

"I did."

"Can I ask -?"

"It differs for each being. The important consideration is to find a way to channel the energy."

"Fighting."

"That is why we have the Clubs."

The Clubs. Athletic organizations where Light Beings could spar. There were several in Perm, Catana's capital. "I know sex was out so how else -?"

"Caring for animals, plants. Building."

"Building?"

"The Twelve Star Systems are vast. There is always a need to build or rebuild."

And with their analytical skills the Light Beings were well positioned to be everything from planners to project managers to those who performed the labor.

"I'm guessing those Light Beings who've been safely channeling their emotions all these centuries will be first in line to embrace physical relationships."

"There is a correlation though not everyone wishes to take such a step."

Which made sense. Too many years under the threat of execution or suffering a fatal energy spike.

"Yes."

"Did channeling -? Wait. Which method of channeling did you employ?"

"Fighting and animals," he responded. "I have two pets."

The Council didn't notice?

"As it helped keep us stable," he replied having read her telepathically, "the Council chose to ignore such oddities."

"Did channeling prepare you for -?"

"No."

"Maybe I shouldn't ask."

"I trust you. And I have nothing to hide." He'd known the research student for years. A rare variant in Light Being energy detection had enabled him to see through her heavy shielding, determine what she was. It was why he'd suggested they combine their body heat during the rescue. Her energy was soothing, yes, but he wanted the opportunity to more closely examine her cloaking.

That she'd managed to keep it a secret from so many and for so long had earned his respect, as had watching how she'd thrown herself into the chaos of the Kalta 4 atmospheric crisis in order to help.

"Dr. Kinkaid developed therapies and strategies to ensure no Light Being need worry about suffering a fatal energy spike. Under any circumstances," he added.

In other words, even those who weren't going to pursue physical relationships would need to deal with their emotions. Well done, Dr. Kinkaid. The brilliant researcher was the foremost authority on Light Being physiology. He was also one of her research sponsors. She was glad he'd been able to help the beautiful energy being sharing his story with her of what had to be a scary time.

"I wasn't scared. I was angry."

"Were you?" Obviously, he hadn't taken that anger out on the pretty Azlaan.

"I did but it worked out."

"This I gotta hear," she muttered. When Light Beings got angry, people didn't walk away.

"I did not become physically violent. I -." He sighed. "I do not believe I can explain it."

"Don't worry about it," she cut in. "I trust you. No visuals needed."

"Understood." He stared thoughtfully out at the stars, back. "I channeled that anger productively, you might say."

Livia laughed. "I'll just bet you did." She sobered. "Was it good? Or were you too scared to enjoy it?"

Vacorh had the distinct impression Livia was afraid of entering into such a relationship, that she was afraid of the energetic transformation she'd told him about. And yet he'd picked up on her attraction to the Azlaan she was traveling with without having to scan. "Yes, and yes," he answered.

"Got it." Ever the research scientist, Livia considered what other questions she might ask. There weren't going to be many more opportunities to discuss such a delicate subject with someone she trusted. She wanted to take advantage of what time she had with the beautiful Light Being before they were interrupted.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Calling me beautiful."

"Oh, you're welcome. And you are." And not just physically. His energy was steady and peaceful which translated to beauty in her energetic core.

"Yours was a pleasant song within mine."

"Hmm?"

"When we slept together on Kalta 4?"

"I remember. You and Corseph kept me nice and toasty."

"And your pleasant vibration of contentment kept us from killing each other."

She grinned. "Why don't you like -?"

"It's academic."

She laughed. "Okay, I won't press for details." She looked into his beautiful dark eyes. "Kara told me -." She slapped a hand over her mouth.

"You do not need to worry that I will approach the Isolan. I will wait until you contact me and if you tell me she is uncomfortable talking with me, I will respect that."

"I would fail miserably in a friendly interrogation."

Which boded well, in his mind, for her pursuit of an intimate relationship. "As you will."

"Okay, so Kara told me the most important factor was trust."

He considered. "I can see that being the case for a female but for a male it is more about finding someone who understands where we are coming from."

"By where you are coming from do you mean that it was your first time?"

"As a Light Being -." He stopped, considered how to explain. "Banna was concerned about a fatal energy spike. She went to great lengths to put me at ease so I was able to keep my security parameters at high alert."

"Some of that made sense," she admitted, "but I don't know -. I study the physiology of energy beings from an electrical perspective, not chemical."

"I understand though I advise that you consider reading up on the other for it is relevant more often than you might think."

"Duly noted and thank you. I will. And I know just the person to go to for recommendations, though I hope I can ask you if I have any clarifying questions?"

"You can though I may ask others to provide an answer if I feel they would do a better job covering a topic or if a different perspective would help."

"Duly noted. So, you needed someone who would understand where you were coming from which to me is the same thing as trust. How did you know Banna would be able to do that for you? You'd just met her."

" _Don't tell her!"_

# CHAPTER NINE

It took effort not to react to the emotional demand sent by the Azlaan warrior traveling with the research student. It wasn't the unexpected nature of it so much as the discordant and therefore painful frequency it flowed along.

" _I apologize. Please do not reveal Banna's occupation to Livia."_

" _But I am not ashamed of it or her."_

" _Neither am I. I will explain but later. Please."_

"You don't have to answer," Livia prompted.

"I do not have a problem answering. I simply wish to be clear in my response." It wasn't difficult to comply with the Azlaan warrior's request because her occupation had nothing to do with his choosing her.

"I went with instinct."

"You took one look at her and knew at that moment she was the one?"

"I watched her with the warriors, noted how at ease she was with them."

"But they're Azlaan. It makes sense she would be at ease around them."

Vacorh realized he was going to have to be careful if he was going to honor his promise to the Azlaan warrior. If he pointed out to Livia that her logic was flawed because Banna was from the outer territories and the warriors were, for the most part, from the inner core, it would likely lead her to search for an explanation and there was every chance that explanation would be the correct one.

"I merely considered her ease with the warriors. I felt if she was comfortable with such powerful energy beings then perhaps she would be comfortable with me so I approached."

"Because you were lonely? You were bored? How did you get from watching her talk with Azlaan warriors to wanting to go to bed with her?"

"I approached her because she was feeling badly. I could see it in her energetic field."

"Was she feeling badly because of me?"

"She was feeling confused because of you. She did not understand your response to her small talk. She was feeling badly because she likes Kael and was worried she'd caused trouble for the two of you. I assured her she had done nothing wrong."

"She didn't and I _will_ be apologizing to her when I see her next."

"That is why I approached. As we stood talking, I became aware of an energetic synergy that was quite strong. I suppose the positive feedback to my system emboldened me to act. I'm glad I did."

"I am too. Listen, I'm going to go get something to eat. Thank you for talking with me. I -."

"I know you feel contrite, Livia. If it helps, Banna does not feel offended, simply confused. She prides herself in being able to read people and she was unable to read you. If anything, I'd say she is probably intrigued and will seek you out simply for the opportunity to understand."

* * *

Kael turned and gazed into Banna's orange eyes which were at that moment glowing. The two were surrounded by a group of Light Beings who'd gotten wind of the conversation and had come to channel in. "We need to talk,' he murmured.

"Apparently," she agreed, "but later. For now, I have plans for Vacorh which include eating the breakfast I had delivered to my berth."

He grinned, kissed her cheek. "You're a good woman, Banna. Never doubt it. I'm lucky to have you as a friend."

"As I agree I'll go with it," she replied before following the Light Being Energy Tracker into her quarters.

It was easy enough to see the Light Beings wanted to talk about what they'd just learned. He took a moment to consider how such a basic part of life, something embraced by Azlaans, was so utterly foreign to them that they were stumbling through what should have come naturally.

"See how well you would do if you were put to death for even thinking about physical intimacy."

"I meant no offense," he said in response to the Energy Mover's rebuke.

"We do not need your pity, Azlaan," another Light Being put in. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Azlaan warriors edging closer.

"Good because you don't have it. I was merely wondering -."

"I suggest," a gruff voice said from behind him, "that you cease with this contentious discussion. It's easy enough to see where it's headed. If you do not all wish to be reported to your superiors, you will find something more constructive to do."

Kael almost pitied the energy being overseeing order on the warrior deck for the hostility that flowed at him.

"I am used to it," he said in response to Kael's thoughts. "I repeat, you need to cease and disperse."

"What we need to do, Light Being," one of the Azlaan warriors retorted, "is to channel our frustrations. Any takers?"

The overseer sighed. "At lease we have the facilities for such." And none of them had their laser weapons. Experience taught the operators of the interplanetaries that weapons needed to be locked away for the duration of travel.

"We don't need laser weapons to do damage," the Azlaan, a man by the name of Truesli, shot back.

"So long as that damage is not done to this vessel I have no issue."

Kael watched the overseer walk away. He turned. "Keep it clean, you understand? We're allies. Remember that." He shot the group at large a look of warning before going off to find Livia.

* * *

Ladhra 2, Sartus System

Edge of the Zana Compound

Livia dropped her bedroll onto one of the two cots in the tent, turned to her companion. "I have two projects here and as they are within close proximity, we have a choice. I can get the samples now and we can leave right after or I can get them tomorrow."

"Or," he countered, "you can get them now and leave in the morning."

"What are we supposed to do between now and then?"

"Relax?"

The suggestion surprised her. Then again, maybe not. Ever since breakfast Kael had been ill at ease for some reason. She didn't think he was upset with her about Banna. He'd been there when she apologized to the woman. Maybe he was still tired for some reason.

"Do you even know how?"

"Huh?? How to what?

"Relax. I have yet to see you do so." Other than when they'd shared a drink on Kalta 4, but he now believed that was simply fatigue.

"Yes, I know how to relax but I'm working."

"There were no samples to gather on the interplanetary."

"No, but that didn't mean I wasn't working. I had to catalogue the ones I had, get them ready for shipping." And she'd had an amazing conversation that dovetailed her research nicely. Irony didn't begin to describe it.

Kael wondered how her conversation with Vacorh had factored into her research. As a physiologist working on a disease that Light Beings did not get, she had to consider the ramifications of the powerful energy beings again intermarrying with species who, at one time, coexisted peacefully with them. Before the war.

Before the war, parings between Light Beings and a number of species throughout the star systems were common. Livia had to be factoring the fact they were once again on the verge of such into her project.

Did she consider it good or bad, he wondered, given her animosity toward his species. He could easily assure her that a full return to how it was before was unlikely to happen. The slaughter during the war, alliances formed in the aftermath meant that though there would be more interspecies parings, an entire new group would be at the center of it. Interestingly, that group was still centered in Vetria. He wondered momentarily how that would tilt the balance of power between the Balens and Azlaans. Their neighbors to the east were generally hostile which made them great mercenaries but difficult neighbors. He considered the irony of the fact that Light Beings were entering into physical relationships with species they once slaughtered in a brutal war.

"Kael? Are you coming?"

Bringing his attention back to the pretty research student, Kael nodded, followed her out of the tent.

"What's so interesting about this one?" Kael asked a half hour later.

"You see this substance that looks like dust?" she said pointing to an agricultural stalk.

"Yes."

"It's a slow-moving disease. See how it suddenly stops where this flower is growing into the stalk?"

"That isn't part of the plant?"

"No. It was either blown against it and managed to burrow in and take root or someone wanted to see if it could stop the spread of the disease and planted it here."

"Or they knew it would and planted it."

She nodded. "This section of the Zanna Agricultural Compound is open to researchers from throughout the systems so it's possible someone knew and planted it so others would notice." She pointed. "I've been tracking this for the past year and a half. I come back every three months and take samples. I didn't need to this time but I was already here for the hava plant so I figured I'd take advantage of it."

"So that's a separate research project?"

"Yes and it isn't sanctioned by the school. A group of us are participating, sharing what we discover and publishing it so that others who can't afford to travel themselves can have access to the data."

"What does the school think about you sharing the information with our enemies?"

"We got around that concern by filing for a waiver of altruism and charity."

"Which is?"

"We learned much from the war. The need for medical and other aid is often allowed, the argument being it is a mission of mercy." She closed the cap on the container. "I'm finished." Without another word and without waiting to see if Kael was following, she started back.

* * *

Livia's stomach knotted as she caught sight of the familiar figure waiting outside the tent she'd been assigned for the duration of her stay on Ladhra 2. "Tavvy," she said, hoping her voice didn't give away how displeased she was by his presence.

"Livia. I heard you were here so I thought I'd come over and say hello."

The last thing she wanted to do was introduce the physiologist to Kael but to not do so would bring more curiosity and thus more risk than doing so while hoping the Azlaan Energy Tracker wouldn't do more than a cursory scan of their relationship.

"Kael? This is Tavistock Mayeural, professor of physiology."

The professor angled his head. "Please, Kael, call me Tavvy. I prefer it."

"Was Livia one of your students?"

"No. Unfortunately, I never had that pleasure." He looked at the Dynamic research student. "I heard you went independent."

"That's right."

"May I ask what motivated you to do so? The Dynamic program is one of the very best."

"I'm still with the program. I simply changed the way my research is treated administratively."

When it became clear she was unwilling to explain further he took a step back, figuratively. "Like I said, I wanted to come over and say hello. A group of us – many are your former colleagues – is getting together for a meal in an hour. You are welcome to join us."

"I don't -."

"That would be welcome," Kael spoke up, "though we may be a little late. We need to get the samples on a transport."

"That's fine. We're very casual around here." Eyes focused on Livia, he angled his head. "Until then."

Livia waited until the physiologist was out of earshot before turning to the Azlaan warrior who once again had put her in a difficult situation. Wasn't it bad enough he worked to have others see them as a couple? And in front of Tavistock of all people. "I wish you wouldn't have accepted that invitation."

"I thought it would be nice for you to join your former colleagues. You spent time on the interplanetary with some of them."

"That was different."

"Why? And are you ready to take those to the transport station?"

"Yes."

"You were saying?" he prompted as he guided her toward the foot path that would take them to a shipping station. It was a fair distance but they were both in good shape and she seemed to like physical activity as much as he did.

"The people on the interplanetary were from Dynamic but they weren't physiology students."

"What difference does that make?"

"The students with Tavistock are going to be interested in my research." Not to mention they would want to know why she'd gone independent.

"As you have a story for what you're doing, I don't see that as being a problem."

Livia came to an abrupt halt. "You know -?"

Kael hiked back, took her arm. "Come on. We can't talk here."

"Why n -?" At that moment she became aware of another figure coming toward the path. She blew out a breath, nodded in agreement.

"I suggest," he said quietly as he pulled her close, "you spend the rest of the time before joining them thinking of what you _can_ share and be sure to rehearse it, so it comes across as truth. I'm not the only energy being in the universe who can tell when you aren't being completely honest."

* * *

Kael frowned at the comm device on his wrist. He turned to the beautiful redhead sitting beside him. "Ryn needs to chat. Will you be alright while I go deal with this? I won't be far."

"I'm fine," she assured before returning her focus to the conversation going on beside her.

His commander picked a hell of a time to have him comm in. He hadn't missed the look of interest on the physiology professor's face as he stepped into the foliage to return the comm. Given Livia's reaction to the guy he doubted they'd been lovers but that didn't mean that wasn't where the professor wanted to go though not, he suspected, because he was attracted to her. Kael got the distinct impression that the professor, who he learned did not teach at Dynamic, thought Livia could help him get on the staff or in some other way help him in his professional aspirations. His commander's face came on the small screen.

"Ryn."

"Interesting report just crossed my desk, about a confrontation aboard the interplanetary."

_This_ was what his commander thought was urgent? A normal and all too frequent meeting of minds and fists by two groups who were learning to coexist in a post-war universe? He guessed, in lieu of his fight with Clovis, the commander assumed he was somehow responsible. "You weren't there," he growled. "I did nothing wrong."

"According to the peace officer's report you were right in the middle of it."

"I was having a conversation with Blox. The altercation took place between other Azlaans and Light Beings who were standing close by." He'd seen Blox at breakfast so he knew for a fact the Energy Mover had not participated in the impromptu sparring session. "Neither of us is responsible."

Angry voices drew his attention. His eyes began to glow as he recognized one of the voices as belonging to the feisty redhead he was traveling with, a redhead he was protecting.

"Is that Livia's voice?" Ryn asked, his eyes glowing yellow.

"I'll talk to you later," Kael snapped before hanging up.

* * *

Livia wasn't sure whether to be relieved or upset at Kael's appearance. How much of the conversation had he heard? She didn't think he'd understand the context of whatever he _did_ hear but she was still concerned. She glared at the physiology professor. "For the last time, Tavy, the answer is no. If you approach me one more time about this I will go to the administration and lodge a formal complaint. Now back off!"

Kael pulled Livia against him, fought rage as her fear vibrated through his energetic field. He amplified then transmitted heat in an attempt to calm her then turned glowing eyes on the professor. "Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," he replied. Livia's energetic field was rapidly absorbing his heat, a sapling sucking water after a drought and in that moment he knew that whatever was bothering her went far deeper than any argument she'd had with the man stalking back toward the group of research students.

* * *

Livia allowed Kael to pull her toward the tent. She was glad he wasn't asking her about what just happened. She honestly didn't know what she would say and not because he would see through any lie. He was about to pull her into the tent when she found her voice. "I want to stay outside."

He turned.

"I – I just need to -."

"I understand."

"Listen," she started, feeling supremely uncomfortable about how her system had responded to his nearness, the energetic comfort. "Thanks," she mumbled at last, unable to come up with a single thing to say that would make sense. "For what you did, I mean. Back there," she expounded not sure what to make of the enigmatic expression. At least his eyes weren't glowing.

"You're welcome. Where are you going to be? I assume you don't want my company."

"It isn't that," she blurted then sighed. He would see through any fabrication. "I would prefer to decompress away from you, yes. It's nothing personal and I really do appreciate -." She stopped speaking because he'd taken several steps in her direction, so close she could again feel his heat, a heat that was incredibly soothing to her energetic field.

"I understand. Azlaan and Light Being warriors need to decompress after an altercation and it's usually best done in solitude. Might I suggest, however, that you retain a bit of the heat? It will help you as you work to center yourself." At the entrance to the tent he turned. "You'll stay within shouting distance?"

"I will," she promised before disappearing into the trees.

# CHAPTER TEN

Kael stared up in disbelief. He'd waited what he believed a suitable amount of time before following Livia at a discreet distance. He'd been amused when he came upon her climbing into a beautiful tree not far from the area dedicated to research. Judging by its size, the sturdy tree was one of a number that acted as a natural divider separating the residences from the research area. Amusement quickly turned to shock then awe as the beautiful Isolan began a series of moves he'd only seen two other times. One of those times was when he attended a dance performance at the Piya Cascata, a Light Being Healing Center located on Eol. It had been a rare treat for the powerful energy beings rarely allowed anyone not a Light Being on the property. He'd been invited as a personal guest and even then, had only been allowed in the theatre section. There'd been a handful of Azlaans and Solans in the audience, all transfixed by the exotic moves choreographed to music and light.

Though it was a vivid if positive memory, it was the other instance that was leaving him stunned. The acrobatics being carried out on a narrow if sturdy branch were those performed by Karstanaan warriors, to build strength and balance, and clear the mind and energy field. Though women were not denied lessons, not many learned the difficult maneuvers for the simple reason it took years to master and hours of continued practice in order to maintain proficiency if not excellence. He was no master judge but from what he could see, Livia could claim the highest of proficiency which begged the question not of who taught her but how it was she managed to keep up the practice while completing her studies at Dynamic. Unless -.

* * *

Ryn wasn't surprised by the ID on his comm screen. He'd been expecting Kael's call though he had to admit, he'd expected it sooner. Prepared to demand an explanation for the warrior's earlier behavior, he hit the accept key. Whatever he'd been about to say vanished the moment he got a look at his expression. "What happened?" His eyes began to glow. "Is Livia safe?"

"Yes," Kael growled his eyes glowing. With rage if Ryn wasn't mistaken. "How much do we know about her? Other than that she's Karstanaan."

"Which I knew but you didn't," he responded. "How did you find out?"

"None of your damn business."

"Kael," Ryn warned.

"If you don't want me to reach through this comm link and beat it out of you you'll answer me!"

Ryn sighed. Much as he wanted to share what he'd learned, he couldn't. It could turn an already dangerous situation deadly. Hoping the warrior glaring at him would understand, he responded. "Nothing you need concern yourself with."

Kael stared at his commander, not entirely surprised he refused to answer the question. Ironically, not doing so added veracity to his suspicions. "Fine," he snapped. "You -."

"Kael."

"What?"

"What happened earlier? Why was Livia shouting?"

He shook his head. "You don't play with me, commander? I don't play with you." He logged off.

* * *

Ryn bowed his head. He'd known Kael since he was a child. Having trained two older brothers, one of whom was killed while destroying an artificial time gate, he'd known the young man would be an excellent addition to his team of elite warriors. Not being able to be forthcoming hurt but -.

"Thank you for not telling him."

Ryn looked over at the diplomat leaning against the window, his expression in shadow. "I didn't do it for you," he said at last. "I did it for Kael."

"And for Livia."

He glared, irritated the bastard was pushing him into a corner. It was only reading the fear energy in his field that drove him to respond. "Yes."

* * *

Kael stalked back to the tree. He couldn't say who he was more furious with, his commander for not confirming his suspicions or Livia for lying about what she was. The second she came into view he had his answer. He would deal with his commander later. For now?

* * *

When the branch she was dozing on vibrated then bent beneath someone's weight, Livia's eyes flew open. "Kael."

The warrior walked toward her, his balance on the thick branch impressive. When he dropped into a crouch then dangled his legs on either side she was tempted to ask if he'd had some of the Karstanaan tree training, decided it was probably just having grown up on a planet covered in trees that left him able to maneuver in them so easily and with such confidence.

"Have you had enough time?" he asked and she noticed his voice was deeper, a sign of intense passion. Given the vibe he was giving off she couldn't say it was related to whatever had inspired him to send her the soothing heat energy earlier. She pursed her lips. "Another fight with Ryn?" He seemed taken aback by the question.

"What makes you ask?"

One side of her mouth slid back. "He seems to have that effect on you."

"What makes you say -?"

"Every time you have a communication with him you get in a bad mood."

"He nags," he said darkly.

Livia laughed. "I know how that can be. To answer your question, yes, I've had enough time. Thank you. I suppose you want me to come back to the tent to do some of that relaxing you think I need."

Rather than answering, he hopped up, tested his weight then stretched out a hand.

Livia stared. Puzzlement turned to curiosity which morphed into intrigue. Was it possible he _had_ had formal training? It made sense that Ryn would have sent some of his guys to learn the ancient discipline of tree walking but what were the chances the man assigned to protect her was one of them? It wasn't as if a lack of the skill would prevent him from keeping her safe. A zing of anticipation shot through her as she absorbed the confidence – the utter peace - flowing from his energetic field. It had been forever since she'd performed the intricate steps with a partner. Warmth spread throughout her energetic system. She very much wanted to do the dance with the handsome Azlaan waiting with infinite patience. Smiling, she put her hand in his.

* * *

It had been awhile since Kael had trained with a partner, but his body remembered every nuance of what was expected of it. Originally done for defensive purposes, the two-person maneuver was adapted to be used during the mating ritual and though the practice of mating rituals had all but disappeared from Azlaan society – especially in the inner core population - the sensuous dance was still in use.

He took two steps backward, drawing Livia along in order to get a feel for her body's distribution of weight. Nodding to let her know he had it he guided her back until her back was against the trunk of the tree then stepped a short distance away and held out his hand. When she lifted her leg and dropped a heel into his palm a slight electrical burn went down his spine. She was testing his energy reserves. Knowing she would he'd lowered his shields. "I'm healthy and rested," he promised.

"And pissed off at Ryn," she added. "This will help you leach off the excess energy."

That was true enough though it may have some unintended consequences. At least for her. His discipline in this regard was legendary. Keeping his eyes on hers he gently lifted her leg, walking forward and monitoring her energy as he did so. When her legs were in a vertical split he bent over backward and prepared to take her weight. When she lay a long leg over his shoulder he reached over his head, encircled the sturdy trunk with his hands then allowed her to lead them as they rolled across the sturdy branch, their bodies one fluid movement. They completed two full rotations before her shift in weight told him she wanted to roll back, likely to regain her balance against the trunk.

He guessed she too had gone some time without a partner else she wouldn't need the extra step. As he helped her regain her equilibrium another thought occurred. If she'd trained recently, it was doubtful she would still be untouched. That she was told him she'd been removed from whatever environment she'd been training in, likely to keep it that way. Which said much about the Azlaan who was her grandfather.

Performing the highly technical moves with Kael was nothing short of exhilarating. The energetic pulses monitoring her equilibrium were providing an outlet for energy – what Azlaans called passion – repressed for years out of necessity to keep her secret and while her energetic tendrils were caressing the warrior's body her shields were holding.

Catching the questioning look in his eyes, she nodded then watched as he walked backward, stopping at the point their bodies had agreed was the minimum strength required to maintain safety. Neither had had to say anything, the knowledge simply flowed from one to the other, back again, his inquiry, her trusting answer, and because they were not engaged in combat the sensations were erotic. Sensations she cherished. She'd never allowed herself the freedom to engage so fully with a partner.

It wasn't as if she had much experience with one. All training had ceased when she turned sixteen. Two weeks later her grandfather dropped her at the Academy and walked out of her life.

Kael noted the brief fluctuation in Livia's energy but as it vanished as quickly as it appeared he did not halt the intricate dance. He watched as she twirled her way across the branch, grasped her waist lifting her high then tossing her free. Her lithe body twisted, a vine swept by currents before sliding down the length of his body only to spin her way back to the trunk. She waited while he did a series of backflips launching into the air, twisting, then landing on his feet on the ground beneath the branch. He raised his arms, waited for the energetic pulse that would alert him to her next move.

The dance required a deep level of trust or, if that wasn't possible, a strong energetic connection. To do otherwise could result in the death of one if not both participants. He'd been more than happy to open an energetic channel to the beautiful research student and when her frequency flowed into him with her intent, he wrapped energetic tendrils around her, caressing every cell with an answer. _I'm here._

* * *

Having launched herself into the air in an answer to Kael's dismount, Livia dropped into the warrior's arms, confident he would keep her safe. She'd felt it in his energetic massage, a massage that told her he was no ordinary warrior. Not that any of Ryn's group could be considered ordinary but she never dreamed someone so powerful would be assigned to protect her. What had the senator been thinking?

Kael wasn't surprised though he was disappointed by the abrupt change in Livia's demeanor. He probably shouldn't have been he supposed. If his suspicions about what she was were correct, it made sense she would have the mastery to change frequencies that quickly. That she'd remained shielded to him throughout the dance told him her mastery was an accepted fact.

"Are you hungry?" he asked. "Your meal was cut short."

* * *

Livia squirmed and began to thrash as a hand covered her mouth and weight descended on top of her.

"Shh," a familiar voice quietly urged. "Silence, okay?"

Eyes wide she nodded, drew in a breath when Kael pulled his hand away. Finger to his mouth he motioned for her to make room for him to slide in beside her. Shooting him a look that told him she thought he was nuts – the cot was nowhere near big enough for two – she nonetheless acquiesced.

"Just go with this, okay?" he murmured in her ear making her shiver. She tried to turn to face him, but he held her still.

"Relax into me," he urged to which she made a sound of disgust that in turn left him chuckling. The feel of warmth and chest hair against her back sent a violent shiver down her spine.

Kael was surprised by how cold the beautiful Isolan felt. Wrapping his arms around her and projecting heat energy he considered what he could do to help put her at ease with the sudden and relatively intimate contact. Talking was out thanks to the unknown and unwelcome presence slithering around outside the tent, a permanent structure at the edge of the Zana Agricultural Compound. He drew in a slow breath, tried to project calm as he lit upon an idea.

Livia wanted to trust the Azlaan curled against her but was finding it difficult not to demand an explanation. She was saved from having to make any further decisions as he slid his arm around crooking it at the elbow to bring his wrist into view.

Someone is outside. Please trust me.

Nodding to let him know she got the message she waited while he pulled his arm back – presumably to type another message.

Do you trust me?

She nodded even as a feeling of unease spread through her. She guessed it came from a strong suspicion he was about to suggest something she wouldn't like. She waited while he typed.

Follow my lead.

Follow his lead? In what? No sooner had the thought popped into her mind when she found herself looking up into eyes that were – thankfully – not glowing. Not that it would make a difference she guessed because she was pretty certain what the warrior had in mind and damn if she didn't find herself agreeing that it was the best course of action. Especially given the likely identity of the prowler at the gate.

* * *

Kael knew he had to tread carefully. Though his discipline in this area was legendary he more than anyone was aware how quickly and how easily a game could become real, as real as the danger lurking outside the tent.

He'd readily seen how angry the physiology professor became at his sudden and very protective appearance, though he wasn't certain why. He hadn't picked up any sexual undertones to the man's energy. He had, however, detected anger; anger that seemed to be directed at his charge. Is this what the senator was worried about? Professional rivalry?

While he'd kept an eye on Livia napping in the tree he'd looked into the good professor's credentials. Though nothing stood out – which in and of itself was suspect – no one was that boring – he'd forwarded the information to Ryn along with a brief note outlining his concerns.

A warm body squirming beneath him drew his attention back to the present dilemma. Shifting his weight, he considered how to proceed. He needed to take actions that would leave the bastard slinking around outside thinking they were having sex without actually crossing that line. They were energetically compatible, more so after that erotic dance. They were also two disciplined individuals who knew better than to go that route. And yet.

* * *

The sound of a twig snapping followed by a shifting in Kael's body weight gave Livia a pretty good idea what he needed from her and her first instinct was to play along but there was more to this than simply continuing the erotic dance they started in the tree. The concern she read in his eyes told her he, too, was aware of the pitfalls. When another twig snapped – closer this time – she acted.

Kael felt Livia's intention via a quick electric pulse moments before she pulled him close and proceeded to kiss him. With her mouth closed. Under normal circumstances he would hold still and let her do whatever made her comfortable – it was obvious she understood the situation – but the unpleasant pressure combined with the fact his body was wedged awkwardly against her – made it all but impossible to ignore the discomfort.

Livia gasped as Kael unexpectedly rolled taking her with him and when she did, he slid his tongue inside her mouth. Startled she jerked back. She had no time to catch her breath however as he put hands to her cheeks and used his thumbs to gently pry open her mouth so he could slide his tongue inside.

Kael worked to temper his strength. That Livia was squirming against him while making sounds that could either signal distress or passion played perfectly into what he was doing. Close enough he was able to energetically scan him, the intruder, who could not see them, would likely assume they were having passionate sex instead of one of the most awkward kisses in the history of interspecies relationships.

Livia would have done more to put a stop to the uncomfortable and awkward kiss – she hated that it was all an act – but Kael's gentle caress as he stroked her collarbone told her he knew what he was doing. Which meant she was the problem.

Kael had very little time to prepare for the sudden change. One moment Livia was squirming out of his arms the next she was over him, the sudden movement leaving his hands on her breasts. He quickly moved them to her shoulders only to find she'd shifted again and was now straddling him.

Livia smiled at Kael's expression. She was about to suggest he put his hands back where they were when the comm device on his wrist vibrated.

* * *

Kael had never been so glad for an interruption in his life. Livia was too innocent to know how close she'd come to getting what her actions suggested she wanted. Only she didn't want. Just as he'd feared she'd become trapped in the game. To make matters worse, she was pulling him into that trap with every energetic pulse from breasts that ached from the brief contact. He glanced at his wrist.

Intruder gone. Your vehicle awaits.

He was still extracting himself from Livia's bedroll when there was a knock on the door to the permanent structure. When he caught a pulse of fear across the connection, he shared with Livia he did what he could to reassure her. "Don't worry, I know who it is. His name is Jad. He's one of Ryn's."

Only it wasn't.

"Clovis," Kael snapped, glowering, "where's Jad?"

"Hello to you too, little brother," the senior warrior drawled. "Can I come in?"

Kael backed up to let his partner – and older brother – into the tent. "Ryn told me he was sending Jad."

"Why would Ryn do that?" Livia asked. "Did he expect something like this? Did _you?"_

"So, this is the lovely Livia Daru," Clovis stated coming close. Rarely were last names used but given the occasion he felt it appropriate. That and the fact his brother was glaring at him with enough energy to burn a hole in his skull. Wasn't that interesting? Could it be he had feelings for the student researcher? And an Isolan at that?

"You have me at a disadvantage, I'm afraid," came her cool reply.

"Clovis of Azur at your service." In providing his last name he enlightened her to the territory he hailed from. It was the only last names used in Vetria; location points. There was a time when last names were evidence of someone's occupation but the cumbersome labeling proved inefficient as populations grew and was done away with though it was still in practice in remote star systems. He grinned, tilted his head toward Kael. "And brother to this fine warrior."

Livia's eyes widened. _This was Clovis?_

Clovis wasn't certain what to make of the student's response for it suggested she knew of him. He blew out a breath as understanding dawned. _Kara._ Knowing how quickly the situation could go south he got right to business. "Here." He shoved a missive key at his brother. "Livia, could I speak with you a moment?" When his brother made to protest, he pointed at the missive. "From Ryn. When you've finished join us outside. I have a vehicle ready."

"I should help him pack up," Livia protested not at all comfortable with the prospect of being alone with the warrior whose energy was doing odd things to her.

"He's a big boy," Clovis replied steering her out of the tent, "he can handle it."

# CHAPTER ELEVEN

Away from his brother, the situation became clearer. Judging by the energetic fluctuations he was reading he'd interrupted something. Damn inconvenient timing but not because he'd inadvertently come between them. Livia's energy, newly aroused, was seeking satisfaction and wasn't it just so convenient he was standing there? Normally it wouldn't be difficult for him to brush off the energy trying to gain entry into his field through tendrils still aroused from that dance he'd witnessed not to mention whatever they'd been doing before he knocked but the situation was anything but normal.

For one, his energy was coming down off combat action as he'd chased the intruder lurking outside the tent toward a waiting colleague who collared the bastard. It meant he was all too willing to give the research student what she was apparently asking for. But she wasn't and in any event, if his suspicions were correct, she wouldn't want it from him in spite of the fact his energy was entirely compatible with hers.

Azlaans were a passionate species, one that embraced intimacy in all its forms. For centuries they'd been sought out by other species for this very reason. Then came war and the slaughter of innocents and that passion had been turned toward a different purpose. But beneath the warring the need for physical intimacy remained, heightened by repression from the loss of an outlet. It meant that the strongest warriors were the most intense lovers and as he was one of the strongest other than Ryn, or, he would grudgingly acknowledge, his brother, he was perfectly primed to school the beautiful Isolan in the art of seduction. As he'd done for the senior medic sponsoring her research.

" _Such an assignment is beneath a warrior of your status. In accepting it you dishonored your standing."_

Years earlier, his commander had approached him with an unusual request.

" _There's an Isolan who wishes to cross the field."_

The term was a bit of an inside joke, but he got the meaning well enough.

" _What does this have to do with me?"_

" _She's not involved with anyone."_

The long silence that followed allowed him to confirm his suspicions –Ryn wanted _him_ to handle it.

" _Why me?"_

He couldn't imagine it was because Ryn had heard of his reputation for sexual excellence, a reputation that was part myth.

" _Because you are trustworthy and will treat her with care."_

It was a delicate time in the conflict. Ryn had just been approached by the Light Beings about a unique alliance they felt would turn the tide.

" _She is protecting the Princess."_

And with those words he'd understood. In following through he was showing the Princess, who'd apparently made the unusual request on Kara's behalf, that the Azlaans could be trusted to understand the complex web of relationships involved in the fledgling alliance; a web that needed to be strong if they were to win the war.

" _What's her name and where is she?"_

He'd been shocked to learn he'd already met the woman, on Eol. He'd been leading a group of Dynamic students through a sparring session when he suffered an injury that forced him to seek medical care. Kara had been the resident on duty. His energy heightened from pain he'd locked into her soft comforting pulse like a starving man at a banquet. And she'd happily given him what he needed to reset his equilibrium, something she was not obligated to do. That the two species were far from trusting each other made it all the more powerful a message. She trusted him but more – he could trust her. When Ryn told him who it was, he'd become intrigued if not excited by the prospect of showing the shy Isolan the way. The complete and total success of that venture was a vivid memory as he stood with the beautiful Dynamic researcher, further complicating the fact her tendrils were stroking his energy field in entreaty.

"I think I need to go."

Knowing it would make matters worse for her, but needing her to stay, he grabbed her arm, essentially keeping her from fleeing. "I won't hurt you," he promised. He had that much control at least.

* * *

Livia stared at the hand on her arm, into eyes that were thankfully not glowing. She needed to get away from the powerful warrior who was doing odd things to her energy field. If she didn't, she worried she would end up throwing herself at him and he was not the one she wanted. Not wanting to think about the fact there even _was_ someone she wanted – and an Azlaan no less – she spoke. "What do you want, Clovis?"

Deciding that discussing their mutual acquaintance was counterproductive, he elected instead to talk about what was foremost on his mind. "I saw you dance." _Who are you that you've been trained in the ways of war?_ And an Azlaan way at that. Yes, she had the orange ring in her eyes denoting ties to the Karstanaan region. It didn't translate to what he'd witnessed. He wasn't concerned she'd been taught the intricate steps so much as wanting to know who was responsible, and why. And were they a threat? Relations between the outer territories and the inner core had become strained during the war and though the war was technically over, not everyone in the outer territories got the memo. As for those in the inner core? Some of them used that memo as toilet paper. There was a bright side to the madness. It kept warriors like him employed in ways that enabled them to exploit and direct their energetic talents.

" _I saw you dance."_

So Clovis knew. Livia took a slow breath. She wouldn't confirm but she wouldn't make a production of denying anything either.

Clovis appreciated the woman's refusal to confirm his suspicions but he hadn't gained status of senior negotiator without knowing there was more than one way to get what he wanted. He stared into eyes ringed with orange, an orange that was glowing. With passion, a passion still seeking an outlet. He had to tread carefully. "Take care of him." He appreciated how her eyes widened briefly then narrowed.

"I love Kael," he continued. "I've already lost one brother." He paused. "Take care of him."

"I will keep him safe," she said at last, confirming his suspicions with the declaration. Satisfied, he nodded and stepped back – just as Kael came out of the tent.

* * *

Ladhra 2, Sartus System

Warrior Transport Station

Livia waited while the two brothers spoke. Or argued as the case may be. She wasn't surprised. It was obvious that though Clovis loved his brother he also took great joy in needling him.

The ride to the Warrior Transport Station had been achieved in total silence which would have been unnerving but which was damn convenient. It gave her a chance to focus on restoring her energetic equilibrium. One warrior oozing energetic seduction was bad enough but she and Kael had been wrapped in each other's energy _and_ arms and while she'd known it was to throw off the person lurking outside it left her aching with a need she hadn't realized she had.

Oh, she knew the need for physical passion was inevitable - Azlaan that she was - but she'd been able to put off facing it for years by channeling her energy into her _work_ at Dynamic. She took a moment to consider that her own experience may be why she so easily understood the Light Beings seemingly endless sparring.

Over the previous week as she and the Azlaan hired to protect her shared quarters that seemed to be getting smaller, more intimate, that need had woken from its forced slumber.

She had the ability to neutralize it, but she was starting to wonder if she should. She had to deal with the situation at some point. To not take that step would result in physical harm to herself and likely some of those around her as she energetically broadcast the need for satisfaction yet shunned any overtures to provide it. Unless the overture came from a certain Azlaan that is.

Her time with the protective warrior told her he would be ideal. Especially given the information she'd picked up during the dance. He would be an exquisite lover. There was just one problem. He didn't want her. Because she was Isolan. It had to do, she suspected, with what Clovis had done. Kara had explained no one must find out the nature of how it came to be – a request to the Azlaan commander – because it would cause trouble in the warrior ranks. Obviously, Kael had found out and was not only unhappy about it, he was angry. And indignant. She eyed the other member of the interesting triangle of intimate relations in the group.

Clovis was every bit as handsome as his brother. Taller and broader, he oozed sensuality. His energy had gently brushed hers aside though not because he wouldn't have been happy to help her take that step. He'd seen the dance which meant he saw her in his brother's arms.

" _Take care of him."_

That told her everything. And like Kael, he was honorable. So, here she was the ache of unsatisfied needs wreaking havoc with her equilibrium and the knowledge that thanks to Kael's feelings in the matter, it was a state of chaos she'd better get used to as it wasn't going to change anytime soon. She was jolted from her musings by Clovis' approach.

"My brother has the tickets." He gazed at her with eyes glowing yellow. "Thank you for not lying to me."

_About what you are._ He hadn't said the words, hadn't needed to. "I didn't lie to Kael either," she said quietly.

"He won't see it that way."

When he made to leave she grabbed hold of his forearm. "I know I don't have the right to ask you this but please don't say anything to Ryn about what you saw in the tree."

"There's no need."

"I never meant for it to go this far."

"The danger or your feelings for my brother?" Without waiting for an answer, he moved on.

Not sure what to make of the look of pity he cast before walking away, Livia went to join the other prickly Azlaan in the mix. How she wished that energy could be turned to her advantage. Sighing in resignation she followed him toward the interplanetary they would take back to the Vetria System for the last leg of the assignment.

* * *

Kael desperately wanted to ask what his brother said that sent Livia's energy so low. Damn Clovis!

" _Isn't it interesting?"_

His brother had taken great pleasure in pointing out that not only was she Isolan, her energy was pointed at him.

" _You could follow through with that, you know. I wouldn't think any less of you."_

" _It's not like that, damn it! She is my mission."_

" _Is she?"_

" _Not that kind of mission, damn you!"_

" _But she could be."_

It had been all he could do not to wipe the damn smirk from his brother's face but the last thing he needed was another black mark on his record. The universe alone knew what Ryn would do to him were he to fight his brother. Again. About the same damn issue. Demotion would be the least of his worries.

Livia stood quietly as Kael got them through the security station, an intricate lengthy process. It was understandable. It was a warrior transport. In lieu of what happened it was decided taking a military transport would be safer. But it would also be awkward for the energetic pulsing of lethal soldiers was difficult to filter when surrounded by them.

"I can help you with that."

She turned a startled gaze in his direction. It was the first time in over an hour he'd spoken to her. Added to the hostility he wore like a uniform it had been – awkward.

"My brother irritates me," he said by way of an explanation.

"And takes great pleasure in doing so," she responded dryly. "You may want to learn to mask that. If he can't get you, he'll quit."

It didn't escape Kael's notice she hadn't responded to his offer to shield her from the brunt of the powerful energy that pulsed intently when warriors gathered. That the group was made up of species still adjusting to coexisting outside the alliance meant it would be that much more difficult for her. Deciding to leave it alone – he'd made the offer – he guided her toward the lift that would take them to the top level.

"Here we are," he said stopping in front of the assigned. Berth.

The first thing that caught Livia's attention outside how luxurious the berth was, was the fact there was a single bed in it. Yes, the bed was large enough for two but it was still just one bed. Had -? "Clovis," she muttered setting her backpack on the floor next to the bed.

"I wouldn't credit him," Kael replied setting his pack on a chair. "This was a last-minute switch. These transports are usually full. It's likely this was all they had available and the only reason it was is because some commander or high-ranking warrior agreed to take a different transport. We should count ourselves lucky."

Livia blew out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to seem ungrateful. I'm very happy with the lengths you are going to to keep me safe. I'm just tired. I'm sorry," she repeated.

"We're both tired," he said affably. "Why don't you take a nap? I need to go to a secure comm area and check in with Ryn." When mission parameters changed it was standard protocol to update the commander whenever possible. That they'd been forced to switch to a military transport definitely constituted a mission change. He handed a small metallic stick to the redhead who looked about two seconds from passing out from exhaustion. "This will get you into conference room 60. It's down and across." He'd used the room plenty of times in the previous year. When she looked at him in puzzlement he explained. "I figured you'd want to catch up on some of the work associated with your project. I know there's more to it than gathering and shipping samples." He'd watched her catalogue them after which she'd written up detailed reports.

"Thank you. I hadn't thought to do that given the trip is shortened but it's a good opportunity to get a head start."

He pointed at the bed. "I'm sure that's comfortable. I'll find you when it's time for dinner."

* * *

Kael glowered at his commander. "Why didn't you send Jad?"

Ryn's smirk came clearly over the comm screen. "Clovis was already in the Sartus System."

"What did Tavistock say about why he was lurking outside the tent?" His brother told him they'd caught him.

"It wasn't the physiology professor."

"Then who -?"

"We're still running down his ID."

Kael was suspicious of Ryn's nonchalance. Obviously, there was more going on with the research student. That she'd received the prestigious training suggested she was under the protection of someone of significance. Though the senator was a member of the political elite, he didn't fit that definition. In fact, politicians were deliberately separated from the warrior class, not because they often had diverging philosophies. It kept the hit rate low. It was sickening how the politicians considered the elite warriors pets to be brought out for display when they wanted to tell themselves and each other how wonderful they were for having such specimens or in times of war when they hid while others died. At the end of the day the bastards weren't much different than the recently deposed Council. Which went to why the Azlaans were so willing to follow a government whose leader was of a species they'd been at war with, Cirhce of Ivar. Tapping unique insight into the Council she helped bring down, the Princess had taken great pains to limit if not eliminate the power of the political elite, electing instead to put that power in the hands of cooler heads, such as the one gazing back at him.

"Anything else I should be aware of?" Ryn asked.

He wasn't about to tell him about the tree walking. It would lead to questions he wasn't prepared to answer. "Only that we're going to stay on the Compound while she gets the last sample."

"A good plan though I noticed you are staying the first night in Perm?"

"We haven't -." He stopped. He'd been about to say they hadn't gotten much in the way of sleep in recent days and so would stay close to the transport station and head to the Compound the next morning. To do so, however, would invite questions as to _why_ they weren't sleeping. "The inn is one that's been cleared," he snapped. In other words, it was a safe place to spend the night.

"Keep me appraised."

With that the commander signed off.

* * *

To Livia's consternation, Kael insisted they eat in the private berth.

"I got an update on the prowler. It wasn't the professor."

"I know."

His gut tightened. Why hadn't she said anything? She had to know he would suspect -. He grimaced. She had no reason to tell him because he hadn't said anything about it. He'd been too busy being irritated by his brother. Still, he was curious. "How do you know?"

She shook her head took a sip of the wine he'd procured to go with dinner. "He wouldn't do something like that. Not his style. And besides, he had no reason to."

"He seemed pretty upset with you," he offered.

"He's mad because I keep refusing his offer."

"What offer is that?"

"To join him on Sola. Tavistock is on staff at the TDS facility."

He grunted. It would explain the anger and he could tell from her energy she spoke the truth, but gut instinct told him there was more to the story.

"Is the offer because you are close to graduating? Your research is in genetic disease and TDS has a pretty glaring genetic component."

Livia was caught off guard by the accusatory tone. Did he think she was lying about what it was the professor was offering? An unpleasant sensation went through her system at the thought of what might be behind the question. "He isn't interested in me romantically, if that's what you're asking."

"Maybe."

"What do you mean maybe? There's no maybe about it."

"The man is an energy being. It's plausible – likely even – he knows how to redirect energy to mask the path it takes."

"I think you're giving him too much credit," she snapped but he could see he'd rattled her with the suggestion which confirmed his suspicion there was more to the story.

"This is good," she said suddenly, and he saw it for what it was, an attempt to divert his attention. Definitely more to the story.

"I'm glad you like it."

"We'll be arriving in Catana tomorrow evening, right?"

"That's right. We'll put in at the Harbor Transfer Station."

It was a Light Being stronghold and therefore equipped to receive high security transports. "We'll take a water taxi to an inn at the edge of town. Don't worry, it's a warrior approved facility."

She nodded. "I've notified the senator of the need for increased security. He will, of course, be reimbursing you for everything."

Kael took a deep drink of wine. There was one inconvenience the good senator was incapable of addressing; his growing desire for the beautiful Isolan he was charged with protecting. Something told him the Azlaan wouldn't consider his becoming her lover necessary to protecting her. Especially since once he dropped her at the Isolan Research Station they would be parting ways.

# CHAPTER TWELVE

On her side with the heat of a warrior sleeping close seeping into her back, Livia stared across the room. Not that there was much to see in the darkened space. Kael had suggested they activate the complete night feature to improve the quality of their sleep. She'd readily agreed though knew sleep would be long in coming.

It was the warriors aboard the vessel. Everywhere she went she felt their curious glances, their energetic probing. Polite as it was it did nothing to mask the underlying tension that bordered on hostility as they sought to assure themselves, she was no threat to one of theirs. And of course, once the Light Beings picked up on their anxiety, they had taken energetic countermeasures making an already challenging situation downright uncomfortable though she understood.

Outside diplomats who often needed the increased security, it was rare for anyone who wasn't a warrior to travel aboard a warrior transport. And since those situations were driven by the need for heightened security, it would be assumed there was inherent danger in Livia's presence.

They hadn't disclosed the reason she'd been escorted not by one but two powerful Azlaans. The fact they were both members of Ryn's elite force only cemented the likelihood she was in danger due to the fact she was of high value to someone.

Which brought her to the other reason the warriors were making her stay so uncomfortable. They thought that someone was the warrior she was sharing a bed with.

" _You are with Kael?"_

She'd smiled at the Light Being's polite inquiry, realized she had to continue the game even if it was a lie.

" _Yes."_

There was a silver lining to the lie. They _were_ together. Just not for the reason the Light Being presumed.

" _It's safer if they think we're pursuing an interspecies relationship."_

She'd looked at him askance, prompting him to elaborate.

" _In this new post-Council era."_

To the best of her knowledge there'd never been a Council mandate outlawing interspecies relationships though the war meant they were few and far between. His comment had only served as a reminder of the prejudice hanging between them. Because she was Isolan. The worst part? She'd started it with her own prejudicial behavior the moment they were introduced. Oh, how she wanted to kick herself for that slip of the tongue.

" _I'm Isolan."_

She certainly hadn't meant for it to come out like that.

* * *

Kael frowned up into the dark. Beside him a very tense if exhausted Isolan lay on her side, shivering every so often. Oh, she was trying to hide it but he'd noticed how cold she seemed to be at night. He could help her by moving closer but given what happened in the tent, was afraid to. He worried he would lose sight of the game. He grimaced. Where was all that legendary control when he needed it?

"Have you seen a specialist about this?"

Livia frowned. She'd known the warrior wasn't sleeping. She'd easily felt his tension, a layer on top of the heat coming her way. "This?" she said after a moment in which she tried and failed to understand what he was talking about.

"You're cold," he responded, and she jerked as she realized how close he'd come. When he sighed, rather loudly all things considered, she rolled and scooted so that she was inches away.

Kael wasn't sure what to think of the sudden and unexpected move.

"There's nothing wrong with me," she insisted, her breath a warm puff against his neck.

"Do you want me to -?"

"Yes," she interrupted then angled herself so he could slide his arm out. Resting her head on it she put her right hand on his chest. "Do you mind?"

"No," he replied, his voice gruff. He didn't mind but it meant sleep was a luxury he wouldn't get anytime soon.

"I'm sorry I keep sending the wrong message."

Not wanting to do likewise by giving the wrong response, Kael remained silent.

* * *

Livia stared out at the stars and contemplated what she'd learned on Ladhra 2 while Kael was off checking in with his commander.

" _Your status has been changed to alert."_

" _Why?"_

Tavistock who was more than a physiology professor, had taken a look around before handing her an excerpt from the mercenary newsletter. A contract had been taken out on a high-level Dynamic official.

" _And just what is it you expect me to do with this, Tavvy?"_

The man had glared. _"Obviously not much given who you're traveling with. What possessed you to -?"_

" _Senator Gortis_ is responsible for this. If you have a complaint, bring it to him."

She'd shoved the missive back just in time. Had the Azlaan warrior walked up seconds earlier he would have seen her with it – and her cover would have been blown. Furious at the irresponsible behavior she'd threatened to report Tavvy, earning her that anger Kael was all too aware of. She didn't think he disbelieved her about the cause of the anger, and she had been telling the truth. He did want her to come and work on Sola.

"May I join you?"

She looked up to see the Light Being who'd spoken to her earlier gesturing toward a nearby seat. An Auspex, he was able to pull energy from the future.

"Of course," she replied with a smile. "Kajar isn't it?"

He angled his head in acknowledgement. "Are you feeling better?"

She wasn't surprised by the question. He'd expressed concern regarding her sensitivity to the intense energy aboard the military transport.

Was she feeling better? She glanced around, noted the absence of warriors. "Yes, I suppose I am."

"May I offer a suggestion?"

"Sure," she replied wondering briefly why he felt the need. They'd met briefly though the fact he was from the Armeer System meant they didn't cross paths often. Was it because he was an Auspex? Had he seen something concerning in her future?

"Perhaps it would put you at ease if I told you I do not detect anything worthy of warning you about."

"Not really since all that means is that you don't see my death or something equally dire. You may very well see imminent danger in my path but because you also see that it works out you don't feel the need to warn me off." Especially since doing so might change the outcome in a way that would increase the danger.

"I understand."

"What's the suggestion?"

"For a number of reasons, some of which I understand, your energy reserves are stretched thin. While I won't suggest you reconfigure your shielding at this time, I would suggest avoiding large gatherings of warriors. Their energy draw will only weaken you further."

"And that's a problem," she stated eyeing him closely.

"It is wise to maintain healthy energy reserves in the event you need to draw on them unexpectedly."

"It's good to be prepared. Got it. The avoidance thing's going to be a challenge aboard a warrior transport. Fortunately, the trip to Catana isn't overly long." She didn't plan on staying in the cabin for the remainder of the trip. She supposed she could work in the conference room.

"That won't be necessary. I've put it about that for the duration of the voyage warriors of both species should avoid the upper deck outside time spent in their berths or the conference rooms."

Her mouth opened. He -?

"If you are concerned that this will cause the warriors to resent you, do not be. They have already taken a number of energy readings and consulted the mercenary newsletter."

She smirked. In other words, they'd gotten all the access to her they were going to get, but they were satisfied. "Thank you."

For many moments they sat in a companionable and energetically peaceful silence.

"Do you know what you will do after you finish your studies?" he asked, all politeness.

She let out a long sigh. "Maybe I should ask you and save myself the hassle of trying to weigh my options." When he smiled at her – in her experience Auspexes were good-natured and more likely to smile - even before the fall of the Council – she answered in kind. "I can feel you have an opinion on this. Spit it out already."

"You have a leak in your energy field."

That startled her. "I had a health check prior to leaving Dynamic."

"It's within acceptable parameters," Kajar assured. And he wasn't concerned. Most energy beings leaked energy during times of stress. So long as she was within tolerance there was no need for treatment. "Recent events coupled with fatigue would certainly account for the leak though I suspect an underlying conflict is responsible."

Livia stiffened. There was no way he could know -.

"I am not aware of the nature of the conflict but Livia, you have to remember; I, too, know conflict." As did many if not most Light Beings. "Far more of us were plagued by emotion than is generally known or accepted." Even by Light Beings.

"So, you sense some type of conflict and think that's what's causing the leak." She considered. "Those Light Beings who – did they leak too? Did you?"

"Unless we found a way to leach off the tension created by the conflict, yes."

"The Clubs."

"Yes."

"And working with animals and plants."

"You've been speaking with Vacorh."

She smiled, nodded. She liked the Light Being Energy Tracker. "Other than sparring," which she knew all Light Beings did, "what was your method of choice?"

"I allowed myself to have a friendship." He paused. "With a female. An Ancoran," he elaborated.

She gave him an assessing look. "So you've -?"

"It is a wonderful way to leach off tension."

She grinned. I'll just bet. "Did you establish this friendship before or after the fall of the Council?"

"Long before."

She laughed in delight. "I love a rebel."

"It was obvious to anyone who saw them together the Protector loved the Princess. That the Council did not put him to death for this gave me courage to take such a risk."

"Did your partner know? Montoon, right? And he's an Energy Shifter, like the Protector," she said referring to Verix Sterling.

"Yes, and yes, he knew."

"Did he -?"

"No."

A sudden thought occurred. "Do certain types of Light Beings have an easier time establishing relationships? I've noticed Auspexes seem more jovial than the others which probably made it easier to have a friendship and I imagine Energy Movers would have an easier time because of the compassion that comes with being a healer."

"I do not know if there is a true correlation because few discuss it."

"Why not? It seems you could support each other if you did."

"Light Beings are fiercely protective."

"Possessive you mean."

"As you will."

She nodded. "I've seen it with both Verix and Alexander." The Energy Seer was mated to Kara.

"We are aware that such information would ease the transition, but our nature prevents us from sharing any but the most basic and generic of details."

"That's not necessarily a bad thing since what works for one won't necessarily work for another."

"It has introduced a new challenge."

"What's that?"

"We are unable to compare notes."

"Why is that bad?" she asked horrified at the thought of such an occurrence. She couldn't imagine the women they were with wanting that either.

"Perhaps you misunderstand."

"I must because I don't think that's a problem. Can you explain?"

"By comparing notes, I only mean in the context of learning whether or not we are doing it right."

Oh. "If you have any doubts, ask your partner."

"Montoon doesn't -."

"No, I mean the woman partner. I can't believe she wouldn't tell you."

"You might be surprised."

She angled her head, a silent invitation to share whatever he felt comfortable sharing.

"My woman is shy in bed. I promised I would not scan energetically since she has no such ability. It builds trust but makes it difficult to determine whether or not what I'm doing feels good or is the right thing."

My woman. She was happy to detect affection more than possessiveness as the energetic undertone. "There are non-verbal cues, you know."

"You speak from experience?" he asked brightening at the prospect of gaining insight.

Um. "N -." She stopped. She did have some experience thanks to Kael's game.

"If you are worried, I will share what you tell me -?"

"It's not that and feel free to add this to whatever information you are sharing. I don't have the specific experience you're talking about, but I have something - applicable you might say."

"If you think it would be helpful."

"Definitely."

"Then I would appreciate anything you care to share and thank you."

She took a moment to gather her thoughts, considered the irony of the fact she didn't want to share anything that might paint Kael in a poor light – as a lover. As she contemplated how she might explain she stumbled on an idea. She took a moment to warn him she was going to go about it a different way.

"Understood."

"You're a combat soldier."

"Yes."

"You have to use your instincts to keep safe, to fight enemies.

"That often involves energy scans."

"But you rely on more than that, right? Sometimes your energy is split." Especially in battle. "The look in someone's eyes, the subtle cues in their body language can tell you whether or not they're a threat and how much of one."

"Yes, but this is not battle."

"In a way, for you guys, it is. The point is you are already used to reading non-verbal messages to gain information. All you need to do here is use that information for a different purpose. A better one."

"Can you give an example?"

"If she stiffens up it sends a message, she's maybe afraid. If she – trust me if she arches toward you? She likes it." That much she could say with certainty and without giving anything away. "Does she ever take your hands and put them somewhere?"

"Yes," he replied and to her further delight looked slightly embarrassed.

"That's good and so is your response."

"Why?"

"Because it tells me you get pleasure when she does which tells me you're already doing this. You're probably making a mental note of those types of things, right?"

"Yes."

"So, um."

He waited and as he did, she became decidedly uncomfortable. She really didn't have the experience – directly – but -. "I understand noise can give a lot of information." She'd overheard her roommate with her partner. It had been one of the more uncomfortable moments of her life.

"I think you should talk to her," she urged.

"I don't think -."

"Tell her you want to be a good lover and ask her to teach you how. A good lover for her," she quickly added. "Seriously, make a point it's her you want to please."

"I understand. Thank you for talking with me. I need to go but before I do, I will share with you that your energy leak slowed significantly in the time we chatted."

"It -."

"I believe it was the nature of the conversation. Perhaps you should do your own bit of investigating. I suspect you have a ready and willing partner in your vicinity." With a polite nod and another thanks, he made his way toward the lift that would take him to the lower decks.

* * *

Kael stared up in the dark turning over what he knew about the woman absorbing all the heat he could channel.

" _You have a leak in your energy field. I suspect an underlying conflict is responsible."_

" _I'm a research scientist working on a rather delicate project the nature of which requires I keep secrets."_

" _I like you, Kael. So much so that I find myself having to bite my lips in order to keep from telling you more. But I can't. I'm sorry."_

" _I suspect an underlying conflict is responsible."_

His first inclination was to think the conflict had to do with those secrets she was required to keep but for one thing.

" _Your energy leak slowed significantly in the time we chatted."_

Was the conflict rooted in sexual repression? Azlaans generally did not suffer such issues though he couldn't say the same of other energetic species. His gaze slid to the woman sleeping close. Isolans were not one of them.

* * *

Caught in a nightmare, Livia began to thrash waking when someone groaned. She tried to understand what was happening. The air around her cooled as a disgruntled Azlaan sat up taking his heat with him. She frowned, pushed herself up, scooted close. "What happened?" she asked with a yawn.

"You hit me," he groused.

"I did?"

"You were dreaming."

"I'm sorry. I don't remember."

"Convenient."

She laughed. "I said I'm sorry."

Not commenting he rolled from the bed went into the bathroom where he stayed an inordinately long time. She was ready to call out when he returned. "Are you okay?" she asked. "And before you answer, I'd like to think you'll be honest."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because," she replied irritated he hadn't gotten back in bed, "I don't think you are. Because of me," she added quietly.

* * *

Kael could easily see the danger of continuing down the path her nearness had set them on. He wasn't about to make love to the Isolan for any number of reasons not the least of which was it would compromise the mission parameters which were to keep her safe. His legendary control was being siphoned away with the heat he was channeling, and he needed it if he was going to keep his instincts sharp.

"Will you tell me about this grandfather of yours?" he blurted. If he didn't find a way to neutralize the sexual tension, he was going to have to go sleep in one of the conference rooms. He was also concerned she might start broadcasting the energetic need, likely unleashed because of his nearness. On a ship full of lethal warriors, disciplined or not, it was a recipe for disaster.

"My -?"

"Yes. I'll have a meal brought in and you can tell me."

She wants him in her bed, and he wants her to talk about -? Before she could think of a single argument, he turned on the lights. Letting out a deep sigh she rolled from the bed and made for the bathroom. "I may as well get dressed. Just order whatever you think I'd like."

Kael stared at the closed bathroom door. Oh, he knew what she'd like but it was the last thing he'd be serving up. Stepping over to the wall comm he typed in their order.

# CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"His name was Cavartis."

"Was?"

She shrugged, sipped the fermented beverage he'd ordered with their meal, no doubt as a way to placate her for not getting back in bed. "He could still be alive I suppose." Azlaans were long-lived after all.

"But you don't know."

"Haven't seen him for ten years." Not bothering to say anything else she concentrated on her meal. She couldn't help but take perverse pleasure in the fact he was burning to ask for an explanation, his pride keeping him from following through. That feeling was quickly followed by another. Guilt. It wasn't his fault she was frustrated sitting across from him rather than having him at her back, pumping warmth into her energetic field as fast as she could suck it in.

" _Have you seen a specialist about this?"_

It was because she had that she found herself in the predicament she was in.

" _It has become apparent you need to reconfigure your energy cloak. Energy Trackers will see through your compromised shielding and though they may not understand what it is they see the fact the pattern is foreign will leave them concluding it is a threat, perhaps a new weapon developed by the Light Beings."_

" _Can you help me?"_

Verix Sterling was one of the most powerful Light Beings if not the most. An Energy Shifter, his shield mechanics was without peer. It was why she'd consulted him about the problem, that her energetic field was reconfiguring in such a way it could very well expose her identity.

" _We don't want to lose you, Livia. I will teach you."_

* * *

Only an idiot would mistake Livia's frosty demeanor for anything but what it was, sexual frustration but what could he do? "Livia," he pleaded as he searched for a way to restore equilibrium.

"He showed up when I was four years old," she began, her eyes focused on another time. "Sickness had come to our planet and my mother and grandmother were dying." She looked at him. "Most of our village was dying."

"Where was this planet?"

"I don't know. I have memories of the village and this – place – nearby but I don't know the name and he never told me."

"Why wouldn't he tell you?"

"He never told me that either, but I figured out on my own it was a security risk to whoever had been hiding us."

That wasn't much help, Kael thought. Many had to hide in the early years of the war. The few survivors of a massacre by an ally-turned-enemy were taken in by various species and hidden away. Sometimes they needed to be hidden away on remote worlds where it was hoped they could forge a new life. He pursed his lips. Some of those survivors had been hidden on Isolar. "Could it be Isolar do you think?"

She shook her head. "I've combed records. Nothing looks even remotely like where I was. If anything, I would have thought it Eol but that makes no sense. How could he keep us safe on Eol?"

"In plain view."

"Hm?"

"If he put you in plain sight," he said refilling her goblet, "it is in and of itself safe. No one would think to look for you. Of course, that assumes no one was recognizable to any who might come upon you."

"I wasn't surgically altered, if that's what you're getting at."

"Your grandmother might have been. Or your mother. Do you know anything about your father?"

"He died," she replied, her tone making it clear the topic was off-limits.

"So, your grandfather came to get you and what?"

"He took me to Eol. To the Piya Cascata."

"You were raised on the Piya Cascata? I thought that place was forbidden to anyone who wasn't a Light Being?" Meaning Sacred Falls, the Piya Cascata was a Light Being healing center.

"We lived just outside the healing center, in the village on the far side. It has the same name. They do that so they can receive deliveries and as a place where Light Beings can go to deal with other species."

Eyebrows up.

"That's what he told me. You have to remember this was during the war. Eol was a Light Being stronghold."

"Did your grandfather spend a lot of time with you?"

"No. We had a house at the far edge of the village. We weren't the only refugees. He traveled a lot. Sometimes I would stay with neighbors. Sometimes people would come to stay with me. Sometimes he took me with him." She sipped. "Everything was about learning."

"To prepare you for acceptance into Dynamic." The military academy was prestigious and academically challenging. It was also where the Light Beings taught flight and other military maneuvers. Anyone accepted had to pass rigorous screening requirements and numerous interviews with a number of department heads, most of whom were Light Being.

"I think it was more than that."

Livia stared at her empty plate a moment, looked up at him. He noted the orange rings were glowing.

"I think he wanted me to be able to defend myself. My father died defending someone vulnerable. My grandfather loved my father. It hurt him. I think he wanted to do what he could, so I wasn't vulnerable. So," she said with a sigh, "he had me trained by masters."

"Interesting that he knew who they were."

"Interesting that he had access to them," she countered. Knowing someone was a master at their craft didn't translate to getting your child or grandchild mentored by them.

"They must have respected your grandfather."

"Or they owed him."

"You don't like him very much, do you?"

"I loved my grandfather. Dearly. One day he dropped me at Dynamic. He introduced me to the Light Being registrar on duty, gave me a kiss on the head, told me to mind my studies, then walked out the gates. I've not seen him since."

"I'm sure he had his reasons," he insisted though he wanted to slam the man who'd been so callous.

"I've tried to convince myself of that over the years but in the end, I can't think of one."

"What did you do on breaks?" Students often returned to their homes between semesters.

"I studied all year."

The fluctuation in her energy field told him she wasn't being completely forthcoming. He considered. She may have studied all year, but she hadn't necessarily stayed at Dynamic while doing so. He nodded. "Thank you for sharing." He stood. "We should pack up and go below deck. We'll be disembarking shortly."

* * *

Catana, Vetria System

Sky Harbor Transfer Station

"Jad."

"Kael." He nodded at Livia.

"What are you doing here?"

"You aren't staying at the inn," he explained handing a missive to his colleague.

"I don't -," she began.

"Don't worry," Kael said, scanning the missive. "The senator set this up." He handed her the message.

Livia read over the letter from the senator. "Oh, I know this place." She looked up at the Azlaan warriors. "I've never been here but I know about it." She frowned. "It's a bit off the beaten path."

"We're only staying the one night," he pointed out. "Then it's on to the Compound for you to get your final sample." And then the ISR where he would take his leave of her, mission complete.

* * *

"Senator." Taking his hands, she kissed his cheeks. "It was kind of you to arrange for such luxurious accommodations."

"I couldn't let the Azlaans outdo me, now could I?" he replied referring to their accommodations aboard the warrior transport. "I'm so glad you weren't hurt."

"I was in no danger," she assured. "Thanks to Kael."

"Is that so?"

She nodded. "He woke me and kept me safe until reinforcements arrived."

"Indeed." The senator speared the warrior with eyes of glowing orange. "Then I thank you, Kael." He swept out an arm. "Make yourselves at home."

"You aren't staying?" she politely inquired. Though their relationship was formal – him fulfilling an obligation to a man who'd apparently decided he'd fulfilled his responsibility to her - she liked the senator.

"I am needed elsewhere but don't worry. You'll be safe here." He looked at Kael. "I assume you can manage your transportation tomorrow?"

"Definitely. And thank you. For your largesse."

Orange eyes on yellow. "She deserves nothing less."

* * *

Kael's eyes snapped open. Someone was in the house. Hell, someone was in his room!

"Like I told Ryn," a voice drawled as a light came on. "There isn't a code I can't break."

Hands on his laser, Kael eyed the senator. "Why did you abandon her like that?"

"As you can see, Kael of Azur, I did not abandon my granddaughter."

"Why not tell her the truth?"

"She's very precious to me."

So, to do so would endanger her life. Was that because of who she was or who he was? "Why -?"

"May I?" he asked, indicating a chair near the bed.

"By all means," he groused then scooted back so he was resting against the headboard.

"You won't need that," the senator said indicating the laser in his hand. "By the way, I checked on Livia. She's sound asleep."

"That's a first," he grumbled.

"She feels safe here."

"That isn't -."

"I don't want to waste time arguing."

Kael waited and as he did, he glared.

"Ryn chose well."

"She's a politician's granddaughter."

"She's more than that." He sighed. "It feels good to finally be able to tell the truth."

"I'm not the one you should be telling it to."

"I will tell her in my own time. Recent events have made it so I must make you aware."

"I'm listening."

"Ryn knows some of this but as he has no access to Livia, I have not given him details that might put it in perspective." He looked at him. "Details I am going to share with you now."

"Does that mean he shouldn't know whatever it is you are about to tell me?"

"It means he has no need to know. If you wish to share any of this with him because you feel it relevant to the mission feel free."

"Understood."

"I was a part of the Azlaan forces sent to Isolar to avenge the attack on our planet."

"The Forbidden Forest," he commented referring to an area of the planet where a thriving village had stood before a Light Being army wiped it out.

"The very same."

"You raped Livia's grandmother."

"No."

"No?"

"We allowed that story to stand. I knew Arlena from my work with the Council."

"You -?"

"I was an Azlaan attaché to the Council of Twelve. That's how I met Arlena."

"How did an Isolan female get -?"

"Arlena was an Archivist."

Kael's gut tightened. "Livia's grandmother is a Light Being?"

"That's right."

How had he missed that? He was an Energy Tracker. He should have -. His body jerked as he recalled how many Light Beings engaged with Livia aboard the transports, going so far as to surround her on the warrior transport. He'd assumed they were just helping shield against the overwhelming energy of the gathered Azlaan warriors. That her grandmother was a Light Being not only put it into a different perspective, it suggested they knew which meant their allies weren't being entirely forthcoming. Ryn would have to be told.

"It was love at first sight," he continued drawing Kael's attention.

"Were interspecies relations forbidden when you met the Archivist?"

"No, though tensions were building."

"Why was she on Isola?"

"She was head of the archival records station there. You have to remember before the war the planets of influence were open to each other. "

"So, you went with the invasion force," he prompted eager to hear of Livia's beginnings.

"After the invasion fleet landed, I disappeared into the chaos and went to where Arlena was hiding in the hills."

"How did you -?"

"Like I said, tensions had been building. We knew full out war was an unfortunate inevitability so we worked out a series of codes and locations where we could look for each other should the need ever arise."

"I see."

"I had a place outside the Twelve Systems prepared. In case it became necessary."

Explained why Livia didn't know the name of the planet she grew up on.

"I stayed with them."

"Them?"

"Arlena was pregnant with Livia's mother. There was no way I would leave her. Even had she not been pregnant I wouldn't have left her. I loved her with my entire core."

"You had to have been considered a traitor."

"Knowing that was the likely consequence of my betrayal, Arlena had set up a failsafe. She inserted a record stating I was killed in battle, my body decimated by a Light Being strike."

An Archivist, she certainly had the means to do so. "But anyone who would have seen you -."

"I was surgically altered by a young protégé of the Council's head medic."

A young protégé? He frowned. "Ryal Kinkaid?"

"The very same. He didn't know who I was, didn't know why he was being asked to do the surgery."

"I'm listening."

"I stayed with them until Livia's mother was old enough to understand the truth."

"And what truth was that?"

"Other than that I loved her and her mother with all my core? I had an obligation to the Light Beings that necessitated I return to duty."

"I don't understand."

"As you can imagine, before the war, I was a frequent visitor to Isolar."

To spend time with Arlena. He nodded.

"I often crossed paths with Alexander."

"The Energy Seer?" The Light Being was mated to Kara.

"The very same. We became good friends."

"Okay."

"He was not part of the force that attacked Azlaan."

"I know this."

"His wife and children were – his village on Isolar was destroyed. His family lost."

"I'm listening."

"And in spite of that he saw the need to fight for peace."

Kael was astounded by the Azlaan's calm. He certainly wasn't feeling calm. His heart was pounding, and he had an intense urge to avenge people he considered friends.

"Alexander was a good friend of Arlena."

"Ah."

"I can see you know where this is going. I promised him that when the time came, I would help him repair the damage, rebuild the relationship between the Light Beings and the Azlaans."

"And the Isolans?"

"Yes, well, that was beyond my ability."

"Cirhce."

"Yes."

The Ivaran Princess who was now leading the Dynamic government had worked tirelessly to restore alliances broken by the Light Being Civil War – including that between Isola and Azlaan - and forge new ones. Of course, she couldn't have done it without Ryn. The Azlaan commander had worked tirelessly – still did – to ensure the fragile alliance was not lost.

"There's far more to this but I need to go. Livia wakes." He stood. "Livia, too, is the hope we needed. Remember that."

To Kael's astonishment the senator disappeared through a door hidden in an armoire. Before he could get to it to investigate, Livia was knocking on his door.

* * *

The senator's granddaughter bleary-eyed granddaughter stepped into the room.

"Why aren't you in bed?" he asked, his voice gruff. It was all he could do not to pull her into his arms and give comfort she probably didn't realize she needed. He understood why the Azlaan senator did what he did but hated that Livia had been forced to pay the price.

"I thought I heard voices," she explained yawning. "It woke me up. I couldn't get back to sleep." She looked around back at him. "You were already up. Did you hear the voices too?"

"I heard something," he confirmed with a nod. Did he ever he thought sourly. "I'll walk you back to your room." He wasn't sure what to make of her expression. "I don't have to. I just thought -."

"Oh, I want you to. But I want you to stay."

At this rate he was never going to get any sleep. Crawl in beside her, presumably to help her feel safe if not to keep her warm? It would take all his reserves to keep from doing more. Damn it!

"You don't have to."

"Oh, I will. Let me get my stuff."

# CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Listen, I was thinking."

Kael looked over at the bleary-eyed research student, speared a vegetable. "Yes?"

"I want to take a detour before we go to the Warrior Compound."

Located outside the capital city, it was an Azlaan stronghold though since the alliance – and even before – a limited number of Light Beings were known to visit from time to time. It was where they would stay while Livia gathered the last of her samples.

"What sort of detour?" he asked warily. He had to admit, he was fatigued. Spending the night not sleeping while holding the exhausted student who was also not sleeping – both of them pretending they didn't want to spend that time not sleeping doing something more productive – like making love – had been draining.

"I want to go to one of the clubs in Perm."

His whole body jerked. "You want to watch the Light Beings spar?" Or was she meeting up with one of the Light Beings for another reason? He was starting to suspect the Isolan who actually did have roots on that planet was a spy which made her an unknown. He had mixed feelings about taking her into Ryn's encampment and would have tried to find a different Catanaan location for her to get her samples but Clovis was still on the planet. He'd shot his brother a comm while a servant hired – and trusted apparently – by the senator – made them breakfast – giving him the barest of details and asking for his help in ensuring the safety of everyone involved in this final stage of the mission.

"Not that type of club," she said sounding exasperated. "A social club."

He grimaced. He would be recognized within seconds. That he was with the Dynamic student would light up the gossip wire and assure that their faces would be all over Vetria within an hour of stepping through the door.

"It's going to be one of the last opportunities I have to relax and enjoy myself." Before the research sucked up all her time. "I want to spend that time with you."

* * *

Catana, Vetria System

The Perfect bar, Perm

Kael grabbed Livia as she was about to go into what looked like a pretty seedy social club. "Why here?" His warrior instincts were definitely flashing red alert.

"It's affordable," she replied with a grin. "Don't worry. I've been here before." With that she tugged free and opened the door.

Blaring music vibrated the walls and floor of the entryway where a burly guy was manning a security scanner. Kael shot the Dynamic student a look of incredulity. Was she out of her mind?

"Affordable," she yelled over an obnoxious beat vibrating through his ribs.

"It is that," the beefy guy grumbled waving them inside.

To his surprise he recognized the song. The fact he did let him relax a little. It was part of what was known as the Import Collection. That they had license to it told him the social club had been approved by the Dynamic government though in reality that only meant violence was not a frequent visitor. He highly doubted it carried the seal of safety a number of other establishments in the city had, a seal that wasn't much better as it only meant Princess Cirhce had paid a visit. He looked around, noted the scuffed floors and walls, tabletops that were gouged, mismatched chairs. He doubted the Princess had ever set foot in the club that looked as seedy inside as it had from the sidewalk.

"Come on, there's a table over there."

He allowed Livia to pull him along the edge of the dance floor to a u-shaped booth, waited while she dusted off seats that were badly ripped. He eyed the adhesive meant to keep the tears from getting worse. It didn't make sense. Affordable or not he couldn't reconcile the Dynamic student's choice with what he knew of her. His eyes narrowed. She was up to something. His suspicions were strengthened when she took a seat giving her a distinctly advantageous view of the establishment – and everyone within it. She wasn't just up to something she was looking for someone.

"Lunatic fringe," she sang then took a drink of the beer she ordered. "I know you're out there."

"You know this song."

"I told you, I've been here before."

"Why?"

"Why? With friends."

He pointed. "You won't get sick from that?" She'd told him of being sick after having too much to drink though he had yet to see any evidence she couldn't hold her alcohol. When she looked at him questioningly, he reminded her.

"Oh, that. That's not why I was sick."

"But you said -?"

"I didn't say. I told you I'd been out with friends the night before. You assumed I was hung over. I just didn't bother to correct you."

He waved the server bot over – ordered another drink. Not many establishments on the main drag used the bots because it tended to put customers off. Unless finances were a concern, he supposed. Something told him that wasn't the case here. "So," he drawled, finishing his beer, "what made you sick?"

"I don't know that I should tell you," she responded and he noted her cheeks were flushed. She may be able to handle her fermented beverages, but the beer was definitely affecting her. He said as much.

"It's a local recipe."

"It isn't imported?" From a universe of another dimension.

She shook her head. "Too expensive. They reverse engineered the recipe, used crops grown locally in place of the hops. It makes the effects felt more quickly though it isn't necessarily stronger."

"You seem to know a lot about it." Which would make sense if she was a spy.

She shrugged. "Show me a Dynamic student who hasn't learned the ropes of fermented beverages."

Kael was irritated by the fact his back was to the bar and half the dance floor. He could take some comfort, he supposed, in the fact he had a full view of the Isolan whose cheeks were turning as red as her hair. "Are we going to dance?"

He wasn't surprised though he was amused by her startled demeanor. He doubted she'd ever set foot in the establishment with the intent of relaxing, further cementing his theory he was looking at a spy. Just like her grandfather, the good senator. It told him the social club she'd chosen was a prime place to pick up information which pricked that red alert. What did she know that he didn't and where did she learn of it?

As he led her out to the dance floor – what could she say, no? – he thought back over their time on the research adventure. He could say with a fair amount of certainty the captain that ferried them to Antia wasn't anything other than a captain, albeit one who was worried for his granddaughter's health. He also ruled out Lyke, the Dynamic administrator on Kalta 4. Eyes on the research student he continued the mental inventory.

Tavistock? He'd done a cursory background check on the physiology professor, hadn't found anything other than that he was the most boring individual in all the Twelve Star Systems.

"How long have you known Tavistock?" he fished.

"Since my third year. He led a group of research students on our first remote gig."

"Gig?"

She screwed up her face. "Collecting something that was actually interesting."

"When did he first approach you about working on Sola?"

Livia was about to answer when the song switched, its tempo slower than what had been playing. Anything she'd been about to say went out the window as he pulled her close. "I -."

"You can't possibly be uncomfortable with this," he said quietly, brushing his lips against her jaw. "Not after that tree dance."

Not after our time in bed you mean? She wanted to snap but held her peace. She knew damn well what the Azlaan was up to but there was no way she was going to give him satisfaction. In fact, she was going to throw him a ringer.

"I was sick because I broke protocol."

"Huh?"

"You asked what made me sick. I broke protocol."

"How?" he demanded, dancing them to a corner of the dance floor where they would be away from the crush that appeared once the music slowed.

"I used myself as a research experiment," she explained. "I got a little carried away."

She appreciated his horrified expression. Looking back, she was lucky she hadn't killed herself.

"What in the universe made you do such a thing?" he growled. "Do you value yourself so little?"

"I value those who suffer that much," she countered. She stiffened. "What are you doing?"

"Relax," he murmured. "You're too tense. I'm simply helping you relax."

"By deepening the energetic connection we share?" She shook her head. "If you keep on this path, you'll regret it."

"Is that right," he responded dryly.

"Our energetic fields will become entangled. You're dropping me at the ISR in a few days. That won't -."

Lips brushing hers effectively silenced her.

"I'm damn good at this energy stuff you know. I'll undo the energy bridge after the song ends, okay? Will that make you feel better?"

" _Sometimes. All I need is the air that I breathe and to love you."_

She was about to make a pithy comment about the music when a flash out of the corner of her eye had her yanking the warrior hired to protect her down and shoving him beneath a table, rolling after him as fire burned through her hip.

* * *

As laser fire blasted around them, Kael did what he could to pull Livia deeper into the ad-hoc shelter beneath the booth. "You saved my life," he yelled over the noise.

"You could repay the favor," she responded, and he noted her eyes were overly bright. "Put your hand to my hip, okay?"

Her voice was tremoring. His gut twisted. "You're hit?"

She nodded, gave him a tremulous smile. "Bad. Press here, okay?" She hissed as his hand covered the wound. "Harder," she directed. She needed him to stem the bleeding.

He was working out how to get her to a medic when silence descended. A Light Being crouched just beyond the booth, put a hand over his as it worked to slow the bleeding. "May I be of assistance?" he politely asked.

There was a flash of light.

* * *

Catana Vetria System

Azlaan Energy Research Compound

Livia heard the thunder of feet as warriors rushed to where she lay on her side in the center of the Compound, holding onto Kael with hands bloodied from scraping against something sharp as she'd shoved him beneath the booth. Though she wanted to thank the Light Being for opening an energetic doorway to get them to safety so quickly she had something more important to say - to the beautiful Azlaan whose fear for her welfare pulsed through his system into hers via the bridge he'd reinforced so he could channel energy to stabilize her.

"I've come to care for you a great deal, Kael of Azur. Please be here when I wake up."

Only it wasn't Kael sitting by her bed when she did.

"Clovis," she whispered swimming up through confusion.

The warrior stepped close, put a hand to her shoulder before placing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Thank you, little sister, for keeping him safe."

Little sister? She frowned. "He hasn't -. We aren't -. I'm not -."

The Azlaan Energy Tracker kissed her lips softly, essentially silencing her. "If I have my way you will be." He brushed a finger over her cheek. "Are you in much pain?"

"I'm -." She drew in a shaky breath. "Yes." Her energy reserves had been low to begin with. Whatever remained was channeled into acting swiftly to keep Kael from being shot.

"Hello, Livia," a deep voice said. "I'm Losus. I'm the senior medic here. I understand you're not too comfortable right now. I'm going to give you something to ease the pain but first I want you to know you are safe."

"Where's Kael?" she managed, her eyes beginning to close. Obviously, the medication would put her out.

"He's been sequestered," Losus replied. "I will update him, let him know you inquired after him."

It was the last thing she heard.

* * *

Livia blinked, looked over to see a handsome warrior, his dark brows furrowed as he gazed at a comm device in his lap. "Where's Kael?" she asked, her voice raspy. Damn medication.

Yellow eyes glowed. "He's been sequestered."

She let out a sigh of resignation. Hadn't she warned him? "Our energy fields became entangled."

"Be glad," Ryn replied. "You lost a lot of blood. In deepening the energetic connection, he was able to get you stable."

"I'm grateful," she defended feeling her eyelids getting heavy. "I just don't want him to suffer." And he would. Energetically entrained, he'd feel every moment of pain and discomfort. "I'm sorry." Her eyes closed.

* * *

"Do you think you could answer some questions?"

Livia stared at the Azlaan commander. "Yes. If you let me talk with Kael."

"He's sequestered."

She frowned. "Doesn't work that way. Bring him here. You know he'll feel better once he sees that I'm feeling better."

"No."

Livia sneered. "Arrogant," she grumbled as she typed a command code into the comm device on her wrist.

There was a flash of light.

"Verix," she said stoically, "thank you for coming so quickly."

"How are you feeling Livia?" the Energy Shifter inquired politely as he stepped up to the bed. He shot an icy glare at the Azlaan commander who huffed in disgust but nonetheless left them alone.

"Thank you," she murmured. "I have something -." She stopped speaking because he'd put a hand to her shoulder.

"How are you, Livia?"

"Groggy but the pain's better. I'm anxious to get up and around."

" _Do you feel comfortable communicating telepathically?"_

" _Definitely. Especially because what I have to say is for your ears only."_

" _I assumed as much."_

" _The shooter was Cultaran."_

" _I see."_

He probably thought he did, she mused. "He's not here for me. Oh, he'll take me if he gets the opportunity but I'm not his target."

" _Is that so?"_

" _I don't even think he recognized me."_

" _Interesting."_

" _I know the target and I have a plan."_

" _I'm listening."_

* * *

In spite of the fire burning in her hip, Livia managed to smile at the handsome Azlaan helping her walk across the Compound. "I appreciate you helping me get my strength back."

"It's my pleasure, little sister."

She looked around, frantic.

"Don't worry," he replied, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. "Everyone knows how I feel about you."

Deciding it was better not to take the bait she turned her focus to putting one foot in front of the other.

* * *

Clovis was amused by the air of nonchalance the beautiful Isolan wore like a gown, as if nothing had changed when everything had. She was a spy. If her actions in the bar hadn't given her away the fact Verix Sterling kicked Ryn out before speaking with her certainly had.

" _You knew what you were about."_

" _Of course. That's why I'm in charge, here."_

He'd cornered the commander after the Protector left Livia's bedside, to discuss his choosing his younger brother for the mission.

" _Thank you."_

Though neither man had gone into it both knew what assigning the mission to Kael meant. Relations between the Azlaan territories would be strengthened further, which had been the senator's intent when he approached Ryn.

" _He could have assigned someone from his own guard to watch over her. That he came to me – he wants our people to reestablish relations."_

If he was reading things right, he wanted more than that. Eager to have his suspicions validated he continued into the dense foliage. "Oh, lookee here."

* * *

Kael glared at the pair walking toward the hot spring he was lounging in. "I reserved this," he snapped. "For private use."

"It's big enough for two," his brother pointed out before disappearing into the bush.

Livia gazed into eyes glowing. With passion. For her if she wasn't mistaken. Still, she had to tread lightly. His ego had taken a hit, something his brother apparently took great pleasure in. "May I join you?"

It was all Kael could do not to sneer. "Perhaps you should go find my brother, join him in whatever mineral pool he's reserved. I'm sure it's close by." So, he would have to listen to them.

Livia debated. She needed to stay beyond the barrier separating the tropical forest from the Compound but she wasn't about to push herself on the Azlaan glaring at her. She too had an ego and she wasn't up for rejection. She had more important things to spend her energy on. Life or death things. Debating a moment longer she moved forward. After all, all was fair in love and war.

* * *

All animosity vanished the moment Kael saw the grimace on Livia's face as she crouched at the edge of the mineral pool. "Here," he groused swimming over, "let me help you."

"Kael!" Livia gasped as the warrior pulled her into the warm water.

"What?" he asked with a smirk. "You wanted to join me you've joined me. Now, was there something else you wanted?" He was about to make another smart comment when he got a look at her face. "What's wrong?"

"The – my hip. It stings."

"Oh. Yeah well this is a mineral pool. But look at it this way. Those salts causing the burn? They're cleansing the wound and will speed the healing. Here, come here." Pulling her with him he paddled back to the rocky shelf. He drew her into his lap, careful not to put any pressure on the injured hip, not difficult thanks to water made buoyant by rich salt content. "What did you need?" Tell me.

More than anything Livia wanted to draw on Kael's energy. Not only was she in pain she was afraid. For the first time since her grandfather left her at the gates of Dynamic, she was afraid. So much depended on her succeeding in the plan she'd pitched to the Protector. Everything depended on it.

And yet there was no way she could allow the warrior to get wind of what she was up to. "I'm sorry if you're upset I dismantled the energy bridge. I didn't want you hurting."

"Is that right?" he snapped.

"Kael, every time I asked to see you I was told you were sequestered. Because you were feeling my pain through the energetic connection we shared. I was getting better. I wanted you to see that, feel it, but they refused to let me see you. So, not knowing what was going on, I dismantled the bridge."

"They refused to let you -?"

# CHAPTER FIFTEEN

He thought back over the previous days. Time and again he was denied access to the woman shivering in his arms. "How can you be cold?" he demanded. "It's a hot spring!"

"I'm not shivering from cold," she lied. "I'm – can I take my clothes off?"

Before Kael could wrap his mind around the request, he was holding a topless Isolan. She pressed against his bare chest, sighed. "Better.".

"You're lying. I can see it."

"What you see, my suspicious friend, is the throbbing of my hip. My breasts are happy rubbing against your chest." Truth and yet not. The story of her life.

The blunt statement threw him. Who was this Livia for she wasn't the studious researcher anxious to make her mark in the universe by finding a cure for TDS! When she shivered violently he reflexively pulled her closer, dropped his head so that his mouth was against her ear. "What are you up to, Livia of Daru?" he asked purposely referencing her Karstanaan heritage. He had to keep his wits about him. His body was saying yes but his instincts were screaming out a warning.

Livia turned so that her chest was pressed to his, fought not to groan from pain as she brought her legs so that she was straddling him. It was all she could do to keep from tearing up at the burning pain.

"Livia, I can see in your energy you're in terrible pain. Why are you -?"

Livia pressed her lips to his, channeled all her energy into the kiss in order to block the pain. She did something else. She split her energy which was a good thing because the perimeter alarm went off. Even as she took energetic readings she reacted.

* * *

Kael was caught off guard by the sudden burst of strength that enabled Livia to shove him to a corner of the mineral pool.

"Do you trust me?" she gasped, her eyes tearing.

"Livia."

"Do you?" she hissed moments before channeling a spike of energy filled with information via the bridge she'd apparently reestablished.

"Yes," he gasped bracing himself against the familiar if painful frequency.

"Take a deep breath!" she ordered.

Before he could say another word, she shoved his head under and was guiding him toward a crack in the rock face.

" _Get in there! Now!"_

With no time to consider the fact she'd just communicated telepathically he allowed her to push him through the narrow space. The energetic connection they shared told him he could trust her. More, she knew something.

" _I do."_

Within moments they were surfacing in the center of a pool in a small cave. Four weapons turned on them the moment they broke the surface.

* * *

Livia took a moment to go under so she could put her shirt back on. "You are my backup," she stated as she pulled herself out of the pool. She shivered violently. Splitting her energy was costing her precious frequency reserves but if she didn't want to end up dead, she needed to keep her shields from revealing who she was. What she was.

"You're bleeding," one of the warriors – Travis she thought – observed.

"I scraped my hip against the rock swimming through the tunnel."

" _Are you okay?"_

" _For now."_

She wasn't sure what to think of Verix's polite inquiry. The stoic tone belied his concern and she wondered if her fears had flowed back along with the telepathic response.

"How do you know about these tunnels?" one of the warriors demanded, his laser jamming into her belly.

"Gels, back off," Kael snapped coming to stand at her side. "Can't you see she's bleeding?"

"My grandfather drew a map," she explained closing her eyes briefly as she tried to redistribute her energy. She was starting to feel light-headed signaling her reserves were getting dangerously low. "He made me memorize it. Please. I need to go, and I need you to be my backup."

"Livia -."

"Please, Kael. Please. You're an Energy Tracker. You can see I'm in trouble. Please let me do this. I promise I'll explain everything when this is over." She looked at the other Azlaans. "Please be my backup."

"Where are you going?" Gels demanded.

"To save Ryn!"

* * *

Livia stumbled through the brush. "Well well well," she drawled with energy she most definitely didn't have to spare. In point of fact, if a certain Energy Shifter hadn't slid beneath her shields in order to pump energy into her system, she would be seconds from collapse. "Coward," she spat.

"Abomination," he shot back.

Ignoring the fact the Cultaran had a laser against Ryn's temple she put on a thoughtful expression. "I've been called many things in my life but that isn't one of them. Let him go, Farshod. Take me. I'm far more valuable." She appreciated Ryn's failure to react even as several warriors standing nearby shifted uncomfortably.

"That's a lie," the Cultaran spat.

"It isn't," she protested. "Think of it. Your father would be the wealthiest king throughout the Twelve Systems."

"You aren't -."

"I have a cure for TDS. Because of that spoiled blood you think I have." Ignoring the collective gasp that went up, and Ryn's glowing yellow eyes boring a hole in her forehead, she took a moment to appreciate the irony that the enemy held the key.

" _The Princess calls such ironies karma."_

She sent an energetic ping of appreciation, made a mental note to follow up with Cirhce to learn more about this karma, then continued to taunt the assassin. "Think of it Farshod. You not only return his granddaughter you bring the cure for TDS. Wealth and power would be his. This man?" She tossed her head. "He's nothing compared to that and besides, it's a suicide mission for you. Look around you. You won't walk away from here. Unless you take me."

"They'll -."

"Do nothing," she cut in. "Now that they know what I am? They'll be only too happy to see me walk away."

Her heart thundered in her chest and her stomach twisted. Kael had heard the truth at last. She was of Cultaran blood. She was the enemy. He would never forgive her.

As she watched her uncle debate the offer, she widened the energetic channel she shared with the Energy Shifter. If she was going to have any chance at walking away she was going to need every bit of energy he could spare. It was a delicate operation. Too fast and he would short her out. Too slow and it would be for nothing.

"Me," Ryn growled.

A sudden warmth alerted her to the fact the Azlaan commander had taken over the delicate operation. Though her maternal grandmother was a Light Being, making Verix's energy compatible with her own, Ryn's was better suited, perhaps because she was on his turf.

"What do you say, Farshod?" She spread her arms. "I'm unarmed. I'm wounded. Makes us evenly matched, don't you think?"

As she knew he would the arrogant bastard rushed at her with a roar. Out of the corner of her eye she saw several Azlaans raise their weapon. Including Ryn. "Nye, this is mine!" she keened. "Vengeance is mine!" With that she pulled a knife from her sleeve, met him head on, and slit his throat. "That's for my father, you traitorous bastard," she hissed between her teeth.

Hot blood ran over her hand, dripped between fingers tightened into a fist. He reached for his weapon fell before he could draw it. Or that could have been the kick she delivered to his belly.

"Die already," she snarled.

The silence was deafening.

"I don't understand," someone murmured.

She raised eyes she suspected might be glowing, calmly addressed the Azlaan commander. "He was after you."

"If you knew the commander was under threat, why didn't you warn him?" someone demanded.

She was grateful for the Energy Shifter's continued if silent presence, not to mention his energetic assistance. It gave her more than the strength to continue, it gave her the courage. She was the enemy. Well, except maybe not to the man whose life she just saved.

"I was advised to be on alert because a contract had been issued. Because I was going to be on Catana," she added.

"That's why you wanted to go to the social club."

Not daring to look at the beautiful warrior standing beside her she nonetheless answered the question. "I wanted to see if I recognized anyone." One side of her mouth slid back. "Only it was the other way around."

"He recognized you," Ryn supplied.

"Being his niece," Kael said in disgust, "I guess he would."

She turned to the Azlaan Energy Tracker. "He'd never seen me before so no, he didn't recognize me. Not as Eschod's daughter at any rate, only as another Cultaran. If I was on Catana? Then like Sishod I was a traitor and therefore needed to die."

"I thought he shot at Kael," someone put in.

"That still doesn't explain why you didn't warn Ryn," someone else pointed out.

Eyes on the man who'd been protecting her, she responded to the first comment. "The bastard didn't care if he had to shoot through him to get at me. Fortunately for the both of us, I was too fast for him."

"Those Light Being reflexes," someone accused.

"Be glad, you idiot," Clovis said walking up and putting a hand to her chin before pressing a lingering if chaste kiss to her lips. "I for one am grateful." He glared at his brother. "Even if she did save a fool."

"As for why she didn't warn the Commander," a stoic voice explained, "she wanted to save his life and take out the assassin at the same time, which was of more importance."

Several warriors shifted uncomfortably and more than one shot a look of hostility at the Energy Shifter.

"Explain," Ryn demanded, his eyes glowing.

"My paternal grandfather sent Farshod to hunt down and kill his brother Sishod." As he'd done with her father. And for what? Living peacefully with his wife, her mother? Ignoring the burning in her belly she continued. "Trouble was, someone was helping Sishod. Hiding him." She smiled. "The king issued a decree recently stating that if Farshod was not successful within a half year he would be labeled a traitor and executed." She shook her head. "He suggested his son had spent so much time in Vetria he'd become corrupt and was joining his traitorous brother. What you saw today was an act of desperation."

"Explain," Ryn repeated and she guessed he was making sure there were no misunderstandings, a good strategy given there were a number of weapons trained on her, enemy that she was.

"Though no one had been able to confirm, there were a number of rumors circulating that you were helping Sishod flout his father by brokering a peace between the Cultarans and the Ivarans." Which would be extended to other species part of the Dynamic coalition. Including the Azlaans.

"When he shot at me in the bar," she expanded, "I figured out what he was up to."

"Which was?"

Eyes on the Azlaan commander – it was his life after all – she answered Kael's question. "If he couldn't get at Sishod he could take out the one aiding him, hiding him. So, he'd be that much closer to succeeding in his father's directive to kill him." She turned to Kael. "Killing Ryn would buy him time with his father, maybe get him back into his good graces."

She opened her mouth, closed it when a wave of dizziness passed through her system.

"Livia," a stoic voice intoned, "you're bleeding."

There was a flash of light.

* * *

Azlaan Vetria System

Azlaan Research Station – Isolation Ward

Ryal Kinkaid glared at the Azlaan commander shooting lasers at him with eyes glowing yellow. "I don't care if Azlach himself came strolling in, no one – and I mean no one – is going to see Livia Daru. She's in critical care."

"You should let Kael see her."

"No."

"He can help stabilize her energetic field," Ryn growled.

"Livia's been put on artificial energy feed."

Ryal didn't have to be an energy being to feel the anger and pain surging through the Azlaan commander. "Her energetic reserves went critical in spite of your efforts at the Compound."

"I don't understand," he growled. "Was she sick?" And if she was, heads would roll beginning with the senator's for letting her go on the trip.

"Masking her identity took a significant amount of energy," Verix explained. "The shield mechanics required to mask the Cultaran signature was equivalent to dual shielding." Something only Councilors and a limited number of Light Being Energy Shifters were capable of.

"How is it she was able to do it at all?" Ryn wanted to know.

"She was able to route the energy required for shape shifting to bolster her primary cloaking ability."

"Her Light Being grandmother was an Energy Shifter," he guessed.

"An Archivist."

Which meant the energy for shifting was significant, something he would look into. It was good sense to understand the enemy even when that enemy became an ally. "You taught her."

"Yes."

"Why didn't you -?"

"Livia knew the risks, Ryn. She said it was a bigger risk, in her opinion, going into the den of the enemy."

"We aren't her enemies," he snapped, his voice filled with contempt. "I was helping Sishod!"

"Someone she hasn't seen since she was a small child. As far as she was concerned, he didn't exist and the whole idea you were helping him negotiate a peace was a myth if not a rumor perpetuated by the mercenaries. That was why she accompanied her classmates to Perm. She wanted to keep an ear to the mercenary network. If I'm not mistaken it was to keep hope alive."

"Hope?"

"That she wasn't the only one left."

Having heard enough Ryn returned to the main lounge area to provide an update to the two warriors waiting there.

"She's in isolation," he told them. "On artificial energy support."

Kael leaped to his feet. "I need to see her. I can help."

"I think you've done enough," Clovis snapped.

"What are you talking about?"

"You think she didn't feel your contempt you fool? She needed your support!"

"As you did?" he yelled, the memory of his brother kissing Livia an all-too-vivid memory.

Ryn wasn't surprised the shouting match – which had drawn a number of Light Being and Azlaan spectators – turned physical with Kael punching his brother in the mouth, likely for kissing the beautiful spirited student. He couldn't have said he wouldn't have done the same and it was because of that he wasn't going to stop the fight. He was, however, going to see it moved where it wouldn't be so disruptive.

" _Do you mind?"_

" _Not at all."_

There was a flash of light.

* * *

Azlaan, Vetria System

Azlaan Warrior Compound

Kael hadn't been chosen to serve with the elite group of warriors because he was slow. Before Verix had done more than step back from the brawling brothers he attacked.

"I assume you have a good reason for doing that," Verix said calmly. "And I suggest you enlighten me to that reason. If you do not, you will be dead before Vetria sets."

"Not here."

There was a flash of light.

* * *

Azlaan Vetria System

Azlaan Research Station – Verix's Office

"Talk."

"I can do more for Livia than any machine," he said tiredly and Verix noted the drain on his energy – likely from worry.

"It isn't," he replied having easily read Verix's line of thinking. As Energy Trackers went, he was powerful, another reason he'd been chosen for the elite core. "It's because we're energetically bridged." He could read the surprise in the Energy Shifter's field. "You aren't the only one who is good at shield mechanics, Light Being."

"Why would you bridge to Livia if you knew she was leaking energy?"

"Initially it was to channel warmth to her at night when her reserves were low. After she was shot, I strengthened the bridge in order to stabilize her energy until I could get help." He sighed. "She dismantled the bridge at the Compound but reestablished it the day Farshod attacked."

"I detected no drain from a bridge." If the bridge had been established, he would have noted the ripple effect within his energy stream as it adapted to the fluctuation.

"My guess is Livia was using precious energy to shield it."

"To protect you from her uncle."

"Yes." If the Cultaran had picked up on her feelings for him there is no doubt he would have attacked.

"So, the fatigue I detect is because Livia is drawing from you through the bridge."

"Yes, but the distance is diminishing any potential gain if not outright eliminating it."

"Agreed."

"Take me to her bedside."

There was a flash of light.

* * *

Ryal couldn't believe what he was seeing. Furious, he stepped into the isolation chamber, glared at the Light Being married to his daughter. "Do you want to kill her?"

Verix quickly and telepathically explained the situation to his father-in-law. "I suggest you bring in a cot so Kael can lay down. He's close to collapse as it is."

The moment they'd appeared Livia's draw had accelerated.

"The machine has been calibrated -."

"And yet she is rejecting thirty percent because it is artificial," Kael pointed out.

"And there's a good chance her system will be unable to accept anything you give her," he shot back. "She's that weak."

"I'm not going to channel direct energy. I'm channeling heat."

Ryal stepped around so he could look the Azlaan in the face. "Heat?"

"The need to reroute her energy to the enhanced shields meant she was unable to maintain her body heat. I regularly channeled heat energy to make her more comfortable. Including," he added, "the day she fought the Cultaran."

Ryal sighed. He didn't have to look at the Energy Shifter to know he agreed with Kael's plan. And he had to admit, if he'd been channeling heat to her already there was every chance her system would accept it again. If nothing else, it would help her deal with the artificial power. "Alright but I want you hooked up to a source too. In case she starts siphoning too much." As sometimes happened with energy transfers when the being went critically low. When the warrior only shook his head, he frowned. "Kael, I'm not doing this to suggest you aren't strong enough. I'm doing this to protect you."

"My ego isn't that weak," he snapped. "I can't accept artificial power." When he made to protest, the Azlaan continued. "Look in my medical profile. I have a power configuration that means artificial support is only to be administered as a last resort and if an appropriate donor isn't available."

There was a flash of light followed by another.

# CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"I was enjoying that sandwich," Clovis groused. He looked at the pale figure in the bed, at his brother. "You have a bridge," he stated having quickly read the situation.

"She established it at the hot spring."

He looked at the doctor who'd been helping the Light Beings tolerate emotion energy. "Once I start back channeling energy to my brother, you can unhook the machine."

"I don't -."

"We've done it before," Kael snapped.

Ryal threw up his hands. "Fine but there isn't enough room for three cots in here."

"That's okay," Kael responded crawling in Livia's bed and wrapping himself around her. He smirked at his older brother. "I'm not leaving a two-way."

"Don't be a foo-." Clovis snapped his mouth shut as he realized his brother was teasing. Of course, he would leave a two-way channel open. It was essential for such a delicate operation. But it also meant Clovis would have access to Livia in a way that was rather intimate, all things considered. His energy would wrap itself around her nerve endings and receive answering signals in a sort of energetic handshake. Or lover's caress as he liked to think.

"Here," Ryal snapped pointing at the cot brought in. "Lay down. Do I need to worry about hooking you up to an artificial feed?"

"No." He smirked at his brother. "I have plenty of energy to spare."

* * *

Livia wasn't sure what woke her, the pounding in her head or the bickering of two Azlaans. She went to put a hand to her temple, realized it was trapped beneath a handsome Azlaan. Tubes and wires were taped to the other which meant she was going to have to suffer. Unless -.

"Would you guys stop?" she said weakly, wincing at the answering pound in her temple. "Clovis, stop tormenting him. Kael, you're going to have to learn to ignore him."

"Hit the call button," Kael snapped as he sat up with a groan. Being wedged into the tiny space for three days had not been the most comfortable moment of his life.

Within moments the door to the isolation unit opened and in walked Ryal Kinkaid followed by Ryn and Verix, none of whom looked as if they'd slept in days.

"You look worse than I feel," Livia croaked then accepted a glass of water. She screwed up a face. "What'd you do that for?"

"Udul is good for you," Ryn smirked. The beverage favored by Azlaan warriors to replenish the body after significant energy drain – such as battle – was unbelievably sour.

Ryn looked at the two warriors who'd taken turns channeling energy into the Isolan spy. He now understood why she identified with a planet she'd never called home.

" _My story begins with interspecies grandparents who lived peacefully in an Isolan village. I hold onto that rather than focusing on the fact I have enemy blood."_

" _You're no one's enemy."_

" _No? We'll see what Kael thinks of that."_

He noted the warriors' dark circles, gaunt appearance. He had to get them out of there. They needed to be back on Azlaan recovering.

There was a flash of light. Then another.

" _Thank you."_

" _My pleasure."_

Ryn exchanged a look with the Light Being Energy Shifter.

"Ryal, I need to speak with you," Verix said then led the scientist out

Ryn stepped over to the bed. "Feeling better?"

Livia gave the Azlaan commander a wan smile. "I am. Thank you. For bolstering my energy that day and for lending me two of your best warriors."

He leaned forward, brushed his lips against hers. "It is I who will thank you, Livia Daru. For saving my life."

Livia happily accepted the heat energy Ryn was sending her way. Her eyes narrowed. "Why does it feel so -?" She searched for a word that wouldn't make the situation awkward. Finding none she decided to just go with what popped into her mind. "Intimate."

"Erotic?"

"I don't know that I'd go that far."

Ryn chuckled. "It's passion, Livia. All Azlaans have it. You're feeling it because -."

"Energetic compatibility?"

He kissed her softly. "Because I care. You're female. You're Azlaan. You're hurt. That pulls at my energy, touches me in places usually only exposed by war."

She digested the information. If what he was saying was true it explained why she felt such a calm from the Energy Shifter. His cool composure was the Light Being equivalent of an energetic gift of the heart. They were the yin to the Azlaan yang.

"Astute observation," he replied then kissed her again.

"Why did you -?" She stopped talking so she could focus on how good his energy felt.

"I don't often get the chance to open myself to someone energetically. Someone I can trust," he clarified.

"But you seem to be close with Clovis and Kael."

"I don't kiss my male warriors."

She giggled. "No, I suppose not." She sobered. "Thank you, Ryn."

"Get some rest," he replied gruffly then went to find Dr. Kinkaid so he could come back to check on the Isolan.

* * *

Azlaan Vetria System

Azlaan Research Station

Kael was incredulous. "What do you mean she's gone? Gone where?"

"To the Isolan Research Station."

Kael glared at the research scientist. "Who took her?" If Ryn had assigned someone else to finish his mission, heads would roll, his and whoever encroached on his territory.

"Verix took her," Ryal calmly replied. "Thanks to you and Clovis, she was stable enough I approved her request for transfer to the ISR."

He stared past the scientist. She hadn't – he'd had no communication with the beautiful Isolan in several days. Not understanding, he'd decided to come up to the research station in orbit around his planet to see if everything was okay. He fully expected to hear all communications had been restricted because she was still in isolation. Instead he was being told she was not only no longer in isolation, she'd transferred across the star system.

"I thought you were her doctor."

Ryal could empathize with the Azlaan warrior who looked as if he'd like nothing better than to punch him. He would do his part to address the warrior's concerns. "The final part of her research project needs to be performed at the ISR and as they have a fully operational medical facility onboard, I didn't see a problem. Especially since the woman overseeing her research is a senior medic."

Kael wanted to lash out at the good doctor, but he knew better. It wasn't Ryal's fault she wanted nothing to do with him. He only need look in the mirror for that.

" _You think she didn't feel your contempt you fool?"_

It hadn't been contempt so much as shock that kept him from reaching out with compassion though she probably wouldn't see it that way. The animosity between Cultarans and Azlaans ran deep and spanned centuries. The war.

" _She identifies as Isolan because she remembers a time when her interspecies family was alive and around her. It's a symbol of what was and what could be."_

His commander's censure had been implied but well-deserved and left him doing quite a bit of introspection. As for Clovis' constant criticism? He had a cut lip though the swelling in his eye was down significantly, the bruise fading. He couldn't say the same for his brother, a fact that was quite satisfying.

" _I'll wait the appropriate amount of time then approach her myself. I, for one, did not reject her."_

What a glorious brawl that inspired followed by a two-day stay at the infirmary. For the both of them.

"Thank you," he said at last then made for the transport bay.

* * *

Isolar Vetria System

Isolan Research Station – Kara's Office

"I'm sorry, Kael, Livia is in quarantine."

"Why?"

"The research project necessitates she be isolated both for health and safety. I'll let her know you were here."

"When will she be finished?" he asked as he made to leave the senior medic's office.

"It's hard to say. If everything continues on schedule she should be finished in six to eight weeks."

"Why so long?"

"We're doing genetic harvesting," she bluntly explained. "It's a laborious process."

It was also dangerous, Kael knew, and painful. He hated to think of the beautiful redhead in pain. "Is she strong enough for that?"

"We're being very careful," Kara assured.

"She doesn't respond to artificial energy feed."

Kara's heart went out to the warrior. It was clear he was very much in love with the Dynamic student. "I'm aware of that. We have donors who are able to do the work."

Kael's jaw, like his fists, clenched. "Verix?"

"And the senator."

He wondered if the man had revealed his identity.

"We also brought in a Light Being Archivist who is energetically compatible thanks to Livia's heritage. I promise you we are doing everything in our power to keep her safe and well."

Realizing he wasn't going to get past the Isolan guarding Livia as ferociously as a mother taftit, he simply thanked her and left.

* * *

Azlaan, Vetria System

Azlaan Warrior Compound

"Why are you so pale?" Ryn demanded.

"You should be in bed," Clovis added.

Exasperated, Livia stared at the two warriors. "Why?"

"Why what?" Ryn asked calmly

"You've been keeping Kael and I from speaking to each other. Why?" She could understand when she'd been aboard the ISR. The nature of her research meant all communications were filtered through either Kara or Verix with all outbound communications shut down until the research was concluded and verified by Ryal Kinkaid and a third-party researcher at Dynamic Academy. That was five days ago.

Though the work was finished she'd needed to stay aboard the ISR. To recover. In all reality she should still be there but when the run around about why Kael was unavailable got ridiculous, she signed herself out and hopped a transport to Azlaan.

That was another foolish act, she supposed, as she was nowhere near strong enough to be traveling like that. Fortunately for her, an Eolighten diplomat on her way to see the Azlaan monarch had noticed and flagged one of Ryn's guys to escort her the rest of the way. By the time she was taking a seat in Ryn's office it was all she could do to stay upright.

"Well?" she snapped.

"Are you in a position to demand anything?" Ryn politely inquired.

She made a sound of disgust. "I'm beginning to think Kael isn't the only one with a prejudice," she grumbled.

Ryn pointed. "That missive doesn't tell you anything?"

She glanced down at the comm in her hand. He was right. She closed her eyes. Time to swallow a little pride, she decided. "Please, Ryn. Please let me see him?"

"Why?"

Her lips parted. Why? She closed her eyes, swallowed. It appeared she was going to have to humble herself even more. She opened her eyes, pinned the Azlaan commander with eyes ringed in glowing orange. She was beyond exasperated and well into pissed off territory. "Because I love him."

Ryn worked to keep his own eyes from glowing. He did however nod to the other warrior in attendance. "Before he gets here," Ryn started. "I need you to understand something."

By the time he finished explaining, Livia's heart was pounding. "Alright," she said at last. "I accept your terms." Her post-graduate assignment? She now reported to the Azlaan commander. At least she would get to see Sishod.

" _You can help me with that impossible uncle of yours."_

* * *

Kael nodded at Loga as he moved past.

"I'd cool that temper of yours," the assistant counseled earning him a glare.

"You wanted to see me?"

Ryn nodded. "I have an assignment for you."

"Alright." Kael wanted to shout the roof down. Weeks with no communication with Livia were taking a serious toll. If he didn't see her soon, he was going to do damage. "Well?" he snapped. "What is it?"

"I'm still your commander, Kael."

"I know that. What's the assignment?"

"I have a diplomatic attaché who needs an escort. Similar to your last assignment."

Kael stiffened. "If it's all the same, Commander, I'd prefer you give it to someone else."

"But you haven't even heard the mission parameters," he complained.

He didn't want to admit it but Ryn was right. "Very well," he said with exaggerated patience. "Where is the mission spec?"

Ryn nodded to a space over his left shoulder. "I'll let her explain." He stood, patted Livia's shoulder on the way out.

* * *

Kael couldn't believe his eyes. He frowned. "Why are you so pale? You should be in bed."

"I think you're right," she answered feeling her lids getting heavy. "Can you get me there?" She fainted.

As he'd been expecting it, Kael easily caught the Isolan before she did more than drop forward. Lifting her into his arms – easy as she'd lost so much weight – damn research – he started for the door, coming to a halt before stepping through. "What do you want?" he groused.

Clovis stepped in, put a hand to Livia's forehead. "To help. I had a feeling this was in her future. I put clean sheets on your bed. Can you get her there or do you want me to get a motor cart?"

"I can get her there," he said disgusted. "She weighs almost nothing."

"I'll escort you," he answered. "In case."

Kael wanted to refuse his brother's help, but the truth was he was scared. Livia's pallor was ashen. "Can you contact Dr. Kinkaid, tell him what's happened?"

"Can I make a different suggestion?"

"What?"

"Get Ryella. Kinkaid will only demand you bring her up to the ASR and she needs to be in your bed."

Kael stared.

Clovis smirked at his brother and signaled to a nearby warrior before opening the door to his brother's cottage. He kissed the unconscious Isolan's forehead, looked into eyes glowing yellow. "I told her if I had my way, she would be my little sister."

"You did?"

"And that isn't likely to ever happen," he said by way of answer, "if she never gets to your bed." He turned to the warrior waiting, instructed him to get the Azlaan healer. After helping his brother get her settled, he went to the kitchen returning with two brones.

"Cheers," he said tapping the canister against his brother's.

"Thanks."

"Be glad that cut on your mouth healed," he said with another smirk.

* * *

"Okay," Kael said, "you can open your eyes."

Livia smiled. "Karmee!"

"Hello, Livia," the shy girl replied. "Are you feeling better?"

"I am now! How are you feeling?"

"Thanks to you," she said blushing furiously, "I'm well."

Livia was amazed. She'd never heard the beautiful Eolighten use more than a handful of words and those she did use were rarely strung together in coherent sentences. She looked at the warrior standing beside her in astonishment. "I don't understand."

Kael smiled, put a hand out to the girl's pet who used it as a bridge ot his shoulder. "I didn't want to say anything until we knew for certain whether or not the therapy was working."

Livia let out a shuddering breath. "What therapy is that?"

"Well," he replied, "it's a combination. We were able to insert the genetic switch you developed," he explained referring to a piece of genetic code that activated latent genes associated with Light Being physiology. Early trials showed recovery in TDS victims who had not entered late stage symptom phase. "But we think it's the temporal anomaly that has enabled her to recover so quickly."

The temporal distortion used as a therapy for a limited group of TDS victims went through the center of Azlaan.

"We learned much from Commander Argai and were able to use it to design a protocol for this beautiful lady."

Livia looked up to see a handsome man walking over. She watched as he looked at the seventeen-year-old Eolighten with what could only be called a possessive expression. And yet.

"You aren't Azlaan."

"I'm Canadian," he acknowledged, putting out a hand. "Lars Jensen."

"You're a refugee." One of those who'd been pulled through an artificial time gate.

"I am." He put a hand to Karmee's shoulder. "I've been allowing the Azlaans to use me as a guinea pig," he said good-naturedly. He leaned over, kissed the Eolighten. "I was here when this beautiful lady and her grandfather came to see if the therapy could help."

Livia's heart warmed as the girl took the Canadian's hand and leaned her head against his shoulder. "He stayed with me when I had to go into the mist."

"I'm glad he was there for you." Though she had never experienced it she'd heard a number of stories about the disturbing and frightening sensations associated with time in the temporal anomaly. More than one told her it was a cold slithering against their cores. One refugee told her it felt as if it was pulling his soul out.

"And you, Lars? Did you feel anything?"

"A damp cold but I wasn't suffering TDS symptoms. I'm a one-way ticket." He moved his head to kiss Karmee who'd turned her face up. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm a little tired," she admitted.

He turned. "She went through a particularly intense session yesterday."

"Then you should be resting," she advised the beautiful teen. She'd truly blossomed though that was more from the love of a Canadian than the therapy, she guessed.

"I agree," Lars said and when Karmee nodded led her away but not before she'd thrown her arms around Livia.

"Thank you for everything, Livia. You've made my grandpa so happy. He smiles now!"

"Where is the good captain?" she asked the warrior standing quietly at her side.

"On his honeymoon."

Eyebrows up.

"Once he was condient Karmee would be safe he went on an extended trip and though he checked in multiple times a day, managed to reconnect with the love of his heart. They were married – in the mist if you can believe – three weeks back."

"That's incredible. Thank you," she said quietly. "You went for her, didn't you?"

"I did," he admitted. "You can understand why I didn't say anything, right?"

"Definitely. You're a good man, Kael of Azur. I'm glad I married you."

He grinned. "Ryn still takes credit for that, you know."

"So does my grandfather."

Two Azlaans bickering? All was right in the universe it seemed.

# ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth has lived, worked in, and traveled to multiple locations throughout the world.

I've been exposed to a variety of cultures and interacted with people from all walks of life who were generous in sharing their stories with me, along with their hopes and dreams.

Although always working on her craft, Elizabeth spent twenty years working in the Information Technology industry where her career evolved as technology did. Her front row seat to rapid and constant change taught her the value of remaining flexible and open-minded, and the importance of continuing education.

After studying holistic healing with a British surgeon, Elizabeth went on to earn a doctorate in holistic medicine and a bachelor's in holistic childcare.

Elizabeth is the winner of multiple short story fiction awards and has had one produced as a play. She is the author of both fiction and nonfiction.

You can follow Elizabeth at elizabethmaxim.com.
